Session 4 Part 1 - Road to Ysora

“When I find them, they’re dead!” Coada growled, pacing angrily around the camp.

“There’s nothing to be done now,” Sumayya concluded, handing Coada her bag. “If we’re lucky, we can catch up to them, but it’s hardly worth the effort. We don’t know how far they’ve gone.”

“Agreed,” Sethie added. “They’re probably long gone.”

Coada sighed and shook her head, taking the bag from Sumayya. “Well, I guess we’ll be finishing this journey on foot.”

Sumayya nodded as Sethie passed by, reassuringly patting Coada’s shoulder. “Let’s go then,” Sethie hummed, beginning down the path.

Sumayya followed, and Coada joined them in stride.

The following days passed slowly, the dark sky and icy air cutting through them. As they reached the edge of the forest and stepped out into the farmlands, bitter winds swept through. Without the shelter of the forest, they were exposed to the full force of fall. Coada moved forward with urgency, asking passersby if they had seen the horse thieves, but to no avail. Sumayya and Sethie followed close behind. It became increasingly clear, unfortunately, that they wouldn’t catch the men.

Eventually, Coada relented, and the trio continued their journey at a more casual pace. As dusk approached, the group began searching for a place to camp. As they walked down the quiet road, Sumayya paused. Coada and Sethie slowed their pace and turned back to look at her. Sumayya nodded quietly toward the horizon where a small caravan had set up for the evening.

Coada sighed heavily. Sethie groaned. “Let’s go. We have to make camp anyway. Might as well get to know our neighbors.”

Sumayya nodded and followed Sethie toward the small caravan. Gentle music and laughter danced through the air as they approached. Around the fire, a small group of people were cheerfully partaking in an evening meal.

“Hello!” Sethie chirped.

The group quieted as they turned to greet the party. An older elven man, dressed in colorful robes, smiled. “Well, hello!”

A younger elven woman with long, wavy brown hair and olive skin sat beside him. Her long, colorful gown glittered in the firelight. She smiled softly and outstretched her hand. “Come, sit!”

Sethie smiled and nodded reassuringly to her companions before taking a seat beside a halfling man with short, fluffy hair. He offered her a glass of dark wine. She cautiously accepted as Sumayya and Coada took their seats beside her.

“Ah, guests I see!” boomed a heavy voice from the carriage as a stout dwarven man stepped out with a fresh bottle of wine.

A tiefling woman with long red hair followed him, carrying a small basket of bread. She froze for a moment before locking eyes with Sethie. An air of relief washed over her. “It’s nice to see some friendly faces,” she hummed. Her dark gown contrasted the group’s colorful energy.

“Alana,” the tiefling continued, sitting across from the party.

“Tormond!” the dwarven man followed, serving up plates of food and offering them to the party.

“Arella,” the elven woman added, leaning casually in her seat. “And this old man here is Marlan,” she said, patting the elven man’s shoulder.

The halfling tapped his glass against Sethie’s. “Roland. Pleasure!”

“Sethie,” she hesitated, “and this is Coada and Sumayya!”

“Welcome,” Marlan smiled. “What brings you to this quiet stretch of road?”

“Heading home, back to Ysora,” Sethie replied. “And you all?”

Alana leaned in, her ruby eyes glinting in the fire. “We’re headed to Ysora as well. We’re a traveling band of sorts, making our way to the city for the winter festival.”

Sethie’s eyes lit up. “Oh? Have you been? It’s breathtaking!”

Alana smiled. “Not for many years.”

Sumayya leaned in, surveying the group. “Where have your travels taken you?” she asked.

“All over,” Tormond groaned, leaning back into his seat.

Coada rolled her eyes.

“That's the best answer,” he continued, looking sternly at her. “If you want specifics, I’m from Ulnmont Falls, up in Arvendor, so’s that little shit.” He laughed, gesturing to the halfling, Roland.

Roland snickered in response.

“We’re from Louvine,” Arella added, bumping her shoulder against Marlan’s.

“And I’m from Farenvar,” Alana finished.

“We started as a father-daughter act, picked up Alana on our way north, and those two in Arvendor,” Arella smiled gently. “Been traveling together ever since.”

