"We could rest here for a meal while you get ready. Let people make any inquiries they need and head off before too long."
Miss Dosatora is visibly pleased by Micheo's response. However, Inconnu's suggestion appears to momentarily puzzle her.
Her smile quickly returns, though.
"How impolite of me," she says, touching a hand to her chin. "I'd been so distracted by my brief delay at this fort, I'd neglected to consider how long you've been traveling. If you are in need of a rest, then please be my guest. I would also relish the opportunity to learn more about my new traveling companions."
She gestures across the road and fields skirting the fort, inviting the party to select a place to set down for a repast.
"Aye. A meal would be good.", Micheo says, aware of his own weariness.
”So polite!” Ulark didn’t realize how hungry he was until it was time to eat. Stomach growling he tore into it. ”Names Ulark! Used to be a logger. Guess I’m an adventurer now? It certainly pays better.” Looking to impress he put his new axe on the table. ”Got this off a kobold in an old dwarven ruin. Going to make it into a halberd!” He gave a toothy grin, quite pleased at his introduction.
"I'm Joanna."
Dugan tucks enthusiastically into his dinner but shifts uncomfortably in his heavier armor. 'Dugan' He manages between mouthfuls of food.
"It is a supreme delight to meet all of you," Miss Dosatora replies as she fiddles with her dress and settles down upon the grass among the party.
"I was visiting my uncle for his 59th birthday. The rest of my family opted to stay behind in Oregent," she says with a wrinkle of her nose in distaste. "They never quite forgave him for abandoning Augustana for Piren's Bluff, never mind that they all did the same not ten years later. They said the port had been attracting too many unsavory characters to Augustana, so the rest of the family moved to Oregent. Frankly, I'd say they traded the kettle for the pot with that decision."
Miss Dosatora smiles at her own jest, and she begins to nibble on a small corn cake.
"I'm Inconnu, I've wandered these roads before but it has been a while. With any luck we wont run into any bandits... if our luck runs sour then we'll rely on skill an guile to deal with any problems like that."
"We've had a few interesting adventures, the kobolds were more of a test of mettle than we expected. Dugan recovered the wargear of a dwarven hero of old."
"We have fought evil.", adds Micheo in between bites.
"It is quite reassuring to hear that you are so capable. Those soldiers," she says nodding her head towards the fort, freeing a lock of hair from beneath her hat, "talked quite a bit about a gang of bandits or some such plying these roads. They aren't numerous enough to hazard attacking the better guarded caravans, so they prey upon smaller groups and lone travelers instead."
Miss Dosatora purses her lips, contemplating something.
"Perhaps that is why my family didn't want to make the journey. Then again, that would involve far more knowledge of current events than I would give them credit for," she says, rolling her eyes. "Anyhow, I am traveling home, returning from one branch of my family tree back to the trunk. What brings you fine folks onto the open road?"
"I wandered, and Sarenrae guided me to the Vale.", Micheo says, counting this as the simple truth.
"It is good that you are revisiting your roots.", he adds.
'I'm also looking for the homes of my ancestors. Fell in with these folks trying to cure a strange sickness.'
Ulark shrugged. ”Since I met them we’ve found medicine to cure some sick people, saved some children from kobolds, and explored ancient dwarven ruins. Much better that cutting down trees.”
It was fairly easy to tell that there was more to Ulark’s reasons that just that.
Miss Dosatora nods along as you share more details about your travels. She shows genuine interest in what each of you say, but she does not pry any further. If she notices a nervousness beneath Ulark's story, she shows no sign of it.
The impromptu picnic passes pleasantly. The soft breeze brings down none of the cold air lurking in the mountains, a memento of winter, and the afternoon reassures you that spring has come.
Once you are finished with lunch, the socialite leaps to her feet, and she is all smiles when she asks whether you are ready to press onward.
Micheo looks to the others.
"I am ready."
In response to the inquiry about what brought each of them onto the road he simply smiles "I'm Varissian!"
After their meal and brief rest "Getting underway would be wise, we can still get a good distance with the remains of the day I think."
You gather up your packs, Miss Dosatora shoulders her valise, and your group returns to the road. The sun crests high in the sky, but its light brings no oppressive heat. The occasional cool breeze counterbalances the warm sweat the builds beneath your clothes as you march southward.
Along the way, your new companion seeks to trade stories. For instance, she describes the granite keep of Baron Vendikon, the most notable landmark in Piren's Bluff. However, she apologizes for the scantness of her details, as she visits the mountainside hamlet only once a year at most and has yet to digest all of the sights.
