Into The Depths Of Hell

Plot Summary
The group are lead into a small town by Lestat, who was hunting Shandor. They enter an inn where the barkeep delivers a message from Shandor. He is housed up in a rustic mansion nearby. An obvious trap, the group know, but Faelnon insists that it is imperative that they recover the Orc Gift scrolls.

They head up to the mansion and enter. Before they realise it they are stuck where they are. In a flash they are in a separate room, Shandor is in it, clad in black. Shandor puts a sword to Faelnon's throat and prepares to murder his friend. A wall explodes inwards and Ariea steps through the gaping hole. Her hair and eyes are much darker than normal. Shandor instantly forgets about the others and engages Ariea in a duel of magics, Ariea is unnaturally powerful as they finish spells and begin fighting. Creatures, the pitter-patter creatures, appear and engage the remaining group. Ariea ends the battle by summoning a vengeance-power spell and hits Shandor, he falls over dead. Faelnon rushes over, Shandor mumbles a string of words. Ariea's hair goes to its blonde colour and she looks normal once more. She explains that after Shandor left she fled to the edge of A'lure to find a friend, who bonded her magical powers. While fighting the second person discovered a way just to kill the Evil, and did so.

Full Log

[Narrator] Previously on the 'Quest'

[Narrator] 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] From the shadows emerges Shandor. 'Ariea?' His eyes go wide, 'Oh no! I forgot! Or rather, couldn't... 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.'

[Narrator] The figure begins [the service] … the figure bows, 'May your lives be filled with joy.'

[Narrator] Faelnon passes through a small residential section of the town. He hears a small, familiar, voice from beyond a door, it seems… concerned. 'Where is Shandor?' Ariea replied, 'I would ask you the same question. He said he needed to give you the elven Gifts.' Faelnon cocks an eyebrow, 'Quite impossible [I have them].'

[Narrator] Shandor strikes, a fist and a foot. He smirks as Faelnon crumbles to the ground. Shandor grabs several scrolls and a few books. Shandor chuckles callously, 'Come, come old friend.' Faelnon growls, 'You are not my friend! You are an imitation! A copy!' Shandor grins, 'Oh, how those words do wound me…'

[Narrator] Shandor turns to [Ariea] and nearly spits every word, 'Did you really think *anyone* would marry you?

[Narrator] Shandor smirks, 'Say 'Goodnight sweetheart'.'

[Narrator] Now, on the 'Quest'

[Narrator] The group have left the A'lure woods. They are travelling north of Evylee. The mood has been sour for the last few days. Shandor had stolen information pertaining to the last set of Gifts, the Orc Gifts, and destroyed Ariea's heart, who has also disappeared.

[Narrator] Faelnon and the Wise Elves talked long into the night and early morning, but couldn't agree on a plan. They could only do one thing, send Lestat, Shandor's loyal Jayle, to hunt out Shandor. Due to the bonds between a person and this particular animal, the animal can find its owner even if the owner is hundreds of miles away.

Faelnon watches as mounds of clouds roll down mountains in the far distance.

Dytalorien scratches his head and yawns.

Querz draws his scimitars and begins to sharpen them

Tengu walks in from the forest path.

Faelnon takes out an apple and flips it up into the air.

Tengu bows and says humbly, "Peace to you, good travellers, may you walk in harmony."

Mihwen looks at the birds flying

Faelnon turns around to Tengu, letting the apple drop.

Dytalorien mumbles, "Tell me again, what we're doing?"

Querz nods to Tengu

Kalypse smiles at her friends who she hadnt seen for a while

Querz pulls his cowl farther over his head, and pulls out his pipe

Tengu says, "I sense sorrow in your souls. What happened to you?"

Dytalorien grins and waves casually to Kalypse.

Faelnon nods in greetings to Tengu.

Faelnon states, 'It is no doubt better for you not to know.'

Kalypse agrees with Tengu 'what happened?'

Tengu nods to Faelnon.

Querz says absently "The fates have sent us to constant sorrow"

Faelnon says, 'It was not always so.'

Kalypse says 'Faelnon, my friend, long time since you last joked with me'

Tengu sits down on the ground, placing his staff across his knees.

