[Sat Jul 28 20:13:00 GMT 2001]

After making your decisions you will head out to get back to Harrowdale in haste, as you ponder plans of getting to Fesspel's home and returning the staff to Tormaq. Looking about you see tonight is no different then any other as the fog lumbers along the ground and swirling about your legs while you walk about looking for a decent area to bury the others. The sounds of the night are once again alive, as they seem closer to you then ever before. Every now and then you glimpse an eye or two of glowing green or red in the shadows about you. The prospect of moving through the night is all but gone with the burials at hand. Realizing you can’t leave the others just lying out you decide to bury them first.

Jarl looks about "me does hate the forest at night. The under dark is much safer, if ye asks me"

Russeth brings a hand to the back of his neck and scratches, showing some sign of fatigue as he walks into the fog yet again. "Do we have the tools to dig holes for them?"

Zakren makes his way around the tree line looking for a suitable place for the burials. "This looks good over here a little clearing, less roots encountered while digging."

Jarl shrugs "not me. Ye gots anything to dig with?"

Russeth nods at Zakren as he quickly makes his way in his direction. "We will bury them properly and then I think it would be wise to stay in the tower for the night, and travel during the day."

Ston finds a suitable area of flat ground to rest upon. He leans his back against a tall tree and looks out into the deafening fog. As he sits there he ponders his situation of being alone and with that thought he grips his blade tighter than ever. He falls asleep eventually in a hunched over position.

Zakren nods and laughs, "Sounds could but can't seems there is something blocking the door. Isreal has already tried to get back in."

Malakai raises an eyebrow at the topic of burials, speaking up; he inquires " You won't be consuming their flesh?"

Jarl looks shocked "What! Consume ye mean eat them?"

Russeth reaches into his sack and withdraws a sugar bun, tossing it into his mouth and chewing it hastily. "Well we will be camping next to the bridge then I guess. I don't want to get too far yet." sighing deeply and repeating the question, "Have ye something to dig with?"

Malakai nods, a look of confusion spreading across his face at Jarl's apparently shocked.

Zakren looks around to the others, "Use a grapple and shield to loosen the dirt up."

Russeth rises his head and narrows his eyes at Malakai listening to their conversation, "What kind of an idea is that?"

Jarl grabs Hawk's old shield "here we be" and starts to us it to dig with

Zakren kneels down and starts turning the dirt with his grapple hooks, "I'll loosen it you scope it away with the shield."

[Malakai]: " By devouring their flesh, their strengths are returned to the tribe, allowing the tribe to remain strong even though the numbers are fewer"

Russeth stands aside as Jarl begins digging up the holes and also looks shocked as he finds out about Malakai. "You're not in your tribe here you won't do such cannibalism!"

Isreal snickers and mutters about cannibals as he makes his way up into the branches of the trees.

[Jarl]: "No lad, we don't eat our fallen. We aren’t barbarians. Besides that’s just plum crazy, what if they died of poisoning?"

[Malakai]: " If that troubles you, you won't want me eating the flesh of my enemies, will you?"

Ston awakens and rises to his feet in a scuffle. He then stands there silently and listens a moment before calling out. "Who is out there in this death of a night?"

[Malakai]: " Why would someone kill a warrior with poison? Their strength can't be absorbed that way... And it isn't honorable..."

Russeth shakes his head as he walks away pulling his cloak aside, "That's gross." quickly spinning around to an unknown voice, but not reacting.

Malakai instinctively bend his knees a bit, as he draws his axe, lessening his profile to any potential enemies in the darkness

[Jarl]: "some things kill with poison and if ye go around eating everyone ye might end up eating one that had been poisoned"

[Russeth]: "Who goes there? Identify yourself first."

Zakren looks up, "Poison, eating, whatever the faster we bury them the faster we can get out of these woods."

Ston stands near his horse and listens intently. His blade is still in its scabbard while his heart now pounds in his chest. He thinks of a warm bed and a hot meal and yells out again. "I am Ston Silverwing of Tantras and I in Service of Torm the just. " He then waits for a response.

[Malakai]: " We don't have such things where I am from... We also don't have any burials, ground too hard...." he mumbles as he watches the direction the voice in the darkness came from

Russeth looks out in the woods, easily by use of his infrared spectrum, however his eyebrows are getting heavier and his concentration lessening.

Peering off into the woods you see nothing but swirling fog and darkness.

Russeth walks out in front of the others in direction of the voice and shows no aggressively, "I am Russeth of Scarsdale. And I represent this party." he gives a quick glance to the others, "What is your business around the tree of lights?"

Jarl strokes his beard "tell of this Torm you speak of. What makes him so just?"

Malakai keeps low and moves towards the tree nearest him, seeking cover incase he is visible to this 'Ston'

Ston walks his horse in the direction of the voice while replying; "I know nothing of the tree of lights, just about the green fog and the orc tribes that plague this land."

Russeth pulls his cloak aside again to reveal his longsword hilt and replies with another question. "And you are wandering alone through the Velarwood?"

[Ston]: Hearing Jarl’s comment he scoffs quietly to himself and then continues to walk towards the voices. His movements are slow and careful his horse is just behind him following the lead rope.

Stepping out from within the fog stands a lone man and a horse.

Jarl mumbles to Russ "If he be in service of Torm, ask him what his code of ethics be"

Ston is rather tall, stout looking human. His wirier body is covered in blood stained splint mail armor. The armor appears to be slightly damaged but well kept. A single long sword dangles from his left side. His blonde hair sticks out from under an embroidered war helm with a visor that hides most of his face. Strapped to his back is a shield that has the image of a silver gauntlet. In his right hand is the lead to a solid black horse. The horse is well groomed and has saddle packs filled with equipment strapped to it.

Russeth shrugs at Jarl, "You can probably ask him yourself."

