Savra scowls again at Jak's words, then turns to Asano. Her face shifts abruptly at the sorcerer's words, and a look of delight shines from her features.
"We had to run from creeping vines and snarling squirrels for at least a mile," she giggles.
"That dryad was pissed." She extends a hand to help Asano onto one of the free saddles, then climbs up in front of him.
As the rest of the group mounts, Savra continues.
"Swimming was always my favorite thing though. Elessina never wanted to, and..." she trails off, adjusting the safety straps around her waist.
"You're right that there are violent groups around. Those Sacred Stone monks are very dangerous. You shouldn't go back there." She sighs.
"I fear Lord Merosska sent you there to get rid of you. I suspect he won't be pleased to see that you have returned, even though you were successful in the task he gave you. He's a wise man, but fickle sometimes."
In the air, the birds navigate the skies deftly under the guidance of their riders. Several storms ravage the countryside with lightning and heavy rains, but the group avoids the worst of the weather.
After a couple of hours, the misty Sighing Valley comes into view, with the jutting point of Feathergale Spire near its northwestern end. The circular tower sits atop a thick vertical shaft of rock that extends from the floor of the valley below.
The afternoon sun fades behind jutting clouds as the beasts approach, heading for several large wooden doors near the base of the tower. Unseen hands open the doors just before the vultures and hippogriff fly in, each one to a different stall around the circular tower. Inside, each stall is covered with straw, with harnesses, riding crops, and saddles hanging on the walls. Several initiates move quickly past the newly arrived mounts to fasten the latches on the doors leading out to open air. Dismounting, the group enters another set of swinging wooden stall doors to the interior of the tower.
A circular landing surrounds the central shaft of a spiral staircase leading up into the tower. The landing around the stairs is a jumbled mess, piled with supplies and bales of straw. Ladders, baskets, buckets, clothing, ropes, and all manner of equipment clutter the floor.
Radiating out from the landing are the stalls for the flying mounts, twelve in all at even intervals. A total of four giant vultures and five hippogriffs stand behind the stall doors.
A dour man in baggy robes of azure greets Savra and Huet.
"You are wanted upstairs," the man tells them curtly. Savra and Huet nod, then ascend the spiral staircase upwards.
Turning to the remainder of the party, the man smiles slightly.
"I am told you have slain the mighty Qarbo," he says evenly.
"I trust you have proof of such a valient deed?"
Map updated.
Anyone who hasn't already posted details for a short rest can do so on their next post.