Session+69

**Return to Lyrabar, Dividing up the Treasure, and Echo's Reappearance!**
 * 3-21-15**

Having traversed the sea with about 60 people for a week in a boat meant for about a dozen people... it felt amazing to be out in the fresh air. Surfacing the boat several times throughout, people had taken turns sitting outside on the top of the boat for a little breathing time, but it was never long enough and was always still crowded. Wren made time to work on a few potions over the trip.

New Potions from Wren: 2 new healing potions to everyone. (Cure Moderate = 2d8 +3) Invisibility potion 1 each to Erevin and Thorn (lasts for 3 minutes) Adjustable Disguise potion to Thorn (lasts for 70 mins. Works like Disguise Self, except you can use a Swift Action to change the disguise up to 7 times.) (Now that everyone has money... Please let me know if you guys need Wren to make you any more or other potions! Sorry, but cure moderate is the highest healing she can make for potions... 3rd level spells and below only for potion making. There's also special alchemy stuff that's not from spells. Poisons, etc. Keep in mind that Wren makes potions at half the cost of the book if you find anything. If you want me to send out a spell list of options, let me know that too.)

Returning to the elven embassy in Lyrabar, the group found it to be still pretty crowded with elves. Annaisuru was happy to see Erevin and his companions return. She told him that some of the elves were going to Myth Coramanth to help alleviate the crowding. "There hasn't been any sign of any drow here in the city of late, but some sylvan elves from outside of the city have said drow have been in the wilds running rampant and killing for vengeance," Anna frowned. "Where was the last sighting?" Erevin turned to her. "The Gray Forest to the west... only a few days away," she answered, gesturing to the west, "There is a path was carved through the forest called the Giants Road. 3 or 4 years ago when the Destiny Seekers laid siege on Lyrabar, a pretty good horde of stone, frost, and hill giants plowed their way through with siege engines, clearing a 50 mile wide path through the forest... it was an unpleasant time." Erevin frowned, nodding, "It sounds like it." "Dragons," Anna continued thoughtfully. "More dragons," Erevin muttered, "Again they rear their ugly heads. A plague upon the people." Wren shifted her gaze to the woodsman, "I was told that The Destiny Seekers had gotten their hands on an artifact that allowed them to take control of people... 'and' the dragons." "So the dragons were manipulated?" Erevin raised an eyebrow, "then I apologize." Wren nodded, "Yes, and unfortunately the metallic dragons had to step in to stop them and it was a large dragon vs dragon battle that destroyed part of the city. The incident became a rift between the metallic and chromatic dragons because the chromatic were angry that their brethren killed them despite their actions being against their will being mind controlled and the metallics argued that they didn't have a lot of options at the time with the frying of the people and the destruction of the city going on." Wren shook her head with a sigh, "Which of course is why Kale and I have been asked to look for new members for the council." Erevin nodded. Anna continued, "The Destiny Seekers were part of the group from the other world where Destiny had come from originally... a splinter sect of Sanctuary who were unhappy with their new home. They wanted to try and find a way to their own world. There were lead by their leader called the Huroc... but they were stopped in Lyrabar and butchered." "I see," Erevin nodded, "And what of this Huroc?" "He was destroyed," Anna nodded. Erevin nodded, "That's good. We don't need a Huroc running around."

Anna had wine and food brought in for the group who were all very grateful to plunge into the elven baths and eat real food. The chests and crates were piled into a large gathering room waiting for us. Thorn ran in, hugging the chests and cooing to them, "Our stuff! Oh how I missed you! I'll never leave you again, I'm so sorry!" Wren giggled and everyone piled in for the sorting. Anna sat on the edge of a fountain in the room, nodding with interest, "I can't wait to see this." "Been a while, huh?" Erevin grinned at her. Thorn dug his hands and face into the gold and gems. Posy shook her head, "At least he's clean." Wren laughed and nodded. "Not anymore," Thorn grinned back at her, rubbing the filthy gold over his arms. (LOL!) Everyone started sorting and counting through the piles of magic items and treasure with the witch identifying the magic as they went.

Mali picked up a pair of interesting tree branch sandals that seemed to be living as she ooed over them. Wren held up a black silken corset in front of her, "It's perfect!" "That would look so good on me!" Shri nodded. "It would... Too bad it's going on me," Wren grinned and hugged onto the corset, proudly claiming it. Thorn and Erevin each peered through one of the monocles that appeared to be a set and grinned at each other as the endless possibilities unraveled. Posy smoothed her hands over the soft fur of the lion cloak and swept it over her shoulders happily looking forward to transforming into a great and fierce lion!

(Please let me know if I got any of this wrong. So much awesome stuff!! Thank you, Scott!) **Loot List!** 105,000 gold / gems / sold ring = 21,000 gold each! Woot! Erevin - Ring of Protection +4 Thorn - Bracers of Armor +6 Thorn - Hat of See Invisibility Mali - Amulet of Natural Armor +4 Erevin - Belt of the Weasel * - Belt of Teeth  Thorn - Meridian Belt  Wren - Corset of Dire Witchcraft  Mali - Arachnid Goggles  Thorn / Erevin - A pair of Kinsight Monacles  Mali - Dryad Sandals  Wren - Shoes of the Firewalker  Erevin - Shadow Falconer's Glove  Group Bag - Mask of 1000 Tomes  Posy - Maw of the Wyrm (green) Erevin - Dragonfoe Amulet  Azarius - Tentacle Cloak  Erevin - Arrowmaster's Bracers  Wren - Spellguard Bracers  Mali - Seducer's Bane Bracers  Thorn - Blood Reservoir of Physical Prowess  Mali - Last Leaves of the Autumn Dryad  Posy - Scabbard of Stanching  Erevin - Stone of Alliance  Posy - Lion Cloak

*(We had said we could throw the belt of teeth on Kale because he's always up front in combat, but I got to thinking and I believe Kale is already wearing a belt of strength... so we should put this on someone else or sell it. Is there anyone not wearing a belt item? How about Uther or Ursus? Looks like it sells for 2k gold.)

