Session+66


 * 2-7-15** **Return of The Black Mark, A link to Posy's family,** ** Parula Taken, Drow Poison, **** and New Discoveries in the Battle vs The Red Fungus ** High druid Clannen, the gold-skinned aasimar with electric blue eyes, thanked us again, "It was good that you came. This red fungus... whatever it is... could not be allowed to take these stones." "What are these stones?" - Erevin "These are The Mucklestones." -Clannen "That sounds made up." -Thorn Erevin nodded to him in agreement, "You know if you can't tell us... it's alright. You don't have to make stuff up." "No really, what are they called?" -Thorn "They were here long before I was... I did not name them," Clannen shook his head, "But they have ancient druidic runes on them that connect them to other druidical circles in the realms. So one can use these to transport to other great forests and druid groves... so it would have been a very bad thing as it would allow them to spread that horrible disease to other places." Erevin nodded. "If you do not mind, I would like to accompany you to Myth Coramanth as I would like to speak with Lady Lionspaw." -Clannen "We have plenty of room." -Erevin "I thank you. I would like to speak to your mother and the lord high mage Attalicus." -Clannen "I'm sure they will welcome your council." -Erevin "Especially since you've had first hand experience fighting this stuff." -Wren nodded. Clannen put his second in charge of the circle of druids remaining. Though concerned about leaving them in such a time, he boarded the Destiny with us to head to Myth Coramanth.

Leaving the Forest of Lethyr, we head to the west and north. We travel over the Great Dale... a great road separating the two major forests. After a few days of travel, we see the great spire of the white tower and the gleaming palace of Hirotsu Lionspaw. Conversing with Erevin, upon his asking... Destiny tells him that we do not have anyone yet who can be named captain as our new pilot. "Not it!" Thorn shook his head, "Just putting that out there." Destiny looked him over quizzically, imagining the halfling in a large captain's hat, "Aren't you a little short to be a captain?" "Not at all! I'm not saying I wouldn't look good," Thorn shook his head, imagining a great captain's hat and a coat that drug on the floor behind him, "I'd be looking smooth. I just don't want the job." Destiny smiled and nodded, "Gregori will continue to take the wheel as pilot temporarily, but it is someone else's destiny to become the new captain." We disembarked to find Myth Coramanth looking mostly as we had left it. Beautiful lush green trees in high summer, we found it warm with bright sunshine. The smell of the trees, the creak of the wooden bridges above, and the sight of wisps of light dancing in the air gave Erevin, Kale, and Wren the feeling of home.

Mina came to meet us as we walked off of the lightbridge, arriving in her green cloak and leathers, carrying a bow. Having already been in the woods, she headed to our normal landing spot when seen the ship arrive. She saluted Erevin and then moved in to sweep him into a hug, "It is good to have you back! Not to say that we were worried, but we were sort of expecting you to arrive the moment you had left... and when you didn't... your mother went into a little..." "She didn't declare war, did she?" Erevin looked her over with concern. "Well there wasn't really anyone to declare war on," Mina shook her head. "That's never stopped her before," Erevin smiled, "But no, it was to our surprise as well." "But we had faith that you and your companions would return to us. Fortunately it wasn't something like 25 years into the future," she smiled at him, her voice a little teasing. "Fortunately," Erevin nodded, agreeing, "All is well then?" "Everything is well in Myth Coramanth itself," Mina nodded to him before turning to Wren, "Though I have been instructed to tell you that your mother wishes to see you as soon as possible." "Alright," Wren nodded. "Isn't that pretty much a standing order?" Erevin laughed softly, "It seems like every time I come back that's one of the first things that you tell 'me'." Wren laughed beside him, nodding. "Well if you hadn't been gone for two months... that might not have been the case, but yes, your mother does want to see you right away as well," Mina nodded to him, "She would probably like some reassurance that you are still alive." "Then I will go and reassure her that I am still alive," Erevin nodded. Mina nodded to him and then gestured to the group around him, "Come, everyone, we have rooms being prepared for you. I'm sure Lady Lionspaw and the others will want to hear about your journey." "We have a new companion with us," Erevin nodded to her and gestured to the high druid, "Clannen." "Ah the High Druid of the Circle of Lethyr! We have not heard from you in some time... other than our rangers meeting your druids occasionally in the Dale," she nodded to him with respect. "There is trouble," Erevin nodded. Clannen nodded to both of them, "I would like to speak with Lady Lionspaw and the high mage as Lord Lionspaw said... there is trouble." Wren sighed softly, "When isn't there?" Erevin nodded to her, agreeing.

Everyone followed Minastes through the gates and up to the palace. Hushed murmuring and whispers could be heard from the city people as we walked, "I wonder what happened to them this time! ... I bet Erevin killed 40 drow! ... Oh! Maybe they killed some dragons! ... I bet he held off a demonic invasion!" Wren laughed softly, shaking her head as the prince seemed to enjoy their attention. Rooms were prepared and we took the time to enjoy baths and new clothes before going to meet Hirotsu who was dressed in her gleaming golden armor sitting on the throne. Jeweled, with giant lion-paw-shaped armrests and a large lion head at the top with fangs coming down. "My lady," Erevin went to one knee in greeting as the others bowed and curtsied behind him. "My son," She nodded to him with a smile, "Errant once again. What has happened to you this time?" He updated her with a brief summary of our trip to another world where we helped to rescue some people and lost our captain, "Upon our returning though, having lost our pilot... we were forced to return to the nearest conflict to our time which brought us back two months late." Hirotsu sighed, seemingly a little relieved that it was a missing pilot that had held off her son for two months and then as the rest sank in, she nodded to him, "And what was this conflict?" "For that... I would like turn over the throne room to Clannen, High Druid of the Circle of Lethyr," Erevin gestured toward the gold-skinned aasimar. "Ah, our brother druids to the south. It has been some time... not since the Rotting Man have we seen you," she nodded in greeting. Clannen smiled, "Funny that you should mention that..." He went on to tell her the harrowing tale of the appearance of the red fungus in the Forest of Lethyr and the battles that he and the other druids had been engaged in for the past month that accumulated at the battle of The Mucklestones... where once again the Rotting Man was put down. Hirotsu nodded, regailing the others with the tale of how she and others had fought the Rotting Man here in Rawlinswood some time ago, "Though he has been gone, even now that area of the woods is wild and dangerous, but we have not heard or felt any sign of him. We keep the rangers on a regular patroling to make sure that that area is just wild and not showing any of 'his' influence... but we will talk more on this. I will call for Attalicus. Welcome, my son and his companions. I will leave you all to your own tasks. I'm sure you have your 'adventuring' business to take care of. My son... saving the world... I'm so proud." "She's just jealous," Erevin said quietly to the others who laughed and nodded before Hirotsu sent them all out with a "Dismissed!"

A delighted feminine voice called out as we exited the palace, "Kale!!" Yenshul threw herself into her brother's arms that embraced her warmly! She turned around and hugged Wren warmly as well, "You're back!" "And Thorn!" She squeezed the little halfling rogue tightly with excitement! Wren smiled warmly as her hand strayed casually down to cover Kale's... who's hand was already around the hilt of his blade, still sheathed. "It's so good to see you!" Yenshul beamed at Thorn, "You must come by the house! I'll bake you some cookies!" "Oh, yes I must," Thorn nodded with a grin, "I love to eat your cookies! And munch your muffins!" The halfling and young elven woman both seemed to be enjoying tormenting the big-brother warrior. Kale looked over at Wren, "That's not a euphemism, is it?" "Nooo, of course not!" Wren smiled with her charming and sweet smile, "All young girls love to bake cookies. I'm sure it's nothing to be concerned about." Erevin grinned, seizing the moment to tease Kale mercilessly, "You're going to have stunted, little, furry-footed nieces and nephews!" "Is killing a halfling considered murder and illegal in Myth Coramanth?" Kale turned to Erevin. "Probably not," the elven prince answered cheerfully with a casual shrug. Wren laughed, shaking her head. She gently pried Kale's sword hand from the hilt and took his hand into hers, giving it a loving squeeze, "Don't listen to him." Yenshul spun around from Thorn, "You too, Wren! I want to hear all about my big brother and your adventures!" "Of course," Wren smiled at her, nodding, "Your brother is always so heroic and amazing!" Wren glanced over and winked at Kale. "To a flaw," Erevin nodded, agreeing. "Alright! I better go get started on those muffins!" Yenshul winked over at Thorn, taunting her brother further, and dashed off down the path with a big grin.

