[Sat Jun 23 20:16:17 GMT+00:00 2001]

Coming to the edge of the woods you see the underbrush is spread out through the area and not as over grown as the Cormanthor but the land is soft with surface waters scattered about the area. The sun sits well into midday leaving the question to wait until morning or enter the woods now and camp in the depths of it. You have set camp just outside the woods morning has finally graced you with its warm rays of light.

Isreal wakes and rubs his Jaw tenderly and getting up stretching but says nothing and grabs something to eat and drink.

Marticus wakes up as the morning rays of the sun glint against his face, stretching he gets up and goes to the fire to see what his dog has been up to.

Elina sits beside Russeth as she watches over his rest. Upon seeing Isreal getting up, she approaches him and checks his bandages.

Russeth opens up his tent's door and glances outside intently; quickly dressed and armed he leaps out with a warm smile and stretches his back and arms.

Marticus after locating him he kneels down to say his morning prayers, once that is complete he goes over and puts on his armor and ready his equipment.

Russeth reaches into his backpack and gathers a handful of dry meat he withdraws, he shoves half of it in his mouth and chews rapidly, grinning, "So everyone's ready to go in the forest, huh?"

Isreal looks over at Russeth an turns to look into the woods with a look of worry on his face.

Marticus looks up at Russeth and nods, then goes back to the task of packaging his equipment.

[Russeth]: Catchy is still lying by the tent, rising his head every now and then when he hears or sees something come close.

Isreal studies his spell book.

[Elina]: "Morning Darling." Elina turns and faces Russeth as she examines Isreal's wounds. Nodding with satisfaction that he is well, before moving and packing her equipment, getting ready to set out.

Isreal mumbles arcane words to himself ranting and raving he looks deep in study.

Russeth rubs his hands on his thighs and smiles, "Then we should pack up quickly and let the spell casters prepare. We need to make it quick in there, might not want to stay there a whole week like last time."

Marticus finishes gathering his stuff then takes out a ration bar and starts munching on it. Marticus then notices Klaus come of the forest prancing over to his owner and looking up at him playfully.

Russeth nods at Elina as he stares at Isreal's wounds. Then he turns and walks up to his tent, quickly packing it up and storing it back in his backpack.

Marticus looks over to Russeth "seems like you are the leader, so can you tell me where we are going?"

[Elina]: Taking a deep breath of the fresh morning air, Elina lets out a sigh as she opens her spellbook as she starts her studies.

Gathering your gear and preparing for the day’s march into the Velar Klaus and Catchy begin to growl, staring at the woods.

Marticus looks over at the woods and takes out his broad sword "what is it boy?"

Running through the brush, coming your way is a lone greenish pig, faced creature, and seeming in plight of something from within.

Russeth nods at Marticus as he throws the leather stripes over his shoulders, but then his eyes twitch to the side, staring as well in the woods he puts both his hands at the swords' hilts.

Russeth remains passive, narrowing his eyes at the creature he doesn't recognize; he shakes his head at Marticus.

Marticus readies his sword "what, and who are you?"

The creature rushes into your area fearing little of your presence as something whips through the air with a thud in his back the orc drops to the ground. A lone arrow sticks from his back.

Isreal gets up. "What the hell what’s going on here?"

Russeth glares at Marticus, sensing he knows a bit more than he does, he draws the short sword only, as the creature drops he draws the second sword. "Who goes there?"

Marticus looks over at Russeth "you are the ranger, so will you go see what shot that creature?"

Isreal pulled his dagger and readies his spell fresh in his mind looking in the woods. "Well is this a bad omen or what."

Elina continues concentrating upon her studies as the orc falls to the ground. The intrusion does nothing to break her concentration.

Russeth shrugs as he steps forward before the rest and narrows his eyes at the woods. "That looked like a man-made arrow."

Marticus looks down at the creature he now sees as an orc "a orc being shot is not a bad omen, more like a blessing".

Isreal starts going in the orcs goods looking for some clue and pulling the arrow.

Zakren lies in the field watching into the woods. "Heh yeah go take a look."

Russeth begins walking in direction of the woods, leaving the others behind, looking straight ahead, counting on his intuition, stopping quickly as he reaches the edge and peering in between the trees.

[Marticus]: "I would just sound like a walking armory will some one else with the gift of stealth do it".

A figure with sword drawn approaches from with in the woods, he seems to be making his way to the beast.

Isreal looks on and stands ready for the fight ahead.

Marticus examines the figure trying to make out what it could be

Russeth stops sooner, seeing another sword he places his crossed in front of his, "Speak up. Perhaps?"

[Elina]: Unaware of what’s happening around her, Elina concentrates upon her spellbook intently.

[Isreal]: "Well WHO ARE YOU and WHAT DO YOU WANT".

Marticus looks over to Elina "I hate to interrupt your studies but I think we might be in need of your talents". Motioning to the figure with the sword drawn.

Kirarae sighs, "I've no quarrel with your or your friends sir. Let me finish and collect my quarry and I'll be on my way".

Elina seems not to have heard Marticus as she concentrates upon her spellbook.

[Marticus]: "Not until you explain who you are and what you were doing hunting an orc".

Russeth nods, sheathing his swords as he notices Kirarae. "Alone in the woods, Heh. Doesn't look that much dangerous to me."

Kirarae continues walking "Well I'd be planning on killing it, you don't have a problem with that do you?"

[Isreal]: "well that’s only one Orc now isn’t it and where’s there one there are more " looking at the person.

Marticus sheaths his sword still looking warily at the stranger.

Kirarae will continue to walk up to the beast unless someone stops him.

Russeth stares at Kirarae and his blades, "Say hunter. You must know the area since you hunt here, right?"

[Kirarae]: "Aye, that I do".

[Isreal]: "what do you plan to do with that orc that you killed stranger?"

Kirarae twirls the sword in his hand while smiling at Isreal, then suddenly brings the blade down decapitating the beast.

Russeth raises an eyebrow as the man gives his answer, "Perhaps you'd be for hire. Or well, looking for a more long, and worthwhile, hunt?"

Marticus relaxes visibly then pats his dog reassuringly.

[Isreal]: "well you don't talk much do ya anyone ever tell ya that does not make a good impression decapitating something the first time you meet someone?"

Kirarae wipes the blood off his blade and slides it into the scabbard. "Perhaps, it has been a long time since I left my home here in the woods".

Marticus chuckles "if you want to be part of this group that actually isn’t that bad of a first impression".

Zakren stands up from the field. "Yeah well it was an orc an one less is good. Even though the tactic might have been a bit harsh." Begins brushing him self off.

Kirarae grins turning to Isreal "Aye I have heard that, and have you ever heard that it is better to remain quiet and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt."

Russeth continues on, bringing his fists to his hips, "Have ye heard of a certain 'flying serpent'?" Smiles and then turns his head to face Isreal, narrowing his head. "First off guys, not everyone wants to be part of a group. Who said he wants to give a good impression?" Grinning slightly, his eyes going back to normal as he turns towards Kirarae.

Isreal looks at Marticus "you may be right there Marticus" "well did you ever here that a dagger can cut deep? " sheathing his dagger.

Marticus looks at Isreal puzzled "yes, it is made for that after all".

