A Beautiful Wedding?

Plot Summary
The group are increasingly paranoid as they enter a forest which seems to block out even the brightest sky. There are several disturbing noises as the group trot onwards. A figure emerges from the shadows, slumped over, eyes filled with mistrust. It was Shandor. Faelnon tests him for the evil form; nothing. Shandor explains that he must get to A'lure, his wedding with Ariea is in just a few days time. The group take off as fast as their horses can carry them and arrive at A'lure a few days later. They are welcomed by all the elves. In one of the corners is Shandor's old group's dwarves, Thor, Thinn, Totil. And surprisingly, an orc. The orc was Mugh, who Shandor rescued from King Liotamtheola. The group talk for at least an hour before. Faelnon has hushed talks with the Wise Elves. Shandor and Ariea disappear as music begins playing. Elves pile into the area and take up seats.

Dwarr, a dwarf and fellow villager of Thor's, and Querz try to drink ale and other acholoic substances. They are intercepted by Faelnon who states that ale isn't served, or drunk, traditionally, until after the wedding. A beautiful service takes place and the group and elves are wrapped up in it. Afterwards drinks, food and music begins. Shandor and Ariea escape from the crowds and the mirth continues. Soon after Faelnon excuses himself to run an errand. As he journeys through parts of the elven town he notices someone in a building. It is Ariea. She is alone. She has no idea where Shandor is, but says he went to return the Elven Gifts to Faelnon. Faelnon, still with the Gifts in his possession, finds this troubling. He hurries his pace to the Wise Elves' council building, only to find the entrance doors ajar. Inside a figure is stilling all the information pertaining to the Gifts. Faelnon makes to stop him, only to realise it is Shandor. The two duel with magic before Faelnon is defeated.

Shandor flees along the elven town. He runs into Ariea and picks that moment to insult and ridicule her. He ends with the phrase 'Goodnight, sweetheart.' Before sprinting to his horse. He rides through the party at a gallop and disappears into the forest. Ariea heads in the opposite direction, deeper into the forest. Faelnon looses both. He is left with only the Wise Elves to consult.


Full Log

[Narrator] Previously on the 'Quest'

[Narrator] Two days after the events and the group's mood has hit its lowest ever. Mihwen had been infected by the evil, she had killed one person and poisoned Echanton and Lesharn. She then called a swam of the *pitter-patter* creatures and promptly infected Shandor.

[Narrator] Shandor has completely disappeared. The group are cold, nervous and are growing ever more paranoid.

[Narrator] And Now, on the 'Quest'

[Narrator] The group have entered a small, but dense, forest. It is midday, but one could hardly tell that as the forest blocks out most light, creating an eerie light, similar to that of an eclipse of the sun. Echanton has been freed from his bonds and rejoined the group.

Faelnon looks about as his horse neighs softly.

Querz follows the group on foot, guarding the rear

Dytalorien looks about blankly, his face indifferent.

Faelnon looks about the group's faces.

Rue rubs Thunderlight's mane as she sighs, her spirits wearing thin.

Faelnon says, 'This is an... interesting forest.'

Varadrion looks around slowly, seeming unconcerned

Querz says "Perhaps a rest is in order. I could climb a tree and look for any signs of, well, anything.."

[Narrator] Something sounds above the group, a rustle of leaves and branches.

Faelnon peers up, but cannot see anything.

Rue shakes her head at Faelnon's attempted optimism.

Dytalorien furrows his brows and looks about warily.

Dramicus looks up to the branches

Faelnon says, 'We only set off a few hours ago, Querz.'

Querz draws his swords

Varadrion pulls an arm inside his cloak

Dytalorien grins, "I wouldn't mind."

Faelnon says, 'Well, you are the embodiment of laziness.'

Querz sheathes one sword, and climbs up to where the rustle was

Dwarr raises his brow

[Narrator] A *thud*, not very far from the group.

Dytalorien manages to bow elegantly on his mount, "Why thank you."

Rue looks upwards cautiously. "Probably a bird." she mutters.

Varadrion looks toward the sound

Faelnon turns around, still cannot see anything.

Faelnon says, 'Must be a big bird.'

Querz drops from the tree

Varadrion moves a bit under his cloak

Dramicus says, "That must have been one big bird

Rue corrects herself. "A heavy dead bird."

Querz says "I saw nothing"

Dytalorien moves his left hand towards the hilt of his saber.

Querz draws his other sword

Faelnon points into the shadows, 'Is there something there?'

Querz says "The tree's talk. This is not a good place to be"

Rue fiddles with her sword before drawing it,

Faelnon peers forward, but doesn't see anything.

Dramicus readies his spear

Rue laughs. "I'm sure if it's evil it will rush to answer your call."

Querz says " I will move forward. Follow in a minute"

Dytalorien grasps the hilt of his saber, but does not draw.

Varadrion draws a single dagger and watches

Faelnon says, 'Perhaps we should invite it for tea?'

Querz moves into the mist ahead of the group

Rue scoffs. "I'll make the cake then."

[Narrator] From the shadows emerges Shandor. He peers behind him, mis-trust burning in his eyes. He is pale and slightly slumped over. He looks upon the group.

Querz runs back to the group

Dytalorien blinks in surprise.

Querz says "Shandor!"

Faelnon takes a bow out and aims at the evil-form that was Shandor.

Rue gasps. "Shandor?"

