UPON THEIR RETURN DOWN STAIRS
Be well my friend Connal Glendower of the house Glendower. I will tell your father you feast in Valhalla. Maybe now he will show you honor. For your faith and honor never waivers in this life, or the next. Be happy for this eve you drink in the Halls of Valhalla.

AS THEY SAT AND SPOKE IN WHISPERS
As the group sat, took water and the mid day meal the conversation dropped off and silence took hold for a moment. Maggot took this time to speak of what he saw or more of what he sensed back at the beginning of the day. "I know our fallen companions walk with the Gods. In my time away I had a dream  i was awake yet not here. I saw something in the corner of my vision. I saw a Valcory and with her went Connal, it seems to me that even in death and knowing the wonders that await him in the Great Halls of Valhalla he waited just a moment for us to return. As if to say, 'Be well my friends and do not be mindfully of us.' and then he slipped from sight but i dare say not from our hearts." A tear ran down the cheek of Maggot. He then shook it off, "But I am not a man of the Gods, I only wish to keep out of their way." he the. Smiled at Cor, "I only wish it." He then looked off in the distance and did not speak of it again.

Unaware of Niamedris' detection but seeing the cat was a bit restless the hair on Maggot's neck stood up and he  sniffed at the air. He looked to Uthluk, "I since a smell of cooked meat and someone else not of us. Kinda like somethings but yet unlike anything." his hand moved to his staff and he placed it upon his lap. "Perhaps in my new youth I am finding childhood fears again." he then gave a quit chuckle at his own joke. 'Very bad manners indeed,' he thought to himself as he tryed to put it behind him.

“Thalasi elevas
Ki valinost…”
Sirène sang the words of the hymn with a breathless sigh. She had known the words since she was a child, a bittersweet lament for aged Elves that had grown weary of their earthly existence and had decided to pass on to the next. It was at once an elegy pregnant with unfathomable loss and discordant joy. And, for Sirène, as she rested her head upon the unworked stone of the tunnel wall, it seemed strangely appropriate. They had all lost much, but had yet escaped the crumbling ruin of the temple with the Steel Maiden in hand.

‘There is still hope,’ Sirène reminded herself, recalling the words she had earlier spoken to Althena. She closed her eyes briefly, a shadow of a smile upon the blues of her painted lips.

:: People come close. Up tunnel, smell two. Two smell bad, need bath, one smell holy like big human now dead. Not evil::

Niamedris’ thoughts rang shrilly in Sirène’s head. ’Not again,’ she thought.

The smile drifted away, Sirène’s moment of rest and calm reflection proving all too brief. The enchantress forced herself to her feet and grasped the wrinkled, weathered staff she had recently acquired.

“There are some people heading towards us,” she added soberly after Maggot had spoken. “Niamedris senses three people. He thinks they aren’t evil, but…” Sirène left the rest unspoken. They had all been fooled by Alasdair. “I’ll go ahead and check.”

The elven enchantress murmured a few arcane words, and then melted into the dark.

[OOC: Casting Improved Invisibility on herself]
…

She smelt them before she saw them. The faintest of breezes blew into her face, bringing with it the pungent smell of stale sweat, rotten meat and dried urine. But, for Sirène, it also brought the promise of starry nights and sun-kissed days; a way out of the darkness.

She padded on through the dark as silent as she could, protected under the cloak of her spell of invisibility. When three figures did emerge from the gloom, they did not appear all that threatening. One was a small halfling, another a bearded human, and the last a tattooed elf. They were clad in nothing but rags, they had no arms, and did not appear to be preparing an ambush.

‘Slaves?’ Sirène wondered, knowing that the Drow kept other races in bondage, and that the mountain she was in and had been once named after her dark elven kin. Whispering a quick prayer under her breath, she decided to test the theory.

[OOC: Casting True Seeing]

Seconds ticked slowly by, as the sorceress to searched for any illusions or enchantments the three may have had over them. A smile returned to her lips at the knowledge the spell had imparted.

