Volcanows 2018/09/28(Fri)19:08 No. 903971 ID: 713e6e
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Its winter and its quiet. To most in the area, you are a gardener who keeps to their own. To those in the know, you are a poisoner. At this point in your life you've gone through so many identities you've almost forgotten your name. What was it again?

Amadeus

Viktor Zzzssszzzsssomething.

No really. Your last name is Zzzssszzzsssomething. It certainly isn't Zsasz.

You're good at cards.

>>903971
Hildie Johannesen.

Volcanows 2018/09/28(Fri)19:34 No. 903982 ID: 713e6e
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Ama... Yeah that sounds about right... zzzz

Business has been slow. Its always slow in the winters. You get the occasional person with cabin fever here, a diplomat there. To be honest, its nice to spend a little time in your cottage. Maybe a little boring at times.

Volcanows 2018/09/28(Fri)19:35 No. 903983 ID: 713e6e
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Theres a pounding at the door and you wake up.

Whatthefuckwazzat??

Poe Zonna

Maybe the pizza men, check the eyehole!

Volcanows 2018/09/28(Fri)19:57 No. 903991 ID: 713e6e
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Wide awake now, you shuffle to the peephole. You can't see anybody there, just your snowy porch.

Ask who's there.

Volcanows 2018/09/28(Fri)20:02 No. 903994 ID: 713e6e
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"Who's out there?"

After a tense minute, there's no reply. You feel kind of silly.

Alright someone did the low-tech version of a ding dong ditch. Well, back to doing nothing I guess.

Volcanows 2018/09/28(Fri)20:19 No. 903998 ID: 713e6e
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Its the middle of the damn night! And some STRANGERS really gonna pick on you?! The salt-of-the-earth-keeps-to-herself gardener of all people!? Not on your watch. You cram yourself into your coat.

>>903998
Oh I see where this is going. Slam open all the locks and grab a shovel or something so you can go out there and wave it menacingly.

Hell yeah, fuck that prankster! That's quite a lot of locks for an apartment door. That's an apartment door, right? I'd assume a person switching identities might want to avoid settling down too long.

Anyway, it's probably just some dumb kid playing with the neighbors. Go out there and give them a stern talking to. Who the hell even ding-dong dashes in the middle of the night?

Bring a gun and some ammo. SEPERATELY. You can reload when you see the spoopy pumpkin monster. An unloaded gun is good enough for intimidating pranksters.

Volcanows 2018/09/28(Fri)20:55 No. 904008 ID: 713e6e
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Armed with your last minute weapon, the fireplace shovel, you set out to defend your cottage. You used to be pretty scrappy back in the day. Confrontation isn't much your style anymore but you're confident you can hold your own.

In the winter air your coat does nothing. You shiver as you squint out into the darkness. A box sits in front of the door. It's wrapped in paper and twine. A light dusting of snow sits on top.

Bring it in and open it.

Play this by the book: take a photo of the package, and look for a return address. if it's unlabeled, call the police and give this thing to them.

Volcanows 2018/09/28(Fri)21:42 No. 904022 ID: 713e6e
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After one more suspicious glare off your porch, you grab the box. It's surprisingly heavy and now you especially hope nobody in the darkness watches as you take an embarrassing amount of effort to bring it inside.

First thing you turn each lock with a satisfying clunk. You drop the shovel and shuffle to the table, unwrapping it without hesitation.

Holy shit that's a lot of cash. This could have you set till... who even knows when. On top of the coins is a note. You hope that can explain why you got woken up in the middle of the night.

To whom it may concern,
I request the death of Pumpkinhead of Thistle. I understand that commissioning you this way is unconventional and for the effort I will pay accordingly. Upon completion, an equally full boxes worth of payment will find its way to you. If you choose to decline, simply return the package to your doorstep and my associate will retrieve it. I appreciate your discretion.

Below that is a map. You've never been to Thistle, never heard of it either. Judging by the map, its small and secluded. Easy to find a mark, hard to go unnoticed.

You don't know what to think of all this. Typically you don't deal with anonymity when taking on clients, but the upfront payment you've received is at least twice what you'd charge upon job completion.

>>904022
Scope out Pumpkinhead before deciding.

Let's do it.

Volcanows 2018/09/28(Fri)22:31 No. 904027 ID: 713e6e
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Normally you'd sleep on the decision and hope things are clearer in the morning, but if the note was true, an "associate" would want the money back if you choose not to go.