Russeth a young yet tall wood elf stands before you, his light brown hair shoved behind his ears vanishes within the hood of his dark green cloak. His forest green eyes glimmer at all times and matches the cloak almost perfectly. He brandishes a long sword in his left hand and a morning star hangs on his right side, waiting to be grabbed. Strapped on his back are a bow and quiver, as well as his well-filled dark green hued backpack. Using the chest piece of his studded leather and the large collar of his dress, he tries to hide his pointy chin. His muscle can be perceived on his dress, seemingly worked on carefully and outlined perfectly. His belt bears a false black onyx oval gem and two similar small ones to the sides; a belt pouch clanging with gold pieces hang on his left side. His boots, crafted for riding, rise to his thighs and finish off his dress.

Isreal sneaks about the tree tops peering down upon the stranger from above.

Jarl looks to the man with his horse "If ye be in service of Torm is ye code of ethics?"

Russeth nods to the man as he walks in closer, his horse to his side, "I guess I am right if I say ye want to rid these lands of the plague. Heh?"

Jarl stands about 4'-2" in height, and weighs about 150 to 160 pounds. His hair and long beard are black, with strands of braided silver; his eyes are of a silvery gray. Jarl is a dwarf of some sort, dressed in ring mail, a disk-like symbol, hammer over an anvil, covering the very center of the breast. A two-headed warhammer has been melted into both shoulders, in a standing position. The traditional two-horned helmet rests easily atop his head, worn brown leather boots, and snug on his feet. With a medium sized circular shield strapped to his left arm and a two-headed warhammer clutched firmly in the right hand, this dwarf looks as if he is ready for action.

Malakai peers out from behind the tree he has taken cover behind, narrowing his eyes as he tries to remain quiet and unseen until the nature of this night wanderer can be verified

Ston looks over at Jarl, his hands still at his side. He then stops about ten feet from the rest of you. While patting his horse’s head he takes a gander at your party. "My ethics are my business. Surely you have a name. I just don't recall you offering it" He laughs and then looks at Russeth, "So, would you all mind if I stayed the night. You know safety in numbers and all that"

Zakren stands up, "Hmm you know they are not getting any fresher if the stranger wants to talk give him a shovel."

Malakai is broad and thick through the chest, while his mostly visible upper & lower bodies ripple with muscles, causing him to appear rather intimidating to those who are intimidated by apparent physical strength. Malakai's gaze is instance and full of emotion as his deep Hazel eyes peer out through his long, knotty black hair that falls down past his shoulders, and onto the top of his animal hide cloak. Across his skin are blotches of mud and a variety of different colored clays that he has painted on himself to help conceal him in trees and whatever plants his may have to take cover in. On his back a Sword sheath containing a long sword rests over his cloak, which crosses with a battle-axe on a hanger. Near the center of his belt, a Dagger & sheath rest, complementing the two hip hangers for his hand axes rather nicely.

Jarl winks at the man named Ston "ye don't eat ye fallen do ye?" trying his best to keep a strait face "Oh. Me see then, Jarl Ironstar of Clan Malthin be me calling" rubbing his nose

Russeth looks over his shoulder at Zakren, "If only we had a shovel." He then turns and faces the stranger with a corner smiles, "There's more than orc tribes around here, you can stick around. Have ye a shovel or something of the like?"

Ston nods to Jarl and then looks over to Russeth. "No. I don't have a shovel. I wanted to get one, but funds wouldn't permit" He rubs his hands together as if in thought.

Russeth brings his right hand to the back of his neck as he nods. "Alright. I guess we'll have to stick to Zakren's plan, should I set a fire for the night?" watching them at work.

Malakai moves out from behind the tree as the introductions begin, feeling that he might as well trust the others' judge of character, since they don't seem to view this one as a threat. " I am Malakai, of Kodiak tribe...." he says to Ston, as he emerges from the foliage and the trees.

Jarl returns to his digging "the sooner it be finished to soon we sleep"

[Ston]: "I know the tribes are numerous and even war on one another. It would be disastrous if they combined efforts." He smirks and then looks up; "They are to stupid for that."

Zakren nods at Jarl and once again begins digging.

[Ston]: "It is nice to meet your acquaintance Malakai." Ston extends his hand out to the rather shady man.

Russeth grins slightly. "You think the orc tribes plague the forest? It is strange for I haven't seen a bit of an orc around here for the time we have spent. Larger, tougher and wiser creature though."

Kirarae looks up, "Yes we did back in the ruined town a whole trail of them. They looked pretty beat up and wore but that was two or so days ago."

Kirarae drags Hawk's body over near Jarl and Zakren before returning to retrieve Sedrick’s remains.

Malakai takes a step back as Ston extends his hand, looking at it curiously. Returning his axe to its hanger, he is unsure as to the significance of the outstretched hand, so does the same with his hand.

Ston looks back to Russeth and replies, "Yes, I do not doubt your word, but believe me they are around. I have tracked them for a while now. I lost them at the east edge of the forest and have been here for two days"

Ston shakes Malakai's hand while still looking to Russeth.

Jarl continues to dig "now ye done gone and done it Russ, just asking for the little green buggers to show up. They be raining down on our heads before long if ye keep that up"

Zakren and Jarl dig for sometime before they complete a suitable hole for the two to fit in, though not very deep it will serve its purpose for the time being.

Russeth shrugs at Jarl as he walks over to him; "Well they just show themselves those filthy smelling beasts."

Malakai watches his hand being shaken in Ston's grip, still unsure as to its importance, making a mental note to ask one of the others at another time....

Kirarae drags Sedrick to the edge of the hole before rolling him off into it, "There that’s one" Turns and pulls Hawk over to the hole and rolls him in. "There that’s two now you can cover them up."

[Ston]: Relieved that he is in a semi friendly environment, Ston sits near a tree and nibbles on some rations he has pulled from a sack on his horse.

