"Gathering Threads"

The next morning, Kael and the party set out to investigate the rumors of the cult's activities in the countryside. They spent the first day speaking with locals, gathering information and hearing tales of strange occurrences. Valoric used his charm to coax more information out of the townspeople, while Eira and Scorch listened intently, taking note of any details that seemed relevant. Kael led the way, seeming to know exactly who to talk to and where to go. As the sun began to set on the first day, they had gathered a patchwork of rumors and half-truths, but nothing concrete. Kael nodded thoughtfully as they sat in the tavern, discussing their findings. "It's like they're ghosts," he said. "People see them, but they vanish into thin air." The second day was much the same, with the party fanning out across the countryside, talking to farmers and villagers. They heard stories of strange symbols etched into trees, and of people who had gone missing after venturing too far from town. Scorch's eyes narrowed as she listened, her hand on the hilt of her sword. On the third day, as they were walking through the town, a hooded figure approached Kael and whispered something in his ear. Kael's expression turned serious, and he nodded curtly before the figure melted into the crowd. "What was that about?" Valoric asked, his curiosity piqued. Kael's eyes scanned the surrounding area before he replied, "It seems that a group of strangers was spotted near the old ruins outside town. They were described as... unusual. Wearing long, dark robes, and carrying strange, ornate boxes." Eira's eyes sparkled with interest. "Ruins, you say? Which ones?" Kael nodded, a map unfolding in his mind. "The old castle ruins, just a few miles outside town. It's been abandoned for years, but I've heard rumors of strange noises and lights coming from there at night." The party exchanged a look, their minds racing with possibilities. It seemed they might finally have a lead on the cult. With a sense of purpose, they set off towards the ruins, ready to face whatever lay ahead. As they walked, the air seemed to grow heavier, the shadows deepening around them. They knew they were getting close to something, and they were determined to uncover the truth.