Company+of+the+Phoenix+Session+13

**10-14-2016** ** The Unsurpassable Lock, A Visit From a Drow, and A Return to Suzail **

 Anuul and Alix were still guarding the entrance.  Charlemagne, and Karlissa stayed behind in the forge area to watch the passages in case there were any other of these strange grey dwarves in the area.  Tiri, Alaric , Nalen , and Raine moved deeper into the ancient dwarven ruins.

The small group moved over the expansive bridge, viewing the river of lava far below them. Waves of heat washed up to greet them. They approached the double doors with caution, Tiri weaving magic to help her find any traps. Finding them unlocked, Nalen stepped in front of Tiri to enter first. He stopped as quickly as he stepped in as the floor had fully given way... with the room collapsed into a cavern below. Sunbeams streamed through the wall showing off the ruins at the bottom.

"Looks like we're tying ropes," Tiri glanced below and then over to Alaric, "Unless you can somehow magic us down." "Well... I could, but I'm choosing not to," the golden haired sorcerer replied. Rhain turned to him questioningly, "You can magic people down?" "Certainly," he nodded, "But I can not yet magic us back up." "That could be a problem," the young swashbuckler agreed. "Ropes it is then," Tiri nodded, pulling more from her pack. and tying it off securely. Nalen helped her, tying off a second rope just in case.

It was a slow descent, but the four of them made it down using a great deal of caution. Dust floated in the beams of sunlight. Ruined, crumbled stone and ancient furniture was jumbled about. Alaric lit the dragon sculptured sphere on the top of his staff, lighting the room in a golden fire.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">An enormous ornate double doorway was mostly cleared of debris, but it was set with a strange and elaborate lock. As their focus remained studying the doorway, the sand behind them erupted! Whirling blades spun in the air, one of them striking the blue-haired priestess to splash her blood on the others! <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Tiri screamed in pain, "Alaric! Forget the door!" <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">The other three spun around to see a dwarven construct of a sand dervish ... It wore robes of a silvery white cloth and wielded two wide curved blades. Glowing eyes peered out from it's helm, and gearwheels clicked as he moved.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Nalen charged the contraption, putting himself between Tiri and danger, but his blade clanged against it's armor. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">The dervish slashed the paladin twice as it danced and whirled in the sand! <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Alaric sent out a powerful blast of fire to scorch to metallic like skin. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Rhain blinked in shock, "What the hell is that?!" She wove into the battle, but missed with her blade. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Tiri took a step back and sent out a small aura, healing herself and her companions. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">The paladin healed more of his own wounds, and struck at the construct again with his massive greatsword only again to clang against dervish's armor.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">The dervish whirled it's double blades to slash and pierce into the paladin again, blood pooling in the sand around him! <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Alaric released a barage of magic missiles from his wand into the fierce and swift beast! <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Rhain wove around to flank the dervish, striking her thin blade through it's shoulder joint and ripping out part of it's wiring! <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Sparks flashed from the dervish as it's gears clunked louder and it moved slower. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Tiri laid her hands on the back of the paladin, healing more of his horrific wounds. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Nalen, still heavy with wounds, missed again with his greatsword... it's weight almost more than he could wield. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">The dervish drove one of it's blades deep into the paladin, blood coated Nalen's armor as he barely remained standing.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"> Alaric moved up and pierced his spear into the dervish as Rhain finished it off with another deep shot of her blade. As Tiri worked on healing up Nalen's wounds, Alaric looked over the area for magic, picking up the dervish's two scimatars as well as the expensive silver-like mesh suit. He also took the clockwork head!

Fairly safe, Nalen stood guard while the others went back to study the door. The lock was intricate, needing 3 different keys. Searching the construct and the crumbled ruins of the room, Tiri managed to find one of the oddly shaped keys inscribed with dwarven runes and the letters NS, but they had to eventually turn away to attempt to find 2 more keys. They returned to the ropes and made the slow climb back to the top.

At the top with the floor dropped out, the room had another set of doors... but there wasn't enough crumbling ledge to make it to them. Alaric wove a magical opening spell on the doors. One of them opened and the other fell to the rubble below, but they could see a large room beyond the doors that seemed more intact. Still... they were unable to reach the doors and were forced to turn back.

