The Journey of a Thousand Miles (Jade Regent AP)

Game Master Sensen

Riftun's heart soars as he sets eyes on his dear friend Ameiko standing tall and boisterous as ever, looking for all the world as if she hadn't just awoken from a comatose state after gods know how long. And what's more, she's praising him and saying an adventurer's life seems to suit him. The woman he looked at with awe when she told her gallant tales of exploration and adventure, now lauding him as one of her own.

The boy means to reply, to refute her praise with examples of how many times he cried over the course of the adventure, to apologize for leaving without saying goodbye, to tell her how dearly he had missed her and yet, as the tears of joy stream down his cheeks, the lump in his throat catches his words.

Wiping his eyes, the young man simply nods and smiles at his friend and reply earnestly, "Yes, we have a lot we need to discuss Ameiko but... It's good to see you. P-Please go celebrate, I-I have some matters I must attend." He bows graciously, notably deeper than normal, and retreats away from the gathered individuals towards the lonely seclusion of the woods.

Zaiobe's absence had not gone unnoticed by the young man and, as delighted as he was to see Ameiko restored to health, he couldn't help but worry after the troubled harpy.

Ameiko pats Yuto's shoulder companionably. "You've performed well, my friend."

When she is introduced, Spivey flutters around in a greeting to the caravaners, who fall silent and look on in awe for a few moments, muttering to one another. "Pleased to see you all. I'm sure we'll have plenty of time to get introduced later."

"I guess I have you to thank as well, then." Ameiko says after a moment of shocked silence, regarding the azata with a glint of awe in her eyes. "It's an honor to meet you, Spivey."

The lyrakien politely bows her head before flying over to Koya's side. Koya, surprisingly doesn't seem overawed by the tiny celestial, and begins speaking with her rapidly. The camp swiftly returns to its raucous celebration, though more than a few continue peeking over at Spivey and Koya.

Ameiko looks back to Teruko, her smile fading slightly. "Mm. She's asleep in the cart right now. Not exactly up for the celebration. She was exhausted, after all."

As Riftun excuses himself, she looks to the others. "Something bothering him?"

Between seeing Ameiko awake and well again, and the presence of her mentor, Torra hardly knows where to direct her attention. She wants to tell of their encounters in the castle, the things they've discovered, the shocking revelations they've learned of, and everyone is talking, and cheering, and laughing, and drinking - it becomes a little overwhelming.

In the end, the dwarf sticks to Shalelu's side, waiting for a quiet moment to talk to her mentor. After sharing some of what they had gone through in the cursed castle, she asks "What's the farthest that you've ever travelled?"

Seeing Ameiko safe, finally, fills Andochtuir with relief. In truth, it'd felt like a personal failure of sorts. As a scout, to not have been aware of any danger to the Kaijitsu heiress until she fell into the coma, and then being unable to find or treat the cause. That was only partly fair to himself, perhaps, as there'd have been no way for him to suspect the castle contained a long- range curse of sorts aimed at her, but still. All this time, he'd been afraid he wouldn't be able to make good on the promise to Teruko to do whatever he could to get her out of whatever it was kept her.

Yet, seeing the two sisters embrace happily and exchange soft words in a language he didn't to the other made him feel warm. He smiles at the sight of a true victory, of restored hope. Yet, he'd been there for only half the battle, and it looked as though perhaps the sisters wanted some time along. Besides, it wasn't like he knew Ameiko that well. Thus, he was about to excuse himself to do something productive; say, mess with Sandru on having YET ANOTHER recruit he didn't budget for, when-

Her eyes fall on Andochtuir last, a faint gleam of mischief lurking behind them. "We've only really met in passing, Andochtuir, but I'd like to thank you for helping free me. So, we should really fix that." Her grin broadens.

The way it was delivered, and by whom, gave him pause and dried his mouth. Ameiko was a very attractive woman, in the end. But surely he was misinterpreting something? "Ah, that... sounds great, admittedly," he responds, more eloquent words failing him at that moment. He manages a nod and a soft smile a second or two later. "Though, to be honest, I was only there for the latter half, at most. You have your sister to thank more than I, as well as Yuto, Riftun and Torra."

From the corner of his eye, he sees the bard leave in the direction of the forest by himself shortly after. He couldn't deny a stab of worry, though it was clear from earlier he needed time alone.

"Come along everyone, we've got a lot of talking to do, and Losk's made some fairly decent beer for it."

"What do you mean 'fairly decent'!?!"

Laughing, he walks past the dwarf and claps him on the shoulder. "You know what? Teach me some of your recipes and perhaps together we can figure out a brew that's can make the 'actually decent' grade later on! Surely the best way for me to spend my coin from the exploration."

