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From: [e-mail] (Lance Dooly)
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Subject: STORY: The Tales of Dark Haven (Chapter 26)
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Date: 19 Sep 1995 13:24:22 -0400
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------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------- The Tales of Dark Haven ---------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-                                                                            -
- These stories are from an on-going E-mail campaign, and are currently      -
- maintained by Lance Dooly ([e-mail]).  New stories will be  -
- posted in rec.games.frp.archives and are available for anonymous FTP       -
- at tfnet.ils.unc.edu in /pub/dark.                                         -
-                                                                            -
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------- Chapter 26: The Party have a new Headquarters ----------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(DM:)
When you ask Mendahl, Shilara and Kael for input, they will leave the
planning up to you.  If you invite them to come along to wherever you
decide to gather and plan, Mendahl and Shilara will come along, Kael
will excuse himself, as he has to oversee his troops. They (Mendahl
and Shilara) will try to answer any questions you may have, but will
contribute little to the real planning.

(Arlon:)
OOC: as expected :) - DM's are all alike :)

(DM:)
;-|   * raised eyebrow *  izzat so? :)


And so, most of the party head off toward their new headquarters with
Mendahl and Lady Shilara, having left word for Silver and Dithion ....

(Falrun:)
Upon reaching the HQ, Falrun will check out the grounds before the
meeting proper gets started.  He will be looking at construction,
defensibility, the availability of a back door, and any evidence of
secret doors or any traps that may exist.

(Tatiana:)
As the excitement ebbed and the gathering broke up Tatiana followed
the rest of the group to the new head quarters.

As they came to the Dark Havens Headquarters she stopped. "I guess
this is our place now.  Huh?"

(DM:)
Okay, you guys are now all planning away, at the old Darkhaven Dozen's
headquarters. The HQ is a fairly simple building, though sturdy
enough, especially in comparison with the rest of the buildings in
this village. The first floor has a front door leading into a sizable
lobby, which was also used by the DHD as a gathering place, where they
would perform last minute equipment checks etc, before going out on a
mission.  The lobby has a door leading to a small hallway with doors
to the following types of rooms.  A kitchen of fair size, with a
storage room annexed to it. A meeting/eating room with a large table,
where you guys will most likely be right now, and finally a fairly
large room that served as armoury and training room for the group.
There are still some items there that should be returned to the
surviving members. Then there is a rickety stair leading to the second
floor which has two 'guest rooms', very sparse rooms with a small
closet and a cot. And also on the second floor is what was supposed to
have become a library, though the shelves are there, there are no
books yet.

(Arlon:)
Arlon asks Mendahl, "Are there or could there be any flying and
invisibility potions or scrolls available and if so how many?"

(DM/Mendahl:)
Stroking his short black beard, Mendahl gives you a look of *where do
you think we are.  the Kings vault in Cormyr? *

(Arlon:)
OOC: No; but the question needed to be asked.

(DM/Mendahl:)
"Scrolls and potions are scarce, you must understand. Mayhap we can
spare one or two scrolls or potions. However, I am sure that Daermon
and me can cast spells on you if you so wish."

(Arlon:)
"I suspected the availability was low for such things; but even if you
and Daermon cast the fly spells it would not last long enough to get
us to the clearing.  If you teleport us to the clearing, we still
wouldn't have enough flight capability to get there.  Not enough
Polymo..."  Arlon then slaps his head.. "I don't believe I didn't
think of this before.  What about the Phantom Steed spell - I have
heard that mages of great power could create a steed with the power of
flight and the spell has a very long duration.  Do you and Daermon
have enough to cast one for each of us?"

(DM:)
"Why, you are right Arlon, Daermon and I could cast a few of those
spells, and at least they should suffice to get you on your way,
mayhap all the way there and back. We can try that, but do not forget
to plan for eventualities. Should the steeds be dispelled by native
shamen or otherwise destroyed, you will still have to get back safely
somehow."

(Arlon:)
"I don't think we would have much of a chance against a native shaman
that could dispel one of your spells; but you are right.  We could
however use as many potions and scrolls of flying we could get in
addition to the spells we had available at the time.  The only quicker
way back that I know of would be a teleport spell from a scroll;
otherwise we would have no choice but to walk back."

(Shade:)
The drow raises his hand "It looks like invisibility will be one of
our strongest stealth resources. Can anyone of you teach me that
spell?"

(Arlon:)
Turning to Shilara, he asks "If we do fly in, what would you suggest
would be the best approach to the temple?"

(DM/Shilara:)
She frowns slightly as she thinks, stroking her long silver hair out
of her face as she speaks. "About four hours this side of the temple,
as the dragon flies (with a smile) is a fairly large clearing. It
contains a few burned out tree stumps. It seems to have been formed by
a lightning strike some years ago. It should be an excellent place
from which to prepare for the actual approach to the temple.  The
temple grounds are also clear. This strangely so. It is a jumble of
stone blocks and pillars, but nature seems not to have reclaimed it.
This would indicate that the temple was only destroyed very recently.
This is of course very inconsistent with our prevailing thought that
all civilization that may once have landed here, ceased to exist two
millennia ago."





Mendahl and Shilara depart, just before Dithion and Silver arrive at
the new headquarters.  Further plans are hatched by some of the party
.....

(Arlon:)
He will bow to Mendahl before he leaves.

(Silver:)
Dithion and Silver arrive to see the others investigating the place.
The planning meeting seemed to have started already, with chairs
dragged around a table, and some food laid out on it.

"Thanks for waiting guys" Silver says, with a touch of sarcasm. She
seems unduly subdued, and moves to sit next to Shade. Picking an apple
from the table, she starts to eat, and stares moodily around her.

OOC: You may have guessed this is quite an uncharacteristic mood for
     Silver to have. She doesn't seem to want to talk about it either.

(Shade:)
The drow raises an eyebrow at Silver's behaviour, then he stares at
her for a moment as if to silently say "Problems, dear? I'm here if
you need me." but he doesn't say anything about it.

(Arlon:)
OOC: Look out Shade, it looks like it's PMS time for Silver :0

(Silver:)
OOC: DON'T YOU _EVER_ LET ME HEAR YOU JOKING ABOUT THAT !!!  ;-)

(Arlon:)
Arlon will say he is sorry for not waiting - "I just got caught up in
things."

(Silver:)
Actually, with the apologies that some of you give, you can judge that
Silver is not so much annoyed with you as pre-occupied with something
else that has happened in the interim.




The general planning discussion continues ....

(Keilan:)
During the planning session Keilan poses this question, "I have heard
of magicians and priests who are possessed of far sight, able to spy
upon lands beyond the horizon.  If we could have information about the
temple as it is now, then we might know better what to plan for.  If
the savages are still there then more caution is called for."

(Silver:)
As the discussions get going, she does not pay too much attention, but
after going over to Raoh and feeding him the apple core and making a
fuss of him, she will lighten up a bit when she returns to the table.

OOC: Again, not much she can offer to the planning session. She will
     listen and go with the majority. She's not too hot on the
     planning side of adventures.

(Tatiana:)
Silver was in a strange an pensive mood, and Tatiana wasn't one much
for planning anyways.  She liked action, and planning was much too
slow.

She moved over to where Silver sat quietly by herself. "Everything
alright?"

(Silver:)
Silver glanced involuntarily over to where Dithion sat, and then
shrugged her shoulders.  With a wry expression, she sighed "I ...
don't know 'Ana. I just don't know"

Silver lowers her voice so that only Tatiana could hear - since Shade
was paying attention to Arlon. She says in a sort of tense voice "It's
Dithion. He ... worries me so, 'Ana. He has such strength, and yet I
wonder about his control. Perhaps it's just I don't understand him"
she says with a wry smile.

