ATCL04 Shadowmere to Meadowbrook

The date in Cerwyn calendar is 337 - Brth - Shrivetide - Kerdreth (337 - 2 - 2 - 1 - 91). The clear skies remain, but the temperature has dropped dramatically despite the gale force winds continuing.

Although you regret not giving the Gruff brothers a lesson, you certainly don't regret the chance at life you've offered little Elara. She sits beside Selene on the herb wagon, her innocent smile that of someone who’s never had a reason to smile before. Dott, now relegated to the back of the wagon, leans over and licks Elara’s face, sending her into fits of giggles. Selene looks down upon the pair fondly.
Branwen and some of the village elders ensured your departure was unhindered this morning. They were grateful for the brief stopover and relieved at the prospect of not seeing much of the Gruff brothers for a while. With any luck, the brothers would squander their gold on drink and tumble off their horses into a river one dark evening. Suilven is a bit shocked by this hopeful thought.
The wind has not ceased and as the caravans climb the mountain paths, there is greater exposure to the brutal battering, creating more caution in the overall progress through the day.
By midday, the caravans reach the peak of the summit paths they have been following and then begin the traverse out from the Sarpath range. There are stunning views over farmlands, woods and forests, stretching out for miles into the distance.

The road winds its way back down into the valley below, where it will cut north-east through the gap between the hills. The steepness down to the valley causes a few problems for the wagons, but Suilven is on hand to give guidance. He learnt a great deal, in fact more than he realised, about wagon control on steeper trails from his maiden trip out from Mørkheim.
Once safely down in the valley, the road crosses a few small streams, cuts through the gap and then turns back east into another parallel valley, and the town of Meadowbrook comes into view.
It has been a plesant and calm day in comparison to the events of yesterday, and the team are overjoyed to be rolling into their intended destination long before the suns set. Children and dogs run alongside the wagons, and Elara and Otto jump off to join them. Elara's greater adopted family, that is now the entire membership of the wagon teams and travellers, smile and laugh. Hannah Bell, Emily Blackwood and Leo Rivers all jump off to join in the fun too, despite Suilven's concerns that they might get caught up in the wheels.
Meadowbrook
As the wagons come to a halt near the center of town, a man approaches with a cheerful smile and a raised hand in welcome. He clenches his fist, places it on his left breast, and bows in greeting.
"Welcome, good sirs and ladies, and..." he glances around at the children still chasing Otto and laughs, "...and children and dogs too! It is a welcome sight after the harsh Cvr to see you returning with your trade."
You take in the beautiful surroundings—the lush green of the meadows in Brth, the crystal-clear waterfalls and river—and are surprised that it is ever 'harsh' in Meadowbrook.
"I am Gregor Thistlewood, Burghermeister of Meadowbrook, and your host for the next few days. Please let me know how I can assist you should you need my help. Pitch your wagons here on the green; there are stables and fields over yonder for the animals. The inn on the far side of the green has warm food and good ale. And no doubt a bone or two for the pup," he says, laughing as Otto dashes past him, chasing one of the village dogs.
Selene blushes with embarrassment, but Gregor assures her that this is entirely acceptable. He then notices that they share the same symbolic emblem hanging around their necks, hinting at a night of herbal discussion in their future.
"I will leave you to get set up and organized for the market in the morning. Until later, when I might join you all in a celebration of your visit," he says, bidding farewell to the group.
If the characters venture to the Inn, they have a chance to speak to some of the locals, and the chance of picking up some rumours.
The evening will pass relatively peacefully, some of the merchants already securing business deals for the morning.
Gregor Thistlewood is getting cosy with Serene, chatting about herbs and healing, but she's more coy that he appreciates, and she will play him for her benefit in the morning, trading her herbs at a very good rate of exchange. Old Man Thorne, another herbalist, will assist her get the best deal.
There is light music provided by Lila Brightsong, the travelling hobbit bard.

Eventually the evening comes to a close, and the merchants, travellers and the characters all head to bed.

Parent Plot

337-088 Arncastle to the City League