As good of a reason as any to start a traineeship. Better beer for everyone! Right?

Yuto smiles happy to see the good and helpful Spivey getting along with Koya. While they talk, Yuto will figure out with the caravaners a small and quiet place for the Desnan to pass the time with them.

As Riftun excuses himself, she looks to the others. "Something bothering him?"

"Not sure, I-I guess he is just looking for someone... Kelda perhaps?" Yuto suggests "Di-did you see something during your dream Ameiko? ... ... We... We shared a vision on unveiling the seal, and... and you were there... I was curious if perhaps you had same vision..."

The young man is happy to celebrate with the others, but after an hour or so of listening to other's conversations, he skillfully slips away and looks to have a bath and generally clean himself from the hard exploration.

Once refreshed and his belly filled, Yuto looks for his place, and there he takes his journal and quill and starts to fill in the details of their search in Brinewall, including some words for the bravery of Commander Kortun and the final resting place the party found for him.

Shalelu looks at Torra, one of her ears twitching slightly. "From where? Magnimar is about as far I've been from the Mierani Forest... but this is probably the farthest I've been from Sandpoint. Never really had reason to go out of Varisia thus far." She glances off to the north, a brow furrowing.

Ameiko chuckles softly, nodding graciously at Andochtuir. "Well, I look forwards to hearing the story. I'd bet that Riftun will be happy to share it with us later... once we've talked a bit."

Losk looks measuringly up at Andochtuir. "Hm... well, I suppose you'll do well enough. We can get you put to work later today."

At Yuto's question, the eldest Kaijitsu nods. "We'll talk a bit more once we can get some privacy, Yuto. Until then, just enjoy the celebration, hm?"

Teruko accepts a mug of beer as she sits down next to Ameiko. "Riftun may be looking for Zaiobe. I think there are a lot of things bothering him, and I'm hoping he'll talk to you about some of them, but that's probably the main thing at the moment." She takes a careful sip of her drink and resists the urge to spit it back out. It tastes like moldy bread. Why does anyone like this stuff?

As soon as it is polite to do so, she excuses herself from the celebration and takes a long bath. As happy as she is to see Ameiko well, she needs some private time to think.

Sense motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9 Shalelu is probably looking at those clouds over there.

"Ah, I see. Do you know what lies farther north? Since it seems we will be going that way. There was a city... Karlsgard?" Then it occurs to her that Shalelu may not have had the vision. "Did Ameiko tell you anything after she woke up?"

Emerging from the woods with sad eyes Riftun quickly rejoins the celebration, specifically seeking out Kelda and making sure she's adjusting well. He politely refuses the beer offered with a painted-on smile and awaits the chance to speak with Ameiko and the others in private.

Ameiko looks curiously at her sister. "Zaiobe?"

Sandru claps his hand to his forehead. "I knew we'd forgotten to tell you about something. Yes, your sister and her friends have brought back someone almost every time they've returned. Zaiobe is a harpy. She doesn't seem immediately hostile, but well... we're keeping an eye on her."

Ameiko's eyebrows shoot upwards. "Strange choices in friends you've made while I was asleep, little sister."

Meanwhile, Shalelu looks back at Torra. "Not a whole lot. I know that the Lands of the Linnorm Kings are just across the Nolands. I think Southmoor's the closest one to Varisia... there's a forest between it and... hm. I'm not recalling it's name. You might want to ask Riftun, Ragnhildr, or Kelda about it. They know more than me."

At the question of Ameiko, Shalelu tilts her head. "A bit. Nothing important, though it seemed as though she had something she was thinking about."

In the Evening. I'll let those who want to continue do so in spoilers.

As the celebration winds down, Ameiko calls the others next to one of the campfires that have been lit to fight back the biting chill. They are joined by Amaya, Sandru, Koya (along with Spivey), and Shalelu.

Sandru shifts, rubbing his hands together. "Alright, you've been keeping coy from us. What the heck's going on?"

Ameiko remains for a moment, staring into the flames. "It seems like the journey we've made up here has been significantly extended. Amaya and the others know this already, but here's the short version. Rokuro - our grandfather," she gestures at herself and her sisters, "was an immigrant from Minkai. However, he wasn't just a glassblower. He was a noble - a royal even. One of the five imperial families from there. The Amatatsu."

Sandra's breath hisses through his teeth and Koya's eyes shoot wide open. "That's a heavy legacy you've discovered, child. But that's not all, is it?" She says.

Shalelu remains quiet, her arms folded thoughtfully.