Faelnon turns to Kalypse, 'And it will be a long time more.'

Dytalorien raises an eyebrow at Querz, "Looking for something?"

Kalypse senses the tension in the air and stays quiet

Tengu sighs, "The fate is unpredictable."

Dytalorien nods to Querz.

Mihwen looks at Dramicus 'long time no see'

Tengu notes, "But sharing your grief with your neighbour can lessen your burden"

Kalypse waves to Dramicus

Tengu bows to Dramicus.

Kalypse nods at Tengu

Faelnon says, 'Aye, but I would rather not give burden to those I do not know, nor trust. No personal insult intended.'

Dytalorien grins to Dramicus, "Good to see you again, my friend."

Kalypse smiles at Faelnon and gets a cherry for her to eat

Dramicus says, "It is good to see all of you"

Kalypse replies 'good to see you too'

Tengu recollects suddenly, "Oh, of course. I am Tengu, travelling monk of Khur'a Taien Order."

Faelnon nods, 'I am Faelnon, a healer from A'lure.'

Isondil rides up slowly to the group and calls out 'Hail all'

Querz moves to the rear of the group, watching his companions

Kalypse waves at Isondil

Faelnon nods to Isondil.

Isondil smiles gently at Kalypse and nods

Kalypse turns to Faelnon 'may I ask where we are going?'

Querz pulls his hood farther up

Faelnon says, 'We are in pursuit of Shandor. It would probably help if we knew where he was.'

Isondil gazes around at the new faces in the group

Faelnon continues, 'We sent Lestat ahead to find him, however.'

Kalypse looks surprised 'He is missing?'

Faelnon sighs melodramatically.

Querz says "Aye"

Dytalorien rolls his eyes at Faelnon.

Kalypse gets closer to Faelnon and taps his shoulder 'We will find him...'

Mihwen gets an apple..

Faelnon does not look forward to this tale, so sums it up rather basely, 'Shandor is evil now. Shandor ruined the Wedding. Shandor broke Ariea's heart. Shandor stole Gift related scrolls. Shandor has now left to free his master. Any questions?'

Isondil pat's Sandilor's side and whisper's to him in elven

Dramicus says, "I have a question"

Kalypse listens the stories but stay quiet

Tengu says, "You're in search of someone, of whose location you don't know. You are heading nowhere then."

Dytalorien blows a stray wisp of white hair from his face, and yawns.

Isondil coughs and looks around slowly

Querz moves back to the rear

Dramicus asks, "Do we know who his master is Faelnon?"

Faelnon turns to Tengu, 'No, we have a means to find him. We know his general direction. Therefore we are going somewhere.'

Faelnon states, 'We know the master is female, not her actual name.'

Faelnon says, 'And we don't know much more about her.'

Faelnon pats his horse absentmindedly.

Kalypse asks 'How do you know it's female?'

Tengu agrees, "Somewhere is better then nowhere."

Querz starts to grow uneasy

Querz absently draw his scimitars

Kalypse turns to Querz 'Why do you play with your scimitars so often?'

Tengu admires the passing sights.

Dytalorien grins to Kalypse, "He likes pointy objects?"

Kalypse laughs at Dytalorien

Querz says to Kalypse "Because I am constantly on my guard. I have no better reason though"

Dytalorien remarks, "Or perhaps he likes to cook, slice and dice, y'know.."

Faelnon says to Kalypse, 'We have learnt this via informants... who were promptly... executed by forces unknown.'

Kalypse raises an eyebrow 'and to be on guard you have to keep those things showing?'

Dytalorien grins and rambles on, "Heavens knows that's what I use my blade for."

Isondil eyes Querz with mild suspicion but shakes his head

Tengu states, "Knowledge is power, but power hides danger"

Querz says "I just don't like surprises"

Mihwen looks at the sun as asks 'what time is it?'

Faelnon stares at Querz, 'Nor do we, don't try anything with those child's toys.'

Faelnon gazes at the sun, 'I would say midday.'

Querz looks at Faelnon "I do not strike my companions" his face betrays shock

Kalypse mutters 'I doubt power has any use anyway

Isondil pat's his mount absentmindedly

Faelnon states, 'If power has no use, then why do so many search for it?'

