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*Annika nods and smiles a warm smile to Dallid and Don Mayo, who both walk near her in the front of the group.*

"Well naturally, as a Sage, we come to understand that most of the stories we hear are somewhat embellished... I cannot say that the stories I've heard since I was young and those that I've actually researched aren't also exaggerated to some degree."

*Annika lets out a small laugh as if trying to make herself comfortable with the subject*

"In fact, I question most of these stories about the Pass now more than ever, but nevertheless, Don Mayo, as you have stated there is some entertainment value in them..."

"After the Cataclysm, our people searched far and wide across Phantara to find our home... something that reminded us of the landscape and terrain that we once knew. It was only after we found what we believed to be the ruins of Frostfell City that we began identifying what might be landmarks we once knew, such as the Sea of Ice or the Frostfell Mountains." *Annika points in a southeastern direction and the Havenites will notice some foothills about a mile away and actual mountains beyond.*

"The bridge that we camped near actually runs over the narrowest gap of the Frostflow River, which is a tributary of the Sea of Ice... or at least what we call the Sea of Ice now. Of course, if we were to map the area of New Frostfell, these landmarks would be nowhere near where they once were before the Cataclysm... and some are either wholly missing or have been newly integrated to give us some sense of continuity. As you may have noticed, my people... and myself included... have a very difficult time with change."

"Be that as it may, the Pass of the Witch Demon actually used to run between the City of Frostfell proper directly south through the Frostfell Mountains into an area occupied by the Southern Barbarians. Once per year the Northern and Southern Barbarian Chieftains and Warriors would make a trip to the others' lands. The Southern Chieftains would travel to the City as a pilgrimage through the Pass of the Witch Demon, in order to prove their savvy and worth to assume or maintain control of their tribes. Other warriors would make the same trip to prove their worth, as well as to trade and train with the warriors of the other lands. It was not unusual for a man of the north to take one man from the south into his home for some short time during the summer and vice versa... almost an exchange of some sort."

"While the Barbarians of the North and South have some different customs and are very distinct in their ways, there has nearly always been a great deal of respect and reverence for each other and it was not uncommon for alliances to be made between tribes and marriages arranged to keep close relations... I'm sorry, I'm getting carried away... back to the subject: 'The Pass.'"

"It was widely believed before the Cataclysm that the Pass between Frostfell City and the Barbarian southlands was patrolled by exiled witches. For those witches who may have learned that their practices were suspect or for those whom likely were loved by someone..." *Annika glances back towards Curufin a moment* "there were witches who often escaped justice..."

*Annika pauses a moment struggling with her last word.* "Witches who escaped judgment..." *Annika attempts to correct herself, then bites her lip. She lets out a short sigh and tries to run over her frustration by going on with the story.* "It was widely proclaimed that one very powerful witch lived among the Frostfell Mountains and likely led the rogue witches in attacks against travelers who passed through. Worst of all, she was believed to be a Necromancer and said to be able to perform feats that even our Elder Sages could not logically fathom."

"All those who did not make it to their destination were believed to have been her victim... and remains were rarely ever found. Of course, I will be the first to admit that anyone who may have passed from normal means could easily have had their bodies dragged off by some of the game in the area. Nevertheless, much like the Ether Wraiths..." *Annika sighs* "they were the sort of tale told by those who were susceptible to fearing the unknown. Then again, I don't think I truly believed the Ether Wraiths actually existed, so perhaps I should rethink what may have been."

"In any case, what we now call 'The Pass of the Witch Demon' is indeed a pass that cuts through the Frostfell Mountains, however, it is actually a much different tread of land and quite safe, aside from the danger of the cold."

*Annika continues to tell more folk tales and give general information about Frostfell as the group travels and as Havenites ask. The Havenites travel for roughly one and half to two weeks through the Pass without incident and with the Bear Riders still in tow some distance behind and guarding at night.*

((FOR OOG REFERENCE, YOU CAN ASSUME THAT THE HAVENITES HAVE TRAVELED TWO WEEKS.))

*To Annika*

Out of Frost Fellian lands by now, surely we are.

*smiles cheerfully*

Channel your inner powers, do you wish to start discussing?

*Appears a little haggered as in not sleeping very much and all*

Nothing like turning a year older in this nightmere of a place. Best present out there is to be back in Haven.

(Midway? ) Have a care, Annika. The ways of Magic are myriad. Learning through the perspective of Haven may prove more bane then boon.

*Neshca looks up at Daillid and nods with his statement.*

"Agree with that I do Daillid, agree with that I do.*

*Kels is siting on the ground near everyone talking but says nothing*

I meant Haven. Old places popping into my head remembering things of late.

*Looks over at Kels noticing him just observing and not saying much.*

Want to step over to the tree line just over there. You still have yet to answer a few questions I had for you.

Listens to all the stories told by Annika, taking note of the tale of necromancers in case during the journy the party were to meet this Witch deamon. Aside from his constant vigal at night and attentativeness he rarely gives talks unless addressed.

*Kels looks at Kidwynn*

"I guess so."

*He Stands and walks to the tree line*

Shale walks off with Donovan.

*After two weeks of travel through the Witch Demon pass, it becomes evident that the tales of the Witch Demon are clearly pre-Cataclysmic and there is nothing remotely reminiscent of a dangerous pass other than the cold weather itself.*

*The pass opens up into a very broad field covered in a sheet of ice that extends for as far as the eye can see. Upon second glance, it can be noted in the midday sun that the ice has a slightly reddish tinge at the right angle.*

*Upon approach to the field, Annika stops and waits for all of the Havenites to gather round. Once they have all gathered withing ten to twenty feet, she addresses them:*

"We have reached the Red Ice Plains... the Great Battle Plains of Frostfell. We should be able to cross these plains in a day or two and then our escorts will be relieved of their duties. These Plains, as opposed to the Witch Demon pass, do indeed carry the same dangers as they did before the Cataclysm."

"It is very important that you all listen... these Plains were once the site of a great battle believed to have occurred during the times of the Great Ones. Different scholars have somewhat different accounts of the battles that once took place here, but it is widely believed Barbarians of the Northlands and Southlands once fought here to establish a power structure. Thousands of men died on these Plains and, in the end, there was no clear-cut victor. It was a fruitless battle that stripped our people of the valuable lives of many chiefs and elders, and more than that many young men who never realized their Life Paths. Their spirits haunt these Plains and replay battle scene after battle scene."

"Even today, many young warriors come to this place to partake in the battle scenes... to train and practice techniques, without the loss of more lives. Do not misunderstand me, one can still be felled on this field, however, in the morn, they awaken with breath in their chests and warm blood running through their veins. These deaths are still as painful as any other death, but if you can endure the pain and trauma, this is an excellent place to train."

"These scenes will run throughout the night, and occasionally during the day. If you do not engage the spirits, they will not engage you. However, once you enter a battle scene, you are obligated to participate... this includes attempting to heal someone who is participating. If any of you so choose to do so, I shall have one or more of the Bear Riders escort you through your first scene. It is a very interesting experience and if you wish to see it for yourself, then I shall endeavor to make you and your other traveling companions as safe as possible."

*Annika concludes her address and looks around to see if anyone has any questions or comments.*

*Neshca looks up at Annika and smiles with a hint of fire behind his eyes.*

"I just might take you up on that offer. Well see how the day fairs with our travels"

*Kels looks at Annika*

"That sounds like fun i must say."
"I could use a fight or two...."

*he trails off*

*Looks at Kels*

If you go then I go. Besides might as well start the training you promised me now.