Attrah nods to both Darghon and Vinoh.Each nod for a different reason,the knight then enters the inn.

(OOC...hope I'm still welcome even though I am late)

As the door slowly closes behind the good knight, a slight and silent form slips through and pauses at the entrance...surveying the gathered group.

" I have your birds safe in my care" she says, throwing the present company into a stunned silence. A hush settles and the stranger flashes a grin "Although I could do without the pessimism of the black one....but, good must have it's balance of evil - such is the way."
"I forget myself....my name is D'Aleen, daughter of D'Aine, blood of the great Aine herself." Raising her head proudly and throwing back the green cloak that shrouds her, she reveals a delicate frame, long flowing hair and sharp intelligent green eyes. "I am bloodline of the Tuatha de Danann, even you partial to Elvish lore shall recognize that line." *slanting a look at Sarael
"I have followed you and your band, and apologize for not being able to use the powers of nature I have to help. Many of your party showed great bravery against the winged beast the dark side unleashed. But that is just a small test of what is to come. I know these lands, these woods....the path you choose is unwise. I suggest rest here, it is a safe haven but not for long....rest shall be needed but I beg you if you wish to succeed, please do not travel the way you will.....it is ill chosen."
Choose to trust me or choose not, I shall take you at your word and release your birds to you.

Flying away from the elven newcomer the white and black crows circle the room and finally perch on opposite sides of the room.
"You Won. You Won." The white caws.
"Next time You'll Die. Next time you'll die" replies the black.
Hurrying around the common room of the inn, the young woman who ushered the party inside bolts and bars the door then begins to pour mead.
"There is stew in the warming pot by the fire and some dark bread. All the cows have been slaughtered by the direwolves so there is no butter or cheese but there is flavored oil for dipping if you like."

Turning around to glance at the elf briefly,Attrah finds himself an empty table.Laying his Father's sword lengthwise across the table,Attrah begins to pray silently for a moment.

"This must be quite a task if Nature has sent one of it's own warriors to help" Darghon looks at the Elf smiling "and welcome"

Darghon pulls his wings and tail back inside him reverting to what is close as possible as he can to what he can call his human form. Still though, no where near as close as his kinfolk can come, the price for being half dragon he knows. He pulls back his hood revealing his hairless head.

Wandering over to the pot where the stew is, he grabs a bowl and fills it up. It does smell abit bland, but he sits and eats. Feeling the nourishment start to course through his body, he looks at the Elf.

"So, D'Aleen, what has made you come on this journey? Even though we could be risking our lives and quite possible not even surviving through to the end?" Darghon gives her a toothey grin.

D'Aleen watches the crows settle, moves close to lean against the warm hearth and turns her smile and gaze to the dragon man.

"All of life is a risk to a certain extent." The smile fades slowly as she sinks for a moment into memories.

"While some of this group have powers of the mind, shapeshifting or plain brute strength...I have nature herself as my ally. My bloodline holds a special bond and we derive our powers from the elements themselves. While my home is far from this place the trees whisper amongst themselves for they feel the evil as we do. The delicate balance of nature, of good, is being threatened and I shall put my life on the line, if need be, to restore that balance."

Lowering herself onto a stool she concentrates upon Darghon.

"I thank you for your kind greeting. There was a time when strangers were welcomed without question but now everyone is afraid. Sad times we are in. Yet it gives me great joy to meet one of your kind. The birds have sung tales of your history but we have always thought it myth."

Having finally gathered enough strength to stand Thantos, struggles slowly to his feet just as the newcomer enters the inn.
After hearing her speech, Thantos shakes his head and heads for some stew and mead, muttering to himself..

"Sheesh, am I the only one on this quest without gods for parents, supremely powerful magics, or superhuman strength? How the heck did I end up with such a group of people. What have I gotten myself into?"

Upon reaching the warm stew he pours himself a bowl and grabs some bread then moves over to a table close to the fire. He pulls his sword out of the sheath and begins to clean the blade. His routine is one of practised routine as he proceeds to clean his sword, dagger and crossbow, making sure each is in perfectly functioning order. As he does that he asks out loud..

"So what now fellow beings? We will rest the night here I am certain and come morning we hope that the terrors outside are not still around. But do we stay here in this village to defend the villagers or do we move on? And if we move on, whose path do we take? Do we continue to follow the birds as the Duke requested or do we now choose to trust and follow one of the new strangers that grace us with their company?"

"My choice in this is to move on, for I do not think that which causes this evil is here and it seems the peasants are mostly safe in their homes at night. And I think we should continue to follow the birds the Duke sent us to follow."

"What do you other's think?"

Turning from the weredragon, D'Aleen addresses the knight.

"You are correct sir knight, that the source of the evil is not here but lies to the north. I do not wish to veer you from your course or from following the guides. They led you in the right direction. But I beg you to skirt the woods to the north of the village. There is a disturbance there that even the trees will not speak of and I fear for everyone's safety travelling that route."

Rising gracefully D'Aleen makes her way to the serving girl and accepts a tankard of cidar with a grateful smile. Letting her glance slide over the assembled group she lets her spirits raise a little knowing there is strength and heart with this crew. Murmuring a pray for their safety she suddenly realizes that the orcs are missing.

"Pray, someone should unbolt the door and check upon your comrades outside. The task ahead of you will be hard enough without losing valuable members."

"That all depends, sir knight. If the birds head for the anomaly I've detected to the north of this village, then I will wholeheartedly follow them. However, should they choose a different path, then I wonder if it would be wise to leave these villagers vulnerable to any further harassment. I'm aware of what our orders are, but the good Duke can't possibly anticipate all the trouble we'll run into. The Tomb of Velix will still be there even if we divert our course somewhat...

Normally, I would think it wise to send a reconnaissance party there, but judging by the strength and diversity of the foes we faced last night, I think it would be best to stay together. However, I would really like to check out what I detected..."

Vinoh suddenly turns to Darghon, a slow grin appearing on his face.

"How about a fly-by?"

Sir Thantos:
"Sheesh, am I the only one on this quest without gods for parents, supremely powerful magics, or superhuman strength? How the heck did I end up with such a group of people. What have I gotten myself into?"

Attrah finishes his prayer and looks to Sir Thantos.
"Sir Thantos,it's true that we have some incredible powers among the group.Though some are related to the Gods,you are watched over with incredible Zeal.As for your own powers,I do not know.But I assure you,they are there.The stalwart resolve,the ability to sense evil...everything about being a Knight requires discipline,training,and an iron will."

Attrah's expression never changing,he stands up,grabs his sword and heads for the door.

"I'm going outside,to find the Orcs.I tend to enjoy their brutal honesty.I find it ...amusing."