Russeth nods at Kirarae and ignores the way he hunted the orc. "You say perhaps. I'm offering you to help, or join us. Would you be interested? A quick answer is necessary, we are going in just now."

[Isreal]: "I was not talking to you the new guy called me a fool you genius you ".

Marticus looks over at Russeth "by the way, where are we going?"

[Kirarae]: "Then I agree".

You proceed with your introductions as the daylight burns on.

Russeth nods at Kirarae and presents a welcoming hand before him, he glances at Marticus, "Oh yes. Forgot you were asking. Well actually we have a two objectives, whichever we reach first will work. We have heard of a tower within the forest which holds a precious gem, but apparently many dangers roam about and within. The second is the barkeep's tale. You know, the flying serpent, it probably has a lair. We will see. Now we must not make wrong use of that daylight, let us move in!"

[Isreal]: "well I hope you can keep your cool better than these guys Kirarae was it?"

Marticus looks over at Russeth surprised he could get that much into one sentence then looks over to Kirarae "so, are you going to be our guide?"

Kirarae takes Russeth's hand and gives it a good shake.

Elina lets out a sigh as she finishes her studies. Placing her book back into her pack, she notices for the first time someone new is in the group. Elina gives the stranger a curious glance as she approaches Russeth, reaching her left hand to hold his right.

Kirarae nods to Isreal and then turns to Marticus "If you need me to be then yes".

Marticus grins "good, then if you kill us ill hold you personally responsible".

Russeth returns the shake and smiles, feeling Elina's hand against his he spins around and gives her warm smile, "Done Eh. Perfect we can go now."

Isreal puts out his hand "than its good to have you with us may the gods take your side"

Kirarae takes Isreal's hand "And you as well"

Elina nods happily at Russeth. "Yes dear. I am ready." She pauses for a second before she continues. "Who is this find gentleman here?"

Russeth begins walking towards the forest, letting Elina's hand free. "Maybe while we are in the woods, it is best to keep our hands ready, you can still stay close though." Grinning as he steps within.

[Marticus]: "Our new guide ready to take us to our folly...ER...I mean destination"

Isreal packs up and gets ready to start off into the woods

Marticus waits for the rest of the party to get ready

Russeth widens his eyes briefly at Marticus with the same smile, "Well. Life needs a little challenge."

Zakren walks up to Druid and Hawk as the others proceed into the woods. "Hey they’re come on time to get up let’s go."

Marticus grins back "I never said it didn’t, though with a protector as great as a dragon at our destination it might be our last"

Elina pouts as Russeth ignores her question. Giving the stranger another curious glance, she follows Russeth in a hurry.

Marticus is happy most of his body is encased in steel, though the bugs seem to attack everywhere else

Isreal follows "ok the bugs are worse here than in the other part of the woods "scratching at his arms

Russeth ponders a moment as he walks, listening indeed to Elina's question, "You know. I have no idea what his name is." laughing as he walks over to the man's side, "Pardon me, sir, forgot to tell ye my name. So well, the name is Russeth."

Kirarae chuckles a bit "Ok Russeth, you may all call me Kirarae"

Marticus fumbles over the name "Kirarae. Kirafay"

Russeth walks rather quickly, his dog following at his sides, once the second greetings have been made he nods and heads back with Elina. He whispers something to her as he continues walking.

Traveling on for some time the light above begins to fade away as the shadows grow greater. Finding a place to camp is no problem in these woods with many open spaces, but finding a dry spot may pose one. As the surface puddles seem to be present just about everywhere ranging from a few inches deep to chin high in other areas. As the day grows on, mist can be seen rising from the ground all about you cutting down your vision by 25% as you continue onward into the dense overgrowth.

Elina shyly looks at Kirarae. Giving him a curtsey, she approaches the elf. "I am Elina. Glad to meet you Kirarae." She gives him a warm smile.

[Isreal]: "is this a swamp or a forest the puddles are crappy where will we sleep?"

Kirarae nods to Elina "And to you M'lady"' turning to the rest of the group "We should work on finding a good camp site, unless you prefer waterbeds"

Russeth glares straight ahead as mist rises, "Aye, let's find a campsite now. It is a bad idea to travel with these mists."

Marticus looks over at Kirarae "My name is Marticus, glad to have you along"

Finding the best places possible to bed down for the night somewhat scattered apart due to the water about you. You try to rest before the trek deeper into the woods in the morning. The sounds of the night are much more sinister here then in the Cormanthor as you peer off into the murky shadows of darkness and mist. Out in the wild you hear the cries of many wolves as they howl to the moon above, sounds of splashing and dripping water can be heard in several areas. Small creatures dart about the treetops squeaking and squealing as they dive down then shoot up.

Elina travels beside her close friend, Druid, as Russeth scouts ahead. Whispering to each other, as they giggle.

[Isreal]: "good lets get prepared to face the night where should we look for a good spot Kirarae?"

Hawk and Druid huddle down on a small dry patch near a looming oak tree. As Zakren makes his way up under the base of a good sized maple.

Isreal looks about the trees looking for a fork in the trees where he could bed down and sleep for the night

[Kirarae]: "With the marshes your lucky if you can find dry ground, so it’s best to take what you can"

[Elina]: "Isreal maybe tonight we may share our spells. If you prefer?" Looking away from Druid and at Isreal.

Marticus goes over to a base of a tree and leans against it with his dog resting beside him.

Russeth finds the possible campsite after some time and looks up at the creatures above. "Eh. This forest is quite alive." Seeing no place for his tent he just takes out a blanket and lays it on the spot he has chosen. He sits and stretches his neck muscles; "I will be taking first watch again. We might want to watch two by two with that hampered vision."

Peering about the area some of your comrades drop from sight as the mist swirls about them. Leaving you only the sounds of their squishing footsteps upon, the water soaked lands.

[Isreal]: we must make it quick I have to make a spot in the tree here is my book" handing it to her "I will look at your later I must hurry"

Elina looks at Russeth as she awaits Isreal's answer. "Its better that you get some rest first dear." Elina smiles at Russeth as he speaks.

Russeth places himself on the edge of the forest and then turns at Elina, "Why?"

Isreal starts climbing a tree

[Elina]: Nodding, Elina takes the book from Isreal as she looks for a dry spot to study. Settling herself upon a huge root, she looks at Russeth. "Well if you want me to watch over your sleep, its better you get some rest first."

Russeth draws his swords and sighs as he turns to face outside the campsite again, "I feel alright. You get some rest." He leans against a large trunk, crawling out of sight in the shadows.

Kirarae finds a nice strong tree and hops up in it "Well I'll rest closer to dawn"

Marticus looks over at Russeth drowsily "ill take second watch, wake me up when it is time". Marticus then falls asleep

Kirarae gets out his bow and lays an arrow into it, nocking it.

Russeth therefore doesn't leave his back open, to any backstab in the night.

Elina rests the books upon the root as she lies belly down upon it and starts working on the spells.

Russeth remains silent, just peering out through the mists as best as he can, he is not too far away from Elina.

Russeth sits by a tree watching out into the night as the others bed down for the night, some time later Elina finishes up her studies.

Elina smiles happily as she completes the spell. Placing both books into her pack, Elina tries to make herself as comfortable as she can upon the root of the enormous tree.