"But I really do worry about his control at times. His inner self is
veiled with mystery upon mystery. He hides things, keeps them bottled
up - and I know what that can do to you ..." she adds with a worried
shake of her head.

(Tatiana:)
She nods her head in agreement.  "He worries me too.  A boiling tea
kettle ready to explode.  I stay out of his way."

(Silver:)
"I cannot sense what drives him." she says, looking over to where
Dithion sits, silent.

(Tatiana:)
She shrugs her shoulders, then kicks back her chair as the others
start the planning session.  Listening without really looking like
she's listening, one of the fine arts developed by the Bardic
profession.

(Keilan:)
"The question still remains of how to deal with these deadly grubs
that the natives may use against us.  I could wear some heavier armour
if necessary, but I daresay Arlon would look a pitiful sight in
plate."

(Arlon:)
"Maybe so; but I don't think you could be so stealthy in plate.  They
would probably hear you coming from a bow shot away."  :)

"As far as the grub missiles, I still think a good length of cloth
would be quite adequate, given a small warning.  I believe Keilan
could give us that warning time."

(Keilan:)
Oddly enough, disagreeing with Arlon, "But what are you going to do
wrapped up in cloth?  It'd be difficult to fight like that and I'd
suspect not so easy to cast from your little bag of tricks either.
While you hold up your bit of cloth, one of them tosses a spear
through your heart.  It's no good I tell you."

"I'd prefer a good set of armour.  As for them hearing me from a
bowshot, well a bowshot is as close as I need to get now isn't it?
Surely you can provide us with some means of moving silently.  That
seems simpler than all this mucking about flying business."

(Silver:)
Silver pipes up "Yes, yes, cloth and armour may protect some, but
Mielikki's protection would encompass more and be more effective.
Insects come under her realm after all." She shuts up, and keeps quiet
for a while.

(Falrun:)
"I think the best thing to do about these rot grubs is to take our
chances. All the armour in the world isn't going to stop them all but
if we can get in undetected, we may never have to worry about them.  I
think the most we can do about them is have as many remedies on hand
as possible."

(Keilan:)
"How big are these little worms?  Chain mail might do as well if they
are as big around as my little finger.  Indeed leather might serve to
delay them long enough to remove them.  The problem is that there will
likely be a lot of the little bugs being shot at us."

(Arlon:)
"Tuft could also be an aerial scout."

(Keilan:)
"Now there's a good idea!  They couldn't possibly suspect a single
bird to be our eyes and ears."

(Tatiana:)
She looked at Keilan as the brilliant idea hit him. "We've been doing
that together for quite some time now. Tuft doesn't take kindly to
losing me."

"He's still a little upset but I'm sure a mission will help him
straighten things out."  She winked at Silver indicating things would
be okay.

(Silver:)
Silver smiles in a relieved way at this.

(Arlon:)
"It would be interesting to see what these savages carry the grubs in
that prevents being attacked by them."

(DM:)
By the bye, a DM's tip. Do not worry too much about the heartseeker
grubs (they are NOT the same as ROT grubs, but a new Dark Continent
monster :) ), as other weapons (profuse use of poison etc) and regular
ambushes will be just as deadly or troublesome.

(Falrun:)
"What about scrying spells, like Keilan suggested?  The more you know
your enemy, the better off you are."

"My suggestion is to fly invisibly to the clearing mentioned and walk
from there.  Keilan and I can scout ahead and try to minimize the risk
of running into any of these natives.  It would be nice to use Tuft as
an aerial scout but I don't know if Tatiana is willing to risk her
familiar on such a thing.  I'm not even sure if Owls are indigenous to
this continent.  Silver, on the other hand, could take the form of one
of the native birds, correct?  That would help to keep their
suspicions down."

"We can further help to disguise ourselves if we use weapon black on
our equipment and ourselves and go in at night.  If no weapons black
is available, we can use a mixture of ashes and mud to camouflage
ourselves.  We should have been here long enough to have our smell
adapted by eating native food, so that should be one less problem to
overcome."  After a pause, he asks "Anything I missed?"

(Arlon:)
"I would not like to romp around the forest at night.  They know the
forest much better than we do, the night would give them an advantage
if we met.  The low light level would also impede our progress
greatly.  We could disguise ourselves while on the Phantom Steeds and
the steeds themselves are fairly dark.  We could even fly along the
tops of the trees to 'hide' our approach to the temple.  If the spells
are available, I think we should make our plans with them in mind."

(Falrun:)
"I still think that going in at night is best.  I do not think the
native's eyesight is as good as our elvish sight at night.  The only
ones who would be at a disadvantage would be Dithion and Keilan.
Tatiana has tuft to help her see and Silver could change into an owl
or a cat of some type to allow her to see at night."

(Silver:)
"I can see quite well at night anyway without resorting to using one
of Mielikki's most precious of gifts in a wasteful fashion, thank you"

(Falrun:)
"I'm sure that Keilan is used to walking around forests at night so
his disadvantage should be minimal and Dithion can stick close to
someone to help him see."

"If we are already invisible and on phantom steeds, the dark can only
add to our disguise."

(Arlon:)
"I am sorry Falrun, I guess I still didn't explain myself clearly, I
did intend to use the steeds at night.  I was thinking that walking
through the forest at night had more peril than advantage - of course
we don't know if the natives have some kind of heat vision."

(Keilan:)
"Come, Falrun. We could get some weapon black from the armoury I am
sure. I have some needs that are better suited to armourers than
tricksters too.  They can summon their steeds while we prepare for
real battle.  I'm less worried about getting there than I am about
getting back anyway."

(Falrun:)
"Very well.  Is there anybody else who would like to join us on a
visit to the citadel?"  If there is no one else, Falrun will join
Keilan as they walk to the citadel to see Lord Clasp or Lord Kael.

In passing, he will stop and ask Silver, "Anything you would like to
talk about?"

(Silver:)
Silver jumps slightly as Falrun asks her the question, glances once
more at Dithion, then shakes her head. She looks at Falrun more
directly, then her expression softens and she adds "No, not really.
Thanks for your concern, Falrun."

Silver will want, quite soon, to look around the building, identifying
likely rooms, and also look around the grounds of the building as
well. She's partly looking for the little things the previous owners
may have left which might indicate what they were like as people.

(DM:)
There is not very much stuff lying around. Remember that it was not
their personal home, so no personals are here. A few standard weapons
in a weapons rack in the training room, as well as wooden practice
weapons. Besides that, stuff such as kitchen utensils, some little
furniture. The place is fairly bare. The DD were either out
adventuring, or at home. They used this place only as meeting place,
and to practice and prepare for missions.




The party split up, with Falrun and Keilan making their way to Lord
Kael. Raoh pads importantly alongside Keilan ....

(DM:)
Lord Kael is talking with some guards at the entrance to the citadel,
and he greets you guys as you walk up to the building.

(Keilan:)
"Your lordship, I would like to ask for some things from the city
armoury and perhaps the help of one of your armourers.  I need some
leather greaves and armbands fashioned for myself.  I would also like
a small hand axe if one is handy and I am nearly out of decent arrows.
My friend would also like some weaponblack for his sword."

"And I suppose a shield would be prudent too, eh Falrun?"

I assume the Lords would know of our recent appointment as "resident
heroes".

