[Sat Sep 22 20:05:30 GMT 2001]

Waking once more by the grace of the gods you find yourself fairly refreshed after the past few nights, encounters of strange beasts. Looking about you see the crags and valley are all but quiet as the morning birds can only be seen traveling the skies above. Lying not far away are the remains of the ghastly beast and the remains of Ston.

Jarl wakes in the morn "well Russ what ye think of them undead?"

Syrenia walks over to the fallen paladin and looks down at it's twisted form before looking back to Russeth..."What now? You still believe your group can go against a mage?"

Russeth shakes his head at the remains of the beasts; he makes his way over and kneels next to the other Wights, wondering if their 'owners' could have had a few belongings on when they became Wights themselves. He turns to Syrenia and shrugs, "Did I ever mention anything about a group?"

[Isreal]: "this was a cursed day " as Isreal stands to looking at his hair witch now has a streak of white running threw it "well we did not come out better in that brawl

Elina brushes dust from her skirt, shivering as her hand touches a cold spot where the Wight had touched her last.

Isreal stands next to the Light horse and tries to calm him from the loss of his owner

[Jarl]: "well we should try and track there moving, we might find their lair or even the mages tower or whatever it be"

Malakai has returned to the keyboard.

Isreal looks at Jarl "are you crazy look what they done to us " "do you not feel a part of you soul drained?"

Syrenia whistles. A few moments after the call, a yellow riding horse comes into view in a run and it stops right before the young elven maid. The new maid in the group smiles and brushes her mane gently with her hands...."Ahh Phoenix, I'm glad you’re still well."

Jarl walks over to Elina "let me see them wounds lass ye needs to stay a ways back from the main fights ye knows"

Elina manages a smile at Jarl and nods. "Thank you for your kind words my friend."

[Isreal]: "Jarl I should use some help with my wounds also if you would please" Stands next to the light horse that Ston once owned thinking of how the group should have ran

Russeth shrugs at Jarl, "I think you knew better to stand back and chant than melee." He smiles, he would laugh but he can't. "Sure, if we can track them, if they have a track. I would gladly follow them."

Malakai is standing over the fallen Wights, watching the corpses carefully " I can't but feel that they are going to hop up again..."

Jarl turns to look at Isreal " I see well I hope your luck is better this day as he walks over to you

[Isreal]: thanks Jarl you gods have given me grace this sad day"

Jarl nods "well me knew that my holy warding didn't help much so I was hopping Moradin would be of a better aid. Look for things that undead would live ye knows what I mean"

Malakai looks around at the other party members " Should we burn their corpses' so that they may never rise, and be used as a tool again?"

Jarl smiles "good to hear Isreal"

[Isreal]: "you know about these type of monster Jarl why not tell us things we can do to protect our selves"

[Elina]: "I believe you mean we should burn the corpses so they may rest my barbarian friend."

[Jarl]: "yes Malakai that would be smart we don't want to face these again"

[Malakai]: " And we do not want Ston's vessel to wonder about, a mockery to his life..."

Russeth glances at Syrenia's silver weapons, "Your swords differ a bit from mine, are they magical or something?"

Jarl looks to Mal "find a good safe spot and burn them in a group. I don't want any chances"

Malakai nods to Jarl, and quickly begins scouting for a suitable location for a body burning.

[Elina]: "Burn the corpses. I will use the time to study," saying as she opens her book and starts to memories her spells.

[Jarl]: "well Russ ye think we can track them? I think the day would be a good time to hunt them out if there are any more of them"

[Isreal]: "Jarl you have any other weapons against these guys

Jarl shrugs "nope just me axe and me hammer"

Russeth ponders over the thought a moment and turns around at Jarl while sheathing his swords. "These things drained the life out of our friend Ston, and you would rather track them down than track the giants we met down? You know we have a big advantage over these giant fellows."

[Jarl]: " just say have a look during the day to see what we might find. Better to search them out during the day light them have them hunt us again at night"

Malakai comes back to the location of the fallen Wights, and Ston. " I believe I found a spot..." he motions to a spot beyond some boulders, lying out in the valley several yards from the camp.

Syrenia shrugs at Russeth as she looks down at her silver weapons..."They're made from silver...some cleric told me undead where more vulnerable to it." She runs down her hand down its blade..."Sadly, it is more likely to break than steel."

Russeth nods at Jarl confidently; "Well perhaps if we find their lair like you say, then maybe we can put our hand on some more weapons they are vulnerable against." He glances over at Syrenia, "I noticed you weren't using your short sword during battle, perhaps next time we meet such a treat you can gently throw it my way?"

Syrenia turns to Malakai..."Ok let me get this strait...you want to create a large fire and risk the attention of the giants or Tymora knows what?" She shakes her head.

Russeth walks over towards Malakai's spot and nods, then smiles at Syrenia, "You have a plan here, m'lady. Let's bring those giants' attention here and slay them in honor of Ston!"