Russeth shakes Marticus, "Wake up Marticus, it's your watch." Then he goes over to Elina and wakes her up, more gently, "Dear. My watch is over, you want to stay up?" He smiles as he stares down at her.

Marticus rolls over and mumbles

Kirarae begins making Owl calls

[Elina]: Waking up, Elina rubs her eyes with two delicate hands. "Sure dear. You get some rest." Smiling, Elina gets of the root, letting Russeth get some rest.

Marticus then grudgingly wakes up and leans back seeing that it is his watch

Russeth quickly takes her spot with a smile; he quickly drifts off to a trance.

Isreal sleeps uneasy in the forest getting bad feelings form the place

Elina places herself beside Russeth as she plays with her smooth blonde hair, twisting it with her long slender fingers. Looking around, Elina observes her surroundings carefully.

Marticus shakes himself trying to stay awake then goes over Elina "will you watch?"

Elina smiles at Marticus. "Yes of course. Get some rest if you are still tired."

Marticus nods sleepily then goes back to his tree and falls asleep

Kirarae allows himself to slip off into reverie

Elina gives Russeth a gentle shake upon his arm as sunlight pierces through the fog. "Wake up dear. Its dawn already." Elina goes about the camp, waking everyone within her reach up.

Russeth opens a single eye as he looks up at Elina, "Glad nothing happened Eh." He rises his head to look about the camp if everyone is fine and then pushes himself up; having had some hard sleep keeping his stuff on he wipes the dust on his back and behind away.

Hawk rolls over from the lass's calls as he sits up and rubs his head. Before leaning over and shaking Druid awake.

Isreal hears the others an wakes from his light sleep an unties himself an packs up an scrambles down the tree

You wake to a dismal morning in the woods with the scattered puddles now forming small ponds across the ground. You can barely see your camp never less the others about you. Your vision is getting some, what better with the glow from above. It's hard to keep anything in focus as the swirling fog rolls over the land. With any luck the sun will burn it off by late morning or midday.

Zakren gets up and stands stretching out some as he looks about the area. "Hmm, to think we left a town for this."

Isreal walks to Elina "may I have my books back?"

Elina nods at Russeth as she approaches Isreal and returns him his book. "Thank you for the spell. Let me know when you are ready to learns some from me." Smiling, she returns to Russeth's side, taking out a sugar bun, which he gave her the night before last.

Russeth shakes his head as he looks ahead at the large ponds, "Humph. Who else but an insane wizard would've built a tower within these woods." He looks around wondering if there is still a dry root they might possibly take, "Kirarae, have ye heard of a town settled within Velarwood, perhaps you know where it is at?"

Kirarae comes down out of the tree "Love the weather Eh?"

Zakren yawns and scratches his butt looking around. "Hey where that orc killer go? Oh there you are Heh didn't see you up there."

Kirarae shakes his head "Sorry, I have not"

Elina starts to sing a cheerful song, hoping to brighten the mood of her companions and herself.

Isreal studies his book hoping something from with in can help on the quest.

Russeth sighs deeply, "Alright then. We will move on deeper, the innkeeper said two days of travel within." He reaches down into a sack tied to his belt and withdraws a sugar bun, eating it quickly he waits for the others, hoping the fog will dissipate.

Elina tries to sing a song to brighten everyone’s mood but the horrid sounds that leave her lips leave little do be desired.

Hawk plugs his ears as he sits in the mud waiting for the rest to begin to move on.

Russeth turns his head towards Elina yet he doesn't comment; he listens for a moment and then turns back to face into the depth of the forests.

[Isreal]: "my lady could you stop trying to lift our mood please?"

Elina sighs as she realizes her throat is dry from the lack of water. Drinking from her skin to refresh herself, she starts singing another cheerful song.

Russeth glares into one specific direction and then nods to himself, turning around to face Elina again he smiles and leans on the same trunk he hid near the last night. "Isreal, will you be done soon?"

Elina stops herself as she hears Isreal's comment. She bows her head in disappointment. Pouting, Elina approaches Russeth and leans her upon his strong shoulders, looking for some comfort.

Isreal keeps studying his book paying no mind to Russeth, finishing "Ok I’m ready" and starts off with the group.

Russeth reaches behind her back with his right arm and hugs her smiling warmly, "No matter." He laughs sharply, "You have all your time to train." Nodding at Isreal saying no more, he pushes against the trunk and gets ready to set out, he steps at the edge of camp in the direction he had been looking, "We will continue northward." He begins walking, finding the best route along the ponds.

Hawk snickers and mumbles about an understatement, as he stretches his arms from the many bug bites he received in the night.

Elina smiles as she lifts her head to stare into Russeth's eyes. "Well it’s probably the forest which affected my voice."

[Isreal]: "are you sure the village is that way?"

Zakren looks over to Russeth. "Why would we want to go north the old guy said two moons east of town?"

Kirarae raises an eyebrow "Two moons, those are the exact words he used?"

[Russeth]: "He said East? I did not catch this sorry." He quickly finds the East from the north. He quickly turns to the East and begins walking again.

Zakren shrugs..."yeah I believe so." Doubting his own words as he looks to the others who were there.

[Isreal]: "I have never keep track of how long a moon is could someone help me out here?"

[Kirarae]: "If he said two moons, he might have meant two lunar cycles, meaning two months."

[Zakren]: "Nah the woods are not that large besides we would be in the Reach if we went that far." Laughing as he moves along behind the others.

[Isreal]: "ya isn’t that a long time into the woods?"

Russeth shakes his head at Kirarae, "He said two days. Not two months."

Proceeding on with the directions the old timer gave you, and plopping through the muck and mud as your feet sink beneath the surface of the puddles. You proceed on as the swirling fog swallows you up mere feet from each other making it tough to see. Dealing with this for several hours hoping your still on the correct path the fog begins to lift as the midday sun begins to burn it off through the treetops.

Elina looks at Kirarae, rising an eyebrow as he speaks. "You maybe right. Any idea which day and month this is?"

Kirarae shrugs "Only time I hear reference to moons they talk of months"

[Isreal]: "hay this fog is getting thick maybe we should link up in rope so that we don’t get lost?"

Russeth shakes his head; "The woods are smaller in diameter than the trip from Harrowdale to Velarsburg. Which took about three days."

Kirarae nods "This much I know, but who knows he might have been confused."

[Isreal]: "well I hope your right Russeth if not I was right we are ill prepared for the trip"

Russeth begins walking at a faster pace as the fog dissipates, "We need to take the time of the day at which there is less fog to proceed further. Maybe tonight we can use Isreal's idea and continue moving?"

You continue on now with your line of sight growing ever so long, as the fog is all but gone. Looking around the forest it still looks dismal as you see it filled with water flowing everywhere across the ground. Before you several yards away you come to a small clearing where the sun reflects down with a bright glow upon a vast section of water. The light reflects off the ripples of small objects falling from the treetops, sending bright shinny glitters of light back to the depths of the forest.

Russeth looks up at what might be falling; guessing it might be water, halting the walk.

[Kirarae]: "We should check around the lake for signs of life, we may be close"

Looking up you see, leaves floating down with a nut or two from the wild birds in the trees.

