Dot.
Perched at the edge of civilized lands, the small town of Falcon’s Hollow has always had to rely on itself to solve its problems. It's early morning now and the hardy folk of the village rouse themselves to their daily concerns even as tragedy is in the process of striking their home like a horse cart slowly overturning with no one seemingly able to stop it.
In the past week, numerous residents of Falcon’s Hollow have fallen ill, each suffering from the same hacking affliction.
Local remedies prove as useless as prayers at the Church of Iomedae, goddess of valor, justice, and honor, and already at least one town elder has been claimed by the wheezing death.
Ah Albus Baelson, the sheriff of the Vale, says wearily as you step foot in the rough office/holding cell that is the station of his office and your first stop every morning. Somehow the Sheriff is always there before you no matter how early in the morning you get up. He is a good man and takes his job very seriously.
Listen I know the deaths of your ma and sis are still fresh. And I wish I could give you a little bit more time to grieve but time is something this town has very little of. he runs his hand through his hair and rubs his temple Men and women too. Most of the constables I've got are busy keeping folks away from the well that spread the blasted disease in the first place. The rest are trying to keep at least some order in front of Roots and Remedies. You're the only man I can spare. he looks at you with concern trying to judge if you're well enough to be put back into action.
This morning you wake up and head to breakfast. Sometimes your father Jerask is there but more usually he is, just like now, spending his three weeks of the month labouring at the lumber camp. He's not due back for another two weeks. Your mother, Vimea, has her back to you at the pot and stove and she seems to be shaking silently. She turns around to see you and hurriedly shoves a rag behind the book she had besides her. She always has books beside her and your love of reading has come from that more than anything else.
You step nimbly around her to see what she's trying to keep from you and deftly snatch the cleaning rag away from its hiding place and uncrumple it. You see a large gob of black phlegm just like the gossip described. You look up at her.
Oh my darling she says as she wipes away the tears that sprang from her eyes at the effort of keeping her coughs silent I didn't want you to worry
Albus stands at attention without even thinking about it. With eyes watery from illness, of either grief or sickness, he looks steadily at the Sheriff. He slightly wheezes but catches himself, and in a strong, controlled voice replies, "Thank you, Sheriff. Nothing can ... sis, she was so young and alive." Albus shakes himself. "Sorry, I'm fine - well fine enough. The well is the source? I know some springs in the Vale, but none are more convenient to town than the river." He looks firm into the Sheriff's eyes. "Whatever you need, I'll do. No one else should have to suffer this, - Oh I should give my condolences to the Elder's kin. But maybe the best way to do that is to stop this, now. So how can I help?"
Baelson drums his fingers on his desk.
Other than that the woman over at Roots and Remedies... Laurel.. she's the only one who seems to have any inkling of what we're dealing with. She's the one who traced the disease to that damned well. Go find out what you can about this taint and report back.
Oh dear brother. I'm so glad that you came so quickly when I called on you. Your eldest brother says dramatically, he always did have a flair for the theatric. He retrieves a silk handkerchief from his breast pocket and coughs loudly into it I fear that it will be one of the last times we see each other. For as you can see, I have been afflicted with this blighted disease. It's killed the ferry owner already you know. It may be only a matter of days before I am gone as well. Vamros slumps back into the well cushioned chair fanning himself with the same brightly coloured and crisply clean hanky. Unless... Vamros looks at you meaningfully You can use your little tricks to cure me of this damned affliction. I've been to all the clerics in this town and they're all bloody useless.
Aelerie sets the rag down at the table, folding it in on itself to cover the evidence of her mother's illness. "You should be resting yourself. If you won't go back to bed, at least sit down and let me finish cooking. I promise it won't be so bad as the last time I made breakfast." Aelerie gently places a hand on her mother's arm, trying to guide her to a seat at the table while her other hand rubs across Vimea's back to encourage her to let the coughing continue unchecked. "And I can go see if Miss Laurel has anything to soothe your cough afterwards. I'm sure Master Brickasnurd won't mind me coming in to shop a little later, given the circumstances."
