Fantasy Setting Summer Dawn

[LazyDaze]

Iolas maintained a look of disinterest during Mr. Grubbs short tirade. Although he did not show it, Iolas was a bit nervous in regards to how he would respond. Seeing how flustered, and out of control Mr. Grubbs was becoming only served to reassert that it was Iolas who was controlling the situation. Knowing that, Iolas was confident that he could probably get away with almost anything if he was careful with his words. Ora played the situation well, her comment perfectly timed and true, helping to punctuate their ordeal and eventual departure. "Very well, the answer is obvious," seemed to be the phrase Iolas spoke with his action as he stepped outside the door and turned expectantly. There was no doubt in his mind that the secret of the bell would be uncovered by the time they arrived.

When they arrive to the promised destination, Iolas was not as surprised as he was proud and relieved. Immediately, his eyes turned to Mr. Grubbs to see his reaction to what was no doubt a surreal situation. He watched intently as Mr. Grubbs visibly displayed his emotions and inner thoughts; he was quite an easy read. Iolas met his eyes with a knowing smile, his features a tad softer than before. He knew, even as the cogs of his brain were turning, that he had told him everything before coming here. He had just so happened to forget context along the way. As if reading his movements completely at this point, Iolas turned to Ora instinctively at around the same time Mr. Grubbs did. This was the moment that Iolas had really been waiting for. It was why he wanted her to face Mr. Grubbs...to face Dwerstand and save it. Something had to go wrong right? Iolas knew that they weren't out of the woods, but for once it felt as if they finally gained an advantage over Everreach. Iolas nodded at Mr. Grubbs final statement, feeling words were no longer needed at this point.

Iolas then gave a shrug of his shoulders as he turned to his group of friends. "We just barely escaped death's door," Iolas said with a smile, knowing his side of the mission was relatively easy. "And apparently we still had time to make friends...how nice," Iolas said dubiously. He had nothing to say sense the newcomer stated all of the reasons they should be wary of trusting him before Iolas himself even had to. At the very least he made mention of Gideon, that carried some weight.

"I suppose the real battles will soon be on our doorstep..." Iolas said to no one in particular. Perhaps he was just speaking to himself.



Flutterby SilverFlight Goonfire Baconhands Zazz

 

[Zazz]

Lohrithe chuckled at the thought of Crow's idea. "We should definitely try that next time." He had little doubt there would be a next time. The large drow took his lover's offered hand, giving it a squeeze of affection. He blinked furiously, his eyesight beginning to return to normal as the dwarven official took in the revealed bell. Pyrrhus had succeeded.

"Well. That's that, I suppose." He nodded to Iolas briefly, and gave Ora a winning grin, to say job well done. He winked at Crispin. "Now, what?" Lohrithe looked to the orc for leadership.

 

[Flutterby]

Ora felt the hair at the back of her neck begin to lift, as they descended downward toward the cavern. Her tail lashed back and forth- the anxiety of being in the Citadel was overcome very quickly by anxiety for the rest of the team, and for the Bell.
When the cavern opened up in front of her, she almost fell to her knees. Not only had they been right, they had been successful. The Bell was high above her head, in its rightful place. Even though some detail was off, she was so relieved to see the mighty thing that tears sprung to her eyes. When she blinked, they rolled slowly down her cheeks.
Grubs had never been the quickest, but his mind was sturdy and tenacious. He put all of the pieces together himself- Evereach's lie, their true role in the plot.. her true role in the plot. It was the first time he had looked at her without some ill feeling. He had been haughty when she was a child, smug when he oversaw her removal, disdainful every time their paths crossed after. She wondered, suddenly, if he ever thought about how much of it all had not been her fault- her family's reputation, her mother's behavior, their society's views, the laws of inheritance.
It was clear from his face that she had been redeemed in his eyes. It was the look that she had seen in her dreams, painted across the face of every courtier in Dwerstand. The honor that she had started this journey seeking. She had expected joy, maybe some smugness, definitely pride. But instead there was only quiet.

"Thank you, Mister Grubs. I'm sure Dwerstand will long remember the risk you took here today. Please, bid the council to make haste." She said calmly, even though worry was still dancing across her face. Ora stood where she was and watched Grubs disappear. Once he was out of sight, her gaze moved back up to the Bell, and she reached up to touch the silver pendant at her neck. She was only half-listening as the stranger explained his presence, his skills, and the others began to think of what was ahead, cheeks still damp.

 

[SilverFlight]

A gentle hand went to Ora's shoulder, and Crispin spread his arms, in case she needed a hug.

Desrick brought them in, "If Gideon sent you that is enough, and "getting into places we're not supposed to" is exactly what we need to do next.
He looked at them all seriously. "We need to get into that tunnel, beat Lassard's army to the drow city and warn them. The entrance, as Meera saw, is filled with orcs, but the news of the dwarves leaving their force might draw Lassard away long enough that we'll only have the orcs to deal with....and I think I might be able to fool them."
He started back to the mansion.
"We need supplies for a journey, I can imagine the trip will take days, and we have no idea what is down there."
Pyrrhus gave a sigh, "although I was raised in Cyndara, this particular kind of darkness is...stifling. I can't say I relish the thought of spending days down underground...but if it will help save lives, then we must."

