Rose just signs as she heals herself, having taken quite the beating. 7. I'm sorry hun, you know I can never tell when your joking or being serious sometimes. As long as everyone is okay though. Rose would look to Paavu and when he seemed like he wwasn't busy she would ask Did you see anything odd about those undead big guy? They looked like the hobgoblins from earlier did they not? Not sure what brought them about but...well we should be careful. And no more running off in the woods alone! That last bit would be yelled at Cirrus's direction before Rose sighed again and gathered her things, ready to head back to camp.

After throwing a few balls of fire to get the crematorium rolling for Paavu, they make it back to camp only to discover the remains of that battle. Burgee lights up another pile of bodies and asks "What in the nines? That kid swore to me that he was in fear for his life." But as he talked, he quickly began to fade. A great yawn came from the bird man and he looked at the others and simply said, "I think that's the end of our shift," as he nods at Cirrus and barely before finding a warm spot to curl up and sleep.

For just an instance, a thought occurs to check the man and woman's remains for any markings pertaining to their history. Or perhaps even an item they could not use in life, but mayhaps the group may find useful. It passes without any action on the goliath's part, as their death together brought into stark reality an old memory. One he squeezed his eyes shut, and shook his head as if to jam it hard back into the vault he called mental palace.

Conversations would continue, but with little input out of the goliath both before and after the work was done. All he desired was to see it done, and then to cleanse his hands and armor of any blood to have painted them. "Paavu noticed. Not seen these ones. But, not surprised either. A number died to the storm when last in these parts. It is fortunate that no more than two souls were lost as a result of their... rising." He replied calmly following her yell at Cirrus. In truth, they were all to a certain degree at fault for what had happen. Burgee in his slowness to register trouble despite being on watch /with/ Cirrus. His own in not listening gut suspicions. And Finally, Gwen and Rose in following a foolish old man's wishes.

With a heavy sigh, he pats Cirrus on the shoulder, and gives him at least an understanding look. But, no more than that, least he completely run counter to Rose's wisdom. Thus, aside from the cleaning and awakening of Burgee if his wash was still in need to be taken, the rest of the evening passes it should've been or would be: Quiet.

Cirrus finishes his watch with Burgee, much more silent. He's much quieter this time. But there is a happiness to his silence. He is thinking about how no one died tonight, despite the fact that this world was made as a punishment for him. Was it just a fluke? Maybe. Maybe not. Regardless, he is happy that this dangerous encounter turned out so well.

Agree'd. No running off on your own, and from now on we should never move about in less than at-least pairs. And don't worry Moonie, I'm just glad it all turned out allright. He hurt me pretty bad but I had him where I wanted him. Casters always have trouble with someone who can get in close! But Atleast its over now. Lets get some sleep.

The rest of the night goes by peacefully, and everyone gets a nice, long rest. And the next two days go by uneventfully, aside from running into the wreckage of the cart that likely belonged to the two unfortunate souls. Or rather, what remained of it. it had been burnt to the frames, likely in an attempt to hide it to some degree, and nothing worth anything was left within it, unless someone simply wanted to collect some easy firewood for later. Regardless, the weather stays temperately cold but comfortable with your gear. (everyone subtract 2 days of rations)

Eventually you notice a sign, mostly covered by snow, and barely legible regardless pointing in the direction the branching road was going to. The snow was piled about a foot high, so travel was beginning to slow. It takes a few minutes but after some guesswork  enough of it is read for you all to determine this is the road to Thunder Tree, and that it would be less than an hour before you would reach it.

Paavu stopped long enough to even brush off the snow. But after doing everything they could to read it, he turned to the others grinning. "These ones are close. Soon, we will either find prey or not. But regardless of which, we should be prepared for ambush. Trap. In case they figure we are on their trail. It will be sloppy one, if any. Unless they linger here too long." Paavu climbs back aboard Aku, and surveys everyone one last time. Yue was armored and bite enhancers were in place since the morn. But for the rest...