Clannen went off to a private meeting with Hirotsu and Attalicus. Wren nodded to the others, "I know we're not staying long, so I should go and see my mother." She turned to Kale, "You're welcome to come if you like, but to enter the coven... we'll either need to make you invisible or we'll need to prepare for the consequences...or you could go look after Erevin." "I could walk you to the edge and wait for you," Kale offered. Wren stood staring at him as echoes of her sister's voices filled her head... seeing them peeking out of the coven door to see the warrior standing on the edge, //"At least he knows his place... He's so well trained... She's doing well. Perhaps we can borrow him..."// Wren shook her head, trying to clear the voices. "That's alright," Kale looked her over with concern, seeing that something was obviously bothering her, "I'll just..." But before he could finish, Wren stood taller and more confident, "Unless of course you're fully prepared to just walk in with me and we'll deal with whatever consequences that we get to deal with." "I am always prepared for that," He grinned at her, taking her hand. Wren laughed, clasping his hand in hers and nodding. "So are you coming with me or going with her?" Erevin glanced at Kale. "I can't leave her out of my sight for too long," Kale grinned over at Erevin. "Well I'd have Loch and Crowe with me if you're worried," Wren smiled. "That's not helping," Erevin shook his head at Wren who laughed, nodding.

Kale and Wren walked the trail to Raven's Nest with Loch and Crowe walking behind them. A couple of the sisters were outside in the glade and there were a couple of fires going. Raven swept out of the tree. "Welcome home, my daughter," the elder elven woman hugged Wren, "You've come home at an auspicious time. There's been a bit of trouble." "Trouble?" Wren tilted her head, glancing around the glade once before returning her gaze to Raven, "Then I'm glad we're here. What can we do to help?" She gestured to the elven warrior beside her, her arm clasped with his, "You remember Kale." "Of course, it is good to see you again," Raven nodded to him, "I appreciate that you keep my daughter... safe." "He is very well trained," Crowe chimed in with a grin, walking out from behind her younger sister. Wren kicked Crowe's foot subtly as she walked around, "Shh!" "He wouldn't even 'share' her!" Loch sauntered around the other side. Wren squeezed Kale's hand. Raven didn't seem to pay much attention to the other two, but continued her conversation with Wren, "One of our sisters... Parula... she's been taken." "Taken?!" Wren snapped her attention fully to her mother, "By who?" "The Spinders," Raven said their name almost hauntingly. Wren's shoulders sank... apparently her run in with the witches before was not as short lived as she had hoped, "I thought we took care of them before." "I thought we had as well," Raven nodded, "But apparently the lesson that you 'taught' them has only enraged them." Wren sighed, "I apologize if this is all 'my' fault." "It needed to be done," Raven shook her head, "But it appears they've made some alliances." "With?" Wren raised an eyebrow. "I do not know... another group of witches that I have not seen before," Raven shook her head. "So two witch covens to deal with..." Wren sighed. "And since my return I am attempting to do what I can... but with my encounter with the drow... they... killed my familiar," Raven spoke a little sadly. "They killed your familiar? Raz?!" Wren looked around, still expecting the fluffy green and pink lochlian hummingbird to go whipping by. Raven nodded, "Yes... and it will take me some time to find another." "I'm sorry," Wren interrupted her with a soft touch on her arm. Raven nodded, continuing on, "And until that time... my magic is limited... I do not know where they took her. None of your sisters' magics have been able to find her by scrying... but they are on the warpath. I have spoken with the Myth Coramanth rangers to let them know to be on the look out... in case they may be found here in the forest, but since she was taken... we have seen no sign of them. We sent a fairly sizable group of rangers along with myself, as weakened as I am... to where we knew the Spinders were, but other than some unpleasant surprises that they left... it appears that they have moved on." Wren blinked at her, "As though that's all they wanted? Parula? Not to just bait us in?" "I think..." Raven answered seriously, "From some of the nasty surprises that they left... that they were hoping to kill a few more of our sisters, but thanks to Lady Lionspaw's rangers... we had enough of a force there to survive it. Had we attempted to go on our own, I'm certain we would have lost several, but fortunately we did not." "You have always been wise," Wren nodded, "And how is Parula's daughter, Shrike?" "She is fine... though upset that her mother is missing," Raven assured her, "She is difficult to reign in... She has gone out with her familiar... looking for trouble." Wren sighed, "She is too little to look for trouble... as it will surely find her." "That is difficult to explain to someone who has lost their mother... as no doubt you might know," Raven nodded. Wren smiled, "Maybe..." "Miss 'travels into the heart of drow land'," Raven accused her teasingly. Wren grinned, "Yes... but I got you back." "Yes you did," Raven nodded. "Alright... well... if you can tell me where these places are... I'm sure I can gather some of my friends to help and we'll do what we can to find her," Wren nodded. "I'm afraid we don't have many leads," Raven shook her head, "Though we did find something strange in the coven where the Spinders 'were'. We found roses..." "Roses?" Wren blinked at her. "Roses," Raven nodded, "They appeared to be slightly burnt... and they are not indigenous to that area. When we picked them up, they burst into flame, turning to ash." Wren raised an eyebrow, "And this is a ritual that even you are unfamiliar with?" "It seemed strange to me..." Raven shook her head, "Not particularly dangerous... no one has shown any signs of harm from them... they were looked over by myself and the priests and priestesses of Hanalil and no enchantment seems to be involved... it almost seemed more like a ... calling card if you will." "Strange," Wren nodded, "I'll ask around and see if anyone else has heard of such a thing." Raven nodded, "The only other thing I know... is that this other coven appears to be mostly human." "Human? Interesting... I know there were some humans among the Spinders as well..." Wren nodded, recalling the two she had seen accompanying the elven woman in the woods. "That might be their connection then," Raven nodded, "I am not well versed in the covens of the humans, so that might be some place for you to start." Wren nodded, "I have a few ties in Lyrabar that may be able to help with that." Raven nodded.

Posy and Uther went to one of the inn taverns on the ground level of Myth Coramanth, Hero's Rest (So close to our home on Destiny... Heroes' Rest). A beautiful outdoor deck with wisps of light and sprites hanging in the air. Beautiful elven maids tended to the patrons that seemed to be a more adventuring crowd of mixed races. Uther sat with her, listening to Posy's tale of the bear spirits, "So... you can grow now? Sweet! I want to see that... I mean... 'later'." He nodded to her knowingly. Posy laughed and nodded, "Okay." An odd couple of slightly older gnomes came into the inn. They were dressed strangely to Posy... very sophisticated, like some of the palace guards from here. The female had blue hair shaped into a large castle on her head and the male had green hair shaped into a tower! "This damn human furniture!" the female cursed as they walked up to a table. She and the male each took some sort of gadget out of their pocket, "Deploy the portable stairs." They set down the gadgets on the floor, a small set of stairs unfolding up to the chairs for them to climb and sit down. Posy noticed out of the corner of her eye that her uncle Jerome was squinting for a moment at the gnomes before a panicked look washed over his face and he bolted out of the tavern quickly. "Well that's not suspicious at all," She thought sarcastically to herself as she sipped her ale with Uther and kept an eye on the strange gnome pair.

The two gnomes chatted back and forth to each other about whether or not the elves might be good customers and if they would be interested in their wares. The female was called Aware and the male was Kattri. Kattri shook his head thoughtfully, "I don't know... they seem to be all magicy and elfy... they may not be interested in things that work on sound principles." "Oh, I don't know," Aware sounded more optimistic, "I've heard they have open minds here." "In regards to fornication, yes," Kattri countered. They pulled out strange silverware that was foldable and shrinkable and talked about how good the meal was as they ate. Eventually Uther nudged Posy, raising his eyebrows invitationally at her, "So... you want to go try out the big thing now?" Posy laughed and nodded, taking his hand and heading back out of the city toward Destiny... it was a new size bonus afterall... and she wasn't sure what might happen in the palace. Their home in Heroes' Rest would be a much better trial.

