[Post Here First!] Northern Aozora Border

As you cross into Ao territory the road becomes paved with stone with Aozora banners decorating the sides of the path. With the war being over, the nation has gotten to improving their infrastructure and acquiring new trade partners to boost their economy. Even the checkpoint had been significantly upgraded to look more like a proper fort and had expanded to also be a checkpoint to travellers going east, new watchtowers had been built that towered above the tree-line to spot all traffic coming into the march. The old checkpoint was mostly cannibalized to make the new bigger one.

Heading toward the checkpoint Rook would be spotted and they signaled the gate guard who left his booth to greet the adventurer.

"Good day sir, what is your business in Aozora?" The guard was a sketch artist that began to draw Rook, this was how they documented new people coming into Ao territory in case they needed a wanted poster or whatever purpose they'd need to recognize him in the future next time he passed through. The Guard looked up from his sketch pad to take note of the details on Rook's face and gave a friendly smile, letting him know that though he was occupied with sketching him, he was also attentive to what Rook may need.

"That's great to hear, we welcome heroes into our lands. We can give you directions once your inside, what's your name?" The guard signals for the gate to be opened to let him through. Once he had a name to go with the sketch he was clear to go on through.

"If you need a little rest you may do so while you're inside the checkpoint." The guard gestured toward the designated rest area, the interior of the checkpoint was nice and clean, a far cry from the old checkpoint. There were a few small buildings inside the checkpoint including the stable and the guard quarters. Canopies draped over from the buildings to provide areas of shade. "The south gate leads to our capital, Itami-cho. East gate leads to Taloum, you'll want to go that way to find the Heroes' Guild, about halfway between here and the town up in the hills. Good luck on your entry!"

"Thank you, Rook." The guard finishes up and searches his booth for an extra copy of the map and gives it to Rook , recently updated. The map depicts all the official holdings of Aozora down to the bottom of the continent. The Heroes' Guild was located about half-way between the checkpoint and Taloum, situated to overlook the hills.

"Well, what do we do now?" Riley asked. He was too unsure what's going on to make a proper decision. He knew Cheesecake could keep the woman at bay with an attack and if needed he could dispel her magic with a scythe slash. He was still unsure of her capabilities.

Mariah enters Ao territory, following the trail of Doobie du Shoobie, Wah Doobie, Riley Fletcher and Cheesecake. Her mana-draining dagger would make it harder for the party to evade her since she could use it to track down the residual signs of magic. After minutes of chasing on foot, she becomes frustrated enough that she opens her wings and jumps into the sky for a bird's-eye view. From high up, she could see better through the tree line and spotted her prey and where they were headed for, the Heroes' Guild. Once they got into the hills it would be easier for her to strike them out in the open, but she'd need to get them before they reach safety.

Looking to the south Mariah also spots the Ao Checkpoint. She considers raiding it, but she wanted to try getting the easier prey first. She dived down after the party and let out a terrifying feral scream to instil fear into them as she closed the gap.

If they reach the safety of the Guild House, she'd have to go after the checkpoint instead.

A mercenary, known to some as the White Wolf, but to most as Ralf Valgard, ventured into Aozora. He was mounted upon a traveling pony, carrying his armor, shield, weapons, and miscellaneous supplies. Ralf was an adventurer, a fortune seeker, not only after riches but glory and fame as well. Perhaps he could find work here in Aozora.

Ralf's riding pony neighs tiresomely, fatigued by the long journey. "There, there," the Varan sellsword attempts to soothe him. He fiddles around in a sack hanging off of the saddle and fishes out an apple. "A treat," he says, offering the fruit to the mount. The pony eagerly accepts the gift and pushes on. The clanking of armor and weapons occupies the otherwise quiet area. The White Wolf is also tired, longing for a good drink and a warm bed.

The duo eventually arrive at the checkpoint and are greeted by Ram Jam. "Well met, friend," the mercenary greets him. He dismounts the pony and approaches the officer, hand extended. "My name is Ralf Valgard. I'm a sellsword. Just passing through, unless you can point me in the direction of a job."

By instinct, the pony sensed respite on the other side of the gate, nudging Ralf ahead without hesitation. “Terrible beast, eh?” the Varan inquired as the group made their way for the stable. “Once we find Bibble a place to rest, perhaps you can tell me about this terrible beast over a drink or two.”

Ralf was no monster hunter, but he had had many run-ins with ‘terrible beasts’ before - some more terrible than others. But he was a hunter, a tracker, and a survivalist - skills which proved handy in such jobs. When an opportunity presented itself, he’d take it.

Ralf accepted the vodka and began to drink it without issue. Asgeir was home to many warrior lodges: accomplished and aspiring warriors alike would gather and spin tall tales about their adventures, the skalds would entrance their patrons with engaging ballads and legends, all while their listeners enjoyed flagons of ale, mead, vodka, and more.

The creature that Ram Jam described certainly sounded like a dragon, although the sellsword was assured it was probably something else. Still, Ralf would presume to treat it as such, if only to give himself a notion of what was to come.

“Should I expect to go it alone, or do you have other volunteers?”