Giulio had found and partially deciphered a map, based on tattoos hidden along the hairlines of several members of the captured tribes. Lucita was able to gather information from the Mycondi leader about a landmark on the map called the Forbidden Stones. The map shows a large portion of the peninsula upon which Isau, Saikland Greens and Ostria reside on. While those terrtories are coastal, with Saik on the east, Ostria to the south and Isau to the west, the center of the peninsula has never really been explored. On Giulio's map, that area, the foothills and mountains at the center are conspiciously blank.

The journey is a fairly easy one, Domonico's unparalleled skills in sailing assure a swift, safe journey to the eastern coast, just south of Saiklands. From there, there is a ride along the pathways and cut roads inward, towards the marking of the Forbidden Stones. It is a journey of a few days, but eventually, with some doing, the landmark is found. A trio of twenty foot obelisks, worn with time and exposure. Chips and pitted, the engravings are faded, but the glyphs present spell out: Pass not these markers, lest you lose your life or mind.

"That certainly doesn't bode well," Zoey comments idly upon reading those inscriptions.

Mirk is there with Aegis, the bloodhound padding along behind him, cautious and alert. He's dressed in his traveling leathers and his fireweave, charms dangling from his beard that sway as he moves. He has his weapons, unusually enough: a bow slung over a shoulder and a dagger at his belt. When the group comes to the obelisks, he looks up at them, and then at Lucita. "Imposing," he observes. "Whoever left these wanted to make sure the message was received." He places a gloved hand flat on one of the obelisks for a moment, and then pulls away from it to look at the others.

After outriding ahead -- but definitely not passing through said markers -- and then reporting back to Lord Mirk and everyone else, Scout Rowenova looks up with a slight frown on her wolf-framed face.

Of course, Sir Floppington the Soulful Hound is here, too, dutifully guarding.

Domonico is currently rearguard, armed and armoured as he usually is, and is carefully scanning the surroundings. Yes it's clear that the obelisks are there... but others can look to them at present. The Malvici is concerned with the protection of the group.

Wearing the same armor she has for the past couple of years has it well broken in for treks like this one. Lucita has organized provisions, mounts and a few of her cavalry and archers to help set up camps when necessary, cook and hunt along the way. The accommodations are adequate for the exploration of the miles of unfamiliar land, but not elaborate by any means. Her guard dog, Golden is with her and by the familiarity with and similarity to Aegis, the two are of the same lineage. Lucita dismounts and stands near the others, staring at the stones and tilting her head as she tries to figure out if the warning is all they hold.

For all that they are imposing, the Stones themselves seem utterly mundane, no mystic energy, no chiming sounds. The air is crisp with autumn and colder than is usual, but just because here, at the foot of the mountains, snow is visible on the lofty peaks. There do not appear to be any other markers, at least not within sight. So... why would they be here?

Rowenova checked perception + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 33 higher.

If there is one thing Jules enjoys, it is an easy journey. If Aegis allows (or Mirk) Jules is petting the good boi cause there buds. If they're not buds, then he's petting Floppington. Maybe he's petting both if he can manage it. As they pass through the obelisks, Jules gives out a cheerful, "Ohh, how pretty!" Not bothering to pay attention to the reading or really seeming to pay too close attention to the speaking of the people. He looks back to Aegis and says, "Who's gonna keep an eye on me again? Who is? You are?" Even if he can't pet thebeast, he'd still say it.

Jules checked perception + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 0 higher.

Domonico checked perception + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 48 higher.

Lucita checked perception + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 30 higher.

Zoey checked perception + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 15 lower.

Mirk checked perception + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 8 higher.

Alessia checked perception + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 21 higher.

In his business mode, Sir Floppington easily accepts pets, but he does not apparently react the same way that he generally does when there might not be potential danger. Right now, he sure keeps those soulful eyes scanning around him, taking note of Nova and Mirk and where they are, and then makes sure to sit down and does not pass go (aka, does not pass through) those imposing obelisks. No, he hangs back just like Nova does now.