Querz shakes his head and returns to his normal position alone at the rear

Dytalorien grins, "'cause they're bored?"

Kalypse replies 'An illusion, perhaps'

Faelnon smiles at Dytalorien, 'Then there are thousands of people who need hobbies.'

Dytalorien grins, "Obviously."

Dramicus says, "Because they are easily corrupted by power when they gain any"

Kalypse says 'The real power is to have no power at all'

Tengu says, "People are always seeking, never finding happiness, That reminds me of an old parable."

Kalypse replies 'indeed it is'

Dytalorien droops a bit as he recalls his mother's lessons from the ongoing conversation.

Kalypse stares ahead feeling the wind on her face

[Narrator] On the horizon is a small creature.

Dytalorien blinks at the approach of a small creature.

Kalypse points 'What’s that?'

Querz squints to the horizon

[Narrator] It stands perfectly still, watching the group with hawk-like eyes.

Querz keeps his swords ready

Faelnon rides forward, away from the group.

Faelnon smiles briefly.

Isondil draws his bow in case it's one of the creatures that possessed Shandor

Mihwen notice the group looking at something and turns her head towards it

Tengu stops and eyes the creature with interest.

Dramicus looks at the creature in puzzlement

Faelnon turns to the group, then notices Querz and Isondil, 'Unless you two wish to slay the one lead we have to finding Shandor, put your weapons away.'

Querz sheaths his swords immediately

Kalypse grins 'I have no weapon'

Faelnon rides up to the creature, who bounds happily near Faelnon.

Isondil nods slowly and replaces his bow

Faelnon clambers of his horse and says, 'Hail, Lestat.'

Querz sighs

Kalypse waves at the creature

[Narrator] The Jayle nods slightly before turning away from the group.

Faelnon follows the Jayle's gaze.

Faelnon shrugs, 'You're the leader.'

Faelnon climbs atop his horse and begins trotting after the Jayle.

Kalypse smiles as she pets her horse

Dytalorien follows behind the rest.

Dramicus shrugs, "I was never led by something like that, but there is a first time for everything"

Mihwen follows

Isondil follows Faelnon

Tengu stands for a while, then catches up with the group.

Faelnon says, 'Tell me Dramicus, how often have you met a Jayle?'

Tengu says, "One that keeps silence shows great wisdom. Our new leader is quite wise"

Faelnon states, 'Our new leader cannot speak.'

Kalypse gets back to consciousness 'What is a Jayle?'

[Narrator] Faelnon's comment attracts a disgruntled whine from Lestat.

Isondil grins at Tengu's comment

Dytalorien chuckles.

Faelnon points to Lestat, 'That is a Jayle, a wolf-like creature with great intelligence.'

Faelnon continues, 'It develops bonds between itself and its friend, for they are friends more than a master and his pet.'

Kalypse breaths slowly 'I hope he has an idea of where Shandor is'

[Narrator] Lestat whines loudly.

Kalypse smiles at Lestat

Faelnon grins, 'I don't think he likes you doubting him, Kalypse.'

Tengu glances at Jayle and nods

Kalypse replies 'I don't think what I said shows that much of a doubt'

Isondil looks at the Jayle with interest

Faelnon shrugs, 'Lestat thought so.'

Kalypse ponders a thought

Dytalorien grins and chuckles, "’Guess Jayle's are sensitive."

Dramicus asks, "How have you learned to understand what he is trying to say Faelnon?"

Kalypse picks up another cherry on her bag and offers Lestat

Faelnon says, 'I have been friends with a Jayle for nearly one-hundred years.'

Mihwen says 'full of surprises'

Kalypse nods at Mihwen

Faelnon bows as much as he can while mounted, 'Why thank you, I would hate to have none.'

Kalypse looks at Lestat 'You don't want it?'

[Narrator] Lestat turns to Kalypse and nods, eating the cherry.

Kalypse smiles widely

Tengu scratches his bald head, "The fate did a good thing that joined me with your group."

Kalypse asks 'Why do you say that, Tengu?'

Dytalorien blinks.

Tengu says, "I am walking the lands gaining wisdom. When I'll feel that I reached understanding, I'll return to the monastery and share my knowledge with my brethren."