Hours had passed as everyone picked through the treasure pile excitedly. A few of the elves in the embassy paused in the doorway, drawn in by curiosity of all of the shiny things, staying long enough to watch for a few minutes before moving on. Anna nibbled on lunch as she watched all of the interesting items go by, "Oh, by the way, there was an elven woman looking for Thorn some days ago... looked like a mage. Her name was Calla Arcslayer." Erevin turned to her, "Someone you knew? Someone from the town?" "No," Anna shook her head, "I didn't know her." Erevin turned to Thorn, "Do you know the name Calla?" Thorn shook his head, "No..." Erevin raised an eyebrow, "Would you tell us if you did?" "Yes," Thorn nodded, answering without hesitation. Erevin turned back to Anna describing the features Thorn had talked about when he told the story of Echo attacking him in Myth Coramanth. Anna nodded, "Yes, she did look like that, though she was in mage robes and her hairstyle was different." Erevin frowned, exchanging glances with Thorn. Anna turned to Thorn, "She seemed disappointed that you weren't here, but said she'd check back at a later date." Thorn nodded to her, and muttered to himself, "It couldn't possibly be her... yeah it could... how would she know I was 'here'?" "It seems pretty bold of her to come in here and ask for you," Wren turned to Thorn. "She's pretty cocky," Thorn nodded to her.

"Would you come with me for the rest of the evening?" Erevin turned to Wren, "We'll sit in the foyer... chat with the people for a bit... see if that mask of yours can help us find anyone in disguise." "The 'whole' rest of the evening?!" Wren blinked, "Okay, but you owe me." He nodded, "You can pick 'one' dragon." Wren blinked, "One?" He nodded again, "My hands will be off and I wont touch that one." Wren blinked again, familiar dragon faces passing in a blur through her head... She was surprised by his response. She hadn't really meant that he owed her anything specific... she was teasing him really... What was with Erevin's burning desire to hunt dragons?!? ...he probably wouldn't harm the metallics, right? ...but what about her grandmother who she already adored, Kale's father, that flirty black dragon who went against the magma dragons to help save them... or the ancient blue who seemed so wise. She didn't want to see harm befall any of them. She shook her head, still a bit scattered, "I'll think about it..."

Erevin, Shri, Kale, and Wren sat at one of the tables, greeting and chatting with others over dinner. Several came up to talk with Erevin to pay their respect or hear a story. He was always happy to oblige them and chatted with everyone. Even with her mirrored mask over her face, some were curious enough to be drawn in to chat and flirt with Wren. She chatted warmly with them and gestured to the growling elven warrior beside her, "Have you met my fiance?" to which Kale would shake their hand with a clamping grip, "Kale. Nice to meet you," surprising them with his strength and generally nudging them along. Most of the elves in the embassy passed by at one point or another. Erevin noticed a few vanity illusions among them on the mirrored mask like a scarred face covered up, a little younger appearance, attractive body enhancements... but nothing like a drow or Echo hiding among them. He nodded to Wren at the end of the night, "Thank you." She slipped off her mask and nodded to him with a smile, "Anytime, Erevin, of course."

Thorn slipped on his human mask disguise and wandered the streets, gambling and drinking, looking for any information on this Calla Arclight. A pair of dockworkers conversed with him, "We don't get too many elves down here by the docks... Well there was that one... She wasn't wearing any robes or anything like that though. She was in leathers and had some blades on her. She was a dirty one with a mouth on her. What was her name again? Shora? Yeah, Shora Gutripper." "Gutripper? That's an unusual name," Thorn nodded to them, "And she was a dirty 'elf'?" "Yeah, she had a real mouth on her," one of them nodded and the other chimed in, "Too bad you missed her. She was looking for a little halfling action, if you know what I mean." "Sounds like she's into some kinky shit," Thorn nodded. "Yeah! We offered to help clear up that problem, but that was when she punched my friend here in the gut! That's how we found out her name was Gutripper... she threatened to pull out his entrails and strangle us with them." "Mmm... sounds like a real nice girl there," Thorn nodded with sarcasm. He moved on, stopping into a bar called The Hidden Bounty. There was a large board with papers of bounties on it. A snappily dressed human man in his early thirties was tending the bar. He was clean shaven and had dark hair. He was polishing glasses as he watched Thorn come in, and he nodded to him in greeting, "What'll you have?" "How about a Lyrabarian lager?" Thorn nodded, sitting down at the bar. The bartender skillfully whipped up the drink and passed it down the bar to Thorn's hand, "My name is Archer." "Pleasure," Thorn nodded to him, picking up his mug and taking a good swig. It was the finest he'd had. He inquired about any news about The Black Mark in town. "We get several bounty hunters in here posting things on the board, but I haven't heard much of anything about The Black Mark since their warehouse mysteriously burned down," Archer shook his head. "Oh really?" Thorn looked on with interest in his human disguise, "I've been away for awhile and I hadn't caught wind of that." Archer nodded, "Apparently someone didn't take much of a liking to the people of Raven's Bluff branching out here into Lyrabar and told them so in a rather incendiary manor. There were a lot of rumors. There's a group of adventurers that've been about... and some thieves in the city, you know the Shroud or the Joker... they wouldn't want anyone infringing on their territory, so I wouldn't put it past them to've burned the rats out." "So the Joker is still active then?" Thorn raised an eyebrow. "Oh yes," Archer nodded, "Quite a few bounties on him and the other thieves. Keeps the bounty hunters busy. When any of the thieves are a little too daring, they get a bounty put on them and have to lay low for awhile. That's when the bounty hunters make a sport of trying to get that big pay off, you know." "Looks like I came in at the right time to get a piece of that action," Thorn nodded. "Bounty hunting is a lucrative business," Archer nodded, "And we're a little short-handed right now. With Mr. Mercer moving up north to lord knows where, and Polk moving up north... and Renata..." he shook his head sadly, " There's Cassandra and Trayks, but it's only a matter of time before the Joker and the other thieves take advantage." "Good to know, really good to know," Thorn nodded, "I'll have to stop by more often. Keep my eye open." "I've often thought of going to hunt the occasional bounty myself, but someone's gotta tend the bar," Archer shrugged. Thorn drank down his mug, nodded and asked for another. Truly it was the best in town. He continued to make small talk with the bartender. "Most of the nobles have gone off to their summer homes... they head inland to get out of the humidity around this time of year," Archer nodded, "And the temples have been busy. Lady Magarite returned from her travels." Thorn tried to subtly redirect the conversation back to which of the noble estates might be sitting empty, but Archer was pretty skillful with his polite conversation as he steered it onto other things.