Jarl laughs "maybe Malakai ate them all or something"

Russeth finds a comfortable spot to sit and places his elbows on his knees, crossing his hands and resting his head upon them.

Jarl looks about "did the mages get old Sedrick’s spell book? Not thinking he be needing it any longer"

Malakai pulls his hand back and begins towards Jarl & Kirarae " Hmmm" a look of surprise and slight disgust spreading across his face " Doesn't that taint this land? Putting flesh to rot in the ground...."

Kirarae looks up, "Nah they are not deep enough something will come by and dig them up later hopefully we will be gone by then."

[Malakai]: " Good... Just hope whatever absorbs them won't come after us...."

Jarl finishes covering up the bodies before finding a nice place to set down

Zakren look at Jarl, "I think they did I don't know don't use one." Starts rummaging through Sedrick’s person. Stopping short with his attempt as Jarl has quickly covered the bodies with dirt. "Oh well like I said I don't use them."

Russeth is quickly off into reverie without even realizing it, in a sitting position against a close by tree.

Zakren sits near the bridge with Elina and beds down for the night.

[Jarl]: "me nether, one less mage spell in the world, would be a better thing, if ye asking me"

Kirarae looks at the others going off to bed as he tries to quickly get to sleep to avoid watch.

Malakai finds a thick tree to sit and lean against while he sleeps, if one isn't available, he will settle for the ground under any old tree.

Jarl moves about until he finds a good location, in which he is close to the group. But not right beside them and kneels down to pray

Ston nods off under the tree while his horse feeds on some nearby patches of grass.

Malakai tucks his legs up as he pulls his winter blanket up over him, trying to make himself appear part of the tree he rests against.

Jarl is wrapped up in his blanket, snoring heavily

Russeth is sitting up against the same tree, hood over his head, one can't tell whether he is sleeping or watching.

You wake to the sounds of breaking branches as Isreal falls from the trees and on to the ground. He lies there; face down in the dirt as he rolls over as if he has just, woke up. Looking about you see the morning light has come.

Isreal sits up spitting dirt and grass from out of his mouth. 'Damn trees, did I tell you how much I hate this place?"

Russeth smiles as he watches Isreal from under his hood and it doesn't take long before he is stretching his arms and neck, "Did you meet some small animal from above, thief?"

Jarl rolls out from under his blanket "ye make a grand wake up call, but that has to hurt a little"

Malakai smiles a bit at Isreal's demonstration of the wonders of gravity worked properly " Thief? What is a thief?"

Isreal looks up into the trees, "No I didn't see anything up there. Or down here for that matter."

Ston gets up and begins to place all the gear back onto his horse. After he finishes he eats some dried meat, washing it down with water from a leathery skin.

Zakren rolls over and sits up rubbing his head as he dusts off dirt and twigs from his garments while getting to his feet.

Jarl begins to ready his belongings for the days travel "so how we going to get across the Dragon Reach?"

Isreal looks over at Russeth, "So fearless leader which way do we go today?"

Russeth reaches down into his backpack after packing his gear and withdraws a small ration of cheese and bread, which he consumes rapidly. Afterwards he heads to the extremity of the clearing and stares off into the woods, taking his time as he studies the direction.

Malakai eats some of his rations of dried meat, and drinks some water from his waterskin, washing it down. Smiling in contentment, he looks over at the others " Yes... where are you bound for?"

Zakren gathers his belongings and looks towards Jarl, "We have a deed to a vessel in Scardale not sure if it floats though."

Russeth reaches a hand down into the morning dew, rubbing it against the other and his forearms, wiping them off his shirt thereafter.

[Jarl]: "aye. Ye gots a boat, so we are heading for Scardale then yes? Ye don't know if ye boat floats or not?"

Ston sits back listening to the conversation and finishing his morning meal.

Zakren snickers, "You mean where are we bound for. Have you already forgotten what the mage said?"

[Russeth]: "Isreal. We are going South, the best way to get back on the trail towards Harrowdale, I am wondering if we should travel to Harrowdale and find that ship, or if we should go directly from Harrowdale across the reach. There’s probably a ferry boat service."

Malakai gathers the remainder of his belongs and readies for the road. " Are we not going to retrieve the staff for that cursed mage?"

Russeth nods at Malakai watching him gather his belongings briefly then turning back to the others. "These days spent on the road to Scarsdale could be a waste of precious time."

Elina finally wakes from her long slumber as she gathers her belongings and runs her hands through her hair removing leaves and others small bits of dirt that have gathered overnight.

Isreal looks out into the woods. "Scardale is only a day and a half ride south of Harrowdale how does that kill time?"

[Jarl]: "if ye want to pay for the boat trip when ye gots a boat already?"

Zakren looks to the stranger, "Well sir we are en-route south if not Scardale then Harrowdale. Will you be joining us or wondering these woods alone once more?"

Russeth smiles at Elina as he waits for ideas from the other, noticing Ston again in the daylight. "Bah. If you want to go absolutely then we can do that. I also think we should try to get some of our items identified." he indicates the jewelry and weapons.

[Ston]: While looking at Zakren he replies, "I am not bound to anything, so if your cause is good then I will lend a hand"

Russeth sighs as he brings his hands to his hips, "If our cause is good. I think we still have to find out ourselves."

Jarl leans against a tree waiting to depart "whenever ye be ready to go, just let me know"

Russeth scratches his head as he walks back over to the edge, "Anyway. We should get moving already, not waste this daytime anymore." Throwing his backpack over his shoulders he walks back to Elina and gives her a quick kiss.

Ston shrugs as he walks over to his horse. He grabs its lead and stands there just looking the beast over for any ailments.

Malakai has a slight look of aggravation " Our only concern should be getting this staff for that bloody mage, I know not of this magic he speaks of, and I do not wish to. So I say, let's not tempt fate incase he was merely overstating his power to get us to retrieve his staff for him...."

