A light snow falls from the gray skies above the bare branches of forest surrounding Twilight Dale. The group encountered a few woodsmen and women trapping, or gathering fuel for fires on the road, but more often, the group has encountered murders of crows, moving hither and thither in the branches, cawing, and tilting their heads to spy on the travelers as they make their way into town.

By the afternoon, the group turns a corner of the road to see the Rider's Rest Inn, though its cooking fire does not appear to be lit. A ways further into town, however, reveals the Governor's Hall, with smoke rising from the vents in its roof, and children building snow people and pelting each other with snowballs outside its doors, laughing - except for the pelted, who are either seeking revenge, or crying, or both.

On a grey mare of short stature, Scout Rowenova rides forth as the first one who apparently enters Twilight Dale. Sir Floppington the soulful hound is padding along in leather booties beside the good horse, too.

Wearing Northlands furs seems to be a right call for this specific venture. Its so very cold out here. Mabelle's eyes trail between the birds and the children, neither giving her much joy as she quielty scans her surroundings, walking along with the group.

On a larger brown mare, Thea rides next to Rowenova. Her gold-flecked green eyes look around Twilight Dale, taking in the familiar town. She shudders, because gods it's cold! Watching the children, she smiles a bit,"They're braver than me right now,"tightening her mantle around her.

Jules rides along as well, he's seldom lingering in the same spot in the group along the trip. At this point, he rides along more towards the middle of the group. He has an unlit roll of haze in his mouth and a smile on his face. He's dressed in his leather armor but also has his cloak wrapped around him more tightly. His smile is ever present as he eyes shift here and there. He may seem mildly tense at the initial spotting of the children but he draws himself up and gives a bob of his head to those he passes. When one child is pelted quite well, and seems to take it in reasonably well spirits, he replies, "I say!" With a soft laugh that follows.

Given that a massacre occured, Clara has her armor on today and is covered in a heavy fur cloak. She likewise has her diamondplate axe at her side along with a lot of her emergency healing supplies. She seems to be perfectly fine in this weather, at home in her House's lands. She is settled upon a horse as they enter into the city, out of the snow that's settled on the ground. Much like a child though the Elder Shaman sticks her face up towards the sky and opens her mouth, letting some snowflakes fall in. Perhaps she had a reason for doing this? Maybe it was her way of talking to the spirits of snow? Who knows!

Merek is riding atop his horse, while he wears the dark attire and leather which he does often, a sword upon the back, looking to the place, silver trim gleaming. He does take a moment to look over to the others, "I wouldn't mind a drink about now," he admits, amusedly. He scratches at the thick stubble while he waves to Clara and offers a smile.

Svana rides on the back of her husband's horse, her arms wrapped tightly around Jules' midsection. She watches the children and sees the crying ones, her heart melting. She frowns at Jules and asks him, "Do you think I can offer them some of my candies? They are so cute, look at them." Svana has the vague expression of a woman who wants to actually adopt all the children from the orphanage.

Quite familiar with the Southern condition, Nova sympathetically smiles over toward her Malvici friend. "You are a brave Lycene to come North in winter, Lady Thea." Some appreciation there. She soon stops her good horse before the Governor's Hall then glances back toward Clara as if to seek direction.

Clara smiles as she apparently communes with the sky and snow? before she looks over to Nova. The Crovane Voice and Shaman nods her head to Nova as if just understanding. She nods off in the direction she believes that they are meant to be going, guiding the group to their destination as she pulls out a flask of whiskey and passes it over to Merek.

As the group comes closer to the Governor's Hall, they become aware of music within, and loud voice laughing. A few of the townsfolk outside, somewhat failing in their duties to watch the children, turn their attention to the procession making their way into to town. One brown-haired man with a thick, braided beard approaches. He is dressed in warm Northlands furs, and calls, "Good day! Ye here for the festival?" he asks. A few of the children glance towards the approaching visitors with a degree of wonder, and one of them takes aim at Rowenova with a snowball.

Thea looks over at Rowenova and smiles a moment,"Thank you. I was asked, so I came. I've been here once before, so I suppose it made sense,"looking around. She starts to guide her horse to follow Clara when she hears the bearded northerner,"What festival?"

Mabelle peers out the carriage window at the man, scanning him from head to toe, "I like festivals", she declares, looking around at any booths that might rise for the occasion, almost echoing Thea's question.

Rowenova checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 10 higher.

Jules glances to Svana and says, "I expect it should be fine when we get down." He looks up to Clara and gives a soft laugh, looking to keep the residents at ease and says, "Few times can I think when a festival hasn't been a welcome event." He glances Belle and gives a firm nod to her. His eyes drift back the children throwing snowballs and watches as the one begins hurling towards Rowenova.

"It's the last night of our winter's festival tonight, m'lady," replies the man, whose name is Belder, to Thea. "Should come inside if you and yer companions have a mind to. Mead's flowin' and there's good music too, though none so good as when Lessie used to play."

Merek listens to the talk of the festival, while he drinks the offered whiskey, then hands the flask back to Clara, "I thank you," he says. Then he's beginning to dismount the horse, while he pats Beauty, then maneuvers to the side.