With that,the knight opens the door and steps outside......

The two orcs have taken up positions by the door, scanning the night for any fresh attacks.
Father Quadrial pours two bowl of stew and find the biggest mugs in the inn to fill with mead, and takes them out to the warriors.
"I will rise in a few hours to take over the guard from you so that you too might rest. It seems that in the morn we will have to help the villagers protect themselves until we can destroy the evil that rages this land."
Behind him the monk hears the black crow caw, "Eaten by wolves. You'll be eaten by wolves"
The white replied "Brave warriors, Brave warriors"
Not entirely sure if he appreciated the elves rescue of the two winged guides, he goes to look for a place to sleep.
Feeling like he had just gone 62 rounds of bare knuckle fighting (his personal record from the days before he had become a monk) Father Quadrial found the nearest soft bed and fell into a deep sleep.

"You are not the only one to be able to work with the elements" Darghon grins at the elf then turns to look a vinoh

"Yes I'll fly over to see what you felt, but in the morning, we have no idea what might be out at night" Darghon raises an eyebrow then lowers it again.

"I myself have been in some scuffles with many a winged demon and having a few attack from all sides then spiral you down to the ground is not the best way to start or finish anything." Darghon glances over to where Father Quadrial is trying to cozy up near the fire

"And I think we should remove any threats to the village in the morning then move on, for we won't get anywhere if we stay here." Darghon moves to a corner of the room. Crosses his legs and rest his arms on them.

"But for now I think we should rest" [I]Darghon closes his eyes and focuses on his body. Every nick, scratch and tear can be sensed, so he sets his energy and body to work healing all. Once this process is over he lets his mind rest, focusing on nothing but the energy around him and he draws it in. Humming to himself, he meditates.

"Well, I guess it's settled. We'll check out the threat tomorrow with the light of day on our side. Time to rest."

With that, Vinoh goes upstairs, chooses one of the inn's rooms and goes to sleep on the nice, soft bed.

Having helped himself to a couple of bowls of the delicious stew, Thantos decides it is time to sleep. He quickly pokes his head out the door and mentions:

"I should be fully rested up with a few hours sleep so if you need someone to take over your watch in the early morning just come and get me."

Then Thantos follows Vinoh's lead and heads upstairs to a guest room to sleep until the morning or until he is woken.

Smothering a yawn, D'Aleen gathers her pack and bow left by the door and approaches the serving girl.

"In case of an early start in the morn", she says handing over a few gold coins. "Thank you for your hospitality in these hard times."

Following the others D'Aleen ascends the stairs looking forward to a soft bed after the long journey to find this crew. She muses to herself that she'd best be up early in order to not be left behind.

Attrah looked down at his hand.Blood,dripped from his fingers freely.The corpse lay at his feet.As the knight moved closer to see the face....


"NO!" Awaking from sleep,Attrah realized that it was a dream,like the others.Hoping he had not been too loud,he grasped his Father's sword.Holding it always gave him peace of mind.

Speaking in low tones to himself...

"This is rediculous.Dreams,all that they are.I feel like a child."
Getting up,the knight opened the door to see what time it was.
Looking at the two brute sentries,"One of you head inside.I can't sleep anyways."

* as he places a hand on Gell, Attrah notes a deadly silence and lack of response*

There are the two huge half-orcs standing to either side of the door.
Straight as boards, and staring straight ahead as statues.

* Attrah notices no movement whatsoever under his hand on Gell*

Suddenly, with a horrendous scream, the other half-orc comes to life.
Leaping forward into the court-yard,
waving a his head at nothing
swinging his weapon at nothing
wildly dancing around, stamping his feet at nothing.

And with a grizzly howl, he dashes off into the woods nearby,
still fighting & waving away the invisible,
disappearing into the brush & darkness.

* Attrah notes that he has somehow fallen back onto the floor.
Tower is nowhere to be seen or heard.
Gell is still standing like stone.
The night black as pitch, with hungering sounds in the distance*

"Dammit!"

Clumsily getting up from the floor,the knight looks around for a torch."I can't see a damned thing." Hoping that Tower's screams had awakened the others,Attrah waits for assistance.For the moment all the knight could do was watch over Gell,and hope Tower had not run North.

Having slept what only felt like a few heartbeats, the elf sits bolt upright in bed upon the terrible cry that rends the darkness. Such a cry of such pain and terror ...

"May the gods save us....evil is about..." she murmers and leaps to her feet pushing open the door, running down the stairs and drawing her dagger from the sheath on her thigh...readying for what may await below.

Hearing someone coming down the stairs,the knight takes a quick glance backward."D'Aleen! Quickly come and tell me what you see.My eyes are useless beyond the torchlight."

"Something has taken control of our two orc friends,Tower went mad and ran screaming into the woods." Nodding to the general direction Tower ran,the knight continues."Gell gives no response,he feels like stone.And something else is coming.."
With a sudden thought occuring..."Tell me Tower wasnt heading North."

Running swiftly to the knight's side D'Aleen gazes into the night scanning for any sign of the orc.

"I have keen eyes in the dark - I will try to find our friend. Hold fast and tend to yon other, I pray he is alright. If the dark has taken hold of Tower and he is heading north.....well, let's just pray that isn't the case."

D'Aleen clutches her dagger tight, turning to Attrah...

"Raise the others - it is obviously not safe here....I shall return soon." And with that she slips off into the shadows tracking the large orcs footprints...perhaps the trees have observed his path, she thinks to herself.

Checking Gell one last time before going inside,Attrah bolts the door again.With a quick trip around the inn,the knight attempts to wake everyone and tell them a shortened version of what happened.

With this task done,Attrah steps back outside to watch Gell until the Half-Orc was responsive again.

Struggling awake from half sleep Father Quadrial realizes that the scream he has heard is from outside.
Grabbing his staff (with the wrong hand so he drops it and has to pick it up with the other) he heads for the door were he meets Attrah.
The knight gives a quick description of the horrible circumstances and moves on to wake the others.
Swearing in Latin, Franca, and few other forgotten languages the monk starts searching in his pouch for some kind of potion that might help the half orc out of his frozen state.

Darghon awakens at the first thud of Attrah falling on his ass, he gets up and rushes outside only to be joined by D'Aleen. Darghon listens to what is said and is shocked that D'Aleen would go off into the night by herself.

Brave or Foolish? he thinks to himself. Either way, he must protect the innocent. His eyes might not match those of an elf, but he can still see well in the dark (Perfect vision up to 50 ft away in darkness). He follows D'Aleen who is tracking the half-orc through the night keeping a watch out with his keen senses.