Unable to push forward, the group went back through the pathways. They didn't find any other keys, but they managed to collect some gold and statuettes on their way back through, picking up Charlemagne and Karlissa on their way. They rejoined Alix and Anuul outside and returned to Eveningstar. Bonarue, one of the warmage's under Nilyniel was still in the city. Alaric filled her in on everything they found, including the black lantern and the history he knew of it. Bonarue nodded, "From the lich once known as High Lord Collen... This is disturbing indeed. Thank you for your service."

Tiri and Alaric did some research on the ancient dwarven ruins to find that it was once part of the dwarven clan of the Ember Anvils. Against the wishes of the clan leader, a highly intelligent and enterprising craftsman was intent upon leaving some sort of secret for his children. He transformed a wing into his workshop, creating something called the prismatic ori. It was supposed to contain the secrets of the universe for his son, Nex Soulbringer. Alaric recalled a dwarven craftsman who did work for the nobles in Suzail who might know more.

The group traveled on to Arabel, staying at Nalen's estate. Everyone made their way to the bath house. Alaric was stretched out, enjoying a steaming hot bath. As he reached for his loofah, a dark hand held it out to him. He looked up to see a young drow face who nodded to him, "M'lord." She was dressed in only a towel. "Lady Quarelle ," Alaric smiled at her, "You are quite risque to appear here in the men's baths... are you here to scrub my back? or...?" A slow smile crept over her face, "Well I'm not here to cut your throat." "To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?" he questioned her, "Of did you just come to enjoy the bath?" He scooted over to make room for her. She slid into the bath next to him, leaving the towel on the floor.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"> Still carrying the loofah in her hand, she began gently scrubbing the charismatic sorcerer's back, "So you've just come into town then?" "We just returned from investigating the crypt where the undead were coming from," he answered, leaning forward as she scrubbed and occasionally continued to raise the temperature of the bath. She nodded, squeezing the sponge to run warm water down over his shoulders, "And what did you discover?" "Someone had stolen the black lantern of High Lord Collen... and was using it to draw undead to the area," he replied, looking back over his shoulder to meet with her sultry eyes. "For what purpose do you think?" she leaned in closer, her silky wet skin brushing against his. "Probably to cause chaos and terror in Evening star... thus Cormyr as a wholle... and quite possibly to free this high lord," he answered. "You do not think that the orcs are responsible for this?" she questioned as she gently gathered his golden hair into one of her dark skinned hands.

"No... the orcs seemed to take advantage of an opportunity... it did not seem that they were on a united front," he shook his head, trusting in her hands as she ran the rough loofah around his neck, "Although it is possible... if the leader behind the orcs is somehow wielding both with little care for either party... though I still don't believe the orcs themselves know anything about it. After we return to Suzail to check in with Nilyniel and attend to Tiri's brother and some other matters, we plan to go to Tiri's homeland to see if we can perhaps find where the orcs are coming from and why... Unless the battlemage has other uses for us." "Certainly Nilyniel has her workings," Quarrelle nodded, releasing his golden strands of hair from her delicate fingers. Alaric nodded, "I don't know if she will want to return the lantern to it's rightful location or not..." "I don't know why she wouldn't... but again, she has her own mechanations," the young drow nodded, running the loofah down to his lower back, "I do know that the good king has sent letters across the globe to Kings and Queens alike requesting information or aid for the elven hero's predicament."

"We have no other evidence of these assassins... these shades... in Cormyr. This lantern may be something that they would do, but we have found no evidence of that," he nodded, "But again... it is a black fire lantern." Quarrelle nodded, "It is singular in it's design... and centuries old." "Shar does use darkness... but I don't want to unnecessarily join the two... Not all things dusky are evil," he smiled back over his shoulder, taking in her bare dusky skin. She smiled, "I knew there was a reason I chose you... you are a charmer." Her slender arms draped over his broad chest, warm water running down over both of their skin. He looked a little nervously toward the women's side of the baths where giggling voices could be heard among splashing.

