They seek your advice.

"Which way are we headed?" you ask Ash'lanti.

She pauses, looking left and right at your other companions.

"We were hoping that you could help guide our path," she says. "Our maps are not as detailed as they could be, and you said you had traveled this region of wilderness many times."

You nod, hoping your cloudy memories will become clearer.

Domragu, the dwarf priest, speaks up, "Last night we were talking about which path to take. As I said, I think we should approach Kranton's Peak directly." He points across the lake to the distant snow-capped mountain. "We can march east, using the Holy Mountain as our guide until we enter the foothills."

Ellrulyon, the elf ranger, says, "The direct route is far rougher, and there are touches of ancient, seductive evil on the heights we would cross. I think we will do far better to swing north, staying in the forest till we reach the foothills below Kranton's Peak. Though it has been long since I have traveled these parts, the lie of the land does not change. And provisions will be more abundant."

Domragu coughs. "Much good the better time will do us if we get ensnared by the forest fairies, go mad drinking from a love-spring, or end up the bond-husbands of dryads! My pardon, lady. But there is good reason the folk hereabouts are shy of the forest, and seek their wood in the hills."

Ash'lanti holds her hands up, showing off her breasts delightfully. "I would prefer we take the main trade road south to the river, then take river boats down to the Great Crossing, then upriver to the high ford some days below Kranton's Peak. It's less direct, but the roads and boats will make fast work of the journey, and we will not lack for chances to re-provision and trade."

Ellrulyon says, "You use your beauty to great success among your people, Ash'lanti, but in crossing so many human borders, I fear taxes, bandits, and politics. Is there not a war raging just below the Great Crossing?"

Domragu grunts. "If they're anything like the humans in that last town but one, we'd be better seeing less than more. Though you did have quite a good time, Ash'lanti. Dancing on the table and inciting those ruffians into lustful contests so you could pick a winner."

Ash'lanti tilts up her chin and replies, "Men are toys or tools. It's rare that one finds a true companion." She shakes her head, sending a ripple through her shining red hair. She looks at you. "Perhaps you could make your knowledge useful and suggest an approach."

The northern forest, the eastern heights, the southern roads, towns, and rivers. Or should you return west to the town and ask other travelers?