Echnaton mumbles "Shandor."

Faelnon shouts, 'Keep your distance.'

Querz moves forward to Shandor

Shandor says to no-one in particular, 'It… took me over, I don't understand it…'

Querz keeps his swords ready

Shandor looks at the group strangely.

Varadrion sheathes his dagger

Querz says to Shandor "Toss us you weapon"

Rue shakes her head. "What if he's not possessed?"

Faelnon barks, 'Querz, you fool! Do what I tell you can keep away.'

Querz jumps back

Shandor mumbles, 'Weapon? Do I have one?'

Dytalorien grits his teeth.

Faelnon stares at Shandor.

Querz says to Faelnon "Let me just try to unarm him"

Faelnon slowly gets of his horse.

Faelnon says, 'Just stay away from him.'

Rue nudges her horse, which takes one slow step towards the shadow that is Shandor.

Querz says "I will not get close to him"

Dramicus says, "I don't think that would be a good idea"

Faelnon takes a cautious step forward.

Varadrion looks at Querz and says "Let him handle it"

Querz steps behind Faelnon, but doesn’t move forward

Faelnon turns to the group, 'As much fun as slowly creeping towards someone who could summon hundreds of evil beasts is, could you *please* stay away.'

Querz takes one step back to stand with the group

Echnaton watches with a certain curiosity

Rue watches Faelnon carefully, slowly replacing sword with bow.

Querz readies his swords

Faelnon states to Shandor, 'Who are you?'

Rue strokes her nervous horse's mane.

Shandor cocks an eyebrow, 'I am Shandor.'

Varadrion pulls his arm into his cloak, and the sound of a dagger being drawn is heard

Faelnon thinks for a moment, 'Where is your family?'

Querz says to Varadrion "These woods talk of great evil..."

Shandor looks at Faelnon, straining to remember.

Varadrion replies back "As does all the world during these times, I do not believe it speaks of him"

Dytalorien watches the scene, a slight distance away.

Querz nods

Rue puts a finger to her lips, hushing the rest of the group.

Shandor states slowly, 'I do not know where my family is...'

Dramicus sees Rue's motion and nods

Querz shifts his weight restlessly

Faelnon asks, 'How did you get your name?'

Varadrion watches silently

Shandor thinks for a second and answers, 'When I was a child I ran into a human town, 'Shandor' was the first name I heard.'

Faelnon nods and smiles to himself before stating to the group, 'Shandor only told me and Ariea that tale.'

Querz raises an eyebrow, looking at Faelnon

Varadrion breathes a sigh of relief

Querz sighs

Dytalorien scratches his head.

Querz moves forward

Faelnon reaches his hand forward.

Echnaton smirks to Shandor "welcome back.’

Dramicus continues to look at Shandor

Querz says to Faelnon, "Sorry for my foolish actions"

Rue relaxes a bit.

Varadrion moves more under his cloak and sheathes his dagger again

Shandor shakes Faelnon's hand for a second and repeats, 'Ariea?' His eyes go wide, 'Oh no! I forgot! Or rather, couldn't...'

Faelnon says, 'What are you talking about Shandor?'

Rue tilts her head curiously.

Querz looks at Shandor

Dramicus moves over to Rue

Shandor says, 'Faelnon, old friend, I must return to Ariea, our wedding is in a few days time, I fear I may never get back by foot…'

Faelnon smiles, 'Say no more, we will all go to A'lure and enjoy the wedding, we could do with a lift in our spirits.'

Querz laughs

Faelnon helps Shandor up onto a horse.

Dramicus says to Rue, "It is weird having him back after having all the trouble"

Dytalorien blinks and shrugs.

Querz pats Faelnon on the shoulder

Faelnon says, 'We have a new direction to travel, please follow my lead.'

Rue laughs heartily. "A lift in spirits sounds fine and merry to me."

Faelnon turns and goes off in another direction.

Rue nods discreetly to Dramicus

Varadrion watches quietly

Querz moves back to his regular spot a few feet behind the group, taking th rear

Rue follows close behind Faelnon.

[Narrator] Within a few days the group arrive at A'lure once more gracing its fine forests and structures.

[Narrator] The group are escorted by several Jayles to the same area they visited when celebrating Shandor's 'Becoming'. It is mid-morning and the sun shines through brightly.

Shandor says, 'Just who told them that we were coming?'

Querz sighs in sorrow

Faelnon grins, 'That would be me. I sent Lestat ahead.'

Dytalorien grins as he looks about.

Rue smiles in aw of A'lure, having never beheld a fine and pure elven city.

Faelnon dismounts and examines what has been laid before them

Varadrion looks around, looking uncomfortable

[Narrator] The area has been decorated similarly to when they last visited, except there is no platform for the group. The green and blue colours used last time have been replaced by white and another, even lighter, blue.

[Narrator] Large branches have been canvassed by the colours of Shandor and Ariea's families. Chairs have been lain on the ground near many, unlit, fires. A white carpet, almost like a blanket, has been lain on the centre of the steps of the grand staircase that leads up and splits in two, one heading right, the other left.

[Narrator] The right side-steps have a carpet running down the centre in Shandor's colours. The left side is decorated in the same manner, but in Ariea's colours.

Faelnon smiles and spots a group in the corner, several dwarves and.... an orc?