Addressing Father Quadrial:
"Something is trying to split up the party.I refuse to move until Vinoh and Sir Thantos are here... Any luck with Gell?"


Looking to the sky,Attrah watches for a sunrise."If the blasted sun would rise I could tell what direction they are headed.I realize Tower is in danger,but I have a feeling he wouldn't recognize us anyways." With a shrug,the knight regains his patient composure.

* As D'Aleen searches the brush and trees
she notes that Tower's prints have been wiped out by seems to be shuffling human prints,
"human" prints with claws on the toes & very large wolf prints.
There is no sign of Tower at all,
and the trees are cold, withdrawn into themselves,
trying not to have their nature warped.*

* The Father notes that Gell is not stone, but seems to be petrified.
His heart still beats, his blood flows,
but there is not a twitch of outside movement,
except for his lips, barely moving,
and his staring eyes glazed over in seems to be "fear".*

Puzzling over the strange prints left, D'Aleen turns to the dark forest. The absence of the spirit of the animals you would normally find worried her greatly; as did the withdrawal of the trees.
"Even I am not fool enough to enter the woods alone, there is evil here to be sure." she mutters and turns away from the dark trees.
Head down, she wishes there was something more should could do for the tormented orc and realizes sadly that his fate was now his own.

As he stood outside the doorway, axe in hand, fellow half orc by his side, Gell suddenly began to feel strangely. In the distant woods, he seemed to hear a murmur of words. Curious as to what it was, Gell tried to look only to discover he was frozen in place. He was forced to watch as Tower ran off into the shadows as though he were a goblin who had drunk too much ale, helpless to do anything to help his companions due to this magical paralysis. He sees the monk standing next to him and tries to speak, but his lips can hardly move. Gell does his best to cry out, to move, to break free of this spell as his barbarian mind rails against it's cage.

"Do not worry, D'Aleen" Darghon says while resting a comforting hand on her shoulder. He looks around. Darkness is everywhere.

"I think it would be best if we go back and join the group back at the tavern" With that he turns around and waits for D'Aleen to join him

"I agree with you, lead the way my friend."
She joins Darghon, walking by his side and suddenly thinks of the frozen orc back at the inn,
"I'm anxious for news of Gell....I hope the Father or Vinoh will be able to shake him from his hell. Let's hurry!"

Pouring the last of the vial that he had used to bring the knight back to his senses into a flagon of ale, Father Quadrial holds the mug to the warriors lips.
Standing on the edge of the doorway and then on his tiptoes to reach the big orcs face, the monk grabs Gells nose and tips his head.
The laced mead pours down the orcs throat.

Vinoh awakens abruptly in a cold sweat. Never before had a dream seemed so real! He saw himself get up, head downstairs and walk out the door. The two half orcs were frozen in place, the look of sheer horror on their faces and a dark halo surrounding their heads. Suddenly, Tower broke loose and started towards the forest in a dervish dance of madness. Vinoh tried to scream, but no words came out. He tried to focus his will, but he felt his mind slipping from him when closing his eyes. He was powerless, unable to be of any help. He then turned to the forest and heard the mad cackling of evil beings. Swirling mists of noxious fumes flowed wildly through the village and towards the direction Tower was heading. The mind mage wanted to help him, but he couldn't move.

Just as quickly as this nightmare was thrust upon him, Vinoh felt himself pulled back to the inn, up the stairs and in his bed...

His eyes wide, his body quaking, he fought back the wave of nausea that came with sensing such primal evil. He also felt something else, something he trained hard to master, but sometimes came back to haut him... Fear.

Hearing noises downstairs, Vinoh quickly gets dressed, grabs his club and rushes to the entrance to see what's happening.

All were accounted for, except Thantos, who was probably still sleeping, and Tower, who disappeared just like Vinoh had dreamt. Those who ventured outside seem to be returning to the inn, with D'Aleen and Darghon having ventured the furthest. They both seem concerned that Tower may have been led North, where the Dark seemed strong during Vinoh's last mental sweep. Desiring to assuage everyone's concern about the location of their wayward friend (and to relieve his sense of dread), Vinoh addresses the group:

"My friends, I just felt incredible evil and saw what happened in a nightmare. I fear the Dark won't give us the luxury of a good night's sleep... I'll try to pinpoint Tower's location. Let's just hope he's not heading north..."

*Psychic power: Sense presence (Tower)*

D'Aleen falls to her knees at the side of the collapsed orc. Heaving a sigh of relief that he appears to be breathing normally, although not easily...she looks up to the others gathered around.

"Shall we move him inside until dawn breaks? Then we can choose our course of action unless Vinoh is able to detect anything we aren't able to."

"Mmm, Yummy" Darghon looks around at the morning that has revealed nothing good about the fight the night before, but the light that has penetrated through the darkeness was always a good sign.

He looks back inside to where Gell is, still quiet, but not face down in the dust anymore. It wasn't an easy task bringing the large orc inside. Him and D'aleen managed though, dragging him inside and setting him up near the fire, Father Quadrial tended to him for the rest of the morning.

But now it was time for a clean up. Darghon summons a Flame Friend (Fragmented Fire Elemental Essence) and commands it to drag all the dead bodies to a pile in the centre. Anything flamable on the bodies start to burn.

Once the bodies were in a smouldering pile he casts fuel flame on the smouldering bodies, the little fires that enveloped the bodies clothes and burnable possessions jumped to life increasing it verosity by three, enveloping all and burning the pile of bodies slowly to dust.

Remembering the undead that had been swallowed by his quick sand spell the night before he wandered over to where it had sunk into the ground.

"It shouldn't have taken this long for that being to dig it's way up and out..." Darghon looks around..

"Where could it have gone..?" He heads back inside to find D'Aleen, maybe she has something that can help search through the soil. He commands his fire elemental essence to watch the grounds for any signs of undead and walks inside to see who is awake.

Shaking from the efforts of dragging Gell inside, D'Aleen stares, mesmerized, into the flames of the fire created by the cremation of the poor souls caught in the grasp of the evil that struck them during the night. Making a sign across her chest, she whispers a prayer for their souls.
Glancing at the mage she wonders if the others all felt the power of his thoughts...the pull she had felt frightened her for it was so reminiscent of the evil that she felt from the forest.
"The only way to survive is to stay together and keep the minds alert...." she mused.....sighing, "Oh father...we are the last of our kind - I cannot fail you in this....but by the gods above I wish for your stength and guidance now."
Pushing back the memories that tug at the corners of her heart, D'Aleen rips her gaze from the fire to see Darghon approaching and listens to his request.
"We are far enough away from the presence that I still may have a few friends about that will come to my aid! Even the smallest creatures have their uses..." she said, winking.
The elf closed her eyes and a sweet humming filled the air, a soft luminescent glow seemed to come from her as she threw back her head and spoke in the strange ancient language of the gods of her people.
"Ahhh..." D'Aleen smiled sweetly "the miners of the soil, the moles, are searching for your spirit now Darghon. They are hard workers and shall do their best...give them a moment."