Nova lifts up and quickly snaps the thrown snowball from its midair flight toward her nearest shoulder. She wolfishly grins at the little ones before hopping down from her good horse (who just stands there). Nova rushes forth, that same snowball being switched off to her left hand before it is then suddenly thrown at the original attacker!

Mabelle gracefully descends from the carriage, smoothing her velvet attire as she stands, "Used to? What happened to Lessie? Married off ?" She awaits her companions to all gather, she's not going there alone.

Thea looks down at the man and she agrees,"She was yes. I remember. I'm Lady Thea Malvici, I was here awhile ago,"smirking at Rowenova.

The little girl with golden blonde locks squeals with delight as Rowenova throws back her snowball. She, another girl and a little boy, take a few steps closer to Rowenova, and the girl says, "Can we give your doggy some pets?"

Sir Floppington wags up to the little girl with the goldie lockes. "You can! He is a good boy!" says Nova to the young people as she scoops up more snow and loosely packs a new snowball (not a dense one but just one which could easily explode).

Svana seems the slightest bit hesitant suddenly but once Jules has reached a good stopping point, she dismounts the horse first and starts to look about the surrounding area curiously, taking in a deep breath. There is a moment where Jules leans into her and she looks up at him, nodding and giving him a faint smile. "Of course, darling. Nothing to worry about."

Belder glances with no small amount of astonishment as Mabelle Laurent descends from her carriage. "Um, no, m'lady. She was ki - er, she died." He looks away, and there is a look of genuine sorrow in his face that suggests Lessie was someone of some importance to this community.

Clara smiles as the snowball is caught, which probably wows the children! She gets down off her horse and nods her head. "Wouldn' hurt ta mingle a little. Might get some answers inside." She mentions to everyone present, taking her flask and securing it on her hip. She then looks to the man, Belder. "Lead the way if you wouldn' mind. Could use some warmin' up. Most of these fine men an' women are from more southern lands."

With a great deal of delight, the kids take turns (and don't) petting Sir Floppington. "What's his name?" asks the little blonde girl, whose name is Misty.

Mabelle checked perception + empathy at difficulty 15, rolling 19 higher.

Belder nods to Clara. "Don't mind at all, m'lady." He strokes his beard with a great, calloused hand. "Might you be Lady Clara Crovane, m'lady?" he asks, taking note of Clara's distinctive white eyes.

"I'll--tell you about it sometime,"Thea quietly tells Mabelle. She frowns a bit at the memory, but she straightens and looks relieved as she hears Clara.

Sir Floppington absolutely adores the young people and easily accepts the multidirectional pettening, doing so with many wags which lightly tap those who might be in tail trajectory. Nova also pets him, too. "Sir Floppington!" Quietly now, Nova quietly confides a heroic tale to the gathered children.

Misty laughs! "Sir Fwoppington? That's silly!" she shouts with glee, and continues to pet the soulful hound.

Jules descends at the same time as Svana and glances around with a smile. He makes no mention of anything but simply continues to keep the ever present smile as he scans, "I say!" He then looks over and laughs to the children and Floppington, nodding at the mention of the heroic tale and then turning back to Belder and follows along and up generally towards Clara's direction but he's clapping his arms against his side to get warm. He looks over to Svana and says, "I don't get how people get use to the chill of it all."

Mabelle's eyes round a bit and then her features soften, "I'm very sorry to hear that. She sounds like a precious girl." Eventually she keeps her voice hushed and introduces herself, "I am Lady Mabelle Laurent", she then nods quietly to Thea and moves along.

Svana moves over to the group of children that are near Nova, kneeling down and offering them all some wrapped caramels from her pocket. She has quite a few of them. Looking over at Jules, she laughs. "This is nothing, Master Jules. You should come to the village where I was raised, with Lady Volcica. That would really d-- uh, make you want a warm blanket."

"Aye, I'm Lady Clara Crovane. A pleasure ta meet ya, Master Belder." Clara inclines her head respectfully to the man. "Thank ya fer yer welcome an' we are happy ta be here durin' this festival. A lovely time of year ta celebrate." She begins following the man.

"Merek," Merek offers as an introduction, while he nods, following along with the party, leaning back on a wall.

The children scream with joy, immediately abadoning Sir Floppington for Svana and her candy. They gather around her, pleading for more and more and more. Even Belder looks a bit surprised, but as Clara speaks, he bows his head to her and Mabelle. "Gods and spirits - noblewomen of Arx here in Twilight Dale again. Will wonders never cease?" He smiles and says, "Follow me, ladies and all you travelers." He trudges up the stairs, but the children remain near Svana, pushing each other trying to get more candy.

Sir Floppington gently noses Misty on her nearest cheek, doing so while his long tail keeps wagging. His soulful eyes are so grateful for the many pets. Nova smiles softly to Svana as she joins them with caramels -- which get the briefest glance because it might be FREE FOOD -- before Nova tells Misty. "Indeed, Sir Floppington! See how flopping his ears are?" Nova pets those.

Sir Flop follows along after the kids while Nova follows Svana, doing so with obvious interest in the displayed caramels but not actually asking for any.

Mabelle nods quietly to her companion girl who goes to help Svana's overwhelming demand with packets of cookies. She makes her way quietly behind Belder and wonders, "Do they not frequent the festivals?", light conversation as they walk.