"Whoever has done this has made an enemy that they did not bargain for," Quarrelle continued, gliding her silky hands in combination of the rough loofah over his skin, "The King is..." "Most upset, I can imagine... not only over the elven hero... but the assassination attempt on not only his own life, but his daughter's betrothed," Alaric nodded, relaxing back into the drow woman's caresses as he again raised temperature of the water. She nodded her agreement. "And how are the princesses?" he asked, turning toward her. Her dark eyes fluttered to meet his as she smiled, "Any one in particular?" The young nobleman paused for a long moment, "It would be unwise for the hunter to let his prey be known..." He smiled at her. "His prey, he says," a soft laughter in her voice. "All of the princesses are beautiful, don't you think?" he asked her. "I do, but my fancy still..." her words trailed off into a whisper, and then she leaned closer... her warm breath against his ear, "But I know that she's been busy..." "Busy with?" his interest perked. "Oh, you know him," she smiled, still lingering close, her slender fingers on the back of his neck. "He hasn't fallen off his horse... or ate some bad shellfish?" Alaric sighed disappointedly. "Unfortunately not... would you like me to arrange such a thing?" she smiled. "That wouldn't be sporting... it is only proper for the hunter to crush his own competition," he replied. "Now that's my man talking," her bare skin pressed against his back as she moved around to his other ear, "I can tell you that she does not relish his company... but he is relentless." "And he is there while I am off saving the kingdom... it is so hard being the hero," he sighed. "Indeed," she nibbled on his ear, "You deserve a fine woman... With Lord Wyvernspur singing your fine praises, it will be hard for her not to seek you out when you return." "I can only do what I do in the name of Cormyr," he nodded. "And we're so lucky to have you," her sultry voice caressed his ear.

He turned toward her, "And what of you? Where are you going?" "My mistress commands me to look into this orc invasion. We've received information that they may be being pushed from the west," she answered. "From the desert?" he asked with surprise. She nodded, her silver hair now draping over his shoulder, "Many have gathered along the mountain range of the Eastern Stormhorns ... and given their provisions and their dress, they have come from Anauroch ... but what has driven them from there in such numbers we still aren't sure." "You have found evidence in what they carry and their gear of this?" Alaric asked. "Yes, they are changing gear before they attack Cormyr... but in the mountain range we have found evidence that they are coming from the desert," she nodded. Alaric nodded, "We were going to head to Tilverton, has there been any word from there?" "No... not with us," she shook her head, her chin resting on his shoulder as his head leaned back against hers. "We lost contact with two good agents there." "Well... perhaps we could meet you near Tilverton after we go to Suzail," he offered. "I could meet you in Tilverton," she agreed, "How long will you be?" "Probably 2 weeks," he replied, "And you should probably turn around... fair is fair." He continued to increase the heat of the baths. "I would not object m'lord," she dropped the loofah into his hand and turned around. He gently scrubbed the loofah over her smooth dark skin, and rubbed an oil into her shoulders... his long gold claws careful not scratch her. "You are more than meets the eye," she smiled, glancing at his scaled fingers and claws.

Tiri and Rhain coaxed Anuul into the warm baths on the other side, giggling as the priestess foamed up the kitsune's fur. Alaric's voice wafted from the other side, "I think you're supposed to grope each other and compare chest sizes." "That sounds just like a Goldsword," Rhain shook her head, "He was always trying to get into the girls's room, went on and on with stories about three at a time..." "Those are lies!" the sorcerer yelled back. "He's such a pervert!" the young swashbuckler accused him. "Well that might be true..." he replied "No wonder you got beat up when you were younger," Tiri shook her head. "I'm going to go beat him up right now," she wrapped a towel around herself and strode past the curtain with purpose only to quickly come back, covering her eyes, "He's not alone over there!" Tiri blinked, "Who is he with?" "I didn't look!" Rhain exclaimed. The three girls went on to enjoy nice hot baths with fragranced soaps and fluffy towels.