Malakai nods " I'd rather face a few giants then allow a fallen comrade's vessel to be soiled in such a fashion...."

Syrenia moves her hand to the hilt of her silver short sword..."Barely know you...I won't risk losing a weapon to you..."

Malakai picks up Ston's corpse, and begins moving off to the area he pointed out earlier.

Syrenia turns to Malakai..."Well Id rather survive than being crushed under a giant's club."

[Jarl]: "well we can burn them or use an acid base on them which do you have or want to use?"

Malakai continues walking, his mask of unemotional face up as usual. " If you feel inadequate in your skills as a fighter, you can leave..."

Isreal just sits off a little from the group an thinks about what happened last night"

[Jarl]: "well burn them lad and we be leaving."

Russeth laughs at Syrenia, "As far as I can tell, it has more chances of being lost while it's on yourself. But Eh, I'm not the owner."

Malakai reaches the burning location, and places Ston's corpse down upon the ground. " Besides, You can just become invisible if the giants do appear..."

Syrenia shrugs..."Well when I die...what will I care but until then...it's mine..." Sighs as the fighter walks away..."I can't believe you survived this long." She finds a large rock and climbs on to it to survey the area.

Malakai begins walking over to the next corpse, and begins carrying it over to Ston's upon reaching it.

Jarl begins to look for the correct course to the Mages Mountain "so what it be?"

[Malakai]: " And when I die, I'd appreciate if all if you left my body out for the scavengers... Unless I am turned into an undead monstrosity, like Ston... In that case, I'd like to be burned..."

Syrenia takes out her bow and nocks an arrow to it. She then calls Phoenix to the base of the rock, in case she needs to make a quick evasion.

Russeth shrugs at Syrenia, "How I have survived? So far I have survived because I've faced my giant opponents. It would be foolish to run from them, they'd knock ye down with their rocks."

Malakai carries the second corpse and places it alongside Ston's, he then begins back towards the third.

Syrenia smiles from her the top of her rock..."They can't hit what they can't see..."

Russeth snickers and mutters under his breath, "Like you can hit what you see."

[Jarl]: "ye sure on that one?" Continues to look off into the mountains.

Syrenia points at the arrows protruding from the Wights..."Take a look for yourself."

Russeth leans against the large standing rock and shrugs, chewing slowly on a dry ration.

Malakai picks up the third corpse, and begins over to the other two. " The best way to attack an opponent that over powers you, and happens to be as unintelligent as these Hill Giants, is to attack it head on... It doesn't expect it, and often, surprise in combat means death."

Jarl begins heading along the mountain pass the one most likely to lead to the mages mountain

Elina continues with her studies as her companions burn the corpses.

[Jarl]: "well how long it take to get this stuff finished and get out of this place?"

Malakai places the third down beside the other, then turns back for the final.

Isreal just sits off a little from the group an thinks about what happened last night"

Malakai reaches the final corpse, and lifts it up onto his muscular shoulders, then repeats his actions of carrying it towards the other Wights.

Russeth walks over to Malakai and looks down at the pile of corpse with disgust. "It's going to smell good around here tonight. I hope we don't make all those flesh eating beasts hungry out there."

[Malakai]: " If we do, they'll find my axe willing to give them a taste of steel flesh..."

Isreal looks in his books over what he now knows he can use none of the highest spells he knows

Malakai places the 4th Wight beside it's peers, then steps back, reaching into his pack and pulling out a large bottle of alcohol, pouring it onto the four corpses. Pulls out his flint & Steel, and goes about the task of lighting one of his torches.

Russeth nods at Malakai; "At least we'll see them coming."

With several strikes of the flint a small spark finally ignites the alcohol setting the beast a fire.

Malakai steps back as the flames start up. " There..." Turns back to the camp and quickly hurries over, picking up his pack.

Russeth wipes the bits off of his hands into the fire spot and walks away from the flame. "Let us leave this place, but keep an eye on the fire I don't want it spreading out all over."

Malakai hefts his pack up onto his back, then sets off in the direction that Jarl went, eager to get away from the smoke & fire.

Isreal tries to mount the light horse an follow the group to the new location"

Syrenia puts her arrow back into her quiver, slings her bow over her shoulder, jumps down onto her horse and follows the others.

Russeth glances at the fire a last time then turns around and starts walking with the others.

Malakai is wearing a look of satisfaction as he puts distance between himself and the fire, feeling that Ston's spirit may now rest easy knowing it's vessel will commit no evil.

Russeth turns back and looks at Elina, yelling, "What are you doing again, studying just as we are leaving?"

Elina places her book back into its case and hurries behind the rest.

Isreal looks back to the burning embers an bids adieu one last time to Ston then faces straight an walks with the others on top of Ston’s Old Horse

You make your way up into the mountains following behind Malakai and Isreal as they try to find Jarl who left ahead some time ago.