"He wasn't just an immigrant. He was a refugee." Amaya adds.

Sandru looks to the party, then back to the Kaijitsu sisters. "Alright. How do you know this?"

I'll let you guys jump in if you want to explain.

Around the fire Riftun gives Ameiko time to speak, to say her piece. He was the storyteller but this was her story to tell. When Sandru asks for more information, however, the young man takes the opportunity to speak up. "W-Well, I can't speak for Ameiko, of course, but... Teruko, Andochtuir, Torra, Yuto, and I were all granted a vision when we discovered an ancient set of powerful magical items within the keep. The Kaijitsu Legacy." The boys says, staring deeply into the flames, utter reverence in his voice.

"We saw many things, demons, nobility, betrayals, a powerful magical blade, and one other subject of such great import that the rest... well the rest just pale in comparison." Riftun says, turning his gaze to Ameiko. "But... It isn't my place to say..."

Teruko takes out the warding box, although she doesn't open it. "Inside this box is the Amatatsu seal. It's the 'treasure' Grandfather spoke of in his letter, and it was the source of the vision we all experienced. I'd show you, but taking it out of the warding box is unwise. Our family's enemies can sense it. Opening this box two decades ago led to Brinewall's destruction."

"As for why Grandfather was a refugee, why we have enemies at all...that's the part Riftun didn't feel like he could say. Currently Minkai is governed by a regent who is secretly a fiend in disguise. This fiend and his minions murdered the last emperor and every other member of the imperial families. Everyone except us." She takes a deep breath. "Which means as the oldest living Amatatsu, Ameiko is the true heir to the throne."

Knowing pragmatic Sandru and Shalelu might not be well convinced about a vision, Yuto nervously stutters as he tries to convince them "I-I-It was a sha-sha-shared vision... Even A-Ameiko Sama here slept see-seemed to have sa-sa-same one..."

Looking to the side for Koya's support, he adds "It was like one of those visions from Madame Mvashti. You trust us, isn't it mother?"

And turning back to Sandru, he adds "Thi-this fi-finally explains why my parents ma-made the trip, lea-leaving behind their world... it makes sense" the young man hits his heart with the fist "I know... I know it is true"

"I felt it too." Amaya adds. "It was... overwhelming." Despite her words, her tone isn't more than mildly disturbed.

Spivey's breath catches at the sight of the warding box, but she doesn't speak, instead simply examining it closely.

"I don't think we should openly use the name Amatatsu." Ameiko adds thoughtfully. "If just opening the box brought death to Brinewall, I don't want to risk getting any more attention, even if the oni are on the far side of the world."

"Oh, I believe you, Yuto." Koya says, patting her foster son's shoulder. "It's a great task to undertake. Are you all ready? Although it sounds as you've made your decision, Ameiko."

Ameiko looks from one face to the next. "I don't think that I can, in good conscience, leave this as it is. As long as these fiends rule Minkai, the people there will suffer. If we - I - can help, then I will. But... it will be a long, long journey."

"If you're headed to Tian Xia, I'm going with you. I've been getting restless hanging around Sandpoint, and someone needs to help keep an eye on you all." Shalelu says almost immediately.

"I've not got long in this world." Koya adds. "And I've been wanting to leave Varisia for awhile. This journey may well be just what I've been looking for."

Sandru looks more dubious. "I can't ask the caravan to come with us into Minkai. Not without getting their opinions. But... why can't we find someone to teleport you over?"

"The seal will not come with us." Amaya says softly. "It was designed to prevent theft."

"Alright... but where are you planning on heading first?"

"Kalsgard. In the Thanelands of the Lands of the Linnorm Kings. Grandfather sold the ancestral Amatatsu sword there, and I think we'll be better able to make our way over the Crown of the World from there."

"You're planning on going overland, then." Shalelu says. "I suppose it's less difficult than sailing around Garund from here."

Ameiko nods before turning to the party. "What of you all? Do you want to come? Teru?"

Torra begins to nod, wide-eyed, then stops abruptly. "Wait. It's going to get colder the farther north we go, isn't it?" Without waiting for a response, the dwarf huffs. "But how can I say no to this? I'll just have to buy more furs."

Teruko seems distracted, staring off into the flames. It isn't until Ameiko calls her name that she looks up, and it takes her a few seconds to mentally replay the conversation before she replies. "The throne was stolen and you're the only one who can reclaim it. We can't sit back and do nothing now that we know. We have a duty." She forces a smile. "Besides, if I wasn't willing to let you go explore Brinewall alone, I'm certainly not going to let you face an army of demons by yourself."

