Session+70

**4-18-15** **Battle with the Echoes, The Gods Come Forth, Onward in the Gray Forest**  Thorn, having donned the hat once worn by Crucible (the dirty brain hat), watched three other echoes...  one dressed as a priestess of Corellian - Bora Silkenmoon,   one as a paladin of Sehanine - Mina Brightsun,   and one as a sorceress - Calla Arcslayer.  They faded into his view and as they cast up their spells, they faded into Posy's view as well. The rest of the group sat up, hearing the end of the loudly spoken conversation by Thorn and the originally met rogue Echo.  Echo moved in to strike at Thorn, but the little halfling was well experienced in the art-form of rogues in battle and managed to avoid her.  Calla wove a spell over her group, making them all faster.  Erevin stood up to see the group of elves all identical in appearance except for hairstyle and clothing. He shot an arrow into the mage's scepter just for the mark of a noisy attention-getter, and spoke deep with authority, "Ladies... I do not know what this quarrel is over... but //surely//, we can talk this out."  All four turned toward Erevin and spoke in perfect unison, "Give us the Thorn and we will leave."  The elven prince blinked, looking them over again... that was unnatural.  Shri grabbed her weapons and holy symbol and stood up beside Erevin.  He continued, "If you are truly of The People, then you know who I am and that Thorn travels with me. I will not let him go freely."  The voices again were in unison, "So be it, Prince Erevin Lionspaw of Myth Drannor." The name of the elven city was old... coming from the city that existed in Cormanthor before part of it disappeared and reappeared in Rawlinswood becoming Myth Coramanth. Erevin was taken aback by such a term and looked at them closer... the symbols on their armor and clothing seemed very ancient.  Not sure what to think, he asked, "Who has sent you?" <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> They answered again in unison, "The Black Mark." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Erevin looked skeptically to Mina, the paladin, "Why would such noble folk as you do business with The Black Mark?" <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> They looked like they are about to say something more, but their heads shook and they moved into attack positions... <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Unknown to the group, still hidden in a crop of trees behind them, was the Echo ranger - Shora Gutripper. Arrows came flying from the trees... two piercing into Erevin's back as he spoke with the four in front of him. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Posy went into a rage and charged from her spot by the fire into the Roguish Echo with her greataxe! <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Mina moved behind Posy, slashing at her three times, but only able to sink in one strike through the gnome's great defense and armor! <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Thorn moved in to coordinate with the raging barbarian's attacks and dealt three vicious strikes with his two daggers into Echo! He took one step back from the blood splashed elven rogue, and offered her another out, "Are you sure you want to keep this up?" <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Echo said nothing, and Thorn shrugged, fully prepared to go back at her, "Okay... you asked for it." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Boiling up out of the earth, swarms of enormous centipedes rushed out over Mali, Wren, Erevin, and Yuki, tearing into their flesh! <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Mali sent Melleron to defend Thorn up into the main battle and then shifted into a dire bear that the centipedes still bit onto. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Calla moved up to touch Echo's back, and most of the wounds on the rogue's body disappeared. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Echo grinned at Thorn, "Always bring a cleric to your fight." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> He made a quick glance back over his shoulder at their own priestess screaming and shooing enormous centipedes off of herself... <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Wren shed her her tattered night dress and quickly slipped back into her corset and clothing, fighting off centipedes and screaming as they tore into her. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Wren's screaming woke Jerrandis who stood up, looking around, "What the hell? These aren't witches! Why are we being attacked by elves?! What did you do?" He looked accusingly at the halfling thief. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "Deal with the centipedes!" Wren's voice rang out to give him direction and Kale slashed into the swarms of bugs with no real progress. Finishing getting dressed, the witch slipped on her mask, turning to look at the true selves of the four echoes in front of them... all four were elves, wearing the same ancient styled outfits, but all of their facial features and appearances were different and unique... none of the four looked like the "Echo" they were portraying. Wren shook her head, "They all look different. Individual people beneath the lie." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> The priestess of Sune screamed out from behind her, "Get these bugs off of me!" She sent out a flamestrike to diminish part of the swarms. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Erevin shook his head, retrieving his bow, "Whatever you are being paid... it can not be worth the lives of your comrades... if you indeed make it away with Thorn, you will not do so as a whole party." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Echo held her action, waiting with a defensive stance... <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Posy, still in her rage, struck into Echo, hitting her twice more with her greataxe, reopening the wounds that Bora had just healed. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Erevin sighed heavily and named the priestess to his bow. The bow shrieked a keening cry into his mind of Bora Silkenmoon of Myth Taryn, priestess of Corellian. An arrow flew from his fingertips landing solidly into the priestess's chest, knocking her a step back. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Shri struck the centipedes with another holy attack as Mari tried her best to tear at them. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Calla loosed a bouncing chain of lightning throughout the group, Erevin and Thorn narrowly avoiding the strike. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Jerrandis was covered in electrical burns, "Holy shit!" <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> With Mina in position with Posy, Echo moved in... striking the gnome with both of her daggers as the paladin struck her in the back with her sword, splashing the barbarian with her own blood! The blood only seemed to fuel Posy's rage as she fought against both! <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Thorn shook his head, "This is your last chance, Echo... abandon this mission and let's discuss how we can take down The Black Mark." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> With no reply from the elven rogue, Thorn leapt in with hunter's surprise, dealing two deadly strikes that left her gasping for breath and oozing blood. