Vickie gets helps get things settled as well as her own tent, making sure it's secure, and lays down, trying to get some rest. Once the winds pick up she is on alert, she remembers some storms from her home town, and this seems like those. She tries to keep herself calm as possible, praying that the group gets through this storm. 

Once the storm passes, and there is the calm..she waits to hear the creatures of the forest make their sounds; so she can finally get some rest before her watch

I go around and check for damage as we pack up again to keep moving. "That was a little rough, but if that's the worst we get on this trip I'll be happy."

 The morning arrives with the first sun hidden from view due to a fog that has rolled in.  The air around you as you exit the shelter is crisp and a bit chilly as you see almost nothing around you besides a few trees.  There is a tree tat has fallen between your shelter and the horses.  Once you get to the horses they are still where you left them and idly munching on grass and leaves about them.  Once packed and mounted you move about the forest and the trees as they come visible with the fog seeming to stay thick for now as the air does not seem to want to warm up much.  Visibility is about 30 feet.

As they travel, just for the fun of it. I coax my horse to ride up a little ways on the fog clouds until we are only about 10 feet aloft, making use of the magic I created and laughing quietly in joy at the fun. I also trigger my camper's friend item (Endure Elements) to remain comfortable in the chill weather. 

I look around warily, "Lets keep weapons at hand until this clears up, I'd rather be ready for any surprises we can't see coming."

"Good idea Jason", as Vickie readies herself for whatever may be out there. Keeping her cloak around her against the chilly air she follows the others onward.

"Gotcha." It's a this time that I cast Golden Barding (+4 to Maximus' AC), and have Sword and Shield at the ready. I ride at the head of the group. I become more keenly aware that listening while moving will be easier without the Clip-Clopping of Maximus's heavy feet and silently give a prayer for that.

Sobering I also stretch my senses through the mists, wary and alert as I ride back down to the ground level. 

You ride for what seems all day as you are on high alert watching wat comes next our of the fog.  The sounds you make as a group seem extremely loud to you even the smallest of noise.  Soon the fog begins to dissipate and as as more and more of the forest around you is revealed the more lax you become.  As the fog disappears more you see that the second sun has risen and the first sun is high in the sky.  It is at a clearing you notice this. This is not a natural clearing that you can tell, the clearing is rather large and trees look to be torn up and knocked over like something or someone was looking for something.  While the damage seems recent you can tell it was not from the storm as there seems to be some weeks since this has happened. 

"Looks like our 'friends' were here doing their searches for whatever it was. Could the fog have been cover for their actions from our observers back in the Keep?" I ask, examining the clearing and damage done. "They sure aren't subtle in their efforts. Such wanton destruction."

I gaze around at the mess, taking in the damage with clenched teeth. Taking a deep breath I sigh deeply. ‘A solid reminder of one of the bad traits from our old home world. Destroy large scale to get to something-strip mining cones to mind.’ Shaking my head ‘Maybe we can establish an outpost or a holding here someday soon.’

With everyone in the clearing I will need to know what you are doing or if you are just going to cross over and continue the way you were going.  I also need to have a couple of you roll to see if you stayed on course.in the fog.  The two that were in the lead.

"Does this clearing seem like it's been trashed by something large? The uprooted trees reminding me of the elven settlement that was trashed." I look at Rachel, "Can you ask them what knocked them down?"

" I know what destructive  winds can do to a tree or buildings..this is different.."  Vickie states and then her voice trails off.

OOC -  I don't know what navigation works as a skill, but here's a roll. Please add 5 for Factotum and 4 for INT. 14 

I look deeper at the disturbed earth, focused, curious and a bit appalled at the wanton destruction. "They were sure serious about finding something."

Search 24 (With inspiration, as well)

I will walk the perimeter, staying out of tracks but examining the ground to see if I get any indication of the party’s strength of numbers and their path in/out of the clearing, and if possible (thank you rain) how long ago they were here.

Give me a roll Herschel

Rachel is quiet for a time as she looks around at the destruction.  You can see tears in her eyes as she walks over to the felled trees and places her hands upon them.  With her head bowed she is quiet for about half a hour before with a sob she steps back.  Looking at you all watching her she sobs out, I was the cause of all of this destruction it is all my fault."  She turns and flees into the woods a short ways falling down on her knees as she is over come with grief.  Cesear walks over to her and watches over her looking for any threats to her you can tell he is angry that she seems hurt somehow.

Search 19

‘How do you figure you are responsible, m’lady? I see no trace of your hands or feet or your companions either. This was done by others-while maybe wanting your attention or affection or information, It. Was. Not. You. You can not be accountable for what others do unless you direct their actions-even if it was a choice of your survival. I know you have strong ties to the earth and the creatures and flora upon it, but your hand did not do this nor did they direct it.’ I’ll smile a sad smile. ‘I am not trying to trivialize it, but in the short time Ive been here I can say not having you around would have diminished the lives of us all.’ 

I look to those who weren't with us at the time to explain. "I wasn't sure before, but now I know. Rachel was chased here in eagle form by a black dragon. She escaped, but it caused this destruction in its search."

"Someone help her if they can and lets move on, there seems no point in lingering longer than she needs."