"As I told your sister earlier, I'm but a simple wandering student of philosophy and medicine. As such, I can't deny the promise of visiting the fabled far east is one I find very agreeable," Andochtuir adds to Ameiko, with a grin.

"However..." he adds, and grows more serious. "After having time to think - admittedly mostly practising alchemical brewing with Losk - I am more cautious about the prospect. Overthrowing a false emperor *is* much more dangerous than playing caravan guard. Especially if said regent supposedly has an army of fiends at his back. But... that is not what concerns me most. The matter is, I believe that we'd be staking both our lives and that of others on just *one* set of fragmentary images shown by this artefact, are we not? Until it showed us these, everyone was unaware of why the Kaijitsu came to Sandpoint."

The warrior's gaze shifts to the box with the Amatastu Seal. "Is it incredibly powerful, yes, almost the very definition of 'too good to be true'. So, does that automatically make what it shows us the truth? Are the events that happened really that black and white? Is it as benevolent as it seems? We are at the very least missing a lot of information and context. Who is to say that all the seal wants is for one of the five families returned to the throne, regardless of whether it has to lie to do it? What if the current regent is not a fiend, and claimed the throne legitimately? Would we be spilling essentially innocent blood, then?"

He sighs softly and his expression relaxes. "Now, from what I've seen, Ameiko, as I unfortunately do not know you as well either at present, is that you are both beloved by many and a good person. And that there is further circumstantial evidence supporting your claim, too. Fragmentary as they are, the images do line up with everything else thusfar. So, I will join you under the supposition that this is all true and that you turn out to be a worthy person to follow. That you treat us and those you meet fairly both in fortune and hardship, now and after your ascension, should we succeed."

After speaking, he scratches the back of his hair and chuckles. "Sorry, was that too glum? I didn't wish to rain on someone's parade, I think the expression is, but I do feel it is worth pointing out and to keep a cool head even in light of these revelations."

Riftun has shrunk in on himself quite a bit as his eyes linger on the fire flickering and dancing in front of them. His gaze is distant as if recalling some long ago memory though he does cringe upon Ameiko's reference to the Lind of the Linnorm Kings.

After Torra, Teruko, and Andochtuir have said their piece the bard finally speaks up though his blue eyes linger on the flames and he holds himself in a tight hug providing some small level of security. "I want to go, I really do... I want to be able to do what I can, even if it's not a whole lot to keep you and the others safe Ameiko. You did so much for me, taking me in the way you did when I showed up on your doorstep and I want to show you how much I appreciate that and pay you back for all you've done but..."

The young man swallows hard and casts his eyes to the ground in shame. "I-I never told you the reason I left... I never told you I was leaving in the first place a-and I'm really sorry for that but... I knew if I told you then you wouldn't have let me go anyways. You'd have insisted that I stay to keep me safe but, I didn't want to put you in harm's way."

"And I still don't which is why I feel I have to tell you now that the reason I left, the reason I feel as though my presence may be more of a risk than it's worth, especially if we are going back to my homeland is that..." Riftun takes a hard swallow.

"I'm being hunted. I left Sandpoint because I heard some rumors that my pursuers were closing in on me and I didn't want to put you all in danger. And if I were to come with you, especially to my homeland... I just don't want to bring that down on all of you."

"Hunted...?" Andochtuir repeats, slightly confused. "Why would anyone ever be hunting you, Riftun? Also, we are about to be hunted by an army of fiends as well. Who are these enemies of you to significally add to that kind of threat?"

K. geography (untrained): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
"The Crown of the World? Is it possible to just walk into Minkai by going into the freezing north?" Yuto gulps thinking about the prospect "Th-that so-sounds like a dan-dangerous trip, even if facing a dynasty of fiends at the end of the journey was no da-da-danger enough..."

As the conversation continues, Yuto's eyes look down at Whispering Strike, which he holds on his hands and unsheathes to see the blade. The young man stares at his own face, pale of fear for the dangers Ameiko seems so eager to face.

He places his other hand over the polished blade to not see his scared eyes reflected.

By when they are asked if they are to follow, his hand is bleeding with the marks left by the tension of holding the edge. Ameiko's question makes his heart skip a beat and raise the young's head from his thoughts "I... I will fo-fo-follow you to the end of the world and beyond"

Riftun releases the hold he has on himself and holds his hands together in front of him biting his lower lip at the tension as he ponders how to answer Andochtuir's question.