Jarl shakes his head "to Scardale then?"

Russeth nods, correcting Jarl, "Scarsdale. But first, Harrowdale."

Traveling on for sometime you see the sun begin to pierce through the canopy of trees above, as morning grows to midday. You take a short break in the shrouded woods looking about the southern parts. The woods are solid and free of standing puddles and ponds of water unlike the northern end of the land with Harrowdale growing closer by the hour you can only dream at this time of a hot meal and warm dry bed.

Russeth continues on towards the south, keeping the same pace the whole time, seemingly eager to exit the cursed woods.

Malakai follows Russeth, keeping his gaze to the group's flanks, curious as to when his timber wolf companion would decide to rejoin him.

Pressing on into the woods you proceed well into the late afternoon as the fog has long since gone burning off in the late morning. When you gone across an area of old ruined walls and fragments of bones, as if some fierce battle had taken place here long ago. The walls are so battered that they are unidentifiable as what they once were. The bones are scattered about the area most half covered in the dirt and grass of the lands.

[Jarl]: "aye, when we get to Harrowdale, I need to stop at Double Axe and talk with me kin. How long ye plan to stay in town before leaving?" Looking about the ruins "what be this old places story?"

Russeth stops as he reaches the battlefield and takes uneasy steps forward, pushing his cloak on both sides for easy access to his weapons. He watches where he steps carefully, looking up from time to time at the remaining walls.

Malakai shakes his head as he carefully steps over the bones of the fallen soldiers " What a waste...."

Searching the area now overgrown with brush and trees growing right through some of the old walls, you see the fog has returned to you but not like the normal fog of night. This fog is thick encircling you from 100yards out reducing your vision to its range and seems to be closing in on you. As the colors of green and emerald can be seen shifting and swirling from with in it. Moans and groans of others in pain can be heard coming from all about you in the woods, but the fog prevents you from seeing beyond its sinister ring.

Jarl clinches his shield strap, as he continues on "old bones, may ye continue to sleep"

Russeth crosses his arms at the elbows as he draws his swords, "This ain't no good sign." he narrows his eyes, watching the colors, yet he continues walking forward.

Ston silently moves along side his horse. He mutter’s a few words at the sight of the battlefield. He keeps to himself for the most part occasionally ducking under some branches. He now focuses on the sounds and blurts out, "That didn't sound good"

Malakai growls " Demon fog..." he watches as he is beginning to get a bit spooked as he puts on his shield, and draws his longsword, standing in a defensive posture as he continues forward behind Russeth.

[Ston]: "This is the fog of the dead. Get ready!" He pulls his blade out and holds it high in the air.

As the fog comes nearer to you, you can hear the sounds of clanking and rubbing metals it’s grows louder with the groaning when you find yourselves enveloped by the green fog. Its thick almost impenetrable as you lose sight of your fellow friends and comrades about you when out the mist you see a skeletons with fiery red eyes swinging and old rusted swords down towards you.

Jarl pulls out his amulet with his free hand, holding it out in front "Guide us through are darkest of times"

Russeth jumps back a few feet almost hitting Malakai but just stopping by his side.

You hear the whisk of the wind as Zakren yells out in pain.

[Ston]: The body of Ston gives off a slight yellow glow that covers ten feet or so around him. It seems to affect the creatures somewhat in a negative manor.

One of the bone creatures steps from the mists near Russeth and Malakai striking Malakai with its rusted blade. Fighting through the fog the beasts, dart back and fourth as the cries of several others can be heard in the mists.

Russeth dodges to the side as the blade flies towards Malakai, swinging his longsword towards the skeleton's chest, and thrusting towards the chest as well with his short sword.

You can hear the whisk of the air, as bones can be heard breaking and crumbling within the mists.

Elina soft voice can be heard calling out with her incantations of magic as a flash of white light can be seem quickly before fading away.

Ston slashes around in the fog to no avail. The bone creatures manage to avoid his efforts. He grunts in pain as one of them manages to cut his right arm.

The mist swirls about as flashes of beasts and comrades alike are shuffled about.

Isreal darts back and fourth as he fights on off in the mists.

Jarl holds out holy amulet "back old bones from which you came, tis not your fault but the evil within ye must be but down, so ye can rest again. So be gone by Moradin's will, your eternal rest is at hand!"

Kirarae can be heard from within still fighting on against the dead.

Malakai lunges forward at the movement in the fog, successfully striking a skeleton in the chest.

Breaking bones and clanking metal and loud thuds of wood can be heard about you as you battle on.

Ston grunts from his now numerous wounds. He still holds his ground waiting to slash anything he can.

Russeth tumbles to his right, getting back with Malakai and lending him a helping hand, his blades swung in different directions at two random skeletons close by in the frenzy of battle. "I thought clerics could repulse these things?" He yells out in the fog, Jarl unnoticed, as the swords are about to make contact with the bones. A line of blood flies off of his shoulder as a blade strikes him on the left arm.

Jarl continues to walk on through the fog "Be gone ye! This isn't ye place no more. Leave the living alone"

Russeth hits true twice for a second time, sending two of the skeletons back where they came from.

Jarl yells out in reply "what ye think me trying to do, there be to many of the blasted things, that's it bones "be gone, back to ye resting place"

Ston wounded and disorientated by the fog manages to miss another passing skeleton. His blade cuts harmlessly through the air.

Isreal yells out "Die you blasted beasts die again!"

Elina chants once more in the fog as she tries to fend for her self among the dead.

Malakai crumples to the ground as the skeleton he was engaging struck got in a hit under the cover of the cursed fog. A grown escapes his lips as he lands with a loud thud, and his eyes begin to roll back into his head as he loses consciousness.

Kirarae calls out with joy as you hear the crushing on bone from beyond.