Querz keeps to the rear of the group

Faelnon moves over to Thor, Thinn, Totil and another dwarf, 'Hail.'

Varadrion walks up beside Echnaton but says nothing

[Narrator] Thor nods and smiles, 'Greetings Faelnon, meet one of our fellow villagers, Dwarr.'

Dytalorien twiddles his fingers as he rides silently behind the rest of the group.

Rue looks at Shandor. "This is your home?"

Querz pulls his hood up

Shandor smiles, 'Yes, yes it is.'

Querz silently moves over to a dark corner to watch the greetings

Shandor suddenly looks at Rue and says, 'If by 'home' you mean the town I live in. My actual house is about a mile from here.'

Rue 's eyes light up. "It's wonderful." She gasps, a true smile gracing her face.

Dwarr says ‘Hail’

Varadrion says softly "Must be nice to be home"

Shandor says, 'This is the elven wedding ceremony in this town.''

Querz listens to the groups conversations

Echnaton agrees, ‘Finally I feel a bit more comfortable after the last week’

Faelnon nods to Dwarr and turns to the orc, who the elves are avoiding, 'And your name?'

Dytalorien looks about, his curiosity aroused.

Dwarr studies group with his eyes

Dramicus says, "It must be even nicer to see Ariea soon"

Shandor grins, 'Yes. Now where is she?'

[Narrator] 'She would be right here.' A medium-height, blonde haired, emerald-green-eyed elf stated, smiling.

Varadrion pulls up the hood on his cloak

[Narrator] The orc bows, trying to imitate the elven greeting, 'I am Mugh, I was saved by Shandor.'

Rue looks around with cheer never seen on her face before. "It's so beautiful. These are decorations for a wedding ceremony? It's..." she trails off.

Dytalorien blinks at Mugh, "And almost broke my back..."

Dytalorien shudders in remembrance.

Rue looks at Mugh. "I remember you." she smiles.

Dwarr says ‘Aye, I am Dwarr, pleased to meet ye'

Querz gazes at Ariea

[Narrator] Mugh nods to the others, 'You are friendly... most people don't like Orcs... I don't know why...'

Faelnon says, 'It is a pity that so many people consider Orcs evil.'

Querz suddenly turns and stalks off into the forest

Varadrion says "In many cases Faelnon, they are right"

Shandor comments towards Mugh, 'You've lost your stutter.'

Rue looks at the others, then turns and follows Querz.

[Narrator] Mugh looks at Varadrion, but doesn't comment, instead he turns to Shandor, 'Yes, maybe I only had it when I was a jailer.'

Querz finds a clearing in the woods, and sits down, watching a deer

Shandor turns to Ariea and drags her off to a table to talk.

Rue stops in front of Querz. "Where do you think you're going?" she smiles. "We've got great festivities to come."

Varadrion chuckles softly at look to Mugh "In this case, however, it is quite clear those people would be wrong"

Dytalorien smiles pleasantly, glad to be in brighter settings.

Querz says to Rue, "Er, I'll be along in a moment"

[Narrator] Mugh nods and smiles, 'Thank you.'

Querz smiles at Rue

Echnaton smiles on hearing Varadrion’s answer

Varadrion turns to Rue and shouts "Give him a moment"

[Narrator] Thor yawns sarcastically, 'Wow, this is fun.... Where is all the ale?'

Rue crouches in front of Querz. "Come now, you must want to join in the festivities."

Faelnon grins at Thor, 'Ale isn't served until after the wedding.'

Dramicus walks to the edge of the city and sits alone

[Narrator] Thor moves away cursing in dwarven.

Querz says "Really, I'll catch up"

Dwarr says Not until the wedding, aye?

Faelnon spots one of the Wise Elves, those who discovered the manuscripts of the Gifts, coming towards him.

Varadrion walks up to Rue and says softly "Some people are not comfortable in crowds, I know from experience, he will be along when he is ready"

Rue cocks an eyebrow. "You're sure?"

Faelnon moves over to a different table with the Elf and talks in hushed voices.

Querz says "I am not used to being welcome. It will take mere moments, i assure you"

Dwarr walks after Thor

Rue nods and stands. "Believe me, Varadrion. I know." She smiles to both and walks back towards the festivities.

Varadrion catches up to rue and walks back with her

Querz picks some grass absently and lets it blow in the wind

Varadrion sees Faelnon, but thinks nothing of it

Querz waits a moments, and shakes his head and follows Rue back

Echnaton literally seems to warm up as he joins the festivities

Varadrion walks up to a table and takes a seat

Rue stands in front of the party-like atmosphere and takes in the palpable joy before taking a seat.

Varadrion removes his cloak for the first time in ages

Querz silently comes and sits next to Varadrion, keeping his hood up

Faelnon finishes talking to the Wise Elf and moves towards the group. He is collared by several elves who hadn't seen him in months.

Varadrion whispers to Querz "You are exactly as I was last time I was here"

Querz whispers back "I was an outcast from my woodland community. I am used to being alone, and I doubt that I can ever get used to being welcome"

Faelnon manages to squeeze past several elves and gets back to the group.

Varadrion looks forward for a second and says "Not completely, but it gets easier, so relax, and enjoy yourself"

Varadrion gets up slowly and goes to mingle with the elves

Dytalorien leans against a tree, twirling his flute as he watches the festivities.