~*~*~

Back at the mansion their bags were filled to the brim with food, clean garments, extra weapons and anything else they might need.
The help was given with no small amount of worry from the family looking after Ora's family estate.
"This all seems too big." Crispin mused, "months ago my biggest worry was not getting caught pranking the town leaders...now...I'm trying to stop a war."
"Try not to think about it too much," Desrick told him sympathetically.
"Do you think we'll meet the Myst Queen?"
"Who can say, but if she really is preparing for war, we might have to."
Once they were ready Desrick turned to his group.
"I will not think less of any of you if you wish to step out now. What we are about to do is dangerous, and it will only get more so. If you have anything you need to finished before we leave Dwerstand, now is the time to do it."

Zazz Goonfire Naberius Baconhands Lioness075 Flutterby LazyDaze

 

[Goonfire]

At the mansion, Crow thought carefully about his choices thus far. While packing his bags, he pulled out a branding iron bearing the sign of a criminal convicted by the inquisition. How many people has he branded with this mark? How much flesh has he seared in the name of his law? How often did that branding come after some form of disturbing physical and psychological torture? He carried a somber expression as he seriously thought about it.

Crow was about to discard the implement when Desrick absolved those who wanted to leave. He froze for a moment, pondering his decision. “I will stay... though I might need to use this one last time, unless we find a better way to remind Evereach of their crimes,” he stated hesitantly, casting his gaze upon the branding iron as he spoke. “That is my mission, after all; ‘guard against deceivers. Shun their example. Scrutinize their actions. Punish evil bodies, to save good souls.’” He gave a determined nod to show his conviction to their mutual cause, then placed the item back in his bag.

Further preparation reminded Crow he was unarmed, save for his candlestick. “One minor thing before we depart: my spear broke during the fight. I think a Lucerne hammer would be a good replacement.”

SilverFlight Zazz LazyDaze Flutterby Baconhands Lioness075 Naberius

 

[Flutterby]

Ora started slightly as a hand fell on her shoulders. She looked down to find Crispin, and tucked herself gratefully into his embrace.
"It doesn't feel quite like I thought it would," She admitted in a whisper before pulling back to follow the others out.

~*~*~

She bustled about the estate house, helping with their final preparations and trying to steady her own nerves. During the walk back, the rush of the mission faded. Each step seemed took more effort than the last, and the thought of the journey ahead made her stomach flip. She noticed her hands shaking as she secured her own pack shut, but moved on quickly to double check they had enough rations. Normally, the chatter between Crispin and Desrick would have been a welcome distraction, but now the conversation sent her head buzzing.

Once they were all ready, Desrick offered the chance for people to leave now, or complete any unfinished business. Ora glanced at Winifred, hovering in the doorway, and gave her a small smile. That was all the "unfinished business" Ora could think of- her beloved caretakers and friends. They had agreed to take a few days at her cabin, just in case. And if she didn't come back.. well, there was the will she had written that would take care of their family for at least a couple generations.

She silently picked up her belongings and shouldered her pack, forcing herself to breathe in a long, steady pattern. It wouldn't do to lose her head now.

 

[Zazz]

Back at Ora's home, Lohrithe was pacing, his fingers fiddling with the accessories in his white hair. The war and all was quite worrisome, sure, but what made him nervous was the idea of bringing these complete strangers into his home. Bringing Desrick into his home. Desrick meeting his parents. Desrick meeting his mother. The large drow sat at the dining table and meticulously began picking at the dirt that had collected underneath his nails. Winifred passed by at one point, and he requested paper, quill, and ink.

The drow were not a friendly people, even to most of Cyndara. How would they react to an orc, a half-dwarf, a light elf, a Sumennan human, a half-drow, a centaur, a raven-child, a cat-woman and her pet cat, and whatever the masked man was? On that note... "Say, Alistair. Do you plan to keep us all waiting?" Lohrithe asked, tapping his own face pointedly. The man hadn't yet removed it.

Naberius

While the others packed up their belongings, Lohrithe quickly drew a rendering of a large, shelled insect that stood to about one's knee and was as long as he was tall. He had no doubt the creatures would be in abundance the deeper they got. His people used the hard shells for armor, and the meat as food. He thought it best to warn the others.

 

[Naberius]

"Alistair"

Despite his usually calm demeanor and approach to things, Alistair was not comfortable. They had arrived at someone's home. For his part, he did not feel welcome or at ease but that was to be expected. They did not know him and he did not know them. He watched his new....associates? Go about their business while he stood as close to the door leading outside as he could without seeming rude, and though his face and expression could not be seen, his body language made it very clear that he was uncomfortable being here. As a rule, he never entered the home of another person except when invited or when he was after a target. Looking up from his musings at the mention of his name, he turned to face the one who had addressed him.

