With time to spare, Cor took a tour of the castle. Specifically he was looking for any sign of worship of Odin. If he found such he would seek out fellow followers. If not, clerics of whatever god was worshiped here would do. it was not spiritual things that drew his attention but rather potions of healing and any good order should have them available.

Alyia wasted little time once the party was left to their own devices. moving over to a bed nearing the end of the room she dropped her bags on to the bed. pulling out fresh clothes she shuffled items reorganizing making room for new items. after she'd bathed an dressed. Having gave up on the futile attempt at trying to wash, mend or otherwise salvage the clothing she had been wearing, Alyia decided to simply rubbish them. Sitting on the pallet bed brushing her hair as she ate some of the fresher looking of the fruit provided an pocketing some of dried food into her pack. Alyia finished braiding her hair an laying down to sleep she had Xin wake her at dusk. Her items an bags piled around her. Her spell pouch half tucked beside her pillow an her sword belt looped on the headboard post, Alyia slept that of pure exhaustion.

Xin woke her a little after twilight, gathering her bags trying not to make noise to disturb any of the others Alyia headed to the library.

Once she made sure no one else was in the library she summoned Xin giveing him free reign to explore. In short order Alyia had a large stack of books an tomes beside her at a small sitting table, several Xin had called her attention to due to their age. Alyia stifled a giggle an chided Xin about needing glasses in his old age as one was a old well worn cook book, but she took it from the shelf an added it to the pile anyways. Once she had scoured the library for any magical tomes an had studied enough to renew her spells. with the dawn light creeping in she sat pulling knitting out she sat for a few precious moments an knit as Xin read to her telepathically from the cook book she had teases him about earlier. much to both of their shirgrinn their were several recipes to which her stomach growled an he made note to try if given the time.

Alyia crepet from the Library as the morning bells tolled for mass an made her way to the mess for breakfast. She was only lost for a short time after she left the mess before she found the barracks room which they'd been situated. Sinking into the bed Alyia slept till the dinn of the day roussed her. Alyia spent the rest of the day wandering, trying to keep from underfoot. But quickly found herself curled up in the Library knitting.Alyia mused for a moment at how quickly she'd changed, before she'd have been down at the training grounds drinking an betting with the soldiers on wreastling an combat practices. Yet now she was content after fighting for what seemed like so long to savour the moment of peace.

Alyia got back to the barracks a bit before the dusk bell tolled, having gotten lost slightly once more but this time had gotten her barrings much sooner then the day before.

Lothor had been in enough battles, enough wars, enough adventures, and enough conflicts, to recognize the value of a little down time. There wasn't much to do. He had no spells that he needed to memorize or prayers to say. He agreed whole heartedly with the idea of getting extra flying potions to avoid giving away their destination, but once that was decided, even that small task was done.

So he rested as any good warrior would. Yes, he kept a lookout for things that might be amiss as he was well aware that study time was a moment of vulnerability, but, for the most part, he rested. When things were safe, you took your rest.

When he was awake he wandered the keep to see how it was built and defended. It wasn't that he was scouting a fortress for battle, although the military man in him always had such an eye on his surroundings, rather he was looking for clues to what dangers they expected. He watched the soldiers in the yard training. (He did not join, for his bones were weary from all of the "practice" he had already had of late.) What techniques did they train for?

He also sought out the dragon riders that had brought the group to the castle. The beasts were impressive enough that they alone were worthy of the excursion, but there was more that he sought. Not knowing who knew of their impending flight, he was careful not to reveal anything of the group's plans, but he engaged the dragon riders in discussions of the battle just past. What sort of foes had they faced? Which way did the enemy flee? When the dragons were in the air, what sort of flying threats had the enemy possessed? Specifically, he tried to guide the conversations towards flying and the sort of threats that might exist in the sky. Did they ever use any smaller flyers such as a pegasus or griffin? What might these smaller units expect to meet? (He was fairly sure they did not, as the Pegasus idea had been quickly quashed earlier, but the riders didn't know that, and the question might yield answers about foes a dragon might not concern itself with.)

So Lothor Greenbeard spent his time resting or wandering the fortress and talking to any that might talk to him. It felt weird arriving after that battle had been fought. But while the battle and war seemed over for those from this time, Lothor knew .... well, in truth, he didn't know much about what had happened (Was happening? Would happen? Might happen? Verb tense was never his strong suit.) in his time. But the great battle of his age had not been finished when they had been whisked away. For all he knew, the "Drimmen Dreeve" of his era had yet to be fought. There were rainbows for those around him, but Lothor still felt storm clouds gathering. But how to find the storm?