Mali headed off to the park to speak with Rayum Castle and the druids about any progress on the Red Fungus. "I'm happy to see you," Rayum smiled cheerfully, "I have news! I've been working with Masters Dominic and Bishop as they returned to town yesterday. They say with your success of gathering the materials, they believe they've developed a formula that proves of use against the fungus. They are supposed to meet with us this afternoon for a demonstration. Would you like to stick around for awhile and see?" "Of course!" Mali beamed, "That sounds awesome! Can we have a picnic too? I have biscuits... and cheese!" "Oh, sure!" Rayum nodded, "and these berries here look delicious, what are they?" She picked up a stray berry from Mali's pile of food, popping it into her mouth. "Oh... umm..." Mali blinked from the pile back to Rayum. Oh no! ...she was sure that was one of the lustberries. Didn't Rayum recognize it?! "Umm... I'll see you later," Mali nodded, scooping up her things in a hurry. "But... we were going to have a picnic," Rayum frowned, "It's such a beautiful... 'warm'... day." "Yeah... but I forgot I had a thing," Mali nodded, backing up. "Oh... well maybe your friend..." Rayum turned sultry eyes toward the druid barbarian, "Ursus could stay?" Ursus was already backing up beside Mali, "Umm no... I should go do the thing with her. Let go... do the thing." He nodded to the red-haired halfling beside him. Mali nodded up to him, "Let's go have a quiet chat... cause we haven't had any alone time in awhile. But we'll see you in a little bit for the demonstration." She nodded encouragingly.

Mali wondered off with Ursus, enjoying a quiet picnic in the sun. Melleron bounded around, but laid down panting from the heat, and stared at the young druidess expectantly. She threw him sausage and grinned. She noticed after a few hours that the others were gathering for the demonstration. Her and Ursus joined them to see Rayum's hair a bit wild and tousled and her outfit had changed. Neither Dominic nor Bishop looked ruffled in any way beside her as they were preparing their vials. Dominic waved her over. "Did you have a good picnic?" Rayum asked her cheerfully as Mali and Ursus walked up. "I always have good picnics," Mali nodded confidently and gestured at herself, "Halfling."

They walked into the dim room where they kept their samples of the fungus. Bishop brought out a flask of a bright bluish green liquid and poured a drop of it on the little bit of red vine sample. A little puff of smoke rose up and the plant shriveled up and died. "Sweet!" Mali nodded, "How much of that stuff do we have?" "Well thanks to the crates and stuff you guys brought back, we can start making a lot of it. We've figured out how to make a liquid that turns into a gas quickly to help cover a wider area. If you can find a way to aerially disperse it, you could probably cover a pretty good swath of land. It's going to take me some time to make it, even with Dominic's help," Bishop nodded, "If you think you're going to need a lot more of it, we'll need more time... but I can probably give you a dozen or so flasks in a day or two." "Fantastic! Good work, boys! Want a cookie?" Mali offered a plate of cookies. Each of the Medici brothers took a cookie and the druidess nodded beside them, "I'll take a cookie too!" She took one of the cookies as her eyes roamed over the alchemists with lust still on her. Bishop nodded, "I think I can make a more concentrated version if you find a more centralized area of the fungus. It could flow up the vine to kill a bigger "plant" though it's not really a plant..." "That would be fantastic," Mali nodded to him. "I could also make a version for you to feed to a living creature to saturate the tissues to keep the fungus from being able to take root or even to kill just the fungus, leaving the living creature unharmed. It tastes pretty awful, but it isn't toxic to people," Bishop nodded, "Shall I make that too?" "Yes, please!" Mali nodded excitedly, glad that they were making real progress. Bishop nodded, "I have to get back to my wife, but I will leave instructions with Master Dominic and your Miss Wren who I've heard is also an alchemist?" "Yes," Mali nodded, "Our Miss Wren is quite proficient." "Dominic said something about her brewing very fine tea..." Bishop raised an eyebrow. "Mmm," Mali nodded, "She does that too." "Something about welcoming tea?" Bishop inquired further. Mali grinned, "And she'll make you feel 'very' welcome." "That's what Dominic was saying," Bishop nodded.

Posy wandered in with full pockets of gold to Shandra's shop and then headed off to the bar where the Red Bear Clan used to stay here in Lyrabar. "Miss Posy! Uther!" Hoppy Keenwhistle greeted them happily, shaking her and Uther's hands, "So good to see you both! It's been much quieter around here without your kin... How are they doing?" "Really good," Posy nodded, accepting a large pint of ale as she sat down at the bar. She and Uther regaled him with the story and the bartender was relieved to hear that they were doing so well. "What about Thorn? The halfling who came in here with you? How is he? He seemed a little short to be a barbarian." Posy laughed, "He's not... but he's good too." Hoppy nodded, "That's good because one of his friends came by looking for him." "Oh really?" Posy inquired about the details, and getting more drinks. "A burly elven woman," he nodded, "I think she called herself Thera Stoneshield. I didn't even know elves 'were' barbarians! Aren't they a little too high-falutin for that?" "Huh... did she leave any messages for him?" Posy raised an eyebrow. "I offered to pass a message along for her, but she said it was personal," he nodded. "Do you know where she's staying or how to contact her?" Posy asked. The bartender shook his head, "No idea, but I'm sure she's still around, it was only about a week ago that she stopped by. She seemed awfully disappointed that he wasn't here." "Alright," Posy nodded, "Anything else new?" He told her it was only a few weeks til the end of summer and beginning of fall when the nobles come back from their summer houses. The weather would cool down, it would be the start of the harvest season, and there would be a grand ball welcoming back the noble families. The bartender shook his head sadly, "Ever since your people left here... no one has even broken a chair in my bar." Posy grinned, slapping money down on the bar, "We can fix that! Here's money for a room." Uther leaned in closer to her, a bit surprised, "Here on the table?" "No," she elbowed him, "I got us a room!" Hoppy happily handed her a key to go off to one of the rooms upstairs.