Thorn fidgeted, feeling poor... it had been so long since we found any gold on our adventures! He needed something to do to bide his time until Yenshul's muffins were hot and ready... so he headed into town. Fully prepared and ready to stash things into his pockets, the halfling found that it was all too easy... Shops welcomed him in, "Oh! You're Thorn! Prince Erevin's friend! Please, come in... try this on... Go on to the back and look around..." Thorn stood alone in one of the clothing shops, blinking at the ease these people left him with... they sent him alone into the back room?! He searched the area thoroughly for traps only to find nothing... just the shop owner calling back, "Would you like to try something on? Just say you got it from this shop! You can just return it later when you have the time." "Yes, yes, when i have the time," Thorn nodded, putting on a whole new fancy outfit, "Thank you! I'll definitely wear this to the palace and tell everyone where I got it!" Decked out in fancy silks and gems, Thorn was strutting down the street walking on sunshine when a pheasant on a stick vendor just handed him a sample... and others were just offering him things as he walked. He got to the tavern doorway and heard, "Thorn! Erevin's friend! Have another one!" "Don't mind if I do!" Thorn answered cheerfully, sitting down with a pint of ale and a full happy belly. A few of the elven ladies surrounded him, giggling and asking questions about Erevin, "Is it true that he and that drow woman have a 'thing'? Please tell us that it's not anything serious!" Thorn talked Erevin up, "Oh, I can't really say that I've seen them be serious with one another..." "Then there's hope!" "Oh, there's always hope," Thorn nodded. Several other bouncy elven girls surrounded him, "You're Thorn, the great adventurer?! You're Erevin's friend! Tell us all about your great adventures!" Thorn grinned, "Yes I am! Thorn 'The Finisher'!" "Oh! I like finishers!" They cooed and flirted with him.

Thorn eventually headed to the Bloodwhisper home... in the more simple rustic area of Myth Coramanth. The garden was well tended and flowers were growing up the side of the house. The sweet smell of muffins wafted out of the window. Kale was out with Wren... so Yenshul and he would have the house to themselves. Thorn removed all of his extra bling, dressing much more normally, but keeping out a necklace for her. Yenshul opened the door, inviting him in, peeking over Thorn's shoulder for any sign of her brother. Thorn sat down with her and she poured him some simple tea and brought a tray of warm cookies and muffins.

Thorn handed her the necklace he had selected for her and munched happily on one of the warm muffins. "This is for me? This is beautiful!" She blinked at him in surprise. "Yes," he nodded, "Passing through town I happened to see that and thought I'd get it for you." "You bought this for me? That's so sweet!" Yenshul smiled at him adoringly. "Yeah, I got it for you," Thorn nodded again, being careful with his wording, "Just a little gift since you know... we've been gone so long." Yenshul slipped it around her neck and clasped it, circling it around her neck into place. Thorn picked up a cookie, but started to notice a strange aftertaste from the muffin... he could feel his muscles start to lock up as he lost control of them... unable to move at all, his body was paralyzed. "Are you alright? Is everything okay?" Yenshul asked sweetly as she walked over and patted the halfling's face with concern before reaching to his belt to pull his daggers out and set them aside. Thorn tried to speak, but unable to move... it just came out as little syllables of murmurs, grunts, and squeaks. She could hear the questioning in his ascending restrained voice as she sauntered around behind him. "You're not doing anything... Can't you move?" her voice was still sweet and filled with concern. "Mmm mmh" He would shake his head if he could... but still he was only able to project his voice through closed lips. She bent down, whispering in his ear with a deeper feminine voice that was no longer sweet or elfy, "Did you really think you could escape the Black Mark?" Muffled grunts and undecipherable words of screaming came from the paralyzed halfling! She picked him up, taking him to the bed room where she could almost hear "Rutabaga" among his muffled words. She pulled his numb limbs apart, tying each of his legs and arms to the 4 separate posts of the bed. She straddled over him, pulling out a couple of knives. A thumping noise came from the closet in the room. The fake Yenshul smiled, still straddling over him, "I wonder what your friends will think when they find you and the pretty little elf dead in the bed together... some kind of kinky sex game gone horribly awry?"

Thorn tried his very best to get something to move... but still he laid there helplessly paralyzed as she pulled out Rose, his own dagger, and carefully dragged the blade along his cheek. "My name... not that it will mean anything to you because you'll be dead... but my name is Echo," she smiled, her voice ever taunting. The name sparked a memory in Thorn as an assassin in the guild who was rumored only to ever leave behind an echo. She specialized in horrible painful deaths. "Killed by your own blade... what a way to go," she smiled, "Marco sends his best." Angrier muffled screams of rage came from Thorn as he struggled even more to fight off the poison! A little bit of feeling came back into his hands, he could start to feel the rope biting into his wrists now. He tried to pull his hands loose, but they were tied tight. Noticing the movement, her eyes widened, "That's impossible! I put enough poison in those muffins to paralyze 2 halflings! ...well then I guess I better get to it!" She jabbed his dagger into his chest! Unable to feel the pain, Thorn watched as red blood began to pool out around Rose on his body. "Oh, but look... you had another one." She held up the second blade. With Rose released from her grip into his chest... Thorn managed to summon the blade into his hand, spraying the blood from his chest across Echo's face! Thorn summoned his new double from Rose who appeared behind the woman, with his thumbs up, "Three way?" The copy's eyes widened as he looked at Thorn tied to the bed with blood on his chest and the woman straddling over him, "WHOA!!! WE'RE INTO SOME KINKY SHIT!!!!"

Thorn's eyes moved from the blood on his chest up to his copy and almost pointed at the woman as he muffled out commands that only the copy seemed to be able to make out as he leaped onto Echo's back with matching Thorn daggers! Taken completely by surprise by the spray of blood across her face and then the attack from behind, Echo lurched forward, "What the fuck?!" Thorn used the opportunity to use Rose to cut the rope free from his hands... able to then sit up, he drove Rose up into Echo's chest as she was still straddled over him. The disguise of Yenshul fell away, revealing a possibly elven or half-elven woman covered in black leather. She twisted off of Thorn and threw the copy across the room off of her back! "Oh, baby, don't be like that!" Thorn's copy stood back up, rushing back toward her. Thorn leaned down and cut the ropes free from his legs as Echo wielded Rose's mate dagger, slicing across Thorn's forehead and sticking into the headboard beside him! She glanced back at the copy and then back to Thorn, "I wasn't told you had a twin." Thorn grinned, "Are you into that?" "Not unless they pay me double," she shook her head, "I'm not prepared to take you both on." Thorn's voice was almost soothing as he was finally able to speak, "We'll go easy on you..." The copy was rushing toward her with his daggers as she turned back to Thorn, "The Black Mark never forgets. We'll meet again." She faded and vanished into the air like an echo... Cut free, but still paralyzed and unable to move his legs, Thorn pulled his second dagger free from the headboard and waved to his copy. "Aww man..." the copy sighed with disappointment, "What about the other one?" He glanced at the closet. "There is no other one," Thorn shook his head as his copy faded. Time had already run out. He rolled off the bed, crawling over to the closet, leaving a smear of blood across the floor. Opening the closet door as Yenshul kicked the door again, hitting Thorn in the head! "UGHHH!" A muffled "Sorry!" came from the closet. He managed to open the door to find her tied up and gagged. He got her released and she threw her arms around him, "Are you alright? You're bleeding!" "Ughh n-not so tight," Thorn flinched as she squeezed him. "Sorry!" She scooped him up, carrying him to the couch in the other room, "Are you going to be alright? Do you have any healing potions? Which one of these do I use?" she quickly rifled through his pack, "This yellow one?" "NOOO not the yellow! Nooo!" Thorn shook his head quickly. She opened his shirt, quickly binding his wounds with some skill and bandages. It was likely that she'd had to learn that at a young age with Kale as her brother. "It was awful!" she told him the story as she bandaged him up, "I was baking muffins... and then just all of the sudden I was in my closet, tied up! What happened?!" "Let me just... rest a bit..." Thorn nodded, leaning back on the couch. "Are you alright now? Would you like a muffin?" She smiled down at him with a tray. "Yes, please," He smiled up at her, opening his eyes, "I love your muffins." He selected one off the tray before dropping it quickly, "Wait wait! No!" With Echo gone with his gifted necklace, Thorn pulled out a different one from his stash to give to Yenshul.