"Good sir, I am a criminal. Wanted for assassination, murder, political espionage and the releasing of slaves, among other things. I do not plan on removing my mask for individuals that may or may not be enemies a year from now. As I said before, our current goals align, nothing more. We're not friends or even truly allies, but that doesn't mean we can't be civil. You have my support for the time being, but my secrets are my own. My apologies."

Zazz

 

[Zazz]

"That's... cryptic." Lohrithe frowned, and glanced Desrick's way. But with a shrug, he let it go. Thus far, their new additions had been fair - even Iolas and Azaria - so he wasn't too concerned. Though, he would have prefered to see the man's face. Unease, and all.

"Desrick, I think it fair to assume after losing our breakfast to these lightlander arses that none of us will be leaving," said the drow as he turned his drawing upside down. "You all may want to know what we're up against, however, besides high elves. These are what lurk in the deep. They are not friendly, and their bite is poisonous. The only weak spot is its underside. Or one could crush its legs. Just... don't get bitten. And when we get there do not kill the spiders."

 

[Flutterby]

Ora glanced between Lohr and the newcomer, Alistair. Her face was neutral, maybe thoughtful for a moment, before she let out a soft snort.
"Sounds about like someone Gideon would send along," she said calmly, with a playful twitch at the corner of her mouth. Ora took a moments to sweep her eyes over his equipment- sometimes Gideon's orders were for his agents- but none of it looked particularly familiar, too standard for her to recognize from a distance even if it was her work. He might be an associate of Gideon's, but his response told her all she needed to know- if it came down to it, her trust was better placed elsewhere. Her heart ached for a moment for her friend- to tell Gideon the events if the day would have brought him such joy, and no small amount of smugness.

Ora pushed that away as she looked over Lohr's sketch. The creature he drew was.. well, she was trying not to think if it as hideous, but it definitely wasn't pretty. She took in the obviously tough exterior, and absently rubbed at her wrist, imagining the previous pain there.
"Why are the spiders different?" She asked, still looking at the creepy thing they would meet in the tunnels. It was almost like a monster in one of those childhood stories, although they were said to be much larger and have the ability to petrify miners and collapse tunnels merely by hissing.
"And do these.. make noise? Do they.. hiss?" Ora asked the question as casually as she could, but her curiosity would eat at her without an answer.

 

[Zazz]

Ora glanced between Lohr and the newcomer, Alistair. Her face was neutral, maybe thoughtful for a moment, before she let out a soft snort.
"Sounds about like someone Gideon would send along," she said calmly, with a playful twitch at the corner of her mouth. Ora took a moments to sweep her eyes over his equipment- sometimes Gideon's orders were for his agents- but none of it looked particularly familiar, too standard for her to recognize from a distance even if it was her work. He might be an associate of Gideon's, but his response told her all she needed to know- if it came down to it, her trust was better placed elsewhere. Her heart ached for a moment for her friend- to tell Gideon the events if the day would have brought him such joy, and no small amount of smugness.

Ora pushed that away as she looked over Lohr's sketch. The creature he drew was.. well, she was trying not to think if it as hideous, but it definitely wasn't pretty. She took in the obviously tough exterior, and absently rubbed at her wrist, imagining the previous pain there.
"Why are the spiders different?" She asked, still looking at the creepy thing they would meet in the tunnels. It was almost like a monster in one of those childhood stories, although they were said to be much larger and have the ability to petrify miners and collapse tunnels merely by hissing.
"And do these.. make noise? Do they.. hiss?" Ora asked the question as casually as she could, but her curiosity would eat at her without an answer.

"Oh, they're the same," Lohrithe said of the spiders. "My people just don't particularly appreciate their murder." He thought about her question of hissing, rubbing his chin. "Ehm... not that I am aware of... they do chitter, if that is what you mean. They often are hunted by the stronger, braver drow, but I doubt anyone from my home will have been through these tunnels. Who knows how big they might have grown without interference."

 

[LazyDaze]

Iolas plucked on a flower while sitting atop the roof, allowing the petals to dance in the wind to destinations unknown. He chuckled at the thought that Azaria might have been rubbing off on him. This was how he chose to spend his down time before they would inevitably leave again. Although he knew it to be irrational, he could not help envision a future where this would all end well. A future where they would have everything they wanted, life, freedom, happiness...love. However, as he gazed at the sky before him he couldn't help but allow reality to sink in. Someone, anyone could die. Unfortunate events happen; this might be the last time he would be in Summena. The last time he was un Cyndara, a nasty demon almost ran off with his good arm. Nevertheless, Iolas surmised he would only need one good arm to run his sword through Lassard; however, even that thought was becoming troublesome. Lassard seemed too far gone down his path, but...at one point so was he. No matter what happened...he would save as many as he could. Iolas resumed plucking the colorful flower, taking his mind off of the troublesome things and reminding himself of the many beautiful things he was learning this world had to offer. Sometimes you had to remind yourself what you were fighting for...what were they fighting for?