You climb in your bed pretty sure of your choice to accept the job. In the morning you're gonna have to head to town and shop around. Thistle looks like a weeks worth of travel from your cottage, and you'll need to prepare. Thinking of the supplies you'll want, you drift off to sleep.

Hey Am, don't just leave us out here. Bring us into dreamland with ya.

>>904027
If you're going to be noticed, you'll need a new identity for your time there. Also bring supplies for the return trip in a container that you can bury/conceal somewhere outside of Thistle so that you can retrieve it when the time comes to leave. This way you will be able to leave without buying supplies in town. If you can leave without being seen, it'll seem like you disappeared or died at the same time Pumpkinhead did, which makes you look more like a second victim than the murderer.

Definitely get some better winter gear since your current coat doesn't do much for you. Also, good camping gear. If there's a stop along the way you won't need to bring an entire week's worth of food and water...
Depending on how heavy the camping gear is and how good you are at hiking through the snow, a mount would be a good idea. If you leave it behind at Thistle that'll make it look even more convincing that you didn't leave willingly.

Get rest. Tomorrow we journey on our adventure to kill the Halloween!

Volcanows 2018/09/29(Sat)15:15 No. 904131 ID: 9e4613
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Falling...

Volcanows 2018/09/29(Sat)15:16 No. 904132 ID: 9e4613
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...

Volcanows 2018/09/29(Sat)15:16 No. 904133 ID: 9e4613
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... ...

Volcanows 2018/09/29(Sat)15:17 No. 904135 ID: 9e4613
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Oh.
You’re awake now. The fire in the fireplace died out earlier and you’re cold. You debate going through the effort to restart it for hot coffee.

Your client never said you had to set out immediately. For now you gather the blankets around you and sit up with a groan. You mentally go through the list of what you have and what you’ll need for your travels.

INVENTORY:
• Poisoners kit - A disorganized sack of jars, tinctures, and herbs. Some good for you, most very bad. Kit also contains a small journal, blade, and stylish waist apron. The blade is primarily used to dig up and cut plants, and is not fit for fighting.

• Coat and Boots - Both are worn and a little shabby. You won’t stand out in a good or bad way in these.

• Stale old bread - When was the last time you had fresh food?

• Bedroll - Its in a similar state as your winter wear.

• Box of cash - It might not be smart to travel with all of this…

Volcanows 2018/09/29(Sat)15:20 No. 904136 ID: 9e4613
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You live in the woods, about a 40 minutes hike from town. You’ve lived near Higgins for a year now and its been nice. Its far away enough you rarely have visitors, but close enough for supplies when you run low. People there know you as Hildie, a reclusive gardener.

You consider what you want to shop for, if anything.

HIGGINS MARKET DISTRICT:
• Blacksmith - Weapons and armor are made here. You don’t know much about armor but you’ve used a hunting knife in your time.

• Tailor - Clothing and clothing repairs.

• Outfitters - You could rent a horse here, probably. You don’t typically travel this far so it might be a good call. Who knows? They also probably carry whatever tools you think you’ll need.

• Farmers Market - Food. Probably not a lot of fresh produce this time of year.

• Bulletin - Information is posted here, and in the warmer months it tends to be a meeting spot within Higgins.

• Post Office - Post office is a misleading name. People come here to send mail, borrow books like a library, or talk with the sheriff. A small jail is in the back, but it’s almost always empty unless somebody at the tavern gets too rowdy.

• Tavern and Inn - Cool drinks, hot meals, warm beds. Another gathering hub in Higgins.

were gonna wanna have warmer clothes. maybe steer clear of the post office while in town

Check outfitters.

Weird that the blacksmith is a dedicated arms merchant, does this town get a lot of business from soldiers?

Volcanows 2018/09/29(Sat)20:38 No. 904170 ID: 2697bf
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The hike to town is uneventful. Uneventful and cold. The smell of smoke tells that Higgins is close and you pick up speed.

In the summer Higgins is a hunting hub, and strangers from all over flood in to chase down the abundant wildlife in the area. Currently, it is quiet and empty. The only sign of life you can see is footprints moseying through the snow.

Your first stop is the tailor. Admittedly, you haven’t made a visit since you’ve moved here. You haven’t bought new clothes in a very long time.

Inside its warm and smells sweet. The woman at the counter gives you a sleepy smile and looks you up and down.