Faelnon rides up closer to Lestat and leans down, 'You do know where you are going, don't you?'

Isondil looks at Tengu with surprise

Mihwen rides up to Faelnon

[Narrator] Lestat pouts, but nods.

Kalypse asks Tengu 'Are you a monk?'

Dytalorien nods to Tengu.

Tengu says, "I think this group is a right place"

Dramicus says, "What is a right place Tengu?"

Tengu looks at Kalypse, "Sorry if I didn't introduce to you..."

Mihwen shakes her head

Faelnon looks about, 'I must command your leadership abilities, Lestat, you seem to be leading us from a non-descript landscape to a...... non-descript landscape.'

Kalypse smiles at Tengu

[Narrator] Lestat growls playfully at Faelnon.

Tengu says, "I am travelling monk, of Khur'a Taien monastery."

Kalypse says 'And I am Kalypse... just an elven lady who has found some friends here'

Isondil smiles

Tengu looks at Dramicus, "The place that is in the centre of events. Where else should wisdom be sought?"

Faelnon states, 'I would hardly call our group the centre of events...'

[Narrator] The group are led down into a small town. A few buildings, tiny market square and a solitary inn.

Faelnon clambers off his horse and enters the inn.

Mihwen follows

Faelnon kneels down beside Lestat, 'I realise you have been walking a lot today. But couldn't you have brought us to Shandor and not a warm bed? Not that I'm entirely objecting...'

Kalypse follows too

Mihwen turns to Faelnon 'going to stay here for a long time?'

[Narrator] Lestat trots over to the fire and lies down.

Faelnon shrugs, 'We should at least have a meal.'

Isondil dismounts from his horse and walks into the inn

Tengu eyes the buildings with interest, like he hasn't been walking on foot for hours.

Faelnon approaches the barkeep, 'Food and drink for myself and my companions.'

[Narrator] The barkeep nods and moves off to the kitchen to get the food.

Isondil walks over and sits in the corner

Dramicus sits alone at a table

Tengu says, "I've eaten today. But I wont refuse some water."

Kalypse agrees with Tengu 'I am thirsty too'

[Narrator] A barmaid pours a few drinks and leaves them on the top of the bar.

Isondil approaches the bar and say's to the barmaid and say's 'A pint of your finest ale please'

Faelnon takes one of the drinks and seats himself next to the fire.

Tengu thanks the barmaid and takes his water.

Mihwen looks up a barmaid and talks a little with her

Isondil takes his ale and retakes his seat in the corner

Kalypse drinks the water

Isondil sips his ale appreciatively

Tengu eyes the furniture with some sort of surprise, then looks at group mates and climbs one of the seats, crossing legs under himself.

Faelnon takes a sip of his ale.

Kalypse looks out the window admiring the landscape

Mihwen gets a bowl of apples

Faelnon walks over to the bar where the food has just be placed.

Isondil looks at Mihwen and say's 'May I have an apple?'

Faelnon takes some food and begins wolfing it down.

Mihwen smiles and throws an apple to Isondil

Tengu eyes new friends devouring food with interest.

Isondil catches the apple and say's 'Thanks'

[Narrator] The Barkeep eyes the led Elf, then 'his' Jayle, 'Say… would you be Fael-something?'

Faelnon cocks an eyebrow, 'I am Faelnon.'

[Narrator] The Barkeep nods, 'Aye, aye, Faelnon. Well, er, 'nother elf was lookin' for you. Says his name was Shondor, or Shindor…'

Faelnon slams down his drink, 'Shandor?!'

Isondil takes a bite of the apple

[Narrator] The Barkeep waves a finger and points it at Faelnon, 'Aye, aye, that was his name! Now, what was his message…? Oh aye, he said that he was housed up on the ol' mansion a wee bit north o' here on the mound.'

Kalypse turns to the barkeep with interest

Tengu doesn't move a muscle.

Faelnon nods, 'Thank you.'

Isondil looks at the barkeep

Mihwen looks at Faelnon

Faelnon thinks for a moment.

Tengu is eyeing the flames dancing inside the fireplace

Faelnon turns to the group, 'Everyone here? Good.'