"....Hmmm", Iolas hummed as he pondered the seemingly simple question. None of his answers seemed to be satisfactory..."...hope," Iolas answered as the last petal fluttered away as a soft smile formed on his lips.

 

[Zazz]

Once Azaria decided Meera was not going to make her kill, the assassin sighed. Another day, then. With a confident stride she stepped toward the second Everreach soldier and promptly pulled the knife from the back of his knee, spilling blood across the rocky ground. Without so much as a blink of hesitation, she rammed a dagger right into the man's open mouth as he cried out from his knee wound. The poor raven girl would just have to get used to the killing, and the blood.

Baconhands

After dragging the bodies out of sight, she took Meera by the arm and steered her quickly back to Ora's house. Azaria kept them to the shadows as best she could, until the house was in view. An amusing sight caught her eye; Iolas destroying a flower on the roof. "Get inside," she said to Meera, stopping to watch the elf curiously. A petal floated her way. She caught it, and smudged it gently with her thumb. She, unlike Iolas, couldn't think of the future beyond Lassard's death. That was her purpose, her driving force. She did not know what would steer her life beyond that.

Nor did she have time to think.

The halfling elf picked up a small pebble and hucked it up at Iolas, grinning. "Gonna sit up there the whole day? Come on."

LazyDaze

Inside, she found the team preparing for their journey... along with the newcomer. "Joy. Another head to watch." The assassin cleaned her blades and washed her hands before setting herself against a wall, opposite Alistair. Watching him. Studying him. "Is everyone ready?" Azaria asked Desrick.

Naberius SilverFlight

 

[LazyDaze]

He had not noticed Azaria's presence until a pebble was already half way up the roof, catching his attention. Iolas smirked just before lowering his head to meet Azaria's gaze with his own. "And here I was hoping you would all leave me behind. It is never to early to start your vacation right?" Iolas turned to the sky once more, seemingly inhaling the very view with a sigh before leaping down to join the others. He reached out to Azaria and then drew his hand back...shaking his head as he was not even sure what he wanted to say. He knew he wanted to say something; in fact, there were several times during this trip he had tried...but, it was a lot easier with the masks. Iolas chuckled at his own foolishness and then chuckled when he spotted Alistair. Turning to no one in particular, but facing Desrick Iolas began to speak.

"We might need even more strange people for this trip. I believe the current number is insufficient," Iolas stated cheerfully.

Zazz SilverFlight Naberius

 

[Naberius]

Alistair

Alistair watched as the other gathered their things, made plans and discussed matters amongst themselves. Hopefully, gods willing, he would either start to less out of place soon, or this particular mission would be over and they could part ways. Then again, the world was crazy and nothing was ever that simple. One of the others addressed the room and he averted his gaze, but stopped short as he noticed another opposite him, fixing him with a glare. He stared back, arms folded across his chest. It went on for at least a couple of minutes before he finally let out a quiet sigh.

"Don't you know it's a little rude to stare at people?"

Zazz

 

[SilverFlight]

Desrick nodded, happy with the conviction of his group.
When Lohr held up his drawing Desrick studied it closely.
"How big are they?" He asked, and it wasn't hard to determine he was considering his ability to overpower one.

Once they were ready, equipped with needed weapons and provisions Desrick took the lead. He sent Crispin to scout their route, and Meera, provided she was willing, and by some miracle, they made it to the citadel without being noticed. The elves were nowhere in sight, likely in the citadel itself, dealing with an open dwarven revolt. Desrick tried to imagine the look on Lassard's face when he learned of Evereach's loss. The dwarves at the gate saw them coming however and they exchanged glances before they stepped aside.
"If you're gonna stick it to those arrogant high elves then power to you." one of them said, and when Ora walked by, they actually bowed their heads in respect. Word traveled fast, or despite Grub's pompous nature, he actually did do his job very well.

The courtyard was also guarded by dwarves, and they too let the group pass with hidden smiles.
Thanks to Meera, Desrick had a good picture of what awaited them in the deep cavern that had been dug straight into the central courtyard. There was a wooden elevator for goods, and this Pyrrhus stepped onto. The bottom was well-concealed from the open space where the orcs were camped, but they would have to get by them somehow.
Once they were all down on the ground Desrick turned to them, unfurling the map and placing it in Lohr's hands.
"There's a corridor to the left after this central room. Head for that when I start the diversion."
Then, he steeled himself and walked into the camp, chest out, as if he belonged there.
The air was silent for a long time, only the distant clink of a ladle in a cooking pot, or soft voices, then came a shout, and another and suddenly a fight broke out in the midst of the camp. The orcs on the periphery stood up and went to investigate, leaving their way clear.
Once they were across the area Desrick caught up with them, grinning.