She looks wan and weaker than you've ever seen her before and the silence from her as you work is frightening. She is usually talkative and full of good cheer and many people in town have remarked that you have taken completely after her in temperament rather than your dour father. The absence of her usual lively patter makes for an ominous, almost malevolent silence in what was, until yesterday, a cheerful and optimistic home.
"I wish I could assist you brother. Unfortunately the tricks I know won't help in this situation. If the clerics in town can't heal you, I certainly cannot."
"You must be brave. We will figure out some way to save you!"
You wake up early as is your custom at the small Church of Iomedae at Falcon's Hollow that you have been assigned to as your first post ever as a fully fledged Paladin dedicated to The Inheritor. Falcon's Hollow isn't typically a place where a new Paladin of Iomedae would be sent but it's not very unusual for headstrong novices to be sent to backwater temples to try any inoculate a sense of humility and constraint as they serve the simple and honest rural folk. Your fellow new Paladins, when they learn of your posting laughed and poked you with good natured jibes. You could have, if you wanted, used your connection with your father to get yourself a more prestigious posting but you have taken the assignment as a challenge.
When you arrived last week you were received warmly by the Lady Cirthana and the other caretakers of the temple. You have spent the time since you arrived getting yourself settled and getting some sense of the settlement and the area.
The last few days you have noted a small number of supplicants hacking and coughing and calling out the Light of Sword for deliverance. Today after the rituals of cleansing and prayer the Lady calls you into her small chambers. Ah, my dear Astrianna. May the Light of the Inheritor follow you and keep you safe. And my thanks to her for delivering you to us in our hour of need. The cleric greets you with a formal hug and motions you to sit on a plain stool as she settles on her own austere chair behind a well made but rigidly simple desk You may have noticed there is a disease sweeping through the town and unfortunately my connection to the divine mercies of our goddess is not strong enough to even alleviate the suffering of the townsfolk. The rich and the wretched both have come to us seeking a cure and it despairs me to turn them away. I feel that perhaps your presence here is a sign from The Lady of the Sword that positive action on our mortal plane by a bold woman of the world is what is called for here rather than appeals to the divine from within temple walls. Are you up to this charge young Astrianna?
Then louder he sighs and says Very well, be a good little brother would you and run along to that Roots and Remedies place. Word is they have a cure for this affliction. He waves his hands I'm told there's certainly a long enough lineup to get into the place. You're a shrewd one so I'm sure you'll be able to tell if the woman there's just taking advantage of this utter disaster to make some money selling coloured water to the menials. Run along now. He dismisses you with the confident air of someone who's used to getting his way. He's very much a Harg and enjoys the additional stature from being the eldest of your generation. Everyone in the family knows how much being under the thumb of the Lumber Consortium chafes at him.
As he approaches the store, he slows, observing the crowd outside demanding treatments. There could be trouble here.
Astrianna stands up at attention at Lady Cirthana's question.
"My Lady, I shall take up the charge. I am a humble servant of our goddess and a mortal instrument of Her divine will. If She calls upon me to dispense swift justice, then that is what I shall do. Likewise, if She calls for a hand of mercy extended to those who suffer, then let it be my hand She guides!"
She bows her head, "Ask only what you would require of me, and it shall be done with honor, courage and precision!"
Lady Cirthana is evidently pleased by the young Paladin's show of enthusiasm. I expected no less of you Astrianna. She stands up. I regret that the only guidance I can bestow is to seek the proprietress of Roots and Remedies. She seems by far the most learned as to the nature of this disease and how it may be cured. Now there is no time to waste. Go forth to serve The Inheritor's Will by finding some way to alleviate the suffering of the townfolk. And know that our prayers will be with you every step of the way.
"Thank you My Lady. I will seek out this proprietress immediately, and I won't rest until the cause of this pestilence is found."
"I will go to gather my gear and leave for town within the hour, if not sooner. I will not let you or our goddess down!"
And with that, Astrianna takes her leave to gather her adventuring gear and set out into town, pausing only to quickly pray to Iomedae for guidance.
At his cousin's name he brights then falls into a weary gloom. "Yes, I have to see my only remaining family in the Vale. She's been so overwhelmed, and I didn't go by her since I buried them." With growing determination, "Aye, I'll stop by and give you any answers she has. Then I'll help her, unless something better happens."