“Fair be our meeting, for our hearts are light and our swords sheathed, we hold peace in our hands and its light guides us,” she shouted suddenly, her lightly accented Common a rough approximation of an Elven greeting. Sirène dispelled the spell of invisibility that had cloaked her, and raised both her hands in the air to show that she bore no weapon. “My name is Sirène Talà Melete. Forgive my sudden appearance. It is not often you find friendly faces in the dark place of this world.”

Maggot heard Sirène speak. “Pungent smell of stale sweat, rotten meat, and dried urine?” Maggot whispered to the others as Sirène faded from sight. Maggot looked at Cor, “If I might be so bold as to suggest the Lady Sirene has already slipped from sight, Ulthlok master of Shadows can take to the shadows, the rest of us sit by our fire,” Maggot glanced down at the torch, “And we will see what the darkness brings. For I too like the Niamerdis feel these that approach are good but smell worst than me.” Maggot then looked to Cor for some approval or change of orders.

Rayne stood up from where she had hunkered down to rest for a piece. She would not be caught unready to protect and defend. Any trust had long since by whittled away in this place. She wanted out of here but the quest was yet to be finished and so she remained. Rayne had never been one to give up the chase before the quarry was found.

Despit the great longing that had been growing as long as they had been beneath this mountain. She would not give into it. However the thoughts of clear sblue vault of sky, feel the wind in her face, smell the scents of grrn growing things. The sorest spot of all in all of these longins were ne beed to have her animal companions near. She missed her daily rides ofn Ariel, her winged pegasus as they patrolled for the King. She wondered if Smoke and Fleetfoot had gone wild again. Her two ferrets were prbably off raising hits, they would hac=ve so easily turned wild. SHe missed their antics and their thieverypptruly consummate thieves interested in everything. If anything was missing she was sure to gind it in their current nest basket that she had carried them in on her daily rounds on Ariel. she silently wished them well. Letting her mind range out trying for contact-in vain--though.

One could hope. Hope that they will conplete this quest. Hope to return to her duties as a pegasus rider. Hope to gather he animal companions to her.

Rayne slipped her bow "Andurile's Blood" off her shoulder and notched an arrow. The bow that she had chosen as her exchange when she entered here. Made Of ivory Gold and Silver, it was some forgotten bower's masterpiece. Never had she dreamed of possibiling such a bow like this. Yet her it was in her hand ready for use as needed. she drew back as she lifted up the bow ready to release.

Cor watched teh resulting scramble after the announcement of 'visitors'. Some faded away, others took to shadows, still others readied weapons and one called out a greeting. He simply stood and watched. It seemed the meeting would sort itself out in some manner. As was usual there was no real coordination of the party's action. How the three new individuals were to determine if this was a friendly greeting or an attack was beyond him. Still, it didn't really look like they were a real threat.

Cor made sure Connal's holy symbol was safely tucked away. 'By Odin I will get this back to one of the temples. Another cleric will take it up and continue the legacy my friend.'

Sirene conveyed the scene of an undulating landscape, a vast expanse of crawling slimy gray flash eating slugs. Fighting through that throng would be a challenge and the small mage was glad he’d prepare an array attack spells. Ulthok was armed with Fire and Ice. Freezing and frying would be how he’d help cut a path , but with so many seeming mindless predators would they be over whelmed by the sheer numbers.

It was time they had to move, prepared to swing open the temple doors the party called to the Valar that it time for her make her run, setting events in motion. Even as Althena took her first step on to the stairs the massive building started to tremble and quake. A great rumbling and cracking sound from every corner rang out as the destruction spell Althena’s father had placed upon the temple raced through its walls. The rapid destruction surprised the party as great chunks fell about them. The assailing debris now hampered Althana run . When Sirene turn back to help, Ulthok would let her go alone. Seeing the enchantress changing form into a great bird the mage knew flight would be their best option to gather up the Valar and escape. As Sirene took to the air a small feather landed at Ulthoks feet, picking it up he smiled and cast Fly upon himself and followed the Elven maiden up off the floor. Ulthok was exhilarated by ease and grace of eagle and followed form as he kept close. This time his hunch proved better, he was there to help when a falling bolder struck Sirene and cause her to falter.