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> The swarms of centipedes continued to tear at Erevin, Mali, Yuki, and Wren while an enormous earth elemental charged in to strike Mali's bear form with two big rock fists dropping her unconscious to the ground! <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> With the witch hunter still staring ahead of them at the mage, Wren wove a witchy retribution hex over Echo as three more arrows came from the back trees to strike Shri in the back, causing her to cry out in pain from the grave wounds! <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> The human priestess of Sune channeled out positive pink energy, healing her companions enough to bring Mali's bear body back to conscious. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Centipede swarms... earth elementals... Wren turned to the witch hunter, "Jerrandis! Search the horizon for the druid. Find the druid who is summoning!" <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> The human noble nodded to her and started searching the area. He pointed to a conspicuously elven shaped water elemental form in the river that ran behind them, "There!" <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "Nice job!" the witch commended him, "Fire an arrow at that ranger on the rocks!" <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> ...but before her words could register with him, he was off and heading for the mage who had thrown the chain lightning! <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "What are you doing?!" she called after him to no avail. Wren turned worriedly to Kale, shaking her head, "He's not even going to make it to the witches! He's going to die here!" <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Bora sent off her own wave of positive golden light, healing part of her own and Echo's wounds. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Echo twirled her two daggers in her hands, and again stabbed into the gnome barbarian with vicious strikes only to be shocked as similar wounds ripped across her own body from the retribution put on her! <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Erevin made a quick glance back at Shora Gutripper - the ranger on the rocks behind them, but he had to finish the priestess... tears running down his face, another arrow left his hands to fatally strike Bora's lung! <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Blood bubbles burst from her lips as she staggered back, grimacing through the pain to look at Erevin with pleading eyes, whispering, "Do it, Prince! Finish it!" <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> A second arrow left his hands as tears continued to stream, sinking into her chest... Her body vanished as she fell! <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Echo, the rogue, flinched slightly. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Wren seen the telltale signs of Calla prepping a spell and called out again, "Jerrandis! Get out of there! We talked about you going into the fray! You're supposed to be back here with //me//, remember?!" <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "I'll protect you, Wren! I wont let her get you! I'm a badass witch hunter!" he replied with confidence. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> The witch sighed, mumbling under her breath, "Why does he not listen to anything that I tell him?" <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Erevin called from his stance, cheeks still wet from the death of the priestess, "Surrender now, Echo, or suffer the same fate." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Still no reply from the rogue and he realized that the declared target of Bora Silkenmoon was still in effect on his bow... it should have dissipated with the death of the priestess... Was this all some sort of magic coming from the rogue? Or someone else that we had not yet seen? <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> He turned to Wren, "You said you see them as individual people, right?" <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> The witch nodded to him."Then perhaps she has somehow captured these people and is manipulating them... the declared target is still awake on my bow," he glanced from the elven witch back to his bow briefly before returning his gaze on Echo, taking aim. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "Perhaps the original Bora is actually someplace else then," Thorn suggested as he wove in battle with the rogue. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Wren nodded, "Even the rogue Echo does not look as how they appear... they are all "shelled" with this overlaying guise." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Erevin nodded to Thorn, "Kill //her//." He nodded toward the rogue. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "Working on it!" Thorn nodded back. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Three bolts of flame released from Calla's hands washing over the screaming witch hunter, dropping him to the ground in a smoldering heap! <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Posy gashed into Echo with with three hearty strikes, redoubling her efforts and dropping the rogue to the ground... Echo's body did not disappear. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Mina again drew blood from the gnome barbarian with her sword, a great strike across Posy's arm as she laid into the rogue before her. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Thorn turned around, sidestepping the charred witch hunter to get to Calla, to slash her with his dagger! <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> The earth elemental pounded Mali again with his big stony fist! <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> The bear-formed druid looked like she was barely standing. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Two more earth elementals showed up next to Yuki and Wren, missing the priestess and barely reaching the witch. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Melleron bit and shredded his claws into Mina, blood spattering over the torn up paladin! Mali shapeshifted into an air elemental and flew straight up out of the reach of the centipedes and the earth elemental. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> The elven water elemental focused her gaze on the newly formed air elemental. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Three more arrows came from Shora in the trees, taking Shri to the ground! A smug look of satisfaction showed in the ranger's smile. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Kale quickly interposed himself between Wren and the newly arrived earth elemental, meeting it with his enchanted blade. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Wren looked around... the odds were becoming overwhelming... more and more things kept coming. She pulled her empowering wand and released her most powerful spell, a chain lightning that struck out, weaving it's way to drop the two smaler earth elementals and the centipedes, and leaving blackened electrical burns over the large earth elemental, Bora, and Shora... unable to reach Calla... and seemingly not effecting Thera. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "KILL the WITCH!" all of the Echoes shouted in unison as several eyes fell on the already gravely wounded Wren. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> With the elemental now away from her, the priestess of Sune sent out a warm pink energy, healing everyone near her. Despite the heal, Shri remained crumpled on the ground and Jerrandis was too far away. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Erevin turned and moved toward the trees, raising his gauntlet toward Shora, "Fetch me that bow!" A shadowy falcon wisped out of the gauntlet, flying up to her rocky landing, and stole the bow from the ranger's hands, returning to the gauntlet to give Erevin the stolen weapon. