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	The sun made it high into the sky, eliminating the frost which remained upon the drier grass of the season. Traffic upon the road, while not extremely crowded in the first place, had slacked into noticing the occasional local cart upon the road. More often one might notice the occasional laborer applying their profession to a large section of cultivated land, the ubiquitous straw hat and loose clothing serving as uniform to distinguish them from traveler or landowner alike. Things seem to be passing by at a constant, unexciting rate, relaxing if one is the type to enjoy long stretches of countryside going through the changes associated with the Autumn season. 

	While the occasional biting wind still blew across the rolling hills of Avonshire, overall temperatures relaxed into something significantly more bearable than the chill which the early morning brought to everyone. Heavier clothing could be put aside if so desired, though even the ambient temperature below a midday sun served to remind that summer was assuredly in the past. The sky was mostly clear, with cirrus clouds sparingly putting a translucent lens over the cool sunlight above. 

	Midday came and left; whether the decision to pull off of the road for a quick meal was made or food was partaken while in transit, things went along swimmingly and without incident from any exterior source. The mule appeared to be in decent spirits and physical vigor, thoroughly uninterested in he world around it except for its purpose to continually pull the wagon to which it was attached forward. 
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	After a time, a simply designed but decently enough crafted signpost stood out among the numerous smaller side roads coming away from the main trade route. This one stood in a recessed position from the road yet easily visible, with only the slightest hint of weathering upon it. The road led north, into a area which showed increasing density of trees. Broad leaves of yellow and orange littered the ground here both on and off of the road, opportunistic winds tossing them about every so often. While enough leaves were on the ground as to make a mosaic of autumn color, the trees themselves still looked thick and full for the most part. 

	In fact, things seem to be humming along so smoothly that it is a bit of a shock when, upon cresting a rise in the road, the sounds of jabbering and laughter can be heard from somewhere ahead. The angle from the rise, combined with the canopy of warm, fall colors prevent a useful line of sight, but you can definitely hear something out of place, even if you can't tell precisely what it is.