<div class="floatright"><strong>Social Link</strong><br/>Ameiko 2--&gt;3<br/>Baihu 2--&gt;1<br/>Sandra 2<br/>Shalelu 1</div>A particularly school-spirited student happily gave them a tour of the campus, which was constructed more like a small fortress, with numerous mundane and magical defenses. "The Twilight Academy is<em>the</em>center for magical learning in Varisia! Those chumps in Korvosa and Magnimar and too caught up in politics to do any real research. And they have the nerve to look down on us for having no 'tradition' while they sit on their lazy asses! We believe in freedom of thought and encourage, shall we say... unconventional theories of magic. But never fear! The wards keep any explosions, rampaging golems, and unbound summons contained!"<br/><br/>In the end, they didn't get anything concrete or immediately useful to their journey out of the tour, but Ameiko was appreciative of the chance to learn something new all the same. The same couldn't be said of Baihu, who grew increasingly bored and fidgety throughout the day, especially since there the rather academic tour didn't include anything flashy like fireballs or lightning bolts or stuff.<br/><br/>"It's always good to learn more about the world around us," Ameiko said, as they retired to the wagons at sunset. "Let's get a good night's sleep and start early tomorrow!"<br/><br/>"Bor-ring!" Baihu yawned widely.<br/><br/><hr/><br/>The stop in Galduria was only the beginning; as the caravan made its way northwards, the cramped confines of the wagons and the long hours on the road started to take their toll on the travelers' grace and patience. The Jade Whores were forced to be closer than they had ever been, literally and figuratively, not just co-workers anymore. Friction and minor annoyances built up and turned into inevitable arguments along the way.<br/><br/><em>Yazhu will have to choose sides again. Social link up for support, social link down for the other girl.</em><br/><br/><div align="center"><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 14pt;">Wolf’s Ear</span></div><br/>Baihu's mood improved as they left Galduria and headed towards the next town on the road, Wolf's Ear. "I have an aunt living in Wolf's Ear! We should stop by her place for the night!"<br/><br/>Surprisingly it was Shalelu who spoke up. "There are rumors that Wolf's Ear is inhabited by lycanthropes. For our safety we should camp well outside the town, and circle up the wagons as well."<br/><br/>The foxgirl stared at the tiefling, temporarily lost for words. "That's... that's... I can't believe you said that! You're oppressing my people!"<br/><br/>Shalelu shrugged. "I meant no personal offense. It is only the truth."<br/><br/><div align="center"><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 14pt;">Churlwood</span></div><br/>Setting out from Wolf's Ear the next day, the road made a wide detour around the edge of the Churlwood on its way to Roderic's Cove.<br/><br/>"There is a shortcut through the Churlwood that will shave many miles off the road," Shalelu spoke up.<br/><br/>"But there's all sorts of nasty things in there... wild animals... goblins... outlaws! And what if we get lost?" Sandra protested.<br/><br/>"We won't get lost with me leading the way," Shalelu boasted. "Or do you doubt my skills?"<br/><br/>"It's not that I don't believe in you, Shalelu, but... haven't you heard the tale of the hare and the tortoise? Slow and steady wins any day!"<br/><br/><div align="center"><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 14pt;">Riddleport</span></div><br/>Thankfully, from Roderic's Cove it was a short ride to Riddleport. There were no complications from the road... alas, the complications came from within the group.<br/><br/>"Finally! We'll be able to restock supplies and gold in Riddleport. There's no shortage of horny sailors to service," Ameiko said.<br/><br/>"Um, boss... please hear me out, but can we go around Riddleport instead?" Sandra asked out of the blue.<br/><br/>"What? Why?"<br/><br/>"I'm not exactly welcome in Riddleport... it's a long story..."