“Haven’t seen you around before, passing through hun?”

You shake your head.

“Just haven’t had a chance to come by yet…”

She perks up, excited to show her inventory.

“Whats the occasion then? I have a little bit of everything, I’m sure I can fix you up with what you need!”

Winter gear, please. It's fuckin' cold.

Volcanows 2018/09/30(Sun)21:41 No. 904293 ID: 329b70
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The tailor enthusiastically starts throwing garments at you asking you to try on this or that until she is finally pleased with your appearance. Admittedly you feel pretty good. More importantly you are warm and your boots are sturdy. She sends you on your way only after you promise to come back again for a spring wardrobe.

Volcanows 2018/09/30(Sun)21:42 No. 904294 ID: 329b70
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Your next stop is the outfitters. Outside there is a horse stall, the inside is cramped and dusty. Every inch of the walls are covered. If not with camping supplies, then with mounted heads. You’re kind of overwhelmed when trying to decide what you’re gonna want for your trip.

Can't go wrong with an axe and rope. You'll also need a tent and other on the road essentials like flint.

Horse, obviously. Good for quick escapes from town and travel in general. Saddlebags would be good too, and see if they have a hunting knife you can use. A rifle looks cool, and is really good at killing people in theory, but it isn't exactly stealthy, and our talents lie in subtler approaches. Also, yeah, what >>904295 said.

>>904295
Sounds good. You'll need the stuff that will keep you alive for a week on the road. Bedroll and supplies for starting a fire, at least.

You'll probably want some food too, but this is the wrong shop for that.

Volcanows 2018/10/02(Tue)23:20 No. 904653 ID: 329b70
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You leave the outfitters encumbered and are happy to have a horse to do the carrying. What was its name again? You forgot to ask but you heard the stable hand mumble it before you left.

At your last stop, the farmers market, you pick up a bag of feed for the horse and a sack of apples to share. Between the food you’ve picked up and keeping an eye out for mushrooms along the way, you shouldn’t starve.

You set out on the road and consider the map towards Thistle. The simplest is to follow the main road along the river. It’ll probably be the busiest way to go and between Higgins and Thistle there’s an inn to stay at, which would offer a warm meal and a night to shake off the cold. You could also go through the hills. Its a shorter distance, but you’ll need to go slower to accommodate the terrain. Still, you could shave some time off your journey. Anybody you see in the hills is probably also out there to remain unseen.

Its late morning. You have a few hours of riding before you need choose your route, so you set your horse to a steady pace and puzzle over the pros and cons.

Maybe you only heard *murmur* because the horse's name is, in fact, "Murmur?" The horse's name is Murmur now.

I say we set a brisk pace on the main road if we can come up with a viable excuse to be going to Thistle. If not, then the hills it is. You sure you didn't want to check the notices real quick?

>>904653
Hills seems reasonable. You are on an assassination mission, you might want to keep a low profile.

Volcanows 2018/10/04(Thu)21:13 No. 905027 ID: 329b70
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In your rush to get on the road, you forget the bulletin. Probably nothing new, same old postings of snowed in trails or cider advertisements.

Its nice to be outside after so much time alone in the cabin. Even if your company is only a horse. You lean forward and pat their neck.

“Now if only I knew your name…”

You take a turn off the road out of town into the hills. You’re not afraid of being seen on the main road but its simpler this way, and its a quicker route. Besides, you’re feeling adventurous.

”Beatrice? Benny? Bubbles?”

The horses ears flick. You list off more names.

“Milford… Milton… Mickey… uhh… no whawuzzit?? Mumble maybe? Murmer?”

They look back at you, interested. Murmer! That was the name! You ride on mighty pleased with yourself for the next few hours. You chomp at some of your hard bread and navigate the snow until the sun starts sinking in the sky. It gets dark too damn early this time of year.

You didn’t expect to see anybody out here, but as you climb the next hill you see the warm glow of a campfire in the distance.

Should probably avoid them. They're out here and not on the road for a reason... Actually, observe from afar, and if they seem hospitable, try approaching. It seems like a single camp, so if they're hostile, there's a decent chance we can handle them. Approaching may be risky, but sleeping alone is even more so.

It's probably best to avoid people when possible. We've got a poisoning to do, and don't need people asking questions.