Tiri was dressed in a short fluffy robe still combing out her long blue hair as she stepped into the main hall of the bath house to bump into Alaric who looked very relaxed. "You look like you enjoyed your bath," she smiled at him. "Ahh the baths here in Eveningstar are always just the right temperature," he nodded to her. "I thought they were a little hot," she looked at her pink skin. "Exactly," he nodded, "Just the right temperature." She picked a strand of Anuul's hair out of her own as she combed it, "Who knew someone could have so much hair." "I can imagine," he nodded, picturing the kitsune's fur covered body, "Oh... and our young drow friend stopped by." "Here? In the baths?" the priestess questioned him with surprise. "She is really shameless," he nodded, "But she was delivering a message that she was going up to Tilverton to investigate the orcs and that she has received information that they come from the desert side." "Rather than the forests?" Tiri tilted her head, the sound of returning home had sounded so inviting... Alaric nodded, "Perhaps we wont have to venture into Cormanthor after all. We shall see... I don't relish the thought of traveling into the desert." "That's not really my terrain... but if we must go... then we must go." Tiri nodded with disappointment, "So is Quarrelle traveling to Tilverton and coming back?" "They have lost agents there... she is going to meet us there after we go to Suzail," he nodded, "She'll be fine until then. She is quite capable. I imagine she would not be very welcome among your people." Tiri shrugged, "There are some good drow... just most aren't." "She seems to be good people," he nodded, smiling almost a little dreamily as he continued walking down the hall, a drow scent clinging lightly to his skin. "I hope so," Tiri nodded, dropping her comb into her pack and muttering something under her breath.

Dressed in a towel, Quarrelle came around the curtains. "Lady Quarrelle," the young priestess nodded to her, "How nice to see you here." The drow nodded to her, pulling an envelope from a shelf, "Would you please deliver this to your people for my lord?" Tiri accepted the envelope, looking it over with interest, "All the way to the Crescent City?" "Yes, upon your next visit... it is a request from King Azoun about your brother," she nodded to her, "He has sent others to Waterdeep... Lyrabar... and even as far as Myth Coramanth." "That's quite far!" The blue haired elven woman nodded, impressed. "They are truly puzzled by this... curse... that affects your brother," Quarrelle replied. "I will see this gets delivered," Tiri nodded, "Hopefully someone will have an answer." "That is our hope," the young drow nodded, "They've expelled all of the knowledge and magic of our warmages and scholars of our kingdom, so now we look for answers from other kingdoms." Tiri nodded gratefully, "I thank you and him for that." "Your brother has done a great service here in Cormyr... he is not only a hero to your people, but to ours as well," she nodded. "That warms my heart to hear," the young priestess nodded. "It is simple truth," the young woman nodded, "Now if you'll excuse me... I need to go cool myself." She walked away with slight claw marks on the back of her shoulders, muttering softly, "He //is// a pervert."

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"> The group went back to the inn for a light dinner and sleep. Breakfast in the morning with provisions also packed for the trip. The group of 8 companions rode with their banner of the Phoenix on to Arabel where they were met by the smell of fresh cut wood and construction as it was still being rebuilt. They received a warm welcome with Tiri and Nalen being immediately recognized. The Iron Lady was at an outpost nearby commanding masonry men and builders. She was missing her left arm from the elbow down. Tiri introduced her companions. "Tiri has sung your praises to our company," Alaric nodded to her. "She is far too kind. Her magic came to us in our darkest hour, and her name will not be forgotten here," the governor of the city smiled. "Seeing as how you are the leader here, we wanted to fill you in on the happenings in Eveningstar as we passed though," Alaric went on to tell her the story of the two separate armies attacking at once and the crypt nearby that contained the black flame lantern, "The battlemages are taking care of the rest now if you want to know more." "Those battlemages are good in a fight, aren't they?" she nodded, smiling. "Indeed they are," Alaric grinned. "They are rebuilding parts of the city... much of it was on fire," Tiri added in, "But at least they are stable." The Iron Lady sighed, "We build it up and they tear it down..." "Once we make our stop in Suzail, we'll be coming back through here to Tilverton. We've heard some folks say that's where the orcs are coming from... so we hope to cut off the flow at the source," Alaric explained. "I hadn't heard that yet," she nodded. "If indeed it is true," Alaric nodded, "It seems a better use of our skills to investigate." "May Kelemvor guide your steps," she nodded.