Belder pulls open the great carved wooden doors of the Governor's Hall, to reveal a spacious wood area, set with many tables. Northlands men and women move about, passing around wooden mugs and horns of mead. A large fire burns in the center of the hall, and meat and cooked vegetables sit in great plenty on every table (though no candy can be found anywhere). A woman dressed in fine silks and furs sits at a great harp on the western side of the hall, playing a beautiful song.

Jules follows along with the other nobles, a brief glance cast over towards Svana along the way. Eyes flick here and there, never too long though because he's happy and distracted. He gnaws very lightly on the end of the roll of unlit haze at the end of his mouth. With Belle's nod of her head, he snickers, "Always cookies around." He has a soft laugh. At the entrance to the Governor's Hall, he spots the woman on the harp and does a momentary glance around before he makes his way over towards the music, eyes regularly flicking over towards the others in and their position but his smile remains fixed.

Clara smiles at Belder's reaction. "Aye, they are here as friends of Crovane." She clarifies for him as they walk in. She looks to the others "Well, this is where yer job starts. Mingle, enjoy, do yer thing. We'll meet in that corner table over there when we've found out what we can. Sound good?" She looks to everyone to see if anyone else has any better suggestions or objections.

Thea walks behind Belder. She unfortunately doesn't carry sweets or anything with her. Usually it's just jerky and such with her for her hawk and dog. Thea looks about the Governor's Hall, feeling like it was forever since she was here last. She looks and the woman playing music, her eyebrow lifted.

Svana looks frankly relieved that someone has produced cookies since her stock of caramels is gone now. She laughs at the enthusiasm of the children and then stands up, brushing her knees off as she moves into the Governor's Hall. "The warm does feel nice... the food smells good... I need that mead," she says, taking stock of everything. She looks at Lady Clara and bites her lip, nodding to her words.


**********************************************************************
Princess Sorrel Thrax is known throughout the Compact as one of Arvum's greatest singers, but she may well have outdone herself with her latest performance. By all accounts it was a fantastic affair featuring effects that stunned the audience, leaving many in disbelief at the wonders that the Bard's College can conjure.

The performance, while impressive all on its own, seemed to have far-reaching effects. Knights of Solace have reported a number of traumatized Shav refugees evidently fleeing some cult with a 'horned' chieftain apparently referring to her song as inspiration to pledge themselves to the Compact, though it's confusing how they could have heard it so quickly.

Sadly, not all news is good. Pravus is in mourning at the shocking news of the brutal murder of Princess Arianna Pravus, whose body was found in an alley surrounded by that of a dozen assailants. Her assassins were dressed in the garb of Skal'daja.
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Beside the woman playing the harp is a man dressed in a black Crovane cloak trimmed with fur, under witch is a stout paunch and thick leather boots. A blackwood-hafted Crovane axe rests on his hip, and his hair and beard are deep auburn. Rising when the guests enter, the man, Wiglaf says to Jules, "Eh, Master - welcome to Twilight Dale. 'Ave some mead, and tell me: from where do you hail?" His eyes pass from Jules to the others that are entering the hall.

Mabelle eyes the very fancy woman on the harps. Harps reminds her of an old friend, making her very sad. She murmurs to Thea, "Did he not say nobles do not frequent here? She seems Noble-ish", Mabelle is about to find the table with most drunken men, at Clara's proposal, but it stopped on her tracks when the black caped man speaks to the group.

Merek listens, looking about with a nod while he watches.

Scout Rowenova and Sir Floppington prowl along with the entering group before curiously scanning all people and the immediate environments.

The woman who had been playing the harp rises and beams at Thea. "Lady Thea!" she calls, waggling her finger and making her way swiftly to the woman's side. "It is so good to see you again!" says the woman Thea may or may not remember is named Tura. "It's been far too long! I visited Arx and tried to call on you, but some scruffy guardsmen said you were not to be disturbed. Ha! Can you believe it?! I hope you will send him back to the Lowers where he belongs!" She tilts up her nose - and then she notices Mabelle beside Thea and goes even paler. Her hand flutter next to her face. "Are you not Lady Mabelle of House Laurent?" she asks, struggle for breath.

Thea murmurs to Mabelle,"The last people that lived here, if I remember right, they still dressed--finely,"her voice quiet. Her eyes take in take in Wiglaf but--oh Gods. Awkward. Thea bows her head and offers Tura a slight smile,"Messere Tura. How are you? I'm sorry about that. I was--a bit unwell so my Guards were following orders." Discreetly taking a step back, she asks,"How are things here? Any news?"

Jules laughs at the mention of mead and says, "I say, the hospitality of the hall is growing on me." He drops a bow to the man and lady and then says, "Jules Fabron, your servant." A brief glance to the woman before he says to the man, "I am glad the tune was so beautiful so to draw me over. Those are some dashing furs for this chilled place. I've spent so much time about, I can truthfully feel that Arx has morphed into my home." He watches as the musician makes her way away but stays focused on the man.

Clara looks to the man who is dressed in her family's attire/weapon and makes her way over to him. "I am Lady Clara Crovane. It is a pleasure ta be here durin' yer festival. We have come up from the city of Arx at the request of House Crovane. We have heard that there..." She looks over at the woman who exclaims at Thea and offers a smile before she looks back to the Governor and continues, voice low so that he can hear her and others might have trouble overhearing what she says. "We heard about the incident at the orphanage. We are here ta see if we can find out who or what is responsible."