Russeth continues walking around the section of water, "Close from what. The town?"

Isreal looks on hoping its nothing bad happens an they can get the gem

Russeth stares down into the pond as they walk around.

[Kirarae]: "Aye, its common for towns to be near a large source of water. By the looks of this one, it would provide adequate drinking water, and fishing stock"

As you go on tromping through the water Russeth drops below the surface as water splashes everywhere sending him below the surface. A few seconds later he pops up out of the water and bobs around as he tries to make his way out and back to the more solid of the wet ground.

Elina pokes at the ground before her before she steps forward, testing the ground for strength.

Russeth drops into the water with a surprised look and takes a deep breath at the last moment; he controls himself and swims slowly around, looking for solid ground.

Isreal extends a hand to the ranger trying to help

While he makes his way to the shore a large head of a reptile emerges from the waters behind him as it rises up some 10' feet into the air at the end of a long thin body. Attached to it some where beneath the water are two wings of great size jutting from the waters some feet away. The creature lashes forward towards Russeth and whips its left wing forward while diving in with its head to lay down a bite upon him with its many, large razor like teeth that line its jaws. Smacking him with its wing.

Kirarae draws his bow and nocks an arrow

Isreal starts mumbling arcane words as he gathers light around his hand

Russeth tries to feel the ground, and what part of his body is out of water when he stands the best he can.

[Kirarae]: "Aim at the wings!"

Elina takes some iron powder from her pouch as she starts muttering some strange words.

Kirarae pulls the string back taught aiming at the wing, he lets the cord rip forward. As soon as the arrow has left he's got another nocked and let loose.

Kirarae fires twice striking the beast once with the first arrow as the second flies off into the woods.

Isreal yells the finishing words of his spell and points his finger as light glows from it

Isreal sends a beam of white light into the beast as it lunges forward above you.

Russeth reaches for his swords and pulls them up out of water, walking backwards slowly in direction of the shore, trying to swing as the serpent plunges back down in the pond.

Russeth swings once, the other blade not drawn quickly enough, he draws some blood with his longsword, making his way closer to the shore.

Marticus stands in shock of the beast motionless.

Hawk charges up to the crude shore near Russeth swinging upon the beast missing it.

Elina finishes her muttering as the iron powder upon her palm starts to glow and vanishes into thin air. Russeth seems to grow larger as she finishes her spell.

The creature lunges, forward trying to bite Hawk and knock Russeth from hi feet with a wing buff, but fails to either in its attempts.

Russeth appears to grow some 20% from the casting of Elina words, but this seems to have no effect upon the beast, which returns once more.

Isreal tries to make his way where he can strike with his dagger with out going into the water

Russeth feels himself grow taller; he is able to stick enough of his body out of water to use both his blades, preparing a second assault upon the strange creature.

He fires his arrows twice again missing the beast sending them both off into the murky woods.

Russeth attempts to launch both his swords again, slashing across with the longsword while he sends the short sword forward just below.

Russeth attacks cuts the beast square across its snake like body as it begins to swoop down upon you.

Isreal tries to jump and strike the snake with his dagger

Russeth hits only once properly with his longsword, missing with his short sword. Blood spreads out in the pond quickly reaching him.

Isreal jumps as the beast dives causing him to miss with his small blade as the beast goes by.

Elina mutters some words as she points her delicate finger at the creature. A bright light of white shoots forth towards the serpent as she finishes the last phrase of the spell.

Elina ray of light strikes the beast true as it growls loudly in pain but continues to attack upon you.

The creature seeming to take offense to the mages spell dives down upon her striking her with one of its wing tips.

Marticus is no where to be seen as Hawk swings wildly at the beast as he fails to connect with the beast.

Russeth strikes down at the snakelike body as the creature dives towards Elina while a vein on his forehead grows larger. "Watch out for its wings!"

Kirarae brings up his bow again "We've got to get it out of the air"

Russeth sends both his blades down together, plunging into the water a few before it comes in contact with the serpent, as he breathes out heavily, water splashing all about.

With a final blow from Russeth the creature rears up and growls in pain, as it comes crashing down upon Isreal and the mud soaked grounds.

Russeth places the short sword correctly as he swings it dives deep and strikes upon the beast, however he hits the pond with the flat side of his longsword.

When the beast comes to a rest upon the ground you see no signs of Isreal.

Russeth sighs deeply as he rises both his swords against his shoulder he quickly spins around in the pond and looks up at Elina, "You okay, Hun?" He makes his way outside the pond, looking down at the beast as he strolls over to her.

Elina sighs as she brushes herself clean from the mud, which covers her cloths. Approaching Russeth, she checks her beloved for wounds.

Isreal jumps just in time out of the way of the snake an emerges from under the now muddy water taking in a deep breath an coughing up water

Zakren makes his way over to the beast looking for signs of Isreal.

Russeth notices Marticus and Isreal have left, he winces a bit as Elina runs her hand over a little wound on his chest he received from the creature's sharp teeth.

Hawk shakes his head looking at his clean blade as he puts it away.

Russeth glares at Isreal coming out of water and grins, "You fine big boy?"

Isreal coughing "wow I hope that was the only one I don’t think I can dodge another one of those"

Elina tries to bandage Russeth across the chest as she applies some herbs with the bandage. A tear trickles down her cheek as she tries her best to bandage the wound.

Russeth notices Elina is bandaged as well, "Dear. Take care of your own wounds, mine are less important." He puts and hand on her shoulder to comfort her.

Struggling to defeat the monster before you become swamp dung, you fend the massive beast off as it now lies upon the shallow depths of its home. The thoughts of others are possibly waiting in lay, as you are unsure of the beast’s tactics and its home in the waters.

[Isreal]: "yeah I am ok well we killed the snake its layer is down in the water how will we search the lair?"

Russeth ponders a moment as he lets Elina bandage him, seeing she desperately want to. "I am not sure it has any lair Isreal. I am not sure either if it is alone." looking around confusedly, and wiping blood from his blades upon the creature's body.

[Kirarae]: "Never come across something like this, don't seem all to social."

[Elina]: "My wounds can wait." Elina whispers the words, seemingly out of breath. Finishing Russeth's bandage, she collapses onto the ground. She seems to have suffered a sever blow from the serpent.

[Isreal]: "well a snake of this size can not sleep anywhere it should use a single place to bed for the night"

Russeth pauses a moment as he feels dizzy, slowly he is reduced back to his initial size, "Whew for a moment there Elina I thought your spell was going to affect my mind." He shakes his head as he begins to feel better. "Drag the beast out of water." He glares down still a bit confused.

Kirarae moves over to the beast and checks to see how large and how sharp the talons are.

[Isreal]: "well at any rate the thing will feed us well for some time you know snake tastes like chicken"

The creature does not seem to have any extremities for talons to be attached to.

Russeth reaches into the serpent's mouth, and by help of one of his swords, he manages to make a teeth come out, he cleans it with a piece of soaked cloth and stores it.

[Kirarae]: "You could spend a week smoking all that meat"

[Isreal]: "is it poison there, ranger?"

Russeth squeezes parts of his armor, as well as his outfit and cloak, yet he remains a bit uncomfortable. "What are you talking about?"