Dramicus notices Faelnon is back with the group and walks back

Rue crosses her legs and plays with her hands in boredom, choosing not to socialize.

Querz moves over to Rue

Varadrion goes and talks to a pretty young elf, but after she walks away, starts walking around again

Querz says "Why did you come and seek me out in the woods?"

Dytalorien listens to the many conversations taking place around him, and watches the movements of various people before him.

Faelnon orders a glass of cranberry juice from a nice serving-elf.

Querz takes his hood off and asks Rue "Why are you not dancing?"

Dramicus motions Faelnon over to him

Rue shakes her head. "It reminds me of... too many things."

Querz nods in recognition and lets it be

Varadrion walks over to Rue and says "Perhaps you just need a better dance then to remind you of what you're missing" smiles, and walks away

Querz shakes his head

Faelnon nears Dramicus, 'Yes?'

Rue looks at Querz. "I went after you because we're all here to have fun. Not to sulk and be lonely. I've missed out on too much sulking, and I can't stand when others miss the same."

Dramicus says, "This has all been so much"

Dytalorien grins to Rue, "I think you're still sulking."

Querz nods, pats Rue on the shoulder, and gets up

Varadrion hears Rue and Querz talking, but decides for once to stay out of it, and begins dancing with a pretty elven maid

Dwarr looks around, digs his backpack for a moment finding a bottle full of some clear liquid, opens the bottle and drinks from it

Echnaton shows up again to the group, bringing some beverages for them all.

Querz says softly to Rue "Thank you"

Faelnon says, 'What exactly?'

Rue laughs. "Sulking? Me?"

Querz moves out and around the crowd to order some drinks

Dramicus continues, "I have almost been in a state of shock since Shandor came back, and I want to know something"

Rue shakes her head and stands. "It was my pleasure.

Faelnon nods slowly, 'Ask away.'

Varadrion decides to provide some entertainment, and goes and picks up his daggers

Dytalorien shrugs and resumes watching the festivities, all the while twirling his flute.

Varadrion begins juggling of the daggers

Rue brushes blonde hair over her shoulder and heads to the party.

Dramicus asks, "Do you truly believe that he is back for good?"

Faelnon grins, 'Until he dies again.'

Varadrion looks to Dytalorien and says "How about some musical accompaniment"

Querz takes a wine, and moves to sit down in the corner

Dytalorien nods, "As you wish," before raising his flute to his lips.

Querz smiles, taking pleasure in his friends fun

Varadrion stops, picks up a forth dagger, and begins juggling again

Dwarr walks towards Querz

Dytalorien blows gently producing a few scant notes before picking up the pace and producing a quick-paced melody.

Dwarr says Ye' mind if I sit here?

Varadrion chuckles and speeds up to keep pace with the music

Querz smiles to his friend "Of course not"

Querz stands politely as Dwarr sits, then seats himself again

Faelnon watches Varadrion making a fool of himself, or waiting for him to.

Dwarr smiles

Varadrion speeds up a bit more, looking a bit unsteady

Querz asks Dwarr "What clan are you from?"

Dytalorien grins whilst playing, his fingers flows dexterously across the length of his instrument, in an attempt to tire out Varadrion.

Dwarr says "Bronzebeards"

Rue socializes with a few elves, visibly uncomfortable, before giving up and taking a seat.

Dramicus goes over to an empty table and sits down

Querz nods

Varadrion chuckles at Dytalorien and speeds up again to keep pace

Dwarr says " Aye, the glorious Bronzebeards.."

Dytalorien stops suddenly and lowers his flute, grinning evilly.

Querz says to Dwarr "Dwarves must be the most amazing metal smiths in the realm"

Echnaton laughs softly in expectation for what will come

Varadrion looks at Dytalorien and misses a dagger, seeing it drive into the floor between his legs

Faelnon looks around the area quietly.

Dwarr says "Indeed we are!"

Querz says "Have you had the dwarven training of a metal smith?"

Varadrion catches two of the other daggers, and ducks as the fourth drops behind him

Faelnon spots his cousin over on a table looking around uncomfortably. He heads over.

Dwarr says "Yes, thought I cannot claim to be one of the best of my kin, ye know."

Dytalorien chuckles and shakes his head before moving swiftly away.

Varadrion gives Dytalorien a dirty look and chuckles, then picks up the daggers

Querz shrugs "Everyone has a different calling"

Querz finally removes his cloak

Dwarr says "Ye' care for dwarven "juice?"

Faelnon moves over to a couple of elves, with his cousin going to another group of elves. Faelnon asks something and smiles.

[Narrator] Music begins playing throughout the area. A figure descends the stairs and stops where the two smaller staircases meet.

Querz raises his wine "I am not one for ale I'm afraid"

[Narrator] Elves begin flocking into the area as Shandor and Ariea are moved away from their tables. They go up the set of stairs, and then Shandor goes up the right steps and Ariea the left.

Varadrion carries the daggers over and drop them on his cloak, and then returns to the floor

Dwarr grins and says "No, no, this is not ale., this is even better.."

Faelnon turns to the group, clearly unfamiliar with elven weddings, 'Now we find a table and sit down.'

Faelnon states, 'And you really, traditionally, shouldn't be drinking now, you two.'

Faelnon finds a table and sits down.

