CH 1: The Road Travels East

[mltillis]

" Raistlin needs his rest even more so than in years past, Tanis. I'll take his watch and my own at Midnight. " Caramon begins to check his weapons and armor and prepares his sleeping roll.

[JadedDM]

Tanis nodded to Caramon while Flint rolled out his bedroll and promptly fell asleep, snoring loudly.

The half-elf turned to Laurana. "That's not necessary, we should have enough supplies for now, at least until we reach Haven. Besides, hunting would be is dangerous. There are still goblin patrols out there. It won't be safe to leave until daylight. Try to get some sleep, you'll need it tomorrow."

[Talyn]

Raistlin sneers. "I didn't take you for a fool brother." he says bitingly. He points a finger around at everyone present. "You were all seen by many people in the Inn, they know we have the staff. Messages have most likely already gone to Haven. They will be looking for us."

Raistlin goes quiet after that and gets ready to sleep.

[JadedDM]

"He's not wrong," Tanis said to whoever is still awake. "But I think we have to take the risk. Better to deal with the living than the walking dead of Darken Wood."

[Breila]

"Tanis? Will you keep first watch? Then, if you don't mind, I'd like to share it with you. I have questions about Solace and Haven and how these lands are organized." Goldmoon sounds tired, and worried. "I'm so sorry I spoilt your reunion. I didn't mean trouble, but felt so helplessly unable to prevent it..." Her voice catches in her throat, she almost sobs, talking to no one in particular.

[JadedDM]

"I will keep first watch, and you may join me. Do not blame yourself about the reunion. We're all together again...well, most of us," he added, thinking of Kitiara. "I have a feeling this staff is more important than a night spent drinking and reminiscing anyway." He smiled.

"Chieftain's Daughter, I will stay up with you," Riverwind said, not about to leave her alone with some unwashed half-breed. He hovered close to her, protectively, like a guard watching over a precious jewel.

[Breila]

Goldmoon settles down with Riverwind, sitting close to him, his arm around her, her hand stroking his arm, absentmindedly, like out of a longtime habit.

"Tell me, Tanis, how are these lands organized? I mean, who rules them, is each city independent or do they have an overlord, how well do they get on with each other? Is Raistlin right, will the rulers of Solace tell those in Haven about us, and would the rulers in Haven hand us over to the Solacians? I have been taught some things about these lands, but I admit that I have forgotten quite a lot. It never seemed so important while we were in the plains."

[Jenara]

Laurana says nothing, sitting quietly on her own. She had been looking forward to the bed..

(Ooc: wasn't sturm on watch?)

[JadedDM]

"Understand, I've been away the past five years. So I'm not certain how up to date my information is. But I will tell you what I know," Tanis says.

Tanis explains that, from what he has learned, the center of Abanasinia has become known as the "Seeker Lands." It consists of Solace, Haven, and Gateway primarily. The Seekers are growing as a movement further north, by the seaside towns of Tantallon, Zaradene, North Keep, Good Bay and Long Ridge--among others--but most of their power is concentrated here.

Although the Seekers have no capital, Haven is the largest town in their control, and so many thing of it as such. Gateway is much like Solace in size, but on the ground instead of in the boughs of trees.

The Seekers had little power when he left these lands, but obviously they have grown considerably in influence. They are said to be 'seeking' new gods. These new gods, however, do not grant prayers or true healing, like the gods of old were said to. The Seekers counter this by claiming the old gods never did any such miracles--those were just exaggerated stories told.

The Seekers are led by a theocratic council. There is a Master Highseeker and eight Highseeker Councilors. Solace and Gateway both have a Highseeker, who reports to the ones in Haven. Hederick is the Highseeker of Solace.

"And to be honest," Tanis finishes up, "Raistlin may well be right. Hederick may send word to Haven, but we don't have many options. The only way to reach Haven other than the main road is through Darken Wood, but it's said nobody who has ever entered that forest has ever returned to tell the tale."

Throughout it all, the rain outside grew worse, until it was a full blown storm. Tanis seems glad for this. "I doubt the goblins will keep searching in that storm. We should be safe, at least." He stands up. "You two should get some rest. Don't worry, we've done this kind of thing before. There will always be a watchful guard posted."