Elina shakes her head as she tries to catch her breath. "I will never do something to harm you my love." Gasping for breath, Elina tries harder to breathe normally. Coughing suddenly, she covers her mouth with her palm. Blood forms around her hand and trickles down her chin as she coughs.

Hawk makes his way into the deeper waters trying to spread it open with his hands as he tries to peer into it.

[Isreal]: "what you touch from the snakes teeth?"

Russeth stops once he notices Elina and turns around and runs towards his beloved, "Elina, what's going on?" looking up at Zakren, "Zak, help her please."

[Isreal]: "what’s wrong with here Russeth?"

Elina shakes her head at Russeth, unable to answer as she continues coughing.

Zakren nods and makes his way over to Elina before saying a few words in an arcane tongue he sets his hands down upon her shoulders sending a lightly blue blowing light into them.

Russeth shakes his head as he looks down at Elina and holds her back in his right arm, waiting for Zakren he grabs hold of her other hand. "What. What’s, going on?"

Hawk dives into the water and swims down below the surface.

Russeth ignores Hawk for the moment, too busy with Elina.

Isreal tries to keep an eye on Hawk, hoping that no more snakes come around the camp.

Zakren looks out into the waters and begins laughing. "What in the realm is he doing out there?"

[Elina]: Feeling herself again, Elina thanks Zakren. "Thank you my friend." She turns her head and smiles at Russeth. "Might have broken a rib from the serpent's blow. I am fine now." She assures her love as she feels her ribs beneath her blossom where it still seems to hurt slightly.

Kirarae walks over noticing the problem "You gonna be ok"

Russeth lowers his head with a deep sigh, "Sorry. I guess I over reacted Hun. The way it happened was scary. I am glad you are fine now." He reaches his other arm around her back and hugs Elina gently, not pressing too much against her ribs.

Elina nods at Kirarae's concern. "I will be fine."

Russeth then turns around and looks down into the pond at Hawk, "I think he might have a good idea. This thing must live below there."

Hawk returns to the surface of the water with a handful of muck and mud, as he shakes his hands in the water, revealing several gold, electrum, and platinum coins.

Elina returns Russeth hug for a moment. "I have to help others who are wounded too dear." Pushing Russeth gently away she approaches Isreal and checks him carefully.

[Isreal]: "see I told you he had a lair but the great ranger of the woods knows not of large beasts"

[Hawk]: "Hmm, look here." Staring down in his hands as he places the coins in his pouch.

[Kirarae]: "We'll make camp here for the day. It will give us time to explore the lake, for Elina here to rest up, and for me to tend to some of that beast's meat. He'll feed us for a week or two"

Isreal helps hawk out of the water

Russeth shakes his head, "Isreal I'm not always right. I told you I didn't think it had a lair here."

Looking about once again for dry land to camp upon it seems almost impossible at this point since the waters are everywhere about you. Going from a few inches deep to some small sinkholes of a foot or so deep to the large body of water the beast lived in.

[Isreal]: "hay what if this beast is worshiped by the people in the village I say we don’t say anything in the village that we killed the snake"

Russeth nods at Kirarae, "We will not camp but we will take some time to search the creature's lair." Looking down in the water he smiles and sheathes his swords. "How deep is it, Hawk?"

[Russeth]: "Huh, Isreal. This thing has been killing people of the village. And they are scared of it."

[Hawk]: "Depends on where you swim it goes from a foot on down with in sink holes in the ground. I found these in about 10 foot of water maybe."

[Isreal]: "I mean the people in the village in the wood not the one we came from"

Elina nods with satisfaction as she checks Isreal for wounds. Smiling happily, she takes a closer look at the serpent. "Darling, will you pull a tooth out of the serpent for me?"

Russeth nods at Hawk and then reaches the tooth into his backpack without turning towards Elina; he spins around and tosses it over, "There. I pulled one out for myself, but you can have It." grinning he turns around and smiles at Hawk, "I will go down with you again."

Isreal takes a few scales from the snake an puts them in a sack

Russeth nods briefly at Isreal.

[Elina]: Taking the tooth from Russeth, Elina places it into her pack. Smiling, Elina sits upon a root of a tree and beings memorizing her spells which she have used.

Russeth quickly dives into the large pound, looking at his surroundings and trying to go as deep as he thinks he can, possibly reaching the bottom.

Hawk dives back into the waters with Russeth as they both submerge once more.

[Isreal]: "I have an idea on how we can explore the lair we give one of you a lot of our weight an tie a rope on ya an you sink like a rock to the bottom on a breath an we pull ya back up?"

Russeth soon pops up to the surface holding mud and what appears to be a bone in his hand.

Russeth drops the mud on the ground revealing a handful of gold pieces he tosses the bone at Isreal, "This probably nothing but I will gather everything I can find." Takes a deep breath and dives down quickly.

Hawk returns to the surface as he pops up and then sinks once more as he makes his way to the shore line dragging what appears to be a body clad in mud covered armor.

Isreal looks at the bone carefully

The bone lands before Isreal feet as Russeth goes under once more.

Kirarae begins waxing his bow.

Hawk drags the body up on shore to reveal a skeleton of a long ago fighter. Cleaning off the armor it appears to be in good condition even with lying below the surface of the water for some time.

Isreal pulls his book from his pack and starts to study hard in his tomb

Doing the best with what you have you make a crude camp in the wet woods and you try to get some rest thinking of the small town with a dry bed only a half day away now. Not to mention what remaining treasures or dangers lie beneath the waters before you.

Russeth pops his head out of water, and swims to the shore with what he was able to gather from below. A few more coins and.

After your search you have brought forth several coins a sword, a fair set of plate armor and gauntlets.

Russeth pops his head out of water, and swims to the shore with what he was able to gather from below. A few more coins and the handle of a sword. He climbs on shore with water dripping from his arms, "I'm not sure if the blade is still down there but I couldn't find it."

You stare at Russeth with mud in his eyes as the blade is still attached to the muddy pommel he brought up from below.

Kirarae chuckles, "Its amazing what people throw away these days"

Isreal 's head is buried deep in his book

Russeth slides the sword out from his blade and shows it to the others, "Hmm. I thought it was only the pommel." He grins and shrugs, "Must be a property of the skeleton." He places it on the man's armored chest and squeezes his clothes and soaked pieces of armor again.

Zakren laughs..."I don't think any of it was thrown away, more so then taken away." Looking down at the remains of the long since gone fighter.

Russeth examines the sword with a little interest afterwards. Nodding as he raises his head and glares at Kirarae, "Ya. I doubt it was thrown. I wander who would come here to drop a scimitar and armor set." grinning slightly he makes his way over to Elina and looks down at her book with her.

The calls of the wild have again begun to start as off in the woods your can hear the cry of a few wolves as more and more seem to join in as the night begins to fall.

Isreal 's head is still buried deep in his book

Russeth narrows his eyes as the night begins to fall again, "Everyone quickly, we must head out of this area. Or we will hardly get any rest tonight!" bringing his hands together hoping the mages are done with their study.

Hawk laughs, "Oh for the love of trolls the man might have been one of the adventurers sent to slay this beast if it’s the same one after all."