Just before they vanished into the caves, one of the brawlers fell into the central tent, ripping the thing down and revealing what was inside: immediately the light was sucked away from the lamps and cooking fires, but not before the group caught sight of the crystal, dark as a void, but it had been shaped, carefully into a round ball that looked distinctly like...

"That is the clapper ball for the Dragon Bell." Pyrrhus said. "I am sure of it."
Crispin made a small squeak. "So the dragon bell had a dark crystal in it the whole time?"
Pyrrhus frowned, not that anyone could see in the darkness. "It makes one wonder whether it was the bell that might wake the dragon...or the magic of the crystal."
Desrick brought the focus back. "Let's discuss that once we're away from the warrior horde please."
And he took hold of Lohr's arm.
"Cyndaran night vision is good, but you're the only one who can guide us in this darkness." He said softly.
"Everyone hold on to each other."

Only when they were well away from the orcs, and the noise of their brawling had faded away into nothing, did Desrick feel safe enough to light another of the strange seeds he carried. The pale blue light flickered on the rough-hewn walls. In the distance, the cavern broke through into another tunnel, but this one was smooth and carved, and seemed to go on forever. The markings on the walls were in a style Desrick did not recognize. They didn't look like anything he'd seen in either Sumenna or Cyndara.
The path was wide enough for three carts to pass through easily...getting an army to Cyndara would be easy if the tunnels were all like this one.
"How in Bryn did Evereach know this was all here?" Pyrrhus mused as he examined the walls.

Zazz Goonfire Naberius Baconhands Lioness075 Flutterby LazyDaze

 

[Goonfire]

Crow stifled a gasp at the reveal. The clapper was a lot closer than he had guessed. He really wanted to grab it, but he didn’t have the means. Once out of earshot, he squeezed Pyrrhus’ hand tightly. “That was the clapper!? I cannot believe they managed to bring it so close to the city,” he quaked. “I hope the dwarves can repel them if they try bringing it up to the temple.” His worry was all too evident. He gripped the handle of his lucerne hammer until his knuckles turned white; he was thankful his gloves concealed that fact.

For a moment, Crow had taken leave of his senses at the shock and awe of this huge surprise. His mind was racing to piece together theories, but it was like one big wagon wreck. To break out this state, he inhaled deeply and tried to clear his mind. “Sorry... This is simply... beyond anything I had ever dreamed of seeing,” he sighed, producing his small light spell as he often did in dark areas. “I really thought these tunnels would be much more decrepit than they are. But who could have built them?” He stroked his chin in quiet contemplation for a second, letting his polearm rest in the crook of his elbow. “It becomes more apparent that we need to find out from Evereach. They hold ages-old secrets from a mutual ancestor, if our theory proves correct.”

SilverFlight Zazz LazyDaze Flutterby Baconhands Lioness075 Naberius

 

[Flutterby]

Ora found Lohr's answer somewhat dissatisfying. They had found so many little things that linked them, but a chitter and a hiss weren't the same thing. Were they close enough, to say it was a link?
She frowned at that, and then at the newcomer. Anyone who walked around, caped and masked, should be used to being stared at. For peak's sake, she didn't have a choice about her oddities and got stared at for those. Her eyes narrowed for a heartbeat and she reminded herself that even Gideon could be wrong about someone.
There wasn't time to dwell on it, though, because they were off. With hugs from the family, she left her once-home with no idea if she would return, for the second time.

As they walked, she tried to place the feeling she had. It wasn't until they reached the guards and they reacted to that she was able to identify it. She gave the guard that spoke a small smile and nodded to them both, telling them thank you. And she told herself, I'm pretty sure this is what closure feels like.

In tunnels, she did her best to keep her footfalls soft, even before they reached the camp. Her hand tightened around her weapon as Desrick left them, but her worry vanished quickly when he reappeared. Well, for a moment. She only had a heartbeat to process what was in the tent, and then they were swallowed by a darkness that was becoming all too familiar. Desrick didn't have to ask twice for her to reach out to the two closest to her to follow Lohr through.

The tunnel they ended up in was like something from a dream. Unfamiliar, strange, but she didn't feel fear.
Softly, she added on to Crow's train of thought. "This all started because Evereach claimed a scholar had found something important in some very old scrolls. Maybe they really did."
She turned in the direction they would need to go.
"Should we continue? We can talk on the way, but we really do need as big a head start as possible."

 

[Zazz]

"Don't you know it's a little rude to stare at people?"

Without a blink, Azaria shot back, "Don't you know it's a little rude to wear a mask among people you deign to be trusted by? Not to mention cowardly," she added under her breath.

When Lohr held up his drawing Desrick studied it closely.
"How big are they?" He asked, and it wasn't hard to determine he was considering his ability to overpower one.