Nalen opted to stay in Arabel while the group would travel on to Suzail and then pick him up on their way back through to Tilverton. They all stayed the night in his estate and ate a delicious lavish meal. Some of the town guards and union leaders joined them for the feast as well as the Iron Lady. A couple of the scouts asked about Iowyn, but Tiri disappointed them with tales that her ranger friend was either still in Suzail or possibly High Moon with the gryphon riders. "Gryphon riders get all the chicks! Back in the day a fine horse was just fine," one of them sighed. Tiri laughed, "Well... it is pretty exciting to have the wind blowing in your hair like that." Tiri and Alaric got into a debate about gold and silver that continued on.... "Silver is prettier in the moonlight," Tiri argued. "But it doesn't blaze in the sun," he countered, "And gold is more highly valued... it's worth 10 silver." Anuul looked back and forth at the two, "You guys aren't really talking about gold and silver are you?" "Of course we are," Tiri nodded, her cheeks pink. "Uh uh... you're talking about that Silvermist fellow... the handsome one with the gryphons," the young kitsune insisted. Tiri laughed, "Well... he is handsome." "He's a player!" Alaric argued, "He must have had 3 women hanging on him at that bar." Rhain shrugged beside him, "Well who wouldn't hang on him?" "Oh sure... it's fine when HE does it!" Alaric argued. "Well yeah.. it's like a part of the elven culture... don't hate on his culture," Rhain countered.

Tiri laughed, "It's true... our culture is different than here." "Oh it's true, is it?" Alaric raised an eyebrow at the blue-eyed elven woman. "He's different than you... he's all very suave about having multiple women around him... you... you sort of want to collect them," she shrugged. Alaric paused for a long moment and then licked his lips, ignoring her last comment to question her further, "So... sleeping with multiple people isn't frowned on in your society?" "Well no, not at all," she shook her head. "So there wouldn't be a reason to get jealous then?" he pushed further. "Well that all depends on the situation," Tiri shrugged. "Mmm I'm learning more about elven culture as we speak," he smiled. "How many partners?" Anuul leaned in closer on the table, interested in the conversation. "How many partners?" Tiri tilted her head questioningly. "Before you get frowned upon," the kitsune nodded. "Oh... well that all depends... it's not really a number thing," Tiri shook her head, "It depends more on if a pair are actually courting or not... It's rare that a couple marries in our culture and it's quite celebrated when they do. More likely they may stay with a partner for a few months... a year... or maybe even a decade or two... or sometimes there's no commitment at all... you know just a 2 or 3 in the baths sort of thing." "When are we going to this Myth Drannor?" Anuul asked. Tiri laughed, nudging her. "Mmm I really should have taken more advantage of Quarrelle," Alaric mumbled. Tiri turned to him, shaking her head, "Oh... drow are a different story all together. I hear that drow women are the dominant in their culture." "I'll try to remember that when next we meet," he nodded. "You're such a perv," Rhain shook her head at him. "What? We were just in the baths," Alaric argued. "She was just delivering a letter, and you're trying to take advantage of a cultural difference," Rhain accused him. "It's true... you're human. Elves are different," Tiri nodded. "This is such a double standard," he shook his head.

"Are you willing to move into the forest of Cormanthor? You could possibly be accepted as a multiple partner sort of person," Tiri asked thoughtfully, "But then again... they'd still see you as human and have certain expectations." "Too many trees," Alaric shook his head. "Too... too many... trees?" Tiri looked at him shocked, "I've never heard of such a notion... there can never be too many trees." Anuul nodded with her, agreeing. "Just a lot of kindling," Alaric shrugged. "WHAT?!" Tiri had a blue tinge to her cheeks and ears and looked like she might come across the table. "We should continue on down to Suzail," he changed the subject.

Nalen went on to tell grand stories of battles, talking up his new companions. They all returned the favor, talking about how heroic he was and drinking into the night. "I love you guys!" Nalen hugged the group. Alaric leaned on Nalen, "You know... your wife wouldn't want you to mourn forever... and that Rhain is kind of pretty." "Kind of," he shook his head incredulously, suggesting he found her quite beautiful, "You want me to put a good word in for you?" Alaric shook his head, "No, no... she's quite the looker... you might want to get back on the horse... Admittedly there are a few problems with her personality...." "What did you say?!" the swashbuckler shrieked at him, throwing a candy jar at him. "Oh candy," Tiri calmly picked up a piece of candy, putting it into her mouth. "She's a thrower," Nalen blinked at her, "Okay then." "I just want you to be happy... because I love you, man," Alaric nodded to the paladin. "I love you guys!" Nalen hugged him back, the two of them sloshing back another mug of ale.

