From Lonelywood to Termalaine

We made it back to Lonelywood and the speaker had a bath prepared for us. It was lovely after all we've been through. She allowed us to stay in the attic room at the townhall, it was very cozy and warm despite the frigid temperatures outside.
 
The next morning we went about town, eventually splitting off. Elodiel and myself accompanied Lady Evelyn to speak with Rafil's family. Their father was heartbroken and they're younger siblings were also devastated. the brother taking off outside. I am not sure what happened inside as I followed after. My motherly heart breaking for these kids. I found him kneeling in the snow sobbing. Without hesitation I knelt beside and just held him and let him cry. Eventually speaking and managing to calm him. I promised we would do our best to help Rafil recover and bring them home as soon as we can. My heart is broken for this family.
 
Eventually we met back up with Verrick, Rhodri, and Mere, who opted to stay with them. I suppose Verrick has decided to to take her under his wing, although I don't believe he can offer her a suitable home, he would just be leaving her there on her own. But she is old enough to make that decision.
 
We eventually departed for Termalaine, where on the way we were attacked by more moose. I think we're all sick of moose. I am collecting the antler's though, I hope to commission someone to make me a sturdier weapon, or even armor.
 
We then ran into a pack of goblins and wolves attacking two travelers. We stopped to assist. Turns out they were Nass and Sarah, two people Rhodri met back in Bryn Shandor. They came back to Termalaine with us to figure out where they should head next.
 
Upon arriving in Termalaine, we started to head to the Town Hall so I could let the speaker know of my arrival. Before we could make it, we ran into Torga out in the street packing up to leave town. Rhodri was able to advise that Sephick was suspected of these murders. She agreed to give me 15 minutes to get a writ from the Speaker so that we could arrest him. While waiting Rhodri talked her into buying some of the Duregar goods we have. Lady Evelym came with me. We arrived at the Town Hall where the assistant couldn't be bothered to move at even a decent pace. He is old and speaks probably one word a minute. It was painful, and I admit, I lost my patience slamming my hand down on the desk when he put his head back down, quietly dismissing me. I learned the old speaker had died and there was a new, younger speaker in charge and he was at the inn. I took off running. When I arrived, I found him and immediately interrupted. Apologizing, but explaining my urgency. He was very unsure if he could trust me, rightfully so, he has never met me. Thank Chauntea, that Nas was there. She spoke on my behalf, and she must be in good with him, because he took me seriously then. He asked that in return, we help with the problem at mines. Nass has already agreed to help, so we would have her assistance. He did mention the guards are on strike or something, so he will have to figure out a way to keep Sehpick locked up. I agreed and we left to hurry back to the town hall, or at least meet up with Evelyn if she was able to get a blank writ.
 
But of course that was not the case, probably that damn assistance taking too long. When we arrived we found Evelyn trying to get his attention, but he was not responding. I looked on with a slightly horrified though crossing my mind. I apologized to the speaker, advising I may have scared him to death when I slammed my hand down to get his attention again. With that, the speaker walked over and kinda of slapped the guys and he woke right up. Thankfully, I did not cause his death.
 
We obtained the writ and took off back to the tavern, only to arrive to see Verrick had started a fight. I managed to get next to him and show Torga the writ. She called off her men, and Sephick managed to disappear. We managed to track him down, but we had to engage in combat. He was strong, but we managed to take him down, and he unforunately turned to ice. We won't have his testimony. but this should be some pretty solid evidence that he was involved in some terrible things. The good thing about him turning to ice is that the speaker won't have to find somone to watch him while we help clear out the mines.