"Though I must admit to a preference of walking beside the one I love, there is wisdom in your logic. Ulthok? It seems we will walk together when you are done with the door. I can only hope my hands are quick enough to restrain you should it become necessary." A slow smile comes to the paladin's face at his last remark, showing it to be a light-hearted jest... veiling the seriousness of the situation.

With all of the trials, it seemed the group itself was more at ease now than they had been since Alasdair's return from the depths of Hell. It seems, with all of the trials they had endured, all of the mistrust they had suffered and even the betrayal born of a possessed comrade, the group had grown closer.

Perhaps this was their last trial. Perhaps it was just another step along the road. Regardless, he finally felt a closeness to his companions taht had been sorely lacking since his return. The infighting had stopped. Their trust in each other had grown. Even the ever-suspicious samurai was slowly becoming a true part of the group. Odin must have seen this.

For the first time in his life Alasdair began to realize that perhaps it wasn't entirely about the destination. The party sought the evil blade for the greater good, but in the process they had found the good in themselves, and in each other. Not death, nor the torture of Hell could break the bonds that were forming, and growing stronger with each trial they endured. The smile on his face became filled with true sincerity as these thoughts passed through his mind.

"Everyone?"

For the first time, Alasdair's voice did not bear the commanding tone of a leader, or the firm and resolute tone of one that is certain in his faith. Nor was any hint of sarcasm or laughter to be found. He was speaking from a place that until now only Althena had seen.

"I know not what lies ahead, through that door or even beyond that room. Perhaps this is the end of our journey, perhaps not. But should we, through some act of dark power, not be able to continue... I wanted to thank you all. When I returned from my own trials in Hell, you welcomed me back with open arms (more or less). I have seen hope, trust and love in your eyes even through the evil we have fought and endured. You have all helped me to remember these feelings that were all but lost to me in the Pit. Thank you."

He looks directly at Cor, then Conall, Kenji and finally Althena.

"All of you."

After a moment of silence he clears his throat and the indominable strength of spirit seems to return.

"Well? Let's do this shall we?"

Rayne listen to the grouping Cor. "Good groupings, Cor you showed wisdom in you choices. May the Good and Neutral Deities protect us all from the evil in this place and things that would keep us from our appointed task." Rayne moves over to stand with Lay Althena and Cynil.

She was ready to go when Alasdair spoke clearly to the group, "Everyone?"
He thanks them all the bonds of friendship that had joined them together that supported them all as a group and in turn supported each individual person of their party and how that had help him to regain that self0came feeling of friendship.

"I know not what lies ahead," Evil lies before them; Lies Deceit, Injustice, Tyranny, Despair Hopelessness and all the other evils. These are the tolls that Evil tries to use against the us.

I have seen hope, trust and love in your eyes even through the evil we have fought and endured. You have all helped me to remember these feelings that were all but lost to me in the Pit. Thank you."

"All of you."
After a moment of silence he clears his throat and the indominable strength of spirit seems to return.

ell? Let's do this shall we?".

Rayne had listen and as always let her mind work through his words and the experiences she had since joining with group. Several thoughts were sparked by his and she built off those new thoughts and ideas struck cords in her. She had see something in them that she thought she should share with the others even now. Especially now. The ranger Cleric stepped forward and spoke clearly in to her companions,

"Well said, Alasdair You have reminded us of all the good that we can use to shield ourselves from the evil in this place. Remember well how we have overcome much just to get here. Those who we have lost on the way, those who newly joined us and have not shrank from the trials and tribulations we faced again and again. We are not perfect beings, no mortal is. We have struggled to overcome many trials and tribulations that were not just what stood in our way or who worked against us but also the roots of failings that are inherent withing us, doubt, insecurity, distrust, fear, and all that holds a person from achieving what needs or is desired to be done regardless of difficulty in doing it. Many fail in life not because of what stands against them but for the fears within themselves."

"What we have found during our time together is Faith--in our Deities and also in ourselves individually and as a groups, that what we do is right and needful. We have found Trust--in spite of some sever misgivings about our fellows and because of this we have learned to work together and give freely of our strengths and to also let others help us through our weaknesses. Most of all we have Hope--that things can and will be done. Some of us may yet fall on the way to achieving this goal but we have Hope and Faith and Trust that our goal will be achieved--finished by one or more of us. The evil we face does not have these things to strengthening it when things go wrong. Such things are unknown to Evil. This is our strength.

We have all these. Together we are stronger and any one of us. We have been forged, tempered, refined polishes and tested over and over. until we are the best weapon to use here and now against this Evil.