Querz nods to Faelnon in apology

Varadrion looks a the dwarf and says "When it comes to ale, dwarves care little for tradition" and chuckles

[Narrator] Within a few minutes Ariea and Shandor comes down the stairs wearing very elegant clothes. They stop in front of the figure. The figure bows to them. They bow in return.

Dytalorien seats himself comfortably at a table and looks about.

Querz stands and moves to a table, alone

Faelnon hushes the group before they disturb the service.

Varadrion sits down across from Faelnon

Dramicus looks at the stairs

[Narrator] The figure begins 'Shandor and Ariea, you come here to be joined together in the presence of your families and friends. Both of you consider this place your home?' The two nod, traditionally the elves would always be married where they consider home.

[Narrator] The service continues for several minutes. The elves seem wrapped up in the service. The figure gives Shandor and Ariea four gems, one in each of their hands. Shandor and Ariea lift their hands and press the gems together. The gems glow briefly as the light spreads and makes Shandor and Ariea glow slightly. They both smile.

[Narrator] The gems fade away and the figure bows, 'May your lives be filled with joy.'

[Narrator] Shandor and Ariea stand at the top of the staircase as the figure moves off. The elves begin applauding. Several elves begin handing out drinks.

Faelnon is given a glass of brandy or some such substance, he raises his glass, 'To Shandor and Ariea!'

[Narrator] 'To Shandor and Ariea' is echoed throughout the elves.

Querz raises his glass

Dytalorien grins and does likewise.

Faelnon smiles as the sentiment is repeated throughout the group. He takes a long gulp of the foul, intoxicating liquid and quickly agrees to himself never to touch it again.

Dwarr grins and says" Ahh the part I've been waiting for!"

Querz sits back alone and begins lighting his pipe

Varadrion smiles at the look on Faelnon's face

Faelnon , within minutes, has forgotten his resolution of no-drinking and has found a challis of wine.

[Narrator] Music resumes playing in a cheerful selection of tunes.

Shandor moves down into the elves, accompanied by Ariea, the elves swarm him and her with congratulations.

Varadrion sits back and watches the festivities

Querz cowers as a few elves see the scar on his cheek, resembling the mark of an outcast

Faelnon puts the challis down on a table and states, 'I must have a quick word with one of the Wise Elves… again. Continue the jollity.'

Varadrion walks over the Querz says "Enjoy yourself" and walks into the crowd

Echnaton looks over to Varadrion and says "this is the first time I see Shandor happy."

Varadrion turns to Echnaton and says "I agree, it is a great sight"

Dwarr starts to feel happy after empting half of the bottle

Shandor smiles and thanks the elves as the two desperately try and escape to have some time together.

Shandor climbs the stairs again, with Ariea, and moves off

Varadrion looks at Shandor and nods softly

Faelnon talks to the Wise Elf, who seems to be giving him instructions.

Varadrion walks around, looking for something to join in on

Querz suddenly notices a female wood elf that he recognizes

Querz hops to his feet, and darts over to Faelnon

Querz waits patiently

Rue takes a seat and watches the general merriment.

[Narrator] Acrobats, similar to those seen at Shandor's 'Becoming' appear and begin performing.

Varadrion chuckles softly and says "Amateurs"

Faelnon looks at Varadrion, 'Oh really?'

Faelnon grins at the acrobats and waves.

Rue raises an eyebrow at the acrobats and cracks a smile.

Dwarr looks the acrobats performing

Varadrion chuckles again and says "unless they are holding back"

[Narrator] The Acrobats nod and move towards Varadrion, he is swept up into the act on a chair and twirled and thrown around.

Rue laughs wholeheartedly

Varadrion seems a bit surprised, but very happy to be part of the act

Querz says "Why is she here? She is from the Fallwood hall?" he looks at Faelnon pointing to a female elf.

Rue claps her hands and laughs.

[Narrator] The acrobats purposely drop Varadrion to the ground before flipping him up into the air.

Dwarr starts to get interested about the performance

Varadrion gives a dirty look, but, considering the circumstances, does nothing

Faelnon shrugs, 'This isn’t exactly a private due, you know. I don't know everyone here either. Probably some friend of Ariea's.'

Rue rocks back in laughter.

Querz pales and moves over to his table

Faelnon grins at Varadrion, 'I wouldn't look at them like that Varadrion, they have pointy weapons you know...'

Querz throws his cloak on and draws his hood up

Varadrion looks to Faelnon "so do I you know" and smiles

[Narrator] The acrobats pick up some quarterstaffs and begin flipping Varadrion into the air.

Varadrion decides to show off, and starts spinning his dagger on his finger while being flipped around

Rue looks at Querz curiously.

Querz belts his swords on and moves around the crowd, keeping away from the elf from Fallwood

[Narrator] The acrobats whack the dagger away from Varadion.

Rue stands and walks to Querz. "What’s the matter?

Rue touches Querz shoulder. "Is everything alright?"

Faelnon finds an old female-elf friend of his and begins dancing with her.

Querz looks to Rue "I am from Fallwood, and I am an outcast. She was also a good friend"

Varadrion hops out of the circle and picks up his dagger

Rue nods, but pulls down Querz hood. "Everything is fine."

Querz casts down his face

Querz tries vainly to hide his scar

Querz finally nods and sits back down

Rue puts her hand under Querz chin and lifts his face up. "Let's just forget about it and go have some fun."