Elina continues to concentrate in her studies, oblivious to all around her.

You sit on watch for several hours as the howls of the wolves once again go into full swing about you. The swirling mist and fog as moved in once more cutting your vision once again as the shadows seem to dance ever so close this night. The spell casters seem to be finished with their works.

Russeth shakes his head, noticing people want to stay next to the pond. "Might as well climb in a tree."

Isreal says "let me see the items please" walks over to the items with his backs to the others an begins chanting arcane words

Russeth counts the coins they have gathered before going to find a tree, which he climbs up to the best of his ability, making sure he doesn't slip on his way up.

Isreal casts the spell upon the good as his sack glows brightly, with the armor giving a strong hue, surpassing that of the blade on the chest of the man.

Elina places her book back into her pack with a smile. Passing her equipment’s to Russeth; she starts to head towards the water testing the ground before her. Turning her head, she looks back at her companions. "I am going to take a bath and wash of the mud. No peeking!" Wondering slowing, testing her steps before she takes it, and wonders into a well-covered spot from the camp.

[Isreal]: "well seams to be magic all of it"

Russeth glares as Elina goes down in the water and laughs shortly, "ALL of it? What about that bone I found?" He grins.

[Isreal]: "it was nothing I threw it back in the woods"

Russeth narrows his eyes at Isreal, "That was not a really good idea. I didn't see you cast your spell over it. Not all magic items have great looks."

[Kirarae]: "Anyone hungry for venison, I’ve got this awful hunger for it for some reason"

[Isreal]: "your right but it was nothing just an old bone

[Russeth]: "Where'd you throw it? I'm gonna have you take a look at it anyway"

Zakren perks up at the sound of meat. "Sure I don't mind if I do, if you have enough?"

Elina starts taking of her cloths in the water as she keeps a look out for any movements around her. Washing her cloths and herself, Elina gives sigh of relief as the comfort of cooling water touches her delicate fair skin.

Russeth smiles as he raises his hand and looks over Isreal's shoulder at Kirarae.

Isreal points over across the lake "you will never find it in this mist or in the dark"

Russeth leans backwards and narrows his eyes at Isreal, "Don't throw stuff like that again."

[Isreal]: "fine I will not but it was just a bone"

Hawk peers over the brush staring out into the waters as if to get a look before making his way to the armor. "Well in any case you all can't use this but I can so if no one complains I’m wearing it?" Looking up to the others.

Isreal looks for a tree with a good fork

Russeth glares at Isreal as he stands up, "What was that glow on your sack, Isreal?"

[Hawk]: Begins stripping the armor off the remains as he tosses them by the water preparing to scrub them up.

Russeth nods at Hawk as he watches him strip off the armor; "Will anyone be using the scimitar then?" He looks around. Repeating intently at Isreal as he stands up, "What was that glow on your sack, Isreal?"

Elina washes herself thoroughly, satisfying herself with the bath she puts on her clean but wet clothes. When finished she makes her way back carefully to the camp.

[Isreal]: "it is my sack it is made to not rip "

[Russeth]: "And why did it glow when you detected magic, would you be hiding something from us?"

Isreal starts climbing the tree he has found "ME HIDE SOMETHING never I am completely open with the group"

[Russeth]: "Then show me what's in that sack. Will you?"

Isreal hurries up the tree like he did not hear that last part

Zakren looks up oh for gods sake just show him so he will shut up, am waiting to eat here not to mention why not just let every living creature here know where we are."

Russeth shakes his head as he looks up at Isreal climbing, "What are you afraid of Isreal? Why didn't you ask the party if you wanted that bone? I'm sure no one would've minded." Glaring around at the others he shrugs.

Hawk laughs. "Heh here is a bunch of bones for you as he takes the now broken and scattered remains of the warrior off to dropping them some bit away in the mud as he digs a small hole.

Russeth grins at Hawk slightly. "Ya Hawk. You gonna put that set of armor right now? I'd wait 'til tomorrow morning."

[Hawk]: With the remains now buried he returns to begin placing on the armor he has cleaned up replacing his old beaten leather armor.

Russeth looks up again as Isreal has reached his fork, "I know very well you hear me thief, my point is you could've just asked, instead of trying to steal from us." He emphasizes on steal.

[Hawk]: "Why would I do that if something attacks us tonight I’ll be ready. Hehe." Beating on the breastplate of the armor.

Kirarae takes his pack and pulls out a number of pieces of salt venison and offers to any who wants

Elina approaches Russeth as water drips down her cloak and skirt, dribbling down her fair slim legs. Her clothes clings to her womanly body as she draws her cloak around her to keep warm and to hide herself from her companions.

Zakren makes his way over and takes some meat. "Ah thank you sir this should hit the spot in our new sludge hole."

Russeth greets Elina with a warm smile, walking to Kirarae and grabbing a piece, "Thank you, hunter." He rises the meat and nods, then heads towards a trunk he leans on. "Enjoyed your bath, Hun?" Whispering to her ear as she gets close.

Isreal climbs back down " Bah take this Russeth you decide what priest can use this " an tosses the bone scroll case to the ranger

Elina nods as she shivers with cold from the night's dampness. "Its enjoyable." She smiles as she takes venison from Kirarae with a word of thanks. Shaking her head furiously at Russeth, she looks at him lovingly. "You may not join my when I bath dear. It’s my private time alone." She giggles as she finishes her sentence.

Russeth receives the bone case in the chest and moves his head away from the surprise. "See. No reason to hide it. I don't know who else can use it." He grins, and tosses the case to Zakren.

[Isreal]: "Bah it is ok for you to keep those rings from the group but I can keep a simple case?"

Russeth cannot but hold a giggle himself as Elina shakes her head. "Bah. Alrighty dear what I mean Isreal is that I didn't say I tossed the ring across the pond, you know I have these rings." He puts a hand on the sack attached to his belt. "We should get some rest now and forget about this Isreal."

Zakren picks up the case and opens it removing the papers to try and read them while holding meat in his other hand.

[Isreal]: "yes you always want to forget about something if it shows you doing wrong by the group but if anyone else does it you have to make a big deal of it you are truly messed up"

[Zakren]: "Hmm it’s a scroll containing four spells upon it. Hmm Yup that’s what it is." Looking over the scroll while ripping off a piece of meat chewing it up.

Elina approaches Zakren. "May I take a look at some of the scrolls?"

Russeth shakes his head at Isreal as he stands back up on his feet. "Huh? What did I do wrong now that doesn't please mister?"

[Kirarae]: "Ya never find a good bow in any horde, simply cause they float or burn."

[Zakren]: "No they are for followers of the gods not dabblers like your self. You may damage them beyond use." Rubbing juices of the meat off on his leg as he reads on.

[Isreal]: "yeah Kirarae you never do find a bow"

[Russeth]: "Those rings you know I have them. I haven't TOLD you I don't have them. That’s the point." turning towards Kirarae and sighing as he shoves the last piece of meat in his mouth and swallows it rapidly.

[Hawk]: "Hahaha" blurting out at Kirarae's comment. "That’s funny float or burn."

Isreal turns from Russeth

Elina nods at Zakren. "Well I do know how to handle a scroll carefully. But no matter I am not interested in divine magic." Smiling, Elina returns to Russeth's side. "Darling, do you think we can get some firewood? Will like to have a fire."