Mali and Dominic returned to the elven embassy and Thorn headed to his hidey hole. Again it had been dusted and there was a plate of slightly stale cookies cut into shapes of bunnies with little candy eyes. Thorn restrained himself with all of his will from eating the cookies thinking back on the muffins. He found some cute notes left by Boots with adorable handwriting talking about their magic classes where their teacher made them work really hard... and how much they were hoping he was alive and well. Thorn looked around at the dusted room, the cute notes, the plate of cookies... he was touched and then it occurred to him that now he needed to find a new hidey hole because others might know he lived here. He stared at the bunny cookies... they looked so soulless and delicious! He decided it seemed safe here enough and slept for the night with a monocle over his eye... just in case. Kale and Shri dragged Wren and Erevin off to bedrooms, happy be clean and to have real beds. "Put the corset on," Kale whispered to Wren as they crawled into bed. Wren laughed and turned to him with a playful grin, "Oh? You like the new corset, hmm?" He nodded, pulling her into his arms, "And we have to do something with Erevin... I think he's going a little overboard with the whole dragon killing thing." "I think so too!" she nodded in agreement, "I think I seen him looking at dragonscale armor too! I'm starting to get concerned!" "What did dragons ever do to him?" Kale asked, "I mean the drow I can understand... but dragons never hurt him." "Right!!" Wren exclaimed, nodding emphatically in agreement, "Tell him to go get some drow-skin armor and leave the dragons alone!" "Yeah!" Kale agreed for a brief second before shaking his head, "Wait, let's not give him any ideas..." Wren nodded, "You have a point."

The following morning everyone woke after a pleasant evening and joined for breakfast to discuss plans. Mali suggested taking the witch hunter with the group to go after Parula. Wren pondered the idea a little nervously. "I think he sounds delicious," Crowe smiled. "No messing with the witch hunter," Wren shook her head at her, "That's trouble. Besides it should make you happy that I'm putting a claim on two." "Oh alright," Crowe shrugged and then stared off dreamily, "But I could see it now... he could save me from my sinful path of being a witch. Turn me to a path of righteousness... I could be so innocent." Wren turned, blinking wide eyes at her sister, and then burst out laughing, "Seriously?!" Crowe smiled at her, "You know... there are a lot of new elves here. Some of them are very lonely. It was a good night." Wren laughed, "Oh! Well I'm very happy for you. So... should we be expecting children anytime soon?" "No, there are potions for that," Crowe shook her head. Wren nodded in agreement. "There are whore potions?!" Mali suddenly looked up from her plate. Wren burst out laughing as Crowe looked over at the halfling druidess, "Hey!" Yuki wandered in late to join everyone after spending the evening back in the Temple of Sune, "It was nice to sleep in my old bed again." "All went well, I assume?" Wren nodded to her. "Yes! I got to talk with everyone," Yuki nodded. "Did you have to clean anything?" Thorn asked. "No, that was the best part!" Yuki shook her head at him, and continued on, "We had a visitor at the temple. Alain said it was an elven priestess from the Temple of Corellion." Thorn groaned. Having already heard Posy's story to make 3... he knew what was coming. This Echo woman was really searching hard for him here! "From Corellion, hmm?" Wren raised an eyebrow. Yuki hadn't heard the stories of the others searching for Thorn yet. "What was her name?" Wren inquired. "Borrah Silkenmoon," Yuki answered, "the head priest spoke with her a couple of days ago. They shared thoughts on the elven gods vs the human gods and she asked about me personally... asking where me and my friends were." Erevin recognized the name Silkenmoon from a family in the Grey Cloak Hills. "What answer was she given?" Wren asked. "We hadn't returned to town yet, so Alain had no idea," Yuki shook her head. Wren nodded to her and turned to Thorn, "So now she's starting to know all of your friends and where to find them... She's trying to find you any way that she can... I suggest you don't go out alone anywhere. Pair up with people." Thorn nodded to her, "But who could I be with? If I fall and skin my knee, I would need someone to heal me." "Oh!" Yuki nodded after a moment, "You mean me! I'll protect you, Mr. Thorn!"

Discussions returned back to rescuing the kidnapped witch. "We can't leave Parula for much longer..." Wren shook her head. It had been nearly a month already with the trip to Crucible's island and back. "What do we need to do?" Thorn asked. "According to Jerrandis, the witches we're looking for make their home in the Gray Forest," Wren pointed to the west. "Not the same forest where the drow were last seen?" Erevin turned to her, suddenly much more interested. "I believe so," Wren nodded. "Though it's a big forest and they might not exactly be in the same area," Shri shrugged. "That's alright," Erevin nodded to her, "Close enough." "We'll kill all that we find on the way," Posy nodded. Erevin turned to her with a smile and nodded his agreement. "Did you want me to talk to Jerrandis about going with us?" Wren asked tentatively, revisiting Mali's earlier suggestion. Erevin thought about it for a brief moment and then nodded to her, "Sure! Why not?" Wren nodded.