At a table not far from Rowenova and Floppington, a man with huge, thick biceps arm wrestles with a middle aged woman of ropey, sinewy muscles. The contest is fierce, and the man seems to be getting the better of it, before the woman takes a drink from a mead horn with her off-hand, and then slowly but inevitably forces the man's hadn to the table. "Spirits and blood!" shouts the man, rising to his feet. "I nearly had ye this time, Ryka!"

Surprised a little at being recognized in a village. In the Northlands. Where she has never ever stepped foot before. She does not falter and flashes a warm smile to Tura, "Indeed, I am", she passes a finger over the family ring and apologizes, "I do not mean to be rude, but how do you know that?". She keeps her ears perked as her compainions keep on asking questions.

Merek checked composure at difficulty 25, rolling 10 lower.

Svana steps over to join Jules, turning her head to look at the commotion near Rowenova. She turns back to the bard and her husband, wrapping an arm in his. She listens with interest to the various conversations, content to float about the room.

Merek looks around a bit, then he notices that... He's with people, questioning them, then he nods a bit. There's a look about, "Ah." That, well he's broken, he just watches people a bit.

Seeing someone just like herself, Nova wolfishly grins to Ryka. "Good work. Wanna go?" She slides sideways to get seatuated in the vacated chair.

Tura glances from side to side, looking down her nose at those around her, and takes a step closer to Thea and Mabelle. "Lady Willow had an orphanage built in the north of town. It went well for a while, but something /dreadful/ has taken place there," relates Tura to the noblewomen, making sure everyone sees her speaking to them privately but not privately.

Ryka pats the table before her with a grin toward Rowenova. "Come try your luck, Lass," she says.

"We heard,"Thea quietly murmurs to Tura. "Can you-tell me what exactly what happened? We'd like to help if we can you see---but we need to know what has been going on."

Rowenova checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 38 higher.

Rysen GM Roll checked str(5) + ath(4) at difficulty 15, rolling 17 higher.

Mabelle lowers her voice to Tura, Mabelle reaches into her bag and takes a beautiful hummingbird pin from it, handing it to Tura, "Here, for your compliments", and information, that's not bribe. She is just supporting Thea.

Mabelle checked charm + seduction at difficulty 10, rolling 22 higher.

"They are fine, are they not, Master Jules? I see ye are a man of culture and taste," replies Wiglaf, a little red faced from his own mead drinking. "All the bloody way from Arx? What brings ye out this far?" he asks Jules, giving him a slightly suspicious, slightly anxious look.

Moving aside the right panel of her direwolf cloak, Nova reaches out the associated arm and sets up for the arm wrestling. After they clasp hands, and the go signal is finally given, the arm wrestling is a long process here. Between both wiry women, their wrestling arms obviously flex even showing the muscle definition through the doublet sleeve along Nova's bicep.

At Clara's words, however, Wiglaf's question to Jules is in part answered. He bows to Clara. "M'lady," he says, "It's a bloody mess. None of the folk will step foot in the area. Ain't seen it myself. They say it's cursed, and the crops have been so good this passed year." He sighs. "When the Spring comes, we plan to burn it all."

Jules smiles to Wiglaf and says with a half dismissive wave, "I'm looking to see about the viability of a trade post up in Stormwall. Rumors seem to indicate it would be quite profitable but you have to put feet to the rumors. But regarding taste and culture, there reaches a point where it stands out whether you're one who has fine tastes." He laughs and squeezes Svana's arm and looks to her. He glances back to Wiglam and nods his head at the mention of something being cursed, his expression seeming quite somber. There's a moment's pause and he asks, "Who's saying it's cursed." He gives a shiver, perhaps dramatic, perhaps real.

"By the gods and spirits!" breathes Tura, accepting Mabelle's gift with trembling hands. "Beeta! Look!" Tura attaches the hummingbird pin to her silk gown, so that it's visible beneath her fur cloak, gleaming in the hall's firelight. "My Lady," she says to Mabelle, smiling, "you are really too kind." She drops into a deep, graceful and oft practiced curtsy.

Mabelle smiles to Tura, "Its made of mirrorsilver, you can only get that metal in Arx, now tell me, dearest, what has been going on in that orphanage?", she side glances at Thea.

Clara looks to Wiglaf. "Cursed? Well, if ya aren't one ta object we'd like ta talk about an' then take a look. We are hopin' ta find out what happened for ya an' help get life back ta normal." She looks around at everyone in the room, keeping an eye on the people here with her. "What can ya tell us about what's happened in the Orphanage?" The Shaman asks politely.

Svana listens to the conversation between Wiglaf, Clara, and Jules without adding much herself. She is an apt listener; and an apt watcher. She gives Jules's arm a squeeze right back, but she does zero in when her husband starts to ask about curses.

Suddenly the hall shakes with loud cheers and the townsfolk begin to beat their fists on the table. Rowenova has engaged Ryka in armwestling, and all attention (except that of Tura who could care less) is focused on Rowenova and Ryka to determine the strongest in Twilight Dale.

