Kari
The Paladins
Outside of Vallen, Taemar

Ian spoke up.

"I can answer that. I've recently been studying the cause of how the plague was spread so quickly. While it's true for disease to be rather quick, we had reports of two cases in opposite ends of the country in what seemed like hours. This trail of bread crumbs led me to find that a large number of rats in Marin appeared to contract a fungal rash when infected, however this fungal rash was really just fungus, Taemar fungus at that. I came to my compatriot here with this knowledge and before long he found the coven's cabin in a place they could easily harvest the fungus." Ian adjusted his spectacles as he spoke, his fidgeting stopping almost as soon as his speech.
Kathleen
Valentine Godwin
Outside of Vallen

When Viola was given the okay to go ahead as a scout with the islanders she followed them, an empty journal and a pencil in tow. 

Among the islanders Viola felt smaller than usual. Even looking at other fighters in the crowd. At least being small made it easier to get away if she needed, she thought. Her attention was directed back towards the Paladin as a knight asked about the origins of the plague. 

For the most part, she *Was* Satisfied with the answer.

"I have reason to believe," Viola piped up, voice cracking as she tried to keep it low enough to pass for a man,"That the witches will be covered in the spores they have created. It would be wise to cover your nose and mouth while you fight them." 

A half second later, she added,"Just-just a theory, though."
Heather
Cecilia Lyanah
Outside of Vallen, Taemar

When she heard a man begin to sing, her gaze tore away from the islanders as she began searching for the source. Her nose scrunched in distaste towards the lyrics and wondered why exactly this man was singing about nature in a bright peaceful tune whilst the Paladin was discussing a serious matter. With a shake of her head, Cecilia did her best to tone out the song before focusing on those who had questions regarding the task at hand. 

When a smaller feminine voice spoke up, the shifter began searching the small crowd until her eyes landed on the young woman with writing instruments on hand. Her brows raised in disbelief that someone who looked like they hadn't fought a day in their life was interested in the witches they planned to hunt. Surely she wouldn't survive once they found the Coven. 

"This group has to be a joke." She commented dryly.
Charles
Dark crimson rose lodge of sorceresses
Tiny cabin of the coven, Taemar.

As they got some remedies ready, a couple of witches conversated, an uneasy feeling in their hearts.

"Aren't you worried about what Belladonna said?"

"There's no need to. "

"Only the three elders are powerful enough to fight the paladins, and they're too old to survive a fight... "

"Sush, you heard the High Sorceress, they probably were just here for the shifter. "

"But what if-"

"They won't come. Now pass me that jar, I'm almost done with this one. "

The young woman obligued and resumed her work on the remedies.

"People won't stop coming for remedies for their families, that plague must be getting worse... "

"Indeed. I hope it dissapears soon, people are going through hell, and keeping it at bay it's tiring everyone out too much. "

Some of the rest of witches gathered plants and berries outside, some slept and rested. All of them unaware of the horrors heading their way.

Lady Anna Barrmount
Grunewald Castle, Vallen

"Well..." She spoke again once the hunt set off to their destination "About that wedding" Anna said as she turned to Lucrezia "As of now, my hand is promised to Kirk Pinewood. *But*" Anna turned to Kirk and approached his seat, staying a respectful distance from him "Once Ibethiel does it's part of the deal, I do mine. The wedding will be held the day before the mercenaries march to the north, and no matter the result of the battle, I will remain your wife, if you do wish so, Lord Pinewood..."
William
Nikita Valacar
Outside of Vallen, Taemar

As his little tune came to a quiet close, as the wary discussion amongst his would-be-companions continued on. Talks of disease and fighting, such things that prevailed a sense of looming dread. A fascination leapt onto the mind of Valacar. Faltering his thoughts into a wakeful meditation. 

*Plague is bound in the essence of reality, a looming threat that lay hidden within the air surrounding them. History sees its course fated by such awful things, revealing its calamity in times none can ever foresee. By nature, these profound biological disasters are met with the futility of Man's stubborn perseverance. A fight that puts forth the hopelessness of it all, a fight that cowers mortality, a fight that fears the cruel inevitability of their fragile existence.*

Valacar found it endearing in a way... *That his would-be-companions declare a divine truth behind such sorrows. Placing blame to an idea far reaching beyond their own mortal comprehension. Perhaps this was their excuse... To deny the absurdity and to relinquish themselves in blinded belief, subdued in sightless intellectualism.*

...

They continued on for quite some time, passing on to weary talks of dangerous endeavors. There, in his silent introspection, an idea or perhaps a thought conjured within his mind. It was such that brought along a wakeful surprise from within himself. Stirring this child-like excitement inside of him.

Suddenly, Valacar mounted his mare and rode away into the wilderness. He was in search for something. Something keen for this little adventure they were on. He shall return soon, but perhaps he should keep this matter to himself.

And as it goes, his would-be-companions remained, right as he traveled forth deep into the weary woods.
Kari
The Paladins
Outside of Vallen, Taemar

Ian stood, his mouth agape at the sight of the volunteer on horseback leaving without a word. Vex chuckled.

"For once we agree, shifter." He said while stretching.

"Very well, if there are no further questions then let's head out. We should arrive at the coven in three hours, but that doesn't mean you should let your guard down." Vex rested his spear on his right shoulder, Ian picked up a nearby pack, and they began the trek in the direction Vex pointed in earlier. Ian fiddled with the darts on his belt, keeping a shifty glance on the shifter.
Heather
Cecilia Lyanah
Outside of Vallen, Taemar

As one of the men from the group who had been singing in his native tongue mounted a horse and left without warning, Cecilia came to the realisation that the group was already falling to pieces. 

"And we already lost one." She mused to herself. At least she wouldn't have to hear any more of his singing.

When they began walking, Cecilia felt the constant gaze from one of the Paladins. Turning her head, she turned to face him with a grin. "Got anything to eat?" She asked, making conversation even though it was quite obvious he preferred she didn't.