"What about the brain in the bag?" Uther asked, "Are we going to do anything with that?" Erevin pondered for a moment, "Who are the top minds to go to here?" Trey Castle with the arcane university, Shandra at the magic shop, Magarite from temple of Lathandar, Alain with the temple of Sune, and possibly the group of mages teaching Boots and Salem came up as suggestions. "If we take it to Magarite," Pondered, "If nothing else, at least no one else will be able to get to it." Wren nodded, "I'll try talking to Argent as well. I need to return her bracers anyway. It's possible she'll have another name for us to go to if she has no idea what to do with it." Erevin nodded to her, "Alright."

"Do we need any extra gear for this trip?" Posy asked, willing to go do the shopping, "Food, water... ropes?" "Broomsticks?" Thorn asked. "Broomsticks?" Posy turned to him skeptically. "A river? To see if they float? What?" Thorn muttered a little quieter. "He's so racist!" Crowe shook her head and turned to Wren. Wren laughed and nodded, "Classist." "What? I'm just going off of what I've learned about everyday society about witches..." Thorn shrugged. He paused for a moment and then held up a finger as a brilliant idea hit him, "Oh! Logs for fires!" Wren burst out laughing, "Hoping to draw them out like moths and they'll all start dancing around it?" "Exactly!" Thorn nodded. "They can't help it!" Erevin agreed.

Thorn went invisible to go with Yuki and Wren and Kale to speak with Argent and Jerrandis Mercer while Posy, Uther, Mali, Ursus, and Shri went with Erevin to speak with Lady Magarite in the temple.

Erevin walked beside Shri, followed by Posy and Mali into the Temple of Lathander. Gleaming armored paladins were in the hall with the symbol of the sun emblazoned on their chests. "Welcome back to Lyrabar! I'm glad to see you well on your journeys," Magarite came out to greet them, shaking each of their hands, "Thank you again for what you did for me and the Guardians of the Tome... I hope that Wren's mother is well?" "She is," Erevin nodded, greeting the very young looking human woman. "She has recovered?" Magarite asked. "Yes, and doing very well," Erevin nodded again, "but... I have a request." "Of course, anything that I can do within the power of the temple of Lathander," Magarite nodded, "I know that you have your own elven gods, but certainly you have done much good for the city." "It is a good city, and it is certainly worthy of fighting for," Erevin nodded. Magarite nodded her agreement, and then asked as though a memory just popped into her head, "Are you friends with Lady Brightsun?" "Brightsun?" Erevin asked, looking confused. "Yes, Mina Brightsun, an elven paladin," Magarite nodded. Erevin's shoulders sank... Another one?! Could it be? This Echo must be getting paid 'really' well to want Thorn so badly... He shook his head, "I'm sorry. I do not know the name." "She said she was a paladin of Sehanine," Magarite nodded. "Did she say she was from Myth Coramanth?" Erevin asked. "No... she did not give her place of origin. I just assumed since she was looking for you..." Magarite continued. "Me and my friends, no doubt," Erevin stated his question. "Yes," the child-like paladin nodded, "She'd heard tails of your exploits and I assume she was looking to emulate you. She had a certain zeal that I've seen in other young paladins." "I will refer the name to my mother so that she can perhaps be brought into the ranks," Erevin nodded.