Volcanows 2018/10/05(Fri)21:56 No. 905261 ID: 329b70
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You decide to quietly observe. There’s no way you can set up camp here knowing that others are around and if they’re a threat you can ride through the night to put in some distance. If they’re not, well, you might want to ride through the night anyway. The cold is getting to you though. It’d be nice to warm up by a fire.

You tie Murmur off to a tree a safe distance away, and sneak closer to the camp. You don’t hear any talking but that could mean anything. So far though, everything seems pretty —

The thin layer of ice over the snow gives way and you fall through knee deep. Compared to the silence all evening, this movement is deafening.

From the camp you hear a low growl and then a very pissed off dog comes running out toward you as you scramble to reorient yourself.

Fuck fuckfuck fuck!!

Volcanows 2018/10/05(Fri)22:37 No. 905287 ID: 329b70
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“Cookie. You leave that lady alone!”, a voice yells from the fire. “You done a good job, now come back ’n lay down.”

Cookies whole attitude changes when he hears her, and he drops any interest he initially had in you.

Awkwardly you get back to your feet and squint towards the light.

“You over there, come warm up!”, she calls, speaking to you now.

>>905287
Approach cautiously.

"Uh, sure. You camping through the night? My horse needs rest." You can probably push yourself through the night, but changing horses out here in the wilderness is out of the question.

Volcanows 2018/10/06(Sat)21:38 No. 905483 ID: 329b70
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When you untie Murmer and make your way over you realize that the person calling you over was just a kid.

”What are you doing out here?!, you ask in surprise. The hills are for folks sneaking around and laying low, not someone like this!

”I’ll be the one askin’ the questions,” she says in an intimidating voice. Her character cracks almost immediately when she hears herself. ”But if you gotta know, my Ma sent me out here and she said I don’t have to be polite to a single person on the way.”

The girl proudly straightens her back and wraps the blanket around her shoulders tighter. For a minute the only sound is the crackling fire, and Murmer enjoying the first green grass hes seen in months.

”What kind of parent sends their kids out here in the dead of winter?” You’re not sure if you’re asking her this or yourself this. The whole situation is bizarre, and you’re way out of you’re element.

”Say another thing about my Mama and I’ll tell Cookie to chomp you,” she threatens indignantly. “I’m out here on important an important job, and if you’re gonna be rude about it you can keep on moving!”

You put your hands up in mock defeat. ”Alright, alright, I’m not here to get in your way. Was just checking what kind of person was camping out here, and if it was alright to join them by the fire. What job has you in the hills in the dead of winter?”

”I’m jus’ taking a shortcut to the next town over,” she says, “I’m getting a miracle for my Ma.”

A miracle? From Higgins?

Volcanows 2018/10/06(Sat)22:39 No. 905493 ID: 329b70
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“A miracle?” This catches you way off guard. ”Where’re you heading?”

“Oh, you haven’t heard?” She’s grinning, hyped that she knows something a grown-up doesn’t. ”It’s the town like four days away, they’re sayin’ somebody lives there that hands out miracles like candy!”

Never in your life have you heard of someone being given a miracle and now a child is telling you that you can get one for free.

”They ride around on a giant goose and if you answer their questions they just give you one! That’s why my Ma’s sending me to Thistle, cause I’m the oldest and smartest. Not afraid of geese either!”

Oh. Its a fairytale. You don’t comment on her mislead enthusiasm. It’s oddly heartwarming watching her stomp around with blanket wings to describe her magic miracle elf. If she’s going to the same town you can at least make sure she gets there safely. Maybe not stick around for the part where her dreams get crushed.

Ask what this miracle giver's name is.

"What's their name? I'm actually headed to Thistle myself; a friend told me something big was gonna happen there real soon. Name's Hildie."

Volcanows 2018/10/11(Thu)21:57 No. 906540 ID: 329b70
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You snort at her theatrics, but you’ll admit her story is interesting.

“The name! Whats their name?” Its the loudest you’ve heard yourself all winter. Most excited too. You make a mental note to dial it back. ”I mean. I was just wondering cause I’ve been hearing buzz about Thistle but nothing like this. I’m headin’ that way too. Good save, Ama. “I’m Hildie.”

”Name? Not sure the name. Figured I could find them easy in town, ya know? Not many folks give people miracles.” She bundles up in her blanket again, looking for words. ”We can go together. I don’t have a horse but I promise I can keep up! Promise!”

You’d feel better knowing she wasn’t out here in the woods alone. You nod.

”Yeah, I think that’s a good idea, uh-“

“Penny!”