(DM:)
You explain your needs, and Lord Kael takes you inside, and through a
few small hallways, and steps down into the cellars, where you arrive
at the armoury. There Lord Kael leaves you into the capable hands of
the armsmaster, a portly dwarf, who gives you what you asked for, all
the while muttering incoherently into his beard.

(Falrun:)
While Keilan and Falrun are in the armoury, Falrun will ask the
dwarven armourer, "While we are here, would it be possible for me to
get a composite long bow or a plain long bow and some arrows?"

(Dwarf Armourer:)
"Composite Longbow ? Ahh. My friend, I wish we had access to such
mighty weapons. They are too expensive, and reserved for the rich and
their immediate bodyguards, or household troops. However, a regular
longbow and arrows I can get ye without a problem."

(Keilan:)
As Keilan and Falrun conclude their preparations. "Ah!  I forgot to
ask Lord Kael something.  Someone will have to look after Raoh while
we are gone.  I thought perhaps he might know a young lad willing to
do the job for a few coins.  I hate to bother him again. Someone like
the huntsmaster of the town would be the person to ask."

(Dwarf Armourer:)
You are still in the armoury, and the dwarf replies.  "Hmm. I know of
an old, retired forester who would gladly look after yer lil friend
there. He lives near the gates of the village, he always sits in a big
chair, looking out into the forest, just outside the gate. Go talk to
him."

(Keilan:)
Keilan thanks the dwarven armoursmith for his help and picks up his
new items to go in search of a keeper for Raoh.

As the dwarf said, Keilan finds the old man sitting looking out at the
living forest.  "Hail, friend.  My name is Keilan Forester.  The dwarf
in the armoury told me you might look after my friend here,"
indicating Raoh, "for a few days."

(Old Forester:)
The old man looks at you critically. You note that, although the man
may have become old, and therefore physically no longer able to keep
up with the other hunters, his mind is still as sharp as ever.

"Well, well. Found yerself a friend eh? Pray tell me. Why would you
like me to look after the little critter?" As he says so, the old man
reaches out for the cub, and ruffles its head gently, scratching it
behind its ears.

(Keilan:)
"Because I choose my friends too quickly I suppose.  And now I need to
make sure they return from their errands.  Raoh isn't old enough yet
and I suspect we won't be traveling on foot.  That's what I get for
allying myself with wizards."

"Perhaps you've heard of the Darkhaven Dozen?  They were out there
investigating some old temple or something and got themselves ambushed
by the natives.  That makes my group heir to the throne if you will.
If you can stomach it, we go by the name of The Eidolon.  It think it
sounds foolish, but it seems that not everyone gets an equal say in
such things."

"Anyway, Raoh is a smart fuzzball but I'd rather not worry about his
hide as well whenever we get where we are going.  I sometimes think
I'm the only level headed one in the bunch."

"I'd appreciate you looking after him if you will.  I hope to be back
in a day or two.  Four at the most."

(Old Forester:)
As you progress through your telling, the old man smiles more and
more.  Finally he lets out a barking laugh. "Aye, cityfolk and all
that huh? I know what a trouble they can be to chaperone. Aye. I'll
look after yer new friend Raoh there. I'll take him a ways into the
woods now and then. See if I still remember my own skills. You know
where to find me when ye get back. Good luck on yer mission. And be
careful son."

(Keilan:)
To the old woodsman in parting "Thank you again.  If you find you've
remembered your trade, we'll take Raoh hunting when I return.  Be
good, Raoh."



Arlon, Shade and Silver head over to Daermon's Vault ....

(Arlon:)
To Shade, he says "Why don't we go see Daermon about the demon ichor;
maybe he could make a potion that could help us on this mission."

"And we could see if there any items of healing - scrolls, or potions
- that we could procure?"

"Unless there is not much to this temple, the phantom steeds would
vanish before we completed the mission.  We would have a long trek
back afterwards.  The only spell I know of that could get us all back
is Teleport - we would need a scroll for that, my power could only
bring a couple of us back."

"I hope the savages collected the Darkhaven Dozen and took them to the
temple - it would make the job 'easier'."

(DM:)
You walk out of your new home, and over to Daermon's shoppe.

Daermon's 'The Vault' happens to be situated right next to your place!
The vault is subterranean, and you take the steps down, under the
house proper.  There is no door, but a multitude of strings with
various coloured crystals closes it off from any sunlight.  With a lot
of noise, you make your way through the 'curtain', and slowly adjust
to the gloom of the cellar. By the time your eyes can see in the soft
red light that seems to come from the ceiling, Daermon arrives through
another 'curtain', behind a counter. The shoppe is filled with cages
containing arcane small animals, and jars with dead parts of animals.
An extensive rack seems to be filled with all kinds of herbs, and a
musky, intriguing smell emanates from it. Off to the right is a
display of a full set of laboratory equipment. It is not active right
now, but multicoloured liquids are entrapped in its many
interconnected vials and pipes.

(Daermon:)
Daermon smiles at you and speaks "Well, well, well. What can I do for
you today, oh intrepid souls?" Upon spotting Shade, he gives a slight
nod with his head.  "Ahh. Welcome to my humble abode, my fellow
exile."

(Shade:)
"Always a pleasure to meet you master Daermon," - Shade bows slightly.

(Silver:)
Silver would accompany Shade to Daermon's shop. As they enter, she
will make the discrete hand-signals that she made to him at the
temple. She still thinks it is some form of courtesy that Drow indulge
in ;-)

(Shade:)
"Here we have something that might be useful for you" - he takes out
the jars of demon ichor - "demon ichor." He then waits for the
alchemist's reaction.

(Daermon:)
The dark elf's left white eyebrow shoots up at the mention of what you
brought in. His features soften, and he looks at you wistfully. "Hmmm.
I haven't had the 'pleasure' (said with sarcasm) of working with such
stuff since I left the caverns of Archianthea. Let me see. I could
make some mighty nasty poisons with it. For other stuff to make, I
would have to further examine it, and perform some tests on it."

(Shade:)
The bard shudders "Poison was my little sister's passion, but I do not
like it. Will this 'delicious' fluid help you in preparing something
we could use in our trip?"

(Daermon:)
"I will have to see about that. Maybe I will have something on it by
the time you come back in the morning before you leave, maybe not yet.
I'll see what I can do."

(Arlon:)
"Then we should leave you alone to work.  We probably won't be leaving
until tomorrow.  Will anything be ready by then?"  - not knowing if he
needs to work making flying and or invisibility potions for our trip.

If we want to arrive at the temple during the night, we would leave
sometime in the morning, stop off at that clearing to do a last check
(about 1 hr I guess) and then head toward the temple.





As Shade and Arlon leave, Silver lingers for a moment ....

(Silver:)
Silver approaches Daermon, smiling, showing a lot of self-confidence.
"Daermon," she starts, "I am sure you have noticed that Shadowdancer
and myself have become ... well, bonded for want of a better term."

"Now I have had little contact with your peoples, and your customs.
And yet, I would like to do something special for him. All things I
have done so far have come from me."

Shaking her head slightly, she says "You alone, would know if there is
anything - however small - which he would appreciate.  I would ask
Shade myself, but I like to surprise him" she grins.

"I understand that where you come from is filled with evil, yet is
there not something which still retains it's goodness ?"

An idea strikes her "If I cannot give him something of goodness from
his home, then something magical perhaps ?" she says hopefully.

