The pale elf smiled gently when realization dawned upon Rivka's features, much like a teacher would when a student correctly resolved a difficult puzzle. "Indeed, it would benefit us greatly if you could use it during our journey." she told Zell's queen.

Turning to Nym she answered his question with a similar smile, pleased she could be of assistance "This magic is divine in origin, granted to protectors of nature - rangers or druids, sometimes bards. It makes you aware of the features of the land around you: Major landmarks like rivers and lakes but also settlements of hamlet size or bigger. Basically you could say it gives you a mental map of roughly 50 miles around you." the scholar finished her description of the spell, still smiling gently.

 The dragonman walks back to the party and says as he approaches "Did we figure out what the plan is? Which route to take." he asks very much curious about the discussion that the others had while Sonori and he talked.

Rivka nodded at the sage's words
"I learned the ritual in my early days of training,  but had to work on strengthening my connection with the land before i could attempt it.   Our recent trials and victories have helped me achieve that.  I should be able to cast the ritual,
at least once a day"



She nodded to Yacob
"We're still debating, but it looks like skirting Zhent territory is looking like the least horrible of the three horrible options. "
She added a wry smile to her last words

Kell nods. "Unless the dwarves know of an underground tunnel that leads where we are bound, skirting Zhentil lands is likely our best option. At least the Red Queen's army isn't subtle. If they are following us, they are much more likely to draw the attention of the Zhentarim nation away from ourselves."

We need to be moving not standing around talking and wasting our advantage in time.

Nym turns Neliwen and in a very nice tone continues.

Perhaps you can teach me more about this prayer along the way.

 " I don't know the Underdark so let's not add that option to this and that can be much more dangerous than I would like to think. Since we have that settled let's move on. As Nym said we don't have time to lose." Yacob goes to find the horse that was trained to allow him to ride. The dwarf spent a bit of time making sure that he doesn't slow the party down.

Neliwen nodded in agreement "Of course, let's get moving, I shall share as much knowledge on the way as I can." she replied with a gentle smile in return.

Nino had never been on a boat going over a lake before and thought it was amusing. He didn't have a clue where they were going and was the first one out when they party reached the town of Phlan. He waved to everyone on the docks.

In reply to Nino (msg # 41):

Quinn tried to keep an eye on Nino. He follows along with him and gives him jerky and beer when he needs it. North might be a better direction.

Sonori nodded,

  With the party choosing the more risky, but faster route Yacob urges them onward. "When we get closer we will ride during the day and camp at night with out a fire or lights. Move as fast as we dare to get beyond the reach of those in the Keep. Agreed?" he asks as if there was really any other choice.

Nym speaks his agreement as he makes sure he's ready to go and moves to walk with Neliwen so they can talk about things they agreed upon earlier.

Lets go.  The sooner we start the sooner we will have this behind us.

"Should we move at night? Many of us can see in the dark, or at least in the dim moonlight. We might be even less likely to be noticed that way, and those who can see can help those who can't."

  "A lame horse will give us away faster than a fire." he says as he shakes his head. "If the horses could see like us that would be one thing, but they can't. A lamed horse screams like you would not believe and then we either ride 2 to a horse or we slow down for the one without a horse. If you want to travel at night we would need to have leads and a lot of coordination. We could try it before we reach the Zhent area."

Kell rumbles "Sonori, if it will not offend your dignity, perhaps I can carry you atop my pack. I see perfectly in the Dark, and I can sense even the unseen so long as it is in contact with the ground. That way we can keep a steadier pace if it worries you."

Sonori chuckled slightly looking up at the gigantic Goliath, "Kell, it would not offend my dignity - I have ridden hybsils - sentient beings - many times. As a young child, in fact, that was my main mode of transportation.

I would not want to offend your dignity, and I appreciate the offer. If needed, certainly.

But I also can see in the dark. I can ride and I long ago learned move as fast as most humanoids - though I still can't keep up with hybsils on my own.

Those who can not see in the dark would be at far more risk, and may more greatly benefit from your help at this time."

"I've only heard stories about the Zhentil Troops and their God Bane. I think we need to move fast and bribe who we can and those who can't be bribed, should be "dealt with" quickly. This party is a motley crew and people will remember us. People won't forget somebody who looks like a Lizard or a Giant or a Dwarf with a black metal arm."

Zell, if we kill everyone we meet we are just going to leave a trail a blind orc can follow.  Granted, I don't think that will matter.  However, it is in best interest not to leave an obvious trail.

"Please." Neliwen said with a soothing voice, "As sensitive as the topic is, we will try our best to evade any contact. I am positive Queen Rivka can help us do that with her skills and experience." she tried to calm her companions. "When we need to enter a settlement, for supplies or because we cannot avoid it, I am positive we will find a way to hide the more distinct members of our group. Either with magic or just hidden under a tarpaulin." the elf suggested, confident they would find a solution to pass most settlements unnoticed.

"Rivka is a queen now?" he asks in a tone saying he doesn't believe it. "Not that it isn't possible just well I know I have been more introspective as of late, but that is a bit of a stretch."

In reply to Yacob Stoneveins (msg # 53):

Rivka grinned and chuckled lightly
"My apologies, Neliwen.  That 'queen' stuff was just Zell being poetic and romantic.  I love him, but it's probably better if you didn't take him completely seriously"
She smiled
"That being said,  my skills are definitely at the disposal of the group "
This message was last edited by the player at 23:54, Sat 19 June 2021.

Kell says "if it helps, my people are native to those mountains and along the southern ridge. If we happen upon a village, I won't be the one standing out, nor will the dwarves. Well, dwarf, I sometimes forget that Yacob has scales. Must be the dwarvish demeanor...."

Nym teases his friend Yacob in serious but lighthearted tone.

If you weren't so self absorbed in your own issues and those of your cousin all the time you might notice other things going on around you.

His tone turns more serious when speaks again.

It is time to get moving and stop wasting our advantage.

Zell chuckled at the joke about him,

"A man's better half is always the queen of his life. She just like to play in the dirt, but I vowed that I would teach her the ways of the filthy rich and then she would rule with an iron fist!" Zell smiled as he made a fist and then shook his hand as if he squeezed it too hard

Rivka chuckled,  looking at Zell fondly