Following Lucita, keeping her attention on their surroundings, Alessia remains alert, especially in light of the ominous writing

Zoey kneels down near one of the markers to get a closer look. "Hm," she says. "Are there any major water sources these might have originated from? These wave patterns are odd."

Following Lucita, keeping her attention on their surroundings, Alessia remains alert, especially in light of the ominous writing. Something seems to capture her interest. "Do you see the track?" She asks those around her, as if for confirmation. "It leads up into the mountains."

Mirk nods his head to Rowenova, and then relays to the others, "It's concealed, though. Deliberately, do you think, Scout Rowenova?" He glances to her for confirmation. "Either way. That appears to be our destination. Unless there's something else of interest here?"

Yes, I see it too," comes the confident words of Domonico as he walks up next to Alessia and he looks ahead at the disguised path. "Well hidden... and well used." He points out the path, tracking the progress of it.

Lucita drags her gaze away from the stones toward the distance in the direction the road seems to follow and fade away. She is cautious, checking her belt knives and sheaths with a quick glance before looking back at the direction Alessia indicated. Her eyes squint and then she nods. "Agreed. Those using it are quite... wary it would seem."

Jules looks up to the markers and then slowly around ever so happily and says, "Dear me, looks like we've reached the end or the road. Well it was a fun trip. Shall we head back then?" He reaches into his backpack to pull out a bottle of rum and says, "Shall I pull out some glasses to celebrate a job well done?" As the others begin to discuss the matter he puts the bottle back silently and looks as though he hopes no one actually heard him. At this he nods his head as though he's been in full agreement that this was not the end of their journey.

Getting down off her grey mare of short stature, the Halfshav scout nods up to Lord Mirk before she scoops up a little dirt along with any eroded chips and carefully studies them to figure out what the mineral make is. "Aye, deliberately concealed."

Rowenova checked perception + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 30 higher.

Lucita shakes her head to Zoey. "Not that I know of. Some of my soldiers may know, but does not seem to be lowland enough to flood." She gives a wry grin to Jules. "Be a while before we are done here though should be very cautious from here on I think." She glances back at the stones. "They look so very old. Did anyone hear them 'speaking'?

Further reporting, Nova speaks up, "Limestone." says she before shaking off the dirt collected in her gauntlet-clad hand. Looking up at the foreboding structures, she additionally notes, "A bit over 100 to 150 years old."

"I feel nothing from them," Mirk says with a slow shake of his head at Lucita. "There's nothing on the wind today. Did you hear anything?"

"I wonder how long the glyphs have been around." Alessia says with a thoughtful look. She turns to Luctia when she poses the question. "I did not... What did you hear them say?" She asks with a frown.

Domonico hmmms softly as he thinks, considering the obelisks and the path ahead. "Astounding how so much of the Compact has not been properly charted for a long time."

Lucita says, "That young? I would have thought them older...." Her voice trails off and she lifts her shoulders in a little shrug. "Alright , shall we continue on or turn aside. Bear in mind there may be real risk ahead, we don't know what may be before us."

Jules starts to laugh when Lucita mentions them speaking and then realizes this is a serious question and catches himself quickly by giving a cough and rubbing at his chin. He looks around curiously, "So stones talk in the Lyceum?" He lifts one eyebrow to look around and see if everyone is poking fun here but after a moment just states simply, "I didn't hear them." He draws back a few steps and finds a large stone and whispers something inaudible to the rock and then puts his ear closer to it. All this he is attempting to do discretely while they speak of the age and discuss the direction. He's not leading this shindig after all.

Jules checked mana + manipulation at difficulty 30, rolling 4 lower.

Lucita delays a response to Mirk long enough to actually listen. "I heard nothing either Messere Jules and Lord Mirk."

Not taking any chances as they pass, Zoey readies her bow and moves to the middle of the group before they pass the obelisks. "We'll be ready," she assures Lucita.

To Lucita, Nova nods. "Right? You would think if they were simply Abandoned, they would have put their sign up a long time ago."