Desrick's pale partner raised an eyebrow, knowing exactly what he was thinking. "Big enough to give you a very painful, terrifying death. If you are lucky." The venom, untreated, or treated too late, was only potentially fatal. But those who did make it often wished for death before it passed.

___

Down below the city, Lohrithe led the group away from the orcs in complete darkness; the anti-crystal, for him, was a relief on his eyeballs. For weeks they had been assaulted by this Sumennan sun, which, as it seemed to be suggested, might not only be Sumennan. But Lohrithe would leave the theories to Desrick and Crow and the others. His job was to guide them across an expanse of tunnels he had never traversed without being either butchered or poisoned or starved. Desrick, at one point, brought a dim light to the tunnel, and Lohrithe paused to take in the handiwork of those who had come before. It was strange... yet familiar. As if both dwarven and drowish artistry had come together... like the passageway on the other side. These were old carvings.

When Crow added to the light, the drow grabbed the man's hand and closed his palm, shuttering the light. He shook his head, his bright green irises serious as they held Crow's. "No more light. Conserve your energy," Lohrithe told Crow, his voice barely a whisper. He pointed above, where there were slight openings in the cavernous ceiling.

Goonfire

Then, he looked to Ora. He gave her the map and traced out a path in the dim light of Desrick's strange seed. This was still her territory, and he needed both of his hands free in order to guide them. In fact, he removed his shoes and packed them away in order to really feel the slopes and textures of the rock.

With Azaria at the rear, the troupe made their way more or less in darkness for the next.... well, no one really knew how long. The assassin kept watch when they slept, being an untrusting insomniac. Though she grew increasingly impatient and irritable the longer they were underground, and it began to show.

"How much farther?"

SilverFlight Flutterby

 

[Lioness075]

Name: Leandra LaFrae	Nickname: Lea
Race: Tabaxi - Beastwoman	Home Country: Cyndara
Occupation: Huntress / Astronomer Apprentice	Equipment: Knapsack, Bow, Quiver of Arrows (20/20), Twin Daggers, Collapsible Spyglass

Spoiler: Falarion's Appearance

Leandra was quiet as the group returned back to Ora's place. She was lost in her own swarming thoughts. This was just so much to take in all at once and Leandra had never expected to be slammed with all of this new knowledge by following that falling star. She had wanted to discover something new to show her village that she was worthy of taking her master's place as the official town astronomer. Yet, she had never found that fallen star and now she was in the middle of a war. She had fought someone tonight and had nearly lost her own life. She had nearly taken someone else's life. Sure, it was self-defense, but still.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In the mansion, Leandra stuffed her knapsack to the brim with supplies and nodded a thanks when she was brought arrows to restock her quiver. She felt her swarming emotions battling to rise up once more and she quickly shoved them into her mental vault instead. Now was really not the time to have an emotional breakdown.
Shouldering her knapsack, quiver, and bow, Leandra quietly walked downstairs to join the others.
Falarion followed after her, quietly mewling as he noticed her silent distress.

It was announced that any of them could walk away from this now, but Leandra stood still. She was in too deep now. Whether or not she had taken the man's life, she still had some blood on her hands. She could not return to her village until she saw this to its end. Whatever that may be.
Falarion hopped up onto some furniture nearby and sat down before he began cleaning himself. He seemed to not care what the group did, seemingly glued to Leandra's side no matter what. In a way, she had saved Falarion's life when she found him in the tunnels.

When Crow produced a branding iron and spoke about it, Leandra felt herself shudder and she instinctively took a step away from him. She felt her skin prickle around her wrist, as she recalled how gentle his touch had been before. Hearing him speak now, Leandra wanted nothing more than to be as far away from his as possible.
Looking around the group as they interacted with one another, Leandra was reminded how little she knew about these people. They were still very much strangers to her and she was still struggling to learn about the races she had never seen before along with the new places and cultures. It was all so overwhelming and Leandra could feel her heart racing in anticipation of what was to come.

When the drawing of the horrible insect was presented to the group, Leandra took in the image as best as she could and listened to their warnings of the monster. Leandra could only hope they would not encounter it, but considering how their last adventure had gone, she figured it was safe to assume they would.

The oddly masked individual who had joined the group recently spoke up again and Leandra found herself edging away from him as well. She only now began to realize she was very likely surrounded by criminals, given the assassin in the group, the criminal announcing himself as such, and then Crow with his branding iron.
Leandra gulped at her thoughts and began itching at her scarred wrist, happy when she looked down to see her clothing still safely concealing the bandages beneath it.
Beside her, Falarion began purring and arched his back.
Immediately, Leandra forgot about her wrist and smiled at Falarion, moving her hand from her wrist to Falarion's back to pet him. She smiled and visibly relaxed a bit.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Following the group, Leandra hung to the back, though the group's assassin still had her on edge back there. She hugged Falarion to her chest, the cat mewling in protest at first until he senses Leandra's distress and rubbed his head against her chin in response.
As they neared the encampment, Desrick took the lead and Leandra silently followed the group away from him, as he left to create the distraction. When it began and the group rushed through the camp, Leandra had to let Falarion down before she sprinted forward and dropped to all fours. Deftly, she dodged between bodies and leapt over obstacles until she was passed the area.
Standing up, Leandra brushed off dirt and dust from her clothes before she looked down and smiled at Falarion, who was purring again and brushing up against her legs. She leaned over and scratched him behind the ear before she hurried up to rejoin the group.