Russeth pushes his cloak aside and grabs her hand as she walks by, "You can study in a bit, until then we have to hope this fire doesn't lure too many."

[Elina]: "Doesn't matter now. My studies have already been disrupted. It will take too much time to start all over again." Sighing as she leans upon Russeth's shoulders.

[Isreal]: "we are leaving Russeth let them come here just not this way "laughing softly

Russeth shrugs at Isreal as he puts an arm on Elina's shoulder. "Sorry dear but it was better to move on and I guess we will be heading through the mountains randomly again."

Elina nods and manages a smile. "Well I can always continue my studies in a better spot." as she snuggles up within Russeth's embrace. Sad memories of the past days temporary fled from her mind.

Russeth continues walking, trying to find Jarl with the others, and keeping an eye out for giants as well.

Elina walks beside Russeth, still within his embrace.

Malakai has his axe readied, gently passing it's handle between his hands as his eyes narrow into slits, as they scan the landscape ahead of the group.

Traveling onward into the depths of the mountains until about mid afternoon or so you come across a small cave set in the base of a mountain. Observing the area you see no signs of life. Looking about the area you see remnants of old garments, and bleached white bones of past beasts.

Syrenia UN-slings her bow slowly and nocks an arrow to it as she observes the area carefully from atop her horse.

Russeth stares at the cave entrance, "How odd." He smiles, "I don't feel welcomed in the area." He lets off Elina and his blades materialize in his hands.

Elina carefully stays away from the cave, not wanting to stumble upon any unwanted attention.

Syrenia drops from her horse and stands before the cave, looking at its size.

The cave is slightly larger then man sized at its opening.

Malakai pulls on his great helm and slides it onto his head.

Russeth slowly moves closer to the cave until he is about to step in darkness, examining in its depths as far as his elven vision will allow.

Syrenia smiles as everyone is getting ready for battle..."I believe we all want to enter?" She looks to the others for approval.

Malakai nods as he pulls out a torch from his pack, looking around the area periodically as he tries to light it.

Russeth peering in trying to be sneaky.

Elina shakes her head. "I am not ready.'

[Jarl]: 'what ye doing there, Elf trying to sneak up on something?"

Syrenia looks down at her bow and shakes her head..."Not the time for this." She slings it back to her shoulder and draws her swords.

[Jarl]: "I have seen hook horrors be quieter then ye all be"

Russeth shakes his head at the others; "This cave seems not to go deep." He glares at wherever Jarl spoke from and shakes his head, "No, did you try to sneak up and loot their cave before we could find it?"

Jarl shakes his head "nope lad me told ye I was leaving ye all just setting and BS'ing got bored with it"

[Jarl]: "stopped here for a little rest and lunch Isreal come here"

Russeth shrugs at Jarl, "Next time we might just as well start the other way. You better stick around."

Malakai looks over at Jarl " Have you been inside the cave yet?"

Jarl hops off the rock and waits for Isreal "lad ye still with us?"

Malakai puts out the torch he had just lit. " Jarl, have you seen anything since you walked off?"

Russeth walks back with the others and looks around at the bones. "Elina you could study now and we will wait, if the creature or whatever lives here tries to show up we'll be ready. You need that study now."

Jarl points to the new wall "that one be newer then the rest of the cave but I can't seem to find a trigger for it the rock triggers this one" he pushes the rock again.

Syrenia turns to the dwarf..."What is in there?" She points to the cave.

Elina nod at Russeth and smiles. Following his orders, she takes her book out of its case and starts studying.

[Jarl]: "only myself at this time." smiles

Russeth turns back around as Jarl mentions of a secret passage or something. He walks back in the opening and looks inside.

Syrenia walks to the new wall and runs her hands along it.

[Jarl]: "he points to the hidden opening that was created when he moved the rock "gems be there" Points to the hidden opening that was created when he moved the rock "gems are there"

Malakai stands guard outside the cave, watching the surrounding area for anything approaching.

[Jarl]: "well then Isreal come look at these gems them will ye?"

Russeth glances at Jarl surprised, "You know Elina knows her way with gems don't ya?"

Isreal walks in and steps up to the gems "what about them?

[Jarl]: "they are setting in that hole right there" points to the hole what ye thinks?"

Looking below the rock into a niche you see 8 assorted stones dulled by dirt and some other unknown waste.

Russeth stands just outside the cave, seeing there is no danger he sheaths his swords and shrugs. He walks in shortly after and looks at where Jarl is pointing.

Syrenia hits the back wall with the hilt of her sword with force.

Isreal looks over the niche

Smacking the wall sends little pieces or rock and dirt onto the floor.

Isreal reaches in and tries to grab the gems

Syrenia shrugs..."I could appraise those gems if you want me to."

Isreal reaches in and pulls out some of the gems from the muck that they lie in. It does not seem to effect them in any way other then dulling their glass finish.

Jarl watches as Isreal does so "well what you think?"

