The innkeeper scratches his fuzzy chin; ‘Heerm.’ He says, and then looks to Mina. ‘Maybe she is mistaken. The sheriff drops off a copy of all the posters here. Let’s go have a look, shall we?’ he moves behind the counter and pulls out a large binder, starting to flip through the pages.

 

Mina sighs slightly and moves toward to counter to have a look

 

‘I must say...’ he adds after a moment; ‘It is nice to see a criminal paying us some attention. You are the first to have ever actually shown up!’ he eventually pulls out a sheet of parchment; ‘Ah, this must be it...’

 

When he slides the parchment over the counter towards the group, they find a surprisingly lifelike sketch of Mina grinning at them; coloured with green hair and all. The poster reads: Wanted - Sorcerer - Fifty Thousand Gold Reward; Paying well for any information on whereabouts. Details disclosed only to interested parties.

 

There is a joker card sketched on the bottom of the poster, as well as a tracking number for the mage guild.

 

<+Gorland> "Hmm. I while I do want to get to the bottom of Mina's issue. It is imperative I explain the importance of this little bugger, so I can chase after Miss Elli and find a lead on Felton Tower."

 

<+Gorland> "This, my companions, is Tedward. Lilith's pet."

 

Soren rolls his eyes. "I know who Tedward is, I only travelled with it...him for a while."

 

Tedward squeaks lightly and continues to nibble on his treat.

 

<+Gorland> "Yes. I figured as much. But Tedward, is an animal. I happen to be able to transform into animals..And communicate with them."

 

<+Gorland> "So, sir Soren. I can either pursue that lead..or leave Tedward to your care and try to track Elli. I leave it to your call."

 

He frowns briefly, thinking about it. "Can't do both, hm? Well...I have no idea. Flip a coin."

 

Mina stares at the mage guild symbol for a moment "......." *Mina having collected her thoughts turns to the party and cuts in "What ever we do can we leave this place soon?"

 

<+Gorland> "Well. How about when I come back, I'll talk to Tedward?" he said, handing the animal and the treats to Soren, before transforming into a polar bear. "I'll return when I can."

 

The Innkeeper's eyes widen, "B-b-b...!"

 

Mina elbows Soren in the ribs...painfully. "Thats not funny!" *mina responds slightly frustrated.------

 

Gorland turns to the Innkeeper. "Yes. I'm a bear. Boo. Rawr, growl."

 

Gorland walks out the door on two hind feet.

 

<+Gorland> "Goodday"

 

Soren waves his hand, a little amused. "It's a friendly bear. Be nice." He pauses for a moment, thinking again. "Still, if we can get any information on the bounty...I daresay I'm an interested party, though not for the reward."

 

Gorland closes the door behind him.

 

Mina considers what Soren has said for a moment "...Look this is MY problem, and we already have something to do don't we?! I'll just try not to attract attention till we figure this all out!"

 

The Innkeeper, after stumbling for a bit looks to Soren; "Well, the sheriff can be found at the docks, mostly... About a thirty minute walk north."

 

<Soren> "Yeah, yeah, your problem. I'll, uh...be back in thirty minutes? You probably shouldn't come along, seeing as it's you on the poster, and we do need information."

 

Gorland starts sniffing and looking around for a scent or tracks.

 

<+Mina> "....He didn't listen to me at all did he?"

 

Mina sighs rubbing her forehead

 

Gorland is able to tell that the caravan has gone north, at a decent pace.

 

Gorland starts running to catch up.

 

The innkeeper smiles at Mina; "Don't worry; none of the locals are likely to try and turn you in - you are a Sorcerer, after all!"

 

Gorland whines

 

Soren starts heading North... and quickly realizes Cania doesn’t provide the best winter gear to protect against the southern winters.

 

Gorland pounds his way through the snowstorm at an outstanding speed, in about eight minutes from his departure he spots the caravan pulled aside up ahead. There is a small group of stone buildings ahead, presumably the docks.

 

As he approaches the Caravan he notices that Elli is still sitting on the driver’s bench. She doesn’t seem to be doing much at the moment; she is simply sitting there with her gaze cast upon her gloves.