In the end, he simply nods. "Hunted, pursued, hounded, stalked... however you wish to put it. Y-Yes I am... I-It's hard for me to speak of... b-but they are dangerous... You may have noticed during our adventure I-I'm sensitive about my clothes being torn, even when wounded... The reason is because I didn't want you all to see..." The young man then grasps at the collar of his robes pulls as he turns his head aside in shame. His shoulder is revealed as he shrugs loose his robes and it is utterly covered in scars. Every inch covering in tiny methodical scars side by side, crisscrossing, and even overlapping. Clear signs of long-term torture with a small blade.

The bard gives everyone a moment to look before he covers himself once again, tears of humiliation in his eyes.

"Th-There's more... Every part of my body aside from my face and hands... They wanted to keep me 'presentable' after all. Even with an army of fiends chasing us... They could be very dangerous. They don't have an army but they would certainly be able to muster a small, well-trained force to extract me..." The bard hangs his head in shame.

"With that knowledge I leave the choice up to you Ameiko... I would love to be a part of your story and serve you in this great undertaking but... If you decide the risk is too great... I understand."

Torra shoots to her feet, hands balled into angry fists. "If whoever is hunting you comes after you, they'll have to go through me first! What monsters, to do that to you!" The dwarf is by now shaking with rage, struggling to form words. "You, you're such a good person, who would want to hurt you?! If they come near I'll- they'll be sorry! I won't let anyone treat you like this again!"

Seeing Riftun's tortured body triggers something in the half-elf; a cold, seething rage that consumes all else. "Tell me two things. One: Who did this to you? Two: How do you want them to die?" he growls, jaw clenched and fists balled.

Teruko stares at Riftun's shoulder even after he recovers it, face completely blank. When she finally looks up and meets Riftun's eyes there's the faintest hint of concern in her own. "Don't be foolish. Even putting aside the army of fiends that may or may not exist," (she nods towards Andochtuir), "The caravan has already been attacked by Hana's old family seeking to retrieve her. We handled a small, well-trained force of ninja assassins; I believe we can do the same with your pursuers. The risk to us is negligible compared to the risk you're taking by coming along on such a dangerous trip. If you're willing to take that risk, then I see no problem."

Her eyes drift back down to Riftun's shoulder. "Such extensive scarring must be uncomfortable. I have skin cream in my bag. I don't know if it would help, but it's yours if you want it."

"It's going to get very cold." Shalelu agrees. "Especially if we're planning on taking the Path of Aganhei. We'll want to start investing in magic to help the whole caravan endure the chill... or in a great deal of heavy clothing."

Ameiko pats her sister's shoulder, smiling warmly. "You do know that you're my heir for the foreseeable future, right? So you get to bear this burden with me." There's a hint of mischief in her tone, but it fades quickly. "You, too, Amaya. I think you could probably escape if they somehow connected the Kaijitsu name to our grandfather's, but..."

Amaya shrugs. "I wish to go. I have faced fiends before, and I like them less every time I see one."

"Alright." The eldest of the Kaijitsus nods, before looking to Riftun, her expression hardening. "What has been done to you is unforgivable, and I understand that you're scared of your pursuers, Riftun... but keep in mind that, as Yuto says, we're already going across the world into an Empire ruled by fiends. Safety wasn't ever really an option."

She rises to her feet, reaching to gently pat his shoulder. "We're here for each other, Riftun. We can do this, I know it, and I think we can work together to make sure we don't die on our way. There will be danger, but we can overcome."

Koya nods gravely, and Spivey flies over to Riftun's shoulder. "Wherever you choose to go," the lyrakien says, "the Song of Spheres will be with you. But companions are also essential. I think you should stay with your friends."

"Torra..." Riftun murmurs as the dwarven woman gives a strong emotional response to his reveal. The outpouring of emotion touches his heart but at the same time causes him no small amount of worry. "That's exactly what I'm worried about though, Torra don't you see? I am terrified they'll go through you to get to me a-and I would never be able to forgive myself if that happened because then it would be all my fault!" He cries out tearfully.

The young bard then shakes his head in response to Andochtuir as he wipes his eyes dry, attempting to regain his composure. "One; I-I just really don't want to talk about it right now. Two, I don't know? I suppose of old age, sixty to eighty years from now, in their sleep? S-Surrounded by loved ones? I harbor no resentment towards them at all, a-and besides vengeance only breeds resentment which in turn leads to another round of vengeance and creates a never-ending cycle of malice and pain. I-I just want them to leave me alone to be honest."

Somehow Teruko's composure in the face of the grim truth before her offers Riftun some small semblance of comfort, especially when she assures him that they would welcome the bard on their journey despite his baggage. He does wave off the offer of skin cream though.