Jarl continues to walk on in the same direction he was going before the fog rolled in. Chanting to Moradin "release these poor souls allow them their much deserved rest"

Russeth retracts his blade with a stylish twirl. He then launches his left leg forward and swings both his blades brutally forward at two skeletons as they dart by.

Ston still tries to hold his ground, though wounded and nearly blind. His blade is waving around in front of him as if he is ready as ever.

Isreal can be heard chanting as he sends fourth his powers to be to defeat the bone beasts.

Russeth crushes the skeleton to his right with ease however his short sword only strikes air.

Jarl yells out "be gone. Be gone! This be a staged battle ground, get out of the battle ground and we might end its effects"

Elina cries out, "Russeth where are you? Save me!"

You can hear her scream from within the fog but are unable to see her.

Ston wounded and disorientated by the fog manages to miss another passing skeleton. His blade cuts harmlessly through the air.

Kirarae is swearing in the fog as he fights on against the bone monsters.

Russeth rolls below a sword slashing at waist level as he begins making his way towards Elina's general direction, as he rolls he arches his longsword to cut the bone arm off, his short sword swung freely at another skeleton.

Jarl places his amulet around his neck, still chanting to Moradin

Ston holds his ground and continues to swing his blade at anything near. Managing to only defend in the commotion and calamity of it all. His blade swings back and forth only cutting the thick fog like air.

Breaking bones can be heard about you as you continue your valiant fight of the unknown.

Kirarae cries out "Hold still you sack of bones!"

Elina screams once more as you hear a thud of weight and bones upon the ground as she continues to scream.

Jarl begins to quietly mumble and chant, while holding a circular amulet, with the symbol of a hammer and anvil etched into it, in his left hand. A soft white light emanates from his right hand, as the arcane energy arches across his fingertips. Jarl carefully moves his hand over the wounds, the ghostly white arcane flames leap from his hand to the wounds. As the white flames burn within the wounds a slight pungent odor can be smelled as the flame seems to eat away at the infections within the wounds, in seconds the affected area begins to heal as the flame starts to fade away.

Russeth continues running towards Elina, fending off the skeletons on his way and swinging at what may interpose on his path, a trail of devastation which is quickly cleared by other skeleton running after him.

Elina screams once more before its cut short in the fog.

Jarl grabs his hammer and readies to swing at any skeletons that get in his path

Zakren, with a swift swing and the smashing and breaking of bones all grows quiet. After dispatching what you believe to be all the attacking dead folks the fog slowly begins to break up as it lurks across the ground sinking away into small cracks and holes of the land below. Piles of bones are seen through the retreating fog, scattered about with them are rusty blades of several types, and a few rotting clubs as well. Malakai and Elina lie upon the ground motionless as they bleed about the ground.

Jarl runs over to the fallen mage, to bind her wounds "Zakren, bind the meat eater"

Zakren standing over the lass with the remains of bones scattered upon her he begins to chant above her in an unknown tongue as he places his hands atop her wounds sending a pale blue light into her.

Russeth quickly hops above the piles of bone, landing next to the inert Elina, "Foul skeletons." he kneels next to her and places her head on his knees, giving Jarl a helping hand.

Ston lays his hands upon a few of his wounds and after a slight bluish glow they lessen. He appears to be in slightly better shape, though still wounded considerably.

Zakren stands from the lass after Jarl’s comment and makes his way to Malakai lying upon the ground.

Zakren once again begins to chant several times over the fallen fighter as he sends his healing magic into the wounds of the fighter.

Jarl looks over the wounded areas then begins to chant, begins to quietly mumble and chant, while holding a circular amulet, with the symbol of a hammer and anvil etched into it, in his left hand. A soft white light emanates from his right hand, as the arcane energy arches across his fingertips. Jarl carefully moves his hand over the wounds, the ghostly white arcane flames leap from his hand to the wounds. As the white flames burn within the wounds a slight pungent odor can be smelled as the flame seems to eat away at the infections within the wounds, in seconds the affected area begins to heal as the flame starts to fade away.

Elina wakes and sits up in Russeth’s lap as she rubs her shoulder. Before smacking him. "Where were you leave me in the fog all by myself? "

Russeth brings his right hand upon his left arm's wounds, just now realizing the slashes of the swords, "These swords were rusted, this ain't no good for the wounds." He hugs Elina closely and sighs, "I didn't know they got behind us. I was stuck in the middle."

Jarl stands up slowly after casting his spell, looks to Russ "she be as good as new and" *wink* "everyone else okay?"

Malakai awakens slowly, reaching up and rubbing his wounds, some are gone, but the rest remains. " Thank you..." he says, looking up to his healer...

[Russeth]: "Have ye anymore curing spells, clerics?"

Zakren stands having been missed during battle looks about to the others. "I have no cures left so Jarl it’s up to you now."

Ston leans on his long blade and tries to stop himself from bleeding in several spots. He doesn't complain and seems to almost try to conceal the fact that he is hurt at all.

Russeth nods at Zakren, "Let's travel a bit away from this cursed battlefield and we can rest again, I feel it is going to be necessary."

Jarl looks "me has a small amount of Moradin's gift left in me, ye need healing as well?"

Russeth winces as he presses upon his wounds again, but it quickly fades away as he climbs to his feet. Nodding at Jarl as he stands up.

Jarl places his hand on Russ's wounded area "let me see" as his hand begins to glow a white flame. "Hold still, it will only tingle a little"

Malakai stands, with some difficulty, and looks over at Jarl " I still have some injuries..." he holds his stomach a bit " How many did you guys get, was it all of them?" he says, looking more nervous the longer he remains in this area

Zakren looks to the stranger, "You need some help binding those wounds?"

Malakai nods " I left home before I learned of those ways..."

Ston reluctantly nods to Zakren.

Russeth nods a thanks to Jarl, "Appreciated. Jarl we should get away from this place now shouldn't we?"