Magarite nodded, and returned to Erevin's request, "But you had a favor?" "I have a request," he nodded, "Please don't feel obligated to accept this... but you are aware of the deeds done by the one called Crucible?" "I am aware of the one who created the chimera... there are a few here in the city. There was some rumor that he had been involved with the Destiny Seekers some years ago, but not precisely. Apparently he quit the battle before it was done. It seemed to be an alliance of convenience for him. I had heard that there was a number of local noble merchants who'd had a run in with him... I could contact the arcane university?" she offered helpfully. "That will not be necessary," Erevin shook his head. "I know that Trey Castle had a run in with him in the past," she continued and nodded. Erevin shook his head, "The man himself has been laid low." "Ah, excellent!" the lead paladin nodded with pleasant surprise, "An enemy of the city and the elves... well struck! He deserved much worse." Erevin nodded, "In his death... under his hat..." Erevin paused for a long moment as he was distracted by the view in his monocle of the two perfect sets of buns of the witch and priestess which were at about eye level for the halfling. Realizing his silence, he continued on, "...was this." He pulled the strange magic shell encasing the still pulsing brain from his bag. Magarite stared at it for a moment, speechless, but then shook her head, "I... I don't know that is. I've never seen anything like it." Erevin shook his head, "Nor have we." "It's evil," Magarite nodded, "I can sense 'that'." "It appears to be unbreakable," Erevin nodded. "I can tell that it's evil and magic, but that's all I can tell you for now," she shook her head, "but certainly we could commune with Lothander about destroying it and see if there is a way." "If you could destroy it, I would welcome that," Erevin nodded to her, "Take great caution. I don't know what it's capable of." "Alright... we can put it in a safe place," Magarite nodded thoughtfully. Erevin placed it in her hands, "Thank you. And I said, 'if' you can 'destroy it'... by all means. But take caution." "We will lock it up," Magarite accepted it, "but please... stay for breakfast. Tell me your tale of adventure." The four agreed to stay for a while and sat with her, telling her stories and enjoying breakfast. Magarite made absolutely no mention of the Destiny, but inquired about the slaying of Crucible. "Ah, so the storm on the island is gone as well!" she nodded, quite pleased, "That will help with the shipping in the area quite a bit." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Erevin told her of the neighboring isle of fishermen that now seems to be abandoned, and she nodded, "That is most unfortunate. We will send some paladins out to see if there are any bodies that need to be laid to rest or if anything needs to be done to the east." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Erevin continued to tell her the fascinating story of who Crucible was and what the group learned on the isle, drawing a small crowd of other paladins who were curious about the tale. Eventually Alexander Brightwood, her right hand man, also joined them to hear part of the story and shake their hands before moving on to his duties.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Thorn walked in perfect silence, following behind Wren and Yuki through the streets of Lyrabar invisibly. He wore his monocle, giving Erevin the perfect view. Kale held the door for the ladies as they all entered the House of Wonders. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Shandra looked up with a smile, "Back for more?" <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Actually I'm looking for Argent," Wren smiled and nodded to her in greeting. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Shandra nodded, calling through the door behind the counter, "You have visitors." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">A silver-haired buxom human mage, carrying a big ruler in her hand, walked in through the door, followed by Salem and Boots carrying a large book. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Argent!" Wren threw her arms around the woman, hugging her in greeting. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Wren, it's so good to see you!" Argent returned her hug, "You're still alive!" <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Yes!" Wren laughed, "Still alive!" She pulled a set of fine silver bracers from her pack. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"You never know with adventurers... high mortality rate," Argent shrugged. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Oh thanks for the vote of confidence," Wren exclaimed with a feigned tone of offense, "Thanks for the faith..." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"I had complete confidence in you," The young woman nodded, her perfect silver hair flowing around her face. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Uh huh," Wren replied with skepticism. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Salem smiled up at Wren, "Miss Dreamspinner, it's good to see you again." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Wren nodded down to the pretty teenager with black hair that cascaded down to her hips, and her much younger blue-haired companion, who was looking around a little disappointed, "It good to see you both! How are your classes going?" <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"They're going good! Watch this!" Salem raised her hands and Thorn swept invisibly behind Wren. She wove out a spell that lit a candle on the counter. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Nice!" Wren nodded to her excitedly, "I remember those classes..." She smiled as memories swept through her thoughts. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"And I can make a little light," Salem created a wisp of light that floated in the air, "I'm learning all sorts of things!" <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Nice job!" Wren exclaimed, encouraging her. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"She does well... when she's not nodding off," Argent waved her ruler, glancing down at her student. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Wren giggled, leaning closer to Salem and whispering loudly, "Is she working you so hard that you're tired? Or are the classes boring?" <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"I have ears!" Argent folded her arms. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Wren laughed with delight. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"It's so nice outside," Salem looked out at the sunny street through the door, "You can learn in the winter when it's cold..." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Awww... and she 'is' young," Wren batted her eyes at Argent who shook her head at her and softened. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">She nodded to her students, "I suppose. Why don't you run along." She gestured to the door where the two of them hurried out.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Argent turned back to Wren, "So what can I do for you? I assume you didn't come to see me just because I'm beautiful... and perky... and a scintillating conversationalist." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Well there is that... all of those are always a reason to come see you," Wren grinned at her, and handed her the bracers in her hands, "But I wanted to return your bracers that you so generously lent to me. They came in very handy. Thank you very much!" <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"You're welcome," Argent nodded, "I hope you enjoyed your foray into the claw, claw, bite, bite, wing buffet, tail?" <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Wren laughed softly, nodding, "It went... mmm... very interestingly. But the special gift was delivered, children were rescued, and we recovered my mother." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Argent nodded, "I don't suppose ol' Magmadope got seriously deaded?" <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Sadly not yet," Wren sighed, "But he's still on the list." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">The silver-haired mage nodded with a disappointed sigh, "Alright." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"His son is dead though," the elven witch added cheerfully. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Excellent!" Argent nodded. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"His wife was furious!" Wren continued, nodding. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"I can imagine she's probably not very happy with you," the overly buxom young woman nodded. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Wren sighed, nodding, "She's not... but it's alright because it's mutual." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Argent paused with a strange look and leaned closer to Wren for a brief moment, "You know... you sort of wreak of dragonbane... Have you been hanging around someone with a lot of dragon slaying magic?" <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Wren crumpled slightly and let out a heavy sigh, "Yes... I don't know what's with him! It's like he just keeps collecting it... like he 'needs' it!" <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"I'm pretty sure I know what it is," the perfectly beautiful human woman nodded. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Do you?" Wren tilted her head curiously. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Argent leaned closer, her voice whispery as she nodded, "Jealousy." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Wren laughed genuinely and nodded. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"He might as well get himself a set of wings and claws," she continued. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Wren giggled, still nodding, "He needs to meet a really good dragon. You know? To know they exist! I keep telling him there are good dragons!" <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"I don't think a good dragon wants to get within a mile of him!" Argent exclaimed, shaking her head. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Yeah..." Wren nodded with a sigh, "You're right. I have to agree with you."