With Sir Thantos in mind,Attrah speaks. "Only the dead could sleep through this..Maybe I should check on Thantos."
Walking to the paladins room,Attrah knocks on the door,listens for a response,and if he recieves none,opens the door.

"Well, D'Aleen, tell them not to get too close, he's covered in a deadly mold.." He says with a look of concern on his face.

Staring off into the distance, Vinoh was still coming to grips with what he had felt. He knows the others felt it as well and is glad he had the self-control needed to sever the link he created, otherwise the Dark would have had a new group of mindless servants...

However, he feels deeply troubled. Sensitive powers are his specialty, but what good would they be in the Tomb of Velix if a simple mind sweep would make him and perhaps the entire group vulnerable to these eldricht energies? Would he have to rely solely on his physical powers? Would they even be enough? The mind mage ponders all of this as he watches Darghon's clean up operation. He does not want to end up like this, nothing but a charred, lifeless, powerless corpse. He would not allow it.

Shaking his head to dispell all the dread he was feeling, Vinoh adresses his friends:

"Well, it would seem our objective is now clear. Tower is heading north, which is where the Tomb of Velix is located. Needless to say, this is where the dark will be at its strongest, as you all probably felt during my mental probe. We need to get going as quickly as possibly to take advantage of daylight.

We should all pack as many provisions as possible, especially water, although Darghon's elemental powers can surely ensure that we'll never run out of it."

Vinoh then approaches Father Quadrial.

"Father, I fear my powers will be limited once we reach the Tomb, as I don't think I'll be able to use my sensitive powers freely. All I have left are my physical powers and this simple club. Would you be able to bless it, so that I may at least have a chance against the Dark should I exhaust my mental strength?"

(OOC: Cubby here..using my wife's login until I'm back at work next week. Sorry to delay the game, I'll try to log in more often.)

Sleeping blistfully, Thantos, hasn't moved since collapsing onto his bed the night before. He had dreamed of many things since falling asleep. He had dreamed of his homeland, of his adventures to date, of the very attractive D'Aleen, but mostly he dreamed of his lack of control yesterday. The lack of ability to move or doing anything on his own. He dreaded ever feeling like that again, the helplessness and despair of knowing he was about to attack his own friends.

"Friends? Is that what I think of these people as? I guess this far away from my family and the people I grew up with, they are better than most people. I sure wish I knew what happened to my warhorse Spike though."

Thantos' dreams spiralled through the night. At one time he had heard some horrible screams, and shouts to get up but his mind had flipped that into the screams he was letting out in his head the day before as he raised his sword to attack the father.


All of a sudden, the door to Thantos' room bursts open and above the sound of someone trying to rouse him from his slumber, Thantos hears the sound of a song. More beautiful than anything he had heard in his lifetime. The song filled him with hope, with clarity and chased all the bad dreams away. He felt his confidence awake. Suddenly, he heard the neighing of horses and Thantos shot up in bed..

"SPIKE?"

Looking around the room and seeing Attrah and the worry on his face, Thantos was very confused.

"What's going on? How long have I been sleeping? I heard horses, has my good horse returned from wherever he had travelled?"

"Don't worry Darghon. I appreciate the concern but they are smart enough to keep their distance from your spirit. I do hope they can raise it, though...he would come in handy in our travels as already proven."

D'Aleen nods her head after listening the the mage's words.

"I think Vinoh has a valid point. The sooner we continue on our way to the tomb the better. I fear we may never locate Tower considering the spell he is under, and setting out to hunt for him will deter us from our main goal. Nature's balance is upset and getting worse by the moment...I can feel it in my blood."

The elf's head snaps up, her ears picking up on the unmistakable rhythm of .... hoofbeats! Her cry for help to the underground animals was stronger than she thought, for the sound grew louder and louder until a small herd of magnificant stallions thundered into the courtyard where the group was gathered.

D'Aleen walked toward the largest of the beautiful animals, reaching out to stroke his strong neck as his thoughts flowed through her mind. Closing her eyes, enjoying the connection with the beast, she listened and smiled. "Thank you my friend for your offer of help. May Aine smile upon us all."

Turning to the group, with a glow and new-found hopeful light to her eyes, she grinned impishly. "My call for help reached far...we have new companions to help us on our journey. Treat them well for they are risking their lives with their aid."

Darghon looks at D'Aleen sings her song.. 'What a wonderful voice she does have' He gives her a smirk. His sensitive ears start to pick up the beating.. the beating of hooves. He turns his head in the direction of the horses.

"Wonderful, well the others will be pleased.." He looks through the horses. 'A wonderful species' he thinks to himself as they stand their neighing.

'But still.. got to get that damn undead out of the ground otherwise it'll wreak havoc on this town tonight.. especially with that mold on it' He thinks as he walks to the spot where the undead is under the ground.

Casting Dig on the ground the earth starts to be flicked up, then a large gnarled howl seems to emanate from the hole.

"There's my boy.." He walks over to the hole and looks down at the undead who seems to be writhing in agony under the sunlight. Using telekinesis he lifts up the undead and moves it onto the burning heap.

"Be released from your holds.." Darghon nods towards the burning corpses and heads back towards the inn where D'Aleen is. Standing next to D'Aleen he says "The stories we heard of your people as children are true then, having powers to talk to and summon the animals, control the elements and talk with the trees. And your kinds incredible beauty as well, it shows in your aura as well."

With that Darghon turns, grins at her and heads into the inn to be passed by Thantos rushing outside to the horses. Vinoh is conversing with the Father Quadrial. "I think it is time that we go, we have done all we can here.. and besides, we have a quest to complete" He looks outside with a serious look on his face. "D'Aleen has supplied us with transportation.." He turns and heads outside

Telepathically he says to Vinoh 'How are you faring my friend.. I'm starting to feel a bit worn down with all this using magic and my mind powers, I've got a lot more to go though.' He stands and faces towards the north.

"Thanks for the horses D'Aleen.." He walks up and strokes along it's neck.

After being brought up to speed by Attrah and hearing the horses, Thantos quickly rushes outside to see if his horse has returned as well. As soon as he reaches the horses he starts to call out

"SPIKE are you here?"

Looking around frantically, Thantos' face begins to droop as Spike is nowhere to be seen. Disappointed, Sir Thantos begins to move back inside when he hears another set of hooves coming from the South. He hears the horse whinny and immediately knows his Spike has indeed returned.