Mirk nods his head to Lucita. "Shall we be on to the path, then, and see what it is that the locals don't wish to have found?" He raises an eyebrow at her, but doesn't move an inch, deferring the deicison to Lucita and Alessia and Domonico.

Domonico hmmms as he considers the path ahead and looks to Lucita, "Baroness?"

After dusting off the under gloves of her diamondplate gauntlets, Nova mounts up and only rides to an adjacent point beside Mirk. She stays quiet, though, hearing out what the final decision will be.

"Though we ought to tread lightly. Assuming the warnings were literal." Alessia turns to return to her horse, climbing onto the saddle, though doesn't start her trot until Lucita gives her final say.

Jules nearly jumps out of his skin as his ear is next to the rock. After a moment to calm down he sighs and says, "Wish I spoke Rock Shav. I'll need to see if Lady Mikani knows it." All this is said to himself and he places his hand on his stomach as he clears his throat. He looks to Zoey and asks, "Lady Zoey, does Rock Shav come in different varieties? Do you think they speak Lycene Rock Shav?" Any chance of him not coming off as a complete buffoon is probably lost on this moment. Either way he decides to move back up with the group since he's done speaking and listening to the rock.

Zoey blinks. "I don't think 'Rock shav' is a real language, Jules," she gives as an answer.

Lucita says, "It may be just the wind blowing through them certain ways makes a noise they call 'speaking'. Don't like the thoughts of somethig dangerous lurking on Saikland's borders or on th land some of the Malvici excess Shav's may be using. Just be careful and prepare to retreat if need be."

With an unimpressed expression and maybe even being a grumpy girl about it all, Nova finally speaks, "Mineral communication is a real thing. Are we heading through this front door, then?" She motions forth with her split reins, but the good/grey mare does not move yet, since she did not get the calf squeeze to do so.

Rowenova checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 13 higher.

Alessia checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 36 higher.

Jules checked dexterity + ride at difficulty 25, rolling 14 higher.

Mirk checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 15 higher.

Zoey checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 19 higher.

Domonico checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 33 higher.

Lucita checked dexterity + ride at difficulty 20, rolling 10 higher.

As they prepare to depart, Jules pats the obelisk and says, "Thanks for the help buddy." And he seems as though he's speaking to a good friend.

Domonico wields Raptor's Reach, a rubicund-tipped cornel-shafted Dory spear.

Once it is finally decided, Nova takes point as meat shield for the noble folks, along with being the perceptive scout with reported updates on the way up.

Zoey wields Dawn's Light, an alaricite bow.

Alessia wields Requiem - an ancient glaive with an iridescite handle.

Domonico looks at Jules and hmmms softly before he hefts Raptor's Reach and uses it partly as a tool for supporting himself on the the journey... keeping it to hand as well as it were.

Lucita does not wield a physical weapon though her dagger is very close to her fingertips, able to have it in hand in the blink of an eye. Nova is given a nod and she positions herself to help defend or shield some of the more vulnerable members of the group riding up the trail.

The first part of the trek is one that everyone passes with considerable ease. The path is broad and while there is a fairly steep incline, the ground is dry and lacks in any gravel to trip or skid in. The reach a natural resting point, about eight or nine hundred feet up. The view is quite lovely here and while there are a few faint tracks of human passage they seem several days old at least. Nothing fresh.

Jules always has rocks to throw because he doesn't have any weapon and Laurent honey is now a forbidden weapon only to be used in the most dire of situations. He rides along on his horse, seeming to merrily enjoy the ride and unaware of whether there is any danger. He's not loud, just cheerfully eying everything from the trees and mountains to the sky. He's not watching for any signs of anything, he's just enjoying life in blissful ignorance of danger.

Mirk doesn't draw a weapon either as he paces along behind the more martially inclined of their number, Aegis at his side. He pauses for a moment to eye the view, before hurrying along after the others. "It feels as though we're missing something. 'Your life or mind' is a rather odd threat..."