 

Gorland slows his roll, calmly walking up to the caravan, walking up to the driver's bench. "Yo."

 

Elli nearly jumps off the bench and sets her hands over her face; "EEEEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeek! Tara!" One of the harnessed polar bears stops its play and looks to Gorland, giving a low growl of warning.

 

Gorland steps back, but looks up to Elli. "It is I, Gorland. We spoke at the inn." Gorland then turns back to the bear known as Tara, making sounds indistinguishable to Elli, talking directly to the polar bear. "I mean no harm. I am a friend to all creatures who allow me to be."

 

Soren shrugs off the cold - it's only a thirty minute walk, and chances are he can find something better at the docks. A little cold never hurt anyone...well, aside from rays of frost.

 

Tara stops growling and looks to her master, who is currently stepping into the caravan and locking the door.

 

Gorland keeps talking to Tara. "Please, Tara is it? I am trying to find a dear friend of mine...Lilith is her name. Has your companion, Miss Elli, mentioned anything of her? Have you overheard anything?..Or do you know anything of Felten Tower?"

 

<+Gorland> "If you do not..or are unwilling to tell me. Is there anything you can do to warm Elli up to me?"

 

Soren walks, and walk, and walks... half blinded by the snow and frozen to death; but that’s okay. He can’t really hear or see anything due to the mass amount of snow... but at least he thinks he knows he is going north!

 

Tara sits, and the second polar bear joins her. Tara says in a gentle tone; ‘I have heard the name, but not from my master’s lips. Rather a dark human she has spoken to. I cannot disclose my master’s business to you regarding the Felten tower; I have sworn my devotion to her, as well as my secrecy. As has Jarid.’

 

Eventually Soren sees the caravan in the distance, and the docks beyond.

 

@Soren keeps on truckin', nodding to Gorland as he heads towards the docks. "Stupid snow. We could have gone somewhere tropical, but nooooooo..."

 

The innkeeper looks to Mina; "Can I get you anything sweetie?"

 

Mina raises one eyebrow slightly confused why this man was not wary of "supposed criminal" "Uhh...no thank you"

 

He nods and then asks; "So what business do you have with the Felten tower anyhow?"

 

Mina takes a seat at the bar "Well were looking for a friend and our leads point there..."

 

Tara seems to think for a moment; "Normally my master is welcome to strangers... I do not know why she is acting this way. I am sorry."

 

Mina looks behind at the people who seem to be staring at her "who are those people in the corner anyway?" *mina says quietly to the barkeep*

 

The Innkeeper looks to the man in the corner; "Who? Sleet? Oh, he is the jailer..."

 

The door to the docks burst open with the force of the wind as Soren turns the door handle; he stumbles inside and is greeted by warm air. When he takes a moment to look around, he sees there are only about five people at work in this building; a clerk, and four workmen.

 

<+Mina> "....the jailer" *Mina groans wondering if this situation couldn't get any more awkward* "Okay who's that OTHER guy then, the one in the cloak?"

 

Soren takes a moment to warm up before moving up to the clerk. "I'm looking for a sheriff here...a wanted poster said to inquire for details, so I'd like to hear more."

 

"Who, the guy with glowing orbs and black armour?.... I have... no idea." says the Innkeeper, sliding a cup of tea in front of Mina.

 

The clerk continues chewing on his jerky as he points to a door at the far end of the room; "'ver ere, ir."

 

Mina turns back to the innkeeper "Oh I see..." *Mina nods thankfully as she takes a sip from said tea*

 

<@Soren> "Thanks." He pauses. "I think." Brushing some of the remaining snow off of his cloak (and face), he takes a second to warm up before moving to the door at the end, knocking twice.

 

The innkeeper leans forward; "Handsome though, isn't he? Fallen in love have you? Let me get his attention..."

 

Aidan flashes a pointy-toothed smile and waves when the barkeep and Miss Wanted Poster look his way

 

"... I think he has taken a sharpener to his teeth... however..."