Maliumpkin went to speak with the local druids in Myth Coramanth. The druids up here hadn't formed a circle like the ones in Lethyr... it was more of a group of individuals, but they had been working with the rangers looking for more signs and information of the cults of Ghanadaur. They told her that they hadn't seen any more of the small tentacled mask creatures that attatched to people's faces nor had they seen any of the red fungus. As Mali conversed with the druids, she seen Esme walking along with Clannen, the arch druid from the Forest of Lethyr. The two were conversing back and forth when Esme smiled, pointing ahead, "Oh, there she is!" Mali looked behind herself, "There's who?" "You, you silly child," Esme bonked her on the head softly with her staff. "I was speaking to Clannen here and he was telling me of your bravery in defending the Circle of Lethyr." Mali nodded to her, "You would have me any other way. I couldn't stand there and do nothing... you would have done the same." "Aye... such an abomination... it is all of our duty to destroy," Esme agreed, "I am happy that I have raised you as such. You've been almost like a daughter to me." "And you a mother, of course," Mali nodded. "I've always been somewhat of a recluse... I've never sought out others to join with them. I've always been content to live in my little home and tend my wood... but I've been speaking with Clannen, and..." Esme trailed off. Clannen bent down to speak to the short halfling, "We lost a good many brothers and sisters to this red fungus. During the battle I couldn't help but see how distraught you were at the loss of so many companions. We need stout defenders of nature and the wood such as yourself... it would be an honor if you would join our circle, the Circle of Lethyr." "Me?" Mali blinked at him in surprise. "Yes, you, Miss Maliumpkin," Clannen nodded. "That's... that's so sweet," Mali flashed him a smile and batted her eyes. "We could learn much from you, and I think that many of those who survived would love to hear your council... as would I," the high druid nodded. Esme dabbed at her eyes, "I have always been a recluse, but you don't need to be. The choice is yours." "I don't want to be a recluse," Mali shook her head, "I like people... certain people... some people... a couple people." Clannen smiled, "I understand you have many other duties and adventures to fulfill... certainly this fight against the drow and Ghandahaur and other such things... but afterward, we would certainly welcome you into our circle. You are a very powerful druidess and you will no doubt be even more powerful." "But if I'm a druid of the circle... then I have to be more powerful," Mali nodded. "Certainly you are already more powerful than most of those who survived... You could be a great teacher, much like Esme," Clannen nodded. Mali sipped her tea and nodded, "We can discuss that later." "Alright," the high druid nodded, "I wish you the best of luck. I plan on traveling with you to Lyrabar to see the research you told me was going on there. I can take that knowledge back to Lethyr to help. Before I left I sent the other druids to find any other places that were infected though not to do anything yet unless there was an immediate danger." Mali nodded, "Yes... I'll have to talk to my companions, but I believe Lyrabar is where we're heading next... but I'm sure you're more than welcome to join us if you like." Mali spent the rest of her afternoon with Esme, Clannen, and the other druids. She gave the druids here a couple more seeds of the lustberries to try and grow more. They handle it very carefully with the understanding of the danger of introducing a new plant.

Erevin looked into the location that the Mucklestones used to transport to in Rawlinswood near to Myth Coramanth. He posted a couple of rangers to keep an eye on the area. Hirotsu handed letters to Erevin to give to Annaisaru, "You may want to check in with your sister while you're in Lyrabar. She sent me word that the embassy is becoming too crowded. They're having some trouble there, but she hasn't told me what it's all about." "She's not in danger?" Erevin asked tentatively with concern. "No, no, nothing like that," Hirotsu shook her head, "Just that elves had been coming in to the embassy for sanctuary... but she hasn't gotten the full story to me yet. I'm expecting another letter shortly. I got the impression that this was all just starting to take place the last time she had written to me." "I'll handle the matter," Erevin nodded. Hirotsu nodded.

Dominic approached Erevin in the hall, wearing his apothecary mask. "What's up, Dom? Getting ready for Lyrabar?" Erevin tilted his head at the alchemist. "Not exactly..." Dom shook his head, "We have a visitor." He took Erevin to the balcony overlooking Bishop Medici who was out talking to the lovely blue-haired elven priestess, Dulcet. Erevin waved down to them, hailing in greeting, "Bishop! Give me a moment, and I'll come down to see you." "Ah, Mr. Lionspaw," Bishop nodded up to him, agreeing to wait. Erevin nodded to Dominic, "I'll take care of it." The elven prince went down to greet the two, "Bishop, welcome to Myth Coramanth." Bishop shook his hand, "Thank you. It is good to be back. Your mother has been nothing but hospitable." "You've been here a while then?" Erevin nodded. "Yes, a few weeks now," Bishop nodded, "I've been speaking with the priests and priestesses of the temples." "On what matter? If I may ask," Erevin asked, glancing around, "Did you travel alone?" Bishop nodded a little sullenly, "My wife... has been stricken with some kind of... illness?" "I'm very sorry," Erevin spoke genuinely and with concern, "I hadn't heard." "It happened recently... as usual her bull-headedness got her into trouble," he sighed, "I've been speaking to Lady Dulcet and the other priests to see what can be done. I've not had much luck with the temples of Sune and Tyr in Lyrabar... I was hoping perhaps Lady Dulcet would travel there." Erevin nodded to him and turned to the priestess, "Lady Dulcet, We will be traveling to Lyrabar in the ship within probably the next day. You are welcome to travel with us... it would be much faster than horseback." She nodded, "That would be wonderful. I've heard tales of your great ship Destiny... I really haven't had much of a chance to meet your companions... other than the celebration at the Temple of Hanalil... Will your friend Thorn be there? I don't think he came to the temple to celebrate." "He'll be there," Erevin nodded, "I would be very honored to give you the tour myself." "You are very kind... just like your mother," she smiled at him, "Though in a little less frightening way." Erevin laughed and turned back to the alchemist, "Of course, Bishop, you would be welcome to travel with us as well." Bishop nodded with a slight bow of respect, "I appreciate it. Thank you." The beautiful priestess nodded, holiness radiating off of her, "I'll have to make arrangements and speak with Eltrue... It will be difficult for him to part from me, though I'm sure he'll understand that under the protection of Lady Lionspaw's son... everything will be fine." Erevin smiled and nodded, "On my honor and my name, nothing bad will happen to 'you'." Bishop told Erevin about Renata's run in with a demon cult, "Apparently they were trying to summon some kind of demon... or there was a demon trapped there from years and years ago... of course she rushed in... and this demon did 'something'. Her body seems fine, but she has not awoken. The priests of Sune and Tyr tell me that her soul is gone. They've tried magic of resurrection... calling the soul back... but her soul has not answered." Erevin nodded thoughtfully, "I can't imagine Renata not wishing to return." "Yes," Bishop nodded, "Especially given her... condition." Erevin nodded, "I'm very sorry... I'm sure that all the power and knowledge that the elves come to bare will be brought to the subject. I wish the best to you." "I thank you," Bishop nodded to him and turned back to the priestess, "And 'you', Lady Dulcet." He glanced up toward the balcony where Dominic was receding into the shadows in his mask. Bishop shook his head. "We will leave tomorrow... probably after lunch," Erevin nodded to them both. "I have some things to deal with while here in Myth Coramanth, so I will see you tomorrow then," Bishop nodded, taking his leave.

Erevin turned back to Dulcet asking about the three children we had brought back from the cage at the dragon wedding. "They are being kept in the temple of Corellion," she nodded to him, escorting him to the temple. The three seemed less twitchy and full of fear... they were laughing and playing almost like normal elven children. "We haven't had much luck in finding any of their parents... so either they're either from Myth Coramanth and perhaps their parents were killed by the drow... or they're from one of the other elven cities. We've spoken with Prince Tyrian, but he will have to go amongst his people to find out... and we don't have a lot of communication with the Grey Cloak Hills... and there are other small clans of elves that they may have been members of... So at this time we are healing their minds and bodies at the temple and trying to give them a normal elven childhood as they deserve. I'm sure they would be happy to see you." "It would be good to see them," he nodded. She smiled, looking up at him, "They play Prince Erevin and his companions on occasion. They fight over who gets to be Prince Erevin... the girl usually wins." Erevin laughed and nodded, "That is good to know... it is becoming a lot to live up to." "I've heard!" Dulcet nodded and then pinched his cheek with a warm smile, "But don't worry... You'll always be my little simple woodsman..." "Try telling my mother that," Erevin sighed a little. "I remember when you were growing up," Dulcet grinned, "and there you were in the waterfall... naked as the day you were born..." Erevin blushed slightly and sighed as she retold an embarrassing story from his childhood.

