Valdar turns right, and leads you northwestward up the Elven Coast Road. Soon the castle is lost to your view. The lands about you are sylvan forest and meadow, and the snow seems to fall lightly upon them. Valdar starts singing in Elven. Robert, who has never heard such a tongue before, looks entranced. The rest of you are looking about as you ride.
You have been this way several times before, Orlon. Most recently was about six or seven years ago. You do not remember a lot about the area (or do you...?), but you do recall that your trek will take you through the ruined city of Frisco, the scene of several great battles between your party and...EVIL! (Evil won, you remember, but you lived to fight another day.)
The morning passes uneventfully. By noon several inches of snow lie upon the road. After two hours you come to an intersection with a trail which leads off into the woods. A standard signpost reads:
The Elven Coast Road: NW: To Nitvitville, Tyford, and Where Evil Lurks.
SE: To Greyhall, The Havens, and La Totala.
W: To The Sea.
"Ah, the Sea!" exclaims Valdar, upon seeing this sign, "Strong does its siren call tug at the hearts of the Elves! Someday I know I must answer it. But not today."
And he rides away. You follow.
Soon after, the nature of the forest changes. It becomes more dense, gloomy and sullen. You realize that you are leaving the Elven Lands.
Afternoon arrives. After a brief stop for lunch (rations), you continue. Soon after the Road leads you into a snow covered clearing. Some distance away you see a small herd of wild horses pawing at the snow to uncover the grass underneath. They look gaunt. Before you can react, though, they have noticed you and galloped off into the forest. As you come to the far side of the clearing you notice a stone cross standing at the side of the road. Perhaps a memorial to some long forgotten fallen traveller.
The afternoon wears on. The snow continues to fall. Around 4:00pm you reach the hamlet of Nitvitville, and you know that you are well within the boundaries of the Free Principality of Norvar. It is a small kingdom, founded by refugees of the War of The Stones, and friendly with Dorian. Valdar suggests you stop here for the night.
He leads you to the one inn in this place: The Dancing Wizard. It is a good, clean house. Please cough up 10sp each for the night and your meals. The food is plain but wholesome, the beds clean. Should you desire, the ale is good, too.