Once more in control the mighty eagle was able to snatch up Althena an speed its way to the temple doors where now a rest of the party was mounting a massive Red Dragon that burst open the doors to achieve their exit. Flying under Althena Ulthok supported her as climbed to the back of the eagle and there took a secure hold. The three swooped out the door and up into the air as the temple behind them imploded into a massive creator.

The party now flow over the ravenous slugs that were dying in droves as the earth rented itself, caverns opening and the slug fell into the holes to be crushed by the shifting earth and stone. Ulthok concentrated on his flight as the glided over the forest, the small canyon and onto the ledge they had used for rest just days before. The Fly spell is a wondrous thing but Ulthok knew the danger lay in the time it would stay with him, it never acted the same way twice in a row.

They were safe or at least they were away from temple. Landing the party regroup and Ulthok lead them back into the tunnels from where they had come. A ways in they found the original path blocked; stone loosened the quake had cover it. But a fissure in the wall had opened not far from the collapse. The party had little choice so passed through into a new tunnel.

An uneventful yet tiring trek lead them to a large chamber where Cor deemed it was a proper place to stop and rest. The party took the Cleric direction, sitting about and engaging in idle conversation. After a time Maggot screwed up his face and said to Ulthok,"I since a smell of cooked meat and someone else not of us. Kinda like somethings but yet unlike anything." Then Sirene stood, “There are some people heading towards us,” she added soberly after Maggot had spoken. “Niamedris senses three people. He thinks they aren’t evil, but…” Sirène left the rest unspoken. They had all been fooled by Alasdair. “I’ll go ahead and check.” Paceing off to the darkness Sirene faded from view as she cast invisibility on herself.

Heaving a sign Ulthok looked off in the direction of the beautiful enchantress, “Oh there she goes again, last time we had intruders and I followed her I ended up like boiled soup. Oh well at least this time I can walk.” With that the mage stood following the direction the Elf had taken; winked a bit of will into his and vanished too.

Maggot watched as everyone began to scatter and do what they do. Maggot held his seat and with his staff across his lap and a torch lit the area around him, he waited to see what the  meeting had in store for them.

Valene had been too nervous to convince her stomach to take the Pegasus meat and mostly ate small slivers, leaving the majority for Lothor. She wanted so very much to be back in the free world. She glanced over at the human and tried to keep the troubled expression off her face. “They will think something is up if none of us eat,” she warned in case he wasn't going to eat. The portion was meager at best, but it may give him strength to do what needed done. Hunger was a force that could push her onward.

A year of hunger. A year of pain. The halfling shuddered and let herself snap back to reality only moments before all hell broke loose. She wasted no time once the elf started widening the hole, slipping through and waiting only long enough to make sure her companions were with her before taking off down the hallway.

She was listening hard for any sounds of possible creatures ahead. It would do them no good to escape the Giants to run into something that would make a meal of them without bothering to eat. She wasn't sure if she was the only one that had some sort of weapon, not that she counted the barely sharp, crudely fashioned knife a weapon. She simply had not wanted to be without something in case one of the other captives decided he would try to take advantage before dying. It had happened before... she hadn't felt as bad about cooking him.

When she heard voices ahead she skidded to a stop to warn her companions, listening hard for any indication of what sort of creatures this might be. She prayed for adventurers of some sort, though it wouldn't shock her if they were rewarded with a group of bandits. It sounded like the sort of prank fate would pull on them at this point.

“Fair be our meeting, for our hearts are light and our swords sheathed, we hold peace in our hands and its light guides us,”

Valene stepped back to be closer to the other two as the elfess appeared. As her words sunk in Valene had to hold in a sob of relief.