Jules checked wits + riddles at difficulty 25, rolling 11 higher.

"It likely means we will either go mad or die," Zoey replies to Mirk. "

Reigna GM Roll checked wits(5) + stealth(4) at difficulty 30, rolling 39 higher.

Jules looks over towards Zoey and nods his head as he continues to ride along, "I would have asked Rocky if I'd known it might be more but that's what it sounds like to me." There's a pause of thoughtfulness, "Though Rocky wasn't really saying much in truth. Just gurgling."

Riding out a little ahead, Alessia glances around, a firm grip on the handle of her weapon.

Rowenova checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 35, rolling 8 higher.

Jules checked dexterity + ride at difficulty 30, rolling 11 higher.

Alessia checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 35, rolling 32 higher. Alessia rolled a critical!

Domonico checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 35, rolling 8 higher.

Mirk checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 1 lower.

Lucita checked dexterity + ride at difficulty 30, rolling 3 higher.

Zoey checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 35, rolling 10 lower.

Zoey checked luck at difficulty 10, rolling 3 higher.

Mirk checked luck at difficulty 10, rolling 0 higher.

Staying perceptive as well as constantly scanning for potential dangers, their Halfshav scout rides forth with a serious expression.

The second leg of the hike up the trail is not as easy as the first. The path narrows at points, to just two or three feet across. The horses have to be left behind, as they balk at such a narrow path. Small rocks litter the ledge, making the footing less secure, the wind feels wilder, fiercer as they rise up to nearly two thousand feet above where they started from.

Lucita makes her way cautiously along the trail. "Nova? Is it getting where we should link ourselves with rope yet? Don't want anyone falling from up here.

Mirk follows along, struggling a little more as the path becomes rougher, until his foot comes down on a rock that slides out from underneath him. He goes down, starting to fall back down the path, though he's fortunate enough to have a last second save. "Spirits, at least this time it's not falling into a river..." He mutters under his breath, taking the moment to steady himself.

Speeding up on noting Mirk lose his footing, Alessia grabs onto him before he can slide along further. "It's all good." She says with a faint smile, turning to Zoey to ensure she's got her balance.

Jules has taken particular attention to the rocks after having been told they speak and had that confirmed by a second member. As he hops off the horse, he takes a moment to kneel down and pet a few of the pebbles and whispers to them. He laughs afterwards and shakes his head before he stands to listen to the conversation from Lucita. He looks over to Mirk and gives a hesitant nod, "Hopefully no blacking out this time too!" A bit of urgency in that statement.

Lucita gets a coil of rope made from silk from a subtly textured sturdy yet lightweight trail pack.

Domonico hmmms as he looks along the narrow path, "I think it might be worthwhile doing that Baroness. We need stronger climbers at the front, middle and back of the line if that is the case." He looks to Zoey and pats her arm after he supports her.

Zoey's feet likewise slipped as Mirk lost his own footing, gasping. She catches her breath and nods in thanks to Domonico as he helps her find it again.

It should perhaps surprise no one that between dealing with attempting to ride a horse, watching people wax poetic about/talk to rocks, and attempting to navigate a narrow path/climb stuff, Ian has been quiet and generally out of the way. He's in the back of the group, however, and hopefully will be capable of stopping the slide of anyone who tumbles backward. Assuming there's something he can grab onto.

With a sharp look back down the path behind her, Nova goes wide eyed after that momentary tumble that Mirk just took. She heads down to be a bit closer, doing so with a quick nod to Lucita, "Wise words. Yes, let us do so. I will take the lead." She starts unwinding her lasso rope from her belted side.

Rowenova gets Sinew Lasso with Grappling Hook and Sliding Clips from Messenger Bag.

Rowenova drops Sinew Lasso with Grappling Hook and Sliding Clips.

As the group reaches the last resting spot, two thirds the way -- over three thousand feet above the ground below, they are able to catch their breath and prepare for the last leg of the journey up to the pass. The view is incredible, the autumn forest stretched out below, the crescent of sandy beach, the vast ocean spreading outward to the east. The air is chilly, but the sun is warm on their skin.