Everyone returned to the palace for the evening to sleep in their wonderfully luxurious rooms with big "princess beds". Everyone met in the morning for breakfast and Thorn looked a little haggard, wincing occasionally. "Rough night?" Erevin raised an eyebrow. "That's what we'll go with," Thorn nodded. Posy noticed her uncle Jerome was in the room and she held out her arms like "What the hell was that?" to him. "Oh it was nothing... I had some business to attend to... you know... ghost business... had to uhhh... yeah, haunt somebody," Jerome nodded to her. Posy nodded, unconvinced, "Yeah... spill the beans." Erevin leaned over to Wren, "She's talking to people who aren't there again, isn't she?" Wren nodded, watching Posy's half of the conversation. "Those two gnomes..." Jerome nodded to his niece, "They're the Garrish Thimbles. Aware is your... aunt." Posy blinked at him. "We parted somewhat amicably... did you see her hair? That was crazy. ...she's the one who drove me to live out in the forest," Jerome nodded. "Okay," Posy nodded, fully taking his word for it, "So maybe I shouldn't get to know her... turning the page on that one. Let's go." "Well if it were up to me... I'd avoid her," he nodded, "But she might know something about your parents." Posy frowned, "Perhaps when we return from Lyrabar then." "I just wouldn't want you to throw that chance... I don't think she'll know who you are. You were too little... and now you're all growed up and big and muscly and ... angry... well not all the time, but sometimes you're pretty angry... but I'm proud of you," he nodded to her, laying a hand on her shoulder before fading away.

Wren looked around the table, "It seems that Parula, one of my sisters of the coven, has been stolen... by a rival coven who has teamed up with another coven." "How many sisters of the coven do you have?" Erevin blinked at her. Wren laughed, "Well... about a dozen." Erevin shook his head, "I've never heard of this one." "Oh, Parula... I'm sure some of the 'other' rangers have heard of her," Wren nodded, "Anyway..." "Oh... she takes after Crowe," Erevin nodded. "The two do get along quite well," Wren nodded to him, "She's usually walking around with a black wolf, her familiar called Warren." "And she got stolen? Where was she when she got stolen?" Erevin raised an eyebrow. "In Rawlinswood," Wren nodded. "Just wandering about?" Erevin questioned her. "She was probably out patrolling the woods, making sure they were safe... or perhaps she was with one of the rangers... I'm not sure," Wren shook her head. "See, this is what's wrong with witches... Leave the "keeping the woods safe" to the rangers, would you?" Erevin shook his head. "You know we're out there too!" Wren countered. "Dancing around fires... and drinking tea..." Thorn nodded, "And getting stolen." "And getting stolen," Erevin nodded in agreement. "We help defend it too!" Wren yelled back defensively. "You tell them, sister," Crowe nodded, sitting at the table. "Was her wolf stolen too?" Posy chimed in, curious. Wren nodded to her, "We believe he was stolen as well." Wren looked around the table again, "Have any of you ever heard of calling card of burning roses?" Erevin shook his head, "That sounds like a witch thing." Thorn nodded in agreement. "Do you have one of the roses?" Erevin asked. "No... my mother said they turned into ash when they touched them," Wren shook her head. "Can you take me to the site?" He asked her. "I've been told it's days away... to the east, near where the rotting man was once killed," Wren shook her head. "Well that sucks," Thorn nodded.

Wren looked over at him, noticing more of the severity of his wincing and wounds. She raised an eyebrow. "Apparently I'm still being hunted by The Black Mark," Thorn nodded. "What?! What happened?" Wren blinked at him. "They came after you, looking for you 'here'?" Erevin turned to him with surprise. "It was more like they were waiting for me here," Thorn nodded. "Are you alright?" Wren looked him over with concern. "Oh I'm much better now," he nodded to her. "Do you need healing?" Her gaze was already assessing his wounds. "No, no. I'm fine. It's okay," Thorn shook his head. "I thought you were with Yenshul last night," Erevin asked thoughtfully. "Oh I was," Thorn nodded. "And what happened to my sister?" Kale turned to him accusingly. "She's fine! She's safe now," Thorn tried to assure him. "Now?" both Kale and Wren asked in unison. "Well the assassin..." Thorn started. Erevin interrupted him, "Assassin? Was there just the one?" Thorn nodded, "Yes... she kind of looked like her which is why she fooled me... I just went for a 'visit'... where she offered me her 'cookies'. Remember? Cookies!" Thorn turned to the warrior, trying to calm him. "Not a euphemism," Wren shook her head, laying a comforting hand on Kale. "She does make good cookies," Kale nodded, calming down. "Well the assassin paralyzed me, but I managed to get out of it... but unfortunately she faded away and escaped," Thorn turned back to Erevin. "But my sister is okay?" Kale asked again, still concerned. "Oh yeah, she's fine. Fine," Thorn nodded, "I'm fine too by the way, asshole." "I need to go check on my sister," Kale stood up nodding to him, and brushed a hand over Wren's shoulder as he slipped out of the room... certain she should be fine at a breakfast table with the others. Erevin having heard that a witch was missing and Thorn was attacked... he turned to Mali to hear her story, dreading the worst.

"And you? Did you get turned into a tree?" Erevin raised an eyebrow. "Me? I didn't get turned into a tree," Mali shook her head. "Thank goodness," Erevin nodded. "I could turn into a tree... Want to see?" She asked him, a little excited. "No, no.... no..." Erevin shook his head, changing the subject, "I saw that you were talking with Clannen... is everything okay?" "Oh no, everything's fine... He just asked me if I would join his circle," Mali nodded. "So you're leaving our company?" Erevin raised an eyebrow. "No," Mali shook her head. "You turned him down," both Erevin and Thorn asked in unison. "No... I just postponed it," Mali shook her head. "Oh, well it's certainly a good calling," Erevin nodded. "I'm not ready yet, oh simple woodsman," she smiled. "I understand," he nodded. "Congratulations none the less," Wren nodded to her. "Congratulations," Erevin agreed.

"Posy?" Wren turned to the gnome, "What about you? What happened with you?" "Oh I just went to the bar," Posy shrugged, "And seen my aunt." "You have an aunt?" Wren asked as Erevin asked, "Your aunt?" at the same time. Posy nodded, "My aunt." "Oh, was she nice?" Wren asked, curious. "Well I didn't meet her..." Posy shook her head. "Then how do you know she's your aunt?" Erevin looked at her confused. "My uncle told me," Posy nodded. "Your uncle is here too?!" Thorn asked, shocked that she had family. "Of course, he's always with me," Posy nodded, turning to see her ghostly uncle standing on the table teabagging Thorn. "My mouth is cold," Thorn brought his hand up, leaning back from the table. Posy shook her head. "I didn't know that was your aunt... why didn't you tell me?" Uther turned to her. "I just found out," Posy nodded up to him. "Oh... well we should go find her and talk to her," Uther nodded. "We will when we get back," Posy nodded. "You haven't told me anything about your parents," Uther shook his head. "I don't 'know' anything about my parents," Posy shook her head. "Were you raised by bears?" Thorn looked her over curiously. "Yes, were you raised by bears?!" Uther looked suddenly excited. "No..." Posy shook her head. "Oh," Uther looked a little disappointed, "Well who raised you then?" "My uncle," she nodded. "The... dead one?" Uther raised an eyebrow. "Yep," Posy nodded. "But he wasn't dead then?" Uther asked as more theories of her life rolled through her head, "Cause being raised by a ghost... I mean that's kind of cool." Posy laughed, "He wasn't dead then... after he died is when I left."

"So what happened to you?" Wren turned to Erevin. "I checked in with the rangers to make sure everything was good there," Erevin shrugged casually, "And then I checked in on the children we rescued and they're doing very well." "Well that's fantastic!" Wren nodded, "And if you hadn't heard... the rangers have been involved in the search for Parula as well. My mother said they were of great help when she went to the site of the other coven." "Of course they did," Erevin nodded to her, unsurprised, "It's what they do. They're really good at it."