She has much more to say about Olfden, which lies perhaps six leagues down the long road. When she learns that some among you have never been to Olfden, she eagerly insists that you visit the Five Falcon Fountain in front of the town hall - calling it one of the finest works of art in Andoran north of Almas.
...
A couple hours down from the fort, Miss Dosatora exclaims, "Oh, how majestic!" as she points to the east.
Perhaps more than a quarter mile away, a geyser has erupted upon the rolling lowlands. Its towering plume of heated water catches the sun's light, creating a cascade of color as it rains down upon the gorse growing among the rocks.
Ulark listened to the stories, devouring them. He had little to nothing to tell in return, so he listened. Not that he recognized much of anything she said.
—-
At seeing the geyser he looked on with worry. ”Looks dangerous. Hope we don’t need to go through there.”
"I'm more worried about those bandits. Keeping our wits about us might help us avoid hazards natural and otherwise."
Keeping to the road, well-marked by innumerable wagon wheels, you remain unharmed by the geothermal hotspots that stretch across the plains to your left and right. You witness the eruption of two more geysers, further removed from the road. Near the end of the road, the foul smell of sulfur, bubbling up from nearby hot springs like wounds in the earth, grows almost overwhelming.
Your first clue that you approach your destination comes as the narrow arms of a forest come into view to the southwest.
Inconnu readily identifies it as the Arthfell Forest. He also explains that, ages ago, the Arthfell and Darkmoon Wood were once a single forest, covering the entirety of the plains and the Vale. The wide expanse of bare lowlands that you just crossed is the scar left by countless generations of logging.
Continuing southward, the forest begins to dominate more of the horizon to the right of the road, but a new landmark comes into view. A basalt shelf rises sharply from the ground, hemming in the lowlands with cliffs that must stand forty feet or more. With a joyful gasp, Miss Dosatora points towards the cliffs ahead.
"Ah! The Elberwick Rise is before us! Olfden sits just atop the edge of that shelf. Did you know that this plateau stretches south to cover most of Andoran?" she states, proud of her geographical knowledge. "It also marks the southern edge of Darkmoon Vale. I'm much relieved that our journey was uneventful, although the company was delightful. I'm sure that those bandits were utterly frightened by the sight of such capable heroes," she adds with a giggle.
"Hopefully they got scared into a more sedate life by an owlbear or something. It's good we didn't have an encounter for whatever the reason. Perhaps next time."
"One can hope. And I have to say, it was a pleasant journey. But it isn't over yet, is it? Let's make our way to that ridge."
Drawing closer, you find that the large farming town of Olfden actually straddles the ridge at a point where the plateau's rise from Darkmoon Plain is less extreme. The northernmost walls sit upon the plains below, protecting part of the town actually settled at the foot of the plateau.
As you march up the wheel-rutted road scaling the gentle slope in the Elberwick Rise, Miss Dosatora continues to sing Olfden's praises.
"Besides the Five Falcon Fountain, you simply must visit the Thrumming Birch. It's only Olfden's most famous restaurant. Now, you might not expect such a thing in a simple farming town, but Master Thrum is simply a culinary genius! He pioneered the innovative use of boiled grick, and now chefs visit from as far as Almas and Augustana to learn the recipe."
A pair of wide-set stone towers guard the slope offering entrance to Olfden. A respectable complement of uniformed town guards stand atop these ramparts, bearing spears that glint brightly in the afternoon light.
Entering the town proper, you immediately notice several significant differences between Olfden and Falcon's Hollow. Most notable for Ulark and Joanne is the absence of sawdust, which has previously been a ubiquitous part of life in the logging town. Furthermore, despite being more than twice the size of Falcon's Hollow, Olfden is only half as loud. In particular, the lack of a sawmill's persistent whine makes the air of the town...peaceful.
"Oh, it feels so delightful to be out of the hinterlands," Miss Dosatora declares. "And I daresay, you have been some of the best traveling companions I've ever had the privilege of meeting. However, I promised you far more than simply my thanks, didn't I? My family keeps a flat beside Maestro's Magic. If you would kindly follow me, I can reward you properly."
”This is...amazing. I was told that if I ever left town then I’d be attacked at least once a day, and if not then at night. But this was a pleasant journey and an even more pleasant town. And what’s a grick?” Ulark cheeefully asked as he followed Dosatora.