Isreal looks back for more loot in the niche "there gems alright wonder who left them here?"

Russeth walks about outside and starts guarding aside Malakai, smiling as he watches down the mountain hill.

Malakai looks back and forth about the area, scanning for anything living, or something UN-living, that may be a threat.

Syrenia looks to the dwarf..."What is the back wall made of?"

[Jarl]: "well someone give us an estimate on them and then we can split them it be made of a newer granite"

Syrenia turns to Isreal..."Give 'em here ill tell you their worth."

[Isreal]: "best they be kept as Zak did we will split the gem loot an town" Handing them over to Syrenia

Syrenia nods to elf as she sits down and begins to look over them intently, taking her time to calculate the total worth.

[Jarl]: "well okay then we clean them and then split them later matters not to me. Russ can carry them I think he holds most goods anyway"

[Isreal]: "well gems don’t just grow on trees where did these come from " Russeth have you seen any odd tracks?

Jarl gets up and goes to inspect that new wall for triggers or anything like that

Russeth glances at Isreal, "I'll look around the cave, perhaps I can identify what kind of thing used to live here."

Syrenia tells Jarl as she appraises the gems..."Maybe the trigger is in the niche."

[Jarl]: "aye could be Isreal did you notice anything else in the niche?"

Malakai is glad he is not in the cave since Jarl is looking for triggers, that may set off who knows what...

Isreal looks around the cave dagger in hand wall to wall

Russeth runs his hand on the ground at several different spot, feeling the rock and looking for hints. "I don't know if the Wights were out here but there are many barefooted tracks around here crossing each other."

[Isreal]: "Human sizes Or larger?

Malakai puts his senses, on full alert at the mention of many tracks " Can you tell how long ago the tracks were made?" he calls back into the cave.

Russeth kneels down again and sighs; "Human sized." Shrugs at Malakai indicating no precise answer, "Some are old, some are more recent."

Syrenia looks up to Russeth and hands the gems to him..."Alright so...1 is worth 10gp, 2 worth 50, 1 worth 100 and two for 500...and there's two I'm not sure."

Jarl has returned to the keyboard.

[Isreal]: "ok better odds but "Isreal gets down an says "those beasts wore no shoes on there feet where to do these look like there tracks?"

[Jarl]: "Russ what kind of foot prints maybe Dwarven?"

[Russeth]: "The most recent tracks I can find are leading off the same way we came and I can't really tell you which race owns, these tracks."

[Jarl]: "I see well then if we can't seem to find anything more we should continue on it seems"

Syrenia puts her hand in the niche and probes around it with her hand.

Jarl waits to see if Syrenia finds a trigger in the mock

[Isreal]: "ok guys I say we head out of the cave we have their gems lets leave before they come back"

[Jarl]: "find anything walking smithy?"

Syrenia looks to the left and right wall of the cave for the trigger.

Malakai also checks the ground around him & the cave, looking for any signs of tracks mysteriously forming on their own... Just incase something has the same spell as Syrenia.

Syrenia sighs..."No."

[Isreal]: 'what trigger are you looking for"

Syrenia tells Isreal as she runs her hands on the walls..."That back wall is different from the others...Jarl and I believe it could be a door."

Russeth shrugs as he listens to them patiently. "They can come back if they want we'll be waiting for them, Elina still has to finish her study and sleep anyway."

[Jarl]: "ye see how the rest of the place looks like a natural cave and that wall just pops up from nothing."

Isreal looks it over well I don’t know if was so a door it one may find the trigger on the other side? Maybe but there is no way to open it form here"

[Jarl]: "Anyway I guess, we are not meant to find a way past it this day shall we continue on after the mage?"

[Isreal]: 'I could use a little light nap a some book work but be warned post an watch on this part of the cave it gives me a creep"

Malakai calls into the cave " Try saying words towards the wall...and don't you mages have some spell that orders doors to open?"

Jarl walks out of the cave and look on towards the west "it be only a little after high noon let us be going we have a dead line ye knows"

Malakai shouts into the cave " Open Sesame!"

Isreal then goes over to the entrance of the cave and sits an studies

Malakai then returns to his guard duties.

[Jarl]: "so Russ how many days do you think we have to return that staff to that mage? Many a week or two at the most?"

Russeth stares at Jarl confusedly, opens his mouth as to speak but realizes he has not kept track of it and simply looks off into the horizon thinking.

Jarl looks into the cave "well time is getting short I will see you all soon I guess" as he heads off once more

Syrenia begins to clear the dust from the base of the back wall.

Russeth shakes his head, "Whatever dwarf. But if we get Elina to open that door in there, then we're gonna leave you out there alone and we'll see you in a while!" He yells off at him.

Jarl waves as he walks "that not the mages home lad" and continues on

Malakai shouts and waves to Jarl as the dwarf is walking away " Hope to see you again, alive, good luck to you my Dwarven friend!"