Creeping ivy and full window boxes cover the façade of the rugged-looking, two-story shop bearing the faded sign “Roots and Remedies.”
A line of thirty-some somber townsfolk—some with pale, wheezing children, others seeming to be precipitously near tears—stretches from the open door. A few of the local sherrif's guards can be seen making sure that nobody jumps the line or otherwise cause any disturbance.
There are a few people that stand out however. There is a well dressed and officious looking halfling. Two young women, one is armoured in Iomedean heraldry while the other has a very large book hanging by her side. And a well armed young man who seems like he is equally at ease with his bow or his axe. They seem alert and aware while everyone else is in varying degrees of distress. Though maybe they are just hiding it better. They also seem to have just arrived from various different parts of the town and are not standing in line though they do seem focused on the herbalist's shop.
Albus, you know that Aelerie's father works as a lumberjack and that she works at the local general store The Goose And Gander. There's some rumours about that that you've never paid attention to. Her and her mother are well regarded in town due to their generally cheerful ways.
Aelerie, you know that Albus' father was killed a little while back and that he left to join some military company. He just came back to care for the rest of his family, a mother and younger sister who were ailing. They just died. You knew his sister and mother better than you know him really.
You know all the guards that are keeping order in the line. You are well regarded by all of them. One of them Tabrik Splintis quite outspoken against the corruption of the Labor Consortium headed by Thuldrin Kreed.
When the troubling silence descends on their small kitchen, Aelerie turns away from the stove to check on Vimea. Seeing her mother's eyes closed, the young woman lets the forced smile she's been wearing fall, concern and heartache written across her features as she looks over Vimea. I've never seen her so... lifeless. This illness is sapping more than her strength; it's draining her spirit, too. Oh, I wish Papa were here now. Aelerie quickly pulls the pot from the fire when the smell of burning oats draws her from her fretful thoughts. Ladling some of the unburnt porridge into a bowl, she sets it down before her mother and gently rouses her from her brief rest. "Here you go, Mama. You'll need to keep your strength up, so eat as much as you can. Afterwards, I'll help you to bed, and then go see Miss Laurel at her shop."
"I'll be back soon," Aelerie calls from the door, one arm clutching her spellbook to her chest and her free hand holding fast to the coin purse containing all her parents' savings. It isn't much - 21 gold sails, 8 silver wolves and 9 copper caps - but she desperately hopes that it is enough for a dose of whatever curative Laurel can make. Aelerie turns the corner to the street on which Roots and Remedies sits and, in her haste, nearly collides with another. "Oh! My apologies, I was just in a hurry to get to..." Catching sight of the line formed outside of the herbalist's shop, Aelerie's heart sinks. I didn't realize so many had been affected by this illness. Schooling her features into something resembling her typical cheerful disposition, she turns her attention back to the person she bumped into. "Again, I'm so sorry."
Astrianna makes her way to the shop, concerned about the large line of people waiting. She makes note of a young man she's seen before at the church, figuring she might talk with him if she can't get into the shop.
As her mind is wandering over her concerns, a woman suddenly bumps into Astrianna and apologizes profusely.
"Please, it was an honest mistake, and at least equally my fault. I have let my thoughts be distracted by the sight of these people." Astrianna says.
She catches herself and stands at attention, one hand extended, "Sorry, I forgot my manners. I am Astrianna, holy paladin of Iomedae and newly arrived in Falcon's Hollow. I'm here to help."
"I'm trying to get into Roots and Remedies to speak with the proprietor in hopes that I may learn more of the malaise that has come upon this town. Are you also going there by chance?"
Virdel approaches the guard he recognizes. "Hello there my good fellow. Quite a line today, yes? There are great many people sick. It's a terrible tragedy." He shakes his head and pauses respectfully. "One of the unfortunate ones is my brother, the Magistrate. I believe you may know him from the Tribunal? He has asked me to fetch some remedy for him. I understand everyone here is in great need-" he gestures broadly with his arms- "but my brother is a very important person in this town. Could you please assist me in ensuring his health by letting me go ahead of these good people?"
When the guard responds, Virdel holds up his ear trumpet to the man's mouth to make sure he understands.