"You're a very pretty elf," Alaric stared at Tiri across the table, his cheeks blushing pink from drinking. She smiled, "Aww that's very sweet! And you're a very handsome human." "I am!" the sorcerer nodded his agreement. "You're hair sparkles gold in the light... kind of like a magnificent dragon," the priestess nodded, watching it sparkle. "What do you mean kind of?" Anuul tilted her head to peer at his hair, "It practically glows!" Tiri giggled, nudging her. "It's true... I've caught Anuul looking over me with shears in her hands in the morning," Alaric nodded. Tiri raised an eyebrow at the sorcerer, "I think maybe you dreamed that?" Anuul gasped, "You dreamt about me?!" "I know I seen you... I've got my eyes on you," Alaric nodded, suspiciously, "I think you've been imagining yourself with my gold hair." She considered it a moment, picturing herself with golden fur and a long gold mane, "You know... I didn't really want it until he said so." Tiri laughed, "You would be pretty in sparkly gold hair." "It would be hard to hide in the woods though," Anuul pondered it further. The group continued to have a good time with much to drink... Alaric paused outside of his door, gesturing to Tiri, "If if gets too loud with Anuul's snoring... you can always come sleep with me." She giggled, "I'll keep that in mind." "He's relentless," Rhain accused him as she passed them to head into her room, "He just wants some elven booty."

The following morning... it was bright and loud... until Tiri pulsed out her healing magic to relieve them all of their hangover. It was hot and bright on the ride to the next town. Tiri studied Alaric with darkened spectacles on his face, "I would like to get a pair of those...It's so bright here... it's abnormal... there's no tree canopy for cover." "Certainly," he nodded, "We'll have you fitted for them when we get to Suzail." She nodded her thanks, looking forward to trying them.

The group stayed the night in Immersea ... a city on the lake of Wyvernwater, one of the largest lakes in the area. It was a large bustling harbor town that traded often with Hultail and Sunset Hill. Coming in to town from the long hot ride in, Tiri dismounted her horse and splashed into the lake, her gossamer azure robe lying on the ground before anyone could stop her. "Ahh it's so refreshing!" she splashed Alaric on shore. He sat down to watch her swim and Rhain muttered "pervert" as she stepped around him. "I am not... there's rumors of a sea monster here... I am merely serving as her guardian," he argued. Anuul displayed her adept fishing skills as she too remained on the edge of the shore a little further down.

The group went on to stay in the inn, rumors of the sea monster having quieted. The weather had been dry and the lake was a little shallow... they were having difficulty moving ships back and forth. The wine and spices were different than Arabel. Honey and fruits and seafood.

The town drunk was screaming in the street, grabbing their arms, "The seamonster is coming! The end is nigh! I've seen it!" "What did it look like?" Tiri asked. "I didn't see all of it... it just bumped up out of the water," he explained, "But it was slithery." "Like a big snake?" she asked. "Maybe..." he nodded. "What color was it?" Alaric asked, humoring the drunk. "Dark! Maybe black... or a really really dark green... and it was big!" he exclaimed. "Maybe it was just a plant or a log," Tiri shook her head. "It was a sea monster, long ears! I'm telling you!" he argued. "Do forgive her," Alaric stepped between them, "She's from the elven forest... she wouldn't know what a sea monster looked like because they don't get them... she could probably point out a forest monster though." "The way I hear it the only thing up there is forest monsters!" the drunk exclaimed. "What?!" Tiri narrowed her eyes, taking offense that he was somehow saying elves were forest monsters. "And we're moving on," Alaric slipped an arm around the priestess guiding her away from the town drunk as she muttered angrily beside him. "Leave the poor drunk alone," Alaric patted her, "Let him stew in his own juices talking to his granddad and whatnot."

They spent the night and then moved on to Hilp, a shorter ride, and opted to stay the night for the long ride to Suzail rather than camping along the road on the way. A lot of open markets with low priced high quality goods. Tiri bought a wand of light curing in a local magic shop as they toured the town. Rumors here spoke of how the assassin tried to kill the king instead of the newly married prince. Another rumor spoke of the shadovar making a move against Cormyr. Some spoke of a stranger who passed through town discussing in small circles about the power that is available to those who give worship to Shar.

As they continued on to Suzail, they discussed the words of The Golden Dragon... to find the darkest crevasse. They had thought it was the place in Eveningstar, but had obviously been wrong... perhaps they would find it up near Tilverton and the pass into the mountains.