“My name is Sirène Talà Melete. Forgive my sudden appearance. It is not often you find friendly faces in the dark place of this world.”

The halfling stepped forward. If this woman was lying and intended them harm then she would be an easy target. At this point however, Valene no longer cared. She just wanted to stop being scared, to stop being hungry and hurt. If that came in the form of death at this woman's hands, then so be it.

“My name is Valene Beestinger, my companions and I have escaped from hill giants. I am afraid we may bring trouble to you, as they are most undoubtedly pursuing us.” She glanced back the direction they had come from. “I do not know how many may have followed.”

Cor ears perked, "Giants ya say lass? Well now that is a happy coincidence for I am always looking for giants." Cor readied his axe, "If you will just stand aside I am sure that my sword swinging companions and I can deal with such things easy enough." Kenji, Maggot; would you care to join me in a little melee with said giants?" Looking to the others of the party he added, "Keep an eye on our new friends, who knows what trouble might pop up."

Cor readied for battle against the enemy of all dwarves; the creatures called giants.

Hiding his thanks into a slight nod, Ayreon accepted the knife from Valene. It felt good to have a blade in his hand even if it was probably quite useless against the huge giant guards he would have to take on in a short while. But the paladin was not worried. His God was there to watch over him. The elf could feel the presence of Corellon Larethian inside him. Even without a proper weapon, Ayreon was far from being helpless.

The knife wasn't too sharp, but it was sharp enough to bite into the thick rope. It would take the white-haired elf some time to cut through his bindings, but he wasn't in a hurry. It would be best to try and escape when what was left of his beautiful mount was all gone. Even the giants might become at least a little tired after a meal. What did worry Ayreon, was his new friends. He didn't know how weak they had become during their long captivity. He had no idea if they would be able to fight the giants with him or not. The halfling seemed feisty enough to be able to take care of herself. And her size would probably work for her as she'd be difficult for the enormous monsters to hit. The human, well he'd handle it. The man looked strong enough and their little exchange of words had shown his spirit hadn't given up just yet.

Trying to figure out their best chance for escape, Ayreon was taken by surprise by the shaking of the cave. And he wasn't the only one. A younger giant guardian the cave's entrance stumbled when the earth rolled and fell over the edge into the chasm below. The paladin wasted no time. The earth shake was a sign from the Forest Lord. They would use the commotion to their advantage and escape the giants. Getting ready to cross the bridge, Ayreon flexed his powerful muscles and broke free of the remaining ropes. At the very moment something caught the corner of his eye and the elf turned his green eyes to the right to see a hole forming into the wall.

Wasting no time Ayreon asked his friends to follow him and headed for the wall. His powerful hands began to claw pieces of stone to make the gap bigger. Throwing all caution to the wind, he bashed it with his armored arms and elbows and kicked it with his boots like a mad man. Valene slipped through as soon as she could and the paladin motioned Lothor to follow. He could hear the giants as they bellowed to each other. Their attempt to escape had been noticed, but the giants would be too late. When the human was through, Ayreon jumped in right behind him.

A few moments later the trio found themselves in a tunnel leading down into the darkness. The holy knight would have preferred one going up, but they really had no choice but to follow it. Even with his dark vision it was somewhat difficult to navigate in the tunnel as it twisted and turned and almost got too tight to push through at times. Then all of a sudden Valene stopped and Ayreon had to grab a rock in the wall to stop himself from bumping into her. The halfling turned around and whispered: “Voices ahead I think 7 or 8, maybe more, and a small light, maybe a torch. What do we do??”

A strange sight awaited Ayreon, Valene and Lothor as they stepped out of the tunnel into a hall. A mixed group of eight people seemed to be waiting for them, but were not showing any signs of hostility. The light of their torch stung his eye, but the paladin let his gaze move from person to person and felt a relief for not sensing evil in any of the strangers. All of them were however very well equipped and definitely not former slaves of the giants like his own companions. One of the females, a fellow elf, spoke:

“Fair be our meeting, for our hearts are light and our swords sheathed, we hold peace in our hands and its light guides us,” she shouted suddenly, her lightly accented Common a rough approximation of an Elven greeting. Sirène dispelled the spell of invisibility that had cloaked her, and raised both her hands in the air to show that she bore no weapon. “My name is Sirène Talà Melete. Forgive my sudden appearance. It is not often you find friendly faces in the dark place of this world.”