There is an abrupt series of howls that ring out from somewhere above. And, more frightening then that -- the rumble and shake of the ground underfoot, followed by a skittering roar as rocks and boulders begin to slide down from above, raining over the path upwards in a rock slide that lasts over a minute.

Rowenova checked perception + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 11 higher.

Mirk checked perception + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 6 higher.

Jules checked perception + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 11 lower.

Ian checked perception + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 31 higher.

Domonico checked perception + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 6 higher.

Lucita checked perception + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 3 lower.

Zoey checked perception + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 5 higher.

The chilly climes are most welcome to the Northern scout, especially when Southern weather generally runs a bit hot. She certainly scanned the beautiful scenery, but then those tumbling rocks fall down the mountain side. She slightly jerks but not too much, warily scanning the whole situation. "Suspicious timing." she grunts back Mirk's way.

Alessia checked perception + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 30 higher.

"My thought as well," Zoey confesses. "Just a feeling."

"A convenient rockslide, I'd say." Alessia narrows her eyes as they continue along.

"Sound can cause... snowslides, right Rowenova?" From a temperate climate AND the ocean, Ian's got no word in his vocabulary to describe an avalanche, but he tries. "If it's the right sound? I remember hearing that."

Lucita gives a soft gasp as the ground starts to shake and the slide begins. She tries to head closer to the mountain side rather than risk being shaken over the side of the mountain. Her is silent as she listens to the comments of the others.

After what Zoey, Alessia, and Ian say; Nova nods back and then helpfully notes. "Aye, force or sound can bring down an avalanche." She patiently waits for the falling rocks to stop, looking up to see whether even more are going to fall before assessing and picking the best route to travel now after such a terrain change.

Mirk checked mana + occult at difficulty 30, rolling 27 higher.

Wobbling as the rockslide comes, and most likely getting some degree or another of injury, Jules waits till after he's back to his feet and holds up his hands, "I'm sorry guys, that was my fault." He admits hesitantly, "I didn't think the big guy would take the joke wrong. Just trying to build a little rapport." He shakes his head looking slightly defeated, "I'll be more careful."

"Ware your footing still. Go slow and steady. Don't take any risks at the moment." Domonico's advice comes through as he uses his spear as to test various points, making sure that the ground is secure before moving forward, his other hand moving from handhold to handhold, staying safe as he can.

The wind is harsh this high up. It is cold, cutting through clothes like an angry knife. It has yet to stop blowing, endlessly mvoing like a frustrated seethe.

"No, one of us was bound to make a sound at some point." Alessia turns to Jules, in an attempt to be helpful. She stops as they wait for the course to get mildly safer. She looks focused, as if in anticipation of the next convenient occurance.

"My thanks," Mirk says to Alessia with a quick nod of his head. "I'm more of a..." Whatever he was going to say is lost in the howls, as his gaze snaps towards the source. He nods his head quickly, at Zoey and Rowenova, a nonverbal agreement. He cants his head, as if listening to some distant sound, and though there's nothing obvious, his frown deepens the lines on his face. "There's something up there. Something vile. The spirits are furious. And we're in a vulnerable position on this path."

Rowenova checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 45, rolling 25 higher.

Lucita says, "before we move further up, lets take advantage of the view and use it to make a bit of a map of the area. You can see where groves are and the river, and anything else might fill in 'holes' in what we know and give ideas on there to look more closely later." She lowers her voice and adds. "And a chance to get over the inward shakiness after the ground holds still...and a chance for Lord Mirk to assess what is going on. Are the spirits furious with 'us' or the 'vile thing'?"

"Blood magic, probably," Ian posits. "Saw that happen in the North a few weeks past."

Mirk checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 35, rolling 2 lower.

Domonico checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 45, rolling 3 lower.

Jules checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 35, rolling 1 higher.

Ian checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 35, rolling 25 higher.

Zoey checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 35, rolling 1 lower.