(Daermon:)
Daermon thinks for awhile, and then answers thus "Little is from the
underworld that will make him happy. The only positive thing about the
drow culture is the underground cities' architecture, but that can not
be given to someone. There is one thing he will appreciate greatly
though. Something that is absent there. Trust. Make clear to him that
he can trust you utterly. Trust was even lacking among family members
in the underdark. It is the most precious thing known to a dark elf."

(Silver:)
"And is there some item perhaps which signifies trust to a Drow ?"

(Daermon:)
At this Daermon smiles. "Remember. Drow do not know what trust is.
Trust in drow society is oft put in the same category as stupidity, as
it will get you killed. There is not even a drow word for trust in the
sense that you and I know it, only in degradatory ways is it spoken
of. No. I do not know of an item that would signify trust."

(Silver:)
"Thank you, Daermon. You have been more helpful than you know. If there
is anything I can do to repay your help ...." she smiles, waits for a
response if there is one, and then takes her leave from him.

(Daermon:)
"No problem at all. As long as you do not betray your drow friend in
any way, he will appreciate you all the more. My good wishes for all
of you on your mission. Goodbye."




Later on, Silver seeks out the Head Druid, her only senior in this
land ....

(Silver:)
Silver will seek out and talk to the Head Druid about the heartseeker
grubs for a description of them and how to defend against them and how
to heal those who have just been attacked by them.

She will also seek any information he has about any other creatures
which are new to this continent.  (Should have done this ages ago !)

(Molar:)
The head druid is a middle aged human man. His hair is short black,
with a beard and mustache, neatly groomed. He is dressed in a grey
rough cotton robe, tied with a string made of golden coloured hair it
seems like.  He wears the symbol of Mielikki (wooden) proudly
displayed on his chest.  In his left ear he has a bone earring, strung
with many coloured feathers.  In his hands he bears a gnarled staff,
with a few leaves still attached, it seems to be alive still. He
introduces himself as Molar of the Forests.

Various information is given to Silver about a host of new creatures
and dangers in the forest around Dark Haven, covering plants, insects
and other much larger creatures.




And the whole party (minus Raoh) meet up later that night at the new
headquarters ....

(Falrun:)
When Falrun gets back from the Citadel, you see him carrying a new
long bow with a quiver of arrows.  You also see him carrying a small
container.  "I got some weapons black from the Citadel.  Anybody who
would like to may use some, there is plenty for all."

(Keilan:)
Keilan returns to the HQ after Falrun and sets his new goods down and
begins inspecting them while the discussion of traveling arrangements
continues.  As conversation rolls on Keilan busies himself clucking
over the workmanship of his arrows, the condition of his bowstring,
the straps on his armour, the blade on his axe, the nicks in his
shield, and just about everything else.  In the end he seems satisfied
with it all and leaves it arranged in an orderly pile out of the way.

(Tatiana:)
"Silver, could you say a blessing on our new headquarters before we
start our planning?"

(Silver:)
Silver looks around at the party, studying each of the five of them in
turn before turning back to Tatiana. Absolutely seriously, she says
"Hmm. I think I'd prefer to wait until we return from our mission to
the temple before I ask for any blessing on this house."

Seeing a frown on Tatiana's face, she adds with a forced smile "Sorry,
'Ana, it's just something personal.  I'm sure we'll work out and have
Her blessing anyway."

(Falrun:)
"Arlon, how fast do these phantom steeds travel and how long will the
invisibility spells last.  Finally, what time should we leave to get
to the temple just before dawn?"

(Arlon:)
"I am not sure about most of what you ask; but I can tell you that the
phantom steeds are extremely fast, especially when cast at Mendahl's
power.  There are few things that could catch one in flight.  As far
as getting there before dawn, Lady Shilara should be able to give us
the best answer, given how long we want to rest at the clearing.  The
length of invisibility depends on if a scroll or potion is used.  A
potion may only last a couple of hours, from a scroll it could last
for a full day."

(DM:)
On finding Mendahl and Shilara once more, Mendahl informs you that
there are three potions of invisibility and two potions of flying
available. There are no scrolls of invisibility available, and only
two scrolls of flying. There is no teleport scroll available.

The Lady Shilara is not exactly aware of how late you guys would have
to leave, as she flies on instinct more than logic, as a dragon.
However, she is pretty sure that it would take you guys at least ten
hours of flying to get at the clearing.

(Arlon:)
"We have 4 items for flying so we'll have to keep 3 fly spells in
reserve for the return" - assuming Kaeyar is not with us - "that
should get us a fair distance away from the temple.  Unless Silver is
still able to shapechange then we would only need 2.  Since we only
have 3 invisibility potions we need to use them wisely.  Remember, any
aggressive act will break the spell."

"Ten hours to reach the clearing.  Well then it sounds like it will
take about fourteen hours air time to get to the temple, plus any time
we spend at the clearing.  I guess we should leave just after lunch
given this information.  That will give Shade and myself to see if
Daermon came up with anything regarding the demon ichor."

(Falrun:)
"Sounds good to me.  We'll meet here after lunch then."

(Arlon:)
"We could probably all have lunch here, since we have the facilities.
It looks like we are all set then.  You know, now that we are a bit
more organized maybe we should get a couple of us to be in charge of
supplies - food stuffs and so forth.  I think Keilan would be a good
supply manager, with him being very practical."  he'll wait for any
replies on this.

(Keilan:)
Keilan looks up from sharpening his axe, stares at Arlon for a few
seconds, and offers this reply: "Hmm."  And then returns to sharpening
his axe.

(Arlon:)
OOC: Was that "Hmm." *I'm going to throw this axe at you when I'm done
     with it* or "Hmm."  *That sounds interesting* or "Hmm." *this axe
     needs more sharpening* or "Hmm." *Hmm*.  Looking for facial
     expression or tone of the 'Hmm' clues.

(Keilan:)
OOC: And ruin a freshly sharpened axe blade on the skull of a elven
     wizard?!  "Hmm." *Hmm*

(Arlon:)
"We can finalize planning while in the air and at the clearing.  Now
then, it seems we have a long day ahead of us .. Tatiana, I believe
the Lady Shilara wanted us to get a little more acquainted with this
place.  Shall we look it over?  he holds out his arm.

(Tatiana:)
Her head kicked up as she was caught dozing off.  Blinking rapidly to
wake her self up.  "Yeah. What?  oh." she stood up and took a deep
breath.  Man does she look good when she does that too. "What are we
looking at?"

(Arlon:)
"This place" makes a gesture to indicate the building they are in -
the old Darkhaven Dozen's HQ.  "Lets have a look around."

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana gets up and takes your arm, looking very relieved that the
planning session is over.

(Silver:)
Silver comes back down the stairs to where everyone else is still
discussing the ideas for reaching the native's temple. Going over to
Arlon she says, in a voice loud enough for all to hear, "Arlon, I
think we need to sort out who is going to be using this place ...
there seems only to be two bedrooms upstairs, and what looks like a
library of sorts. And those two bedrooms are not _that_ large."

She stops, awaiting comments from Arlon or the others present.

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana looked up as Silver came back down the stairs.  "I for one
plan on commissioning a house to be built for myself as soon as I have
the funds."

(Arlon:)
Arlon is slightly startled at the strength of voice that Silver uses
"Quite right Silver.  I would like to use one of the bedrooms.  I need
to show Tatiana some things.  It would be good to have a comfortable
and quiet place to tutor her in magic."

(Silver:)
OOC: Sleeping arrangements, Arlon requests one bedroom to show Tatiana
     the "magic of the elves" (You non-humans are all the same !!)...