 

<+Mina> "No no no nothing like that, I was just interested thats all..."

 

For a moment, nothing but the workers behind Soren can be heard. After a brief pause someone says, ‘Ho! Yes? Someone out there at this hour... Mmm too early for drunks. What is it?’

 

<@Soren> "Inquiring about a wanted poster." Soren responds, keeping his tone neutral. "The person on it looks familiar."

 

"Interested... in love!" he waves to Aidan; "Good day sir!"

 

Goroh walks into the inn again, after looking around a bit outside and almost getting lost in the snow.

 

The door opens, and a man steps out; dressed thickly in winter gear, even though he is indoors. His skin is very pale and his eyes a deep green; "Oh, is that so? Come in... come in. Show me which you are speaking of, and I will see what I can do."

 

Mina groans looking as she's about to get frustration induced headache "....You know what never mind." *mina returns to he tea*'

 

Soren nods and takes a step in, glancing over the room carefully to take in all the details. "I don't think I would need to show you; the one with the Sorcerer. Sorceress, technically...Fifty thousand gold reward, anyway. It mentioned that details would only be disclosed to interested parties."

 

"Ah yes..." he says. "That one... well. I don't actually hold any details." he moves towards a desk, pulling out a red folder with the tracking number scribed on the front; "What I will need you to do is fill out a brief letter and we will send it off. The poster should get back to you fairly quickly. He always does."

 

Soren nods. "I'm on the move frequently. I trust that won't be a problem?"

 

He shakes his head; and pulls out a red crystal; "This will act as a temporary tracking number for the mage guild."

 

Kansu yawns and decides to step outside the inn.

 

Soren nods once again. "Sounds good. What needs to go in the letter?"

 

He shrugs, "Basically what you know.. any questions you have... and evidence you might be willing to part with. As far as I understand, this guy is looking for anything and everything in relation to her."

 

<@Soren> "Alright. Oh, and one more question...do you know where I might pick up some heavier winter clothing? Didn't prepare quite as well as I should have for the storm here."

 

He laughs; "There is a shop just down the road; they always have plenty in stock."

 

<@Soren> "Thank you for your time. Might I be able to fill out the letter and return it in a bit?"

 

<+Gorland> "Hmm..thank you," he said to Tara before speaking in common, to Elli. "I would transform to mah human Self, Miss Elli, but I'd likely freeze to death, you understand! Please talk with me."

 

"Certainly." he says with a nod.

 

Kansu sits in the bitter wind for awhile, watching the area for activity that might be interesting.

 

"I will not speak to a bear, and I certainly will not speak to you!" Elli shouts through the caravan window. Tara says softly; "She speaks to us all the time..."

 

<@Soren> "Then I shall be back shortly with your letter; and ideally some warmer clothes."

 

<+Gorland> "Tara informs me you speak to your companions quite frequently," Gorland said with a slight smug in his voice. "They sure do look like bears to me. Besides, I'm not a bear. I'm a Druid. "

 

He nods and goes back to spinning on his chair.

 

Aidan waves to the barkeep, then goes back to sipping his drink.

 

"Then I don't speak to druids!" she shouts.

 

The innkeeper looks back to Mina; "Do you like your tea?"

 

<+Gorland> "...What about people in need?" he asked, sighing softly, trying to appeal to the compassionate side that spoke of aiding plagued villages.

 

<+Mina> "Yes it's very refreshing, thank you again." *mina replies with a slight smile*

 

Elli opens the window of the caravan and leans out, frowning at him; "You are not in need. You are annoying."

 

Soren goes off on his way, then; first to pick up a few items of clothing, and secondly to find a quiet place to sit down, have a bite to eat, and write a good story.

 

<+Gorland> "I may not be, but my friend is, I'm quite sure..And In a way, I am in need..In need of finding a way to save her."

 

The Innkeeper grins and sets his thick hand on the counter; "Good good... so then..."

 

"I cannot help you." Elli says; "My empathy is already booked..."

 

Gorland laughs softly, which must be quite a disturbing thing to see a polar bear do. "I can stick around until something opens."