Running towards the beautiful creature he is stunned to see the warhorse bloodied all over. Upon reaching the clearly tired horse, Thantos, checks him all over for any sort of major injury but finds only scratches and a few tender spots. Looking at the warhorses iron clad hooves there are a few ragged spots.

"Had a pretty good fight on your hands last night didn't you my old friend? Not to worry you are safe at least for a while. I don't have time to clean and tend you now but eat some of these vegetables and try to regain your strength. I will ride one of these other fine horses until you are once again strong. "

Turning back to the other's gathered outside Thantos proclaims "I am ready to proceed at any time. Do we saddle these fine wilds or will we need to ride bareback?"

(OOC - Watched Austin Powers 2 last night...really had a hard time keeping Thantos from stating that Spike completes him... :D )

After Attrah finishes talking with Thantos,he walks to the door of the inn and addresses the group:
"I assume that these horses are our transportation then? Tell me,has anyone seen our two feathered friends?"

After a short pause,"If any of the horses are solid black,I would prefer riding one."

Father Quadrial has kneeled facing the direction of the rising sun.
Clasped in his hand is a rosary made from polished stones with a heavy wood cross.
His mind is filled with the riot of images from the past days and he must settle or he will be useless to the group.

Glad to see that D'Aleen was able to call upon such beautiful and strong horses to speed their journey, Vinoh feels a swell of hope within him. He then turns to Darghon, to answer his telepathic message in kind:

"Don't worry, Darghon. Last night's weariness has passed, thanks to sleep and meditation. I'm ready for anything!"

As Vinoh finishes his mental message, he hears a familiar voice echoing in his mind. His guildmaster and teacher, Lanodin, had somehow pinpointed his presence and was speaking to him! However, his voice was weak, distant, even in his own mind...

- "Vinoh... I'm happy that you are well. It took me some time to find you... The Dark is strong where you are..."

- "Master Lanodin! I can't believe you were able to reach me! I... I don't know what to say... I'm doing well! My companions and I defeated a cadre of servants of the Dark last night. They were harrying an undefended village. Also, we pinpointed the location of the Tomb of Velix and are making our way there today."

- "...at's very g... ...noh. Know that... ... atching you an... will assis... .... way I c..."

Sensing his mental connection slipping, the mind mage concentrated his will on his master, but knew that it wouldn't last too long.

- "Master, I appreciate your help immensly. Our mental bond is severing, so I must go now. I'll try to contact you in some way if I can later on."

- "... know that y... face a gre... ... vil, but fear not... ... ... ers are stro... ...an you might thi... ... ... d you hear m... ... Vino...?"

- "I hear you, Master Lanodin. I won't let you or the Guild down."

- "... ..."

And with that, Vinoh knew that while he was far away from home, his master was always near. He took comfort in that, which in turn gave him strength. Filled with hope and pride, Vinoh lifted himself up and unto a horse, a smile shining brightly on his face.

"Well, my friends, I have a feeling that our combined might and skill will serve us well on this journey. I, for one, am ready to deal the Dark a blow which they will not soon forget! Shall we?"

"I just need my pack & bow and I'm ready!"

Turning to enter the inn D'Aleen suddenly had a thought...

"What of Gell? Did you see if he was recovering when you were inside, Darghon?" she asked.

"I hope he will be well enough after his ordeal to travel with us. I would like to see an early start to our journey while we have daylight."

Hearing his name, Gell stumbles out of the inn looking as though he has a hangover but is no worse for the enchantment of the previous night. "Me am hate magic..." he mutters as he joins the group. "And me am hate bad magic squishy man! Me am want to smash him, now!" The large warrior looks around at his compatriots for agreement, then frowns as he sees the herd of horses riding up. "You am all have horses now? But what me am riding? Me am smash horse if me am sitting on it, and you am not leaving Gell, great orc warrior!"
Gell thinks for a moment, a task that looks mildly painful for the half-orc, then looks over at Father Quadriel. "You am always pray to your god, and sometimes he am helping you. Maybe me am pray to Krom, Great Orc God! Maybe Krom am send horserat for me am riding." Gell pauses, then looks a bit worried. "Or maybe Krom am get mad for me am being weak... Maybe Krom am do horrible things, like am turning me into squishy man!" Shuddering at the thought, Gell shakes his large green head. "Me am not take that chance, me am just run with squishy men's horses. God of squishy men am being nice to squishy man, but Krom am jerk. Even to orc!" Swinging his axe in the air, Gell roars a mighty battle cry. "Me am not need you, Krom! Me am Gell, great orc warrior! Me am beating bad magic squishy man WITHOUT stupid Krom!"

The knight stares a moment at the two birds,and walking in their direction,addresses them."We are heading to the temple,our final task.Maybe some of us to our doom" with a shrug,the knight continues.."maybe some of us to something greater.You two,of all things have nothing to say? Or let me guess...'Death Death Death'...'Glory Glory Glory'? For once,suprise me."

"Yeah D'Aleen, Gell seemed.. well he was passed out, but looked ok" Darghon grinned slightly "The good father was looking after him and I've seen what he can do so I trust him.." Hearing some heavy footsteps behind him he looked over his shoulder seeing who he expected "..or you could just ask him yourself" Darghon turned back and gave D'Aleen a slight wink.

"I see that you are better Gell.." Darghon gave him a strong warriors smile with slight nod. Listening to Gells rant he nods and agrees, but for a different reason.

"Thanks for the horse D'Aleen, but I won't be needing one either" Darghon looks up to the sky "For as the birds do I will and as the hawk does watch the ground for prey I will keep watch. Lest anything happen to our group."

And with that Darghon stepped out off the porch into the suns rays. Archin his back forwards slightly, two magnificent wings emerge from just inside his shoulder. "Ahh.. much better" Darghon looked up, ready to take to the air at any moment "Well when the others are ready, we will go then"

He fanned out his dragon like wings soaking up the morning suns rays...

* The birds come to life suddenly.
Flying with speed past a shocked Attrah's face.
Out the door they fly and into the courtyard.
Past Gell's head swiftly, screeching *

"Get on the horse! Get on the horse!" says the white.
"Or time will fade! Or time will fade!" says the black

* After they make their pass at Gell's head
They both go over to the Great Stallion, who seems abnormally calm.
One at each ear, they seem to "mouth" something to the great one.
The Great Stallion seems to rear his head in acknowledgement,
and then the two birds settling to stillness on the Stallion's back.

