" There is nothing to worry about. As you can see.. we are fine. Let's just say the ritual worked.."
He shrugs.
"Okay then. So...guess we need to inform the people back at the Lodge what happened. But don't you guys need to head to Feldgrau?"
" Yes.. I just aid that not- " For once in a long while.. Darius stopped himself. He used a.. softer tone, " You are right Duristan. We shall be going to Feldgrau. Before we go some want to visit the Lodge to inspect it one more time for anything that could help or personal reasons. Are there any Merchants at the Lodge Duristan? "
"Ehhh, not really. Madame Ivanja makes potions in her spare time, and might have some trinkets from her customers she might be willing to part with. Duristan sells hunting supplies, but probably nothing you need. The Margrave could probably order you something if you get on his good side, but it'd take forever to get here."
" I expected as much, I personally ed to apologize to someone there.. Then our trip will be quick... "
" I bet this hunt was likely nothing you've ever expected. I hope I didnt disappoint, Duristan. "
"It was certainly something. I get the feeling I don't have the whole story for why you're doing this."
"Guess I never questioned WHY people would want to go hunt werewolves before."
" Questioning your Activity of grandeur for more than what it was? That is called observance and self-reflection. Do you speak of the Hunting or the other task we must complete? "
"Both?"
" The second, for your safety I cant fully tell you.. just know the Whispering Way are a terrible organization that must be stopped. The First.. well.. I've been taught to do it all my life.. and it has been useful to stave off the creatures of the night that prey on the innocent. As we saw however.. the Beasts still have exceptions to that clause. This is why I hunt with knowledge knowing they mean to cause harm. As my goddess says.. all deserve a chance to prove themselves once more if they are not wholly irredeemable "
"I see. You've...given me a lot to think about, Darius. Thanks."
" Value life even if you must take it Duristan.. but don't thank me.. I'm not a model worshiper of my goddess at all. "
" Let's go.. we dont have enough time to waste. I believe I have the route down as well.. I can get us back much faster.. It pays to use that of your enemy when it is beneficial "
Darius casted Nature's Path leading the party back to Ascanor Lodge.
Darius brings the group back to Ascanor in half the time it took before.
Darius along with the rest will split off from Duristan to leave him to his task as they take a sweep of the various off limits areas of the Lodge with Estovion's keys.. nonchalantly but not openly.
Darius is kind enough to help Zin.. for obvious reasons being her perception was not that great. Technical searching he left to Jones.
Meanwhile, Jones does his Alchemical Allocation-Elixir of Vision combo before he even begins searching.
There is nothing else of note in Estovion's locked areas.
6 days, 4 by horse (which you may purchase from the Stablemaster). 4 days, 3 and a few hours by horse with the spell.
Darius goes to find the man who approached him earlier about his dead friend to check on the proceedings and to give an apology. He felt almost... obligated to.. odd for him.
The Margrave greets Darius first with indifference, though softens with his apology.
"Bygones. I lost my temper when I shouldn't have in the first place. It should be me who apologizes."
" I could tell, does the preparations seem to be going well? Was there anything else you needed to know? Me a my.. colleagues will be leaving soon. "
Darius did not wear a sympathetic face, he did not change too much.
"Yes. The funeral arrangements are well underway. Soon I'll have to depart back home. I don't know how I'll face his family."
[b]"But, no. There were no further questions I needed to ask you."[/b
" Lying helps, it tends to soothe some way or another I however am not an expert in that field. I suppose I can only... wish you the best. "
The Margrave inclines his head to you and excuses himself.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Estovion has a number of personal journals, but they are mostly filled with the day to day workings of the Lodge up until the Way showed up, though the earlier works show his contempt for the Palatinate and desire for the return of the aristocracy to power.
As well, there are many philosophical texts on the nature of religion, and a few on the nature of werewolves and their psychology.
Other than that, nothing of particular interest.
Darius otherwise Yoinks the Werewolf material.
-Posted with Wayfinder