”Yeah, good idea Penny. Nice meeting you.”

Volcanows 2018/10/11(Thu)21:59 No. 906541 ID: 329b70
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After some quiet staring into the fire she excuses herself to bed. Pennys a nice girl. Mislead, but nice. In this weather and in these woods, a child shouldn’t be out here. Its getting late, you should set up camp too.

This is the most content you’ve felt in a long time.

Volcanows 2018/10/11(Thu)22:25 No. 906543 ID: 329b70
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You dream of a giant goose that night.

In the morning camp packs up quickly. You both quietly shake off the tiredness and snack on a breakfast of apples and bread over the still-warm embers of last nights fire.

Obviously if you go by horse and Penny walks beside you its not going to work, so after packing up camp you boost her on to Murmer. Murmers probably delighted to cut his load in half.

Cookie runs ahead in bursts and then excitedly looks behind as the two of you catch up. Its slow going but the trip seems less brutal now. It seems like its not as cold today.

At the top of the next ridge you can see the river. Normally the river is pretty steady. Not quite large enough for small boats to go down, but not small enough to safely cross either. In the winters the flow typically lessens as water freezes on the banks. Now the waters flooded out over the road beside it.

Gah, and we forgot to pack fording equipment... maybe ask Penny if she planned for this? If she's got nothing, we could... try fording the river together. You on the upstream side and holding Murmur steady as you cross, Penny and Cookie on Murmur. Or we could give up if it looks too dangerous for that and follow it back to the main road where there's likely a bridge or ferry. That's the last resort, though.

Volcanows 2018/10/16(Tue)22:57 No. 907259 ID: 5664be
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There’s no way you’re doubling back for the main road now, not when you’re so close. The now-drowned path is a straight shot to Thistle.

“You a swimmer?” You ask Penny as you begin the slow process of approaching the bank.

She shakes her head no. As you both silently watch the water flow, movement catches your eye. A man sits across the stream not to far away and waves his companion over. You’re not sure of their conversation until he calls out to you.

”Hey! There’s a good spot to cross just down the way, we did it this just morning!” One calls.

Penny looks at you and starts in their direction. True to their word, you can definitely tell that the water where they pointed to is shallower. Still, the current is too quick for you to trust Penny not to be pulled downstream.

You throw her your pack and roll to hold and begin kicking off your boots.

”Keep these dry when you ride across, you say while stripping down to your undershirt. ”Please. I mean. Please do that.” You’re still not used to people.

”What about Cookie?

”What do you mean what about Cookie?”

Volcanows 2018/10/16(Tue)23:02 No. 907260 ID: 5664be
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You watch Penny and Murmer wade hesitantly across. Its slow going but they reach the shore safely. Now its your turn. With a grunt you throw the dog on your shoulders and sink into the icy water. Any thoughts you had about carrying Cookie are numbed by the overwhelming cold.

Volcanows 2018/10/16(Tue)23:03 No. 907261 ID: 5664be
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On the other side of the shore the two men introduce themselves (Orion and Caleb, you quickly forget which ones which) and offer a blanket for drying off. Cookie detects no bad intentions and you forgo niceties to gather firewood. One of the men joins you to help.

He explains that they didn’t want to attract anybody with fire when it was just the two of them. Four would be a much stronger number out here, even if one of them was a child. You grunt in agreement. Penny finishes setting up camp and you all come together to settle in for the night.

Volcanows 2018/10/16(Tue)23:06 No. 907262 ID: 5664be
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You leave most of the introductions to Penny as you lay just far enough from the fire to avoid searing off your eyebrows.

Its very hard to keep from dozing in and out of conversation.

“What brings you two out here?” Penny asks.

The couple looks at each other and one of them speaks. ”I’m guessing the same thing bringing you out here. We’re on the way to Thistle!”

”How did you know?!” she asks, poorly masking surprise.

”Words getting around the place, people are saying that its special. We would like to see for ourselves.”

The conversation drifts into the mess of rumors, and the couple compares and contrasts with what the girls heard. The night air fills with stories and eventually laughter.

When the fire dies down and a comfortable silence takes over.

Before you fall completely asleep you hear Penny explain what she wants of the miracle giver. The winter before this, her sister fell ill. In the passing year she’s only grown weaker. She says her family's tried everything but even so you begin to run through medicinal plants in your head.

Why didn’t I think to ask sooner? You think. It’ll be all the worse when she finds miracles aren’t possible.