Russeth shrugs as he disappears, "Like I care it's the mage's home or not."

[Isreal]: 'you really think it’s the mages home?

Malakai once again, recovers from his distraction, returning to his current guard duties.

Russeth shakes his head, "I know it ain't I just prefer fighting something that's unrelated to magic, if you know what I mean" He looks inside for a moment at Syrenia, then back outside.

[Isreal]: "I don’t think it is the one we are look for but one would hope that death sets so quick"

Syrenia continues to clean down the base of the back wall but more slowly now.

[Isreal]: "lass there is not switch to open this wall on this side give it up"

You spend several hours in this small cave looking it over and over and over again with no signs of getting what you think to be a door open. Outside the skies begin to grow darker once more. There have been no signs of anything moving or flying about the area for the last several hours.

Russeth shakes his head at Isreal; "You got plenty of time to figure out, Elina is wasting our time now." He smiles, as he knows she can't hear that.

Malakai frowns, " I don't like that..."

[Isreal]: "well this is great night well fighters at the mouth " laughing starts studying in his book as well

Elina smiles and returns her book back into its case. "Finally I am done. Now does anyone need help?'

Russeth stares at Malakai, "Don't like what."

[Malakai]: " That..." he motions up to the sky, to the lack of anything " When was the last time there wasn't any birds flying about, I mean, not even one?"

Elina hums a little tune; to herself as she looks at Syrenia brushing dust aside. "What are you doing there dear?"

Russeth shrugs at Malakai, "That time we went to an almost deserted rock-only mountain range."

[Malakai]: " Remember the fallen Mule? There were plenty of birds around then... Now, not to far away from there, nothing in flight wise, nothing..."

Syrenia shrugs..."Not much anymore..."

Malakai calls back into the cave " Elina, do you know any spells to open doors?"

Russeth glances at Elina, "She's done now. So if ye are willing to move then we can. Even though I don't see it as necessary."

[Elina]: "Hmm. Not much?" Touching her staff, upon the door and whisper a few arcane words and smile as she completes the spell.

Elina’s spell goes off but nothing happens as her words fade from the cave.

[Elina]: "Hmmm magic at work here." shaking her head. "Nope I can't open it either."

Isreal still in his book giggles a little and keeps looking threw the pages

Russeth shrugs at Elina as he walks away from the cave down the way they came from. "We should go after Jarl now then. There seems to be nothing of interest left in the area."

Elina nods at turns to Syrenia. "Do guys found gems? Maybe I may be able to tell their values."

Syrenia points to Russeth..."He has them...I appraised 6 of them...but I couldn't find the value of two." Comes out of the cave and mounts her mount, ready to move on.

Malakai keeps guarding 'till the last of the party is ready to leave.

Elina nods "Which are the two? I may be able to tell. Hand them over darling." Turning to Russeth and smiles.

Russeth tosses whichever gems those were, if they were given to him.

Elina pockets the two gems. "Lets go. I already miss the dwarf. Where did he go?"

You travel for a few hours before night falls once more upon the mountains, there has been no sign of the dwarf but the grass appear to be green and growing in the coming areas.

[Elina]: "Are you sure the dwarf headed this way?"

Malakai was walking in whichever direction the dwarf went.

Russeth shrugs, "We wouldn't know every turn he took. But that was the main direction he went in."

Leaving the rotting cave behind with out any disturbances from creatures that call this foreboding place home. With the night upon you once again casting shadows of spectacular images upon the ground from the rock outcroppings above. With little trouble this coming night you find a small but suitable place to camp for the night.

[Isreal]: "blasted dwarf always running of on ya when ya least expect it " laughing

[Elina]: "Syrenia dear, will you be interested in exchanging some arcane knowledge with me?" Smiling as she speaks.

Isreal sits at the camp and lets the light horse grave on the green grasses

Syrenia looks at her curiously..."I've only known you a few days and you want me to share with you my greatest knowledge?"

Elina shrug’s, "I am offering my knowledge in exchange for yours."

Russeth continues walking, keeping his hands close to his sword handles at all times. "I wonder what's waiting for us tonight." He wonders out loud while he watches ahead for any sources of heat.

Syrenia shakes her head..."My magic is my only edge...and until I can completely trust you and your group...I want to keep it for myself, just in case."

[Isreal]: "Ah but lass Elina will share here knowledge with you as well"

Elina nods. "Very well. Untrusting sort you are" giggling as she looks into Syrenia’s eyes.

Syrenia sighs to Elina..."I have to..." She looks out towards the mountains and remains silent.

Leaving the small camping area behind you continues into the darkness of the night.

Malakai looks over his shoulder from the front of the party " Feel up to telling us your name yet?" he says to Syrenia?

Syrenia shakes her head.

Malakai shrugs, then returns his gaze to the path ahead " As you wish..."