"As Aladair has said, 'Let's do this shall we?'"

Attempting to crack a smile and chuckle at Alasdair's jest Ulthok soon found himself cringing and clutching his still healing rib cage due to the exertion.

"Perhaps Uncle Trapspringer was wrong.." Ulthok muttered to himself. "Laughter isn't the best medicine.. at least not ALL the time.."

Returning to the door Ulthok prayed this time would be different as he cautiously tried once more to look for traps before attempting to lockpick the door.

With folded arms the raven haired elf stared at Cor in silence as he rattled off their pairings. The blasted dwarf had seen fit to stand her next to a paladin and then ask if there was a problem. Siréne bore Connall no ill will to be true but she found all of Odin's followers far too pious and his paladins were particularly zealous. Still the enchantress had lived long enough to see beyond her own distaste. The desires of a mind bending witch and love sick knight could not be more different, there was wisdom in Cor's choices. That much Siréne had to admit.

So with frosty determination the she elf moved to stand next to the young human and wait for Ulthok to open the door. It was time. Let it be done.

Synil reluctantly leaves Conall's side. She does understand the reasons Cor gave and agrees with him since he put it that wwasy. Of cCourse she felt safe being with Conall but it might be true that Connal feelings for her might.....

No. Conall would do what he had to do the best for Odin and for all of them. That was how he was made. Cynil moves over to join with Rayne. and their other party member. She held her staff upright and ready in a firm grip. and waited patiently for Ulthok to open the door.

Rayne ws tight about one thing. They were stronger as a group than separately. and their long journey thus far had weeded of weakness and brought out the best in them all. She could not think of one person who was not better in many different ways now that when they left on this mission so long ago. She had likened it to them being a sword. made tempered and polished. Well they were. They were the various parts of a sword some the sharp edges, some the hard body and fuller of the sword to give it strength. Some of them were the cross pieces to prevent opponents strikes from getting to the hand that wielded the sword. all some were the magic on the blade. All the parts were needed to make the whole. She was not sure what part of the blade she was but she knew she was a part of it all as much as anyone else here.

With the magical defenses of the grandiose door before the party seemingly dealt with it was up now to the parties only thief. A thief that at a few points in this journey, due to circumstances beyond his control, had almost left the party, killed a member of the party turned evil, lost an older brother and almost died himself. All in dedication to reaching the missions goal, the recovery of a highly evil and intelligent sword.
Now here he was once again the parties only hope to breach the lock’s and traps if they existed upon the door before them. Without hesitation Ulthok went to work once more.

His first steps taken and a systematic list of what needed to be done in his head, he easily found the first trap. To his surprise and suspicion it was a relatively easy one to disarm and made him stop to think. Suspecting a trap within a trap he searched further and found a second trap linked to the first and this one much more deadly. However Ulthok was no pushover of a thief to easily be led astray and he still was not convinced that after all the magical defenses that what was before him was all there was to see. Rechecking yet again and again the Halfling thief found six traps in all interlocked together with the sixth the most dangerous. So dangerous in fact that if he failed to disarm it the result would be like a black hole worse then that of a dimension door and would send all of them into the unknown. Turning to the party he told them of his findings and suggested all but him were to move as far away as possible in case of him failing.

As the party did as asked he set himself to the real job of disarming the six traps. The minutes for the party turned from thirty, to an hour, then to two as their Halfling friend worked slowly. Then with the mark of three hours upon them, the party though they could not see him or the door, did hear it open on long unused hinges, the sound of its opening within this silent passageway quite loud.

With Ulthoks call for all to gather together once more into the pairs and single threesome as suggested by Cor they did move cautiously into the room to see in reality as it had been described.
Before them was a 60x70 room filled with a large stone table running north and south with many thick wooden chairs around it. Hung on the back of each chair were a number of shields with heralds unknown to the party as a whole, some alike, but most different. In the center of this sturdy well made table rested an exquisite 5 branched candle bra forming a hand within its grip was held a green apple sized emerald. Jutting from the base of said candle bra in the pattern of a star, five onyx holders held unlit candles clearly untouched by flame.

Hung about the walls were tattered rotted tapestries, long faded with age. To the north of the room and just to the rear of the main chair the party could see just as Alasdair had described it a large chest did rest. It was here at the north end of the table at what could be called the tables head, arose the grand chair made of silver and gold inlaid with gems of all types from ruby’s the size of a human hand to opals as small as a dwarves thumb. jade, sapphire, pearls and more too were set in the metal of the chairs making. Here was the sword the party hoped was the one they sought, but now being in the room and within the light of the sword’s presence two of the party knew at once the reality of it and it was not what was hoped or feared.