Thea looks at Wiglaf a bit confused,"I thought the curse was--taken care of the last time,"her voice clear and even. "Why have you not checked to see? I know I'd want to..."but you know, that's just Thea as she also goes straight to the punch. "How else do you fix something if you don't go see?" Refocusing on Tura, she asks,"Yes,"her tone trying to appear soften. Gods she's awful at this. But it's children. Orphanage. "What's happened there so that we can try and fix it."

After people have had their chance to make their bets and the cheers peak, Rowenova finally powers through Ryka's strength and brings down her hand to the table below in a definite win. After a beat, Nova releases her opponent that she just beat, "Well done. You are a strong one!"

"The caretakers at the orphanage seemed polite. There was a godsworn woman among them, Hesta, who seem particularly good with the children and animals. They say," says Tura, swallowing and looking momentarily uncomfortable, "they say she died in some truly horrid way. I know no more," she says, brushing her fingers along the mirrorsilver pin, and immediately feeling better.

Wiglaf nods to Clara. "I appreciate yer help m'lady," says Wiglaf, taking another long drink from his mead horn. "I don't know much of what happened. The folk livin' near the orphanage said it was blood gruesome out there, and I sent word to Stormwall. After the fucking blood witch, figure there's no good we could do gettin' involved."

Well that was a waste of a pin. Mabelle smiles again to Tura, a kind smile. She turns then toward Wiglad and asks him, "Blood Witch?"

The White-eyed Shaman's attention is stolen by one thing. "I'm sorry, ya said... Blood Witch?" Clara doesn't look terribly thrilled by this news. "What can ya tell us about that?"

"Aye," replies Wiglaf to Clara and Mabelle. "It was Duke Kaldur who gave 'er that name. We knew her as Valore. Offered to help me... er, us with our crops, but the deal went sour. Crops died, then people started getting sick, dying. Lady Thea and Lady Mikani killed her, I here," he says, glancing toward Thea.

Jules nods to Wiglaf seriously and says with some pause, "Nothing to do with children is it ... I mean, in the sense that there's not a statue of one or uhh, angry spirits and" He seems slightly uncomfortable and clears his throat, "Never mind." He glances around and says, "Ahh, mead, that's what I was thinking about." He glances back towards Wiglaf and says, "Nothing about particularly delicious grapes and cherries, is there?"

Thea looks to Clara, telling her,"She's dead. We took care of her awhile ago,"looking over at Wiglaf. "That was when the crops and such weren't growing, if I remember correctly." She practically confirms Wiglaf's story. But-humbly keeps her killing part out.

Mabelle adds blood witches to dying crops and bad deals and merely murmurs to Clara and Thea, "So we're dealing with a curse?"

"'Fraid not, Master Jules," replies Wiglaf. When Rowenova wins, and the entire hall erupts in cheers and groans (depending on if they won money or lost it), Wiglaf raises his horn and bellows, "Skaal!" And the toast it returned by nearly everyone present with great laughter and mirth. A good number of people pat Rowenova on the shoulder.

Merek listens at the talkof the witch, lifting a brow. He does maneuvr in to listen while he thinks about it.

"Well, at least she's dead. Don' mean the effects she's had on the place are necessarily though... Magic is a mystery that way." Clara looks to everyone. "I'd say it will be safer ta go take a look at the Orphanage durin' daylight hours. So if we are gonna go we should go soon. If not we can go first thin' in the mornin'. Thoughts?"

Nova cannot help but to half grin about the shoulder pats before getting up and respectfully bowing to Ryka before she stands back up under more pats. "Thank you!" She soon quiets and curiously inquires, "Do you know anything about what they are all discussing?" She looks forth toward Clara, Wiglaf, Mabelle, Turo, Thea, Svana, and Jules.

"We--shouldn't be. That was before and,"gesturing toward Wiglaf,"I thought he said the crops were doing well. Physician Rukhnis tended to quite a few of the sick,"a brief smile over toward Rowenova. "But I'm not a Shaman, and I--don't know how curses work. So if it's something that's she did before her death, I don't know? I don't know how blood magic works---" No. Shamanism is not Thea's thing. "Should we go..see in the morning?"

Svana shakes her head softly to Rowenova. "Not I. But it sounds like they've had the work of a blood witch on their hands, a curse amongst their crops. It would appear that before the witch perished cursed their fields so that they are still infertile." She furrows her brows and looks at Nova, asiding quietly, "Not good."

Wiglaf nods to Thea. "The Crops's been much better." Turning to Clara, he says, "Please tell the Duchess she'll be gettin' at least as much revinue when our carrots and grain go to market." When Thea mentions visiting the orphanage, he nods, frowing. "I'll have Ersfain take ye there first thing." Beeta arrives beside Tura, Mabelle and Thea. "Yer always welcome in the Rider's Rest, Ladies, and your fellow travelers as well," she adds.

To Svana, Nova grimly nods. She looks back to all those who have been doing those shoulder pats or were doing them, looking to see if they have anything that they might add to 'all that'.

Jules actually seems more relieved to be dealing with this curse at the mention of it not dealing with delicious fruits and his smile eases a bit, "Quite right!" He pulls out a hanky to dab at his forehead and then tucks it back away. He glances to Clara and nods his head, "I think that seems very rational but my own logic has brought a few pieces of steel to my throat so it's likely better to have someone a bit more sound in the thinking department chime in." He then glances to the others to allow their thoughts.