Valene stepped forward and introduced herself: “My name is Valene Beestinger, my companions and I have escaped from hill giants. I am afraid we may bring trouble to you, as they are most undoubtedly pursuing us.” “I do not know how many may have followed.” Oh the giants, Ayreon thought. He had all but forgotten about them. He was fairly certain their captors would not be able to follow them, but then again, he couldn't know for sure.

About to step beside the halfling lady, Ayreon held back for a moment longer. His eyes had caught a familiar figure in the other group. "Rayne? Rayne Fireheart? Mellonamin, cormamin lindua ele lle!" (My friend, my heart sings to see you) Despite the fact that her arrow was pointing at his heart, Ayreon walked into the light and towards his fellow Pegasi rider of the Special Air Service with his arms open in greeting. There was a wide smile on his face revealing the true happiness in his heart for finding a friend thought lost.

Remembering his manners, Ayreon stopped and bowed to the rest of the group. "Ah, please forgive me. I am Ayreon Larenthanar of his majesty's Special Air Service. I have been sent, like so many before me, to look for you, heroes of Shana'tara. It has taken full seven months, but finally you have been found." The smile disappeared for a moment. "Although I must admit, we aren't much of a rescue party, but find ourselves at your mercy instead."

The grin then came back to the handsome face and the paladin first grabbed Rayne's arm and then gave the girl a proper hug. (With Brianna's permission ofc)

’Better a dull knife than a bright dwarf,’ Sirène concluded with an exasperated shake of her head. Cor had decided to spoil Sirène and Ulthok’s scouting mission by tramping up the cavern with the others in tow, arriving mere second after Valene had introduced herself with a crudely fashioned shiv in hand.

“Yes, hill giant is a dwarven delicacy I hear,” the elven woman commented drily after Cor roared his enthusiasm for more battle.

“Forgive us,” Sirène added with an apologetic nod of her head at Valene and her companions, although by then the elf among the three – Ayreon – had already pushed past to sweep up Rayne in a hug. “You must be tired and hungry. We have food and drink to spare. As for the giants … if they are squeezing down the tunnel ahead, I suspect we’ll get plenty of warning.”

The raven-haired sorceress opened a pouch on her belt – one of a dozen, all made in leather and bedecked with tiny runes – and took out a small package of leap-wrapped lembas and a skin full of water. She handed both to Valene. “One bite should be all you need.”

"Cormamin lindua ele llec, Mellonamin!" (My heart sings to see you, my friend) Rayne reinterates his greeting in retuen as one of her rare smiles, of the last several months, appearing on her face. Then in common she adds so all may understand. It is good to be found alive. Be welcome to our fire. I am sure my good companions will do the dame."

Rayne had notice the condsition of the hobbit and human. they wore little more than rags. Be welcome Valene Beestinger and to your human friend as well. We are a miced group and all are valued.

"I am Rayne fireheat as my fellow Pegasus Rider has named me. Further introduction may have to wait untilwe assess the threat from the giant but take you ease here." Rayne pulled out some of her remaining elven rations and passed them out to the newcomers. When she had a chance to se them in better light she noticed just how gaunt their faces were, gaunt but not hopeless or broken. It boded well. for them all. Food they could provide and they would probably search amongst their goods and help to refurbish their raiment as well.

"Ah, Cor every rager to battle Giants. Hopefully you will leave a few for me to help with." Rayne added as she took up bow and quiver again and moved over to the dtudy Dwarven Knight Cleric.