Elina smiles. "Seems like you have some bad experiences with placing trust with people. Well take your time. When you feel the time is right, then perhaps you will be willing to trade some spells for those that I have. I am sure they will be of some use. I am willing to share a spell with you right now if u like."

Syrenia shakes her head..."No need..."

Elina nods. "Not very good at handling kindness either." giggling once more. "Are we settling down for the night?"

Traveling through the night you begin to feel the light flurry of snow that has begun to fall from above within the gray clouds that blanket the skies. Looking about you see the hills have just a small coating of dusting from it as the tiny flakes melting almost as fast as they land.

Isreal trots behind " yes m’lady an just a Ston we will strip you bare an burn you when your dead an gone out of that vassal you call a body" trotting up front laughing pulling his cloak tight an tucks in his shirt and carries on into the snow

Malakai does the same, his animal hide cloak fitting around him nicely, conserving his body heat quite well.

Traveling into the early morning of snowfall you come across what appears to be some sort of symbol left in the stone face of one of the mountains.

Malakai stops as the party approaches the symbol, studying it curiously.

Isreal looks out at the mountain that is odd what sort of symbol is that?

Syrenia looks carefully to the symbol.

[Malakai]: " Anyone here recognize that?"

Russeth stares at the symbol left on the stone with interest and ads, "I'll try to track Jarl." With that he kneels and examines the ground all around, feeling it for tracks every now and then.

Elina examines the symbol carefully. "Might be left by Jarl. Where is that damn dwarf? He normally has the patience to wait for me to finish my studies."

Isreal follows behind looking at the mountains

Malakai tries touching the symbol in the center.

Malakai touches the symbol as his hands run along it with no ill effects.

Syrenia looks down at Russeth from her horse..."Any luck with the tracks?"

Elina looks at the symbol once more and tries to determine if it’s a newly cut symbol upon the stone.

Russeth follows a small track towards the mountains, "Someone walked this way, let's follow these tracks. Probably him." He continues along the tracks but now stands full height.

Syrenia urges her horse forward.

Malakai withdrawals his hand from the symbol, before turning to follow the rest of the group.

Elina shrug and leaves the symbol behind. "Isreal, will you be a dear and let me ride upon the horse?"

Syrenia scratches her head..."Anvil and a hammer striking it...think there's a black smithing hermit in these mountains?"

[Malakai]: " Or Dwarves...."

[Isreal]: "yes m’lady I would be honored " holding out his hand

Syrenia nods to the Barbarian..."Aye...true."

Russeth laughs, "Might just as well be Jarl playing around with runes...." He continues walking in direction of the tracks, and remains silent for the time being.

Elina giggles at Isreal and takes his hand and awaits him to help her up the horse although she knows how to ride one well.

With the new day comes the ever, tiring hike through the mountains, the minor snowfall does little to effect your movement and visibility at this time. You move what seems like hours well into midday or so you would guess, without the sight or sound of any living creatures giving you an eerie feeling about the area and what should be its inhabitants. The snow now covers everything including yourselves in a light dusting as if everything had been splattered by flour. Every now and then you catch a glimpse of small whirlwinds that kick up and swirl in an out of the valley and crevices. Proceeding on, you come to the point once again in finding a camp for the night.

Malakai stops " Let's sleep tonight... Jarl probably wouldn't walk constantly for 2 days..."

Syrenia looks right and left as she rides for a cavern entrance large enough for a horse to enter. Grins..."But you forget, he's a dwarf..."

Malakai shrugs " Well, then he will regret his Dwarven self when he encounters something big and nasty that he can't handle alone..."

Russeth wraps his cloak around himself as he proceeds on further, "I agree. Let’s try at least." He stops and scans the whole area around for a rather safe place for an encampment. Smiles at Malakai, "Dwarves are renowned for their ability to deal with big and nasty."

[Elina]: "Maybe we have already pass where he is. He did mention his kin are nearby."

[Malakai]: " I suppose, Dwarven men do breed with their females..." Smiles back at Russeth, chuckling a bit at his own joke. As he assists Russeth in the search for a suitable campsite for the party, eager to get some much-needed sleep.

Elina scowls with disguise at Malakai. "Barbarian "Shaking her head as she rides with Isreal by her side.

Russeth keeps in mind where they left the track and hopes the snow will not cover it. "You know if we stop we might loose track of the dwarf."

Traveling once more into the cold snowy night you begin to feel the effects of fatigue upon you as you begin to move slower and slower covering less ground.

Malakai frowns at Elina " Alright, I'll admit that I am not the funniest person alive, but, that was slightly amusing wasn't it?"

Elina shakes her head. "Sorry not my kind of humor."

Malakai smiles " Besides, you say 'Barbarian' like it's a bad thing... I'd rather be a Barbarian then a person who will kill someone in self defense, and rather then eating that meat, would go and senselessly kill another living thing for food." he shrugs, as he returns to his search for a good spot to sleep.

Russeth shrugs as he doesn't seem to get the joke in what Malakai said and simply continues his search for the campsite.