 

<+Gorland> "Maybe even help you, and earn that opening."

 

Goroh walks over to Mina, sitting near her at the bar.

 

<+Goroh> "How goes searching?"

 

<+Mina> "Not all that well sadly, Soren should be back soon though. Perhaps he's picked up on some information."

 

<+Goroh> "Alright."

 

Mina bites her lip "With this bounty on my head...well I hope we don't run into any problems later because of it..."

 

<+Goroh> "There's a bounty?"

 

Elli is silent for a moment; and after a long pause she steps out of the caravan and turns to Gorland, ‘... Gorland; you must forget you ever heard about the Felten tower. You must forget about your friend, and you must go far away from this place.’

 

Mina points to the wanted poster in front of her.

 

Gorland roars lowly, pawing at the ground out of frustration. "I cannot! I WILL not! I beseech you to tell me what you know. I cannot forget Lilith!"

 

Soren is able to grab some heavy duty and rather stylish winter gear. He finds a cozy café where he can sit down a share a lunch plate with Tedward; from the café window he can see the ongoing by the caravan.

 

Elli grits her teeth; "You have no choice in the matter; your friend is already dead and gone. Just forget."

 

Tedward hops around Soren's plate, nibbling on his food.

 

Gorland stares hard at Elli, eyes going stern, as if trying to determine the truth from Elli's own face.

 

Gorland thinks she looks rather serious.

 

<+Gorland> "..."

 

<+Gorland> "When did she die?"

 

Soren glances out the window, not really paying attention to Tedward, as he decides what details to include and what to omit.

 

<@Nami> "Two months ago."

 

Kansu goes back inside the inn, icicles trailing off his clothes and face. "Brisk."

 

Aidan finishes off the smoking concoction and motions to the barkeep to bring another.

 

Elli steps down from the caravan, taking a step towards Gorland. Lightning cackles at her fingertips as she points a hand towards him; "Get away from me."

 

Kansu walks up to the counter, and places a hand on it, raining ice down. "Something strong."

 

Soren stares out the window, his eyes widening - he scoops up Tedward quickly and rushes outside, mumbling something about being back for the food. He heads straight for the caravan.

 

Gorland nose twitches, and tilts head, staring at Elli for a moment. "That scent...I know you...We've had to have met before... Which would explain why you're trying to protect me by telling me to forget..Right? No. Again I say, I won't forget."

 

Elli narrows her eyes, and with a whisk of her hand Gorland is searing with pain.

 

Soren quietly works his way over to the caravan, indicating to Gorland that he should keep quiet. "That explains a lot." He mumbles, sneaking his way to behind Eleanor.

 

Gorland roars, cringing and stumbling back. "W..why are you attacking me, Hmm? What have I done?"

 

Elli takes another step forward; "You need to forget; you need to get out of here. I'm warning you... take this seriously."

 

Soren shakes his head, speaking up. "I'm disappointed I didn't realize the name sooner, but that spell...well, that makes things a lot more clear. What's the rush? I have something of yours right here."

 

<+Gorland> "The scent..the spell..And Soren's agreement.." Gorland said, growling softly and stepping closer. "Its you..isn't it?"

 

Elli tilts her head slightly to glance at Soren; "You have nothing of mine.... sir. You should take the same advice I have given your friend and back away from this."

 

<@Soren> "Afraid I can't do that. We're only responding to your letters to meet, after all; it would be rude to send out an invitation and not accept it."

 

"I don't know what you're talking about." she snaps, fingertips starting to crackle again.

 

Soren rolls his eyes. "Oh, please. Last time you did this it barely did a thing. Why're you being so stubborn, Lilith?"

 

Gorland bit his tongue, trying to contain his frustration..and many other countless emotions.

 

"That is not my name!" she screeches. Would Soren like to take an action before she does?

 

Tara hops to her feet, growling loudly. The younger bear growls, but stays low for now.

 

Soren braces for electric doom, but doesn't take an action. "You didn't cover your tracks very well, borrowing the name you did. We were going to find out sooner or later. Now let's go and talk about this reasonably. Alright?"