Jarl shakes his head in reply "sorry lads that be all me has left as for Moradin's gift"

Zakren looks towards the lass' Hey Elina help this man with his wounds you know how to use mud and herbs."

[Jarl]: "aye, we need to move like a bear running from an in angry B-hive"

Elina looks pale and green as she tries to stand and help the stranger. Mustering enough strength, she bandages the guy as best as she can manage.

Russeth helps Elina up and then lets her go on with her healing. "I'm sorry I couldn't get to you in time Elina. Too much of these beasts in the way."

[Ston]: "Thank you for your kindness" He then goes over to his horse and checks it out for any injuries.

Zakren looks around, "Well to rest here or move on?"

Malakai does the best bow he can muster without disturbing the bandages Elina put on him " Thank you...."

Elina shakes her head at Russeth as she hugs him while she grimace through her wounds. "Its really ok dear." She manages to smile through her teeth.

Russeth shrugs at Zakren, "I don't want to rest here. We can move on a few."

[Jarl]: "we be putting some distance between us and that undead battle field before me rests"

Elina nods at the rest. "Let’s move a bit. I don't like this place." Shivering as she does.

Jarl follows behind Elina as we continue on away from the ruins

Malakai nods as he moves on, wary of this place, watching the tree line carefully for any signs of more undead skeletons that may lie in ambush

Russeth kicks some bones aside as he continues his way to the south, making sure Elina is close and looking back every now and then.

Leaving the haunted ruin area you make your way quickly through the woods for some time as you move the sun has made it's way into the late sky, as night is coming upon you. When you hear what seems to be thunder no wait you listen a little deeper as you realize it's thunder but thundering footsteps as branches and trees can be heard cracking in the distance.

[Malakai]: " I suggest we take cover," he shouts to the others

[Jarl]: "now what, is it always like this with you guys around?"

Russeth holds his feet as he hears the dangerously heavy footsteps; he remains silent and points to a few trees. "Aye, everyone hide." as he slowly makes his way silently into some bushes.

Elina hastily hides herself besides Russeth, trying her best not to scream.

Malakai moves towards the trees, moving low, and as silent as anyone can muster when they are wearing swords & armor.

Jarl moves to a safe place to hide from the coming giant

Russeth narrows his eyes as he watches in direction of the footsteps, "Don't be scared to use my bow and arrows, Isreal."

Lumbering out of the brush and trees before you stands a large humanoid beast with two heads both with piercing yellow eyes as it swings it massive arms back and fourth pushing and pulling trees out of its way as it moves along the forest. It stops briefly to sniff the air as the two heads speak in a foul dialect before it continues to move off in a northeastern direction.

Russeth watches ahead, recognizing the foul beast as another one of its hatred enemies, his face turns red and his eyes lighten, he silently draws his blades, remaining motionless under the tree and bushes.

Jarl grip tightens on his hammer as he watches to beast pass by

Ston sits still and watches the beast move past. He fights his urge to do anything to the creature instead he just overlooks the situation.

Elina holds her breath as the beast continued on its way. Unconsciously, she lays her hand upon Russeth's and lets out a sigh.

Malakai remains silent, and motionless amongst the foliage he has taken cover in, not wishing to engage such a creature.

[Russeth]: Upon Elina's touch upon Russeth's shoulder he seems to hop back a bit into the foliage, touching some of it and stepping back, he was surprised.

Sitting quiet and motionless the two-headed monster makes its way off into the forest out of your view.

Jarl carefully steps out from the brush, hammer still held firmly in his hand, as he looks in the direction of the giant beast

Elina quickly withdrew her hand as Russeth jerks back. "Sorry dear." Whispering as she stands from her spot. "I think it will be best to rest now. I need some healing and study."

Russeth watches the creature leave, not paying attention to Elina at all, his blades drawn, he looks a bit pissed.

Malakai emerges from the plant life, and looks in the direction the beast went as he stops besides Jarl.

Zakren peers out from behind the tree, "Man I will be glad to be out of this place. How much farther we have to go?"

Russeth steps out of the bushes as well, walking carelessly towards Malakai, "Yet another one of these damned giants walking away freely. I should've jumped out and KILLED it!"

Malakai raises an eyebrow as Russeth approaches him " You can kill one of those?"

[Jarl]: "we can track it tomorrow, when we are fresh, if ye like, that thing makes a trail that I could even follow

Elina notices Russeth's wounds for the first time and tries to bandage him. "Don't move dear." Saying as she does.

Russeth sheaths his blades furiously; "Under right circumstances." he lets Elina bandage him and looks at Jarl, "Fine idea Jarl!" Nodding at Malakai, "Well. We’ve killed one similar monster already."

Elina shakes her head as she finishes with Russeth's bandage. "Shall we move? I will love to get some study done if we are going to stay."

Jarl begins to setup a small camp; hidden away from the trail the giant made "we can rest here for the night"

Elina nods at Jarl as she finds a comfortable spot and starts memorizing.

You notice the light of day is beginning to fade as the mist once again begins to form around you as you find the trail of the beast to be a nice spot to camp for the night.

Russeth nods at Jarl briefly and then walks into the trail, looking off into the Northeast. "Do you guys want to follow it? I don't want to force any decision upon ye." He seems to be gaining his thoughts back.

Russeth raises a hand to his chin and scratches it "We can sleep a bit away from the trail, while the watcher can watch upon the track itself. I would really like to see that thing. Perish."

Zakren finds a nice spot and kneels down to begin to pray for his healing prayers once again.

Jarl looks about the other's armor and weapons for any visible damage or fixable areas "well if we let it go it could do some serious damage to innocent travelers"

Elina remains oblivious to the rest as she concentrates upon her studies.

[Russeth]: "Get some rest for now. I will take the first watch as usual; he positions himself next to the track and watches off in the two directions. "I hope it doesn't go too far."