Erevin turned to Yuki, "And you?" "I spent the evening relaxing in the baths of Hanalil... no one tried to kill me." "Really?" the elven ranger looked at her skeptically. "Really," she nodded, "It's a little disappointing... Aren't I worth killing? Why are they going after 'Thorn'?" Erevin turned back to the halfling, "Why 'are' they going after you?" "What did happen with The Black Mark?" Wren nodded. "I'm just me," Thorn shrugged, "I mean you should've seen the reaction I got just walking through town! They were 'throwing' clothes and jewelry and stuff at me." "They were?" Erevin raised an eyebrow. Thorn nodded, "Oh yeah. People bought me drinks! It was awesome! Knowing 'you' is the best thing in the world." "Well you're a hero in your own right," Erevin shook his head, "It's not just knowing me." "Yes! That is true," Thorn nodded, "Which is why people want to kill me." "They want to kill you because you're a hero?" Yuki blinked wide eyes at him. "Some," Erevin nodded to her, "Heroes do make enemies." "Jealousy I'm sure," Thorn nodded, "Couldn't possibly have anything to do with some long term grudge against me of any sort." "But they were waiting for you this whole time..." Yuki shook her head, "Aren't these the same Black Mark people we attacked in that warehouse?" "Yeah," Thorn nodded, "I could've sworn we finished them all off. Guess we were wrong." "Well don't worry, Mr. Thorn, We'll protect you!" She reached out and healed him.

The ship is restocked and we gather with Clannen, Dulcet, and Bishop to board for Lyrabar. Kale and Yenshul met Thorn on the road on the way and she handed him a little basket of muffins. "Oh... that's okay," Thorn shook his head. "No, no... these aren't poisoned!" Yenshul shook her head, offering them again. "Okay... thank you?" Thorn glanced a little questioningly at Kale as he accepted her basket. "Yes... I hope you enjoy her muffins," Kale nodded almost a little threateningly. Posy reached into the basket, pulling out a muffin and munched on it happily. Thorn nodded, pleased to see that the muffins didn't have any effect on the gnome. He turned to Yenshul, "I will enjoy your muffins. Thank you." "I hope you come back to Myth Coramanth soon," she nodded, adding, "and next time I see you, I hope I'm not beat up and thrown into a closet." "That would be nice," Thorn nodded. "You got beat up and thrown into a closet?" Erevin walked up behind them. "I'm not sure what happened... I was making muffins and the next thing I knew I was tied up in the closet," Yenshul nodded to Erevin.

Everyone said their goodbyes and boarded the ship, leaving the white spires behind. Passing over the forest and mountains and streams until giving a wide berth to Lyrabar to land the ship out in the sea and take our horses, dogs, and giant wolf mounts to ride for about a day into Lyrabar. The tang of the salty sea air and the roar of the constant crashing of surf against the cliff... felt more like home to Thorn. It was high summer and rather tropically warm. Brightly sailed ships went through the gates of the harbor flying flags of noble families. The city was busy, packed with people trading with the ships bringing in goods from the other countries.

The city guard greeted us, welcoming us back, "Lords and Ladies... you have not been to Lyrabar in quite some time. Welcome back. I'm sure you must have many tales to tell. I'm sure your sister will be anxious to hear them... something must be going on there as many of the elves of the city have gone to the embassy." "So I've heard," Erevin nodded. They directed us to the stables where we left our mounts to enter the city through the Park. The streets were filled with people, packed together... a little disconcerting for the elves and Posy and Mali, but Yuki seemed to be right at home and Thorn smiled at all of the pockets that were easy targets. Erevin wiped his brow, "It's so hot here..." Wren nodded, losing clothes as they went, until Kale laid a hand over her gauzy thin clothing, shaking his head. Content to leave that on, she leaned against him in the gondola, as an unseen servant fanned them with a large fan... looking like the fan was moving on it's own. The water of the canals was crystal blue and sparkling, magically cleaned. Fish darted around in the water as Melleron and Inali watched them with anticipation.

Shri, Dominic, Posy, Uther, Dulcet, and Bishop all accompanied Erevin to the embassy. It was crowded here... even in the elven gardens and gazebo inside the gate. Anna looked tense, her sword hung on her belt, but she came to greet him, clasping his arm and pulling him in for a hug, "Little brother... I've heard so little from mother's writings. I haven't heard anything in... months!" "Small miscalculation," Erevin nodded to her, embracing her, "Speaking of mother and her writings..." he handed her the letters Hirotsu had left with him. "Thank you," she nodded. "You are... very busy," Erevin glanced around, "What's going on?" "Yes..." Anna sighed, "For the last few months we've had elves that live in the city... not necessarily associated with Myth Coramanth, but merchants and other elves..." "They have homes here?" Erevin asked. "They do have homes here," she nodded, "But apparently some of them have been killed. Some murdered... some by poison. They came to us for protection." "What of the local constabulary?" Erevin's eyes narrowed with such distressing news. Anna nodded, "They have spoken with the local paladins... some... although it's distasteful... some communing with the spirits has been done and no one has seen the face of their killers." Erevin frowned, "So they have taken precautions in the event of communing with the spirits..." Anna nodded, "There have been about a dozen or so murders in the last two months." Erevin's eyes widened, "Really?" She nodded, "But since we've brought them here and worked with the arcane university to set up additional wards around the embassy we haven't had any more problems... it's just..." "Crowded," Erevin nodded. "Very crowded," Anna nodded. "What have we learned? Anything?" he asked. "About the murders?" She shook her head, "Other than some of them have been fairly grisly... and some of them were poisoned." Erevin nodded, "Get me a list of all those murdered so I can figure out who they were." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Anna nodded, heading off to gather the information for him. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Erevin sent a runner to set up a meeting between him and Lady Magarite of the paladins. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Erevin turned to Bishop, "Do you know anything about all of this?" <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">He shook his head, "I left long ago... travelling by much slower means to Myth Coramanth. When I left I heard something about someone being killed... but it was only 1 or 2 people at the time. However I can see what I can find out... I have sources in the city." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"I would appreciate that," Erevin nodded. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">The elven prince left to speak with his alchemist, "Dominic... I need you to work on this poison. See what you can find out about it." He left him a sample of the poison used to kill some of the elves.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Wren headed to the flower shop to find Willow. The young human girl seemed well, inviting her into her small 2 room home with an extra gardening room that was more the size of a large closet. She had a planter there where she had managed to grow a blooming lustberry bush with plump berries. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"That's fabulous! I'm so glad that you've had luck growing it!" Wren nodded to her excitedly. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"It does require a lot of work," Willow nodded, "It doesn't do well in the cold at all... thank goodness it's quite warm here in the summertime, so it's doing quite well." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Wren nodded, looking it over, "Have you been able to harvest some berries from it?" <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Yes," Willow nodded, "Some..." She escorted the elven witch to a tightly sealed jar with several berries. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Excellent!" Wren beamed happily at her, "I will pay you for the entire jar and your continued efforts on the plant if you are willing." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Alright," Willow nodded to her, "If you take the berries out... you should use tongs or you might want to wear gloves." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Wren laughed softly, "Did the boys pay you a lot of attention after you handled the berries?" <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Willow blushed and looked down, "When you first pick them off of the bush they are particularly potent." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Oh... when you first pick them," Wren nodded, "I'll keep that in mind. That's good to know. Thank you!" <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"And I think you can use the leaves to make a tea too..." Willow nodded, pointing out the leaves on the bush. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">A smile spread over Wren's face as her voice became more mischievous, "Fabulous!" <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"I haven't had the courage to try that though," Willow shook her head. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Oh... have you taken samples of the leaves?" Wren tilted her head, smiling sweetly. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Yes, I have some leaves," Willow nodded, retrieving a jar of them. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Excellent, I'll pay you for those too," Wren nodded. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Alright... but be careful! I mean you don't want to try them on some unsuspecting halfling... person," Willow shook her head. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"No... of course not... I would never," Wren's eyes were sparkling, but her smile was innocent. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">The two sat down at her table with simple tea and bread and butter conversing about business going fairly well with her flowers. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Is there anything that you need?" Wren glanced around the simple room. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"No... I do appreciate you paying me for the work," Willow nodded, "I've been able to fix up some of the holes in the walls and make little improvements." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"I appreciate you 'doing' the work!" Wren shook her head insistently, "And I will continue to pay you! You've done a great job!" <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"I appreciate it!" Willow nodded happily. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Wren was sure to overpay her, tipping her well. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"How are all of your companions? You haven't been to Lyrabar in a long time! How is Ursus? I know Mali was awfully worried about him," Willow asked her lots of questions, pressing for tales. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Everyone is well," Wren nodded, "Ursus is doing fine... thanks to you keeping him alive, he has made a full recovery and he and Mali are doing quite well together." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Really?!" Willow looked excited, "Tell me more! Are they married?" <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Wren laughed, "No... no... not yet. I don't think he's even asked her yet." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Willow looked disappointed, "Stupid men... not that I've ever had a boyfriend. Mali is so lucky." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Never ever?" Wren looked at her surprised. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"No..." Willow sighed with disappointment. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"But why?" Wren frowned, "You're such a pretty little thing." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"I'm poor..." Willow shook her head. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Oh..." Wren laid a soft hand over hers, "But you make such wonderful flowers!" <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Maybe someday," Willow nodded. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Alright," Wren nodded, pausing thoughtfully, "You know... you could always share a little of that tea with someone." She smiled mischievously. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Oh, but that wouldn't be right!" Willow shook her head, "Wren! That's a bad witch thing to do." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Oh..." Wren looked a little disappointed, "But... it's just a conversation starter, sweetie... I'm not saying to keep him doped up all the time." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Willow blushed, "I'll keep that in mind." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Wren nodded, patting her hands, "Thank you again. Please keep up your brilliant work."