That night you do not dream.

Assuming nothing happens in the night, you should ask Penny about what exactly they've tried. You may not have miracles at your disposal, but you're still an herbalist, so even if you can't be there personally, you should be able to point her in the right direction. Also... assuming there is a miracle worker in Thistle, and that's what the buzz is about... I get the feeling that this is going to coincide with our own reasons for being there in the worst way possible.

i agree with talking to penny about some sort of cure. youve met 3 people now who believe in this miracle situation. hustle to thistle, we're probably pretty close by now. ditching the entourage when you get there is probably a good call, but youd also seem less of a stranger if you hide amongst strangers

Volcanows 2018/10/27(Sat)22:57 No. 908532 ID: 329b70
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You’re surprised to have slept through the night. You figured that once the fire died out you’d wake up freezing and have to find some more wood, but instead the sun on your face pulls you from sleep. You feel warm.

The couple is already rolling up their tent and preparing for the final stretch to Thistle. Penny sits across the fire pit wrapped in her blanket. You climb out of your bedroll and rummage through your bag. You toss an apple to Murmur, one to Penny, and keep one for yourself. She accepts it and plops down next to you.

Its an awkward topic to reach but eventually you tiptoe towards it.

“Your sister huh? You want the miracle for her?”

Penny answers noncommittally. The question is unexpected. You get the impression it isn’t something that comes up outside the intimacy of a night by the fire. Probing for further information annoys her and she rises to pack up camp. You move to do the same and the day’s journey starts sourly.

Volcanows 2018/10/27(Sat)22:58 No. 908533 ID: 329b70
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The awkwardness hangs in the air throughout your walk and the two men sense it. They fall back to get some distance.

It’s more difficult to walk today, the snowmelt has turned the trail to mud. You piled your jacket onto Murmur’s back along with your other belongings hours ago. It feels like the beginning of Autumn. The only chills you feel are the occasional clumps of snow sloughing off of the trees above.

This close to a town it isn’t strange to run into travelers but you still take wide arcs around the campfire smoke plumes you see. Beginning about an hour outside of Thistle it becomes impossible to go a hundred yards without seeing a tent or camp set up.

Trees fall away and you finally get your first look at Thistle. An inn in the distance. You can hear music even from here and smell something cooking. The day has been unseasonably warm but your sure it’d be a nice option to sleep indoors for whatever the night brings.

Orion and Caleb are reinvigorated when they see the inn, excitedly untying their bags from Murmurs saddle.

”We’re grabbing a real dinner! Are you two going to join us?”, one asks. The blonde one. You still don’t have the names down.

Penny agrees to join.

You ponder what you should do with the remaining hours of daylight.

tablet was busted but now its better!

Agree to staying with them at the inn. Having a base of operations during your mission will be a boon. Take the time to apologize to Penny and explain that you're an herbalist by hobby; you were wondering if there was something you could do if looking for a miracle worker doesn't pan out.

Volcanows 2018/11/02(Fri)19:42 No. 909329 ID: 4eb168
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You stick around with the crew you’ve accumulated and tie off Murmur in the stable.

Indoors its crowded, hot, and smokey. You hear somebody laughing overwhelmingly loud. You’ve lived as a hermit for all of winter up until this point, this isn’t your natural habitat. A table in the back is open and as you settle in you tell Penny that dinner’s on you. She smiles.

“What, cause you feel bad?”

She elbows you jokingly. You’re just happy you didn’t burn a bridge.

The owner of the inn bounces table to table and finally makes her way over to you.

”New faces! She leans against the table and props her serving tray against her hip. ”What can I do,” she asks, scanning the table. “Beers? Cider?”

The inn's serving stew for dinner and you opt for that. Penny asks for pumpkin pie and you raise an eyebrow.

“Do you have any rooms open?” you ask.

”How long’re you staying? I can get a room set up for tonight. Someone’s yelling for her and she yells right on back for them to hold their horses. She turns back to you and laughs it off. “I’ll be back with your food, holler for me if you need anything. Name’s Effie!”[/i]

After such long travels your party falls into comfortable silence, and you watch the other conversations around the room. Most people have traveling gear with them. If the weathers like this all winter no wonder it attracts folks.

Orion and Caleb start discussing with each other how they’re going to appeal for a miracle. From what you gather they want to share one, in the hopes that that’ll make them more worthy of it. This is so damn confusing.