Preparing for the journey ahead Shel had begun to reflect on the many steps behind.  He'd adventured about with other parties before, he thought as he carefully packed foodstuffs about his pot, but when he thought back he always ended up focusing on his youth.  It seemed so long ago now; he missed them sometimes, his family, but there was nothing like the unknown to get your blood a-pumping.

He'd set out to join the party and no sooner had he arrived then they were departing with a few jolly words, "All set! We wish you the best of luck, travelers! May naught but good fortune await you."

Following behind his new, much larger, companions he got only a rather brief look at the portal as it pulsed, or swirled, or something along those lines and then they were all through and the portal was closing.  Verdant plains, a bright orange sunset except the sun wasn't setting, clouds racing across the sky yet no discernible breeze.  A new world.

The changeling, having taken an aspect Shel found rather charming, was speaking softly nearby having noticed the same things.  This place was familiar at first but quite different upon further examination.  Shel pulled out his book and a sheet of cheap paper, scribbling a small circular gate in it's center. Absorbed in his work he hardly heard the half-elf say something about settling down for the night though he certainly heard the befreckled redhead (for the moment) responding.

"She's right you know," he replied, "the sky is orange like our sunset but the Sun, well this Sun, it's still way up there....hmmmmm," he'd have to think about that more later, perhaps over a nice baked potato.  Right now a lot was happening all at once.

The Mithra of the group, Esalia as he would soon learn, was setting things in motion; getting them organized starting with introductions.  She seemed to have a good head on her shoulders so he happily bounced to the center of the group beside her and pulled out his pot and pan.

"Hey everyone, I'm Shel, Shel Applewood, Adventurer, though I guess we're all that.  I'm a damn good cook," he said pulling on his belt and rocking forward on his feet, "and a map maker.  Pretty good at avoiding notice when I want to.  That's about it.  That's me."

His introduction complete he smiled, nodded, and sat down cross legged to begin rearranging his bag, looking up to the sky intermittently.  Wherever the sun went down, he supposed, that would be West at least for now.