"Ayreon, we have fought shoulder to shoulder many times, if youare up to joining the fighters you can use this well enough, I know. Rayne passed him her sword. It has served me well and it is certainly a better weapon than what you ae curently carrying. You shall tell me your tale aer and I will tell you ours in bried. Long have we been away form the light of day and even longer since I joined this bravve band. There is much I wish to hear of."

Ulthok had no problem determining the direction Sirene was going, he just followed the smell. As three figures appeared from the gloom the enchantress released her spell and greeted the trio. “Fair be our meeting, for our hearts are light and our swords sheathed, we hold peace in our hands and its light guides us. My name is Sirène Talà Melete. Forgive my sudden appearance. It is not often you find friendly faces in the dark place of this world.”
A bedraggled but comely female Halfling emerged. “My name is Valene Beestinger, my companions and I have escaped from hill giants. I am afraid we may bring trouble to you, as they are most undoubtedly pursuing us.” She glanced back the direction they had come from. “I do not know how many may have followed.”

Releasing the will of spirit from his ring Ulthok appeared next to Sirene. “And I am Ulthok Rydenham , at your service." Sliding his pack off his back the mage opened it and withdrew some clean shirt, breeches and a belt. “My Lady.. if it pleases you, these may fit you. And if I may be so bold, allow me to remove the soil of your captivity?” With that mage utter the words of a simple cantrap of "clean" removing the grime and smell from the maiden.

From behind them the Cleric leader reacted to hearing of giants. "Giants ya say lass? Well now that is a happy coincidence for I am always looking for giants." Cor readied his axe, "If you will just stand aside I am sure that my sword swinging companions and I can deal with such things easy enough." Kenji, Maggot; would you care to join me in a little melee with said giants?" Looking to the others of the party he added, "Keep an eye on our new friends, who knows what trouble might pop up."
“Well it looks like we don’t rest, that Cleric might need a little help with those giants of yours Miss Beestringer, if you’ll excused me……. Oh there are weapons and such back there, choose what you need, we may need your help yet today.”


Smiling pleasantly Ulthok bowed and followed Cor.

Lothor returned to his chores, he grabbed the old rusted axe and crunched it into the nearest log hewing in two wit ease. His mood was black the Elf, Ayreon, was a foolhardy fellow in his opinion, not that Valene was likely to ask it again. Escape was all well and good when they whispered behind backs, and Ayreon seemed a brave enough Elf but he had not fought with these two even Valene could be a craven for all he knew. Crunch. Another log was hewn in two by Lothors Axe. He had no idea when or how their escape would come, even if a chance was to present itself the odds of making it past four child giants was slim let alone the older males across the bridge. The opportunity may come under very peculiar circumstances indeed.

Time passed and Lothor had finished his wood cutting for today and a neat pile of wood laid next to him in a triangle formation. Lothor was a man who took time in his work and wanted everything he did to be perfection, even as a slave he was no different. He felt as though it was important not to lose who he was, otherwise in his eyes he may as well be stew.

Valene beckoned him over a plate of Pegasus meat in hand, his stomach rumbled at the thought of eating the hot meat. It was a huge serving, relative to what he was used to, and Lothor ate ravenously finishing the meal in a few minutes. Grease had run down into his beard giving it a glazed effect in the moons light, he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and watched Ayreon struggle with the ropes that bound his wrists, having a silent chuckle to himself.

As Lothor finished the last strip of Pegasus from Ayreons plate the ground shook and time began to fly. Lothor jumped up wishing he hadn't ate so fast his stomached ached torridly and Lothor saw his old axe much to far away to collect. As his attention was averted he heard Ayreon telling him to move. He looked round and saw Valene crawling through a hole and Ayreon prizing his fingers around the hole enlarging it. Lothor sprinted towards the hole, his heart pumping, escape may finally of came!

Ayreon ushered him through and soon the world was complete darkness. He grabbed hold of Ayreons shirt. A scowl came over his face and he felt himself relying on the Elf to much. A while down the hallway and a few shafts of light began to form and Lothor felt his eyes begin to adjust to the darkness. Just as he began to feel and view his own way through the darkness he heard footsteps coming up the hall.

