SE06 : EP04 - The Myrthwood Missing Part II

The surrendering goblin tells them that that his war band hadn't be up north. But that he dislikes the elves and dwarves that come out of the caves up there. This confirms some the details Mirai's note mentioned. They let goblin run off, and he bolts towards the south.   The party mounts up again. and start off towards the north. Wulf speaks into Daphix's ear from the Iris. He explains that a few Kensai arrived and filled in that it was the Watch that had reached out to Mirai. It was expected to be a butter run.    Cass strikes up a conversation with Merit which the whole party joins in on. Discussing Merit's skills and character. And they discuss the Strixhaven University students in general. This goes on until they come upon a cabin.   A footpath his now growing weeds as it leads to disused cabin. Ryder moves up knocking on the door before attempting entry. Noticing something he waves the rest of the party off. Kellasin attempts entry. There is a blast at the door. The telltale sound of a gunshot. A small voice in house asks "Are you good guys?" Kellisin approaches slowly with open palms showing. "Yes, yes we are."   A young human gilr no more then eleven years of age has both hands wrapped around the handle of a pistol. "are you Mirai's freinds?" Kellisn nods as he takes a step closer, Gavin enters behind her. "Yes we are. See." the dragon shows his Signal Ring to her. "See I have a ring just like Mirai."  She moves on of her hands to her neck where two such rings hang on a chain. Gavin takes a knee next tot eh girl. Kellsin asks her name. "Sila Vana." Gavin leans in "Can I see that?" She hands Gavin the gun to which he quickly clicks the safety. She then turns and hands Kellisan a small book, Mirai's notebook. He keeps talking tothe girl as he hands Ryder the book.   They learn from Sila that Mirai left to try and save her parents form the "Snake Dragon." The Kensai left the gun for the girls' protection. They summon magical food and assign Helper and Polaris to watch the girl until they all return.    Ryder reads through the book and gains some more details. Sadly learning that Mirai was too late to save girl's parents from the slavers. She headed off to the north.    *  *  *  *  *   They ride on untiel they run to the sight of a battle. The ground is brown with blood and black with char. A line of fire must have arced across the arcs. Amongst the burned matter are bits of clothes, and the scabbard of a curved sword, and a familiar mechanical arm.   They continue to look around the area when a Jabberwok stalks out from the woods. @Merit and @ryder notice it but the others are caught flat-footed as it attacks. It thrashes with claws, burbles a maddening sound, and shoots wide lines of fires. They fight the foul beast until they fell it. But's wounds close and light returns to it's eyes. It attacks once again. After realizing it's weakness to slashing weapons they pour on the attacks, eventually downing it for good. Cass removes the Kensai's sword from it's body.    The party gathers themselves and look for any sign of Mirai. In the end they cut open the beast and find the bones of a number of skeletons. Also a an adventuring guild Signal Ring as well.    Daphyix relays this to Wulf. As Kellisan feels an impulse from Polaris, sothing is happening back at the cabin with Sila Vana. Daphix in his bird form rushes to the site. Once there he shift back into his humanoid form. Greeting the girl, he sees a friendly blink dog has appeared. After making sure that there are no other threats, they await the rest of the group to catchup.    Sila explains how she feeds the blink dog and it's been friendly. As they listen to her ask questions, Gavin leans down and takes the girl's shoulder. Slowly and carefully he talks to her about the end of everyone's journey. She takes a long time to understand and crys alot. The dog flanks her and gives her comfort and support. As Gavin speaks to her some of the party reacts to the frank conversation. Corneleus and Merit noticable exit the cabin. They talk about life and death. The araccoa explains the painful awareness he has of his shorted lifespan compared to others. Merit reaches out and supports him as best as she can.    In the head they leave for town before the sun sets. Sila becomes the dog's companion and will help her heal. They head out for the  portal back to home.