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Posy strode across the field, ignoring the paladin, and closed the gap between her and the mage. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Calla attempted to seize control of the gnome's mind, but the barbarian resisted with her rageful will! <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> The paladin self healed as Thorn tumbled past her to deftly strike the back of her legs! <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Thera sent down a powerful flamestrike into the witch, the fire was luckily deflected away from her by her ring and shoes, but the holy magic ripped across her! <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> The large earth elemental, frustrated that it could no longer reach Mali who was hovering above him, turned to smash into the priestess of Sune. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> The classic scream of "Erevin!" came quickly from her lips as she stumbled back from the strike. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Mali sent out a lightning bolt against the water elemental druid, but the electricity seemed to dance around her without any effect. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Shora, the ranger, leapt off of her rocky ledge, pulling her two daggers and diving toward Erevin with intent to strike him, but she vanished just moments before reaching him. Her bow still in his hand disappeared as well. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> He slung his own bow over his shoulder and stepped up to the river sweeping his moonblade, to send a powerful cone of cold. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> The watery elemental form of Thera screamed out as parts of her froze over! In answer to her scream, a big tree ent moved out from the trees behind her, heading for the elven woodsman who hurt his druid. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Posy crashed her axe against Calla, spattering out blood among the cracks of stone from the protective spell around her! <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> The remaining Echoes began to flicker and started to chant, "Kill Thorn! Kill Thorn!" as all of their gazes fell to the halfling rogue. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> A green beam shot from Calla's fingers toward Thorn, the luck of his fellow halfling helping him with wisps of air coming off of her elemental body to allow only part of the beam to go through his body, preventing his disintegration! <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Mina turned around, swinging her blade at him, but vanished before the sword could reach him. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> The tree ent strode into the river and struck Erevin with it's thick bark covered limb! <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> A sparking cloud began to form above the river as Thera wove another spell. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Mali sent out a wave of healing over herself, Wren, Yuki, Shri, and Kale. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "Kale!" Wren pointed at the large earth elemental in front of the priestess near them and he charged over to interpose himself between the two and struck the thick rocky surface of the elemental's arm. Wren called out Cirdan, sending an arrow of energy into Thorn, delivering a strong spell of healing. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Erevin swept his moonblade back the other direction, sending another cone of cold over both Thera and her tree ent. The water elemental druid, her tree ent, and the large earth elemental vanished. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Posy struck again into the stoneskinned mage, lopping her head clean off of her shoulders. The body and head vanished before the head hit the ground! <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> ith all of their enemies vanished, and only Echo's corpse left on the ground... Erevin went to cradle Shri's lifeless body in his arms, calling for the priestess of Sune's aid. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Wren laid her hands on the witch hunter, sending in a heal and also calling for Yuki. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Thorn moved in to check the body on the ground and for a moment she grabbed onto his arm... blood bubbling over her lips as she whispered pleadingly into his ear, "Help us..." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> A surge of high elven magic swept out in a circle as Echo's body vanished, waving over the group with such power that it burned their flesh. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Wren stumbled back, "That was powerful magic... high elven... like that of a mythal." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Left with the scraps of their names and the whisper from Erevin's bow of a city called Myth Taryn... all other evidence of their existence was gone... vanished. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Wren shook her head, "Myth Taryn was an old city from the western half of the continent, but it disappeared a long time ago. I know little beyond that... but perhaps a loremaster among the elves of Evermeet or even The Gray Cloak Hills would know more as I think they were closer to it." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Yuki healed everyone, and exhausted they laid down to try and sleep again. Wren, Kale, and Mali took watch. Clouds started to roll in. Mali glanced up at the sky, pointing to draw Wren's gaze. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> The witch shook her head, "That doesn't look natural, Mali." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> The clouds darkened and formed a dark tornado that coalesced into a smiling dark-haired man. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Wren's eyes narrowed slightly, "Harbinger..." She scooted closer to the priestess, watching over her sleeping body. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "You look so concerned, Wren," he smiled at her, spreading his arms wide, "After all that we've been through." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Memories came rushing back into the witch's head of the washed up shore in Lyrabar... where he had tried to drown her friend... she suddenly remembered <span style="color: #000000; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">sitting over <span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Harbinger <span style="color: #000000; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> deciding how much she should try to revive him when his eyes had snapped open... and the sound of his shadowy voice in her ears, “Why, Miss Dreamspinner<span style="color: #000000; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">, so gallant!” She remembered him pulling her in close and the press of his lips on hers... She remembered reaching back to slap him… before her memory was taken... but now... now it was all back. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Wren's voice was a hissing whisper, "Bastard!" Her eyes narrowed further as she glared at him, "AND you stole my memory?" <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"I didn't want to ruin you for your other man there," Shar's chosen nodded toward Kale, and gestured in a circle, his voice flooded with arrogant charm, "Otherwise you'd be perpetually comparing my kiss to his." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Wren burst out laughing, "That's almost adorable that you think so highly of yourself." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"I do," he nodded to her in agreement. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"I know," she replied without hesitation. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> He gestured to the sleeping priestess, "I have come for Yuki." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "Have you now?" Wren raised an eyebrow, "And what makes you think that we'll just let you take her?" <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "Oh I'm sure I could convince her to come with me... being the dark and brooding type," he winked at her. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Wren frowned and let her gaze fall worriedly over her friend... he was right... Yuki would likely go if he asked... her eyes returned to the shadowy man in front of her, "Sadly... you probably could." She nodded, but stayed protectively between the two. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "However..." Harbinger began... the sound of their conversation starting to drift to the ears of the others around the campfire. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Thorn rolled over mumbling in his sleep and Erevin and Posy awoke to the sound of voices. Erevin began pulling his armor on, tapping Shri lightly on the shoulder, "It's one of those nights apparently." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Harbinger continued talking to Wren, "I didn't come alone this time." Kale and Mali watched the conversation silently, staying ready to back up the witch should there be a need. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "Oh... you made a friend?" Wren raised an eyebrow. The clouds broke in the sky above them and the flood of light filled the area for miles! Winged angels poured down through the light to arrive in front of them. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Wren shielded her eyes and the glare roused Thorn from his slumber, "Who killed me in my sleep? ...I think I'm in Heaven... How did I end up here?!" <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Wren smiled back at him, "I think they came to us... we're not //there//." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Standing 9 feet tall with four wings, the angels before them exuded good and power. The group stood up together to meet them. The highest of the archangels... these were not just some half-blooded children of the gods... these were likely the chosen of the gods, and the only way that they themselves could travel to the living world. One of them stepped forward, a beautiful human appearing woman with flowing red hair and flawless skin. She wore pink and red armor emblazoned with the symbols of Sune. Behind her an elven male in gold and white wore a bow and sword and the symbol of Corellian. Another was dressed in blue and white, was scholarly in appearance and wore the symbol of Mystra's white star. A dusky drow with pale hair wore a gossamer moonlight robe and wore the symbol of Eilistraee. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Shri and Erevin went to their knees and Wren swept low with a graceful curtsy, welcoming them. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Thorn sought shadowy refuge from all the good and Harbinger nodded to him, whispering, "It's okay... you can stand by me." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "Hold me!" Thorn hid behind him. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "For the peeping that we did together... I will do this for you," Harbinger nodded to him with a smile before watching the group. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "Thank you," Thorn whispered and nodded from behind him, briefly considering inspecting the shadowy man's pockets for him now that he was calmer... he changed his mind and nodded, "Think of all the good times we had." He recalled the scene of the balcony above the bath house where all of the girls had been completely naked in the waters below. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> The archangel of Sune stepped closer to Yuki, who was now sitting up and rubbing her eyes sleepily, "Rise, my daughter." The young priestess blinked up at the overly bright angelic woman and pointed to herself a little in disbelief before standing up. Sune nodded to her with an approving smile, "You are as lovely as ever." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> The archangel of Corellian stepped forward, giving a brief nod to Wren and acknowledging her, "Lady of the Mist." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><span style="display: inline !important; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">The elven witch smiled, suppressing her surprise at such a titled acknowledgement, and curtsied gracefully, acknowledging him, "Lord Corellian." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><span style="display: inline !important; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">The god of elves continued on, striding to Erevin, "Things have changed, my son... simple woodsman." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><span style="display: inline !important; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Erevin looked up from his knees, "Speak thy will and it will be done." He bowed his head. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><span style="display: inline !important; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Ghaunadaur has begun his assault. Even now he has rent the fabric of the planes and his creatures pour into the heavens. The veil between worlds has been weakened," Corellian paused, looking around accusingly at all of the members of Destiny's Chosen Heroes before continuing, "Ghaunadaur //here// is only a lesser god... but his power is far more incredible than we ever thought. //Something// is giving him a lot more power. We are marshaling the armies of Heaven." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><span style="display: inline !important; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Erevin stood and nodded to him with conviction, "What must we do?" <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><span style="display: inline !important; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"You must find the source that is giving him power and stop it," the archangel replied. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><span style="display: inline !important; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"His agents?" Wren asked. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><span style="display: inline !important; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Or that sphere with all of the tentacles in it," Erevin nodded to her. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><span style="display: inline !important; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Corellian looked at him with great curiosity, "Of what do you speak?" <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><span style="display: inline !important; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"While aboard the ship Destiny traversing the Astral Sea... there is a sphere that writhes with the power of Ghaunadaur," Erevin explained, "It is not far from //here//, but it is between worlds." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><span style="display: inline !important; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"We are of //this// world and do not know of what you speak of... but we do know there //are other// worlds out there," Corellian nodded. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><span style="display: inline !important; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"There are many," Erevin nodded in agreement. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><span style="display: inline !important; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Corellian continued, "Ghaunadaur exists //here//... so whatever it is is not likely //Ghaunadaur//, but something of the same aspects. While the gods exist in their own... spheres... as you call them. The concepts of those gods are larger than that. There is always hate... love... war... where there are mortals." The archangel paused for a moment and then continued, "If this //sphere// that you speak of is //powering// him... then you must find a way to stop it." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><span style="display: inline !important; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"It will be done," Erevin nodded without hesitation. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><span style="display: inline !important; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Thorn looked over at the elven ranger like he must be out of his mind! How were //we// supposed to stop a //sphere// of writhing tentacles?! <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> Still standing behind Harbinger, Thorn watched him grow in size and form 4 black wings from his back. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> Corellian continued, addressing the group, "The armies of Heaven and... some lower places," he glanced briefly to the shadowy chosen of Shar, "will fight Ghaunadaur to our last breath. It is in //all// of our interests. That is //our// battle and //our// responsibility as the powers of this world." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> Harbinger nodded in agreement, "Shar seeks nothingness... The Void. The return to the calm quiet of the blackness. Ghaunadaur does //not// offer that. He offers unending corruption and chaos. None will //die// under Ghaunadaur's rule. It will be //unending// //torment//." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> Something that he himself must be awfully familiar with, Wren thought as her gaze fell on the shadowy winged figure, "We can not allow that to happen." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> "We will see this done," Erevin nodded, again adding faithful creed to the accepted quest.

<span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> The solar that looked like Sune extended a hand down to Yuki, pulling her off of her knees, "You are needed, daughter, it is time for you to reclaim your place in the Heavens as Sune's daughter, and fight at her side. Your quest for love... can wait." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> The priestess of Sune glanced over at Harbinger, and seemed about to speak. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> The archangel of Mystra gestured into the air, pulling Axton surprised and confused from his place in Lyrabar, "And you, my son, must also return." The solars of Sune and Mystra laid their hands on Yuki and Axton, sprouting blue and white wings from Axton's back and pink and white wings from Yuki's. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> Wren moved swiftly across the campsite to wrap her arms around the woman who was once a simple priestess and her friend. She hugged her tightly and then nodded bravely as she released her, "We'll keep fighting down here. Good luck up there." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> "I'm sure I'll see you again," Yuki nodded to her, and then added, "...not that I want you to die." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> "Thanks?" Wren looked at her confused for a moment, and then taking on the full realization that Yuki wouldn't be back... if she was to ever see her again, it would be when she herself walked the heavens. She nodded, quickly walking back to Kale and wiping her cheek as she glanced up into the air, watching Sune and Mystra leave with their children. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Yuki took Axton's hand as they rose towards the shining crack in the sky, and she gripped it tightly "You'll be with me...right?" <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> "Always..." He smiled at her in return <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Memories of Yuki flitted through each of those left behind as they rose in the sky. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">For Wren....the countless walks along the stream in Heroes Rest...the girl chats talking about love and men. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">For Erevin...her body draped in white silks...her ultimate sacrifice and the way she looked at him..and what could have been. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">For Thorn....chasing after him dressed only in a towel...waving a fragrant bar of rose soap and demanding that he stop and face her punishment. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">For Posy...braiding her hair along with the other girls and fussing over her clothing. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">And for Mali...giving her advice on what to do with the barbarian brothers...and picking up lacy bits from the clothing shop.

"My son," Corellian looked back to Erevin, "You know what you have to do. She can not stay here." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> Wren's head whipped over to look at the angel of white and gold... he was asking them to send Destiny away, "But we'll need her to get to the sphere that you want us to destroy. We can't get there any other way." The witch shook her head. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> He looked to her and nodded, "She will return when you need her for //that//." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> "So... send her away in the meantime," Wren nodded, wiping another stray tear. She had come to think of Destiny not only as their home... but as a friend. That comforting presence where they all belonged. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> "She should have already left," he nodded to her and addressed the group, "She stays... for all of //you//." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> "We will see it done," Erevin nodded to him with a heavy heart. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> "We will miss her... she is a friend," Wren spoke quietly and leaned softly against the elven warrior beside her. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> "She has done so much for us," Erevin nodded in agreement. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> "It will be hard to convince her," Corellian warned with a nod. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> "Maybe not," Erevin whispered softly. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> Corellian and Harbinger followed after Sune and Mystra, leaving behind only one... the dusky drow wrapped in sheer moonlight. Eilistraee sashayed with grace over to lift Shri from her knees. She nodded to Erevin who was standing next to the drow priestess. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> He bowed graciously, "My Lady." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> She smiled at both of them, "What you are doing is indeed dangerous, and I cannot take away the one who has staved off the danger of death so many times without giving you something in return." Eilistraee turned to the dark-skinned woman before her, "Will you take some of my power, Shri?" <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> Erevin and Shri exchanged a look of surprise. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> The angelic drow continued, "You will become more than you are now... but it will complicate things." Her words came as a warning as she looked back and forth between her priestess and her ranger. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> Mali looked on, squinting her eyes, "How does it get more complicated than an elf and a drow?" <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> Erevin smiled over at the halfling and nodded to Shri, "She would become the High Priestess of Eilistraee." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> "Ohhhh," the red-headed druidess nodded, "Okay... that // is // more complicated." She continued to watch, pulling an apple from her pack and munching on it. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> Shri nodded to the angelic woman before her, "Whatever you will, my goddess." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> The towering Eilistraee took Shri into her arms, embracing her, and kissed her like a passionate lover. Her four dusky wings wrapped around them, covering Shri completely from view until the solar released her... gone were the dark leathers that the priestess once wore, replaced now by gossamer robes that shimmered in the light of the moon. Shri's eyes changed as well, shining a silvery white like moonlight. Eilistraee lifted into the air, following after the others, and the hole in the sky closed behind her. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Motes of light still sparkled on the ground where they had been standing and they coalesced together to form a tiny chute that grew quickly among the colors representing the gods present... blue... pink... gold... silver... and purple... The group stepped back as the growing chute became an odd looking tree with bright colorful leaves.... again in the blue, pink, gold, silvery, and purple shades left by the gods. The whole now enormous tree shined brightly for a long moment... probably bright enough that the people in Lyrabar and most of the country of Impiltur could see it. The light faded, leaving the colorful tree dusky in the dark except for the silvery leaves that seemed to shine in the moonlight. Shri's bright eyes faded back to normal and she shook her head for a moment. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Erevin looked her over with concern, "Are you alright?" <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> She nodded, "I feel... great... as a matter of fact." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "Is it still //you//?" He asked a little more tentatively, continuing to look her over. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "I think everything is in order," Shri answered thoughtfully and then smiled invitingly, "but you should probably check me closer..." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Erevin grinned and pulled her into his arms... checking her closer. Her memory seemed perfectly normal and she seemed as she was with the exception of the outfit change. His moonblade hummed near her and glowed a little brighter. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> When Erevin released her and the timing seemed more appropriate, Wren walked over to her, giving her a sweeping bow, "Congratulations, Lady Shri... I can't wait for our next dance in the moonlight." She smiled playfully and winked. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "Yeah..." Erevin nodded in agreement, his thoughts drifting to the beautiful drow beside him dancing anew in the light of the moon. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "Does this mean I'm going to have to keep you all alive?" Shri looked over the group and sighed, her shoulders looking heavier under the new weight. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "Yes," Erevin nodded to her and teased her, "You never were good with a bow anyway." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "I was as good as you at one point," She replied defiantly. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Thorn looked over the group... looked up at the big tree and the sky above it... "This was the most bizarre evening I've ever had in my entire life... I'm going back to sleep." He straightened out his bedroll muttering, "I swear if I get woke up one more time... I'll... no... you just don't want to know." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "Who can sleep?" Erevin blinked at him. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> The rest of the evening was quiet and uninterrupted. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> In the morning, the new tree was alive with life! Squirrels and birds were everywhere in the branches. Young foxes leapt playfully around it's roots. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "Oh look, Inali," Wren pointed to the tree, "You could pick a boyfriend!" <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "Boyfriend?" The black fox looked sleepily over at the tree and noticed the roaming wildlife all over it, "Hey..." She nodded. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Wren nodded to her, "We'll be leaving shortly... so you'd better go pick one that you like and have your fun." She winked at her. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "I've been living my whole life around witches," Inali nodded to her, "I can work fast. Just give me some tea." She bounded off to play with the other foxes around the tree. Wren laughed and watched her go. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Erevin stretched in the morning light and looked over at Shri, lying next to him, "So what //did// she mean that it's going to complicate things?" <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Shri replied thoughtfully, "I got the feeling that she may call upon me more often to do her will." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "Like you would have said no anyway," Erevin shook his head and shrugged. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "True," she nodded, "but I am more capable of doing her will now and so what may be asked of me may tend to be more... grave... fortunately celibacy isn't a thing when serving Eilistraee." She winked at him, lightening the mood. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "Little late for that," He nodded, grinning. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Wren laughed and looked over to Shri, "I seen the way that she kissed you... I don't think there is any such word as celibacy there... and I would be happy to assist when you are called." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Everyone went over things we still had on our list to do while they ate breakfast... <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> * Stop the world from ending... including saving Myth Coramanth from destruction... though a great blow had been dealt to that plan already with the rescue of Raven which stopped the mythal from being shut down. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> * Help to win the war in the Heavens... Restore Liera to her proper God status... Destroy the tentacle sphere or sever the link between it and Ghaunadaur. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> * Stop the Dungeon World from spreading in our world <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> * Echo Quest... "Please help us..." - Myth Taryn. Bora Silkenmoon. Mina Brightsun. Calla Arcslayer. Shora Gutripper. Thera Stoneshield. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> * The Black Mark <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> * Handle the Red Fungus... Destroy the Red Lord - Ghaunadaur's 2nd agent ... Mali's quest with the unicorn's son. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> * The Mother - Ghaunadaur's third agent. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> * Drow and the Mindbreaker (who is dead?) ... and the drow trouble in Lyrabar <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> * The Dragon Council... Magmadon Sun-Ember and his wife, Yuria - both also associated with the Mindbreaker  <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> * Finish up with the destruction of the spider brain of Crucible - Silvermane in Lyrabar. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> * Rescue Parula <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> * Remove Destiny from the world... (Nooooooo! Cry!)  <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> * Kin for Posy! Speak with her relatives... they may have important information! And they miss their Posy! <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Erevin and Thorn exchanged a glance and the elf turned to Wren, "By the way... why did Corellian call you... Lady of the mist?" <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "What?" Wren blinked and looked at them both innocently, "You don't remember Liera? I'm sure I've mentioned the goddess that grants my power... how her rightful divine power as the goddess of lies was stolen by Ciric... and how I'm trying to restore her." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "You're a liar?! And you're just mentioning this now?!" Thorn blinked at her in shock. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Wren laughed and shook her head, "No, no... I see the lies of others... and I've mentioned it before... . But you remember the keys and the mask that we found... those are for her." She looked to Erevin and Shri, "You two were there for the first, I think everyone was there for the mask," she gestured to the mirrored mask she often wore, and then turned to Mali and Thorn, "And you two assisted with the last ... so I'm sure I've mentioned it. Surely you remember..." She nodded again. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Thorn stared at her, wondering if everything she said was a lie. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "Witches..." Erevin shook his head. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "Maybe she's lying about //that// and she's not really a witch at all!" Thorn blinked at him, "And maybe she just //looks// like an elf!" <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "I remember it," Kale nodded to Wren and she sank against him, comforted that she wasn't going crazy and thanked him before looking up at him skeptically, "Wait... you're not lying to me, are you?" <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> He smiled and shook his head. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "This is the first I remember hearing the name Liera..." Erevin shook his head, trying to remember. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Wren nodded, "Well she doesn't really care for her name to be spoken aloud, so I don't talk about her much. I mean she's about lies... It's my job to hide her." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Erevin shook his head again, "Witches..." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Everyone moved through the Gray Forest like it was enemy territory, using great caution. Erevin was the first to notice movement in the trees before a young wood elven man leapt out to greet them. His skin was coppery and his hair looked like autumn leaves. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> He nodded with a slight bow of greeting to Erevin, "Moon elf, brother." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "Brother of the woodlands," Erevin returned his slight bow greeting, "How are you?" <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "We are well," he nodded, calling back in the trees with a bird-like call that summoned other wood elves to nearly melt out of the trees, "Traveling to the wood?" he asked Erevin. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> The elven prince nodded, "Aye. Our business is two-fold. We seek a coven of witches that we've been told live here..." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "Ah, the Rose Briars," the wood elf nodded, "They are some distance from our people and they do not bother us. They are involved in their own strange human rituals. We are traveling east out of the wood... did you see it, brother?" his voice was full of awe and there was no doubt of what they sought. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Erevin nodded, "Indeed. We were there." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "The light in the sky," the wood elf nodded, "We seen it from the top of our treetops. We feel the pull of Corellian and we must all go and see." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "It is a magnificent tree," Erevin nodded. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "Ohh!" the wood elves gathered closer, curious and excited, "A tree?" <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Erevin nodded, "It's many colors represent the Gods that were involved. There is a war in heaven currently." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> The wood elves seemed skeptical, but were still interested in going to see the tree. Whispers and nervous glances fell on Shri until they noticed her holy symbol of Eilistraee and relaxed a bit. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> The wood elf nodded and made an offer, "We will travel on to see this tree that you spoke of... but one of us could remain behind to serve as a guide to the Rose Briars." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "If you have the manpower," Erevin nodded, "It would be a welcome thing." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "No offense, but we do not live in the great cities like Myth Coramanth or the Gray Cloak Hills... we are a small tribe among many... simple woodsmen," the wood elf nodded. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "No offense taken," Erevin shook his head, "There is a great solace to be held within the trees. I understand... the second reason we are here is a number of our elven brethren have fled these lands plagued by drow.." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "We have seen them," the wood elf nodded, "They are clumsy in the wood. Their time underground has upset their proper order of things. The wind in the trees... the call of the birds and movements of animals within. They try to stalk // us //, but it is we who stalk // them // ." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "Where are the vermin?" Erevin asked. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "We killed several of them," the wood elf nodded, "but they seem to leave us alone now. We don't see them anymore...they have moved on to easier prey." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> The elven ranger nodded, "Kill all that you see." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Wren quickly added, "Except that one," and gestured to Shri. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "I'd like to stay alive," the drow priestess nodded to the witch. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "We recognize you, daughter of Eilistraee," the wood elves nodded to her in greeting. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "If there's anything I can offer you... then please," Erevin nodded to them. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "We would share a meal with you before we travel on," the wood elves nodded... Hair of blonde, and brown, and green with jewel colored eyes. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "That would be a welcome thing," Erevin agreed. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> The two groups made a camp together discussing matters and sharing food. It was clear that they did not venture out of the woods, but they perked up with recognition at the mention of the red fungus. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "We have heard it is dangerous," the wood elves agreed, "Fortunately it has not touched our land, but we heard that it fell the mighty unicorn... the King of the Forest." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "King of the Forest?" Wren blinked in surprise. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Erevin nodded, "We seek the Prince." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "If you travel to the west and then north from where the lichen is... I have heard that the Prince stalks... looking for the killer of his father," the wood elf nodded. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "Then we shall go and aid him," Erevin nodded. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> When asked about dragon flights, the wood elves shook their heads, "We have not seen any dragon flights overhead in several years... there was once a green here in the forest, but he went to join the giants and armies attacking the city. He never returned, so we assumed he perished while attacking the humans." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "Likely," Erevin nodded, "You should beware of a magma dragon... it lives far up to the northeast, but should you see it or it's brethren, give it a wide berth." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "It has been fairly quiet here. As I've said, the witches have kept to themselves and the giants and vermin that attacked the city perished... which depopulated their kind from this area for the last several years," the wood elves nodded. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "Then this forest is indeed in her quiet time," Erevin nodded. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "I wish you a good journey," the wood elf nodded saying their farewells, "We shall leave you Bronzeleaf to lead you on to the Rose Briars and then return to us." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "Thank you," Erevin nodded his appreciation and welcomed the younger sylvan. His hair was bright green like a new spring chute from the earth. As the others continued on to the east, Bronzeleaf led the group off of the giant's road into the thick forest. The forest was peaceful and not quite as thick as that of Rawlinswood. The young wood elf was surprised at the ease that the "city elves", gnome, and halflings traveled the wood. The smell of sweet roses wafted up as he led them down to a small valley to a cleft between two larger hills... the passage was filled with rose bushes, covering the hill and beyond with full blooming roses. The scent was overwhelming, and yet Erevin picked up the faint smell of ash mixed in... though there was no sign of smoke or anything burning. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Bronzeleaf nodded to the group, and gestured to the passage, "Here you are. As we have said... the witches do not bother us and we do not bother them, so I will take my leave here." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "We appreciate your guidance," Erevin nodded to him, gifting him a ghost touch bow from his pack. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "This is a princely gift," the young sylvan nodded in surprise. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "Suitable for a good guide then," Erevin smiled, "Use it well." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "You are welcome to come to our village if you make passage to the west. We would be glad to entertain you. We may seem rustic to most... we live simple," he nodded before disappearing into the trees. Erevin led the group into the passage, Wren not too far behind. The passage was narrow and roses grew almost into an archway. As Erevin moved forward, it almost seemed that the rose vine was alive and a thorn pricked into his skin, igniting under his flesh! The ranger quickly pulled it from his arm, only to find that it turned to ash. He discarded, glancing back to Wren, "Great... Witch shit." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "//Evil// witches," she nodded, "Let's be more specific." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Jerrandis, who had been quiet since his death, tilted his head at Wren, "There's another kind?" <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> She turned and glowered at him with a heavy sigh, reiterating herself once again, "There are //good// witches." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Erevin shook his head behind her. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "How come Erevin says no?" he blinked at her, "Who's lying and who's telling the tru... didn't you say worshiped a liar god?" He scrunched up his face in skepticism. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Wren laughed and shook her head as the others nodded around her. She sighed, gesturing to the group, "You are not helping my cause here." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "That's because you're a liar..." Erevin shrugged. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "I am not a liar... I find the lies of others," she nodded. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "Isn't that what a liar would say?" Jerrandis asked her. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "You're a liar in league with dragons," Erevin nodded to her. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "Dragons themselves are rotten dirty cheating liars," Mali chimed in. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "Hey!" Kale glanced at Mali and slipped an arm around Wren, nodding to the witch, "I believe you." <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "Thank you," Wren melted against him, laying her head on his shoulder. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "He's a //dragon//," Erevin gestured at him. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "Yeah, //he's// a liar too," Posy chimed in. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "Oh for goodness sake!" Wren threw her arms into the air at all of their teasing. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "And his sister is a //hot// liar!" Thorn nodded with a mischievous grin. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "Who likes to get into the sack," Posy nodded to him. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "Don't you start too," Kale shook his head at her. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> A vine creaked among the rose bushes that silenced the group. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Thorn glanced at Wren, "So these witches don't know that hex... the one that rips wounds open when someone deals damage with a hand to hand weapon... right?" <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "It's a very powerful hex, so... odds are slim that //all// of them would know it... but it's possible some might," Wren nodded. <span style="color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "Oh!" the young witch hunter pulled his manual, looking up known hexes, "They can give you misfortune... an evil eye... they can do all sorts of nasty things!"