"It's very nice to meet you," Aelerie replies, shaking Astrianna's hand once she's shifted her large tome to her other arm. "I'm Aelerie. Aelerie Mirisen. I help tend the Hollow's general store, The Goose and Gander," she says with a nod toward the south end of town.
Then the rumors must be true. Even the chosen of Iomedae aren't able to cure this sickness. It's a troubling thought, but Aelerie instead chooses to reflect on the positive aspect in all this; namely that the healers of the Church and the local apothecary were coming together to find a remedy. "I am on my way there, actually. It looks like it might be a bit of a wait. Although, I suppose if you've been sent here by the Church, you should be able to bypass the line. But you might want to speak with the guards first."
Albus takes leave of the Sheriff and jogs past the Low Market, as he see the line, he slows in growing unease. That line is too long ... this threatens to become a full epidemic. Visions of half the town dead start to fill his head then he cuts it off. Focus on the now. Oh that's Aelerie, I hope she's okay.
Albus comes up on the ladies, doffs his armored cap to the paladin, saying to her archaically, "Sacred Sister of the Sunlit Path, I greet you in Our Lady of Valor's name." He turns to Aelerie, "Are you well, Aelerie? Do you need anything?"
Albus is polite, but subdued yet strangely taut, like he's holding back some burden. His eyes flick up the line seeing a well-dressed halfling haranguing Tabrik.
Astrianna nods to Albus, "And likewise to you, good sir."
She turns toward the door of Roots and Remedies. "I suppose I need to have some words with those guards as my business is urgent."
She walks up to the entrance to find a halfling with an ear trumpet already ahead of her and talking with the guards.
Astrianna interjects between the halfling and the guard.
"Excuse me, I hate to interrupt, but I'm with the Church of Iomedae. It's imperative I see the proprietor of this shop at once. I'm investigating the cause of this affliction upon the town. I understand these good people are waiting, but time is of the essence!"
The guard seems to know Virdel Yes Mr.Harg it is a long line but never fear we're keeping... he says in response to Virdel's greeting before Virdel continues. The colour on his face drains out. Vamros is... I mean The Magistrate is afflicted as well?
The guard grabs Virdel by the shoulder and hustles him away from the line as respectfully as possible, coincidentally ending up near the rest of the gathering group. No, that cannot be, he seemed fine when I saw him last. he seems conflicted I can't.. no if I let you go ahead in the line even for The Magistrate I would be no better than the corrupt crooks of the Lumber Consortium. I cannot..
It is here that Astrianna interrupts him. Excuse me Miss? You're the new Paladin in town are you not? You're investigating? He looks up to see Aelerie and Albus as well. Albus! What are you doing here? I thought you'd still be at home after... Well, my condolences and prayers are with you friend. You shouldn't be out and about. You should be resting.
"Yes, I am investigating on behalf of the church. I was told to seek out the proprietor of this shop as she could likely supply the information I need to get started."
Astrianna pauses for a second, then extends her hand to the guard. "I am called Astrianna. It's my pleasure to make your acquaintance and be of service to this fine community. If you could assist with that I would greatly appreciate it."
Virdel observes the intruding paladin. "Perhaps this young lady can accompany me inside. If she is investigating the sickness, she will most assuredly wish to interview my dear brother."
He beckons the guard to lean down and grasps the longshanks' shoulder. Speaking softly he says, "I understand your distaste with the Consortium. I am compelled to do business with them and I despise that fact. Believe me, you are nothing like them."
Albus waves at the guard, but lets the paladin speak. Then he says, "Thank you, but I'm ... as good as can be expected, I can't rest, the dreams are too much. I have to do something, and if nothing else I can help Laurel. Anyway the Sheriff asked me to find out what Laurel knows." Turning to the others, he says, "If you tell me what you need, I'll see about it. Laurel has to be so busy now, she may bite the head off anyone bothering her." Nods at the guard, "If you let me pass, I'll be quick about it."
The guard shakes Astrianna's hand gladly I'm Tabrik. Tabrik Splint. Guardsman working for the Sheriff. He glances back at the line. If you're looking to help then I can get you in without causing a bleeding riot. Be better the more leaders I can calm the line with. He looks at Aelerie. You work for the gnome at the Goose and Gander right? Alright come with me.
