THE CARAVAN AT THE SIDE OF THE ROAD

***THE CARAVAN AT THE SIDE OF THE ROAD*** is the third session of *Glimpses into the Fade.*

## Musings

*The day passes, and the night soon comes. It is gentle and soft in its melody as it beckons a melancholic sort of tune, of soft goodbyes, tears not meant to be shed, and an adventure that is just around the corner. But such tales and songs of valor are meant for the sunrise, for the day break, for tomorrow. Tonight we find ourselves nestled in the hidden dining hall within the living quarters of the Western Roost Library, an assorted bunch is gathered around the table.*

*For one last dinner.*

## **Synopsis**

The group assembles around a large mahogany table. Ambrose sits at the head of the table, using his mage hand to aid Calypso. The party, along with Monsoon, sit around the table to have one final dinner all together. Bran grows emotional, being reminded of back home, and starts of tear up. Hira offers Mint a handkerchief, who brings it to Bran without the others noticing. Oriza asks Bran what he researched at the library, and brings up Elvhenanian Elves, specifically regarding Monsoon.

Monsoon, a ways down the table, is shocked and asks Bran not to look into him and rather focus on things to aid in their trip to Duncaster. Bran apologizes, and quickly moves on by bringing up dragons. This peaks Ambrose's interest, delving into possible origins of magic from another plane known as The Fade. Ambrose tells them if they see a portal to jump into it, but is swiftly kicked under the table for proposing such a thing.

Dragons are present in every culture in Orion. The Elvhenaian elves specifically used to worship a dragon, a lot is said about them but not a lot if known:

* The Horns: a deer-like deity who guides them during the hunt
* The Scales: a dragon who guides their magic
* The Dreadwolf: the one who betrayed them all

The topics change as Bran talks to Calypso. He asks if she lives here, and she confirms, she has to take care of Ambrose after all. Bran makes an insight check, realizing Calypso's eyes linger on Ambrose for a moment before asking about the meal. Anthir has been busy eating loaf after loaf of bread, as Ambrose mage hands more onto his plate. As dinner ends, Oriza approaches Calypso, asking if she has any recipes for the road. She promises to write some down for him.

As the night ends, Bran approaches Monsoon once more to apologize, hoping his actions did not ruin their friendship. Monsoon kneels, putting a hand on his shoulder to reassure him it's alright, seeing it as a beginner's mistake. Hira heads to her Aunt's room, putting 20 GP on her dresser as thanks before she leaves. Anthir heads into the woods and begins to play a tune on his flute, feeling the warmth of the sun against his face, as if someone was playing along beside them. Oriza waits for Anthir's return at the Guild, ominously standing in the door before heading to bed.

The next morning arrives, Hira leaves the Western Roost Library with a heavy heart, and many handmade lunches by Calypso. Oriza wakes up in the dorms, waking everyone else with her as she puts on her chain mail, and the give of them have breakfast at the Golden Phoenix Guild whilst waiting for Monsoon. With his arrival and the handing out of everyone's lunches, the group heads north early in the morning.

Four hours in, they spot caravan made of dark wood, painted in gradients of dark blue and swirling stars. An unconscious body leaning against a tree. Hira rushes ahead to investigate, casting Hands of Healing to bring her back to consciousness. The Elven woman speaks of a beast attacking her and damaging her caravan. Monsoon brings out a scroll of mending to fix the broken wheel, and suggest the group investigate. Riya opts to stay behind to watch over the woman, and the remaining four set off into the forest, getting lost in the process. Anthir uses speak with animals to talk to a fox, who says they are running from something. They decide to go the way the fox came from.

Coming across a clearing, a large Owlbear rushes through the brushes and appears in front of them. Oriza intimidates the beast, making it sprint towards the others. As Bran hides to cast his mage armour, Hira realizes there is no chance of calming the creature down and rushes forward. Anthir throws a dagger to the beast, but on a critical fail the dagger finds purchase in Oriza's back. They apologize through a healing word. As they continue the battle, Bran receives a sending from Monsoon asking their location, and sends Mint to lead Monsoon back to them.

Monsoon arrives just as Oriza finishes off the Owlbear, which is disintegrated through a powerful smite. Monsoon apologizes to the group over not being there, and mentions the woman they saved had offered to carry them part of the way to Duncaster, in return for protection. The group returns to the woman’s caravan, with a new wheel and now a magical wooden horse attached to the front. Oriza goes to pet the horse gently, with Hira noticing the elf lady’s quizzical expression as she strums her fingers against the horse as if puppeting it to respond to Oriza's pets. The session ends with the group about to settle into the caravan.

## Featured Characters

#### The Fireflies

* Anthir
* Bran
* Hiraeth
* Oriza
* Riya

#### Returning

* Ambrose
* Calypso
* Monsoon