Dwarr finds some other dwarves, and everybody gets their share from the remains of the bottle

Varadrion rolls up his sleeve showing a rather large scar to Querz, shrugs, and rolls the sleeve back down

Querz allows his hood to remain at his shoulders

Querz says to Varadrion "But mine represents an outcast, not battle"

Varadrion says back to him "You are with us, and even an outcast with our group is respected by all, now, get up and enjoy yourself"

Faelnon finishes dancing and moves towards Querz to listen to the developing conversation.

Rue smiles to the both of them, "Let's go join in the party."

Querz nods, shrugging off his foolishness, and follows Rue

Varadrion takes a seat "I'm ok for now, but take Querz"

[Narrator] Serving elves enter with platefuls of food of all shapes and sizes.

Querz tosses his cloak to the table as he passes by

Dwarr and the dwarves start to feel that someone should sing

Faelnon moves towards a plateful of food and takes some bread and meat.

Rue 's eyes light up again. "I've never seen official festivals filled with such fun and joy."

Varadrion leaves his cloak on the table but silently slips away, and stands silently looking out towards the forest"

Querz smiles

Rue continues. "At my home...parties consisted of looking pretty while my father tried to sell me off."

Querz loses his smile

Rue shook her head. "Let's dance." she said, holding out her hand.

Querz smiles, feeling belonging, and takes Rue's hand

Faelnon finishes his meal quickly.

Varadrion looks back at Querz and rue and smiles softly

Querz follows Rue to the dance floor

Dwarr starts to sing happily "On the crossroad there's whiskey and beer.."

Querz begins dancing

Rue follows Querz's lead.

Dwarr and the dwarves continue "Drink it up, men!"

[Narrator] Thor stares Dwarr, 'Just what the Tarkna are you doing?'

[Narrator] Thor doesn't sing, or even start.

Varadrion motions for Faelnon to come join him for a moment

Faelnon moves over to Varadrion.

Varadrion says softly "Now what"

Querz has suddenly forgot all about his wood elf kin

Faelnon cocks an eyebrow, 'Now what, what?'

Dwarr frowns and says Ahh, let me sing now. It's wedding, ye know!

Varadrion says "you know what, we aren't finished yet, are we"

[Narrator] Thor states, 'I've never sung before, and I'll nary start soon...'

Faelnon calls to Thor, 'That's not what Shandor tells me.'

Faelnon turns to Varadrion, 'We aren't, but we will continue on.'

Varadrion says "Where do we go next?"

Faelnon says, 'All we be revealed later. Now, I must bid you leave, I have a small errand to run.'

Dwarr grins and says Well let me sing!’

Echnaton turns to Faelnon "give us this day, before we go on.’

Varadrion replies "Alright"

Faelnon says to Echnaton, 'You have no rights to demand information from me today. This is a day of joy, it does not need saddened by the prospect of leaving soon.'

Varadrion walks off and starts dancing with an elven maid

Rue nods slowly and sighs.

Dwarr continues singing "Some folks say that bitter is fine, others they swear by the juice of the wine!"

Querz looks around and sighs

Dwarr continues "So hear me mister and pour me one more if I can't drink it up, throw me out of the door!"

Dwarr continues "Drink it up, men!"

Jenn walks in looking dazed

Faelnon spots Jenn, 'Hail!'

Varadrion notices Jenn and smiles at her

Dwarr and the dwarves drink few jugs of Ale before they continue singing "I've travelled in north and south, and sound of good music I'll sing or I'll dance!"

Rue walks to a table and takes a seat, yawning.

Varadrion says to Rue "perhaps you should get him on the dance floor again eh" and winks

Querz stands again, and calls out to Faelnon

Faelnon jumps startled, 'What?'

Varadrion walks up to Jenn and starts up a small conversation

Rue shrugs and stretches.

Faelnon passes through a small residential section of the town. He hears a small, familiar, voice from beyond a door, it seems… concerned.

Faelnon raps gently on the door before peaking in. He is greeted by a female voice, 'Shandor…?'

Faelnon shakes his head, 'No Ariea, it is Faelnon… where is Shandor?'

[Narrator] Ariea replies, 'I would ask you the same question. He said he needed to give you the elven Gifts, or something…'

Faelnon cocks an eyebrow, 'Quite impossible, I've had them ever since his… incident.'

[Narrator] Ariea corrects, 'Death you mean? It's quite alright to use the correct term, you know.'

Faelnon smiles slightly, 'But of course. Still, his disappearance is troubling. Perhaps he went to the Wise Elves for counsel over his quest, or his recent possession.'

Dwarr continues singing "So hear me mister and pour me one more, if I can't drink it up- throw me out of the door!"

Faelnon leaves Ariea as she decides to head back down to the party. As Faelnon walks through the many layered platforms. An eerie silence over-comes him. He hurries his pace towards the Wise Elves building.

Querz sits beside Rue

Faelnon arrives at the building, one of the doors is ajar, the other's hinges are damaged, burnt from the looks of it. Faelnon rushes into the building.

[Narrator] Inside The Wise Elves' building is quite remarkable, tall, arched pillars support the ceiling. In daylight the grand colours could be seen, but in the grim darkness very little detail can be made out.

Querz starts to pull his hair back

Dwarr pours himself one more and drinks it with ease

Faelnon runs across the large open space, which serves as a congregational area for matters of town importance, and nears another ajar door, from beyond comes the faint glimmer of light.