Mabelle smiles quietly to Beeta, trying to hide her concern as well as her wondering if her parents favor a certain vegetable, "I'd honestly rather not with curses at night. Its not related, but I prefer full vision if possible".

Svana asides to Rowenova to make a correction, "They were infertile, at least. But the witch still has some power over this place, it would appear."

Rowenova checked perception + investigation at difficulty 30, rolling 50 higher.

Thea nods to Beeta, thanking her,"I appreciate that as I'm sure the others do as well,"looking at her companions. Wiglaf's demeanor however, makes her curious.

"Aye, I don't want ta deal with curses at night or at all but it comes with the territory." Clara agrees with Mabelle. "Alright, let's hunker down an' go in the day. Let's enjoy the festival with these great folk. I think you'll all enjoy the Northern hospitality." She looks to Wiglaf. "How much do ya owe us come this harvest?"

Nova quietly thanks the back patters then heads back to the main group before curiously scanning the whole room before sliding closer to Jules and Svana. "Maybe, we should speak with our lead escort and ask about prior prep before tomorrow's trek."

"Er... I'd say about six - no, five thousand silver, m'lady," says Wiglaf, quickly drinking from his horn. "Don't want to promise too much and get yer hopes too high," he says with a chuckle, mead dripping from his red beard onto his paunch.

Merek enjoys a bit of that festival, then makes a way to begin with a little bit of settling in for a bit night.

After gathering some dinner and a warm drink, Mabelle and her girl follows Beeta and Tura toward a place of rest, where the latter keeps eyeing her bags, making her weary, until she is finally behind a locked door.

Svana wraps her arms around herself, feeling perhaps a sudden chill. She nods to Rowenova about her idea and starts off with her that direction before enjoying a bit of the festival finally, then going upstairs to sleep in a shared room for she and Jules.

After some time at the festival, Thea heads over to the Inn and locks the door. Her dagger on her persons, she falls in a light sleep.

"These times have been hard fer everyone. I will personally pay that on yer behalf." Clara declares to Wiglaf. "Focus on gettin' yer people fed an' recoverin' from whatever is goin' on. We'll try ta stop it an' get yer lives back on track."

Jules looks over towards Rowenova and, rather than taking particular note of the festivities, moves along merrily with her and Svana and gives a parting waggle of his eyebrows to Wiglaf and then turns to whisper to Svana with a mischievous grin.

Esfrain frowns darkly at Rowenova as a young woman accepts a substantial stack of silver coins him. "Damn outsider," he spits, and lifts his mug of mead. Turning to his mates, he says, "Ryka's tired's all." When he notices Svana approaching, however, he straightens up a bit, and smiles a yellow-toothed smile. "Aye, Mistress! Share some mead with me, eh?"

Rysen GM Roll checked charm(1) at difficulty 15, rolling 11 lower.

Svana smiles ever so politely at Esfrain, bowing to him. "Oh, you flatter me! I'm afraid that I'm a bit weary from the day's travelling; perhaps another time. There is always breakfast mead!" She says to him cheerfully as she skirts away with Jules.

Rowenova looks over to Esfrain, "You wanna go?" she says it like 'bring it', before bringing up a fist which she slams against the double-breasted layers of her manly-styled doublet. Though, she stops taunting him when he seems to ultimately focus on Svana and Jules.

Rowenova checked perception + investigation at difficulty 30, rolling 17 higher.

"Aye, there is Mistress," says Esfrain leering after Svana, until he notices her move away with Jules, the latter of which earns the guardsman's scowl. "Eh?" he says to Rowenova. "Fuck off," he says, snorting. His cronies laugh stupidly, nodding to Esfrain as if he were Prince Niklas Grayson.

Mabelle is somewhere in one of Beeta's excellent rooms, having her beauty sleep. It was a long drive.

With a wolfish grin in the shadow of her wolf pelt, Nova swiftly drifts her cobalt-blue/kohl-lined gaze over Esfrain and his laughing cronies. How many? Then, "Be glad you are needed for tomorrow." She will walk lest they try her.


After telling Wiglaf that his towns taxes will be handled, Clara goes about enjoying her evening with the locals.

Sir Floppington pensively follows Nova. After they have left Governor's Hall, they both scout out the Rider's Inn, doing so in and out before they have finally found so many crow feathers. Of course, Nova will inform Clara.

After a good night's sleep in the Rider's Rest Inn, the group is offered a hearty breakfast of eggs and lentils, toast with butter and warm coffee. Esfrain arrives, poorly dressed in the same clothes he wore the night before looking hungover. When everyone is ready, he reluctantly leads them through the fresh fallen snow toward the northern side of town. Esfrain consistently does his best to walk beside Svana, saying such charming small talk as, "Damn fine gown 'ere, Mistress," and "Ain't no one so connected as meself here in Twilight Dale. Duke Kulder sayed I's next in line to govern."

After forty minutes of treking through the snow, the outer walls of the orphanage come into view. A murder of crows watch from the barren trees nearby.

Fourty minutes in heels. This is FINE. Mabelle scans her surrounding constantly, particularly animal behaviour and the state of vegetation as she quietly steps beside Clara, happy to finally see their destination.

Mabelle checked perception + investigation at difficulty 30, rolling 30 higher.