When the group all turned to look at something, Leandra followed suit. Just in time, she also saw the clapper bell along with the dark crystal within. She watched as the light all around it went out and she shuddered to think what that could do in the wrong hands.
As Desrick told everyone to hold onto each other, Leandra cringed away from the assassin near her. Leandra's cat eyes were easy enough to see with, though she knew the darkness engulfing them was absolutely difficult to see in, even for her. When she sighted Ora nearby, the only other one to share a tail with Leandra, she hurried over and quietly put her hand on one of Ora's shoulders, the fur on her palm possibly tickling Ora in the process.

When they were far enough away from the chaos for Desrick to hold up a glowing seed, Leandra quickly withdrew her hand from Ora and then stepped away. She sheepishly rubbed the back of her neck and then noticed the markings on the walls around them. Her hand dropped away from her neck, as she stared in awe and fascination.
Almost immediately after seeing them, Leandra dropped to her knees and pulled out a small sketchbook from her knapsack. Hurriedly, she began sketching the markings, her head bobbing up and down as she took in the sight of them.
The dark elf stepped up to Ora then with the map and Leandra knew it was time for them to move on. She repacked her sketchbook and stashed her charcoal piece back in a hip pocket for now.

When the dark elf inquired about how much farther, Leandra's ears perked up and she stifled a yawn. It felt like they had been walking for days. She was strongly considering a power nap at this point, but then Falarion rubbed up against one of her legs and she sighed. She knelt down to pet him while the others discussed where they were and how much farther they had to go.

SilverFlight Naberius Flutterby Zazz Baconhands LazyDaze Goonfire

 

[LazyDaze]

"...Well we have yet to die, I suppose that is a good sign," Iolas said to himself as they escaped the horde with the combined efforts of Desrick and Lorhithe. The tunnel was a stark contrast from the warm light and welcoming skies in Summena, nor did it posses the tranquility of a starry Cyndarian sky. He never gave it thought before now, but Iolas had decided right then and there that he indeed had a distaste for caves. Alas, he had a reputation to uphold as the annoying elf who was for better or for worse unbelievably unbothered. Lorhithe lead most of the way, and Azaria already had the rear taken care of, so Iolas naturally fell in place somewhere in the middle of the group. This way he could aid either side as quickly as possible. Moreover, he wanted to keep an eye on Allistair. He had to admit, the newcomer seemed capable; however, there was a cloud surrounding him. No, he wouldn't go as far as to hold his hand, but he placed a hand on his shoulder. "Your secrets, do they eat at you from the inside, or the outside." He spoke cheerfully despite the content of his sentence. Iolas decided he would trust this person just as the others did for him. This person spoke enigmatically, and curtly. He wore a mask and was not overly friendly. Iolas himself was not the most straightforward and pleasant individual when he first arrived. In fact, some might still find him unpleasant; however, he believed they possessed many commonalities. Nevertheless, Iolas drifted back to his position with a final pat on his shoulder as they continued through the tunnel. The masked man would open up whenever he was ready.

---------

They had been traveling for some time now. Iolas of course still held his legendary composure although he too would be willing to see any sky at this point, be it dark or light. Iolas shook his head as he thought about how soft he must have become. They must have not walked too far a distance. If they had, surely she would-

"How much farther?"

Yes, it is officially confirmed they have been at this for too long. Iolas chuckled to himself and turned back to Azaria. "You know, elven legends speak of an endless tunnel leading to Purgatory. This would be an awkward time to enter the after life." Iolas chuckled as he then went over to stand by Leandra...the other newcomer. He could tell her heart was in the right place, but he had a bit of a PTSD against cats. He was slowly overcoming it, but more importantly he noticed something different about her. An uncomfortable aura that surrounded her in contrast to when she first arrived. Sure she might have been unsettled then but this is different.

"...Are you not well? I admit the Inn's and dinning services are a little lackluster here." Iolas said with a smile as he looked down toward her and Falarion. He wasn't exactly sure what was happening, but Iolas had to often remind himself that everyone did not grow up as elite killing machines. He was exceedingly glad that was the case; the world did need any more Iolas'.

Lioness075 SilverFlight Flutterby Goonfire Naberius Zazz

 

[Goonfire]

“I had a bad feeling...” Crow retorted to Ora with a sigh. “We may not know what they found in those scrolls, but you and I know they would swindle and kill for it. We keep returning to the same question, though: ‘What role do those large crystals play in this entire plot?’”