"Yes Arlon, I also have things to teach Shade. What then of you others
?" she asks, turning to Falrun, Dithion and Keilan. "The library might
be easily converted ...." she suggests.



After a while, Keilan returns from a small trip ....

(Keilan:)
Keilan returns in the late afternoon the day before departure carrying
several bundles.  Someone may have noticed Raoh hasn't been seen since
early this morning when Keilan and Falrun went to the castle to see
the Lords and the armourer.

"Well, I hope this is what you meant by supplies, Arlon."

(Arlon:)
Smiling, "That's perfect Keilan.  Don't forget to let us know what the
bill is.  We should set up a pool for this as well."

(Keilan:)
Also smiling, "Hah!  I may fetch your precious goods, but I'll be
damned if I'll count your beans!"

(Arlon:)
"Hmm, that's strange, I thought you woodsmen enjoyed beans." :)

(Keilan:)
Keilan begins setting out his provisions in neat piles on a table.
Smoked and salted meats wrapped tightly in waxed paper make up a fair
amount of the bulk.  "There should be enough for each of us for four
days.  Six or seven if you care to lose weight.  In any case you carry
your own."  Two loaves of hard bread sat to the side.  "It softens up
nicely with water.  I didn't get any extra waterskins, I hope everyone
has their own."

Three thick canvas sacks were rolled up tight and tied with leather
thongs.  "If the Dozen left things behind worth reclaiming, then we'll
carry it in these, if not, it's no great burden."

Then came a small hoard of smaller items.  "Four candles for small
lights.  Flint, steel, and a waterproof tinderbox.  Three leather
skins of oil for quick fires.  Chalk for marking our passage.  12
strips of cloth for bandages.  Paper and a scroll case.  Two torches
for better light than the candles."

"And for myself, iron shot.  Good stones are hard to find after all."

Last, Keilan unwraps a small package from its paper wrapping.
"Honeycomb.  For good luck."  And he begins munching happily on the
sweet treat.

(Silver:)
Silver looks with widening eyes at the bounty that Keilan brings. She
laughs delightedly when he finishes his list of supplies. "Oh Keilan!"
is all she says.

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana smiled at Keilan and gave him a friendly wink.  She knew this
kind of man and respected his rugged competent individualism.  She had
grown accustomed to men like him when she was back in the woodland
patrol before she had become a bard.  She didn't bother to double
check anything - she knew he had everything they would need.



Some short time passes ....

(Silver:)
A while later, Silver will approach Keilan. Keilan may have noticed
that since the Glade trip she has not been talking to him very much -
if at all. But then again, he might not have noticed this at all - you
know men ;-).

"How's Raoh ? Will he be ok ?" she asks.

(Keilan:)
Keilan pauses a moment looking at Silver then replies, "Better off
than me, certainly."

(Silver:)
Silver looks at Keilan shrewdly for a moment, then walks around so
that she can talk to him without the rest of the group hearing unless
they really try. "Keilan, I have wanted to ask you something since we
returned from the Glade where we ... found Raoh."

"You said some things to Arlon about Shade. Inferring that because he
went out of control in battle that he was a typical drow and that the
drow must indeed be a cruel race."  Silver seems about to say more,
but pauses, awaiting a reply.

(Keilan:)
"No Silver.  I said that if other drow are like him, then they are a
cruel race.  I know no other drow to judge him by.  His rage is his
own flaw whatever its source.  I know you care for him, but he would
not be my first choice for ... well, not for anything I suppose."

(Silver:)
Silver raises an eyebrow at this, but still does not say anything
else. She suspected this might be Keilan's attitude, but this did not
worry her, after all - Keilan must choose his own path.

(Keilan:)
Keilan continues arranging his goods as he talks to Silver. "The care
with which the rest of you avoid stepping on each others toes makes me
sick ..."

(Silver:)
Silver frowns at this. Keilan was taking her efforts at keeping the
group together - small though they were - as if they were less then
worthless. She was _not_ a child to be spoken to (mentally stamping
her foot in temper) like this.

(Keilan:)
"... As does the offense you take when your toes get stepped on.
Honestly," tying leather straps to his boots, "if I can put up with
Arlon casting fly spells on me, you can stand to hear a small
criticism about your Ebu.  It means next to nothing."

(Silver:)
"So what Keilan says means next to nothing." Silver says curtly. "That
makes much sense, my friend." The last said flatly.

(Keilan:)
"Better to spend your time praying for Mielikki's aid in tomorrow's
mission than to worry about my opinion of one dark elf."

(Silver:)
"The judge of how it is best for me to spend my time is not _your_
concern, Ranger. And if your words mean next to nothing, then what
does that make your opinion worth ?!"

(Keilan:)
"Anyone who could capture your heart has some worth, I'm sure."  You
get the impression Keilan is more concerned about tomorrow than about
this conversation.

(Silver:)
The last is said to Silver's back as she turns and goes to the rest of
the party.

OOC: I _love_ this roleplaying stuff. Keilan's an excellent character
     to develop others against.

No-one else was really paying much attention to Silver and Keilan
talking, although when Silver turns back the last part of her comment
is heard, and the others can see she walks back to the table extremely
tense, hands clenched into fists.

(Tatiana:)
She shook her head in mock dismay.  "Here we go again."

(Keilan:)
As Silver walks away from Keilan in a huff, Keilan stomps one foot
loudly, "Stop right there woman!"

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana's eyes popped open with surprise.  She leaned forward to get a
better look at what was happening.  The party interaction always
amused her.  "Now this is getting interesting" she mumbled.

(Silver:)
Silver does not stop, merely pauses when he shouts, tenses her back,
then continues walking.

(Keilan:)
If she doesn't stop Keilan will stomp off after her.

(Silver:)
Keilan grabs her arm to stop her going any further, and Silver turns,
reluctantly, to face him. Her eyes narrow and she clenches and
unclenches her hands.

(Keilan:)
Keilan stands shouting at the frail druid ...

(Silver:)
Somehow, she doesn't look any too frail at the moment.

(Arlon:)
As Keilan starts to shout at Silver, Arlon will look in the sky and
shake his as if to say - here we go again

(Keilan:)
.... enumerating his points by keeping count on his fingers: "You will
get this straight even if I have to beat it into you."

(Silver:)
Silver's eyes widen at this.

(Falrun:)
This, of course, gets Falrun's attention and he will closely watch the
entire scene as it plays out.

(Arlon:)
At this Arlon will tense slightly but is alert and focused.  He gives
Falrun a quick look.  As Keilan continues, Arlon will watch him
closely.

(Keilan:)
"One, my opinions ARE worth next to nothing to everyone but me.  Two,
there are only three things I've done lately that mean anything to me.
These are, whether you like it or not, to join this group ... to hit
Arlon ...

(Arlon:)
At the mention of hitting Arlon, Arlon's eyes narrow.

(Falrun:)
Falrun glances back at Arlon with a look of 'I see what you mean...'

(Tatiana:)
She winced as Keilan said this.  She looked to Arlon to see how he was
reacting.  'You sure are rough around the edges Keil' she thought to
herself. Tatiana got up quietly and went over to Arlon.  She touched
him gently on his back to let him know she was there for him. She
whispered "Ignore him"

(Arlon:)
As Tatiana comes close and touches Arlon, he noticeably relaxes.

(Keilan:)
.... and to find Raoh.  Three, you are wrong to think that I need
convincing about the worth of various members of this group.  If I had
any real doubts you would not be able to avoid hearing them.  Four, I
have better things to worry about than Mr. Ebu at the present time,
but IF you can find a day when The Eidolon isn't planning a do-or-die
mission I'd be glad to take up the whole subject of stupid drow."