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"So what else can I do for you?" Argent looked around the room, "And Miss Yuki... and the quiet Mr Thorn." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Shhh, don't say his name so loud," Wren shook her head, leaning closer to whisper, "He's being hunted." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Surprised that the young human mage noticed him, Thorn froze in place, keeping his hands clear of any tempting items in the room. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Ah," Argent nodded, agreeing not to give him away further. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Wren nodded, continuing, "Have you heard of the exploits of a mage called Crucible?" <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"I have heard of a Crucible who was allied with the Destiny Seekers for a time... he made the chimeras. Ancient Netherease mage, sorta crazy?" Argent asked. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Yes! Perfect! That's him," Wren exclaimed, nodding, "Well... we ran into kind of a conflict with him on this island... He's dead now, mostly... except for his brain... that's inside this orb... that seems unbreakable." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Oh! I heard something about that!" Argent nodded. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Ah! Perfect!" Wren exclaimed excitedly, "What have you heard?" <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"When the other group of adventurers killed him before, they found something like that in the head," Argent explained. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Wren blinked at her, "There's more?! ...or do you think this brain just moved on to another body?" <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"I think from what they thought... He had split his consciousness into multiple vessels," Argent nodded. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Wren wrinkled her nose, "Kind of lich-y, huh?" <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Yes," Argent agreed, "From my understanding, Mr. Castle, Miss Winterowd, and Mr. Mercer took the brain to Sanctuary and gave it to Silvermane... who destroyed it somehow. At least that's what I heard." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Wren smiled and nodded, "Alright. We need to talk to Silvermane then and give him this second brain... and hopefully there aren't any more? I don't suppose you've heard a rumor as to how many there are?" <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"I have no idea," Argent shook her head, "The loss of each one effects him in some way. At least that's the suspicion." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Wren nodded, recalling the strange long delays and pauses when Crucible spoke.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"I don't suppose you've heard any rumors of Silvermane coming to Lyrabar any time soon?" Wren smiled at her hopefully. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Well I haven't heard any rumors," Argent shrugged, "but I can probably send him a message." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"That would be fabulous," Wren said appreciatively, and nodded, "The brain is going to be held with Magarite in the temple... or if you like we can hang on to it... or I can have it brought here to 'you'." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"I think I remember hearing them saying something about... you couldn't really see them in the case, but apparently little metal legs can extend out from it and it can walk around like a spider," Argent responded thoughtfully. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Wren blinked her golden eyes at the young mage, a little stunned, "You're kidding..." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Argent shook her head, "That's what I heard." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Wren looked pale, imagining Crucible's pulsing brain walking around like a spider, "That's gruesome... and horrific," she shuddered, "And you can have it!" <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Wren wrote down on a piece of paper, <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">//Bring back the brain.// <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">//Must deliver to Silvermane. (who will be coming to Lyrabar - I hope!)// <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">//It grows legs and walks like a spider!!// <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">She held up the paper into the air, offering it to Thorn, "Here, show that to Erevin in your monocle." The paper vanished as Thorn took it into his hands.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Argent asked the priestess how the scrumptious elven prince was and then turned to Wren, whispering, "Did a dragon bite him or something? What's with him?" <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Wren shook her head, sounding perplexed, "I don't know! ...ever since the whole destruction with Myth Coramanth and there were dragons involved in it... and then the volcano Magma dragon thing... he just sort of has it in for dragons!" Wren sighed. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Argent nodded, and then turned her gaze toward Kale, who was standing next to the witch, "But 'you're' looking very fine..." She laid a hand on his strong bicep just for a second, "Ooo! It's 'all' muscle!" <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Wren grinned, "You have no idea..." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"But you could tell me," Argent responded with a girlish invitation. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Oh I could," Wren winked at her, "But I'm sure you've been there with others..."

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Argent looked around at all of them asking how they liked their gifts from Father Winter. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Oh my gosh!" Wren exclaimed, "I love mine! I think him all of the time!" Yuki and the invisible Thorn nodded their agreements. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Argent nodded, pleased, "Of course you're all invited back to this year's festivities." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Really?" Wren asked excitedly, "That's exciting! How do you write a letter to Father Winter?" <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Oh you can just give it to me... " Argent nodded, "I'm sort of Father Winter's little helper." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Oh, alright," Wren nodded and giggled, "Do you read the letters?" <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Well... sometimes," Argent replied thoughtfully, "I have to screen... he's a busy man!" <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Wren laughed and nodded.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Argent brought out a plate of pastries and cookies and set it down for everyone as they chatted. A few blinked out of view as Thorn scooped them up, still invisible. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Some of these are from the Sokolov Bakery, but some of them Salem made herself. She made these cookies a few days ago shaped like little bunnies... Oh! They were 'so' good!" Argent sighed a little dreamily in memory. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Aww! Bunny cookies! That sounds fabulous," Wren nodded, selecting one of the pastries from the plate. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"They melted in your mouth like butter!" Argent nodded. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Thorn sighed, thinking about his 4-day-old bunny cookies back in his hidey hole. After his last experience with pastries and Echo around... how could he have trusted them?! <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"We do have to go to the Gray Forest to rescue one of my fellow sisters, but we'll return after that," Wren nodded to her. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Oh! Well then I assume you'll go hunt down that handsome Jerrandis?" Argent raised an eyebrow, "He comes in here everyone once in a while looking for you. He's seems so disappointed when you're not here." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Aww," Wren melted a little, "He's so adorable. Wish me the best of luck with him... I surely don't want to hurt him." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Nice corset by the way," Argent nodded, looking her over, "And shoes!" <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Wren beamed, "Thanks! I love it! And I hear they walk on lava! ...that should be very handy if we run into a certain evil magma dragon." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Argent nodded, "Maybe you can run up his lava breath! That sounds like something Erevin would do... running up his breath weapon to shoot an arrow point blank into his eye?! Very nasty!" <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"And with all of the dragonbane stuff that he has?!" Wren shook her head. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"It sounds like a sickness," Argent nodded. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"I just need to redirect him back to the drow," Wren nodded. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Argent nodded, "You need to get some drow to commit some atrocities to get his mind back on track." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"They've been poisoning the elves here in Lyrabar!" Wren exclaimed, "Surely that should bring his focus back." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"I did hear it's been very busy in the elven embassy," Argent nodded. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"It's crowded!" Wren nodded. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"He should put a stop to those no-good drow," Argent nodded. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Yes! Direction!" Wren agreed.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Anyway... is there anything that you need from the Gray Forest while we're there? Or any other information I should know?" Wren tilted her head and then leaned in, quietly whispering to the young mage, "Did any of the dragons respond to their invitations by the way? Do I need to make a trip?" <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Mmm Maybe," Argent nodded. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Alright," Wren nodded.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Erevin took back the brain from Magarite, "Apparently we're going to take it to Silvermane." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">The paladin nodded, "Certainly. And we'll be happy to take a look at it if Silvermane can not deal with it. The power of Lathander is greater than any mere mage." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Without doubt," Erevin nodded, used to sidesweeping and shmoozing his mother's paladin ways, "He will find a way to shine through all."