 

Elli doesn't seem to want to reason. She attacks Soren.

 

Gorland steps backwards, hovering over near Tara. "Please..Why is she doing this? Do you know? For what reason is she trying to cast away her past?"

 

Goroh looks outside the inn window.

 

Soren pushes past the shock and reaches forward, trying to grab Lilith''s arm. "That wasn't very nice at all."

 

Kansu is drinking a drink.

 

Mina taps her fingers on the bar counter "This is taking to long..."

 

Kansu eyes Mina, "Is it?"

 

<+Goroh> "Oh? Want to go look for them?"

 

Mina turns to the others "Yeah."

 

Goroh pulls his coat up around his ears and steps out into the snow

 

Kansu follows out, "Know where to look though?"

 

Mina gets up and moves to the door while putting on her coat

 

Lilith takes a swing at his arm, a rod seeming to suddenly appear in her hand.

 

<+Mina> "No idea, lets just follow Soren"

 

<+Goroh> "Can't you like, talk to the snow to find people or something? Or is your magic a bit more limited."

 

<+Kansu> "I control nature. I don't ask it for favors."

 

Soren hits.

 

Aidan picks up the empty bowl and glides to the bar

 

 Gorland steps backwards, hovering over near Tara. "Please..Why is she doing this? Do you know? For what reason is she trying to cast away her past?"

 

Tara continues to growl; "She does not speak of her past."

 

Elli steps back five paces and begins to cast; in a moment she says; "You are wrong; and I do not have time for this." she vanishes.

 

Soren swears and pulls a similar trick, looking for footprints in the snow as Lilith moves.

 

Gorland roars again after realizing Lilith is missing, and takes off trying to track her scent.

 

There are no footprints in the snow; but Gorland can pick up her sent on the western wind.

 

Soren shrugs. "No time for walking. Let's move, Gorland. Do you mind a rider?"

 

<+Gorland> "Hop on! I'll follow her scent and leave tracks for the others!"

 

Soren hops on quickly. "Let's move. No time to waste."

 

Gorland takes off in a dead run for teh scent.

 

Mina turns to the others "Soren was heading to the docks, lets head there first."

 

Soren manages to hold on.

 

Soren and Gorland charge westward! With the sent as a guide they soon reach a building, on top of which they see Elli, staring down at them with a sneer.

 

<+Gorland> "Hold on, Soren!"

 

<+Gorland> "TIGHTLY!"

 

Soren leans close and whispers to Gorland. "Head past, get as close as you can. I need to hop off but I can't leave a trail."

 

At about this time, the group arrives at the caravan and sees large bear prints headed west.

 

Gorland roars as he leaps into the ear, sprouting wings with a terrific ripping sound.

 

<+Goroh> "Look, bear prints, and they're not from the two bears on the caravan."

 

Aidan notices that the group has left.

 

Mina looks at the polar bears "Hey...these must be Elli's bears right?"

 

<+Kansu> "Great."

 

<+Goroh> "Follow the bear tracks?"

 

As Gorland leaps into the air, he is struck by the all mighty Zeus.. I mean, Elli with a lightning bolt; Soren is caught in the crossfire.

 

<+Goroh> "Worst thing that can happen is we might have to kill a real bear, instead of just finding Gorland."

 

Kansu follows the tracks in the snow, "Let's go."

 

<@Soren> "Come on. A little closer."

 

Gorland growls in pain but pushes forward, flying close tot he building.

 

Mina makes haste following Kansu

 

<+Mina> *zoom zoom zoom*

 

Soren only plans to wait long enough to get into or on the building before jumping for it.

 

Elli backs up as Gorland approaches, seeming to be readying another spell.

 

Goroh follows the tracks, going into a run that the others would find hard to keep up with

 

He misses, but manages to land without any damage. Maybe he should look for some stairs.

 

Soren shakes his head, a little relieved. "Well, that could have been worse." He slips inside, intent on working his way up.

 

As Gorland is watching Elli, she grins at him, almost teasingly... and then vanishes once more.