Elina smiles as she sees Malakai being irritated. "I didn't mean Barbarian as being a bad thing. I am just giving it up upon you as you are a barbarian." giggling at him as she ask Isreal for the reins of his horse.

Syrenia continues her search for a cavern entrance.

Elina takes the reins from Isreal and thank him with a smile and enjoys herself upon the horse, as the rest of her companions grow tired from fatigue.

Traveling once more for a second day straight you are tired and unable to go any further as the snow has now become a foot or so deep making it harder then normal to walk with lack of rest being of no help. Looking about the area you see up upon a ledge jutting out from the side of one of the larger mountains some 150' feet up you see what appears to be a large cave entrance into the mountain.

Syrenia sighs..."So...we'll need to climb that?"

Russeth looks up at the large cave in awe, "Oh! I can already feel the warmth of this cave, let's go there!" With an excitement outburst he hops above the snow level and jogs up.

Elina pulls the reins, leading the horse to a halt. "How are the horses going to make it up there. Someone should scout it first too."

Malakai points at Russeth " Looks like someone already is, Elina."

[Russeth]: Once he gets close enough, he slows down and lowers himself for cover but continues walking, as silently as possible.

Making your way over to the base of the mountain you look straight up at the ledge sticking out of the mountain face some 150' feet up. There appears to be no trails or ledges to the cave opening.

Malakai waits next to the others as Russeth goes and scouts " I hope we don't encounter Snow Giants..." Kneels into the snow, lessening his profile considerably, incase any hostile beast observing the group.

Elina looks at the mountain slope. "I wonder if I will be able to make it up without any incident."

Russeth looks up confusedly, "I didn't realize it was that straight up." Smiling he leans against the mountain at the base, "I guess something that flies lives up there, what do you think?"

Elina giggles at Russeth. "I don't think it will be wise for me to try and climb this mountain.

Syrenia dismounts from Phoenix, takes off the saddle and says to it's ears..."Run for the plains...good luck, you've been a great friend." She rubs her horse jaw gently and kisses it on the nose before slapping it away into a run. Then stretches, as she looks up there..."I'll climb it...and throw down a rope."

[Elina]: "do be careful. There might be hostile creatures up there."

[Malakai]: " I've got rope will reach a third of the way, do you have enough for the rest?"

Russeth nods at Syrenia, "Elina, are you prepared to prevent m'lady from falling?"

Elina shakes her head. "No I do not have that spell ready."

Syrenia nods to Malakai..."I have 100 feet, with yours it should be enough."

Russeth rubs his chin and looks over at Malakai, "And I have 50 feet more, should it be necessary. Good luck, m'lady."

Syrenia gathers the rope and takes a few moments to breathe.

Malakai pulls out his silk rope and hands it to her, free of its grappling hook.

Elina dismount from the horse and wonders what Isreal will do with it now.

[Malakai]: " Good luck, whatever your name is..."

[Elina]: "I have some spikes if you have something to hammer them in for a better grip."

Russeth ponders a moment, "Something is sure. Jarl never went that way, or I'm a bearded elf!"

Syrenia shakes her head..."I won't be able to strike a spike in with one hand..."

[Elina]: "Strike on in and then the other and step on it. You will have both hands to work then."

Syrenia smiles..."Wish me luck." She bows her hand and whispers a few words before making her way up the mountain.

Malakai nods " Good luck...." he says again.

Russeth nods to Syrenia, not wanting to say much. "She's probably got some trick of her own." He smiles and steps away from the mountain.

Elina shrug’s at Syrenia. "Well I wish you luck."

Malakai steps below the cliff, incase Syrenia should fall.

Standing down below waiting for signs of the lass from above you see a boulder come hurling out into the air and smashes into the valley several yards away from the other side of the valley.

Elina hastily scrambles away from below the cave entrance keeping close to the edge of the mountain.

Russeth spins around, "Where did it come from?" The swords materialize yet again in his hands; he twirls 'em both synchronized and narrows his eyes.

[Elina]: "Keep away from the entrance of the cave and keep close to the edge of the mountain. That way the boulders will not hit you!" screaming a warning as she keeps to the edge and moves away from the entrance.

Malakai steps out from beneath the cave entrance as well, keeping well off to the side.

Looking up you see, a large figure come to the edge of the ledge and look down into the valley. It appears much like the one that had bombed you in your camp a few nights back. With some grunting and shouting it points down at you and steps back into the cave once more.

Malakai has his axe out in his hand, twirling it nervously " Well, this is just dandy."

Russeth leans against the mountain right below the cave entrance and looks up, "Whatever is throwing these things should come out and COME FACE ME!" He twirls the blades and prepares himself to dodge one of the boulders.

A short time later the creature looks out once more with an arm full of boulders as he looks around below for a target to bomb.

Malakai is crouching and moving horizontally away from the area below the cave entrance, trying to make himself harder to hit.