"Either way, small ones should be ready. When we find ruins, we find safe place to leave horses at least for time and press on deeper until we find them." The excitement dims in his eyes as he looks to the trio of noise makers(Gwen, Burgee, and Cirrus(?)). "While we be not the stealthiest, that does not mean we wish to announce our presence if targeted by unexpected threat. That means no loud booms this time. Not unless ABSOLUTELY necessary... Paavu will not warn this again. Are we clear?"He states, eyeing each in turn. Once he at least had their grudging acceptance, even if albeit lies just to placate the goliath, he'd press forward on the road to Thunder Tree at the head of the group.

Rose keeps jumping up and down trying to read the sign and shake off the snow. Once the snow is more or less off she gives up the pretence of reading the sign, letting the taller ones handle it. Being a halfling in the north was truly awful sometimes but deep down she truly just wanted to jump into the snow and relax. But with more serious matters ahead she follows along gleefully.  Remember I can always make one of us invisible if need be. And I can have magical silence ready to cover our approach, and then get rid of it when we are ready to start casting spells. Whatever you all want to do I'll try to accommodate.

Will be waiting for an affirmative 'we proceed' before continuing)

"Well silence will certainly be helpful in sneaking up, but if we do decide to start casting spells, we can't exactly say 'Rose! Time to stop the silence!' 'cause there's no sound. We should come up with some kind of obvious signal just in case. Perhaps a quick wave of the hand? or touching the top of one's own head?" Once a signal is determined, he is eager to see if their quarry is here at Thundertree.

Paavu holds up a hand in a 'hold a moment' gesture. "No silence. Not yet. We will need our ears as much as they for spotting any ambushers this time around. Same for fog. But, they will be kept in mind as much as invisibility. And as the lil' Blue has said. A pat on the shoulder or touching one's own head will be enough when the time comes. Just no big booms is all Paavu asks." Paavu clarifies before looking to Burgee. "You may wish to summon the... magic barrier.. thing. Paavu not understand spell well enough, but know staff would grant it. Once you are ready, and all in agreement we press on."

"This thing?" Burgee asks. "It feels powerful, but I have not yet come to understand it. Maybe..." Burgee gathers his things to ready himself for travel and examines the staff as they go. 

(you did indeed. you spent a full night attuning. I will have some magic items in the future that require a full quest though)

Burgee manages to feel a little more in tune with the smooth staff he was given. He yells up toward Paavu,  "You know, I think I am beginning to understand this thing. In fact," he stands a little taller, "I feel like it's protecting me, just by me holding it." He examines the glass cane a little closer and continues, "My thanks again friend. I will do what I can with this to protect us all."

Paavu sighs. "That is good... But that is not in answer to my first statement. Can you keep from using your magics to create loud booms. Like as you did with wolves. And again with the undead. If not--Pray it was worth it. For the enemy is here and alerted because of it, Paavu will not be show leniency.... Presuming we survive whatever comes of it." He settles back into his seat of the saddle and without another word, nudged Aku the Draft Horse onward in leading the group the rest of the way to the Thundertree. Time was a wasting, after all.

"Sorry my friend, but with the storm comes the fury.  Would you rather next time I just watch? Perhaps if you refrain from rushing into the unknown it would not be necessary. But when I see friends in need,  the storm surfaces without regard for what may be and focuses instead on what is." Burgee replies as he shrugs off the goliaths scolding. "For now, we are alive. Including Gwen, who we all abandoned. Perhaps instead of reprimanding me you should apologize to her," he says as he nods to Gwen. "For it was she who saved us all." 

Gwen just gives Paavu a glance of 'I'll listen, but don't you dare threaten me again' before looking towards where they needed to go. Yeah, Listen to Burgee. You might learn somethin'.

After a brief discussion you all once more begin moving. It takes another hour but eventually you all find your way down the trail. The forest around it starts closing in, except in the side where the land starts rising up into a distant mountain. Gradually, the trail becomes an old, overgrown lane winding between dilapidated buildings choked in vines and brush. Ahead of you, in the middle of the settlement, rises a steep hill, upon which stands a stone tower with a partially collapsed roof and an adjoining cottage. A dirt road hugs the base of the hill and wends its way between old stone houses, many of which are roofless ruins with interiors open to the weather. Other buildings appear more or less intact. The whole place is eerily silent.