He ushers you all to the front, ignoring the dirty looks from the crowd. As they start to get restless he raises his voice Good people! The tyrants at the Lumber Consortium may ignore our plight and pleas for help at this difficult time but the other leaders of the town have stepped up in their stead. The Magistrate, the Sheriff, and the Church have sent their trusted agents to see if they can help Laurel. They'll not be very long. He opens the door and pushes the four of you in Not too long now. he hisses at you.
As the door closes you can hear a woman complain What about that girl then? and the response from Tabrik Don't be a git Evani, you know she works for Hildrinsocks and that he.. knows things. We need..
Inside the smell of burnt earth and spicy incense chokes the air of the cramped, mud-tracked shop. Bunches of dried herbs hang from the ceiling, along with dangling pots, presses, alchemical apparatuses, and glassware of more arcane purposes. Pouches of rare plants, jars of colored glass, and all manner of dried, preserved, and jellied animal parts fill high shelves and tables doing double duty as displays and workspaces. In the shop’s rear, a rail-thin woman with severe-looking spectacles and hair pulled back tightly busies herself between an overpacked rack of herbs, a table covered in stray powders and measuring equipment, and a pot loudly bubbling over with thick gray froth. Over the din of her work and without looking up, the woman impatiently shouts, And what’s your problem?
Aelerie gives Albus a small, tremulous smile. "Oh no, I'm fine, Albus. Thank you. I'm here for my mother. She... she's taken ill." Knowing his grief must still be fresh and that he might not want to discuss it, Aelerie quietly debates asking how Albus is doing once Astrianna steps away. I hope the Sheriff didn't ask him to here today. Although maybe he wants to be here. If anything happened to Mama, I- She promptly dismisses that line of thinking before it's finished, unwilling to consider the notion of her mother's passing, and instead allows her attention to be drawn to the scene taking place nearby.
Recognizing the halfling, Aelerie was going to greet Virdel and inquire after his health when the guard's refusal gives her pause. Vamros may be the Magistrate, but that doesn't make his life more important than Mama's, or anyone else who's gotten sick. But instead of letting this sour her opinion of Virdel, Aelerie chalks it up to the desperate times which have befallen the town, and the innate desire to see one's family happy and hale at any costs. She isn't immune to the temptation herself, and when she answers Albus' question, she is clearly conflicted. "I just need something to soothe my mother's coughing. I feared at first she was coughing blood but... it was black and..." Aelerie clears her throat after her voice cracks, then gives those present a smile too watery to be reassuring. "But I can wait. But if you all are investigating the nature of the illness, I'd like to help if I can."
-----
Aelerie looks decidedly uncomfortable as the guard ushers them to the front of the line, murmuring quiet apologies to the crowd the whole way, her cheeks reddening when a man questions why she's among the group given preferential treatment. Once in the shop, guilt continues to gnaw at her, so much so that she doesn't even consider asking for her mother's medicine. "Miss Laurel, we - well, most of us - we were sent here to see if there's anything you can tell us about this illness. Or anything we might do to help you with a cure." Stepping forward, she can't keep the hope out of her voice as she asks, "There is a cure, isn't there?"
"Too many to count Laurel, too many... but for now the Sheriff wants an update, some of these need what medication you have, the holy warrior wants to help the community." He waves at the others and turns to Laurel somber. "But let that wait... You're the last of my family in the Vale, Laurel, how are you holding up? Can I help you?" Albus looks very concerned about his cousin.
Laurel looks up from her work surprised. Albus. Oh cousin you've had a terrible time of late haven't you? She comes over dusting herself off and gives him a quick but deep hug. She steps back and looks at him carefully. I wish I could come visit properly but you know more than most why I've been so bloody overworked. I'd tell you to go get some rest or take some time to yourself but you've got too much of your Da in you to do that I can see.
She rubs her fingers with her temple. What more does Baleson even want to know? I told him the sickness came from the blackscour fungus in Browman's well. I've never heard of it growing around these parts until now.
She looks at Aelerie. A cure? Hah, if I had a cure then Albus' Ma and Sis and that overstuffed ferry owner would still be living I can tell you that. I've got some remedies that help keep the cough down, I've got others that help to try and get the blasted fungus out of the body but it's damn determined to stay when it gets in there. I do what I can with the medicines and we'll see what good it does.