Kalypse says 'Wasn’t he running from you?'

Faelnon shrugs.

Faelnon states, 'This is most likely a trap of some kind. But we need those scrolls back.'

Kalypse asks 'Why would he tell you where he is just like that?'

Tengu states, "The prey that seeks you turns to be a hunter"

Isondil looks at Faelnon and say's ' The place were he's waiting for us is probably full of those creatures'

Faelnon says, 'Perhaps Isondil, but we can handle them.'

Kalypse grins 'Not me'

Mihwen says 'I’m not that sure'

Faelnon says, 'Let's not be taken by surprise.'

Isondil nods

Faelnon nods, 'Okay, fine, lets just stay here and let Shandor summon an evil that will destroy the world. But at least we won't be in danger.'

Tengu says, "And the enemy that knows your next turn has half-won..."

Mihwen says 'okay but we need a plan'

Faelnon says, 'I won't ask you to help me. I intend to head there. Join me if you wish.'

Faelnon says, 'When we reach the mansion, we will enter, stick together, explore the place and keep track of each other.'

Kalypse sighs 'What could I help with anyway?'

Tengu thinks a bit and says, "But maybe he's not expecting us to be so straightforward."

Faelnon says, 'You could help. Summon creatures to protect us.'

Kalypse smiles 'maybe so'

Faelnon shakes his head a Tengu, 'Unfortunately Shandor and I know each other too well. Each plan I have, he will have planned for, no doubt.'

Faelnon asks, 'Who is with me?'

Kalypse says 'I am'

Isondil clears his throat and say's 'I am'

Dramicus says, "I Shall come"

Tengu say, "I strive to see it to the end"

Mihwen smiles

Faelnon nods, 'Good, well then, we shall set off at once.'

Faelnon turns away from the group and mutters under his breath, 'Ariea, pray that I do not have to harm Shandor.'

Kalypse hurries out the inn

Tengu is still sitting, but takes a hold of his staff.

Faelnon leaves the inn, followed by Lestat, and leaps upon his horse.

Isondil stands up and follows Kalypse outside

Tengu eventually stand up and follows

Isondil pat's his horse and mounts it slowly

Dramicus follows the others out of the inn

[Narrator] The group ride towards a large mound. Atop it is a gigantic, dark, dominating mansion. Pillars of marble line the front of it. Two doors create the entrance to the mansion.

Mihwen walks out to her horse

Faelnon gulps, 'Well, this is it…'

Kalypse says 'Scary...'

Faelnon prods the door open.

[Narrator] Inside is one wide, seemingly endless corridor.

Faelnon creeps forward, bow drawn.

Isondil shakes his head but is resolved to going in

Tengu says, "A monument to man's lowly feelings"

Dramicus says sarcastically, "How welcoming"

Mihwen dismounts her horse and follows Faelnon

Kalypse follows the group

Faelnon hears a noise and stops dead. He waves his bow about.

Isondil dismounts and draws his bow and follows the group inside

Faelnon hushes the group, 'Don't make a sound.'

Tengu pokes the ground with staff, then follows

Dramicus draws his spear

Faelnon waits for a moment then sighs, 'Must have been my imagination.'

Faelnon returns his gaze forwards, but doesn't move.

Faelnon looks at his feet then up, 'Oh dear… this seems… problematic. I can't seem to move.'

[Narrator] In fact, the entire group seemed glued to where they were.

Isondil fits an arrow unto his bow

Kalypse says 'Bad feelings about this..'

Mihwen looks around herself

Mihwen states 'this doesn’t look good'

[Narrator] A chuckle. Cold. Callous.

Isondil looks around nervously

Kalypse shivers

Faelnon shivers slightly, 'Why not? I mean, every mansion chuckles...'

Tengu closes his eyes and lifts his staff

[Narrator] From out of the shadows emerges several creatures. They chant in a strange tongue and the group suddenly find themselves in a different room.

[Narrator] This room took up seemingly the back end of the mansion, both top and bottom floors. Steps at the far end of the room lead up to an overshadowing gold throne. Sitting on this throne is Shandor, clad entirely in black he smirks at the group.