The Great Stallion snorts & paws at the dirt with seeming impatience.
The rest of the herd takes up the same attitude, moving about anxiously *

Seeing our guides hitching a ride on one of the great horses, Thantos sees that it is time to ride. Moving to a brown horse with a large white patch on his chest, Thantos tries to figure out how to get onto the horse if it has no saddle.

Bringing his warhorse Spike over to stand next to the horse, Thantos puts one foot into the side of Spike's saddle and uses it to get up high enough to swing a foot over the back of the brown stallion. Gently holding on around the stallions neck while holding onto Spikes reins, Thantos appears ready to ride.

"I sure hope you know where you are going my fine steed, as with no reins I'll have no way of guiding you. But I trust in our elf D'Aleen and feel that you will guide us to safety."

D'Aleen strides out of the inn after retreiving her things. Smiling slightly at the feel of the sun's rays on her face she approaches the large stallion.

"Be gone to the sky where you belong my feathered friends...this is my mount!"

The elf then gracefully pulls herself up onto the back of the beast, leaning across his neck to whisper in his ear.

"Fear not about our direction Thantos, all will be well. The guides have instructed my friend here and the others will all follow."

Shading her eyes, she looks up to the sky to see Darghon making slow lazy circles over the group...waiting for them to ready themselves. It's good to have eyes in the sky, she thinks to herself.

As Darghon takes to the sky, Gell throws his hands into the air in exasperation. "Flying? Me am not able to do that either! Good thing me am fast for orc." Sheathing his axe, Gell prepares himself for the journey. "It am looking like both birds am saying same thing now. Am that good or bad?"

As the party readies readies themselves, a fervent galloping can be heard in the distance. As the steed rapidly approaches, it's rider can be seen as a well built, but obviously dishevelled man wearing a battered, but sturdy suit of light armor. His long hair and beard doing little to cover the multitude of scars on his face and neck.

The horse stops and the mysterious rider takes a moment to size up the group and regain his breath.

"You must be the Duke's famous heroes. My name is Goban the Wanderer, I've spent the last 4 years roaming the land, trying to rid the world of the evil that consumed the lands of my birth. I was late in arriving to the Duke's hall, but he gave me this stallion, who seemed to know where to find you. My sword is yours, I just hope it will be enough for what we will be up against."

Goban takes a moment to survey the ruined village, bringing back painful memories of his own home, which met a similar end.

"Now let us make our way to the tomb, there is nothing more you can do for these people, I fear their fate is alread sealed."

Grunting impatiently, Gell looks among the horses for one that seems like it will hold his weight, at least long enough to reach their destination. "Am more people with horses! And flying magic squishy man! Well me am not being left behind! This horse am looking strong enough to carry me. It am going to have to do." With that the orc sits on the horse, then looks around. "Now what? We am need to go, and me am not knowing how to make this work!" Gell pokes the horse impatiently in the back of the head, waiting for it to start moving.

Looking up from his prayers Father Quadrial spies a gathering of horses heading their way.
Getting to his feet, the monk looks up at the sky.
"Dad we're in a bit of a mess here.
Would you mind talking to your friends and letting them know we're going to need a hand?
I know Krom can be a bit of an ass but our orcan friend could use a bit of his well tempered madness.
If you could ask the Lady to look kindly on us as well I'm sure our elven member would appreciate it.
Look with favor on our newest member because I suspect he has no idea what a deep pile he has stepped in.
I would also be most deeply greatful if you could bless our weapons so that they will be true in thrusting into the heart of evil.
And finally could you help me remember everyones names? Thanks Dad."

Picking out a nice solid looking steed, Father Quadrial finds a handy stool and climbs aboard.

"Well folks, I have to say today is a good day to die. Dad tells me that things are going to get a whole lot worse before they get better."

Seeing that everyone has found a mount, even Gell, Vinoh casts a suspicious, yet grateful eye towards the stranger who just joined them. In just a few short days, their group had lost and gained quite a few allies, and they aren't even at the Tomb of Velix yet!

"Goban, right? I am Vinoh Madren, the mind mage. I hope your sword arm is as true as your conviction to join us, for we're about to face evil that's best left to the darkest nightmares. However, we do appreciate the extra help!"

Turning to the rest of the group, Vinoh expresses his impatience:

"OK, let's do this! The day isn't getting any younger and the quicker we get there, the better our chances will be to find Tower and deal with the Dark under the sun's rays!"

His mind filled with renewed strength and his heart full of hope and anticipation, Vinoh let's out a battle cry and starts galloping northward, towards a destiny both uncertain and exhilirating.

The elf nudges her stallion gently forward and halts by the newcomer offering a warm smile.

"Welcome Goban...I am D'Aleen and we are grateful to have your help and your strength on this quest. As you can see, your timing was fortunate! Let's follow the mage's lead and be off."

Urging her horse to a canter after the retreating form of the mage, D'Aleen concentrates to touch the mind of the steed the orc is riding...urging him to be strong. We shall find him a suitable mount, she promises to the sturdy stallion. With a backwards glance towards the devastated village, she prays that the group can succeed despite the harsh odds and evils they face.

Gell's puzzlement in how to make his steed go where he wants it to is relieved as the others begin to ride, as the horse knows simply to follow it's companions. Gell watches the others as he rides, being sure to keep one eye on their avine guides.

Watching the birds with silent conviction,the knight Attrah rides along with his companions..plus one.

With Thantos' steed following the others without his guidance, he turns as well as he can to the new party member.

"Well met Goban. I am Sir Thantos of the Eagle Order. My lands are far from here but evil is the same the world over and fighting it here will still aid my own homelands in the war against the dark. May your sword swing true in the days to come."

Darghon follows the riders on horseback, after noticing the new arrival.

"Hrmm.. The forest is getting thicker.." Darghon looks down and his eyes widen "And the horses faster... Damn magical steeds"

With that last glance he takes a giant thrust through the air. Keeping up with them as best as possible..

Riding along at the incredible pace,the knight seems truly impressed for once."These horses...amazing. I imagine that taming a horse such as this would be quite a task.Fantastic mounts."


The wind causing tears to stream from his eyes,the knight in his charred black armor,grim attitude and his weary eyes,begins to enjoy himself.The first time since he was a child.

Having barely caught his breath after his arrival, Goban held tightly onto the reins of his horse as it sped through the ever-thickening forest. He wondered about his new companions and if they were strong enough to dispatch of whatever was waiting for them in the tomb.
"It's a little late to start doubting yourself now eh?" he muttered to himself as the pack of horses picked up speed once again. Goban concentrated on the trees shooting by faster and faster, seemingly leaving his worries behind.