(Shade:)
At these words the drow turns, he raises an eyebrow, then he shrugs.
"What's on? Silver?  Keilan?"

(Keilan:)
"And five," softly now, "... your shoe's untied."

This last will be uproariously funny to Keilan and about five seconds
later he will be rolling with laughter to the point of tears, come
what may.

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana did a double take and then snorted a laugh as the comment was
totally unexpected.  She looked around, embarrassed.  "Sorry." "But
it was sorta funny." she said in excuse.

(Shade:)
Shade looks at the ranger with a _VERY_ puzzled expression, then he
shrugs again.  "In time,- he mumbles - maybe I'll understand."

(Arlon:)
When Keilan is done and presumably he begins rolling with laughter,
Arlon will relax and again gives Falrun a glance, a look of 'Argh' on
his face. He thinks *It may not always be so easy for you to recover,
Ranger*

(Falrun:)
Falrun will also start to chuckle at Keilan's little jest.  He finds
it slightly amusing when he realizes he must have spent too much time
on the road to have developed such a warped sense of humour.  He gives
a slight shudder as he mumbles, "Commoners...".

(Silver:)
As Keilan laughs out loud, Silver will start to turn away, and then
her hand comes up _very_ quickly and slaps Keilan hard across his
face. She uses the flat of her hand, so that it stings as much as
possible but causes little real damage. She steps back a little,
saying through gritted teeth "Perhaps the only way I can get through
to you, _ranger_, is by using such direct methods."

(Keilan:)
Keilan makes no move to dodge the blow, but only raises his hand to
rub his cheek and keeps laughing.

(Silver:)
Again, she turns, and then sits down at a chair by the table. She does
not look at any of the others as she does so. After a moment, she
closes her eyes, and breathes deeply to calm herself.

(Keilan:)
As Silver stalks away, he opens his mouth as if to say something and
then thinks better of it.  He goes back to his previous job of
preparing for the trip, still chuckling to himself.

(Silver:)
After a moment Silver opens her eyes and looks sideways at Keilan,
chuckling. She too will smile and then shake her head. "Arrogant
little ..." she mutters to herself, still slightly smiling and shaking
her head.




During that night, while Shade and Silver share one of the two
bedrooms in the new headquarters ....

(Silver:)
This is Silver's first glimpse into the torment that Shade is
suffering during some of the nights since he left the underdark. As
they lie together in one of the bedrooms at the new headquarters,
Silver wakes and looks out at the moonlight, suddenly disoriented.

Realizing that Shade is in some kind of torment, Silver wakes him as
gently as she can, so as not to make the dream he is currently
experiencing any worse. "Ebu !" she calls out to him, in anguish.
"Ebu !"

(Shade:)
Silver would notice as Shade wakes up all of a sudden in a shroud of
chill sweat, but as Shade told Silver before their bonding he is
trying to prevent those nightmares from reaching Silver.

(Silver:)
"But how long have you been suffering so ? And why didn't you tell me,
Ebu ?"

(Shade:)
So he will then smile and he won't tell Silver what the nightmares are
about.  Shade will tell Silver the cause of these nightmares but not
what happens in them.

(Silver:)
"Oh, I feel pain for you - dreams are when the Gods may show your
destiny - they are _not_ for mortals to meddle with. By Mielikki, I
shall show this ... _sister_ " this word spat out with scorn " of
yours what it is to meddle in the realm of the Gods !"

You can see Silver's eyes almost burning with emotion, which only
softens when she looks at Shade once more. "But rest now, Ebu. Trust
in the protection which I can offer. My Goddess shall never tolerate
such an evil act again, not while I am here to prevent it !"

(Shade:)
The drow smiles gently "Ushh, dear, don't be so upset. My so gentle
little sister reminds me of my ancestry" - his smile twists for a
moment - "but she is much more frustrated than I am from these
teasings as she gets no reply at all ..." - the bard's expression
hardens to a steel coldness - "... she will _NEVER_ gets me, my soul
was lost to her long ago.

(Silver:)
Silver shivers as Shade's voice becomes harsh.

(Shade:)
Fear not, my dear, in time I'll get unsensitive to these 'gifts'."

(Silver:)
"No !" cries Silver, startled. "Losing your sensitivity would mean she
had won ! The pain may diminish, but unless you fight against it,
correct the balance, then she will claim she has you."

(Shade:)
"By the way, I really hope you'll never get any closer to Suldrun than
you are tonight, she is an high priestess of Lloth, a very powerful
minion of her goddess, she won't be nice to you, dear. I'd really
appreciate if you would try to avoid her, Silver."

(Silver:)
Holding his hands, and looking deep into his eyes, she says "If you
solemnly wish me to sit by you while you toss, tormented, for hours in
troubled sleep, when I could ask Mielikki to shield you from such
pain, then I will. I _would_ like to help ... don't feel you are
favouring me by shielding me at a cost to yourself."

Very seriously, she adds "But please, if you do not wish me to help,
at least do not think it will be easy for me to see you in pain."

Finished at last, she lies down beside Shade, watching him carefully,
tenderly, through the rest of the night.




Arlon and Tatiana share the other room ....

Arlon and Tatiana will be 'checking out' the other guest room.  As
they get settled in the room, Arlon will let Tatiana use the bed,
Arlon will see if Tatiana is still wearing both magical rings.

(Arlon:)
"Tatiana, I'd like to share something with you." If she has both rings
on, "Could you take off one of your magical rings?"  Then he will ask
for whichever of her hands is free.  He then takes out a ring of his
own.  "I don't know if you have had much experience being invisible;
like many other things it takes a little getting used to.  You will
probably be invisible at some point during the adventure so I would
like you to be prepared."  He then slips his ring on her finger and
she disappears, Arlon will continue to hold her hand.  "Walk around,
get used to stepping on and over things."  "When you want to reappear,
just take off the ring."

(Tatiana:)
Although Arlon couldn't see her face, her voice indicated her
excitement.

"This is outrageous!  I can't see myself either"

"OW!"

"Damn bed!"

"Thump" The bed lifted a little of the ground where she kicked it in
frustration.

"I guess you've got to be careful when you're in this state!"

She removed the ring and handed it back to Arlon.

"Is that what the potions will be like too?"

(Arlon:)
"Yes.  Although once you lose the invisibility you'll need to drink
more of the potion.  All the ring requires is to be slipped off and
on.  You will also be able to make one attack while invisible, at
great benefit - if the need should arise.  After that you will be
visible so make sure you can retreat before you do attack."

OOC: Arlon and Tatiana will be sitting on the cot together

(Arlon:)
"This will be a dangerous mission, probably our most.  Again, I care
for you a lot and I will be there when you need me.  I do .. love you
Tatiana."

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana leaned in to kiss Arlon and then rolled him over onto the bed.
"I'll be watching after you as well my love.  I can handle myself so
don't be hindering yourself on my account.  I used to be a warrior
once remember."

She then leaned into him and kissed him passionately.

(Arlon:)
Arlon will kiss back with passion - he is an elf after all - but he
will not go any further.  He will wait for an indication from Tatiana
before he makes _that_ move and Arlon will probably sense tonight is
not the night.  Arlon hasn't gone any farther than petting either,
actually he hasn't done much petting at all, actually this is the
first (real) time he has done this - being a mage he didn't have much
time for it, or found the right girl :)

"And a fine warrior you are."  He doesn't say this with his usual
enthusiasm, it has a touch of .. how do I put this .. worry or sadness
in it.