Kalypse looks around confused

[Narrator] The group still can't move. Some sort of spell. Shandor stands up, his black velvet cape, with red silk lining, flowing behind him. He slowly steps down to Faelnon. He takes Faelnon's sword and flips it over in his hand.

Faelnon stares at Shandor harshly.

Dramicus glares at Shandor

Tengu says to Shandor, "I feel anger in your heart, you seek violence."

Faelnon turns to Tengu, 'Oh really? How can you tell!?'

[Narrator] Shandor places the sword at Faelnon's throat. 'Surely you knew this was a trap, didn't you? Here's the fun thing you seem to have forgot You have all of the Gifts, except the Orc ones which I am soon to have. After I slaughter your pitiful excuse for a group, I will take ALL of the Gifts and free my master.'

Faelnon 's eyes go wide, in his desperation to salvage his work and his old group he had completely forgotten how he was playing into Shandor's hands.

Isondil stares at Shandor with hate filled eyes

Kalypse thinks to herself 'I never liked him anyway'

Dramicus mutters, "you monster..."

Faelnon says, 'I'll point out, for the record before I die, that Shandor is a good person. The evil inside him, is not.'

Kalypse stares at Shandor but says nothing

Mihwen shakes her head

Faelnon begins chanting a prayer.

Isondil looks away

[Narrator] Shandor presses the sword against Faelnon's through, 'Don't worry *old**friend*' He spat the last two words, 'All your pain will be over soon. I owe you that. I don't, however, owe your group anything.' He flashed a grin towards the rest of the group before turning back to Faelnon. 'Say G-'

[Narrator] Shandor is interrupted as a cackle sounds through the mansion. 'Goodnight sweetheart.' Shandor looks up at the surprisingly loud voice. The mansion begins shaking as a section of wall explodes inwards.

[Narrator] Stepping in from outside is a small elven-female. Even through her hair was of darker colour with streaks of a natural blondness, and her eyes were completely black, she was instantly recognisable as Ariea. She spoke as if she had several voices, 'Well, well, Shandor. We meet again.'

[Narrator] Shandor grins and turns to face her.

Faelnon notices the magic bonds have been broken. He swipes the sword from Shandor and orders the group, 'Run! Head back to town, I will stay here.'

Isondil stares in shock at the figure of Ariea

[Narrator] Before the group can act several creatures enter the room. The creatures are that which the group met in the small village nearly a week prior. The creatures are half the size of a regular human. They have dark-green scaly skin with bright amber eyes. Their fingers are sharp claws, each one like a knife.

[Narrator] The creatures' tails are as long as themselves, they twitch and wave and look powerful enough to inflict heavy injuries on a person. Their feet are much akin to their hands, but they look as if they could cling to walls.

Faelnon calls, 'On second thoughts, fight them.'

Faelnon lunges at one of the creatures.

Faelnon barks, 'Move you fools!'

Isondil wheels around and fires an arrow at one of the creatures

[Narrator] Shandor ignores Faelnon and the group fighting the creatures and is focused on Ariea.

Tengu waits one of the creatures approach him, then suddenly sets himself in motion.

Mihwen moves back

Dramicus smashes his spear on top of a creatures head

Shandor grips the golden throne via a telekinesis spell. He hurls it towards Ariea.

Ariea , calmly, raises a hand and says, 'Cease.' The throne stops a few metres from striking her.

Isondil moves backwards fitting another arrow unto his bow and letting it fly a creature

Shandor grins, 'I see you have some parlour tricks.'

Ariea states, 'More than just parlour tricks, we are more powerful than you can ever hope to be.'

Tengu flips and kicks a creature in jaw.

Shandor chuckles, 'Come, come, Ariea, you have no powers beyond that of which you have already shown. You know that and I know that. You are not a mage, even if you were, you have had no practise. Good try, 'sweetheart', but no cookie for you.'

Dramicus is swatted away from the creatures powerful tail

Isondil fires the last of his arrows before drawing his axe and charging at the creatures

Tengu hooks up his staff with his leg sending it flying.

Ariea states, '"I" am not a mage. We are.'

Shandor smiles, 'It's a nice split-personality you have going, but I'd like my throne back. And then for you to… well, die.'

