[@ERode][@Superman][@pyromania99]

[h3][center]~Oars Rest -> Vrohl Wildland~[/center][/h3]

The merchant gave a relieved sigh at hearing they would be willing to help.

[b]"Thank you! Really! I'll put in a good word with you with Caededril representatives everywhere."[/b] Arturo gave Tsukiko a friendly smile at her mentioning of the spirits. [b]"Certainly, I will...my parents used to tell me my lack of faith in such things would bring me misery one of these days..."[/b] He shook his head, dismissing the thought for now as Tetras began speaking.

[b]"Ah...that is a fairly good plan."[/b] He said when the knight finished. [b]"I do not know of any formal public maps that exist of the area, aside from the ones the Baumn soldiers use for their military patrols. They keep a tight lid on those, for whatever reason...I think they might be up to no good, honestly but..."[/b] He shook his head. That was not his place to say such things, and from the look Isabel was giving him, he concluded that he probably shouldn't finish that line of thought. It wasn't hostile per se, but she looked troubled that someone would suggest that the Baumn might be up to no good.

[b]"I can arrange for a small horse and wagon with a small number of usual goods. The jungle itself is easy enough to get to...come,"[/b] He motioned for them to follow him into a building nearby - the Caededril embassy. [b]"I will arrange for everything. I'll see if I can even get a map for you to the outpost."[/b]

Assuming the adventurers followed, Arturo went on to explain where the jungle was. It was easy enough to get to it from the Oars Rest. Follow the road east out of the city, and you'd soon find yourself at the foot of the jungle, and gave them a rough map leading them to the Outpost. The merchant provided them with a horse and covered wagon along with a minimal number of items that made the usual shipment. He also made a point to emphasize to be careful with the box of exotic alcohol, as it was meant for the representative at the outpost and that he was one of the reasons he was being pressed hard to find a solution to this problem.

Within an hour, the group of adventurers left Oars Rest behind them, heading into the forest after getting everything prepared. A guard stopped them briefly only to offer a word of caution, but otherwise their trip was easy enough. Immediately as they left the beach, the humidity and heat skyrocketed. Lush vibrant, green plants dotted the ground as they made their way through it, the soft earth making it somewhat difficult to walk in some areas where there was a lot of dirt.

A few exotic birds flitted overhead, filling the air with their song. In the distance, the rustling of bushes and plants signaled that they were probably being watched by some predator or other animal, but they were left alone for the most part. Everything was normal, mostly for now. Aside from a few toucans that sat on branches of trees.

Isabel was quietly walking alongside the wagon. For the most part, she seemed undisturbed by the heat and humidity. Her sword was strapped to her side, and her shield on her back as she trudged alongside it. Despite Tetras suggesting that they only have one leading the cart, that would look suspicious. If it was indeed the trolls attacking the caravans, and if the Merchant had hired help before, then they were obviously unconcerned with harming security.

Assuming of course, they were they ones behind it. Either way, she wanted to be ready for when something did happen. Being cooped up inside of the cart severely limited how ready they could be at a moments notice. So, she stayed quiet and kept her eyes and ears open as best she could.

For the most part though, everything seemed fairly normal...at least until there was a loud squawk overhead from a Toucan, who seemed to hurriedly leave his perch overhead in a somewhat unnatural fashion.

...how would the adventurers proceed? Continue in their wagon, in hopes of drawing out the culprits? Or something else?

[center][h3]Docks -> Reef Grotto[/h3][/center]
[@Lauder][@Ariamis][@RedDusk]

[b]"Then we won't have a problem, then. I only say those things because there are a lot of dishonorable types that flock here. Sometimes they need a little reminding what loyalty to the empire means. And if you find anything in those caves at all, make sure you report back to the commander at the outpost first."[/b] He emphasized that point, and perhaps one had to question why. Maybe you didn't care, after all, the empire were your employers and questioning them might lose you a paycheck.

Either way, with his business concluded and they seeming to have no further questions about the matter, the captain walked off back to the barracks. With hope, this issue would be solved swiftly.

Locating the Grotto was easy enough. It existed on the beach, the entrance being carved into the stone of the cliff. Two soldiers stood guard at this entrance who gave them little trouble, the captain sent word that had already reached them by the time they arrived. Whenever the possible group of four made their way into the cavern, they were greeted with a blessedly cool reprieve from the humidity and sun of the coastal town. The path sloped downwards, further under the cliffs. The interior of the cave was surprisingly light, at least to begin with. Light filtered in from some holes in the ceiling above, and pools of sea water could be seen reflecting light onto the cavern walls.

The path itself was narrow, allowing for two men to walk comfortable side by side and it seemed to be the only path forwards. Bats slept on the ceiling overhead not bothering with the intruders for now, likely still asleep. The cave seemed more or less quiet, almost eerily so. Only the sound of water dripping greeted them for now...except for a sudden splash in one of the pools of water as the adventurers made themselves known.

How would the adventurers proceed? Down the beaten path quietly? Perhaps there was another way around? Maybe investigate that suspicious splash?