(OOC: Oh, yeah. Well, there's more than enough party members to share a few watches. Actually, that works out. While Sturm is doing the actual watching, it lets Tanis and Goldmoon speak without distraction.)

[Breila]

"Thank you, Tanis, that was very valuable information. And we'll take your counsel and sleep. Please wake us up when it's our turn to keep watch."

Goldmoon and Riverwind make up their bed together, huddled close, they whisper for a few moments in their native tongue before going to sleep.

[JadedDM]

The night passes--slowly for those on watch, swiftly for those asleep. The storm continues unabated all night, the wind whipping the lake into a white-capped sea. Lightning branches through the darkness like flaming trees. Thunder rumbles continually, although that may have just been Flint's snoring. The storm finally blows itself out by morning, and the last one on watch is greeted by a gray and chill dawn. The rain had ended, but storm clouds still hung low. No sun appeared in the sky. To the far north, storm clouds were massing. Autumn storms are rare, especially ones with ferocity. The wind is bitter, too, and it seems odd that the storm came out of the north, when they generally swept east, across the Plains. Anyone sensitive to the ways of nature would likely notice this and find it as ominous a warning as Raistlin's missing stars.

The party wakes up and finds the cave is chill and gloomy in the gray dawn, despite the crackling fire. Tasslehoff fixes breakfast. Riverwind stands in the back of the cave, shaking out Goldmoon's fur cloak. Tanis glances at him. The Plainsman had been about to say something to Goldmoon as Tanis approached, but falls silent, contenting himself with staring at her meaningfully as he continues his work.

"There's not much food, I'm afraid. Just oatmeal for breakfast. Hope that's okay," the half-elf says, glancing at the boiling pot.

"There'll be less for dinner." Tasslehoff grins over at Caramon. "Tighten your belt. You're gaining weight anyhow."

=====================

It is now Reapember 14, Majetag of the year 350 AC. Solinari and Lunitari are waxing, Nuitari is full. The Blue Crystal Staff regains one charge. Raistlin may re-memorize his spells.

[Jenara]

Laurana gets up early, her pretty face full of the joys of the morning. "Good morning everyone!" She says with a smile, strapping on her Elven Blade as she stands. She slept poorly, choosing to sleep in her armor, fully clothed, there were strange men around afterall.

"So we are Going to Haven?" She asks Tanis as she does her morning stretches. Not waiting for his answer she sits down, eats some rather lumpy porridge and watches the others prepare.

[JadedDM]

"Goooood morning!" Tas responds in an equally cheery tone. "Did you sleep well?" he asks. "The Seamaster sure did," he adds with a sly grin, jerking a thumb toward Flint. "He was louder than the storm! Hey, captain, what's the price of fish these days? We could use some for our breakfast."

Flint, somehow, becomes even more dour and grumpy. "Shut up, doorknob!"

"Geez, no need to be so grumpy, shipmate. So how much will you charge to ferry us back across the lake?" The kender suddenly ducks to avoid the stone Flint throws.

"Tas," Tanis says, stepping between them. "Why don't you go and scrub the pots and pans, hmm? We'll want to break camp as soon as everyone's done with breakfast."

"Sure, Tanis," Tas says, hasting outside. Flint grunts his thanks to Tanis, then goes back to nursing his oatmeal.

With that little incident settled, Tanis turns his attention to Laurana. "Despite the risks, yes, we've decided to head toward Haven. Once there, though, we should lie low. Find out who we can trust before saying anything. We don't want to repeat what happened in Solace."

[Jenara]

"Honestly no, but the road is new." She giggles and watches Tas, the Kender making her smile. "I will accompany you, if you choose to go to Qualinost, you will need my help." She gives a big smile. "And, they think I am with you."

Watching the group interact, she adds: "You need me, you need my bow, and my sword arm, I can fight, all Elves are trained to, the same way you were."

[Jerrard]

Sturm gets up, checks and cleans his blade before cleaning his breastplate until it shines, his face darkens as he watches Tas and Flint, he breathes a sigh of relief as Tas goes to do the dishes.

Listening to Tanis and Laurana, there was obviously a story there his friend had yet to tell, he waits till the Girl Mentions her skills, "Yes, Haven is our destination, I am certain we will need your skills, its not about a few Stars" He glances at Rastlin, "Darkness is falling across this land." He tugs at his mustaches and looks to Riverwind and Goldmoon.