Faelnon prods the door open with his boot, fully prepared to jump on anyone trying to flee. The door swings open quietly.

Faelnon enters the room, it is a small office of sorts. The light is coming from an oil lamp, placed on a small, but elegant, desk. A tall figure is crouched over it, flipping through volumes of forgotten lore and parchments, full of recent scribbles. The figure is familiar.

Faelnon calls out, 'By the Spirits and the saints of Earilth, reveal yourself!'

[Narrator] The figure grins and lets out a cold chuckle. He turns slowly and reveals his face, the sea-blue eyes, the fair hair, the tell-tale half-smile. It is Shandor.

Shandor grins, 'But the Spirits and the saints of Earilth have no meaning to me.'

Faelnon is dumbfounded, he lets down his guard.

Shandor strikes, a fist and a foot. He smirks as Faelnon crumbles to the ground.

Faelnon groans on the ground as he crawls out of the 'office'.

Shandor grabs several scrolls and a few books.

Shandor runs from the office and makes a break for the doors out.

Faelnon yells, 'Not so fast foul-whelp! Obsercuae! Spirits, blind his path!'

[Narrator] The room goes pitch-dark as the doors and windows disappear, replaced by a wooden blockade.

Shandor chuckles callously, 'Come, come old friend, did you really think this apprentices' trick would fool me? Or even slow me?'

Faelnon growls, 'You are not my friend! You are an imitation! A copy!'

Shandor grins, 'Oh, how those words do wound me…' He waves his hand where the door had been and yells, 'Cleanthium!'

Rue stands with concern.

[Narrator] The door reappears.

Shandor sprints towards the door.

Faelnon , getting to his feet once more, mutters in a deep, dark voice, 'Goddess Athie, come to my aid. Goddess of protection, I summon thee. To those of evil spirits, entrap.'

[Narrator] A could of swirling energy appears around Shandor, lifting him off the ground.

Faelnon states coldly, 'What do you know, you are evil.'

Shandor opens his mouth widely and prepares to let out an inhuman wail, similar to that of Mihwen's a few days prior.

Faelnon waves his hand and shouts something in an unknown language, Shandor's mouth falls closed, 'Tut tut, it is no fun if you summon your goons.'

Shandor grins, 'I don't need to…'

Faelnon raises an eyebrow, 'What are you on abou-' He was falling. There had been a dull thud against his head. It didn't seem all that important now as his world fell into darkness.

Shandor grins again and walks out of the building. He begins whistling a tune as he taps it along a wooden banister running around the platform he was on.

[Narrator] Ariea notices Shandor far above on a platform, she rushes up there, 'Shandor! Thank goodness I've found you, we were worried, Faelnon went looking for you, did he find you?'

Shandor smiles, 'I have no idea blondie, did he find me?'

Querz looks around

Ariea looks bedazzled at Shandor, 'Excuse me?'

Shandor says, 'Now, don't worry your little air-filled head, but I have to get going.'

Ariea looses any trace of a smile she had, 'What are you talking about?'

Shandor turns to her and nearly spits every word, 'Did you really think *anyone* would marry you? What are you good for? Nothing, you've got no mind, can't think for yourself. Having said that, you'd probably make a good slave, does what she's told and nothing else.'

Ariea wipes a small tear from her eye, 'I don't, I don't understand…'

Shandor smirks, 'Of course you don't. You don't understand anything. Say 'Goodnight' sweetheart.'

Shandor takes off down a set of stairs.

Ariea grits her teeth, filled with anger, she yells something in elven.

Dwarr walks towards the table in which Rue and Querz are sitting and says Ye' mind if I sit here?

Shandor stops and turns around, 'Aw, don't be too sad now, I'm sure someone will pay a pretty penny for yo- Yow! What the?!' Two Jayles, Lestat and an amber Jayle, have pounced on Shandor.

Rue shivers as the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. "There's strange magic about...I think. I felt something..."

Dwarr doesn't wait for answer but sits down

Rue motions to the seat beside her. "Go ahead."

Ariea says, 'Who are you?'

Querz strains his ears

Querz shrugs and sits down

Shandor grins, knocking the Jayles off him, 'Wow, I get that question a lot.'

Dwarr says to Querz Something wrong?

Querz says "I don't think so"

Ariea grits her teeth, 'Get away from this town and stay away. Forever.'

Querz says "I was sure I heard something"

Shandor grins, 'Aw, mad at me? Well, okay, I'll just take all the Gift information with me, too.’ He flashes the scrolls he stole from the Wise Elves’ building towards Ariea.

Querz shakes his head, and slowly stands

Shandor grins and sprints of door some stairs.

Echnaton says "Faelnon want away to find Shandor. quite a time ago.

Querz then moves slowly to the wood elf from Fallwood

Ariea bursts out crying and takes off in the other direction.

Dwarr drinks from his bottle

Querz moves up behind the wood elf and starts to slowly talk

Varadrion says to Echnaton "That was a while ago"

Ariea reaches the ground level and leaps upon a horse, riding deeper into the forest, attracting the group's attention.

Shandor reaches another horse and takes off in a different direction, through the party area.

Varadrion notices Ariea riding away and looks puzzled

Echnaton looks a bit desperate "not even today....

Querz turns as Ariea get on the horse

Querz suddenly remembers the dark elf

Shandor yells, 'Say hello to Tarkna for me guys, when I release my Master, you'll all be going there.'

