[T'lainya]

They traveled on for another hour, stopping to make camp near a small clear stream. Xivaril pulled off his boots gingerly, he had been feeling the forming blisters since noon. T'lainya tossed a small jar of healing salve to him.

“The perils of new boots are well known by seasoned travelers. This should help ease the pain.”

“My thanks.” Xivaril winced momentarily as he applied the cool ointment.

Reverie came easily for the elves that night. Xivaril was tired from the long journey and Endelia was happy to be back in the wilderness. She loved Evereska, but she also loved traveling the land, grass below her feet and the stars above. T'lainya fell into a state halfway between human sleep and elven reverie. The night passed uneventfully and the trio was soon on the road again. They stopped briefly at a roadside inn called The Hart and Crown. The proprietor was a former ranger who had retired from “the life”. He recognized Endelia and greeted them warmly.

“I've a message for you. Dermondil wants you to detour to Shilmista. He asks that you gather enough violet moss to make a large batch of swamp-fly repellent. Apparently someone brought an infestation back.”

T'lainya and Endelia both groaned. “Swamp-flies are one of the most irritating insects you can encounter. Their bite causes a painful blue-tinged rash and they always attack in swarms.” Endelia grimaced. “We'll have to keep heading south then, straight into Amn.”

“Well as long as we avoid the cities and go straight to the Forest of Shadows, we shouldn't have any cowled wizard trouble.” T'lainya spoke thoughtfully. “Amn is very strict about arcane magic use. Divine spells should be no problem though.”

The innkeeper furrowed his brow. “There's been some trouble on the roads. Large companies of orcs have been spotted traveling south towards Tethyr. There's also been an increase in bandit activity on the roads. It'll probably be best to head southeast, cross the Giant Plain and then straight south into Shilmista.” He scratched his grizzled beard. “Good luck. I'll be happy to resupply you with anything you need. I have a nice stock of flammable oils, you'll be traveling near the Troll Mountains.”

“We'll take a look at what you have then.” T'lainya made a face. “Corellon willing, we'll not run into any of them, but it's best to be prepared.”