Domonico checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 3 higher.

Zoey checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 45 higher. Zoey rolled a critical!

Jules looks to Mirk and scrunches his face, "What would the spirits like for an offering? I have a variety of drinks, honey, and an onyx if any of that would help."

Mirk checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 7 higher.

Lucita checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 35, rolling 1 higher.

Alessia checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 45, rolling 3 lower.

Alessia checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 0 higher.

Nova makes sure they can have that momentary breather for the map completion before they start up once again.

The last leg of the climbis by far the worst. Not only is the ground occasionally icy, but thanks to the landslide there are rocks and pebbles and grit that makes the footing shaky at best and extremely slick at worst. But the group is able to make it up to the summit of the pass, that pivotal spot where the path slopes down in either direction. Behind them? The autumnal glory of forest and ocean. And before them? The valley... is breathtaking in an alltogether different way.

The light is golden here, and the valley seems to be in its own climate zone. The air is sweet, the sun is warm the fields and farms below are bursting with life and crops ready to be plucked. It is as though it were the sweetspot between summer and fall, that lovely edge of harvest time, when fruit is ready to be plucked from the trees, corn grows in tall rows -- even the wheat hangs low, heads heavy with grain. The air smells like melon and flowers -- oh, the flowers! Whole fields bursting with color, from roses to birds of paradise. There is a village at the center of the valley, a prosperous place, tiny forms of people moving around.

"Intruders!" The voice comes from their left, leather clad men are gathered, riding mules, a pack of wolf-like dogs barking in their direction. "You should not have come here. Did you not see the signs?"

Ian catches Zoey neatly around the waist as she starts to slide, and catches a root sticking out of the ground with his other hand, securing him in place. He doesn't even have to reach for her; he's perfectly placed to catch her, and the root is perfectly placed for him to grab. He's still holding onto her when the shouting starts, and his instinct is to tighten his arm around her.

After cresting the ledge, Nova starts helping each individual on the rope up. Although there are dangerous people right there, she side eyes them but keeps doing what she is doing now. She stays quiet, making sure someone else with smoother words can talk before she might do so.

"Whatever is up there," Mirk answers Lucita confidently. "They want them gone." He blinks, and then shoots Jules a look of alarm. "Definitely not the onyx." He looks like he might say more, but he's struggling with the path, trying to maintain his footing. His foot slips a couple of times, but he manages to grab hold of a companion or brace himself to avoid a tumble. As he gazes down on the valley, there's something torn in his expression, before settling into a frown once more. He turns towards the leather-clad men. "I go wherever the spirits bid me," he replies. "Who are you?"

Though initially taken by surprise by the shouts, Alessia eventually gathers her composure quickly enough to give them a warm smile. "Hello, messeres. We mean no harm." She assures them gently. "We're merely here in search of answers. I'm sure you can help us, there need be no violence." Her glaive is conveniently strapped to her back, and she lifts her hand to indicate her desire for peace.

Alessia checked charm + manipulation at difficulty 30, rolling 10 higher.

Mirk checked charm + manipulation at difficulty 30, rolling 22 higher.

Zoey is relieved to be in Ian's arms, even if his grip is a bit tight once hostile voices reach their ears. She keeps her bow ready in her hand, but does not reach for an arrow just yet.

Jules checked charm + manipulation at difficulty 30, rolling 10 higher.

Lucita presents a non-aggressive stance and with the hopes that bards are welcome anywhere, takes the mandolin at her side and strums it gently. She speaks Lycene Shav and in that she sings a benign song of peace that still has undertones of protection for her group built into it and to help the efforts of others.

Domonico had nearly gone over at one point nearing the top but managed to just find his footing in time. At the bark of the mule riders, the Malvici shifts to get himself between them and the rest of the party, ready to drop into a battle stance at any credible threat.