Dwarr scratches his beard and looks at Echnaton "Ehh?"

Shandor takes off.

Querz runs off after Shandor

Querz suddenly turns back

[Narrator] Shandor disappears again, his horse included.

Querz curses again

Faelnon groans on the floor.

Faelnon opens his eyes slowly, 'What...?'

Querz runs back up the stairs Shandor ran down

Echnaton turns to Dwarr "something seems wrong here. Faelnon went looking for Shandor, now Ariea rides off here...

Faelnon struggles to his feet. He moves into the 'office', all information pertaining to the Gifts, in particular the Orc Gifts, has been stolen.

Querz looks over the festivities

Faelnon curses, he was meant to collect the scrolls.

Faelnon 's head is throbbing with pain as he struggles outside into the night air.

Dwarr starts to walk around area

Querz looks out at the forest for any sign of the two riders

Faelnon remembers what happened.

Rue shudders again. "I wonder what happened... I have a bad feeling."

Faelnon sprints down back to the group, 'Where is Shandor?!'

Varadrion picks up his cloak and puts it on again

Querz looks left, and sees Faelnon

Varadrion says "He rode off, we lost him"

Querz says "What happened?"

Echnaton closes his eyes and takes a deep breath.

Faelnon continues sprinting, he reaches the top of the staircase and in his panic trips up and tumbles down the stairs.

Faelnon gets to his feet and dusts himself off, ''He rode off' Didn't you try and stop him?!'

Rue stands and drifts towards the others, watching silently.

Varadrion says "Of course we tried, but he got on the horse and just went...."

Querz says "Faelnon, Ariea just rode off toward the dark elf..." there is concern in his voice

Echnaton says to Faelnon "he was GONE before they could act

Dwarr decides to follow Rue without asking

Faelnon says, 'Ariea's gone too?'

Querz nods silently

Varadrion says "Yes"

Faelnon cannot even move before Lestat and Ariea's Jayle arrive beside him.

Faelnon curses, 'Shandor wasn't Shandor at all. He was still possessed by evil. He tricked us all, and broke Ariea's heart no doubt.'

Querz says "Do you want me to try and follow Ariea, or rather protect her? "

Faelnon says, 'Ariea needs her time to deal with this.'

Varadrion says "And what are WE to do??"

Faelnon states, 'No, Querz, let her find her own peace.'

Faelnon rubs his head with his hand, covering his hand in blood, 'Well, first, I clean up this wound, second.... I don't know!'

Varadrion curses loudly

Faelnon barks, 'Shut up! Sit down! I will go! Just...' He sways slightly on his outburst and takes off into the forest, after Ariea but leaving the group.

[Narrator] Thor looks at what has just transpired.

Thor moves over to the group, 'I should'a known Shandor couldn'ta had a normal day.'

Echnaton mumbles "this is getting more and more out of control.

Varadrion curses again and goes and sits

Thor says, 'Sit down and have a drink. They'll return soon.'

Dwarr scratches his beard

Querz walks over to his table, throws his cloak over his head, and walks away to find somewhere quiet

Faelnon returns several minutes later.

Querz finds a quiet little grove, and takes out his pipe

Faelnon sighs, 'Ariea has completely disappeared. I do hope she is alright.'

Varadrion says "Like you said, she will be fine"

Varadrion curses again softly

Faelnon nods, 'Yes, but I don't think her Jayle likes her being gone.' He turns and points to the Jayle that is sitting under a table.

Varadrion asks "So now that, look for Shandor? Look for Ariea?

Querz walks back to the group, a little cooled off

Faelnon says, 'It is too late to do anything now. I need to consult with the Wise Elves to work out what to do, you should get some sleep.'

Varadrion curses yet again "Sleep isn't exactly the number one need right now"

Varadrion says "By the time you consult them, both will be too far to even consider perusing"

Querz says "I agree with Varadrion"

Faelnon says, looking away, 'Just go to your appointed room then, I don't care if you sleep, but I would greatly like sleep now, I will be too busy with the other Elves.'

Querz says "Bah, I sleep outside, in the woods!"

Faelnon states, 'Shandor has already disappeared, just like he did at the inn. Ariea needs time alone.'

Querz continues "But I can assure you I will get no sleep, as will any of us"

Faelnon barks, 'Fine! I don't care! Just go to your rooms and stay there!'

Varadrion curses loudly one final time and walks away

Querz tries to keep the fire out of his eyes as he walks off into the woods

Faelnon leaves to rally the Wise Elves together.

Echnaton makes a sound like "shhhh!" and says folks, calm down a bit.

Dwarr wonders where everybody went suddenly

Faelnon finds the Wise Elves and moves them into one area and launches into discussion.

Echnaton looks at Dwarr and says "at least one did not runaway straightforward

Querz finds a shady grove and sits down, lighting his pipe

Faelnon sighs as the discussion becomes an argument, some of the Wise Elves disagreeing with the other's decisions.

Querz starts firing arrows at a tree

Querz suddenly stops with the fear of hitting someone

Echnaton wanders around the town. the festivities go on, but somehow he's missing the joy.

[Narrator] The discussion of the Wise Elves takes most of the night.

Querz paces restlessly for hours

[Narrator] The festivities quickly came to a halt when the elves realised the two-of-honour were not there.

Varadrion gets some sleep in his room