Laughing the Librarian looked to Baptist.

"I think we can help you with that fair lady have no fear,"
Rayne smiled. It was fortunate that they had that bowstring. With her bow back repaired, she would once again be able to rain death upon her enemies. Along with the othe members of her party, Rayne followed Baptist back to their quarters.

The room was definitely a barracks, with few amenities to speak of. That being said, it had beds. That was all Rayne really wanted right now. She spent the evening relaxing. A nice bath, then sleep. A full nights sleep not under any threat, of siege or attack, was definitely beneficial.

The next morning was spent with quiet prayers to Corellon, breakfast, then wandering around the fort looking to resupply all that she lost. Rayne was careful to avoid to do anything that had a hint of changing the past; even the slightest change could lead so something huge in her time, after all.

After dinner, Rayne was more than happy to relax in the room they were given. She had gathered what she needed, and was content to spend the evening in quiet contemplation.

Ulthok slept well, it had seemed so long ago that he lay in bed, but really it had not. Their time in the castle had been constant moving and fighting but not days, just hours, long tiring hours. Peri nestled on pillow next to Halfling and soon they were both sleeping peacefully, Ulthok just a little loader. The pair rose early and Ulthok took a bit of time before breakfast to clean himself and his clothes. After the morning meal he returned to the barracks to find a quiet corner to study. For the rest of the day the mage poured over his spells finally picking a few and began the chore of memorizing the words of power. Ulthok and Peri nibbled the apples that were left in the room, it wasn't pie but it was still good.
Light in the room began to fade and it was dinner time by the time he had finished. The mage joined the others in the mess room for a evening meal. The children again gathered as he and Peri entered. This time he entertained them a bit with a few simple tricks and cantrips. A few disappearing coins, some magic lights. Peri would flutter around, batting her long eyelashes, giggling and then disappearing just to reappear to nuzzle a curly haired little boys ear. The children seemed to forget horrors of war for just a little while. He hoped they would remember kindly of the one called Littleman and someday show that kindness to the little folk and creatures in hills and forests.
When the children finally left he took his place with the others for the meal. "When we are finished here," he said to Sirene and Aliya,"we should go through the items we found in the castle,there may item useful to us,.a bit magic from them may save a spell for later."

As the items found were laid out and identified, two thing became clear to Cor. First, several of the items would be useful and second, a few of the items appeared evil. "Tis a good haul of stuff we found. Some of the books should likely be burned rather than opened but feel free ta do as ya wish." Cor opened a pouch and took out a ring, "Tis a +3 ring of protection if any can use it. I would lay claim ta the ring of deathly night and the tome of quickness if ye all agree. The other items can be split as best ta help the party. What is left can be sold or destroyed." Cor waited for the others to lay claims but had no real say in who got what items, he was content to let the others hash it out among themselves.

A Tome of Quickness in Action? It would raise a person's dexterity - Cor wanted it, but it could help the fighter as well. But it made him think. Back when he was a gladiator there had been those who used special potions to increase their strength and speed. Lothor and many others had considered such methods to be cheating. What did it mean if the gladiator you were facing was somehow magically enhanced? The gladiatorial commission had agreed with him. They even developed tests for the various potions that some used, going so far as banning several players for an entire gladiatorial season for testing positive for potions of strength. It was cheating, and it was bad for the games. And now instead of potions you could get the same thing, in fact a better and more permanent effect, from a book. What would they think of next? The commission had always complained that every time they developed a test for one potion, the cheaters would develop another, rendering their tests ineffective. So, how would they test for a paper potion? While Lothor knew the book was the work of a mage, just as the potions were probably the work of an alchemist, he could easily see professional gladiators or their managers being behind the things.

But these weren't games, were they? He supposed that having the fate of the world hang in the balance probably changed things a bit. But old habits die hard; he would let Cor have the Tome.

With the grime of war washed from her, Siréne glided through the halls of Drimmen Dreeve bearing a mantle of grace and serenity. For a few moments, she was the priestess once again. The path she walked would surely call for her to take up the charge of the war witch, but Siréne knew a touch of contentment to walk as the fey priestess again, even if only for a moment.

Activity and seeking would fill the day. Much as the thought of walking among the elves in this time worried her, it must be done. Their first steps out of the rubble had tainted the flow of time, leaving any other actions as but a single drop of water in a vast sea. They would do what must be done. The elves had a knowledge and perspective they greatly needed, and perhaps, if luck smiled on them, none hailed from the faerie realms.

Step by step, she moved forward.