Before both Conall and Alasdair was a dream come true, not an evil sword at all but one of light and goodness and one every Paladin hoped for….a Holy Avenger!. Both Alasdair and Conall knew this in the strength of their faith to be not a fake or a trick but a true special sword and one so rare when found or gifted was not to be taken lightly or left behind. The only problem now was the parties standing order not to touch or take anything from within this room. Yet no trace or hint of evil within this room could be sensed or found, the door behind them unlike all but one, yet open and showing no signs of closing on its on, a second door opposite from the one they had entered on the east wall.

With the question of how to proceed already decided outside of the room the party moved forward. However as with most plans contact with the enemy, in this case the Holy Avenger sword, sometimes does not go as hoped and so too did such happen here.
For Conall having failed his willpower check and knowing how much good in his hands a Holy sword could do, had instead of following the rest of the party turned and was now moving towards the front of the table and the sword resting in the chair at its head..........

(DM OOC: Ok good posting everyone and here is tonight’s post as promised. Ok then as normal next post next Sunday and to all a Happy Halloween.)

Connal alone failed to move towards the exit. Instead he was drawn to the holy sword. "That is quite far enough lad." Cor said as he moved to block Connal's path. "I canna allow ya to take the wee sword. Remember your agreement to the plan? I hold you to your word lad. There is no honor in breaking it." Cor motioned for the others to help.

"That is quite far enough lad." Cor said as he moved to block Connal's path. "I canna allow ya to take the wee sword. Remember your agreement to the plan? I hold you to your word lad. There is no honor in breaking it." Cor motioned for the others to help.
Kenji heard Cor’s first words and stopped and turned to watch him as he moved to block Conall’s path… his brow furrowed and he joined Cor to stand between Conall and the object of his desire.

“You can not touch the sword,” he said adding his words to Cor’s, “It is evil and it is only appearing to be what you see it to be…. Do not fall for it’s tricks.” He stood slightly behind Cor as they blocked the way.. Kenji moved to use his body to even try and block the sight of the sword hoping it might help to break the spell.

Though Kenji appeared at ease as he often did when not engaged in combat .. He was ready in case Conall became violent and insisted on getting to the sword…. He was ready to use force if needed to stop the man.

"Oh joy," Maggot whispered to Haila, "You best look in your bag of tricks and see what you can do to stop Conall, because if push comes to shove that boy is going to be shoved hard." Knowing the ladies magic was probably more powerful than his own he left the magic up to her for now. He then looked toward Conall's heart, "Good Lady, you best get him toward the far end of the room if you wish to spend another night wrapped up in those arms of his."

"Gentlemen and ladies... there is a less violent way to end this encounter honorably. The sword Conall seeks seems truly to be a gift of Odin. I have focused on it and detect no evil within it. As you can see, I have not been seduced by the magic of this place. I have not been charmed or commanded to stray from our plan. I simply wish our party to make an exception for this blade. In 1,000 years of history, I only remember reading of two of these blades. Both were lost when evil was overcome. After their wielders completed the tasks assigned them by the gods. Of all of the items in this room, this sword is safe. I would bet my life on it, and you all know that is not a bet I would take lightly in this place."

He gazes around the group, hoping for some sign that he might have broken through their understandable defiance against taking the sword.

"You are correct that there is no honor in breaking one's word. And I am certain Conall does not intend this. Thus the nature of this discussion. If this were the evil sword we sought I believe one of us would detect some sort of evil aura surrounding it. Such is not the case. It would be a great loss to ourselves, our cause, and the world should we leave this blessed weapon behind. Moreover, it would be like spitting in the face of Odin himself who has offered us this blade..."

"What says the party?"

Maggot looked at Alasdair, shook his head and smiled, “The have's and the have not’s. Let us hope there is no great staff of the arcane arts.” Maggot then motioned toward the far door, “Lady Haila, I am heading over there and as we are to walk together I would ask that you join me in that walk.” Maggot did not wait for a replay but merely headed toward the far door and hoped that she would fallow. As Maggot walked by Alasdair he place and hand on his shoulder, “Let us pray you do not have to cover that bet.” As the old man said this he felt the heaviness on his back of a bet he once made long ago.