Elina starts muttering a spell and points her finger at the creature.

Russeth spins away from the others so that if he's a target he'll be the only one hit, "One of you make that damn thing fall down!"

The creature takes aim as it steps some boulders down and throws one quickly down upon Russeth striking him square in the chest as he shouts out.

Malakai wishes he took up archery. As he bellows as loud as he can, absolutely screaming at the top of his lungs, deliberately trying to cause an avalanche.

The creature grabs another boulder and looks down upon the valley as he throws another as it smashes off some rocks just above Malakai’s head.

Malakai keeps up the screaming as he runs about, changing direction every few seconds.

With a grunt the creature grabs another and takes his aim. Upon you hiding along the walls.

Elina starts casting another spell and aims it at the creature once more.

Russeth yells out at the top of his lungs in common, Elven, then Gnoll. "Come on out you smelly foul giant mass of stupidity!" Tries to take a shot at the giant.

The beast has his target as it once again launches its boulder into the night air as it too smashes into Russeth once more

Elina edges further away from the cave after she casts her final spell and tries to keep as far away from the cave and stay as close to the edge of the mountain as possible.

The creature stops and turns looking back into the cave for a second as another steps up to the edge to look over the side the two now converse as the one stands there holding a boulder in his hand. They talk for a short time as the other one leaves once more and the other takes his aim once again down below at its tiny targets.

Malakai keeps screaming, now he is yelling legible words, in common and Thorass " You stupid bastard! You are as dumb as a gnat and twice as ugly!"

The creature throws another boulder striking Malakai straight in the face knocking him off his feet in a backward flip. Bending down the creature looks for a boulder but goes back into the cave for the moment.

Malakai flies backwards, eventually rolling to a stop, now an unmoving mass in the snow.

Russeth fires off two arrows in a very short time as the giant turns his back to go into the cave.

Malakai sticks his bleeding face up out of the snow, looking back towards the cave, and seeing the Giant going back inside.

[Russeth]: The arrows simply bounce off the mountain and break.

The creature soon returns with an arm full of boulders once more as it nears the edge of the cave it slips some what catching him self but dropping a few off the boulders off the side. You see the giant drop the rest of the boulders as the other, one returns with two large clubs. They make their way to the right of the cave and begin to descend down the cliff face at a fairly quick pace.

Malakai still hasn't moved from his spot in the snow.

Russeth takes the opportunity that they are descending to fire off a second pair of arrows?

Malakai sees them moving towards the group, he imagines two little versions of himself on his shoulders, and one is red with horns, the other white with robes and a halo. White " This is the time to do the heroic thing" Red " This is the time to do the Smart thing, run like hell." The white shoulder creature then vanishes.

[Russeth]: A volley of arrows fly, at the descending giants until they are close enough. He smiles at and jumps for his swords, "Now, you are going to pay for trying to get us so easily!" He yells out as he lunges to the assault.

Malakai stands from the snow, his grip still strong on his axe. " Ah, bloody hell" he has a sudden change of heart, as he moves over to join Russeth.

Elina runs after the horse until about 40ft away and starts throwing spikes as darts.

The beasts jump from the cliff at the last forty feet or so and land on the ground with a thundering sound as snow kicks up from below their feet.

Russeth jumps right at the moment they land and laughs hysterically, "You've harmed this realm long enough, now ye be gone!" His swords twirl closer and closer to the creature until both the blades make contact with the flesh, sending shouts from the giant.

[Isreal]: Hops on the mount and takes off into the valley where you came from.

With a mighty swing the beast lets loose upon Russeth striking him in the left side.

Russeth flies off and slides into the snow, barely able to keep himself up he pushes himself up on his knees and palms.

Malakai charges in with his battle-axe, aiming at the Giant already hit by arrows, stumbling slightly in the snow, his aim is quite off.

Elina seeing Russeth collapse upon the ground turns in the opposite direction from the creatures and runs away at full speed.

With Russeth sucking snow the beast turns to Malakai and swings striking him across his right shoulder.

Malakai is launched backwards through the air, a large smile spreading across his face as he hits the ground, sensing death approaching with the unconsciousness. Spitting up some blood, as he looks over at the Giants "Well fought... "

Seeing the others flee on foot and horse back the beast do not give chase and go and grab the bodies of the falling sniffing them as they stuff their bodies into large sacks to prepare to climb back up the cliff.

[Russeth]: As the giant grabs him he flips around and swings mightily into its side with the last bit of life left in him.

The two giants climb back up into the cave and head off down into the depths of it.

Malakai can't help but think of how he will achieve immortality by being devoured by the giants, he lost in combat, his death was worth it. Just lying there, unconscious in the sack he now lays in.

Russeth is proud that Malakai was the only one to dare face the giants with him, and curses those who rode off on their horses or ran.

A good bit of time goes by and Elina finally catches up to Isreal who had rode off a good bit to wait for the rest.