"No, no I-I couldn't ask for that... I-It's a little uncomfortable yes but... I've had a long time to get used to it. I-It's not so bad really. The worst part is that I can't wear a lot of dresse- I mean outfits, aside from the most conservative ones really. That and, I suppose, having to throw away my prospects for any chance of a future of fairy-tale romance are pretty much dashed since my body is ruined, but it's not like I had great odds of success in that department anyway." Riftun manages a sad laugh as what had originally been an attempt to calm his friends just led himself down a rabbit-hole of his own negative thoughts that had been swirling around his head for some time now.

It is finally Ameiko and Spivey that snap Riftun out of his depressive spiral. He nods gratefully to Spivey and bows his head at Ameiko. "Then, if you'll have me Ameiko I would be honored to be a part of your story and see you to your destiny. Thank you."

Seeing Riftun's tortured body triggers something in the half-elf; a cold, seething rage that consumes all else. "How do you want the ones who did this to die?"

"I suppose of old age, sixty to eighty years from now, in their sleep? S-Surrounded by loved ones?"

Gold XD

Andochtuir shakes his head as his anger gradually drains away and is replaced with a feeling of frustration. What would it take to really get through to him? "Look, Riftun, it suits you to think that way. It takes a very big heart to let something like that go. Bigger than mine, at least. But, you still have a right to be angry! It was mutilation for the sake of mutilation! And for what!? Look, I have plenty of scars myself. But that's from honest combat. What sick mind would ever degrade-"

But that's when it clicked. He didn't know much about the Ulfen, but the 'dresses' slipup combined with their generic reputation told him enough. He takes a deep, steadying breath and shakes his head. "Family, then. And I think we can all guess the reason. You say you don't want to tell us more, and I'll rspect your wishes. Just know this. I will find some way to undo this. You belong to yourself, and no one else. These marks? They're just scars. And if magic exists that can regrow organs, there *must* be something that removes those!"

Riftun sits up straight, shocked at Andochtuir's assertion that this had been the work of his family. Was he really that easy to read?

"W-Wait! Okay, i-it might have been my family but I-I think you may be jumping to conclusions as to why... But... thank you for respecting my wish not to speak of it anymore." The young bard smiles softly at Andochtuir, reaches out, and squeezes his hand.

"A-And, for what it's worth, I think you have a very big heart, Andy." The bard mouths the word' "thank you" before standing up.

"Anyways, I think we've all had a big night. There's been a lot said and we all have a big undertaking before us... We should all try to get some shut-eye. Besides, I have some stuff to do in the morning so, if it's alright with everyone, I think I'll be headed off to bed." With that he bows to Ameiko and waves good-night to the others thanking them all before heading to his tent.

His sleep is shallow and fitful, shaking, twisting, and turning as his mind plays out the sound of the blade over the whetstone, the chilling cold of the steel against his skin, the smell of his own blood at the cut-cut-cutting of the blade, and the soul-chilling look in her eyes as she went to work creating her 'masterpiece'.

"Riftun..." Yuto only manages to articulate after a minute or so observing the scars revealed by the Ulfen, his face in shock. Only after his conversation with Andochtuir winds down, he manages to add "I-is there anything we ca-can do?"

As Ameiko starts planning what needs to be done to reach Minkai, Yuto asks "S-so is that our next stop? Karlstad?" the young man goes pensive for a while "Th-the Linorm Kings... I never thought I would have the chance to step on the lands of the Thane... b-but I guess it is a good place to pre-prepare our trip"

"T-the Path of A-aganhei you say?"

Andochtuir watches Riftun leave, wondering if he could or should have done more, if his hypothesis was off after all and perhaps shared too soon. Had this really been the time to put him on the spot, in front of everyone? And was his heart was really as big as the bard seemed to think? Or was he just angry at Riftun's family, plain and simple, and had it gotten the better of him?

He looks away, then turns towards the others. "Before we set out, though, shouldn't we finish exploring the castle and see what else lies within that might help us on this journey?" he offers, partly to distract himself from this troubling development.

"It's not a bad idea. There might be more useful items inside, and Sandru will likely need a day to talk to everyone about how far they're willing to go." Teruko looks over at Ameiko and smiles. "You could come along if you feel up to it. See the place our family once lived."

The prospects of traveling to his parents home takes all of Yuto's interest. With the shadows of recent events now receding, a bright hope lights his face as he starts preparing himself for the big trip.

Short after the conversation with Ameiko, Koya and Sandru comes to an end, he does indeed try to find Kelda or Ragnhildr "I have read just some of the Lands of the Linorm Kings, i-is it true your kings have to ki-kill one of the ancient dra-dragons that prowl the land before raising into command?"