Inconnu frowns at some of the gaps in the wall but suspects not only will commentary be unwelcome but the attention it would bring to them would be undesirable right now. "Pale worm creatures with lots of tentacles near their mouth about the size of a grown human. They live underground mostly." Inconnu mentions off handedly in response to Ulark.
"Maestro's Magic? I don't think I've heard of that place. Since we are going that way it might be worth a look."
Micheo has been quiet, thoughtful at the presence of so many companions.
"You are welcome, Miss Dosatora. I would be happy to accompany you. This is a fine town and I would see it. Are there any troubles here?"
"Maetro's is a shop that specializes in the magic inherent in music," she explains cheerfully as you walk down the wide Olfden street. "Frankly, I'm surprised you're not familiar with it, Mister Inconnu. Besides offering an impressive array of musical instruments, both magical and mundane, the Maestro sells scrolls and other enchanted trinkets related to music, speech, and sound. The Maestro himself - oh, his name is Gladven Syl, by the way - is the retired conductor of the National Orchestra in Almas."
As you follow Miss Dosatora, you take note of interesting shops along the main thoroughfare running north to south across the town. For one, you pass a large inn and tavern that already attracts a sizeable number of patrons for supper; the sign hanging over the door proclaims it to be the Silver Bulette.
"Now, being rather keen travelers, you may be wondering why a humble farming town - large though it may be - warrants something so exotic as a magical music shop. Well, the residents of this town are wiser than many give them credit for. They can see that they can't depend on logging revenue forever, despite what the Lumber Consortium may say. As a result, a lot of businesses have begun catering to adventurers and explorers setting out for the dwarven ruins clustered around the mountains."
Micheo's question prompts a quiet moment of thought from your highborn tour guide before she answers.
"Well, I daresay that most residents would say that werewolves are still their biggest fear. After all, the Night of Silver Blood is still all too fresh in many people's minds. There's also the ongoing tension between loggers and the denizens of the nearby forest, but I suspect most people around here keep that at the back of their minds."
You arrive at Maestro's Magic, identified by a silver-painted sign in the shape of a harp.
"Ah, here we are," she announces pleasantly. "I fear that my family's flat has not been tended by a maid in some time, so it is simply not fit to receive visitors at the moment. Why don't you browse the Maestro's shop while I go set my bag down and fetch your reward?"
"The night of silver blood?", Micheo asks.
"I imagine an assault by the werebeasts?"
"You're quite right," she answers Micheo. "It was a ghastly affair some years back, although I don't quite remember the details."
The most shocking aspect of the attack, however, was the werewolves' seeming immunity to silver weapons. The silvered arrows and spears that Olfden's defenders had long relied on to fend off lycanthropes could scarcely wound the beastial foes. Whenever the defenders did inflict injuries, the werewolves bled silver-colored blood - hence the name given to the fateful attack.
Although the town's walls were breached in several places, the heroics of several individuals held off the attackers long enough for Diamond Regiment soldiers and Fangwatch rangers to arrive and break the siege.
"Do not worry yourself. I shall find out in the fullness of time.", replies Micheo with a smile. His unfamiliarity with the area means that he will not recall such things himself.
"About a decade back on a full moon Summer's night an army of werewolves came from the Arthfell Forest. They were aidd by hobgoblins and vengeful druids. They laid siege to Olfden. This was not some disorganised rabble, they came with catapult, trebuchets and flaming arrows."
"The werewolves seemed immune to silver weapons. When they were injured their blood was a silver colour. The Diamond Regiment and Fangwatch Rangers eventually helped break the siege but you can still see some of the breaches in the walls to this day... something they may learn to regret too late..."
Dugan perks up at the mention. 'Dwarven Ruins?' His eyes shine and he beams a smile.
Dugan perks up at the mention. 'Dwarven Ruins?' His eyes shine and he beams a smile.
"Yes, indeed. I've heard that Olfden has already seen a surge in adventurers and even explorers from the Pathfinder Society using the town as a starting point to seek out remnants of the old dwarf kingdoms. Obviously, I'm hardly an expert on such matters, but I'm sure you can find plenty of information around here if you look hard enough."
Inconnu's knowledge of recent local history leaves Miss Dosatora impressed.
"You are quite well versed, Mr. Inconnu," she says almost coquettishly. "But I've never quite had a mind for the past. I prefer to look ahead to the future. Speaking of which, what are your plans now? Will you be staying in town for a while, or is Olfden simply a stopping point on the rest of your journey?"