 

Goroh reaches the building.

 

Soren is able to find a staircase leading to the roof.

 

Goroh runs into the building, looking for a staircase

 

Goroh spots the staircase fairly quickly.

 

Goroh heads for the stairs

 

Soren is taking a second to decide what to do, on the other hand.

 

Kansu keeps walking along, "Well he's impatient."

 

Goroh soon bumps into Soren; the others are just arriving at the building at this time.

 

Gorland seems crestfallen at first, then shakes it off, sniffing at the ear trying to pick out her scent again.

 

Soren pokes his head out, looking to Gorland. "Trouble?"

 

<+Goroh> "What's going on here?"

 

Gorland picks up no scent from the westward wind, this time.

 

Gorland lands on the rooftop, slamming paws on teh ground. "she's gone..her scent's gone."

 

<+Goroh> "Who's gone?"

 

Mina makes for the entrance without a word

 

<@Soren> "Damn it. Find her, I don't care how. Fly around and look if you have to."

 

<+Gorland> "Hop on, a second pair of eyes won't do anything but help."

 

Soren shakes his head, though it can't really be seen. "Not good enough. We need Mina too for what I have in mind. Can you carry us both?"

 

Kansu follows Mina.

 

From the rooftop, Gorland can spot a cargo boat pulling into the docks.

 

<+Gorland> "Maybe. But I see a cargo boat as well..Didn't she mention a cargo boat earlier? Perhaps she's headed there."

 

<+Goroh> "Would one of you PLEASE tell me what's going on here?"

 

Soren taps his foot impatiently, thinking. "Damn it. Goroh and Kansu need to work their way back to the docks. I need Mina to go with myself and get there as quickly as possible."

 

Gorland takes this time to cast a spell on himself. [Cure MOderate Wounds]

 

<@Soren> "If you see that bard, Elli, stop her as quickly as possible, with whatever means necessary." He works his way up the stairs to meet Gorland. "Mina, hurry it up. No time to spare."

 

<+Goroh> "Stop her dead or stop her unconscious? It makes a difference."

 

<@Soren> "Not dead, you bloodthirsty..." He trails off as he continues upstairs, wasting no time.

 

Mina panting from all the running "What do you want me to do?"

 

<+Goroh> "Then you shouldn't have said by ANY means."

 

Goroh takes off towards the docks

 

Gorland is obviously itching to just leave without Soren and Mina, pawing at the rooftop.

 

Kansu sighs, "Docks huh? We just came from there."

 

<@Soren> "When I get time to explain, I will." He hollers down, climbing onto Gorland again. "Mina, hurry it up, will you? I'll explain on the way."

 

Goroh dashes towards the docks at top speed, glancing here and there for any sign of Elli; when he dashes through the door, the clerk looks to him oddly; "Can I help you?"

 

<+Gorland> "I don't like it Soren. She was mocking me..It was..unlike her. Do you have any blasted idea what's going on here?"

 

Mina catches up finally climbing on as as well

 

<+Goroh> "I'm looking for the bard, Elli."

 

<@Soren> "Talking later. Moving now and  will you speed it up a little, Mina? Time is not something we have a lot of here."

 

Soren is clearly getting frustrated.

 

Kansu sighs and points in the direction of the dock entrance, muttering a word. He instantly appears there.

 

Gorland runs off the roof top, leaping and taking off towards the docks.

 

<@Nami> The clerk sighs and scratches his head; "Not here yet... she better be soon though. I think that man is about ready to leave. He was only dropping off the one box."

 

<@Soren> "Gorland, let's go. Now."

 

Kansu walks in after Goroh, "She here?"

 

<+Goroh> "Alright, good. Can I look on the boat? It's rather urgent that I... speak to her."

 

<+Goroh> "Not yet, but that doesn't mean she didn't teleport on or something."

 

Gorland runs off the roof top, leaping and taking off towards the docks.

 

A man from the center of the room comes over, setting his hand on the desk; "What interest do you have in my boat, and my clients?" asks Soren.