The three mages had huddled over the items they had claimed during the time in the floating castle. Spells of identification were cast over each and discussions of what was learned allowed them to reveal much of the items.

Ulthok found several that would be of aid to him and party as they would enhance his skills. Setting aside a jeweled Anklets of Walking, the set of Bone & Marble Dice of Wagering, the Wand of Animation, the Potion of Mage Wine, Pin of Vampiric Energy Drain and the Necklace of Superior Curing. Then with chuckle he added the Fork of Never-ending Food, "Hey, I'm a Halfling". Sirene and Aliya also set aside those items they felt would be of benefit to them. A benefit of being a mage is you get first choice of items you identify or get paid to identify them for others. The remaining items would be presented to the party so they might claim items of benefit. Only those things that were clearly evil would be set aside marked for destruction.

Among those were three of the Tomes of magic. Two books of the dead and one of insanity were a danger to continue to carry. The Robe of Cancellation now identified may be used to destroy the evil tomes. The Potion of Assassination should be guarded, it could useful if they can return to their own time and are confronted by another Shadow Wraith.

To Ulthok's mind any item not claimed by a party member or destroyed needs to be kept in the bag of holding. The remaining Tomes should remain closed until they clearly had time for study or to deal with what may surprisingly happen once the cover is opened. These along the other magic items are from another time and could cause much change here and chaos for the future. The Halfling place those unopened tomes back into the bag of holding. Aliya indicated she wished to carry the tame of plains an the golems tome. Reluctainly he handed them to but added a warning. "If you must carry these I recommend that you do not let your curiousity over come you to open these before there is plenty of safe time to react to what may occur. Once first open their magic starts."

After the mages had claimed their choices the remaining items were laid out for the party to choose. Ulthok again gave his warning to not open any of the books. Cor having been leader through many dangerous time was given first choice. The rest would choose and barter among themselves. Cor, Sirene and would help if a stalemate seems brewing.

With the day of rest progressing the time had come to finally identify what prizes they had won at a high cost. A quick nine hours later the items lay before them their natures revealed three of the seven books radiating held back evil. The party could easily tell to open these three would be asking for trouble. However the effects of destroying a future item in the past was unknown so the books were magically sealed and stored in Ulthok's Bag of Holding. Then after some discussion it was decided what items would go to whom, with Ulthok seeming to want the most as was normal for his Halfling/Thief nature.

As the rest divided the spoils, Roan was happy to only receive the Multiplication bastard sword and one healing potion but was still uncomfortable about some of the items found.

"I may be over cautious my friends but something tells me not all of these items may be everything they seem. Though they radiate no evil, other then the three books, considering those that carried them, perhaps they are cursed and if so is having one of these items that important?"

With Roan's question asked, not the only one to urge caution on item's other then the three evil books, the party took possession of their choices. With a last night of rest before them they awaited to meet their new guide on the morning.

(DM OOC: Ok I'll update your character sheets this week to add items and memorized spells. I'm also going to put out a new recruitment post to find you a live guide from this time. Ok next post next Sunday.)

Cor took his newly acquired tome and found a quiet place. Offering up a prayer of thanks to Odin for their days of rest, Cor followed with an augury spell. "Father Odin, will reading this tome bring me benefit?"

OOC: We are in place long enough to memorize an augury and then replace as per the spell list.

As the items were identified an divide up. Alyia requested several items that intrigued her. Ulthok reluctantly handed the tomes over with a chiding warring.

"If you must carry these I recommend that you do not let your curiosity over come you to open these before there is plenty of safe time to react to what may occur. Once first open their magic starts."
Alyia nodded in agreement her eyes already raking curiously over the books for anything of interest. her mind racing to remember if she'd glimpsed anything in the keeps' library that held mention of them.

As the last of the items were handed out Alyia slipped away an once more laid the items out before her on the pallet bed an opening her spell pouch laid all the items before her, taking stock of the newly added spell components an items. Taking precise care to tuck each items away in its newly allotted place. with each component she mentally recited the spell, damage, components, an uses helping reaffirm each to memory.

When Alyia finally finished she folded the pin win in the clothes of Alteration an carefully wrapped them around the tomes an placed them in the bottom of her pack.

tucking her items beneath her pallet bed, leaving Xin in wait guarding it. Alyia hurried to the Library to see what she could find on the items.

The party gathered in their assigned barracks, beginning to divide up the loot. After hearing what everything was, Rayne opted for getting the boots of quickness, and the ring of nightly death. However, after a brief discussion with Cor, it was determined that the ring would be better suited for him.