.....
A little later, after the conversation has wrapped up, Miss Dosatora leaves you to browse Maestro's and other neighboring shops as she slips along the side of the building to climb the rear stairs to her family's flat so she can retrieve your promised reward. After a quarter hour, she returns straight away.
"I've heard that adventurers prefer jewels to coins because they travel more easily, so I hope these will be to your liking."
From a velveteen pouch, she produces a handful of moonstones, amethyst, and amber, then parcels the small gemstones out to her erstwhile traveling companions.
"Thank you. I think we'll keep moving for now but I think Dugan would like to talk to these Pathfinders and adventurers about those ruins. We'll be back I'd warrant."
Ulark’s eyes gleamed at the sight of the gems. Such wealth! More than he’d ever make logging.
”As generous as polite. You have my gratitude, and I will say as such to anyone.”
"Thank you."
"Well, I shall wish you well on your future travels. I will linger in Olfden for a day or two before I am forced to drag myself back to Oregent," she sighs. "Millie and Hedy back home may call this town a dull hole in the edge of nowhere, but I find it quite peaceful. Much cleaner than home, too."
A gleam pops into Miss Dosatora's eye, heralding an important idea.
"I'd almost forgotten! While retrieving your payment from the strongbox, I found this old family signet ring in a jewelry box," she says, removing a brass ring from her finger. "It may not be worth much, but I wanted to also give it to you as a sign of my family's favor. I certainly hope that our paths may cross again."
She holds the ring out, offering it to the party as one last parting gift.
Inconnu looks at the signet ring unsure if he knows anything about this specific one. "That is very kind but are you sure?" The idea of it being discovered and them being accused of theft comes to mind.
Micheo smiles gently.
"I have come to see that adventuring can be a lucrative profession - and a short one. But my thanks, Lady Dosatora."
"Oh, no need to worry about such things," Miss Dosatora dismisses Inconnu's worry with a gentle wave. "After the abolishment of the nobility, so many signets and crests flooded the markets - sold by former nobles trying to recover their lost wealth - that hardly anyone bats an eye when they see such things in ordinary hands. No offense intended, of course, friends."
"Your family has connections with House Novotnian then?"
Miss Dosatora leans in and, with an impish smile, speaks conspiratorially.
"Between you and me, I don't think so. Father certainly likes to claim a connection, but I don't think anyone believes it. It certainly isn't impressing anyone, at least not south of Olfden.
"Oh, that actually reminds me! You wouldn't happen to have plans to visit Adamas, would you? I know the soldiers there often look to hire adventurers for this or that. An acquaintance of mine serves with the garrison, and since I can't visit in person, I should like to send a letter."
"And where is Adamas?", Micheo says without subterfuge.
"Why, it's only a couple miles east of town," Miss Dosatora says, almost surprised by the question. "Besides adventurers, I think a lot of the businesses in Olfden have also come to cater to Diamond Regiment soldiers on leave from the stronghold.
"You could probably get there before nightfall, but I wouldn't recommend that," she says with an almost coquettish smile. "Not only do I need a little time to draft my letter, but you'd be denying yourselves the chance to have dinner at the Thrumming Birch.
"In fact, I have a delightful idea!" she says, clapping her hands together. "Why don't you go to the restaurant as my guests? If you show Master Thrum the ring I just gave you, he will set you up with his best table on the spot. I will join you a little later, once I've written my letter, of course."
Dugan rubs his stomach absentmindedly 'Never one to turn down a good meal'
"Seems fair, a chance to rest before moving on seems like a good idea."
"It certainly has been a long walk. It would be nice to rest for a while."
"You show generosity, Lady. I will accept."
Your host directs you down a main thoroughfare running west, just around the corner from Maestro's shop. You follow Gumwood Road until it dead ends onto an intersection with Aldred Street, and there you find the bistro-style restaurant, the Thrumming Birch.
A handful of wrought iron tables sit on the restaurant's patio, shielded from the afternoon sun by a canvas pavilion. Several more patrons sit inside, settling in for an early supper.
A stout old birch tree also stands in front of the restaurant, and a framed bulletin board hangs from the trunk. Upon the board is posted the Master Chef's "Ingredient Wish List" for the month. Grick is at the top of the list, followed by Owlbear, Manticore thighs, and Pixie wings. At the bottom of the list is a stern reminder that ingredients must be delivered fresh or properly preserved.
Looking at the ingredient wishlist
"Looks like it'll be an interesting menu."