Varis will look to the others to see if they are fine with taking care of Pafaren's body in this manner. 

Varis and Grim

You see Colter and Jana standing together by Pafarens body. They are stoic, swaying slightly in the wind. "We can't just dump his body in the ocean. He probably has family. Children at least. Should we not venture to Ralohice and attempt to seek his next of kin. As an accomplished alchemist, there should at least be an estate to settle. Grimnir, I know you are at odds with the people of Paolo, but you would you be willing to go ashore with us, should we make it to Ralohice?" Colter says, trying his best to look confident.

"It would be cowardice to do anything else," Grimnir says in solemnity.  "He was a warrior, our comrade, and he gave his life in the fight to protect us. He should be honoured accordingly, damn the consequences."

"Yes, yes, you are correct. Once I rest, I can protect his body from decay for up to ten days."

Varis will then go to the Captain and let him know that Ralohice should most certainly be our destination and ask if anything is needed prior to going below deck to rest.

If Kelpos does not need anything, Varis will excuse himself and retire to his bunk to rest for the next four hours and then meditate to prepare the spell gentle repose.

Varis and Grimnir

Kelpos begrudgingly agrees to attempt to find land. He turns the ship westward and heads toward Ralohice. Rations get increasingly scarce, and tensions begin to mount. Kelpos masterfully navigates you through a fierce storm and, though it was a close call with death, you arrive in one piece. Kelpos anchors the ship off the shore, far off from civilization. 

Before you lies a beautiful lush forest, with all manner of exotic plant. You see the peaks of tall buildings in the distance. Kelpos calls to you all "do what you must. I am staying with the ship."

Varis will speak to Kelpos before he disembarks. "Great Captain, may the Creator bless you. I know you are not most pleased to be here, but you had mentioned bringing us here and I think it will be best for us all before we head on to find Yelberos. West is the way we have come and the way you had me going before the damned pirates attacked us. Are you sure you will not come with us into the city?"

After his conversation, Varis walks to the exit of the boat and looks out toward Ralohice, toward home. 

Varis

"Me boy" Kelpos begins; "You handle things in your way, I handle them in mine. Maybe we can convince the lovebirds to take us up the coast and we can set up shop at their estate. Maybe plot our next move." He looks out to the sea, ponders for a while, then looks back to you. "I have always wanted a headquarters. Think of all the possibilities aye. There is plenty gold and glory around this old island for us to spend our lives conquering it all. I know you want me to join, but I've got to stay with the ship." He turns to return to his cabin, but stops as he reaches the door. "Hey, pick up some champagne. We need to christen and name this old vessel, don't we?" he laughs to himself then slips through the door.

As you step off the ship you glance around. You see the forest, standing tall and silent. You see exotic flora and odd colored rocks on the shore. As you take in the building peaks you realize that, while not belonging to Ralohice, they belong to one of the several surrounding villages. Maybe Fallowsynn or Myrnes. 

You know that Fallowsynn is a lumber community, minimally populated. Most of the lumber used in the glorious buildings of Ralohice are brought from here. 

You know that Myrnes is a community of naturalists, botanists, biologists and other enthusiasts of nature. Some even say that an ancient druidic circle calls it home.

Varis will lead the way presuming he will eventually find something more familiar that will lead the way to Ralohice. He hopes that the group can make it to a town before nightfall. 

Along the way, he will talk with Jana and Colter to learn more about their estate's location and if they are willing to use it as a home-base for our adventures. 

In moments that lack, Varis will pray as he walks attempting to understand what is going on within himself and the new power that has been emerging. 

Varis 

You walk for a few hours until you reach a fork. You presume that the trail you are on is a trade path between Myrnes and Fallowsynn. You know that both Myrnes and Fallowsynn both have trade routes that lead to Ralohice. You also notice that a small wildlife trail heads straight through the woods, in the direction of Ralohice, but you are unsure as to where it would go. Along the way you talk to Colter and Jana, they seem to be okay with using their home as a headquarters. They are exhausted and are ready to return someplace familiar. They also believe that once they have time to settle down and think things out they will be able to retrieve some of their funds. 