Tengu jumps and catches staff mid-air.

Isondil slashes at a creature

Ariea smiles a half-smile, 'Here is your throne.' Before Shandor could react the throne had struck him in the torso, sending him flying into a wall.

Tengu places a sweep blow with his staff upon landing.

Tengu thrusts his staff behind him, jabbing the creature in stomach with it's end.

Shandor coughs and rubs his chest, more in surprise than in pain. He stands up and hollers, 'Toeveo!' The ceiling above Ariea collapses onto her.

[Narrator] Faelnon shouts, 'Ariea!' And makes a dive for her, before being struck back by a creature.

Mihwen pulls a dagger as she stands with her back against the wall

Dramicus jams the spearhead into the creatures chest

Tengu parries creature’s blow with the end of his staff, turns around using its inertia, letting his staff make a full turn and land on creature’s neck.

[Narrator] The caved-in-ceiling begins quaking before it vanishes leaving Ariea standing where she had been.

Tengu finishes his move and trips with the other end of the staff, sending him to the ground.

Shandor raises an eyebrow.

Ariea smiles, 'What is the matter? Never met someone who could beat you?'

Isondil continues to kill the creatures but is being forced back to the wall

Shandor shrugs, 'Now that you mention it… no. Tavel nasefa otolamieaden!' A field of energy surrounds Ariea.

Ariea takes a step forward while waving her hand. The energy disappears. 'Our turn. Gertalme zotra saquio.' Bolts of what appears to be lighting fly from Ariea's fingertips into Shandor.

Shandor is blasted back into the wall again.

Kalypse gets hit from a creature and falls unconscious

Tengu pulls back as several creatures attack him.

Ariea reaches Shandor and grabs him by the shoulders.

Mihwen runs up to Kalypse

Shandor swings his fist up and strikes Ariea in the face. She doesn't move.

Tengu starts spinning wildly, parrying blows from both directions.

Ariea grins, 'Guess what? We are stronger than you, too.' She easily throws him into the air.

Shandor charges Ariea and knocks her to the ground.

Ariea kicks up and sends Shandor hurtling away like she had the force of a giant.

Shandor gets to his feet and leaps into the air. He goes straight up, before rocketing, feet first, into Ariea.

Isondil forces through a group of the creatures and is breathing heavily

Mihwen looks at Kalypse and sees that her wounds aren’t that bad before standing up protecting herself and Kalypse

Ariea goes flying back away and smashing into the wall.

Ariea rubs her lip and notices the blood flowing from it.

Tengu tries to keep enemies at bay to take advantage of longer weapon.

Isondil groans as a new set of creatures approach him

Ariea charges forward and begins cart wheeling along the ground, hitting into Shandor's face.

Tengu locks creature’s neck in a strangler lock and holds it until it falls dead.

Shandor snarls and grabs Ariea by the throat. His other hand grabs her head and prepares to snap her neck. A jaw clamps onto his arm, however, and he drops Ariea.

Tengu evades another creature's blow and sends it to the ground before it recovers his balance.

Shandor looks at Lestat, clinging to his arm. He picks up the Jayle and flings him into a wall.

[Narrator] Lestat slumps to the ground, unmoving.

Dramicus charges at Shandor for attacking Lestat

Isondil slashes wildly at the creatures but is tiring

Shandor spins around and lifts Dramicus into the air, 'Tut tut.'

Shandor flings Dramicus into Tengu and several creatures.

Tengu finds his staff stuck in creature’s jaw.

Shandor turns his attentions, once more, to Ariea.

Mihwen is trying to hold of the creatures

Ariea screeches at him in anger and murderous rage. She tackles him to the ground and slams his head against the floor.

Isondil notices that two of his comrades have fallen and breaks through his group of creatures and reaches Dramicus

Dramicus staggers to his feet

Tengu evades Dramicus and starts closing in with the enemy, staff is in right hand behind back, left hand is drawn forward.

Shandor shakes Ariea away and picks up several bricks, he then hurls these at her.

Tengu makes a false thrust with his staff and performs high kick right into creature’s head.