Alaric was pleased to return home to the jewel of Cormyr, recognized by the gate guard. The group went on to the palace for a meeting with the princess Nilyniel. There had been no change for the good or the bad with More'nue, Tiri's brother. They filled in the princess on Eveningstar, the battles, the crypt, the Black Fire Lantern, the grey skinned dwarves, and the dwarven ruins of the clan of the Ember Anvils... as well as the strange door that needed 3 keys. They also mentioned the brush with Quarrelle and the plan to meet in Tilverton. Nilyniel agreed to take the lantern and look into what resources it would have taken to remove such a thing... as well as have her scholars look into the dwarven ruins. "Cormyr's nobles have proven themselves worthy... and more than half of the forests have been cleared of orcs," the princess informed them, "From what we hear they have fled deeper into the west edge of the King's Forest near the ridge of The Stormhorns... It appears their backs are against the wall now."

"Excellent, hopefully they will soon be purged," Alaric nodded, "We do hope to find their source... I don't know what could drive the orcs into what they must know is surely suicide... I mean they would have had a better chance heading east into Cormanthor." Tiri raised an eyebrow at such an accusation, "The elves of High Moon would not allow it." "The dark things which lurk in that forest would no doubt scare them back out before they ever reached the Crescent City," Nilyniel shook her head, "There are many things that still roam in that forest today which do not belong in this realm." Alaric shook his head at Tiri, "Let's not go there... my interest is waning." Tiri shrugged, "It is a beautiful and magical place..." "Filled with demons... right... gotcha," Alaric shook his head. "There are beautiful elven cities there as well you know," she sighed. "There aren't any demons in the cities?" he asked. "Well no," Tiri shook her head. "Beware the night and stay on the path," Nilyniel nodded. "Sounds complicated," Alaric shook his head. "Elven life is complicated," the young princess agreed.

Nilyniel made arrangements for the dwarven craftsman, Blackstone to meet the group at the Goldsword estate. Tiri went on to see her brother, More'nue. He was still laying on a comfortable bed. Sebathian was in the room, and he nodded to her as she walked in, "Tiri? Correct?" The blue haired priestess nodded, "Sebathian, correct. It is good to see you. On the rare occasions where I got to see my brother, he always mentioned you." "We have known each other for a very long time... he is like a brother to me," the newly married prince nodded. "And you to him," Tiri agreed. "Thank you for saying that," Sebathian nodded, "We have sent word to try and find help... we are currently at a loss and I fear the worse." Tiri nodded, "I appreciate all of your efforts. I am still in great hope that we will find the answers." "As are we all," he nodded, "I will give you some time alone." "Thank you," she curtsied. More'nue still looked the same... eyes closed and horrible black veining that ran up his throat into his face as well as down his arms. She sighed sadly, taking his hand, "You know if there was some way that I could take this onto me to allow your escape... I would." She sat down on the edge of the bed next to him and chattered away to him of her adventures, paying particular interest to the parts that she thought he would enjoy. She said many prayers, and told him stories... just talking so that he could hear her voice whether he was actually there or not.

Alaric made arrangements at home for a dinner prepared with Blackstone in mind, and rooms for all of his companions. He told his mother and sisters many stories of his recent adventures... passing them gifts from Arabel and the other towns along the way.

The charismatic sorcerer answered the door personally to welcome the dwarven craftsman in personally, "Master Blackstone?" "Right. The palace sent word that you wanted to see me," he nodded. His beard was done in two nice braids and he wore his good tunic. "Indeed. We have dinner prepared, so I hope that you're hungry," Alaric led him in, "We have some business to discuss about dwarven matters." "Dwarven matters?" Blackstone raised an eyebrow, "What do you know about dwarven matters?" "Not a lot," Alaric admitted, nodding, "Which is why I wanted to talk with you." "Very good then," the craftsman nodded, following him into the house, "Goldsword is it?" "Yes, Alaric," the nobleman introduced himself. "Alaric," Blackstone nodded, "Are you wanted something nice made?"

"No, no," Alaric shook his head, "In our travels, Master Blackstone, we've run across the hold of the clan of the Ember Anvils." "Oh... they've been gone for some time now," the dwarf nodded. "Yes, we've run across some interesting things in the hold... including some gray dwarves who we put to the sword," Alaric assured him. "Alright!" the dwarf raised his mug, drinking to the success, "That's good ale." "But we were interested in what you might know about the Ember Anvils," Alaric nodded, "It seems one of the elders may have gone a little over the edge.... Soulbring was the family name. He appears to have locked himself inside a fortress of his own design within the dwarven hold. There was a vault that required three keys... and we believed he bequeathed a key to his son." "Right," the dwarf nodded, "You're talking about Nex. His son's name is Brunish."