[Jarl]: "I say we hunt it in the morning if it is likely heading to a commonly traveled area"

Isreal looks over at Russeth, "Have you lost your mind we are so close to getting out and you want to go back?"

Kirarae laughs at the others as he sits quietly eating and drinking some rations.

Russeth twitches his eyes to Isreal for a moment, "This thing is worth going back. If you want you can go to Harrowdale and wait at the inn, but I hate to see it roaming the woods freely." still watching off in the distance.

Malakai looks over at Russeth " Why do you hate them so?"

Jarl takes out his axe and hammer and inspects them both. He sharpens his axe with a sharpening stone then smoothes it out some.

Russeth glares over at Malakai, "These things. They seem to destroy everything on their way. Smashing people's home my father knew. And this one, worst of 'em he is up rooting the trees to travel through the woods." Narrowing his eyes as he continues watching off, waiting for sunset to hide in the shadows of the night.

Jarl places the axe back in it's sheath and looks over his hammer, placing a thin cord of leather around the head, to help prevent any fractures to the head.

You sit and talk about the beasts and eat while the spell casters finish with their workings, you see the night is now upon you as the mists have flowed into your camped and across the ground once more.

Russeth looks over at Malakai for a moment, "Get some sleep with the others."

Malakai curls up to go to sleep " Ah, you are willing to wage war with a species because they step on small things in their path. I suppose you've never stepped on an insect."

[Jarl]: after finishing with his weapons Jarl will find a good place to pray, kneel down and gives his thanks to Moradin

Elina closes her book in relief. Standing, she approaches Zakren with a waning smile. "May I receive some attention from your goddess? I am still pretty weak from the encounter."

Russeth shakes his head; "Maybe I have accidentally stepped on an insect. But I haven't slammed a dog with my fists!"

[Malakai]: " Was this dog you speak of your friend?" he looks up from the ground for a moment

Elina smiles as she awaits Zakren to attend to her wounds.

Russeth drives his attention away from the track to walk over to Malakai, "What. Are ye assuming I would hit a dog just because it ain't my friend?"

[Malakai]: " No. I'm asking if one of those things crushed a dog friend of yours... I wouldn't hit anything unless I intend to eat it... or if it is trying to kill me...."

[Russeth]: "I'm not saying it attacked any dog. Regarding size. We are like small dogs to giants."

Zakren gets up and places his little blanket away. "It’s the circle of life, the little ants, and us as well as those much larger then us."

Russeth shakes his head and sighs as he walks away, "Anyway. You eat your friends, I can't stand giants, we all got our thing I guess."

Zakren looks over the lass, "Your fine lass the others need my help more so you will have to wait."

[Malakai]: " Well, I've seen people kick dogs that yap or growl at them, never agreed with it, but, same thing...."

Zakren walks over to the stranger and performs his healing powers upon him.

Malakai smiles as he lays back down " Yes, I do. Only though I have respect for, though. Only they deserve to live on through me...."

Russeth shrugs, "You guys get some sleep."

Jarl is still over in the corner praying

Zakren now finished with the stranger makes his way to Isreal and does the same for him.

Elina slaps herself upon her forehead. "Doh! I must have been hallucinating." Shaking her head at Zakren apologetically. Lying herself near Russeth, she falls into reverie, exhausted from the day's events.

Russeth walks over into the darkness next to one of the trees that were up rooted by the giant and kneels in it.

Zakren then stands and looks about, "Ok I have one cure left who needs it?"

Russeth rises his head up from the darkness and grins; "You always say that as soon as I'm gone." Nodding at Zakren, showing he needs it.

Zakren nods and makes his way to Russeth, "Well you shouldn't wonder off remember Gremag." As he begins to chant and sends his healing power into Russeth’s body.

Russeth pulls his head back as he listens to Zakren; "Gremag's habit was more than wandering off. More like definitely go out of sight and stay there until something attacked him."

Russeth reaches for his shoulder, "Thank you Zak. Already feel ready for another fight, get some sleep with the others now, you deserve it."

You sit in the woods eating and curing while talking about your next move as the cries of the wild can be heard once more about you with the shaking of a bush. Before you, stands a lone wolf.

Jarl wanders back into the main camp "so, what be the watches this night? Any of ye have armor that be needing mending?"

Zakren nods to Jarl, "Yes I could use some help if no one else does I spent all mine."

Russeth rises and walks over to the wolf quickly, not showing aggressively or making any abrupt moves, "Don't move." he quickly makes his way over next to the wolf, "Good. Wolf." he almost whispers as he walks slowly forward.

Elina tosses in her reverie, unaware of the events occurring around her.

Jarl stops in mid stride "that be a your fiend me hopes"

The wolf sits there staring at Russeth as he approaches it.

Malakai walks over to the wolf and kneels in front of it " Hello, there you are" he pats the Wolf behind the ear and neck

Jarl watches the crazy Russ and the lone wolf, as if he is frozen in time

Zakren shrugs and makes his way over to pray once more before going to bed.

Russeth notices it's Malakai, and smiles, "I thought it was a wild wolf Heh. Sorry." he walks back into the darkness of the bushes with a sigh and disappears from normal sight.

Malakai seems happier, and stands looking back towards the others " This is Mythos.... " he points to the others " They are friends..." he looks down and pets the wolf again. " Eat well?" he grunts

Isreal drifts off to sleep next to the base of a tree, keeping his self upon the ground this night.

Jarl frowns, "well I'll be a ogre’s uncle. He looks about. So anyone need healing or armor inspected?"

Malakai nods " I'm still unsure as to this armor's properties... Seems sturdy enough...." Motioning towards Hawk's magical plate mail he is wearing.

Jarl nods "me can only repair or help keep it in good repair, can't tell ye if it is magical or what magic’s it holds"

Malakai sleeps soundlessly

Jarl does a quick once over his armor to make sure all the links and plates a still in good condition then goes to sleep. Not long after he is soundly asleep snoring like a lion’s roar.