Remember, Paavu has a map.

Paavu at first raised a confused brow. Did he actually reprimand the bird? Or had his words somehow been construed as such? Ultimatley, he snorted, having remember Burgee's somewhat hotheaded nature. Looking to Gwen he says, "Unlike some, I had some faith you could take care of yourself, lil elf. 'least I would not have left you be... But an overdue thanks for ending that struggle." The words are accompanied by brief head nod.

And while he there may have been more to things -- more to add on top of his call for others to see to her in the end, the goliath left things there. He moved on silently hopeful that Burgee's excuse for allowing emotion and magic  to be the guiding force in things wouldn't bring an end to the others. For surely his confusing the two situations as the same did not bode well for anyone...

An hour later, Paavu gives the scenery passing scrutiny; catching more than most in the once over. And if no danger immediately pops out in passing the one exposed building to the right, he pushes on from there about a few more meters up the road before holding up a fist to halt the procession. A few seconds later and some map studying later, he nods to himself and points over to the tower. "Likely it is they are meeting there... met there." The goliath then turns to the others. "Before making our way there, we will secure the immediate area for the horses. Check buildings along the way too. Make sure no ambush or other threats that may distract from end goal."

Paavu doesn't wait for others reply before hoping down off Aku, and leading the horse over to the tree to right to tie. Then with a quick command to Yue to stay and guard, he cracked his neck and would begin first canvasing the innards of the ruined building with Pig Sticker in hand; trusting the others to follow suit in their own ways.

(Relying on Passive Perception(19) for now)

The horse seems nervous with the menacing looking wolf near it, standing guard. But doesn't start kicking since Yue seems to be acting fairly complacent, aside from occasionally sniffing in the air, and 'whining.' Gwen removing herself from the cart then, and joining Paavu quietly, but at a distance. Paavu first going into the house on the right, that seemed to be crumbling in on itself in several places. Aside from that however, this small house appears to be in better condition than the ruined and dilapidated structures nearby. The doors are reinforced with heavy iron bands, and thick shutters protect the windows.

Pushing open the door, with spear at the ready, should there be anything lurking around the corner, the oddly-reinforced room is found to be empty, likely losing interest to Paavu almost immediately. The morning sun providing an exquisite amount of light for all to see with. Gwen, however, takes a deeper look into the reinforced house. As she wanders in, she notices several things within but leaves them untouched, scanning the room once more before retreating to tell the others, while talking to Rose. 

Well, I took a peek into the place, and there seems to be the remains of a campfire, pretty old, but not too old, you know what I mean? Someone was there within the last day, but has left the place. I saw some odd staff, that was thin, until the top, and had a few feathers tied to it in an elongated path.. like one who would braid their hair. Aside from that there are a few broken potshards, and other debris, but it looks used, but... Militarily bland.

Paavu approaches the other nearby location, 

This ruin looks as if it might once have been a farmhouse. It is now half swallowed by a dense thicket, with trees growing up through its ruined foundations. The lane continues south a short distance past the ruin before ending in an overgrown field. To its south, this farm abuts a field with thick patches of gorse and briars. As Paavu approaches the farmhouse, his peripheral vision takes notice of eight small creatures that look like tiny, living shrubs or plants, prancing about within the thicket. For now, the creatures seem to take no notice of Paavu or the others.

"A staff, with feathers?" Burgee asks Gwen before moving into the tower building to look at the item. (Investigation: 15) Though he doesn't see anything special about it at first glance, he hopes that later he can take more time to try to understand its use. So he carefully picks up the staff and adds it to some of his gear that is on the sled. 

He then turns to head up the road toward Paavu's location slowing as he approaches to keep from alerting anyone, or anything, nearby.

Cirrus follows the group, keeping an eye out for anything suspicious/note-worthy, poking his head into any building that the rest of the group doesn't investigate very thoroughly (perception: 26), ready to pull out his blades at any moment.