Satisfied with the boots of quickness, as she had no need of anything else, Rayne sat back as everyone else discussed the magic items. The books were definitely a point of concern, as they could be cursed or magically trapped. Rayne was more than happy to let the party members with more aptitude handle the books. No point of her getting in their way.

Roan Fenstrider spoke up and requested one of the Potions of Extra Healing, because there was no guarantee that a Healer would be available to tend to any wounds in the heat of either expected or unexpected battle.

Besides, a fight in the Past would most certainly include Foes the Party had not encountered in their Present, which had now become their Future!

The Human Ranger/Cleric of Odin was intrigued by the +4 Vorpal Defender of Multiplication blade, a sword that upon a spoken command, the Bastard Sword splits into two +2 Short Swords of Sharpness.

Although he still retained his +3 Khopesh of Giant Slaying (Rime: +5 vs Dragons plus Double Damage vs Cold Based Creatures) and +2 Khopesh of Elemental Slaying (Reason: +4 vs Elementals plus Double Damage vs Fire Based Creatures), plus his two +2 Throwing Daggers (one hidden in a sheath near the back of his belt and the other concealed in a sheath just inside his left boot); Roan had no doubt that Odin had led him to possess these weapons against any Future Enemies Here in the Past.

He had plenty of expertise wielding Double Blades with Rime and Reason, so he would keep his battle tested blades at the ready, while choosing to wield the Vorpal Defender of Multiplication, knowing he could command the Bastard Sword to split into two +2 Short Swords of Sharpness, which should prove worthy enough with the Ranger/Cleric of Odin's natural ability to wield two blades at the same time!

Rime and Reason would be at the ready should the Past be filled with Dragons, Cold Based Creatures, Elementals or Fire Based Creatures standing in the way of the fulfillment of their Past/Present/Future Quest, wherever the Party may find it necessary to go in this unknown historic land of Trilogy.

He had spoken words of caution in regards to the Items acquired from the Castle of the Dark Queen, but he decided he should lay claim to two more of the Items, whether they be Cursed or Not.

Ulthok had chosen one of the Anklets, so Roan claimed the other, a Jeweled Anklet of Walking, that allows the wearer to walk upon any fluid: Water, Oil, Acid etc without actually touching it. One Anklet can support 500 pounds and 2 Anklets can support 1000 pounds.

Roan was unsure if the Jeweled Anklet of Walking was Blessed or Cursed ???

Being the only other resident Ranger here in the Past besides Rayne, the Elven Lady Ranger/Cleric who had stolen his heart in the heat of the Present/Future battle in the Castle of the Dark Queen, Roan also chose the Fang of the Nosferatu (a +4 Dagger of hardened steel with strange flowing symbols etched into the blade grooves, filled with crushed Ruby Dust that gave the blade the appearance of having been Written in Blood).

The handle being wrapped in old pebbled black hide, which on Command the Wearer has the Ability to Shape Change into either a Wolf or a Bat, gaining each Creature Abilities while retaining AC and HP's.

Roan realized that although the 'Fang Dagger' had been taken from the discarded body of the Dark Queen in the Throne Room, posing the unknown possibility that the blade be possibly tainted, as a Ranger he realized that the blade may well be a handy tool for infiltrating an Enemy Camp or Territory in the guise of a Wolf or Bat.

Therefore, the Ranger/Cleric had decided that it would be best for him to carry the Fang of the Nosferatu, at least for the Time Being, in the Present/Past where the Party had been transported to find a way in the Past to Positively Preserve the Present/Future of the World of Trilogy, rather than another member of the Party claiming and carrying the Unknown Dagger.

He found some suitable cloth for wrapping the two additional Items separately, then carried them to a Place where the Ranger/Cleric of Odin could Pray to Odin in Private, seeking Wisdom as to what to do with these two Items ???

Before leaving the presence of his Comrades to go Pray to Odin in Private, Roan addressed his Comrades once more:

"If No One Else Wants to Claim the Other Potion of Extra Healing, Then I Will Take Them Both , Be There No Objections!"

He waits a few moments for a Response and if No One Speaks Up, He Claims the Remaining Potion of Extra Healing, before Excusing Himself to Go Pray in Private to Odin for Wisdom, Guidance and Protection from Past, Present or Future Harm.

((OOC: Roan spends some Quality Time Communing with Odin for Guidance and Insight as to What to Do with the Jeweled Anklet of Walking and the Fang of the Nosferatu ???

He is also Spending Time Praying for the Proper Spells from Odin for the Impending Quest. ))