The young man will like also want to know about the lands the caravan is traveling through "Wha-what can you tell about Southmoor, the forest in the border with Varisia and Karl-Karlsgard?"

Torra nods at Andochtuir's suggestions, looking hopefully at Shalelu. "Will you come as well? There were a lot of strange creatures in there, and I don't know where they might be coming from. Maybe you can help us find the source?"

"Yes." Shalelu replies to Yuto. "That'd probably be the quickest way to get to Tian Xia from the Land of the Linnorm Kings."

Ameiko nods at Teruko's suggestion. "Just try to stop me. There's no way I'm going to let go of this chance." She grins at the party. "It'll be good to work with you all."

Shalelu looks at her student, pursing her lips thoughtfully. "Very well. I'd like to see your progress with my own eyes."

This isn't a secret, it's just for formatting purposes.

I'll move us onwards to the next day later today.

Yuto takes mental note of all the information given by Ragnhildr "Oh, sorry, I-I thought it was some kind of city of Karl... Th-this Southmoor is then a wilderness co-country... we should prepare to defend the caravan from its dangers"

And nods when Kelda makes her comment although he does look surprised and a bit scared "I-is people not free to speak their thoughts in the King-Kingdoms?"

"Usually they are." Ragnhildr says. "It's just ol' Opir Eightfingers isn't well-liked by his people, and overcompensates by putting on a show as though he's Chelaxian." Kelda nods gravely.

The night passes quickly, and the heroes' sleep is unusually restful, with no nightmares to speak of.

Wealday, 27th Rova 4711

The following morning is warmer than it has been, but not by much. Ameiko is up and about before anyone else, eager to get into Brinewall and see what it looks like. Shalelu is also up, unsurprisingly, and willing to come as well.

Once the party is prepared, Ameiko looks to them. "Alright. Lead on, folks."

Despite everything that happened the day before Teruko looks almost cheerful as they prepare to depart. "The whole place is ruined, but you can still see how majestic it used to be. Except for the dungeons which were as dreary as you might expect. Fortunately I think we cleared all those out. There's quite a bit on the first and second floors we haven't explored yet though. We should probably start on the ground floor? Maybe the stables; those looked relatively self-contained."

Ameiko runs a hand through her hair. "Huh. What about the village itself? Is it in any better condition?"

"Not from what I have seen." Shalelu says quietly. "Though I've only seen the easternmost part."

"Oh, do you want to see the cemetery? Maybe there's names there you recognize?" suggests Torra, who is not exactly keen on retuning to the cursed castle - not when there's the prospect of travelling to new and exciting lands instead.

"Good morning everyone! Big day ahead of us huh?" A surprisingly upbeat voice rings out as Riftun approaches the group with a smile painted on, the only indication of yesterday's drama are the heavy bags under his eyes.

"Oh yes! The ballroom was particularly grand Ameiko you really have to see it. You can just imagine the lovely parties that must have once been held there. I-I know that overly fancy things aren't exactly to your taste but I think there's a certain... I dunno romance to a place like that ya know?" The bard smiles softly.

"Though, of course, the cemetery is also quite beautiful despite everything. Spivey has done a wonderful job of maintaining it." He nods at Torra in agreement with her suggestion.

Ameiko tilts her head at Torra. "Maybe, though I wasn't born when this place fell, and Father never spoke of it."

She looks to Riftun, an affectionate smile gracing her lips. "Well, I'm sure it will be a spectacle."

Giving Yuto a chance to post, as I know Andochtuir's busy.

Yuto will follow the group into the abandoned town "Per-perhaps we can convince Magnimar to make an effort to resettle the location"

While the group shows the current state of Brinewall to Ameiko, Yuto will be very nervously looking at the shadows lurking at every corner, with his blade ready to protect both Kaijitsus and the rest of his friends.
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

The heroes make their way through Brinewall Village, circling through the rundown roads. Ameiko pauses at the ruins of the old Kaijitsu glassworks, peering quietly at it for a few moments. With a sigh, she turns to follow the group again.

Eventually, they arrive at the gates of the castle. Ameiko eyes it gravely, while Shalelu keeps her wary attentions open for any threats.

"So... this is where you've been going for the past few days?" The Kaijitsu says, her brow arched. "Looks a lot more exciting than what I've been doing. So, you said we should go to the... stables first?"

She glances into the gatehouse, where there's already signs that animals have been through as the doors have been left open - these are mainly dung stains.