Father Quadrial hangs on to the mane of his horse for dear life.
He had always been more of a foot soldier and riding was usually on the back of a mule or donkey.
Riding a beast so big and fast was a fearful experience.
Now his prayers were strictly that he didn't fall off and break his other arm.

Whoa, these horses are fast, Thantos thinks to himself. Glancing back at Spike he is amazed to see Spike trotting along at the same speed as the other horses. He appears to not even be labouring, in fact he is starting to look a little more healthy.

"Hmm..I wonder if the magical powers that give these steeds such strength and speed rub off on all that are around. No matter though, I must prepare myself for the tasks soon to be at hand. "

Bouncing up and down on his running horse, Gell looks miserable but determined. "Me am not liking fast! When we am getting off fast horse?" Gell clings to the reigns of his horse for fear of falling off, determined to inflict the pain in his rear to that of the dark force they faced at the first chance he gets.

Flys hard to keep up with the horses and its riders..

* The dense jungle is clearing.
You somehow know that you've just traveled a great distance
in a short amount time.

As the last of the great trees part, with the last great strides of your steeds,
they come to a halt, breathing with vigor.

You note the sun hasn't even reached its peak.

And further still away through sparse brush but clear as day.
The Tomb.
A huge ziggurat of three tiers all of warn ancient stone,
with what seems to be a columned temple at the top.
But what you note is incredible...

This massive structure is floating!
Rooted from the ground dirt & other debris hanging off the edges.
Hovering some height above the terrain.

Pulling your shocked eyes from the sight
when The Great Stallion rears in front of you
and the two bird who then settle on his back
screech... *

"Your ride is over! Your time is over" calls out the white
"To your destiny! To your doom!" calls the black

Not taking his eyes off the massive floating ziggurat, Vinoh dismounts and takes a few steps forward. He is in complete awe. The power at work here is incredible. Even without tapping his will, the mind mage can feel the dark forces all around him. He and his group are on the very threshold of something much, much greater than themsleves; the proverbial lion's den.

Slowly, his mind turns to more practical and immediate concerns. How does the group get in this place? What kind of tomb floats off the ground? Is it connected to another plane?

Seeing that Darghon is still airborne, Vinoh speaks to him with his mind.

*Telepathic message to Darghon:*

"Well, my friend, it seems we've reached the hornet's nest. However, I don't see any entrance from here. Can you see anything from up there?"

Turning to the rest of his companions, Vinoh tries to think of a strategy.

"I guess we're in for quite an adventure now! I've never seen such a structure before, so I don't know exactly how to proceed. We should obviously get closer, since I can try and levitate to the lower tiers, but I'm sure there are guards around. Let's be careful..."

With that, Vinoh takes out his scout's club and keeps his eyes sharp and his mind ready for action.

D'Aleen slowly slides off her horse, staring at the Tomb in amazement. A shiver creeps up her spine as she wonders at the force used to hold such a massive structure airborne.

"But how shall we gain entrance?" she wonders aloud. "Vinoh is right, we must get closer and investigate this. I for one am eager to get to the heart of this! Be on your toes everyone - I dare say we are not alone here."

The elf's gaze rests on the others as she throws her cloak back over her shoulders and pulls her bow from her pack, readying herself for what may lie ahead.

Dismounting and moving back to his horse Spike, Thantos keeps his eyes on the Tomb. Leading Spike towards a tree a little distance away, Thantos starts to remove his saddle and harness.

"Sorry Spike it looks like you won't be able to come in on this one and it is too dangerous for you to remain here alone with this amount of evil nearby. I'm sure the magical steeds here can take care of you until I come out. Take care faithful steed."

With that said, Thantos removes the saddle and harness and puts them at the base of a tree. Removing his spare weapons, rations and some rope from the saddle bags he loads his pack for the adventure ahead. When ready, he covers his saddle with leaves and branches and walks back to the group, Spike walking close by nuzzling Thantos' arm.

"Take care my friend." Thantos says as he gives Spike's mane one last stroke and Spike moves off to stand by the stallion.

"Magical stallion, please take good care of my horse."

Looking back up at the ziggurat, Thantos looks for some sort of opening. As he does this, he loads his crossbow.

"I'm thinking we may need to climb some of those roots up to the ziggurat and perhaps go in through the top of the pyramid. I bet there is an entrance in through the temple at the top. What do you all think?"

Walking out from a cave near the group, a large man cautiously kneels down, and grabs a handful of dirt. "Where'd you all come from...,"he states, not really asking a question. After he finishes rubbing his hands in the dirt, he stands up to his full 6'5" height and continues to stare through his grey eyes. Cautiously, he leans on his full length staff and awaits someones response.

ooc: I'm stupid, can't even get my edit right... geesh

As they reach their destination, Gell quickly climbs down from his horse and draws his axe. He is about to begin climbing the vines leading up to the flying ziggurat when a large man emerges from a cave, distracting him. Turning to the man, Gell bares his teeth in response to the question. "Me am Gell, great orc warrior! Me am here to smash bad magic squishy man! You am not getting in me way! Who you am being?"

Appearing behind the larger shadow is a short elf walking with an odd gait. Out of the darkness of the cave, it is revealed that this small elf is in poor shape. Wearing a tattered robe 3 sizes too big, and walking with a staff almost twice as big as himself, the elf shuffled forward and is startled by the sound of the half-orcs voice. Stumbling over his ridiculously large shoes the small figure trips forward tumbling in a flurry of arms legs and feet, to land in front of the half-orc Gell.

"uhhh hullo there. . ."

"Your brave steed shall be safe, Sir Knight...worry not about that but rather what lies ahead of us."

D'Aleen smiles warmly at Thantos and leans against her own stallion, closing her eyes and bonding with the great creature to offer her thanks for their aid. Smiling upon his assurance they would be there to help the group when the time came, she catches movement out of the corner of her eye.

Expecting unwelcome company, she whirls around while pulling her dagger from her side. Seeing the great orc confront the newcomers emerging from the cave she relaxes her grip slightly but ever watchful for a trap.

Everyone's eyes turn to the poor bedraggled elf in tattered clothing.

"uhhh. . .Hiya, n n-nname's Krazixs, wh wh-who are you people?"

looking rather pathetic and on the point of running away. Krazixs faces the group with a look of half curiosity, and half sheer terror

ooc: i am new but i hope I am allowed, PM if I should take my sorry elf carcass out of here ;)

Without provocation and much to the charigned of those gathered around the small elf launches into a dissertation on himself.

"W w ww-well you seem tt-to be a oooddd-d bunch. Phew! B-b-bbeen a-aawhile ssince i've seen anyone, living, that is around here. Heh. Mean beasts ab-bbout these pp-parts, i've been hiding in the ccc-caveess-s around here for awhile." Krazixs turns to point to the cave and ends up face first in the dirt. Somehow the elf managed to untangle his legs only to gesture to quickly and strike Gell a small hit to his *ahem*.