Sighing Albus says, "Thanks, I know you're overworked, after I tell the Sheriff, I'll come over and help you. I can tell the signs of it well enough and sell the minor simples and you can work on compounding or even get time to just think or rest." He looks over the shop to see if her supplies are holding out.
Aelerie manages to stifle a sob when Laurel's harsh reply confirms her worst fears, but just barely. A few moments pass before she is able to regain her composure once more, though her eyes still brim with unshed tears as she asks, "Blackscour fungus, that's what is causing the sickness? In which areas is it usually found? Perhaps the people there would know of a cure."
Astrianna listens intently to the conversation. She asks Laurel,
"You say the sickness came from a fungus. Has anyone been to this location to investigate? Might it be worth taking a look there? I would happily go to begin my investigation there if it will help, I only need directions."
She pauses again, thoughtfully.
"I apologize. I'm forgetting my manners again. I'm Astrianna, paladin of Iomedae, and newly arrived to Falcon's Hollow. I am at your service in the cause of fighting this malady."
She extends her hand to Laurel with a smile.
Laurel snorts at Albus' suggestion Cousin, I wouldn't want you manning the till here even at the best of times. You're much better suited to finding and picking herbs rather than selling 'em she gets a thoughtful expression as she says that.
She retreats to a small shelf of books behind her workbench at the back of the shop. She picks up a large tome from the front of the shelf and thumps it down on the bench raising a huge cloud of various powders that set all of you coughing. Laurel ignores it though as she leafs through the large book.
The problem with blackscour is that the fungus grows deep underground only usually so maybe underground folk know how to deal with it but no one around here does. Something strange must have happened under the earth for these mushrooms to show up in our well. There's nothing to see at the well either. The damn stinky mushrooms shouldn't be there but they are now and that's all there is to it.
Laurel finally comes to a page near the end of the tome and peers at it for a bit before nodding.
But in terms of knowing a cure. There's one thing here in my grandma's book that I haven't tried. It's a recipe for a remedy that says it's good for these sorts of things but I'll be straight with you it sounds more like hoojoo than real medicine. She pauses to read it over again before continuing Since nothing else has worked I'm not averse to trying it at this point though. The only reason I haven't is that it needs three ingredients that I don't got here. Elderwood moss, A specially pickled root called rat's tail. And seven ironbloom mushrooms.
She looks up. Now there's really nothing a bunch of do gooders like yourselves can do to help me here. she remarks nodding to Aelrie and Astrianna as well as Albus But you get me these things and maybe, just maybe we'll be able to do some real good for the folks in town.
Albus shruggs as Laurel turns down his offer of assistance, saying "I can try ...", he cuts off as Laurel grabs the book and chokes everyone. "Cough, cough, Egads, Laurel, I'm coughing enough without this - what you're saying?" He listens to the discriptions that Laurel gives. "- Not sure I've heard of these things; where would they be found?"
Sorry its descriptions, don't want to mess up the die rolls, and please include this as well.
ah posting too fast need to add a bit more.
Answers Albus' seeks are: What are these items, where to find them, if he doesn't know who would?
Virdel suspected that the herbalist would give the answer she did. My poor brother is indeed doomed.
Then, listening to her last-ditch plan, he feels a fire of excitement ignite within him. This is the oppportunity I've always waited for!
"You mean for all of us to go fetch these items? I would be very pleased to assist in any way I can. Is there anything else you can tell us about where we can find these?"
Well... Laurel flips back and forth in the book confirming what she remembers about the ingredients Granny wrote Elderwood moss only grows on the oldest tree in a forest. Damned if I know where that would be
The rat’s tail and mushrooms are even longer shots. Laruel continues Ironbloom mushrooms are stunty little things that only grow in dark places thick with metal, a favorite among dwarves, or so I hear. People say there used to live a bunch of dwarves way north, toward the mountains,. They’re not there anymore, but I’d bet their forges are. If you can find ironbloom anywhere around here, that’d be your best bet.