“Say, can we make a deal?” Marlan paused, formulating his next words. “Since you don’t have horses, you can travel with us to Ysora. Should cut a few days off your journey.”

Coada’s eyes narrowed. “In exchange for?”

“Well…” he continued, “We’re not exactly a licensed performing group, and the guards do love to give our kind a hard time. With your…” He gestured to her armor. “...station, perhaps you could get us into the city without any unnecessary trouble.”

Coada pondered for a moment, glancing at Sethie and Sumayya. Sumayya shrugged, lifting her flask to her mouth. Sethie smiled and nodded.

“Looks like we have a deal,” Coada said, reaching over the fire to offer her hand.

Marlan accepted. “To the road ahead!”

As they sat around the flickering fire, some heading off to rest while others shared stories of their travels, Sethie heard a familiar voice enter her mind. “Sethie, you should be fine to head home now. Your sister will be out soon. I love you, and I am eager to see you.”

She leaned back in her seat, quietly responding, “Hi, Mom. I’m on my way. I’ll see you soon. I love you.” She waited for a few moments, but no further messages came.

Sethie sighed and looked to her companions. “I’m going to get some rest,” she groaned as she rose to her feet.

Coada nodded. Sumayya stood. “Sounds good. Let’s head to bed. I’ll take the first watch.”

The next few days passed with little excitement. Sethie settled into the caravan, sharing stories and performances with their new companions. Sumayya and Coada remained reserved, keeping to themselves and ever skeptical of the group.

Around noon, the caravan crested a large hill, revealing their destination below. The rolling farmlands bled into sparse houses and shops, growing denser until a large wall cut across them, dividing the city proper from the outside world. To the east, the rolling hills climbed into the southern half of the Ysoran mountains, skirting the north of the city. To the west, the Radiant Bay glistened, its deep blue betraying the bitter cold of fall.

Sumayya watched in awe. The elven architecture, medieval as it was, was an ode to the magical lifeblood of the country— a stark contrast to the uninspired practicality of Castlevale. Sethie looked to Sumayya, watching her take in the city. “Welcome to Ysora,” she hummed.

Sumayya smiled. “It’s beautiful.”

Coada wrapped her tail around Sethie and Sumayya. “We’re almost there,” she mumbled.

“Finally!” Roland breathed, stretching back into the seat beside Coada.

Alana looked at Sethie, offering her a tan cloak. Sethie looked at her in confusion at first before a saddened understanding flooded her. She took the cloak and slowly covered herself, nestling beside Alana.

Sumayya watched the pair settle toward the back of the cart with confusion. “I suppose you never got out much,” Roland whispered, bumping his shoulder into Sumayya.

“While it’s nice to see an elf like yourself without such reservations,” he continued, “your people aren’t generally so kind to most others. Tieflings and other less humanoid races have it the worst.”

Coada’s chest tightened at his words. Her eyes were fixed on the road ahead. Sumayya nodded, looking back at the road ahead.

“Halt!” the guard’s voice echoed through the carriage. “No entry without a full search and papers.”

Marlan hesitated, glancing back at Coada.

Coada straightened, slipping down from the cart. “I am a priestess of House Arceous, returning from my duties in Riversidetown. Coada Alba.”

The guard surveyed her with harsh skepticism, glancing between the cart and the priestess. “Hold here,” he commanded, turning toward the guardhouse.

Several minutes of tense silence passed before he returned. “All right,” the man said begrudgingly. “You’re clear to enter.”

Coada nodded and looked at Marlan. “Let’s go.”

The troupe continued in silence for several blocks before turning off to a smaller tavern. “Well, this is where we part ways,” Marlan said softly, placing his hand on Coada’s shoulder. “Thank you, and the best of luck on your journey.”

Coada nodded. “Same to you.”

The group exchanged goodbyes, and in moments, the trio was on their own. “Do you have somewhere to stay?” Sethie asked, looking to Sumayya and Coada.

“I have arrangements,” Sumayya hesitated, looking at her notes, “at the Harbingers Rest Inn.”

“That’s on the way into the city center, I believe,” Sethie said, glancing at Coada.