"A little too exciting for my taste." Teruko grimaces at the memory of the many close battles they've fought. "I had suggested the stables because I think they'll be easy to clear out quickly. The castle itself is large and labyrinthine in nature. We've been exploring for days and haven't reached the end of it."

Assuming everyone agrees to checking the stables, Teruko falls to her accustomed place directly behind the frontliners.

The night before.

Andochtuir wastes no time in trying to fullfil his promise to Riftun, and sets to gathering ingredients in the forest. He reappears a short while afterwards and withdraws to his tent, rolls up his sleeves and takes out his very best Alembics. The fire is stoked, the water is boiled, and the herbs crushed.

"Leng's tears. Pupil's Friend. Skinsap extract. Tangle root paste... and a bit of... hm... woundweal. Yes, that should do nicely."

The resulting liquid is a pearly white, smelling rather like powdered chalk. Would it would to remove scars as well as he hypothesized?

Fortunately, he has himself as a very capable test subject!

He rubs it over his chin and scars along the lower side of his face, and...

...Notices no change whatsoever.

"Failure is the first step to success," he mutters, though he couldn't quite entirely suppress the spike of regret.

Today, earlier.

Rising bright and early, the alchemist rose to get freshed up and dressed before setting back out the castle.

He didn't get very far though, as when he tried shaving himself... his beard shied away from the razor.

"What in the-!?"

Now.

"Yes, that's what we were found the legacy... we could have searched all of it but we wanted to go back and check on Ameiko as fast as possible," Andy said, scratching his beard for the fifth time in the last hour or so.

Yuto's legs and hands shake at the sight of the castle once again "W-we have found the legacy and Ameiko is now good... d-d-do we really need to go ba-back to tha-that place?"

Upon reassurance this is needed, the young man who one month ago had little to no real experience on a real fight or even dressing his family's armor, eats his fears and puts himself in front of the Kaijitsu sisters "Wh-what do you want to check?"

He will do his bodyguard job diligently putting his shield in front of the remaining shadows Ameiko and Teruko want to face here.

Riftun glances up curiously at Andochtuir. He holds his hand up to his lips and giggles into it. "Everything alright Andochtuir? You seem a little fidgety, and you haven't shaven." The young man notes.

"N-Not that I mind! The facial hair looks good on you, in my opinion. Kinda gives you the look of a rugged seasoned veteran." The bard flashes his half-elven friend a genuine smile under tired eyes.

Turning his attention to the task at hand, Riftun nods. "We believe we've dealt with the occupants of the stables but there may be some traps so everyone should keep a very keen eye out."

Riftun will stick near the back of the group.

Torra hangs back as Yuto takes point, ready to start throwing rocks if another spider-creature tried to eat him. "I want to move on from this place as well, but what if other travellers seek refuge here and are met with horrible monsters? I think it's our duty to try and make it as safe a place as we can."

Riftun glances up curiously at Andochtuir. He holds his hand up to his lips and giggles into it. "Everything alright Andochtuir? You seem a little fidgety, and you haven't shaven." The young man notes.

"N-Not that I mind! The facial hair looks good on you, in my opinion. Kinda gives you the look of a rugged seasoned veteran." The bard flashes his half-elven friend a genuine smile under tired eyes.

The half-elven warrior lets out a short laugh and halts his movement. "Thank you for the compliment. But yes, I suppose I should bring this up before we get into any fights, to prevent accidents..."

He reaches towards his unshaven beard (?) and pauses, thinking over his words carefully. "So... I've been doing some research into how to remove scars. What is a scar, you ask? According to scientific theory, a concentration of fibrous skin that's somehow lost its ability to return to its natual state. Some have theorised that means it is *dead*, to a certain degree. So, I thought about tackling this by creating a cocktail of highly regenrative tissue. Or what I theorized would be one. And... well..."

With one swift motions, he pulls off the beard. It rolls up into a curly, prickly ball in his hand, of which a featureless head of sorts then ever so slowly seems to peek up from its defensive posture to 'look' around. "I... have been successful, to some degree. Somehow, I apparently gave my beard sentience and made it alive. Which is... only a small step away from scar removal, I'm sure!"

The alchemist has the decency to blush as the unnamed hedghog beard familiar keeps watching around hesitantly.

Game-technically it is a hedgehog tumor familiar with as yet undecided archetype. It grants a +2 bonus to willsaves. Trying to decide between a familiar that has knowledge skills and can buff attacks (Mini Riftun!), one that can give him potions during combat and one that can help crafting.

"It's so cute! Can I pet it?" Torra practically squeals as the creature is revealed. "Why does it stay on your face though? Can you carry it in a pocket instead? Does it have a name? Oh, can I name it?"