They were greeted by another Elf. Thoughts raced through his head was this planned by the cunning Elf? The shaking ground and all to easy escape route began to form suspicions in Lothors head. Too busy thinking of what may come ahead. He barely noticed the words that came from the female Elfs mouth.

Valene spoke up next and Lothor was hooked on every word.

“My name is Valene Beestinger, my companions and I have escaped from hill giants. I am afraid we may bring trouble to you, as they are most undoubtedly pursuing us”

The Giants, he had forgotten at them. They had been scrabbling at the rocky portal, they could be upon us in minutes. He hoped there was more than just the Female Elf they were likely to need more people and weapons he thought, I need to get myself a weapon.

Just as the thought evaporated from his mind another shadowy figure stepped from the darkness. A Halfling male, another friend Valene was more likely to love. His face dropped and a sad look appeared over his face.

After some more greetings the duo lead them down the hallway to where a group of other apparent adventurers sat resting clearly tired and bedraggled, perhaps these people had seen worse things than Lothor himself. Introductions were given and Lothor was polite, not saying more than his name. He noticed Ayreon had yet another friend in this mysterious mountain could it be more than just a coincidence?

The small party kindly equipped him with a host of weapons and armour and he vowed solemnly to honour the party with his life if need be he would walk with them if they wished and protect them in their times of need. A small piece of kindness always went a long way with Lothor and a vow was never unkept.

With the party moving North and the escapes moving South it was inevitable that they would meet. With Sirene being the first of the party to greet the three escapes and with Ayreon seeing an old friend in Rayne the two parties became one in purpose. The only problem was the way down was a dead end road and the way up was full of Giants.

With Valene’s first uttered warning of the Giants above all of the party had at once positioned themselves for a fight but Cor’s first words after greeting the newcomers put that to rest.

“Nay them Giants be not getting here as this is no hand crafted tunnel, but a rift caused by the destruction of the Pyramid. We need not be worried about being attacked.”
Seeing that except for the Elf Paladin the other two wore nothing but rags the Knight Cleric leader of the party offered to share the items stored in Conall’s old bag of Holding and managed to gear up the newcomers quite well. Well enough to stand and face the Giants above as that was the only way to go.

However though up was the only way, Valene revealed to not only be a skilled master of the shadows like Ulthok, also revealed to the party that she was skilled in the arts of healing like Cor and Sirene. Unfortunately due to the bracelet on her wriest, was unable to pray for spells and as such had none to assist in healing if the battle sure to come went badly. Working together quite nicely Sirene cast Dispel Magic, then Ulthok picked the bracelet’s lock, and Valene once more was free. At once she felt the presence of her patron and knew her abilities as a Cleric were her’s once more.

Cor knew that more healing was only a good thing, and knowing that the party could use the rest after the perilous escape from the Pyramid called for a quick 4 hour rest for Valene to pray for her spells, Lothor and Ayreon to rest and eat and the party to better get acquitted with their new party members...................

(DM OOC: Short post I know but everyone is now geared up and finally one party. Feel free to back post on anything above and for you Kriea and Brundel remember you have no idea why this band of Adventures is here and Raven all you know is that the party was sent to retrieve a needed magical relic but not exactly what it was. A lot of opportunity here for some good RP about how each of you got to this place and time. Also another reminder the only way to go is North back towards the Giants and in this you have the advantage thanks to Valene and Lothor of knowing just how the Giant camp is set up. So plan as if you knew the ground and had blueprints. Any questions PM me or better yet email me as I will not be on the Inn much the next few weeks. Ginafae I cast your spell of Dispel Magic ingame but you still have it to use as I used it to speed the game along to allow Kriea to learn her spells.
Also Valene and Lothor’s character sheets are now posted Kriea send me your spells or post them in the Q/A
Ok next post hopefully next Sunday.)