The riders, there are ten of them, look first to Mirk, the leader, a short man with darker skin and bright carrot red hair frowns. "Spirits? We don't truck with that nonsense around here." He looks to Alessia as she speaks. There is a slow nod, and he says, "We would prefer no violence, but you are here. And that... well. I suppose we can take you to Valesha." He looks to the others and sighs. "If you will peacebind your weapons, we will take you down to the village."

Jules nods to Mirk and says, "Of course my lord, just trying to think what I had." He looks to the dogs beside them and speaks in an astounded voice, "Astounding creatures." This is spoken more to himself but he does have a sense of awe at the beasts. His attention draws back to the men and gives a bow to them and gives a rather casual greeting, "Peace on your family." Though he's not actually trying to gain any attention, just passing fast greetings.

Lucita checked mana + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 48 higher.

Mirk stares at the riders for a long moment, before finally nodding his head. He peacebinds his dagger, but closing the quiver tight will have to do, for his bow. Aegis, perhaps sensing his master's hostility, has his hackles up, but Mirk gestures with one hand and the dog remains at his side. He leans in to say something quietly to Lucita, his eyes not leaving the riders.

"Wonderful." Alessia says, lowering her arms, with a satisfied smile. "We certainly will. Is Valesha the one in charge?" She asks with a curious smile, beckoning a retainer to help her peacebind her weaponry - if possible.

Lucita stops singing as soon as the greetings are exchanged. She listens to Mirk carefully and whispers back something to him.

Wearing her diamondplate gauntlets and her diamondplate stompers, there is an awkward moment there when the peace binding comes up. She glances down at the articulated protection over both hher strong hands and wiggles off the mountain dust from her finger tips before gazing out toward the beautiful scenery with a soft smile before looking back to the mule riders. At least, she pulls tight the quiver top, just like Mirk just did there, too. Sir Floppington claws up to the mountain top then wags up to lean heavily against Nova as the older dog momentarily rests there.

(Nova)

Ian keeps his mouth shut and tries very hard not to piss anyone off. Zoey can talk for the both of them, if talking is needed. He's willing to peacebind his knife, but the construction of his cane makes peacebinding it impossible. Of course, the construction of his cane looks like it's just a cane.

Peacebonding a spear isn't really possible so Domonico just holds Raptor's Reach vertically, keeping a firm grip on the shaft, remaining a rear guard.

Too many voices is likely to overwhelm and cause confusion, so Zoey allows those who have already spoken for the group continue to do so for now. She puts her bow on her back after Ian releases her, holding her hands palms out to show they are empty.

Once the peacebindings are in place (as best they can tell) the journey to the valley floor begins. The way down is a wide gentle slope, quite easy going given the horrible climb up. The leader of the mule riders identifies himself as Garth. "Valesha is the Mother of the village, yes. Hers is the word we follow. She leads us in worship of the god." The dogs, now that the tension is less, seem friendly enough, tails wagging, tongue lolling. Sniffing backsides and yipping at Rowenova's hound.

"I see." Alessia smiles, still keeping up her pleasant demeanor. "Which god?" She asks, still curious.

Sir Floppington finally recovers from the long climb, wags up to the other dogs, and probably gathers a little information, too.

Jules walks in with the others, cheerful as ever and that's what he does best. He seems totally oblivious if there is anything wrong. He waves here and there to those he passes and anyone that looks like they'd welcome a greeting or smile is given it. When necessary he is somber though.

After back patting Mirk, Nova follows along but briefly lags to hang out with the Kennex couple to whom she quietly speaks before catching up with Mirk once more.

"I was thinking the same," Mirk says, nodding his head to Alessia. He remains near the middle of the group, Aegis at his side, though there's a wary tension in his shoulders.

Lucita speaks in calm, amicable tones. "You have roused the curiosity of these few travelers. Do tell us of this one you worship, please."

Jules checked perception + streetwise at difficulty 25, rolling 80 higher. Jules rolled a critical!

Ian sticks close to his wife, but doesn't show any particular concern. He doesn't show any particular anything; his expression is flat, his eyes calm. His eyes are constantly moving, though, skimming the landscape, watching the people, taking in details. He doesn't seem to be paying a whole lot of attention to the actual conversation.