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana rolled over and looked at Arlon. "What's the matter ?" she
asked as she ran her fingers through his hair.

(Arlon:)
He will be twirling her hair and rubbing her side.  "I can't help
worrying.  Many of the warriors I knew, attacked before sizing up a
situation.  The adrenaline would take over and they would rush in where
...  avatars fear to tread, in a way.  I know you're strong and
intelligent; but as I said to Falrun, that can be overwhelmed by
emotion and adrenaline.  I don't want to see you fall; but I don't want
to restrict you so I will just worry.  I won't let that overwhelm me
though - I know the best thing for you is for me to be at my best."
He then kisses her gently but lets it linger.

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana kisses back then pulls away to talk some more.

"I think you put me in the wrong category of warriors.  I'm an
observer mostly nowadays.  The only time I get reckless is when I'm
bored to tears or get exceptionally curious.  For a Bard I have little
patience sometimes.  Like when I went into the pool of water in the
cavern."

"That was kind of reckless, but that's the kind of trouble I usually
get into.  I don't hunger for a fight. Though I'm not sure how I'll
react if you are threatened."



The next morning, Shade and Arlon visit Daermon to see if there is any
progress. However, just before they set off, Falrun asks another
question ....

(Falrun:)
During the morning, before we are ready to leave, Falrun will be
sharpening his swords, testing the new bow, checking his equipment and
generally making sure that all of his equipment is in good shape and
ready to go.

"Arlon, one more question.  Do you plan on using the invisibility
while we are flying to get there, when we are on the ground and
walking to the temple or both?"

(Arlon:)
"Actually I haven't worked out a plan for using the invisibility
potions.  Hmmm, there are some potions that can be taken in portions,
giving a lesser duration or effect of the potion.  I'll need to ask
Daermon if we can use the invisibility potions in such a way that the
whole group can benefit from the potions.  Either way I think we
should use them as close to the temple as possible."

"We could probably fly to the temple proper and wouldn't need to walk
to it at all, unless that's what you want to do."

(Arlon:)
Arlon will wait till mid-morning before he will get Shade and go see
Daermon.

OOC: Arlon will ask Daermon if an invisibility potion can have
     multiple doses and if so how are the effects lessened.

(Daermon:)
When you go to Daermon to get the potions and/or scrolls, he explains
that the potions can be used in parts. "Yes, it is true. The potions
can be drunk in smaller draughts than provided in the flasks, but
their effectiveness will be lowered accordingly.  That is to say, if
you drink half of the potion, the duration will be halved.  On the
Demon Ichor, I have not yet had enough time to get around to studying
it, so I do not know yet what can be done with it. And do not expect
too much.  Even if I do find some manner of use for it, it may take
weeks before an actual potion is concocted. The production of potions
is not an easy nor simple matter, and takes time and patience."




And the group meet up for a last time before setting off ....

(Silver:)
During the morning before the group sets out to the native's temple,
Silver approaches Arlon after returning to the new HQ from somewhere.
"Hi, Arlon" she says. Looking through the window at the sky, she adds
"Seems to be a good day for flying."

Almost as an afterthought, she adds "Oh, these heartseeker grubs. You
know, they _are_ strange creatures. They have a natural defense
system. When they sleep, they become extremely hard and totally
inactive. I'd guess that the natives have found some way of putting
them to sleep ... until they hit your skin" and she shudders at the
thought.

"Still, I doubt any one of us expects things to be exactly as they
were back home, eh ?"

(Arlon:)
"Sleep, ehh.  A sleep spell could work on them and then when the grubs
hit something they are awakened by the impact .. interesting.  But if
it is a sleep it would probably not work for much more than an hour or
two.  Still a dangerous way to transport them.  If it is magical sleep
a dispel magic may cause some chaos in their ranks."

(Silver:)
Silver laughs in a delightful, light-hearted way and says "Oh you
silly Elf, Arlon !"  Still giggling slightly she adds "The world is
not limited by magic ! Open your mind ! The world is full of things
that have effects like that. Why, I know of herbs that have all
_sorts_ of effects !" she winks.

(Arlon:)
Arlon will spend most of his time, in the morning, with Tatiana.
During lunch he will be fairly silent (in thought).  After lunch, he
is ready for departure.

Arlon will explain what Daermon said about the potion doses.

"If we split the potions into 4 doses per flask each of you could get
2 uses. I will not need to use a potion, I have my own means.  It may
be limited to 1 hour per dose that way; but it may be worth it once we
get near the temple."

(DM:)
When you guys are making final preparations to depart (standing
outside securing straps, taking a last look at your weapons, making a
mental inventory of available spells or tricks etc etc), You hear the
noise of an armed party come your way, and you see Lord Kael
approaching you with a squad from the guard.

(Lord Kael:)
"Greetings fellows." He starts off. "I bring you some more news. The
survivors of the Darkhaven Dozen regained consciousness for a short
amount of time. They told us this. Some of them did indeed get into
the temple. One of their wizards teleported together with one of their
warriors, and an experienced scout, while the rest of the team was
fighting the natives that were keeping them from the temple. Their
accounts are rather vague and incoherent as to what happened next, but
something came from the temple. They heard a loud explosion come from
the temple, and the wizard popped back to them heavily wounded. The
last words of the wizard were 'she was alive!'. Then the natives went
berserk. Through the smoke that was now emanating from the temple, a
humanoid figure appeared, and from the figure, green bolts of pure
energy shot forth at them and the natives both. Half their team died
on the spot, the rest fled. On their flight back they were continually
harassed by berserk natives, seemingly accusing them for awakening
whatever was in the temple.  This puzzles me. It may have lashed out
blindly at the Darkhaven Dozen. And remember. The enemy of our enemy
is our friend. If it is at all possible, try to communicate this to
the being. We would be glad to have it at our side, if it turns out
not to be demonic or something like that."

(Falrun:)
"That is true, M'lord, however, which enemy will be our friend?  After
all, the only reason the natives are our enemy is because we are
invading their land."

(Silver:)
Silver looks open-mouthed at Falrun at his comment, then smiles warmly
at him. "You _do_ understand !" she says quietly.

(Falrun:)
"Something else you should consider, have someone watch the temple at
Mindak's Rock.  If that individual is related to what ever is
imprisoned up there, they may be coming here to free them."

(Arlon:)
"If it was demonic it would lash out at anything, it could be an enemy
to everything.  It is hard to see a benevolent .. uh .. being, as
lashing out blindly.  I would still advise _extreme_ caution when
dealing with this being.  Much of the tale is very strange indeed."

"Falrun may also have a point - there may be some connection between
this and what we found at Mindak's rock.  There will much to discuss
during our trip.  If we want to get there before dawn we should go be
going about now."

He now appears in deep thought as if mentally checking things over and
then he mumbles "its a good thing I have those extra spells."

(Tatiana:)
"GREAT! Just Great!"

After some mumbling on her part. "I'm glad I got a better weapon this
time.  Watch it not be good enough too!"

(Silver:)
As Lord Kael finishes, Silver waits patiently until others have made
various comments, then asks "Lord Kael, were Hewnar or Shadeem able to
describe exactly where the Darkhaven Dozen were attacked and possibly
fell ?  If we are to start looking for traces of them and their
equipment, or for clues about this strange new creature, there would
be a good start."

"And as for the equipment we are meant to recover, I presume you have
descriptions of it?"