Russeth walks over to where the bones were buried and grabs the scimitar, which he slides behind his belt besides his short sword, "We need to get some sleep."

Druid shakes her head at the tiny humor that makes the fighter happy. As she wipes dried mud off her cloak.

[Kirarae]: "I'll take first watch"

Russeth shrugs at Elina, "I doubt so, Hun, these woods are too damp."

Isreal climbs back up in the tree to get some sleep

Russeth nods at Kirarae, "Good deal. I will watch with you."

Elina sighs as she huddles close to Russeth for warmth. Lying her head upon his shoulder, Elina drifts slowly into reverie.

[Kirarae]: "I was thinking, I didn't notice any acid or what not coming from the beasts fangs did you?

Russeth leans against the trunk, he cleans his hand off on a piece of cloth and grips Elina's shoulder tightly, "Good night dear." rising his head and looking at Kirarae "Not that I know of."

Zakren continues to read into the night as druid and Hawk bed down for the night.

[Kirarae]: "We should gut that thing and check its stomach. All that talk of rings got me thinking, if they were magical then its stomach acid wouldn't have been strong enough to eat through them, Hell by the size of that thing we could find a who suit of armor in there"

Russeth nods at Kirarae, "Maybe. You have at it. I can't move anymore." He grins and stares down at Elina lovingly. Remaining this way until the end of his watch, or if it is interrupted.

The creature’s wingspan appears to be maybe 15 foot in size but with it dead in the mud makes it tough for a proper view.

Kirarae will wait until he has an extra set of hands and eyes

Elina shivers in her sleep as she remembers the serpent's blow in her reverie. Tears trickles down her cheeks as she see once again of the serpent's attack upon Russeth.

Kirarae blinks a few times and looks around and then walks over nudge Russ

Russeth shakes a bit after a few hours, waking up Elina he whispers to her ears glaring up to Kirarae "I was already watching. I'm going to sleep, wake someone else will you?"

Kirarae rubbing his eyes and nods, he walks over and wakes Isreal and Hawk

Russeth doesn't wake Elina up as he drifts into trance, too tired to remain awoke any longer.

Hawk yawns as he rolls over, "Hmm what no yelling, no one missing. Heh that’s a first." Sits up as he gets his bearings. Sighing, as he looks at the mud covering the armor he just cleaned from moving in his sleep. "Man this place stinks I’d rather be dealing with ass stealing Kobolds."

As you try to get a night of wet rest in the woods, you're awoken once again to the dismal looking area about you. The sounds of growling can be heard as you look about you. In the fog a flash of a shadow goes by as you hear the footsteps running through the water. With your eyes playing tricks on you with the surrounding area you know full well your ears are fine, as the steps in the water grow silent. Peering into the darkness and fog you can see nothing other then a few trees and branches swaying in the breeze of the early pre morning light.

Russeth blinks a few times before his vision gets a little better and he can see Elina before him, looking around he tries to find Hawk.

Zakren gets up squatting down looking off into the fog trying to see something or anything making the noise.

Elina yawns as she wakes from her reverie. Looking at Russeth, she checks his bandages again and starts to remove the old ones and bandages him with new ones.

Preparing for the encounter you spread out a little with weapons drawn and thumbing through pages to prepare spells of what lies ahead. When a lone figure springs from the fog attacking upon Hawk biting down into his neck to the right side of his face as the creature releases and runs off through the fog sending Hawk to the mud. Leaving him with a blood soaked wound upon his upper chest and neck where the armor does not cover has been ripped back and dangling from upon his cheek and over the plate armor.

Blood squirts out from his torn or severed veins as he can barely talk while grasping his wound to try and slow the bleeding while rolling around the camp holding his neck.

Isreal wakes after hearing the noise looking around at the ground

Zakren stares in awe as the beast strikes while Hawk hits the mud, before coming to and getting up to go to his side.

Russeth widens his eyes as Hawk is hit very roughly and stumbles down, "What was that. Damn." He rushes over next to him, his swords crossed before him and staring in the fog, he looks back once to see if anyone is tending him and he glares into the fog.

Elina retreats behind Russeth from the creature and starts to mutter arcane words.

Zakren begins to chant over Hawk while trying to hold him still before placing his hands down upon his neck. He appears to spend some time doing so as he performs this twice over the wound.

Russeth waits patiently, listening to Zakren, his eyes wide open looking out in the fog. "Did anyone see what that was. Was it a wolf?"

Elina stops muttering in mid sentence as the beast disappears into the fog. Running towards Hawk, she tries to bandage his neck to keep the blood from flowing freely as Zakren chants.

Isreal yells down it looks clear from up here

Russeth barely hears Isreal; he sheathes his short sword and draws the scimitar, testing its weight and stability.

[Elina]: Seeing that Hawk no longer bleeds, Elina moves towards the center of the group and mentally prepares a spell.

Isreal keeps his eyes open searching for some movement other than the group

Russeth taps on his hip with the hilt of the scimitar to call his dog to his heels, the dog, which can use his scent. "Come on my dog. Help us in there." Looking up in the sky for a moment, trying to figure out what time it is. "Let's move for the rest of the night. This place is cursed."

Isreal makes his way down some to talk to the group

Russeth slides the scimitar back in his belt and draws the short sword. "Shall we?"

[Isreal]: "I say we all stay up until dawn an get back out of the woods"

Russeth nods "That can be done too. Hmm getting out of the woods?"

[Isreal]: "well are we ready to fight these things?"

Kirarae moves groggily searching for the source of his awakening "What the hell is going on?"

[Russeth]: "Which things? We were ready to fight a giant-sized flying serpent. I think we can handle a lot."

Elina nods. "Lets go. Does his wound looks infected?" Elina looks at Zakren raising an eyebrow.

Russeth narrows his eyes as he looks out in the fog, "Aye. Let’s wait for sunrise."

[Zakren]: "he will be fine lass a little rest would help but he can manage."

Isreal climbs down out of the trees "Russeth you are a man of the woods but I have to come up with the ideas look at Hawks wounds an tell us if it looks like a wolfs bite"

Elina nods at Zakren. "How are you feeling Hawk?" She looks at Hawk in the eyes, fixing her glimmering bluish-green eyes upon his.

Russeth shrugs at Isreal, "Have you heard of dire wolves. Isreal Hawk was alone, I'm really sorry we couldn't help but we'll be more wary next time."

[Isreal]: "no I have not heard of them but does his wounds look like any kind of wolfs?"

[Russeth]: "I wasn't told it was a wolf. Who saw it?" Stares at Hawk, as if awaiting his answer.

Hawk looks over towards Russeth. "I didn't even see what it was and it bit me."

[Isreal]: "would you just look you stubborn bastard the old man told us this wood was crawling with wolves an we have heard them put 2 an 2 together you dumb ass an look! You are the only one who would even stand a chance of telling it was an animal"

Zakren laughs at Isreal words..."yeah well let’s not wait to become dinner and move on."

[Isreal]: "that’s not smart moving at night then we all become targets"

[Zakren]: 'Oh and like camped here now that we have been attacked is?"