As for the rat’s tail, who knows? Well. Actually. Ulizmila, the witch that lives deep in the woods might. She’s a crafty, mean thing that knows all sorts of strangeness. She might even have one. I don’t know what she might want for it, but I doubt it’d come cheap. My grandmother traded her sight to the old crone for a few pages of what she knew, and that was years and years back, and I don’t know a soul who got any nicer as they got older
The children in the village dare each other to go out to the hut regularly but no one has. The instructions for getting there, deep in the vale, are pretty detailed though; knowledge held over from the times that desperate village folk went up to the witch for help. So you know where it is.
I've never gone deep in the Vale thank you very much so I have no idea where any of these places are Laurel says finally as she closes the book. I'd bet my last bit that Milon Rhoddam would though. Man knows the Vale like the back of his hand. He pretty much lives at the main Lumber camp. Maybe you can stop off there to find out where these places might be.
Laurel adjusts her glasses and focuses on the halfling. Aren't you a Harg? Why would you want to go out into the Vale? Albus and the Paladin can handle themselves in there I'm sure but I don't need the trouble of sending out a Harg to get eaten by a wolf or something like that. And honestly Aelerie your sourpuss of a Da would chop my head off with an axe if I sent you into harm's way. And I'd hate to think what your Ma would say.
As Albus muses he hears Laurel mention the oldest tree...
Young Albus wearily matches his father's stride. A long hike and longer back but he is now near the legendary eldest tree, maybe a scion of Erastil himself! As is his way Zaius appears, Gaius greets him, "Hello and well-met Uncle Zaius, come to pray at the eldest tree?" Looking more grave than usual Zaius says, "No, nor should you, the ForestSon grows angry and there are fell creatures about, turn back now; I cannot protect you." Father turns to his son saying, "Sorry to disappoint, but I cannot risk it. Look beyond this hollow, through the thick trees you might see the top of the eldest tree, countless centuries old. There, less than a mile, it stands. Some better, or needful day you shall come, with respect." In front of his father and Uncle Zaius, Albus is stoic. I'll be back...
The suggestion the Aelerie and the gentleman would come alone starts Albus out of reverie. Aelerie is a healthy girl but guide her through the harshest forest? That be .... better than leading a deaf gentleman to anywhere really. Albus looks somewhat aghast at the two less worldly and sighs.
Speaking hesitantly, Albus squeaks, "I know where the eldest tree is but it's hard to get to, very dangerous. Uncle Zaius warned Da and me. It would be risky for me."
Milo is the best in the vale but Da. The best now. Albus says more normally, "Almost everyone knows where the main lumber camp is; it's not hard to get to. I've met Milo a bit, he'll likely help, sick workers saw no wood."
Aelerie dabs at her eyes with the sleeve of her blouse as Laurel begins thumbing through the large manuscript, and for the first time in ages her curiosity is not piqued by the sight of a dusty tome promising arcane knowledge. Instead, she latches on to the hope for a potential cure, even as the ingredients the healer asks for sound more like a recipe for a witch's spell rather than a remedy. Sure enough, hearing the name Ulizmila sends a chill down Aelerie's spine, but if striking a bargain with the fabled witch would cure her mother's affliction, she would pay such a price a hundred times.
Aelerie's features pull down into a semblance of a pout at Laurel's hesitance to send her in search of the missing ingredients. "Meaning no offense, Miss Laurel, but at this point, you wouldn't be sending me into anything. I know where Ulizmila lives, and I feel confident I could find the other places on my own if I needed to, but I'd rather not need to. I've already made up my mind that I'll be going to help find these missing components. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if the worst came to pass and my mother..." She breaks off when her voice cracks at the thought of Vimea's passing. Shaking her head, Aelerie gives a little huff before continuing, "I would never forgive myself if I didn't do everything I could to see her well again. Mama can say what she likes, but I know she'd do the same for me in a heartbeat. As for my father, with any luck, he might be at the lumber camp. If so, I'll tell him myself why I'm doing this and he'll understand. He'll have to."
Looking around at the assembled group for further resistance to her joining, Aelerie notices Albus' stricken look and clutches the leatherbound tome a little closer. "I know what you're thinking, but I'm not as helpless as I look. I've been apprenticed to Master Brickasnurd for over a year now, and he's taught me... things. Besides, I have my father's old crossbow, and I'm a fair shot. I won't slow you down. I promise."