Your walk is troubled though, as you pray and seek guidance, you have a recurring vision. You see yourself sitting in a small room in the cathedral, pouring over documents and working on a dissertation for university. As you continue your work you see yourself open the door, looking down the hallway, then silently, you slip into the room and lock the door. You light a candle and move your homework to the side of the table, and pull out an ancient manuscript. You see yourself do a dark ritual, before fainting. Once you awaken you see a human shape, made of smoke and darkness sitting across the desk from you. Every time you pray you see this scene replayed over and over. Each time you see it, it makes your stomach churn.

Varis, attempting to not show the concern of the haunting images, will speak to his companions, "It appears that we are on a trade route between two villages. Either one that we happen to arrive in will have a route to Ralohice. However, realizing where we are if we take this path through the woods, we would be heading straight toward the capital. Do any of you have a preference--straight on through the woods? or follow the trade route?"

Grimnir looks briefly in the direction of both routes and gives himself a few moments to consider the possibilities. "If we walk along the main road," he begins, "There is a greater chance that I will be spotted. After the warm welcome I received at the hands of the Vaseci military, I can only imagine what stories the locals of these parts have been told. Perhaps nothing, perhaps everything, perhaps even the truth of things." He looks at Varis unflinchingly before saying, "It's up to you, though. I'm prepared to handle myself if it comes to that. The Weavers have deigned to give me a long and protracted fate in this life. I doubt my story is supposed to end here." He then looks deep into the forest before letting out a slightly frustrated chuckle. "We also don't know who or what makes that forest their home. So either path holds the possibilities for anonymity or calamity."

Grimnir

Colter steps up to your side and says; "Our estate is a couple days travel away from Ralohice. If we can get to Ralohice we can get some of our funds. I don't know what you plan to do once we get there, but it is spacious and we could make it our home, at least for now."

Varis nods at them all and says, "Then let us make our way straight to Ralohice. I am anxious to get back to a familiar place. May the gods bless us as we journey."

Varis will proceed toward the path through the woods. 

Grimnir nods at Colter and then puts his large hand on his shoulder as he whispers to him, "So be it, but my price has changed. For your freedom, I want answers in place of gold."

He says no more and securing his sword and shield follows Varis down through the forest route.

Grimnir and Varis

You travel until the sun starts to disappear behind the horizon. The air begins to chill, and your breath is now rising in puffs of steam. In the distance you see a small cabin with a stead stream of smoke rising from the chimney. There is a small window that you can see light in. Grimnir spots some things hanging above the doorway, perhaps decorations? You are unsure.

Varis speaks softly to his companions, "Should we approach and see if they are friendly. If so, I would presume one of us elf-kind should go to the door. We are in the middle of nowhere, I doubt they will have heard anything of you, Grimnir." 

"Perhaps," Grimnir fires back, "but these things are best not left to chance. Work your magic with your words, elf. Tell them as little as possible." He looks to Colter, "You are quicker and easier to hide than I am. You should go with him, but stay a few paces behind him in the shadows in case there is trouble. Do you know the call of the woodlark? That can be our signal if there is peril."

Grimnir and Varis

Colter puts his hand of your shoulder firmly and in a grave tone says; "Stay with Jana. Guard her with your life." and with that he kisses her on the cheek, and follows Varis to the shack.

As you get closer to the hut you see that, instead of decorations, strange trinkets hung around the door. It seems well maintained for the most part, there is some damage to the roof and patio  area but you get the impression that whoever lives here takes some pride in their home.

 You are within 10 yards of the door when it swings open forcefully. In the door way you see the dimly lit frame of an old woman, a tall staff hanging above her head. You can barely make out her features when she begins to speak. 

 Her voice creaks like an old door, it is brittle and strangely hollow sounding. "Ah, is that you Varis?" She raises a bony finger toward you. "You have a guest? Most curious, I have not seen this..." She hums for a moment, an almost melodic tune. "He's not the large man. Varis, boy, I have seen the large man, but this is not he..." She slowly turns to go inside, one frail hand motioning you to come. "Something has gone wrong I fear, come in boys... we have much to discuss."