{OOC: Am I right in saying that the covenant is within the delta in the far north east point of the Sea of Azov? Well that's where Fray would plan to head anyway; perhaps being a little lost is ok when setting out.}
Since the battle and the tribunal ruling Fray would have already had been sorting his life, and trying to some order back into his life. That would include packing and stowing most of the lab materials, giving away all the inconsequential items to the covenfolk who might want them, and placing the items he may yet want into storage. The important items for storage at the old covenant are some mementos of his wife and his lab notes; both of which he'd lock-up in a chest and entrust it to the Redcap while he finds his way.
His plan is to travel very light and have his small amount of personal effects sent for. Nothing beyond what cannot be lightly carried. A medallion that his wife worn is now worn beneath his traveling furs, and a tightly leather wrapped bundle of notes and extracts of his last projects.
To begin with the Fray will contact a Redcap to see if he can get a better idea of where the covenant is. As a starter he's know it was in the far east, at the edges of Novgorod, and that whatever path he takes it is a journey of well over 2000 miles.
To the redcap named William : "My goal is the Covenant of Nova Castra, which I believe to be on the far eastern reaches of Europe. Perhaps on the Black Sea. Being such a distance, I'm loathe to venture without some advice on exactly where the covenant is - and would be more than willing to compensate for the time and information for a suitable path. Oh, and this short letter to them, should it find it's way to them faster than I am able."
The letter is a very simple address to the Magi of Nova Castra,
"Greetings sodales.
I have been struck with curiosity by the venture to which you have begun, and wish to visit your wonderful enterprise - and although presumptuous I have undertaken to travel from Brittan to you. I am not yet aware of my date of arrival, only that I expect some challenge in the crossing from Brittany and in finding the covenant.
I hope to be making your acquaintance shortly.
Magus Fray, Follower of Bonisagus.
In the year of our Lord {date} etc."
If the redcap is unhelpful, then I'll make for Harco in the Roman tribunal and try to get directions from there. My understanding is that Harco has records on where to find most covenants, so should be helpful. Assuming the redcap is keen, and haggles a bit on service, I'd let the Redcap think he has a good deal found, and then add...
"Now William that seems a very healthy venture for you, certainly a generous fee. Lets include the pre-arranged transport of a small chest once I send for it as well. I assume that our agreement and the information letter can be sent to Harco, and that'll round up the arrangements?
Is there perhaps anything I can help you with William?"
That done, Fray will bid his covenfolk and other Magi farewell and leave as soon as possible.
"Then I am off to Harco. I have always wanted to see the core of the House Mercere."
Traveling to Harco should be reasonably straight forward, and if that is too troublesome for the storyline, then more than happy to alter it so Fray stays around a few weeks before leaving so that the information can be returned from William the Redcap.
For daily travel Fray will transform into a crow using the "Cloak of Black Feathers" which he knows formulaic, and has an art combination well above base needed.
Also assuming that I'll use casting reqs for my worn gear. Ref: Mu 21, (Co/An/He/Te/Vi 5)x2 from minor focus, Sta 3, Aura 4 = 38 + dice roll if needed vs 30.
When I need food and rest I'll watch for quiet and forestry places, and stop close to dusk; eating as a crow and sleeping as a wolf. Typically would always be casting the learned spell that allows speech while transformed - "Return of the Master's Voice".
Saying to himself, "It may not be glamorous, but traveling as beasts certainly saves the pennies and makes for wonderful scenery."
Clothing wise Fray travels wearing partial leather scale armour, and carries a small dagger. The rest of his clothing is deliberately chosen to be made from materials which are close to natural and source from Animal and Herbam. He would avoid metals as much as possible. That will mean a mantle of crow's feathers, a pair of sturdy woolen lined boots and gloves.