(Lord Kael:)
"Not of everything they had. As to the exact place, we could not find
out from Hewnar and Shadeem. We know they possessed various rings,
armour and weapons, the wizards had magical bracers and one or two
wands each. More is not known at this time, sorry."

(Silver:)
Silver frowns slightly. "Hmmm" is her only comment.

(Tatiana:)
About then Tuft came flying in over the tree line.  A second owl could
be seen flying in formation with him but veered off as Tuft floated
over the tree line into the clearing towards the party.

Landing expertly on Tatiana's shoulder, he seemed to look at Silver
with a gloating look.  Silver could never catch his eye again until
they took off towards the temple.

(Silver:)
Silver bites her lip and turns away. Those who can see her face see
that she is trying ever so hard not to smile and laugh. Eventually she
composes herself and turns back towards Tuft. She gives a half-smile
and winks at Tatiana.

(Tatiana/Tuft:)
Tuft's head was bent toward Tatiana as hers was bent toward his.  It
was obvious they were having a mental conversation again.

* Who's your friend? *

Tuft sent a mental smile

* I guess you'll tell me later then, huh."

* We got a mission to concentrate on.  We can't be distracted with
personal interests at the moment *

Tatiana smirked.  Yep, Tuft was going to be okay.

"So where are these horses we going to be riding?"

(Mendahl:)
As you make your final preparations, Mendahl also comes by. "Ahh. You
are finally ready to go? Then I will cast my Phantom Steed spells. The
mounts should last you more than a full day.

(Arlon:)
Arlon's mouth almost drops open, he knew Mendahl was powerful; but
never suspected that much.

(Mendahl:)
"However, I can provide you only with six, so your druid will have to
polymorph into a flying creature, or you must have flying means for
one of your own in another way."

(Silver:)
When Mendahl mentions only six steeds being available, Silver says to
Shade "Come, Ebu.  You may need to help me here ..." and leads him
back into the headquarters.

Once there, she says, "Ebu, you will need to take me with you. And
take care of me," she adds, "for I will be totally within your care."
And with that she transforms, into a small brightly coloured frog,
similar to one of those that can be seen in the local jungle. She is
now about 3 inches long.

"Ribbit !" she croaks from the floor.

(Shade:)
Shade carefully takes the small frog from the floor and winks to her
"I'd like to kiss you my princess, but I fear this would break your
spell too soon..." then he thoughtfully puts the small frog in a
shallow pocket of his gilet near his heart.  Within a moment or two,
Shade re-emerges without Silver.

(Mendahl:)
At this he begins casting, and as he casts, one after the other, the
steeds made from the very stuff of shadow shimmer into appearance.
They appear in the form of dark grey pegasi.

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana's mouth dropped open and she mouthed "oh no!"

She turned to look at Arlon.  "I thought you said horses!  I can't
ride these bare back.  I had a hard enough time riding you without a
saddle."

She shut her mouth and looked around slightly embarrassed as she
realized that might have sounded a little strange.  She flushed red
with embarrassment.

(Arlon:)
"Don't worry Tatiana, these will be much smoother than I was -
especially during take off and landing.  They're safer bareback then
on a real horse with a saddle."  he also realizes that some of the
others may be a little confused by this exchange - imaginations
running wild, he looks around "Uhh, I'll explain later."

(Falrun:)
"And, huh, we're supposed to ride those?" Falrun says with a look of
apprehension on his face.

(Mendahl:)
"Well, good luck on your mission. I have to be off soon myself. Some
other adventuring groups have taken a commission to check out the
Lower Hills (a bunch of small mountainous hills to the south-west),
and another group of scouts is due back from checking out native
activities to the North."

He stays around for a very short while if any of you have pressing
questions, else he takes off.

(Falrun:)
Gingerly he approaches one of the mounts and tests its reaction to
him.  He slides up onto the pegasus and looks around to Arlon. "Now
what?"

(Arlon:)
"Just think of it as a very intelligent horse that can understand
voice commands, such as - fly north at full speed or turn hard right,
things like that."

(Keilan:)
Keilan looks rather different from what you have seen before.  He is
dressed in studded leather armour with a shield slung across his back.
Leather bracers are tied on his forearms, and greaves on his legs.  A
small pack is slung over one shoulder.  An axe hangs off his belt and
his hunting knife rests in its sheath.  He carries Arlon's staff in
one hand.  He approaches one mount and strokes its neck testing its
mood.  He then slings his pack across the shadowy beast's back and
balances it with a pair of waterskins.  He then knots the bundle into
the mane of the creature with a leather strap.  That done he leaps
quickly onto the back of the creature and wheels it about looking at
the others.

(Tatiana:)
She watched Keilan go through his motions with expertise as if he had
done this before.  "You are a wonder with animals Keilan!" she said
dejectedly as she thought she wasn't up to the task.

She tried to follow through the same things Keilan had just done.  It
seemed to look right.  She shook her head and looked to Arlon.  She
gave him a smile as she tried to mount the pegasus as Arlon had shown
her once before.

(Keilan:)
Keilan watches as the others mount up, some with trepidation.  To
Tatiana, "-----------------------------------------------------------
hold on to the mane with your hands.  And I suppose pray that the
magic doesn't wear out.  Lash your things across his back and make
sure that it will stay there without you having to worry about it.
Treat it as you would any horse, any really, really tall horse.
'Cause the fall is a long way down."

(Falrun:)
After hearing this, you can see Falrun pale slightly...

(Shade:)
Shade sighs, then he winks at his companions "So, here we are, let's
go" - he goes next to one of the steeds and looks straight in its eyes
- "Hmmm, you gaze just like a pet of my little sister," - then he
carefully mounts the steed - "I hope your behaviour will be a little
kinder though, pit fiends were never my favourites."

(Tatiana:)
She was prepared for action, dressed up in her recently repaired chain
mail and her standard accessories.  Her new longsword sheathed at her
side, her usual ring and the new one found on the Champion in the
cavern was also being worn.  She had forgotten about that and it
needed to be returned to the Party to be properly claimed by someone
as reward for good efforts.

(Keilan:)
Remember Keilan isn't carrying everything he bought yesterday.  He's
not a pack animal after all.  He only has his share of food, one of
the torches, the tinderbox, one of the sacks, and a couple of
bandages.  The rest is for the rest of you to carry as you wish.

(Shade:)
OOC: I assume everyone trusted Keilan's arrangements for the trip,
     took his share and thanked the ranger for the work so well done.
     I never wrote about it, but Shade did so.

(Arlon:)
Announcing to all, "Just trust in the magic" he looks at Keilan and
gives a little shrug "this will probably be the easiest ride of your
life.  There are very few things that will bother one of these
creatures much less six.  They are extremely stable and fast, just
relax and enjoy the ride."

"I suggest we start off flying in pairs formation until we get a good
line on our heading and everyone is more or less comfortable with
their steed.  Then we can switch off, with two of us maintaining
bearing while the others talk or whatever.  Try to remain about 3
lengths behind the lead pair.  Unless there are any objections, Falrun
and I will start as lead pair." He gives a reassuring nod to Falrun.
"If all is ready lets be off!"



And so the party set off toward the native's temple on shadowy grey
pegasi ...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------ End of Chapter 26 -----------------------------
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*'``'*,..,*'``'*,..,*'``'*,..,*'``'*,..,*'``'*,..,*'``'*,..,*'``'*,..,*
Lance Dooly
[e-mail]                         "Not I," said the cat.
Physics/Chemistry/Philosophy   (PCP?!)