Garth looks to Alessia and he says, "The god of the valley. The boy who lives forever." As they continue down the path, Jules spots one of the guards in the back who is peering at Alessia with great interest. His kit is not as put together as the others, his painted markings along his bare arms aren't as intricate and precise as the others. Where the rest of the guards have at least five stripes, he only has one.

Sir Floppington's own tail is wagging and he begins to play with the other dogs, looking well at ease.

Garth looks to Lucita and says, "It is not for me to spread the word of the Child. That is for Mother Valesha."

Nova casually walks behind Mirk's lead, flaking his other side from Aegis, so the noble Halfshav has the proper entourage.

Golden, Lucita's guard dog, stays at her side, alert to the surroundings.

Something about what Garth says seems to catch Ian's attention. A frown passes across his features, like ripples over still water.

A little perplexed that the man named a god completely unfamiliar to her ears, Alessia simply nods slowly. "Oh." She says. "Well I hope she doesn't find our many questions tiresome."

Jules makes his way through with the others. As he spots the guard and gives a look back to Alessia with a knowing look and nods and makes an hourglass gesture with his hands. It's a small one that hopefully none of the nobles spot him doing. He looks for a way just slightly out of the way but not far at all. He reaches into his backpack and pulls out some haze. Yes, the man has it on him. He starts to prepare to strike it up when he holds it out over towards the man if he's be interested in coming over. This is all spread out over several minutes and much of the time isn't directly given to the man but whenever he catches his attention.

Alessia checked charm + seduction at difficulty 30, rolling 32 higher.

"I see," Mirk says, and remains silent. He glances at Jules and Alessia, curious as to what they're doing, but he has nothing else to add to the conversation at this point. He's focused on meeting this Mother Valesha, it seems.

As the party progresses along with Valesha's guards, Nova takes note of all the escape routes as well as potential zones of increased danger (death traps) but does so in a casual way, being highly perceptive as she usually is. Still following Mirk, too.

Eyes drifting to Jules for a moment, Alessia casually turns her attention to the guard at the back, before returning her gaze to Jules now reaching for the haze. She slows her stroll, smiling at the man who peers at her. "Care to join us, messere?" She asks with the sweetest of smiles, inching closer to him, nodding toward the haze.

Lucita keeps her mandolin at hand but seems content to listen to the others. "How long have you all been in the valley here? It looks to be a lovely place."

"It will be up to Mother Valesha whether or not you are all allowed to leave this valley or if you will be joining us permanently." Garth says, "Usually visitors who discover the valley are given a trial of faith, those that pass remain here with us. The others are, well." Gath stops talking and shrugs. "Come, let us find Mother Valesha." He continues to lead the group down the path and into the village. He asks one of the guards at the outskirts of the village as to Valesha's wherebouts and is told that the Mother is at the Shrine. To say that the villagers stare and study the group is an understatement. More and more people seem to come out of the woodwork in order to examine the new faces moving through the village.

The Shrine is less of a building and more like an outdoor niche, columns capped with a wicker arch, blooming with flowering vines. Inside the niche is a statue, an eeriely perfect replica of a young boy, somewhere around 8 to 10 years old. The statue is painted to have the coloring of a child, wrapped in silken robes and crowned in flower wreaths. All around his feet are flowers, fruits, vegetables and other little trinkets, gifts and offerings piled up around his feet. There is a matronly looking woman in cloth of gold robes, kneeling near the statue and murmuring her prayers.

Domonico is silent but is keeping busy looking over those villagers who mightt prove dangerous.

Ian comes out of the brood he'd briefly sunk into as they get into the village and becomes alert again. He scans the area around him at ground level and above, at the roof level. It's not so different from what Nova's been doing -- looking for places where an ambush could wait, marking the most promising route to use if it's necessary to escape, estimating which buildings would be the easiest to climb. His gaze mostly skims over the people, except to take note of who's standing where and the movement of foot traffic around them.