"You bet more than your own life if you allow Connal to take up that sword; indeed you risk all our lives. The pact was made to walk through this room leaving everything untouched. Now both paladins, and paladins alone, wish to make an exception for this sword. You claim to not be affected by any outside influence but how can we be sure; it took you all long enough to figure it out with me. I would hate to think th esame is happening again. How are we to know that it is truely not an evil thing? You have not sensed evil you say, that much may be true but in this place who knows what sort of trickery is afoot. I know exactly what a treasure a holy avenger is and I have seen its awesome power with my own eyes a time or two in my years as a mentor and judge of paladins. But I have also seen the power of the evil versions of this sword and it is just as awesome to behold." Cor thought a moment. "If the object was a staff or rod would you be so quick to allow a user of the divine or arcane to take it up? I fear there is no easy choice here; if we take the sword and it is not as it seems we risk unleasing a great evil. If it is as claimed and we leave it we do the greater good a disservice. However we will be no better or worse off than we are right now. I am sorry but I must vote to honor the origional pact and leave it be." Cor did not move from his blocking position between Connal and the sword while waiting for the rest to respond.

Kenji listened as Alasdair joined his voice to Conall’s plea for the sword… his eyes narrowed as the Paladin went on about the goodness of the sword.. yaada yaada yaada… he didn’t trust any of them as far as anything in this room was concerned…. He didn’t say anything at first.. he didn’t have to… Cor voiced his opinion once again… he nodded as Cor voiced his vote that they leave the room alone and everything in it.

“I too will say we honor our pact to leave this room alone,” he then added the force behind his words and laid his hand on the Tsuba of his Katana, “this is not the place to vote or discuss this… no one who goes against the agreed upon pact whilst standing in this room can be trusted…. And I for one will not let any break their vow while they are deciding such things within the possible influence of this evil place.”

Kenji was a Samurai… he didn’t know anything about their Holy swords.. but he did know evil .. he knew others could be influenced.. he had seen it.. and right now he believed that Conall and Alasdair were under the power of something… he stood stock still between the sword and any that would attempt to take it. It was obvious that if any tried… regardless of any ‘vote’… they would have to deal with him.

(OOC: Kenji will not budge… he is adamant and if any wish to try and get past him to the sword they will have to engage him.. he is alert and ready for a fight)

"If you wish, Althena can use her powers to ensure there is no outside influence. Cor, you are correct. The pact was made. And this is the reason I am asking you all for the exception, not simply trying to break the agreement assuming my judgment is more correct than that we made before we entered. I did not say that Conall would wield it, nor did I say I would. That decision I also leave to you my friends. But of one thing I am certain. To leave this blessed weapon behind would severely limit our potential to combat the evil that must lie ahead."

"You ask if I would allow an arcane item to be taken. In truth, no I would not. Though some of our companions may have more experience with such things than I do, but from my knowledge I don't believe that any arcane item can be imbued with absolute evil or absolute good as some divine items can. The power of the goods represent the absolutes and pure energies of good, evil, law and chaos. If any others here can detect such things, feel free to do so to verify what I am seeing."

"To prove that I am not under the sword's influence, or that of any other power in this room, I am willing to not only undergo a mindlink with Althena, but since someone would undoubtedly question her motives due to our relationship, I am also willing to leave the sword where it lay. I strongly advise against this course of action for reasons I have already mentioned. But these and the fact that I am willing to allow someone else to carry the blade should prove something. I have sworn on my honor and my life that this sword will do us no harm, unless we cause it to ourselves over this decision. If it does my life is forfeit. Is that oath not enough? Through hell I traveled to keep us safe. I have one of the most resilient minds of the party due to my psionic studies. For all of these reasons I beg you all to allow this exception, regardless of who carries the blade. But I will not force a decision on anyone. I leave it to you all."

"Conall. Remember your oath. If the group decides we leave the sword, however ill-advised we believe it to be, we must adhere to that decision. If I must, I will help you adhere to that decision, as Kenji and Cor before you will.

Solemnly he looks at Ulthok and walks towards the far end of the room, constantly scanning the area for any hint of evil and careful not to leave the room entirely, lest the door shut and separate him and Ulthok from the group. After one final scan he focuses his gaze and his detection abilities on Conall, hoping he doesn't do something... less than wise, and preparing to rush in to the aid of Cor and Kenji should the decision be made and it become necessary.

The old man was proud of Alisdair, he watched with honor as he approached the far side of the room where Maggot already stood. Maggot showed Alisdair no emotion for fear of insulting him. Now he could only hope that Conall would come to the same decision. Maggot feared the consequences of anything leaving this place save the one sword they came for.