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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Old One" data-source="post: 1292011" data-attributes="member: 83">Session 22 (Part One)Short update...Happy New Year's all...see you in 2004!The Journey Home Begins...After saying their farewells to Lady Andrimia, Captain Rook, Valyria and members of the Sea Eagle's piractical crew, the party secured a "war pony" for Cragen, retrieves their horses, secured some last minute provisions and headed out the North Gate of Oar.  Sextus looked back wistfully as the city walls and the scent of brine faded.'So much for civilization,' he thought sourly.  'It is good to be back in the wilderness where villains aren't trying to put a knife in us every waking hour!The bard broke into a marching song and everyone's spirits rose as the leagues passed under their horses hooves and the last cries of sea birds passed.  Severus soared above the small column and Quintus did his best to improve his telepathic link with the young bird and get him to concentrate on things other than coneys and field mice.The outlying farms and thorps grew sparse and by midafternoon, they had passed the last of them.  Thighs grew sore and chafed in the most uncomfortable spots as the day wore on.  Most of the party had ridden Glynden ponies before, but a full day's ride on horses was another manner.  By the time the evening lanterns of the Two-Headed Stag came into view, everyone was silently begging for a pause.  Assorted groans and bow-legged gaits ushered the party into the Inn and Wayhouse.Brigit, the Saar bard, instantly recognized Sextus and welcomed him, along with the rest of the party.  After a bit of banter, the two bards eagerly agreed to another Bard's Duel and the word spread like wildfire.  Quintus worked the same deal with Brecken, the innkeeper as before...if Sextus won, they stayed and ate breakfast for free.  Brecken eyed the patrons pouring in from the outlying steadings to hear the Bard's Duel and readily agreed.As before, it was a close fought affair.  Brigit saved her scarf dance for the last and had the crowd roaring with approval after her sinewy performance.  Sextus knew his last performance must be flawless and chose an epic ballad of the Elder Days, when men and elf and dwarf had fought against the legions of the Shadowlord.  His stirring rendition left the people on their feet shouting and pumping their fists in the air with gleaming eyes.  Brigit bowed her head to Sextus, knowing he had the victory in this match and gave him a sisterly kiss on the cheek.  Numerous tips helped refill the bard's depleted purse and Brecken did not begrude the party their free night's stay.The party slept better than they had since their arrival in Oar.They said their "goodbyes" the next morn and continued North in a light drizzle.  Severus scouted ahead and Quitus would take the Squawk form from time to time to look to their rear.  Quintus gave his familiar clear instructions to avoid any ravens or crows...particularly if they were glowing!(DM's Note: Many sessions ago, the party captured a kobold and were taking it back to Glynden when a raven familiar with hit it with a "touch cast" Shocking Grasp.  Quintus is very paranoid about the same thing happening to his familiar!)The party continued up the Oar road and disappeared into the light summer rain, heading into the wilderness.To Be Continued...Next: Session 22 (Part 2) - Of Gnolls and Men and Halflings</blockquote>

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