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As the small group of survivors makes its way though the terrain, Esmerelda does not say a word to anyone. Whenever the group stops to rest, she can be seen frantically writing in a journal of some kind, with pauses between frantic bursts of writing. And if anyone pays attention she silently cries herself to sleep every night.

She also takes on the duties of preparing meals for the party, when food can be found.

Trying to let everyone have their time and thoughts, shortly into the next day Mohdri asks,

"What in the world just happened back there?"

Quen hobbles along. The sound of his walking stick thudding against the ground.. along the "trail", the road, through the forests and across the fields... He holds his cup in his hand, watching the ember glow, packed among a tight bundle of dried rass and bark. He stares at it as he walks... He is always staring over his shoulder grumbling and frustrated as he moves with the group.. farther and farther away from the "safety" he felt before. He looks to the ember for comfort as they walk.. safe in the steel cup that still bares the Emblem of Malcom.

He's grown more quiet as the next day moves on.. spending more time staring into the cup when he can. He remains quiet initially, biting his tongue for now.

A stout dwarf stands along the roadside. He wears animal skins, the weary face of a survivor, and leans his bulky frame on his Weapon. His beard is long and unkempt. He observes the sullen travellers as they pass. After a few hundred yards has gapped between the refugees and the Dwarf, he with stern and deliberate steps trails behind them.

During the travel Ingram has kept decidedly silent and to himself, leaving his companions to their own thoughts. He prepares and eats his own meals, consuming only that which he provides for himself. In the evenings he takes a careful inventory of and maintains his possessions, then stays awake late into the night, keeping watch.

When Mohdri's question finally breaks the long silence, he speaks:

"That was the culmination of years of planning by a madman. A lunatic that was allowed to build his own power until he was nigh unstoppable. The people around him trusted him blindly or did nothing when they learned the truth. That is what happened."

Stopping in the road, he turns around to face the dwarf following them. He calls out:

"And you, dwarf. Either introduce yourself or be on your merry way. I do not like people that I do not know following me from the site of a slaughter."

*Sethreal stays near Atrum, Ren, and Esmerelda on the long trek away from Havens remains. He says little, and has a disgusted look on his face that doesn't seem to want to go away. The only times he seems any different are when he is teaching Esmerlda how to fight, then his features take on a feverish tone. He can be heard muttering to himself often about only wanting justice for what Corbyn and his poeple did on that night of betrayal.*

((OOG, just a heads-up Ren escaped to winter haven after getting everyon onto the trail. otherwise I'd love to join))

The Dwarf acknowledges Ingram's hail. He jogs up to catch the band of refugees. He raises a fist to his chest and proclaims:

"I am Marduk the Grey. I came seeking one of my people, but found only ruin. What happened in that place?"

*As the survivors move through the night Atrum is quiet and only says a few words to Sethreal and Esmerelda. After walking a few hours he stops*

I need to get to the mining village, I can't abandon those there. If there is anything that can be done to save any of their lives I must do it. We shouldn't be too far away. Seth, can you take me there?

Quen grumbles as Atrum makes his statement. "Great.. let's just split up. Sounds like a great plan." He continues to stare into the cup, watching the glow from within the metal flicker with the breeze that teases the lip of the container. The small whisps of smoke drift from the opening and into the air, carried away by the seductive winds. "If the Elves didn't leave the Lodge, they wouldn't leave the village."

"If that is your wish. I can take you there."

*Atrums laughs as Quen grumbles and speaks up*
the way you tend that ember I'd think you of all people would understand. Those villagers were all my embers, I was supposed to be their tender, and I failed. Now I have the choice to forget that duty, to abandon them to their own or see my commitment through. I CANNOT and WILL not abandon them without atleast giving the effort to go and fulfill my duty to them.

I agree that it is a horrible idea to split up, but I also will not force anyone else here to go with me. If I could get myself there I would have slipped off after telling Sethreal where I was going. Alas, in this mostly unfamiliar territory I would be lost 50 feet into the woods. So while I have no choice each of you does.

Mohdri takes a step foward...

"What ever I can do to help, Atrum, let me know."

Quen starts to tense up as the warriors all start to prepare to leave...
"So who's left to protect us?" He mutters, looking to Atrum. "We've already lost the others to run off to the other Haven. Now you're taking the other warriors to go back to the Fishing Villiage. I'd think we were still in a lot of danger from the Elves as we are here on this road." He looks to Galan. "I take it you're going with him?" (though I don't expect Galan's player to post nessecarily)

"I didn't say I would go to the village. Right now, I will go where I'm needed the most, and if that means escorting all but Atrum and Sethreal to Caledonia, that I will do"