Coada paused, thinking for a moment. “I think it is... I’ve seen it in the Merchant District. Follow me.”

Coada led the party through the winding streets of southern Ysora, stopping occasionally to ask for directions. Soon, they found themselves in front of a modest inn just off the shipyard.

Sumayya hesitated at the door. “Would you mind waiting outside?”

Coada and Sethie exchanged surprised glances. “Sure?” Sethie responded.

Sumayya gave a small, gentle smile. “Thanks, I’ll be quick.”

The small inn was warm and inviting. A few patrons sat at tables spread throughout the entrance—one group was playing cards, while another quietly enjoyed an early drink. Behind the bar, a handsome human man with dark brown hair that fell just above his collar and a clean-cut beard was reclined in a chair, reading a book. “Welcome in!” he called, briefly glancing up and offering an inviting smile.

Sumayya took a seat across from the bar. “I’m looking for someone by the name of Loanna.”

The man paused, carefully studying her over his book. “Your name?”

Sumayya hesitated. “Sumayya Al-Hasan,” she whispered.

He studied her for a long moment before nodding. “One second.” He stood abruptly and exited through the swinging kitchen doors.

Sumayya surveyed the room. No one seemed to pay her any mind, and just as she finished scanning the room, the doors swung open again. A hard-faced halfling woman stepped out, followed by the man.

The halfling’s sharp green eyes met Sumayya’s before softening. “Ah, Sarah!” she called out. “You’re a few days ahead of when we expected, but luckily for you, we do have a room ready.”

Sumayya bit back a correction but nodded. “Y-yes, sorry, the road was much more favorable than anticipated.”

“Loanna,” the halfling smiled, leaning over the bar with an outstretched hand. “And this is Jona. If you need anything, just ask. But for now, follow me—I’ll show you to your quarters.” Loanna hopped down from behind the bar, a large package tucked under her left arm.

Sumayya stood and followed Loanna up the stairs to a modest room. Loanna entered after her and closed the door. “Here.” She handed the package to Sumayya, with the room key resting on top. “Your items.”

Sumayya took the package gingerly. “Thank you.”

Loanna nodded and turned toward the door, pausing mid-step. “A few ground rules: Don’t cause any trouble, don’t use your real name, and don’t leave any connection to our inn when you leave. If you need an incinerator, we have one in the basement.”

Sumayya nodded.

“Good,” Loanna said, continuing toward the door. “It’s always a pleasure doing business with your lot.”

As the door clicked shut behind her, Sumayya looked down at the package now resting in her hands. She decided to wait until later, stowing it beneath the bed and returning to her companions, who were patiently waiting outside.

“Finished?” Coada inquired as Sumayya stepped out of the inn.

“All checked in,” Sumayya replied. “Where to now?”

“I have some people I need to check on,” Coada said, her tone unusually soft.

“And I need to see my mother,” Sethie added.

Sumayya gestured to the busy street. “After you.”

The three continued through the city, traveling from the Merchant District past the old wall and into the heart of Ysora. Sumayya took in every detail—the layout of the streets, the presence of guards and officers, the types of people walking by—learning everything she could about this new city she would soon call home. To the west, perched upon a rocky hill that stretched out into the bay, stood the castle, a grand and ancient structure looming over the city. To the northeast, the city began to climb into the mountainside, growing ever denser as it rose.

As they passed through the city center, Sethie’s stomach tightened. She looked toward the small café at the edge of the fountain, now closing for the day. It hadn’t been that long, but it felt like ages, she thought to herself.

They continued past the Ten Spires, the grand towers that adorned each chapel dedicated to the gods. Coada lowered her head, hurrying past until they reached the northern portion of the old wall.

Sethie paused and looked at Coada. “Who do you know here?” she asked.

“I help with the orphanage here. Why? Do you know someone in the North Corner?” Coada asked, continuing through the old streets.

Sethie snorted. “I live here. My mother is Orianna Baevyr.”

Coada stopped dead in her tracks. “Small world! I had no idea!”

Sethie patted Coada on the shoulder as she took the lead into the small district. “I knew I recognized you when we first met.”

Coada nodded, continuing behind her, with Sumayya following close behind.