While not perfectly comfortable, the party's stay in the mission proves safe and warm and Umeko, Lilac, Anisa, Xander and Gibson are reasonably refreshed for their journey south. After a brief review and planning session, the group departs under the blessing of the head monk. The first part of the trip is thankfully uneventful, the party reaching the town of Long Crossing. The quaint, ramshackle bog village provides information, supplies and an uncomfortable night's rest for the party before they journey forth again, following the newly created sign that points towards where Rookery may yet be. Several hours in, Lilac is alerted to something strange: a delicious scent wafting from the forest. A cautious investigation puts the party on edge and their worry is quickly justified; Lilac is attacked! A bolas disabled the cursed bardess as her friend rush to her aid, followed by a pepperbomb that blurs the vision of the heroes as a Korvid shape lunges from the canopy. The Korv huntress tries to evade Lilac's defender, Umeko, but fails and is repelled by the efforts of all her friends. The huntress flees, only to be struck by Xander's magic explosion, causing her to drop her weapon, but otherwise escape. the weapon is a curious contraption of metal and gears, ominous in deadly. Taking the device with them, the party decides to redouble their caution and keep their monstrous friend close – Lilac is clearly hunted.