During the ungodly long tunnel trek, Crow glanced back at Leandra, who had been acting strangely since the unsavory conversation at the mansion. He couldn’t blame her for keeping her distance, yet he wondered why she would let herself get dragged into this mess. She had every chance to give up and be on her way. It confused the Inquisitor, whose motives were more straightforward.

Crow’s head whipped back around as soon as Lohr forced him to dispel the light orb. His own eyes trailed up to those openings in the ceiling. He slowly squinted at them. “What are those holes?” he whispered suspiciously.

Zazz Flutterby Lioness075

 

[Naberius]

Alistair

Things were going...interestingly, as of late. Alistair followed along with the other, keeping to himself most of the time, easily staying out of sight when need be and slipped into the caves alongside the others.

As they walked along in the darkness, Alistair tried to stay near the rear as much as possible. He never felt comfortable having someone behind him, as paranoid as he had become over the decades. At one point, he felt a hand on his shoulder, and turned his head to meet the elven gentleman's gaze, his own sapphire-blue eyes still filled with a small bit of evident caution.

"Neither. My secrets are as an armor for my own protection. I do have a separate life other than that of a criminal, you know."

He lost track of time as they made their journey, and when they stopped for rest, he tended to stay away from the others. If he slept, he did so fitfully and in short bursts, keeping an eye out for his own self preservation. For even though he would extend an appropriate amount of trust to these individuals, he was a creature of habit, and he could not afford to allow even them to see his face. No one could, though he had a feeling that if certain individuals were not present, it may be easier to remove it....


SilverFlight Lioness075 Flutterby Zazz Baconhands LazyDaze Goonfire

 

[SilverFlight]

Time was impossible to tell in the caves. There were no stars, no moon, not even the glaring sun, which Desrick had never thought he'd miss. They could have been traveling for days. There was no wood for fire, so no light beyond the little seed he carried.

At one particular rest point, as he got up for his turn at watch, he noticed Alistair tossing in his sleep.
He went over.
"Not used to the hard ground, or others so close to you?" He asked in his low rumble.
"I come from a land where there is no sun, and yet this darkness...it stifles and clings. It is nothing like Cyndaran darkness...Have you been to Cyndara?"
Naberius

A sound came to them in the distance, very faint, as if someone was trying to hide it, but for those in the group with keen ears, the sound would be unmistakable as footsteps.
A high elf was slowly making his way toward them, backed by ten soldiers under his command, each holding the reins of a horse, and one extra for their captain. They lit torches at a hundred paces from the group...Lassard had found them.
He stopped not far after that, his smile cruel. Somehow he had gotten around them...and now blocked their path.

Zazz Goonfire Naberius Baconhands Lioness075 Flutterby LazyDaze

 

[Flutterby]

Ora gazed at the carvings for only a moment longer, and then turned to look at Lohr as he approached with the map. She took it with a solemn nod, feeling a pit in her stomach suddenly. This was going to a very long, dark walk.
Zazz

She tried to keep her own spirits up, and did relatively okay- the others, even some Cyndarans, seemed to be toiling under the darkness. She did her best to keep Crispin cheerful, but she knew this darkness was more like the dark crystals than the Cyndaran sky.
It was.. almost nostalgic to her, even though it did still make her skin crawl. She had never liked visiting the deep underground, the mines and such. It had been all too continent to hand that over to Eldrich and forget they existed.

The others were poking and prodding at one another- or rather at the newcomers. Leandra seemed spooked by everyone but her, so when she could, Ora caught her eye and gave a reassuring smile or nod. Alistair didn't seem to need reassurance, and instead Ora let herself be seen casually watching him. Her curiosity was not enough to approach him, but it was enough to warrant the occasional glance up from her notes when they rested.
Lioness075 Naberius

She spent a lot of time pour over papers now. The map while they walked, giving Lohr nods or small comments as they went, and making small marks to track their progress as best she could. And then her notes about what had happened, what had been said and done, while they were resting. The questions they hadn't answered had burrowed under her skin. They didn't keep her from sleeping, but they were there even in her dreams.

She was rereading a page she had written while at Gideon's, as much of the Bell's lore as she could remember from her childhood, when she thought she heard something. She glanced at the others, and nodded in the direction. She was sure, in the oppressive silence of the deep underground.. there was a group ahead of them, a group with horses.

She had only just tucked her papers away and picked up her swords when the light of their torches lit them up.
Ora was only surprised for a heartbeat- of course he had outmaneuvered them. How he did it would probably dig at her for weeks, if they lived that long, but for now, she only stood and armed herself. Looking at his smile, she didn't feel angry this time.
She just very much wished he would go away, even if that meant he was dead.
"Fancy meeting you here," She said dryly. "Would you believe me if I said we're just humble travelers passing through?"

SilverFlight
Zazz Goonfire Naberius Baconhands Lioness075 LazyDaze