"Uh-huhh ss-ssorryy-y b-bbbout that friend, I-I tend to bb-bbe a lllitttle clumsy."Gulping loudly the elf continues, " aa-aanyway, ss-sso . . . a-aanyone got something to eat?"

Darghon after the tiring flight receives Vinohs message and looks around from above the amazing floating structure. He finds (OOC: Up to you rogue ;) ) Landing on the ground with a final swoop he rests his wings behind him.

"Next time I think I'll take the horses" he says while stretching his back. Darghon can sense the evil energy that emenates from the large floating structure. Looking at the new comers that have emerged from the cave he raises an eyebrow while pulling his hood over his head.

"So.. what brings you two to this neck of the woods?"

Darghon hearing Krazixs plight reaches into his small pouch and pulls out a peice of jerky and tosses it to him.. "Here catch.." Darghon grins at him.

And taking a step back from Gell.. just.. in.. case..

D'Aleen sheaths her weapon and approaches the newcomer with an outstretched hand to help him to his feet.

"Forgive us...these are not trusting times, nor a trustful place. My name is D'Aleen and I have a little food I can share with you." Reaching into her pack she pulls out some bread and cheese, handing it to Krazixs. Grinning she watches as he gobbles up the morsels and turns to the group behind her...

"What say you, friends? It would appear we have new companions."

With a sigh of relief straight from his oversize shoes Krazixs looks relieved.

"Thank you oh thank you, you have no idea how long I've been here. . . "

For a moment Krazixs looks a little confused and bewildered.

". . . come to think of it I don't really know how long I've been here." Looking around he sees the larger human near the cave.

"To be quite honest, I really don't know who he is either I just saw him at the entrance to the cave and came out to investigate, which is when I saw all of you."

Goban dismounts, glad the ride is finally over. Reaching into a pocket, he produces a flask and takes a long, satisfying swig and then offers the flask around "Alexandrian Moonshine, good for what ails ya" He then looks up at the floating temple and laughs. "Perfect, just perfect" Turning to his horse and scratching him behind the ear he asks "I don't suppose you can fly, eh buddy? .... no, didn't think so"
Taking a seat under a nearby tree, Goban unsheathes his longsword and starts sharpening it. "Anybody got any ideas?"

Returning D'Aleen's smile with a wink and a nod of thanks, Thantos was about to respond when the two strangers appeared from the cave. Swinging his crossbow around he listens to the pitiful elfs story.

"What were you doing here in the first place Krazixs? This doesn't seem the place for a leisurely stroll. If you need to get away from here, perhaps Lady D'Aleen would be so kind as to lend you a horse."

Looking at the tall man, Thantos comments:

"We are here on a quest issued by the Duke to rid this land of the evil contained in this Tomb. Now who are you and why are you here?"

"Unfortunately I do have to agree with Thantos with this one.." Darghon looks at the two newcomers "How did you two end up here?"

Whispering to "D'Aleen, I think we may have to find a way to get up there to the temple.. assuming that's what it is.." Darghon looks towards the structure of stone "We might have to pool our elemental magic..."

Looking at the elf, he introduces himself,"The name is Fael. I come from an area not to far of here, and listening to the wildlife around here, didn't lead me to much guessing as to where you folks were heading. Figured you'd be doing something that I've wanted to see for a long time. Don't know who this elf is, seems he followed me though."

ooc: geesh, dunno if I can keep up with that pace, stupid work and making me work and all...ugh!

Father Quadrial slides off his horse and promptly falls to the ground.
His legs and ass hurt. Muscles he didn't even know he had are strained and bruised.
Pain is something he has dealt with many times before and always was able to keep a cheerful demeanor.
It was when he lost every bit of his sense of humor that he joined the monastery.
Staring up at the floating monolith he almost doesn't notice the pair of strangers who climb from the caves.
Their manner was much like soldiers he had seen who had been fighting for so long they lost their humanity.
Just staying alive was all they could think about and anything else was forgotten.
He wasn't sure what kind of companions people with that kind of damage would make but he was too kind hearted to want to think long about leaving them to the tender mercies of the evil forces that controlled this land.

Krazxis stands amidst the gathering of imposing heroes obviously out of his depth.

"I . . uh. . . well. . . can't. . .really say h hh-how long I've been here. heh seems forever sometimes."Looking around apologetically, "Sorry honestly I don't remember. Actually, I can't remember much really. I know my name" he says smiling weakly "but other than that."the small elf gave a shrug. "I've just been exploring this place, for awhile, been in and out of these caves for awhile, trying to keep alive. I don't know how to explain it but I think I am supposed to do something here, I just really can't explain what. It was when I was exploring these caves here that I saw uhh. . . ff-Faael? was it? Well I saw you poking around the cave I was in and decided to investigate like I said earlier. that's when I well. . . uh sorta stumbled into all of you" Gulping loudlly, Krazixs manages a weak smile, but turns a faint shade of green as his gaze focuses on Gell.

"So . . uh. . if you guys are going in I can help you . . . well at least I think I can, at least if I remember I can." the elf says with a weak smile

Watching the preceeding with boredom,the knight shifts his glance to Father Quadrial,already climbing the tomb.Attrah dismounts his horse and begins making his way to the top - mumbling something about "more cows for the slaughter".

Finding that any assault on the dangling roots was pretty much a waste of time, Father Quadrial turned back to the group.
Looking at the stuttering elf he wonders again at the look of the fellow.
There was something, a time in his past life of clashing swords and balls of flame, where wizard and soldier stood side to side fighting the dark forces.
Who was the stumbling little man?
"Any ideas on how we are going to assault this floating fortress of evil with as little forewarning as possible?" he asked his companions.

Suddently, a loud noise is heard, and a cloud of gray smoke forms out of thin air. It slowly takes the shape of a large cloak, and finally a set of dark eyes appear in the shadow of this strange person's hat. He studies the faces of all present, and scrapes his throat. Then, he speaks:

"I have been following these events with great interest. And I have come to warn you all. One of the people gathered in this place will surely die before this quest is over."

He pauses, again studying the looks of all present, to make sure the importance of what he said had sank in. Then, he makes a dramatic fall to the ground, clenching his heart. He dies in a matter of minutes, leaving them with only these cryptic final words:

"Feck. I never thought it would have been me."

Looking at the dead form fall to the ground, Fael comments to himself,"They're already starting off great. Wonder what else is going to happen along this..."Readdressing the rest of the group,"So what are you doing out this far?"