On her good mare of short stature, Nova rides along through the fresh snow, doing so with Sir Floppington following along behind them. She makes sure to strategically ride where it would be incredibly easy to jump off from her elevated position and beat up Esfrain if he ever gets too weird with Svana. When he is not looking, Nova quietly mouths a quick apology her way.

Clara's long hair takes her a bit to tame but beyon that she is out of bed quickly and dressed back in her leather armor quickly enough. She walks to the Orphanage with everyone and every so often just closes her eyes as they walk, taking in the feeling of the primum around them, especially as they get closer to the place that is said to be cursed.

Svana looks over at Jules from time to time with a clear look that says 'help me'. However, she attempts to be accommodating to Esfrain; just not too accommodating. "Oh yes, that is what Duke Kaldur said?" Svana laughs and digs her hands into the pockets of her cloak, boots clodding along. "I'm sure you would do just fine. You know, you should really look into getting more merchants... I could send a few your way..."

At one point during the ride out there, Jules leans over to whisper to Esfrain with a conciliatory pat on the back. This is easy enough to do, since Svana's riding on his horse.

Clara checked mana + occult at difficulty 30, rolling 25 higher.

Mabelle dusts the snow from her hair, and turns Clara's attention to the plants, about 50 yard around the orphanage, "Look, even the evergreens are decaying", she notes to Clara, looking up the the circle of birds around the building, almost ganged up in a ring, "I think are watching us", she comments, being utterly discomforted.

Merek wakes up, then he maneuvers to where the party looks to be, while he nods about. He sighs, taking the time to mount the horse.

Sir Floppington looks up toward the dark birds in the trees above, doing so with an lift up of his greying muzzle then a low growl.

Clara looks at Mabelle and then to the plants in the area. "Aye, that's not good... The Spirits have fled this area fer some reasons as well... They are probably connected." She bends down and gets a closer look at the plants. "Be leery of everythin' here. I'm not gettin' happy feelin's from this place. Somethin' is wrong an' we need ta stop whatever is causin' it..." The Shaman looks on edge, spooked, tense...

After the canine report, Nova follows up with, "Especially of those crows."

Esfrain glances at Jules his mouth gaping in abject stupification, before turning to take a hard look at Svana. He makes his way over to Merek. "Say there, you known that 'ere woman..." he seems to hesitate on the last word, "...long?" Esfrain gestures to Svana.

Svana is not privvy to whatever Jules has whispered to Esfrain, but she does seem rather comfortable with Jules, putting her head on his shoulder as they ride. She closes her eyes and seems somewhat relieved when Esfrain buggers off for a few minutes.

Clara checked perception + alchemy at difficulty 30, rolling 9 lower.

Rowenova checked perception + alchemy at difficulty 30, rolling 24 higher.

Mabelle checked perception + alchemy at difficulty 30, rolling 29 higher.

Jules watches as Esfrain trots off, certainly this will not end well and he can already tell it as his wife leans her head on his shoulder. There's an audible gulp but it's after the man as moved away. He lets out a sigh and shakes his head, "Only two jars of honey." Somehow, work should probably be going on, there probably is something of value that he can do. Ahh yes, that haze! He pulls it back out and puts it in his mouth, preparing to light up to make the world's problems seem a little less problematic. Before lighting up though, he kisses Svana on the head and says, "I need to take a moment and starts to hop off the horse and says, "Maybe I could just ... make my way in there quietly first ... just to make sure no one's in there?"

Mabelle lowers herself a moment, crouching. She shifts the soil in which the plants is set in, looking at the roots, looking for insects or anything alike. She rises anew and remarks, "This is weird", she comments to Clara and Nova, "Its as if they aged really fast, but there was no cause for it. No disease, nothing. They're just naturally dead". She peers perplexed at the evergreens.

Svana hops down from the horse as well, leaning in to kiss Jules on the cheeks and chin. "Go ahead, but I shant be far behind. I've got my knife. Be careful, will you?" She asks him, keeping the reins of the horse for the moment, petting it and listening closely/watching sharply for anything amiss.

Nova hops down from her good horse (so good she just stops/stands there). Then, Nova tells Jules, "Save one of those jars for Esfrain." She may be saying something more sinister than it sounds like. Then, the wolfy scout checks out the decaying plants. She pulls out her hunting knife before then digging up the whole plant and a little deeper to check out the root level along with the soil content, too. She even applies a couple solutions from those belt vials she always brings.

Clara pulls out her axe and a lantern and heads up to the orphanage's large wooden double doors. She pulls them open and then enters into the courtyard on the other side where six bodies lay in a circle. Those bodies are picked apart as though the crows have gotten to them but even so the bodies are covered in frost and so preserved. She wrinkles her nose and starts looking over the scene with her white eyes. "A circle of dead bodies..."

Jules checked dexterity + stealth at difficulty 15, rolling 27 higher.

Mabelle glances around and noticing everyone going inside, "Dont leave me out here!", she rushes behind Carla, eyeing the crows. She then sees what Clara sees and wishing she stayed outside.

Clara checked perception + occult at difficulty 15, rolling 13 higher.

Mabelle wields a steel and burnished gold hairpin of enticing beauty.

Finding nothing wrong in a scientific sense, Nova shows off a decayed plant to the good boy Sir Floppington. She nods softly, tosses asside the bad plant, then softly pecks the soulful hound with a quick kiss to his fuzzy cheek.