Russeth slowly drifts off to sleep after his watch, lying next to Elina; he spends a few minutes watching her sleep.

Elina wakes, disturbed by Jarl's snore. Yawning, she sets herself beside Russeth as she watches the rest sleeps.

Jarl grabs his axe and looks off in the direction the wolf is looking. He will also wake Ston as well if he is close by

Russeth wakes up as he is being shaken and looks up, "What is it, Hun?"

Elina shakes her head at Russeth. "I am not sure, but the wolf is growling." Pointing at the wolf as she stands from her spot.

Jarl notions with his head to Malakai

Malakai draws his sword and walks towards Mythos, kneeling beside him " What is it?" he whispers

Russeth turns his head and looks at the wolf, "All right." he reaches for his swords and straps them on.

You get up and look out into the woods when you hear something crash through the branches above and around you as they crash to the ground when you hear a loud thud from something now behind you. Turning to see standing before you is a large two-headed monster.

Jarl stands quite and ready watching the wooded area

Russeth jumps to his feet, rolling he comes out of his tumble with his blades drawn, "See, I told ya I would get that foul beast!" He launches himself forward with the swords at the giant. Swinging upon the giant's right leg and chest, blood dripping down from the two wounds, "Aaah!"

Isreal jumps from his sleep with the crashing beast and runs off into the bushes.

Ston awaken by Jarl charges the beast swinging upon its left flank only to fall short of his target.

Malakai charges forward at the beast, sword swinging landing a hit, but doesn't seem to strike with any significant amount of force

The beast steps in after taking blows from Russeth and Malakai as he punches at Ston missing him and swinging his club connecting the lass across her chest as she goes flying back several feet and hits the ground off her feet.

Elina falls over with blood flowing from her mouth, as she lies motionless upon the ground.

Kirarae stands off near the brush and fires his bow sending two arrows into the night air as one flies high and the other flies across sticking a tree near Malakai.

Zakren rushes over to Elina lying on the ground.

Jarl pounces out to the monster his hammer slashing across for one of the beast's large kneecaps his swing falls short of the mighty beast.

Russeth slashes upon the giant's skin with incredible speed, his face has turned red once again as he sees the club strike upon Elina, "Zakren. Tend her!" He yells out in the commotion, as he is about to swing.

Jarl continues to stand his ground and swing at this towering beast

Isreal leaps from the bushes and stabs the beast in the back of its left leg as it turns towards him.

Jarl hammer strikes the ground beside the beasts bid toe as the dwarf curses over his bad swings

The beast turns and punches at Isreal missing him as he brings his club down across the back of Zakren flatting him out across Elina.

Kirarae fires once more sending another arrow into the darkness while the second one strikes true in the beasts chest.

Ston swings once more standing off to the left flank and once more comes up short.

Russeth manages to miss both swings, one of his swords almost slipping and flying out in the wild. A very low elven curse is heard.

Zakren gets up once more and again tries to assist the lass before the beast kills them both.

Malakai continues after the Giant, striking out again with his sword, this time missing the giant completely, and striking the ground beside it's foot

Russeth resumes his assault upon the beast, really pissed that he could miss these two swings, "This one's a tough one!"

Jarl brings his shield up hoping it will deflect the giants massive club, as he brings his hammer around once again hoping to find the giants soft spot

Elina continues to bleed from her wounds as Zakren tries to help her.

Isreal jumps up from behind the beast as it attacks the other and sticks his dagger deep into its lower back as he almost seems to dangle there for a bit.

Malakai strikes out again, his sword flying from his grip and missing the giant beast entirely.

Ston swings once more upon the beast but still is unable to land a tag upon it.

The beast punches striking Malakai and swings its club upon Ston missing him.

Russeth swings his longsword across the creature's knees, both of them bleeding profusely as he tries to sink his short sword in the right one afterwards, but failing badly.

Zakren chants over the fallen lass as he sends his life giving energy into her body.

Kirarae fires his bow once more only to end in frustration as the arrow’s sail off into the night. Where he stands and takes out his sword instead.

Jarl slides in closer to the giant, dodging its swings, Jarl's hammer finally connecting with the beast's right knee

Elina lift herself off the ground and starts muttering arcane words. Upon completing her spell, multiple life like images of Elina can be seen.

[Jarl]: hoping the thing doesn't see me and I can swing at it once more

Russeth twirls around the giant, slashing at waist level, his short sword always angled at his foe until he finds the perfect moment to strike.

Malakai gets slammed to the ground by the giant's strike, quickly loosing consciousness under the strength of the attack

Jarl has to roll out from beside the giant’s leg, missing any chance to hit it

Russeth connects twice at last, drawing more blood from the Ettin, his swords now covered with it.

Russeth swings tagging hard upon the beast as it bellows in pain and falls back to the ground below lying motionless and bleeding from several wounds inflicted upon it.

Zakren makes his way over to the fallen fighter and begins to heal him once more.

Jarl steps up and cracks each of the giants heads for good measure

Russeth lowers his blades as the creature finally falls, quickly cleaning the blades off of its clothes; he looks back at the party, and notices no one down, except for Isreal who fled into the woods.

Zakren chants in an unknown tongue over the fighter as he sends a pale bluish light into his body then repeats the process upon him self.

Elina approaches Zakren as he helps the fighter. "Stay still a moment." Saying as she starts bandaging his wounds.

Russeth watches himself over, and pulls his head back in surprise. "Not a scratch."

Zakren sits upon the ground next to the fighter as he takes a short rest.

Jarl looks about the group "how fairs we?" Nodding to Russ "ya, me nether, most be the new armor"

Zakren looks to Jarl, "I could use some help here."

Elina pouts at Russeth. "May I receive a little attention too?" Looking at Jarl.

Malakai stands and retrieves his sword " Damn.... I don't like these woods, I fight well not..."