Laruel's features soften. Ah, Aelerie, are you saying your Ma has the taint? Are you sure of it? Is she weak and listless and coughing up black?
Virdel stands up his tallest and puffs out his halfling chest. "I am indeed a Harg, miss. Proudly so. I am no fool- I understand the danger inherent in such a journey. But these look like sturdy folk who can handle the physical dangers which I will do my best to avoid. Again, I am no fool. And perhaps there may be challenges for which I am uniquely suited."
Her voice failing her for the time being, Aelerie merely nods in answer of Laurel's questions. When the herbalist's suddenly gentle tone shakes the tenuous grasp she has on her emotions, Aelerie glances away as she fights to maintain her composure. It takes a few moments, but eventually she clears her throat and addresses Laurel again. "Yes, I'm sure of it. She tried to hide it from me at breakfast, but I spotted the rag she had been coughing into all morning. It was stained through with black." Turning to face Laurel, Aelerie continues, "You see why I have to go now? There's nothing I can do for her by staying here except watching as she grows weaker and weaker and hoping that the ingredients are found in time. At least this way, I can be of some use. Not just to my Mama, but to everyone who has fallen ill."
Albus concern grows as Aelerie recounts her mother's distress. "I had no idea Aelerie I ... I wish that on no one. I will do what I can for you but it will be hard." Deflecting from the storm of emotion he feels on that terrible news, he turns to Virdel Harg, making sure he can hear him. "I am concerned Master Harg, that your difficulty in hearing would be very bad if something came along and I could not spare the time to talk, or you would not even know something was there. It would add much to the risk and when, when not if, something bad happened, I might not be able to help. Of course, you seem most personable, so that could be a help in camp, or with Ulizmilah."
To both Virdel and Aelerie, he says, "It would be hard, several days of travel or more." He points north. "It doesn't look like it but there is a slow slope to the forest. It's highlands up there. So for the first 5 miles its fine, then it'll feel like walking up stairs even when the ground looks flat. Then you'll feel like you're climbing every stair in the world. Then we hit the forest line and things start to become difficult. It's all uphill, in a bad way, from there. Not counting fell creatures of all types, desperate bandits, and fickle nature. It will be the hardest journey I have ever been on, and harder on you."
A thought strikes him and he turns to Astrianna at attention, "Begging your pardon, obviously it's your decision, I'm willing to take them with reservations, the party should be at least four, but its's your call, Inheritor's Chosen." He waits for an officers order.
Laurel slides her treasured book back onto its place on the shelf and hustles around her workbench to start pushing all four of you out Well on your own heads be it. You can discuss it at your leisure, somewhere else who goes and who stays. I don't want a bunch of sick people rioting to get in my shop. And time is of the essence so don't tarry. Remember, rat's tail from the witch, seven ironbloom mushrooms from the dwarves, and the moss from the eldest tree. Alright? Alright.
Laurel hugs Albus and Aelerie, shakes the hand of Astrianna and Vargas and very soon you find yourselves shoved out of the store.
It hasn't been very long and the position of the sun is unchanged from when you went in but the strain on Tabrik's face is evident as a lot of loud and angry murmurings and curses can be heard from the people in line. His face breaks out with relief when you come out and he waves you away as he turns to the crowd See? The consultation is done and you can witness for yourselves that they did not cut in line for their own selfish selves. Unlike how the Lumber Consortium acts the Sheriff, and the church and the other leaders of town actually care about you. Now get a move on. Go on in miss.
The line quiets down when they see you're not carrying any potions or curatives. Some of the people still give you dirty looks though as the first people in line, a haggard woman with a young boy wetly coughing into a rag hurry in.
Virdel is quite pleased that he managed to worm his way into the group. "Don't worry," he tells the woodsman. "I will stay well back from any danger. You can take care of the monsters, then I will be able to heal your wounds."
After they go outside and the crowd seems mollified, he asks, "Which bit shall we go after first?"
Astrianna gives Albus a reassuring smile, "Albus, is it? Yes, of course I will accompany you and help as I can. I am ready to depart immediately."