"We were able to find the one key... we were hoping that the other two may lie with his family. Is this Brunish still alive?" Alaric asked. "Yes, I belive so," Blackstone nodded. "Here in Cormyr?" Alaric pressed further. "I don't think so... last I heard he traveled to the northeast," the dwarf answered. "To the elven forest?" Alaric asked. "No, further than that... way back there were some dwarven holds that got invaded by hordes of undead, right? There was a call to arms... I think he saddled up with that whole thing... and it was some years ago," the craftsman went on. "That seems like a long way to travel," the nobleman replied in thought. "Of course he may not have... that just seems like the sort of thing that Brunish would do," Blackstone added. "Travel far?" Tiri asked. "Saddle up for a fight," he answered her with a wink.

"So he was a good man?" Alaric asked, "You'd vouch for him?" "Absolutely," Blackstone took another drink from his mug, "His father was a bit nutsy... but Brunish was a good man... so are you saying that you found the prismatic auri?" "We think so," Alaric nodded, showing him the key with the NS inscribed with dwarven runes, "It fit the door... but there are two more keys that we need." "Hmmm... that's certainly ol' Nex's alright... you may have found it," Blackstone agreed. "How much do you know of these other holds that his son may have traveled to?" Alaric asked. "Not much... I was a lad when all of that went down," the dwarf shook his head, "Let me think... what was the name of that clan... up there in the Ironhills now..."

"I'll see if I can have a message sent on to that area... if he is there... or possibly someone may know where he went," Alaric nodded, "We wont be able to travel there any time soon... but perhaps a message can get to him." Blackhammer nodded, "I'll ask around about him. I don't know if he has the two keys or not... but I'll ask around." Alaric nodded, "Thank you. We would at least like to speak with him. If he has the keys, or who he or his father may have given them to or left them." "If I can find him or hear any word about him, I'll be sure to pass that on," Blackstone nodded, "Is this a good place to bring that kind of information?" "Yes, of course. My mother will be sure to pass anything along to me," Alaric nodded, "I appreciate your time and information. You've done good work for Cormyr and the nobles." "They pay good coin," the dwarf nodded, "You go poking into those old dwarven holds... you be careful. A lot of them have traps and whatnot. And ol' Nex was nuts... there's no telling what you're going to find." "We went up against a dervish... thankfully it was damaged from a collapsed room above it," Alaric nodded, "But in appreciation for all of your time and effort, we've brought you a gift." "Man... a nice meal AND a gift? and you're talking all nice about the Ember Anvils?" the dwarf raised an eyebrow, "I feel like I'm getting buttered up for something."

Alaric laughed, "Well certainly some of my companions of the Company of the Phoenix may require your skills later. Some of them are of the more militia type and require things that are sharp and pointy." "Ahh now you're talking. I ain't one who can build walls... but sharp and pointy, I can do," he nodded. "Well this gift may help with that," Alaric nodded, handing him the fine hammer from the dwarven forge. Blackstone's eyes widened, "Where did you find this beauty at?" "It was something that one of the gray dwarves were trying to make off with... likely something that belonged to one of the Ember Anvils," Alaric answered. "This is really quite the gift," Blackstone looked over the hammer in his hands with awe. "It will help you craft better armor and weapons for Cormyr," Alaric nodded. "I'm going to have to rebuild my forge for this!" Blackstone nodded. "Indeed, it came from a forge with molten lava itself," the sorcerer nodded. "Mmm... I'll come up with something," the dwarf nodded, "You've got no idea what you've given me here... this is something real special like... whatever you need, Chief, you just let ol' Blackstone know." Alaric nodded, "Well if you do hear anything about Soulbring... do let us know. We plan to deal with the orcs and their source, but we'll be back to look back into this auri." "Let us know if you want to see the forge," Tiri nodded to the dwarf, "We'd be happy to take you down there." "Next time you go out there... that sounds like a sight to see," he nodded gratefully to her. The group had a nice meal and the dwarf thanked him with both hands on his way out.

Loot Notes (2) +1 scimitars 600 gold each to Tiri and Alaric