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Wren, Kale, Yuki, and Thorn continued on toward the noble estates in the city. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Yuki leaned in close to the witch, "I think there's someone following us." She not so casually nodded her head toward their pursuer. Thorn, still invisible, turned to look. Wren casually glanced that direction, gesturing toward a nearby shop and chatting with the priestess. Someone in a cloak and hood with a pair of blades took note of the group looking her way and she ducked off into an alley. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"She'll bide her time," Thorn's whispered voice came from them. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Wren nodded, "Should we pursue her here?" <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"No..." Thorn's voice came from beside her. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Wren nodded again, and lead them off to the Mercer estate. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">The butler invited the three of them in, sitting them in a comfortable room, and not noticing the invisible fourth. He brought in a plate of breads and cheese and some fine wine. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Jerrandis came down, having hurriedly gotten cleaned up and dressed for the occasion, "It's so good to see you. I didn't know you were back in town." He didn't even seem to notice Kale as took Wren's hand and kissed it. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Lord Mercer," Wren smiled in greeting, "Always so charming. It's so good to see you." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Thorn slipped Kale's glass of wine from the elven warrior's hand and gulped it down. It was truly delicious. The Mercers were well known for their wine. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Hey!" Kale scowled for a moment. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"How long are you to be in town?" Jerrandis asked Wren, oblivious to anyone else in the room. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">She smiled at him, passing her glass of wine into Kale's hand, "Not long at all actually. We have plans to move on to the Gray Forest quite quickly." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Oh," Jerrandis looked disappointed, "I was hoping to be able to spend some time with you." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Too bad," Kale muttered. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Wren couldn't help but giggle as she glanced back to her fiance with a wink, gesturing down with her hand in an effort to remind him to be calm. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Who is this?" Jerrandis took note of the elven warrior for the first time. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Wren beamed as her gaze fell to her lover, "Oh, this is Kale! He was with us before when you accompanied us to the library." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"I've never seen an elf quite so big," the young witch hunter shook his head, "With so much muscle." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"It is fantastic, isn't it?" Wren smiled, her eyes roaming the handsome half-dragon beside them. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Yes... I imagine he helps your group out quite a bit," Jerrandis turned back to her. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"He really does," Wren nodded, "I can't tell you how many times he has personally saved my life." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"But enough about him," Jerrandis turned more fully to her, putting Kale behind him. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"And of course, you remember Yuki," Wren gestured to the priestess. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Nice to see you again," he nodded to her briefly before turning back to Wren. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">The young witch watched a box of fine cigars vanish from a shelf... a bottle of wine... a bit of jewelry that was sitting on the table. She focused on the witch hunter in front of her, pretending to be blind to Thorn's antics.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"You're going after witches? To rescue a friend?" Jerrandis blinked at her, "It would be a stain on my honor not to go with you on this quest. Damn witches! I'll gather my gear right away." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"I would certainly appreciate that," Wren nodded to him, "I would consider it a personal favor and I will be indebted to you." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"I'll get my cold iron crossbow and I can be ready in an hour," Jerrandis nodded. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Wren took a step back subconsciously at the mention of cold iron, and nodded to him, "So fast? That's fantastic. We'll wait for you."

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> Everyone gathered back at the elven embassy. Erevin nodded in greeting to the human man wearing a broad-brimmed buckled hat and toting a wicked looking crossbow, "Ah, Master Jerrandis." "Pleased to join you on this hunt," the young witch hunter nodded to the prince of Myth Coramanth, "Time to burn the witches!" Wren sighed heavily and leaned against Kale, whispering, "It's better than drowning... but still! Does he have to say it like 'that'?" Jerrandis came with a coal black horse packed with shiny and new equipment. Erevin pointed at one of the items, speaking softer to the lord, "That one still has the wrapper on it. I wouldn't want you... looking unprofessional." "ugh," Posy sighed and slapped a hand to her forehead, shaking her head... This is who got invited to join them? Were they kidding? This poor sap was still in price tags! "I've had the finest training," he nodded to Erevin, "It's time to put it to the test." "What?" Posy blinked, the word simply leaping off of her lips. "I believe that it is," Erevin nodded to him, taking it all in stride. Thorn stashed his loot and removed his ring, appearing among them. "Oh Thorn!" Jerrandis jumped slightly, "I didn't see you there. You startled me." "It promises to be a very harrowing trip," Erevin nodded, continuing. "Excellent!" Jerrandis nodded confidently. "Yes, quite dangerous," Wren nodded in agreement, "Drow... evil witches... good witches." "What?" Jerrandis looked over at her incredulously, "You said two words that didn't... go together." "We've talked about this before, remember?" Wren smiled at him. "That's right," he nodded to her, "There are good witches... like there are good drow, right?" "What?" Erevin looked a little incredulously at him. Wren laughed, "At least 'one' to be sure." She nodded, gesturing to the drow priestess among them, "Shri is a good drow." The lithe dark-skinned woman nodded, sauntering closer, "I am. I can be 'very' good... or very bad." Posy laughed and nodded to the priestess. Erevin grinned at Shri and slipped an arm around her waist, "You come with me." Wren asked Loch and Crowe to stay behind and help Annaisuru with the embassy and all of the extra elves.

A beautiful summer day, Erevin, Shri, Posy, Uther, Mali, Ursus, Thorn, Yuki, Wren, Kale, and Jerrandis rode southwest along the coast before turning inland and heading into the Gray Forest to camp for the night. Uther, Posy, and Thorn took the first watch. The rogue sat across the campfire from the barbarian couple. Dropping down from a nearby tree like a ninja, the familiar form of Echo drew her blades and approached Thorn carefully, "It's best that you come with me, Thorn, and accept your fate. There's no need for your friends to be involved." "My friends are 'always' involved," he looked at her defiantly, "I'm never going to make it that easy for you, Echo... or Borrah, or Mina, or Calla, or Shorah, or Therra!" His voice rose louder with each name, drawing Posy's attention. "So be it," Echo nodded to him, "I'm going to have to kill you now." "You're going to 'try'," he replied. Echo glanced over at the barbarian couple. Thorn smiled, "Have I introduced you to Posy? Earthshaker... Deathbringer... Chieftan of the Clans?" "No," she shook her head. "Let's remedy that, shall we?" he nodded, and turned to the barbarian, "Posy!" "Very well... if you wish to involve others," Echo nodded and her eyes became glossy. Shimmering into existence, five more of Echo appeared... one looked like a paladin, one looked like a priestess, one looked like a sorceress, and looked like a rogue... "We are Echoes." What?! He never heard of her having sisters before... Posy leapt to her feet, nudging Uther, and shouting to the others, "Wake up!"