Svana wields a curved steel dagger with swan etchings and an amethyst colored leather grip.

Jules does move in behind Clara, remaining silent as he pulls further in, in order to be a more shaded position in the room and eying what he can. He is not moving closer towards the bodies, only edging around the courtyard and quietly towards the actual orphanage.

Svana finally heads in after the others, seemingly not afraid to be left in the eerie surroundings by herself. Upon seeing the bodies, she lets out a quiet, "Huh." Her dagger comes out and she starts looking around, pushing on walls, looking for anything suspect.

Merek checked perception + investigation at difficulty 30, rolling 6 lower.

Svana checked perception + investigation at difficulty 30, rolling 6 higher.

Jules checked perception + investigation at difficulty 30, rolling 3 lower.

Clara looks back over to Mabelle when she mentions the plants and nods her head. "Curious that they would age really fast..." She turns her white eyes back to the scene before her though and slowly steps out of the way. "Scout Nova, If ya wouldn't mi..." She stops mid sentence and exhales slowly. "Death help me..." She draws in a breath and looks to the others. "There is a delicate matter ta handle here. We have... a ghost an they are -very- upset."

Mabelle checked perception + investigation at difficulty 30, rolling 23 higher.

Nova momentarily hugs Sir Flop but with just arms no hands. She stands up, pulls off her leather gloves which she dusts off before tucking away those into her saddle bags then strapping on her diamondplate equipment. Then, the wolf scout jogs forth to Shaman Clara. She suddenly stops at the crime scene before frowning deeply. "What are they saying?"

Merek looks to the bodies, while he takes a moment to look at the party as well. He doesn't do a lot besides watch. He does sigh in thought.

In his leather booties, Sir Floppington closely follows Rowenova, too.

Rowenova checked perception + investigation at difficulty 30, rolling 21 higher.

Svana listens to Clara briefly, but her curiosity seems to be getting the better of her. She wanders deeper into the orphanage and disappears for a few moments before coming back out, looking a bit paled. She looks at Lady Clara and the others, "If I didn't know any better, I'd say that some very dark rites took place here... there are circles and animal skeletons underneath one of the beds back there." She shivers all over and wraps her arms around herself, biting her lip.

Mabelle glances at Clara wearily, "A ghost?", she touches her throat, recounting the last time she ran into one of those angry things and grows a bit pale. Lets get away from the ghost. She peeks around and finds a creaky door. Carefully pushing it her eyes fall upon a shrine but in state of horror. The shrine, dedicated to the spirits has been entirely desecrated, died blood everywhere, sigils of Jayus and Petrichor, destoryed, the latter covered in well... poop. "I think I know why its angry", she calls to those outside.

Jules squints and looks around, boy those people sure do look cold on the ground, if only he had a blanket. Wait, they're dead! Disregard, good thing he's over here silently standing in the corner and scanning about until Clara mentions ghosts being upset and then all the information flooding in. He makes his way along the direction that Svana mentions dark rites having taken place and takes a peak through and then hears Belle's words and he bites his lower lip, seeming glad to just remain silently standing there.

Clara checked composure at difficulty 20, rolling 7 higher.

Jules checked perception + investigation at difficulty 15, rolling 5 higher.

Deep breath in, sloooow breath out. Clara stands there before a woman who's heart has been removed from her body. The ghost must realize that Clara can see her because she stands there nodding her head at the woman before she repeats. "The Orphans... they did this..." She looks mortified but continues. "A girl named Eilsara killed the tutors and then sacrificed this woman." She points at the body of the woman without her heart. "They did it in front of the shrine of Petrichor and then brought her body here." She looks to the air, probably where the ghost is. "Do you know where these children have gone?"

Ersfain slowly and very reluctantly moves towards the entrance of the orphanage and promptly retches on the ground the moment he lays eyes on the half-eaten corpses.

Mabelle emerges back out from the shrine and tilts her head to Clara, "Did you say the children did it? And a blood witch. I encountered something similiar before, but it was possession, blood magic and the host did not survive, or barely so"

Jules makes his way back out of the orphanage after a more lengthy drip in and seems to look torn apart with concern, "The children's clothing is all gone! Do you think ...do you think they can match their outfits?" While most certainly someone might see this as a joke, Jules does look legitimately concerned enough to come out from the shadows, his eyes shifting about and not having heard what Clara said because he was inside.

Emotional eating problems? Simply Investigating things? Possibly inspired by the Herald of the Reflection of Gild? Or: All 3? After taking note of the ghost report by Shaman Clara, Scout Rowenova frowns darky and turns away and easily finds and meticulously investigates the kitchen area.

Svana moves a bit closer to Jules when he comes out of the shadows, one of her hands coming up to her mouth as Clara says that the Orphans committed the murders. She listens to the rest of it and fidgets nervously in place, looking to Jules and drawing him close to her.

Clara nods her head to the woman. "I am sorry this has happened. Do ya know why the children have turned to blood magic?" She looks to Nova as she heads off. "We need ta find these children. They are dangerous. Do ya think ya can try and figure out where they might have gone? This Eilsara is as well..." To Mabelle she nods her head. "I hope it's not that... Exorcisms are dangerous business..."