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">The young witch said her goodbyes and headed to the magic shop where she found Shandra at the counter and lots of stock on the shelves. It looked like she was doing well. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Wren!" Shandra beamed, glancing up at the magic jingling bell and the mystic smoke of a dragon roaring across the ceiling upon her entrance. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Lady Shandra," Wren smiled, looking around the shop, "I have missed this place." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Welcome back to Lyrabar! Are you and your companions back in the city after a long 'profitable' adventure?" Shandra asked hopefully. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Oh... well... I don't know how much profit we've made, but we've made some progress if that counts," Wren nodded, seeing the shop owner's immediate disappointment. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Shandra nodded, "Well we have a lot of new magic items in stock if you or your companions would like to take a look... unless they think our magic items aren't good enough and go have some elven high wizards make their items..." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Wren laughed softly, "I have no idea who would think that." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"So what can I do for you today then?" Shandra smiled. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Well a couple of things... I'm hoping that you can point me out to some local witches who might be in Lyrabar," Wren nodded. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Witches? I mean I know I dress in this rather slutty outfit and wear this big conical hat, but I wouldn't say that I'm a witch," Shandra shook her head. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Wren shook her head, "They don't shop here? It's the best magical shop in town!" <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Well I know a couple of the covens..." Shandra nodded, "There's the Sisters of Light... some call them white witches?" <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Wren nodded, "Healers and such... do you know of any who would use roses that burn to ash?" <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Mmm that sounds familiar... I think I remember one of the sisters saying something about a rose... they don't come in very often. Your best bet would probably be to check with the witch hunters," Shandra nodded. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Oh really?" Wren smiled, "I do know one of those..." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"If there are any evil witch cults in the area... it would be there job to hunt them down, so they probably know more about them," Shandra nodded. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Wren nodded, "Alright... do you know where the Sisters of Light make their home?" <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"I believe their coven is about a days ride along the cliffs to the east. There's a natural cave with a path leading down to it. I've heard it's a sea cave that opens up at the top where the sunlight comes down... some sort of geode type of rocks reflect it with a dazzling display," Shandra nodded. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Wren nodded, thanking her, and bought a couple of scrolls while there. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Shandra nodded, promoting the Sokolov bakery and telling her to send her companions in. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Wren laughed, "I always stop at the bakery when we're in town. I'll be sure to stop and see Lady Samira and her husband. Have you seen Argent about?" <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Hmm she was here yesterday teaching some students, but I haven't seen her here today... I'm sure if you hang around long enough, she'll show up. Shall I tell her that you're looking for her?" <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Wren nodded, "Just tell her that I'm back in town and I have some bracers to return to her." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Ah! Okay," Shandra nodded, wandering off to help her other customers. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Wren headed over to the Mercer estate.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Thorn headed off to his hidey hole, finding it relatively undisturbed. He looked around noticing a plate of stale cookies sitting on the table. He poked them, finding they were hard like bricks... probably freshly baked or bought about 3 weeks ago. The only ones he could think of who might've known of his home's existence was Boots and Salem. The dust in the home also seemed about 3 weeks old... just a thin layer. Someone had been cleaning. Nothing seemed rifled through or moved though, so Thorn headed off to the tavern with his sparse coins... not really capable of any quality shopping...

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> Mali briefly considered heading to the magic shop... though her gold seemed a little low as well. (LOL! Needy players!) Mali headed off to speak with the druids in the park... romantic couples were in rowboats out in the lake and other people were walking in the park, enjoying the gazebos and benches. Several animal companions were kept here, enjoying what nature was available in the city. Rayum Castle flew down as a hawk, transforming into a slightly older blonde-haired human woman, who was aging quite well, to greet Maliumpkin. "Welcome back, Maliumpkin, how were your travels?" She smiled, welcoming the red-haired halfling. "More or less productive depending on you look at it," Mali nodded. "Have you found anything else about that red fungus? We've been handling it very carefully and we've been able to discover a few things," she nodded to her. "What did you discover?" Mali nodded, interested. Rayum escorted her to a fenced off area of the park where the druidic grove was kept safe. She took her to a small simple stone building past some other buildings where Mali could smell herbs drying. Inside was a sample of red fungus encased in crystal. The building was dimly lit by a single light stone and the windows were covered, "We've been able to discover that the fungus is most similar to the shambling mound... in the same way that most of the elements will harm it, but electricity will quicken it's growth and heal it." Mali nodded, frowning, "Yes... yes... we've had some experience with that as well. Thank you for that timely information." "You're welcome!" She nodded cheerfully, "It also seems like it only really grows well in fairly bright light... We've noticed if we keep these samples in the dark, they seem more dormant, but if you let in some sunlight, they're ready to grow. It seems to take over and become a parasite to almost any living creature... plants, animals... we haven't done a lot of experimentation with it, but it seems fairly horrific!" She went on to tell her a few other things that Mali already knew like how the cure spells seemed to make it grow and kill whatever it was hooked into, but they hadn't found any poison or substance that seemed to kill it other than acid that would dissolve it... She suspected that with the need of another living organism and sunlight that it's spread was limited... but the grasslands may be susceptible. "It almost seems like it has a mind or will behind it as well... but that's a hard thing for us to tell. Generally speaking it will go for whatever living thing is near, but we have seen some signs of cunning of getting past obstacles to get where it wants to go. And it detects as evil." An evil plant with problem solving abilities... Mali shook her head, "I don't like it." Rayum nodded to her, "We don't like it either. We've kept a constant rotating guard to check this place and we keep it contained mainly in the dark... and we don't encourage it to grow all that much. What have you found out?" Mali told her about the situation with the Circle of Lethyr and that High Druid Clannen was here in Lyrabar with her. "I haven't spoken with him in years! I look forward to talking with him," Rayum nodded. Mali nodded, agreeing to arrange for a meeting, "While defending the circle, we also discovered that lustberries seem to be able to kill the fungus without harming the host." "Lustberries?" Rayum blinked at her. Mali smiled and nodded, "We acquired them on one of our trips." "Oh... alright... their name sounds a little scandalous," the human druidess raised an eyebrow in question. "Oh they are," Mali nodded, "You should use caution when handling them... unless of course, you know..." "Your with someone that you care about?" Rayum asked. "Yes, exactly," Mali nodded. "I would certainly like to see one of them," Rayum nodded. Mali pulled out a jar, holding it up for the blonde woman to see. Rayum nodded, using a pair of tongs to take out a berry carefully. She squeezed over one of the samples of fungus, watching it turn grey and shrivel up. The two could almost hear the plant scream. Mali blinked, she wove a speak with plants spell over herself, nodding to Rayum, "Do that again." Rayum squeezed another berry over a second sample. Mali could hear a crying out for the Red Lord, "It hurts, it hurts! Make it stop! We will consume all!" The voices were dark and malignant... it was rather disturbing to hear the chorus of voices almost like fighting the mindbreaker. A chill ran up Mali's spine that brought out goosebumps as she shuddered. "Well that works very effectively!" Rayum nodded, "How many more of those berries do you have?" "Not very many," Mali shook her head, "I've been able to grow my own plant, but it doesn't produce that many berries... and I've already given a handful to the druids in Myth Coramanth to try and cultivate them as well." "I would like a couple of seeds too if you have any left," Rayum nodded, "We can see if we can get them to grow with magic in a safe and controlled environment." Mali nodded, "I believe I have just a couple left." She pulled out a small pouch, emptying the few seeds into Rayum's hand. "I wonder how we can get this to be distributed in a wide dispersal..." Rayum thought out loud. The halfling nodded, "It doesn't work watered down, but we have a few people working on potions."