Elina shrugs as Hawk ignores her concerns. "Well you are assuming Isreal. None of us saw what bit Hawk. How can you be certain the old man's words aren’t a hoax? Unless you can convince us about the old man's story with some facts, it’s pretty hard to believe something that comes from old wife's tails." Elina points out patiently to Isreal.

[Isreal]: "we are not all awake if we move we stand a chance of just getting picked off one at a time or getting lost in the mist either way we stand a better chance waiting until dawn"

Russeth shakes his head at Isreal as he takes a deep breath. "The old man. He told us that it was all rumors, since no one ever came back to tell. We must not stay here, we are right next to the creature's lair, it might have some friend."

[Zakren]: "Then hush and go to sleep so I can sleep, if we aren't moving out."

[Isreal]: "well if the ranger says it was a wolfs bite then we would have facts would we not what would it hurt to look?"

Russeth looks at the wounds, just to make the thief happy.

[Isreal]: "thank you"

Elina shakes her head at Isreal. "The wounds have already healed by Zakren. We will never know I guess."

Hawk smacks Russeth away. "Will you all stop it I’m fine Damnit now leave me alone.

[Isreal]: "well what bit him?"

Russeth walks away from Hawk and leans against the tree again his arms crossed. "Gee you guys are stupid or something? I'm staying up."

[Isreal]: "dam you all you spend more time arguing an less time studying the facts it will be the end of us all"

Zakren shakes his head as he beds down once again while the others debate.

[Russeth]: "So far Isreal the only thing that got close to the end of us all is you getting in fights, in town."

[Isreal]: "no I never got in a fight in town you stopped me the paladin is the only one that got in a fight "

Elina shakes her head, refusing to be a part of an argument, which will bare no results. Walking around the perimeter of the camp, she tries to find some herbs she can use.

Russeth remains leaned against the tree, he decides to stop talking for the night, until sunrise, he stares out in the fog where the creature ran off.

Isreal stays up mumbling to him self about the competence of the group

You rest for a few hours, which seem forever at you catch small traces of light breaking through the treetops.

[Isreal]: "well lets get going what are we doing Russeth?"

Elina picks up some lily pads and shakes them dry before placing them into her herbal pack. Returning back to the group, Elina approaches Russeth and clings on to his right arm.

Russeth sighs as light finally hits the water soaked ground, "Finally. We should get moving as soon as possible."

Isreal studies his spells

Russeth sets himself in the middle of the camp, he studies the directions silently, his eyes narrowed in one particular after a moment.

The howls and the creature seemed to disappear with the night, as you move on into the woods. Traveling for some time the fog is burned away buy the light above. Before you not far up ahead the sun seems to rise and shine brighter through the trees. Moving towards this area the ground around you begins to slope upwards as you slowly walk along with each step the water getting lower and lower before to long you see the tops of your toes as you make it to dry land.

[Isreal]: "great out of the water that is great maybe we can get dry now"

Before all of you stands an embankment of landing rolling over into the woods some 15 feet high.

Russeth smiles as they reach dry ground, "At last. We might be getting close keep an eye open." Looking all around, and also at the treetops in the woods.

Isreal starts up the bank

Russeth watches the hill closely for a moment and then looks up. "Climb it. Or lounge it?"

Elina observes the embankment carefully.

Russeth takes a few steps to the side and looks around, "It might as well hold a cave. Or a den or wolf's den."

[Isreal]: "why wolves there not in the woods are they wives tales you all said"

Russeth begins climbing up the embankment behind Isreal with a deep sigh, "Maybe we'll know later."

Climbing up a small embankment you see before you off to the right side, a clearing, a small now ruined home or business. Across the area you see several other ruin buildings as you make you're way up to the clearing.

[Isreal]: "well there is a ruined village over the bank"

[Elina]: "Throw down a rope will you?" Elina looks at Isreal as he climbs up the embankment.

Hawk laughs at the lass as he makes his way up the embankment.

Russeth ponders silently as he looks around and steps aside Isreal, placing his thumbs on his belt. "This would be the village. Well, what used to be the village." he says after a short moment.

Isreal tosses down a rope "hurry up I want to check out the village"

Hawk reaches the top and looks on to the village. "Well this is just great so much for a dry bed."

Elina smiles and grabs the rope as Isreal tosses it down. "Alrighty. I am ready. Just pull me up." Elina giggles as she ties the rope around her waist.

[Isreal]: "there may be a dry bed there but it will be rat an bug infested. HAHA climb like the rest of us"

Russeth nods at Isreal, "My guess is the tower was part of this village."

Zakren helps Druid as they make their way up the hill.

[Isreal]: "hold on to the rope an use you’re feet"

[Elina]: "Well ok. Just make sure to hold on to the rope while I climb." Elina finishes her words as she starts to climb the embankment hand over foot.

[Isreal]: "you are probably right Russeth I would say this village housed the workers that built the tower"

Russeth nods once again, "Once everyone is up we will do a quick inspection of these wooden ruins." He sighs deeply. "However we must be prudent. I fear what made this ruins might still be about."

Zakren looks about the area. 'Well the old guy did say it might, or may not still be here, if this is the right one anyway."

Isreal rolls up his rope and hurries off to look around the village

Elina makes it smoothly up and unties the rope from her waist. Returning the rope to Isreal with a word of thanks, Elina skips happily across to Russeth with her skirt flaring around her legs.

Going into town or what's left of it you cross over a long ago trail of stone as it is overgrown by weed coming through the cracks along with missing rocks along the way. Off to your left coming up before you is a pile of wood broken and twisted as you close to see it was once a wagon from long ago.

Isreal looks in some of the houses hoping of the luck to find a bow and some arrows

Standing near the wagon you find yourself in the center of the clearing. Wild game birds scurry through the high rocky brush lands. Peering over to what you believe to be the southeast side of town you see the remains of two buildings still standing but in ruin.

Isreal hurries to them hoping to find something useful

Russeth smiles at Elina as he looks across, "Let's look these buildings over. I remember something now. The tower is not in here." He nods to himself as he walks slowly, holding Elina's hand, in his feeling a bit less worried in the village.

You follow Isreal going closer to the buildings, you can see the two buildings are just shells of what they once were. Staring at the one to the right near the edge of town you can see clean through the building to the rocky crag behind it. The building to the left barely stands as the front and rear walls are missing except for a few planks here and there holding it together.

[Isreal]: "hay there is a rocky crag behind these buildings"

Elina smiles as Russeth's hand holds hers. Skipping merrily along Russeth, she follows his lead.

Kirarae seems eerily quiet as the group goes, pondering something

Taking a good once over of the area you can safely guess no one has been here for some time now and that all but the few remaining buildings have been razed to the ground. The old mill is a likely spot for camp, as it can at least provide shelter from the winds and rains that may come in the course of the night.

Russeth nods to himself as he looks at the mill; "We will camp again here if everyone is fine with it? Tomorrow we will have to travel to the south for one day, and then we should reach the tower. Words from the old man." grinning he steps inside the mill.

[Isreal]: "well I say we make a premiered defense to keep what ever attacked hawk away".

Zakren nods about the area. "Well according to the old guy we are to go a day south from the southeast part of town. Should we stay here for the night and travel the woods by day?"