The humidity began to finally clear as the newly-reunited motley crew made their way across the Thandol Span. The group had left Menethil at first light, eager to get going, and as they were crossing the behemoth of a bridge that traversed the deep Thandol Valley, the first glints of the morning sun began to rise over the calm water of Baradin Bay. It was a tranquil morning.
"So, my dear Codin, how do we know the bastards will be hidin' out at this 'Howlmont Keep' of yours?" Queried Belmin, his head still pounding after the previous night's alcoholic engagements.
"Admittedly, my dear Belmin, I'm afraid that we don't know for sure." Replied Codin, his cloak flapping gently in the breeze.
"Oh, I see..." Nodded the Mountaineer, a befuddled look on his red, bearded face.
"But we do have to start somewhere, Master Dwarf." Stated Hwinion, leading the way across the bridge. "And even if we do find the keep to be deserted, we'll have all of Silverpine to scour."
"Oh, won't that be fun." Quipped the Gnome, sarcastically, laboriously trying to keep up with the pace of his long-legged companions. The group briskly made their way off the bridge, much to the thanks of the Elf, who was not altogether too fond on high places, and soon found themselves emerging into the flat and craggy Arathi Highlands. Herds of raptors warmed themselves in the early morning sun as they lay on the grassy plains and flocks of carrion birds scoured the skies in search of their next feast. A cool breeze swept across the Highlands as the motley crew began on their journey northwards up the road, all making deadly sure not to aggravate, vex or irk the clawed theropod beasts that lay waking all around them.

Off to the west, across the wide and open plains, stood the ruins of the former capital of Arathor, the ancient bastion of Stromgarde, with the rising sun gently silhouetting the mighty stone walls. Codin placed his palm on the hilt of his sword, readjusted his armour with a shrug of his shoulders and drew in a deep breath as he gazed down the road. To his surprise, a lone figure with a small black creature by its side was making its way up the road towards the crew. A man...? Sleight of build... doesn't seem to be armed... is that a worg pup?
"So how's Booty Bay been treatin' ya, eh, Gnomie?" Inquired Belmin. "Still holdin' on to your coin purse?"
"As a matter of fact, I am, Master Dwarf, and I assure you I'm doing just fine." Replied the Mage, heaving his comparatively large staff onto his shoulder.
"Good to hear! I, myself, am-"
"Hold up, lads..." Interrupted Codin, in a low register, gesturing to the figure approaching them up the road.
"Trouble?" Inquired Fizzbicuit, trying to see past his towering comrades.
"A young man with a dog by his side. He's quite heavily laden, seems to be a traveller." Stated Hwinion, for his eyes could pick apart the distant figure with ease, compared to his squinting companions. "Doesn't look like trouble."
Codin nodded slowly, still keeping a tentative hand on the pommel of his longsword.
"Alright." Nodded the Warrior. "Keep walking, but eyes peeled. Let's not let our guards down yet."
"Good idea." Agreed the Dwarf, keeping a firm grasp on his war hammer. The four continued down the road. The young man grew closer.
Dark haired... clean shaven... doesn't look too shabby... nice rapier on his hip.
Codin decided to make the first move.
"Morning!" He hollered, raising one hand in greeting. The young man replied almost instantly.
"Good mornin'!" He replied, returning the gesture. He spoke with a thick Gilnean accent, immediately recognisable. How odd... "Lovely day for a walk, 'innit?" 
"It is indeed." Nodded Codin, smiling politely as the men approached each other. "Codin Brackbyrne, a pleasure to meet you."
"Wallis Bloodbourne, and the pleasure is all mine." Replied the young man, with a confident grin. He extended his hand to the Warrior. "And these gentlemen are?" Codin reached out and shook the boy's hand whilst introducing his companions.
"Allow me to introduce you to Hwinion of Aldrassil, Belmin Hammerbrand and Mr Fizzbiscuit Steamcrank." Stated Codin, pointing to each one of friends.
"Salutations."
"Hello."
"Alright, Laddie?"
"Mornin' boys." Greeted Wallis Bloodbourne, somewhat amused and taken aback by the motley crew that stood before him. "That's a top name, Mister... Fizzbiscuit." He laughed, hesitantly.
"Why, thank you!" Giggled the gnome, before leaning close to the dwarf. "He seems rather nice, this boy." Belmin shrugged him off and leant down to pet the carefree worg pup that sat by the lad's feet. Codin spoke up once more.

"So tell me, Master Bloodbourne, why is a young man like yourself travelling alone through the Arathi Highlands with only a small worg for company?" Asked the veteran, politely.
"The family and I are migratin' to the capital from Gilneas. It's quite nasty over there, at the moment, so we decided to get the hell out as soon as we could." Explained the youngster.
"You're travelling with your family?" Inquired Hwinion.
"Oh, aye, they just set off earlier than me, is all. Me and Bone, here, are bringing up the rear." Nodded Wallis, patting his panting worg on its bobbing head. The group of adventurers nodded and exchanged polite smiles.
"So what are you boys doing out here, eh? Out on some special mission, are we? Some damsels to rescue or quests to embark on, eh?" Asked Wallis, with a cheerful grin, noticing the fair amount of armour and weaponry the group was toting. The motley crew looked at each other, laughing nervously.
"Well..." Chuckled Codin, an uneasy smirk on his face. Wallis laughed heartily and waved his hand in the air.
"Don't worry, lads, I won't pester you." Chuckled the young Gilnean, stepping aside and setting his eyes down the road. "I'll be on my way. Have a nice trip."
Codin and the motley crew nodded, smiled and were about to be on their way, until Belmin spoke up, hollering out to young Wallis Bloodbourne.
"Oi Laddie?!" He yelled.
"Yeah?" Said the Gilnean, already making off down the track with his lively worg pup.
"I'm assumin' you went through Silverpine on your way, aye?"
"Aye, 'course we did." Replied Wallis, nodding intently.
"Did you see a castle or keep makin' your way to Hillsbrad?" Asked the dwarf.
"Yeah, thinking back, we did. Hid up in the hills, in the mountain pass! Scary lookin' place, if you ask me." Stated the young man, scratching the back of his head as he endeavoured to remember.
"And did it look inhabited?" Queried Hwinion.
"Well...I suppose so. Dim torches along the battlements, fresh wagon tracks in the mud, and so on." Explained the Gilnean.
"That's fantastic, thank you kindly!"
"No bother, mate."
"Safe journey."
"You too!"
Belmont cocked his head and slowly turned to face Codin, a content grin on his jolly, bearded face.
"Well there we are, then. Next stop, Howlmont Keep!"
"Indeed."
"Seems like a canny lad."
"Maybe you'll see him again, back in the capital?"
"Nah, wouldn't count on it..."