Wren headed to the Mercer estate asking for Jerrandis. It took a few minutes for him to come down... and he came down finely dressed in his best pressed witch hunting attire, "Miss Dreamspinner, it's been months since I've seen you!" "Jerrandis Mercer," Wren curtsied at the bottom of the stairs, "You look dashing! It's been months since I've been to this city." "You look just as beautiful as I remember," he smiled at her, looking her over as he finished coming down the stairs. "Oh, so charming," Wren smiled at him. "Can I take you out to dinner?" He offered her his arm. "Oh," Wren blushed, "Well... I was hoping to have a conversation with you... but we could have it over dinner. That would be lovely." She accepted his arm, linking hers in. "Excellent, I know just the place," he nodded, escorting her out to the carriage. He took her to a fine restaurant overlooking the ocean... the power and prestige of the Mercer family was very apparent in the way the servers spoke with him and prepared the finest table, perfectly positioned to watch the waves coming in. Wren looked around and gazed out of the window, "This place is amazing!" "Oh," Jerrandis shook his head, downplaying it, "It's just a little place." Wren turned and smiled at him, her eyes sparkling with amusement and she sat down at the table with him. He set his big hat down, "So what did you want to talk with me about? I'm sure you must have many rousing tales of your adventures!" Wren laughed softly, shaking her head, "I've been to so many places that I don't think I even remember them all... but tell me how is your witch hunting going?" She leaned in, interested. "Oh... witches are very crafty as it turns out," He glanced around and leaned in closer to her, "You know, sometimes there can be one right in front of you and you don't even know it!" "Noo!" Wren gasped with disbelief, laying a hand over his. He nodded to her, "But... there have been a few reports of the covens that are usually pretty quiet... but you know they find an eviscerated cow or some dead animals in the woods and it's always 'blame the witch, blame the witch'... but they're have been a few more sightings like that from the darker of the covens." Wren nodded, listening with great interest, "Well..." Jerrandis continued, "Not that there's any witches that shouldn't be burned, but..." Wren blinked wide eyes and interrupted him, "Now wait a minute... I thought we've talked about this before and you agreed that there were good witches in the world." "Mmm that's what I've heard," He nodded, sounding skeptical and sipped his wine. "And you don't believe it?" Wren raised an eyebrow. "Well I've never seen a good witch..." he shook his head. Words of 'Me...I'm a good witch' wanting to spill out, Wren bit her tongue and smiled. "I mean the Sisters of Light are supposedly good," he nodded. "I've heard that as well, though I haven't met them yet," Wren nodded. "I'm sure they're just luring the people in... so they can sacrifice them to their dark patron!" He nodded. Wren's eyes grew wide, suddenly very grateful that she'd held back any admission, "Wow! You certainly paint a dark picture of witches..." "Well," he smiled at her, "That's kind of what they teach us in witch hunter school." Wren nodded. "What do you want to know about witches for?" He looked at her curiously, "A pretty young elf such as you shouldn't involve herself with witches." Wren laughed softly, "Well... actually... I'm hunting some witches." "That's dangerous! ...unless you've gone to school," He nodded to her, "What witches are you hunting?" "Well I'm hunting some witches that might leave behind roses that burn and turn to ash when you touch them," Wren nodded. "Oh!" Jerrandis nodded to her, "Those are called Roses and Ashes." Wren smiled, nodding, "Roses and Ashes, you don't say..." "At least that's what the witch hunters call them," he nodded. "Oh," Wren nodded, "Have you heard of them joining with a coven called the Spinders?" "The Spinders?" Jerrandis thought for a moment. "Yes," Wren nodded, "They all bare some sort of spider tattoo on their body." He pulled out a book and flipped through it, "Oh, those are north... closer to Myth Coramanth." "Yes," Wren nodded, "To the east of Myth Coramanth." "I haven't heard anything about that one or Raven's Nest," he shook his head. Wren swallowed, thinking to herself of what to say, but deciding to skip over it she simply asked, "But you've heard of it?" "Mmmhmm," he nodded, "But we have heard that Roses and Ashes have been rumored to be seen with another coven called The Path of the Bloody Thorn." "Well that's an interesting name," Wren nodded, "So these witches... do you know where they make their homes?" Jerrandis unrolled a map on the table, moving closer to her, "Well... I've heard both of them dwell 'here' in the Gray Forest." He pointed to the forest just west of Lyrabar. "According to my field manual, the Roses and Ashes coven... at least the physical location... was destroyed with the march of the giants and humanoids came down the mountain a few years ago when they attacked Lyrabar. The coven just got caught up in the path of destruction. So we're not sure where their new place is. The Path of the Bloody Thorn is this awful thorny hedge maze which was further to the west in the forest." Wren nodded, "And they're mostly human?" Jerrandis nodded, "Yes. They don't come into the city very often, but they're marked as an evil cult because they've had associations with demon worshipping cults in the past... back when Lyrabar was having problems with those cults." "But they haven't caused any problems lately?" Wren tilted her head. Jerrandis shook his head, "At least not until the reports of the dead animals and demonic witchy rituals... but staying out there in the woods all by yourself can't be good." Wren laughed, tucking a strand of hair behind her pointed elven ear, "Oh Lord Mercer..." "But we should't talk about such unpleasant things like witches," he shook his head, taking her hand into his, "We should talk about what a beautiful young woman you are and your plans while you're here in Lyrabar." Wren blushed, "Aww... you're always so charming... Well my plans include getting information on these witches, rescuing a friend, and..." "Well if there's anything I can do to help..." he nodded to her. "Well your advice is very appreciated," Wren nodded. "Do you have sticks? Bolts? Cold iron?" He whipped a couple of weapons out to show her. "Oh... c-cold iron," Wren nodded, swallowing. She opened her pack, "Would you mind putting some of the weapons in my bag for me?" She smiled sweetly. "Oh certainly!" He nodded, placing some things into her pack. Her eyes widened as an arrow tip came close, "Careful not to t-touch my fingers." "I understand. I wouldn't want to cut you," He shook his head, taking great care putting things in. "Oh, you're the sweetest," Wren melted a little. "Certainly if you need any other help, you can always come to me. I've been trained in witch hunting. I'm a professional," he nodded to her proudly. "A professional," Wren nodded, tipping her head sweetly to rest on her hands, "I'm 'so' glad I can come to you. I feel safer already." He gazed at her adoringly and continued to wine and dine her until escorting her safely back to the embassy... which she was surprised to see so crowded.

Everyone gathered and discussed what they'd managed to find out. Dominic joined the discussion, "The poison you asked me to look at... I've seen something real similar... I only recognize it because I've just seen it recently. It's definitely a drow poison... specifically from the volcano." Erevin frowned. "Damn drow..." Mali muttered. "Apparently they didn't take the intrusion into their home or the slaughtering of their people warmly," Dominic shook his head. "They took mine first," Wren said a little defensively. Dominic shrugged, "I'm with Erevin... kill them all." Erevin nodded, "They drew first blood." Wren nodded to him, "And they stole our children!" "It doesn't really matter who drew the first blood," Dominic shook his head and looked at Erevin, the two of them then saying in unison, "It's who draws the last."

After a day of research, both Dominic and Bishop came to the discovery separately that there is a substance that works with the lustberries as a suspension in a potion... "If you mix it with this, it wont be diluted... now you can't make 100 potions from 1 lustberry, but you can use just one lustberry to make a whole potion." Erevin nodded, "Which could be used on a larger portion of the plant." Dominic nodded, "Or if there was an animal or person host... you should be able to use a potion to get rid of the fungus, clearing them for healing.... Now the problem is... it's one of the substances that was in the cure for Crucible's transformation of the elves... it can only be found on the island where Crucible's lair was." Everyone recalled the strange storms that had settled over that island... there was a leftover artifact that could control the weather on the island... it was rumored that something had gone wrong with it and that's what caused the storms that were still in full rage there.

It was decided that we would need to charter a ship to go to the island... it would be too dangerous to take Destiny there.