Dramicus throws his spear at the back of Shandor

Isondil slashes at a creature approaching Dramicus

Ariea waves her hand, the bricks fly in random directions, one striking Shandor, and unfortunately, one hitting Isondil, Tengu, Mihwen and several creatures.

Isondil falls to the ground in pain

Mihwen fall to the ground with pain in her shoulder

Tengu falls to the ground, dropping his staff.

Isondil drops his axe and draws his dagger and vainly holds of the creatures

Ariea steps towards Shandor, landing a punch in his stomach.

Dramicus runs over and picks up Tengu's staff trying to save his companions

Shandor keels over, but he flips forward, both feet slamming into Ariea's chest.

Ariea yelps and falls backwards.

Tengu tries to crawl up to his knees, but fails and emits a groan of pain.

Ariea leaps into the air and places a foot on Shandor's head.

Isondil tries to get up but falls back and lies unconscious on the floor

Shandor slams against the ground and groans, 'Your strength comes from a spell. All I need to do is take the magic away. Lleimpa Be^ado ßëare.' Energy strikes Ariea and seems to be dragging something from her.

Ariea sways slightly, the first indication of her suffering during this battle.

Shandor grins, 'Do you want me to stop?'

Mihwen gets up on her feats with one arm hanging on her side

Ariea instantly stops swaying and looks into Shandor's eyes, 'Why? It is quite comfortable.' She hollers something in a totally unknown language, Shandor groans in pain and stops moving. 'We are stronger than you.' She then began speaking in elven ~Hoffriyn, lord of Vengeance, come to my aid. Right what was wrong. Heal what was wounded. Hoffriyn, I implore you, strike this creature down. Lord of Vengeance, do not ignore my plea.'

[Narrator] Faelnon breaks free of a skirmish and rushes towards Ariea, 'No! Don't-' Too late. A swirling cloud appears at the top of the room. From it a solitary strike of Energy. Shandor squirms and screeches out in terror. He began convulsing violently, being lifted into the air. His body cackles with sparks of energy before dropping to the ground. He lands on his feet, before slumping to his knees, and finally collapsing, face-down, on the ground.

[Narrator] The creatures Shandor had summoned disappeared in wisps of black, acrid smoke.

Dramicus runs over to Shandor's body

Ariea stops and stares at the lifeless form of her 'husband'.

Faelnon slumps to the ground. He looks horrified at the lifeless form of his friend, then at Shandor's love, and murderer.

Tengu 's breath becomes more smooth.

Faelnon slowly gets to his feet and nears Shandor. He kneels down beside him and rolls him over.

[Narrator] Shandor's quickly paling face reveals peaceful features, not contorted in the evil and hate that they had been just before.

Mihwen walks up to Shandor

Faelnon says, 'Sleep well, my friend.'

Ariea realises what she has done. 'Dispel.' She states calmly. She sways as her hair returns to its blond colour and her eyes fade from black to emerald green once more. She steps next to Shandor and states as tears flow from her eyes, 'I am sorry, Shandor.'

[Narrator] 'Sorry for what?' Shandor asks while opening his eyes.

Faelnon is dumbfounded, 'Shandor?'

[Narrator] 'Guilty as charged.'

Tengu tries hard to stand up

Faelnon turns to face Ariea.

Ariea is overcome, but tries to answer the unasked question, 'I guess that vengeance guy killed the evil form in him.'

Faelnon cocks an eyebrow, ''That vengeance guy'? You were calling him by his name a second ago, and what was that 'we' thing about.'

Faelnon begins healing Shandor's wounds while waiting for an explanation.

Ariea explains, 'After what happened in A'lure I headed to a small village at the southern boarder of the A'lure woods, there was a mage I knew there. She joined her magical 'essence' into what little I had naturally. In essence we became two people in one who acted as only one. I hunted Shandor down. Filled with a murderous vengeance.'

Faelnon asks, 'How did you find him? And it is a good thing you didn't meet us with that murderous vengeance.'

Ariea smiles slightly, 'Teleportation, Planar travel and another spell I'm not sure on. It turns out my mage friend, while fighting, detected the evil form in Shandor. She managed to summon Hoff- well, whatever his name was, and killed the evil in Shandor, but not Shandor.'

Faelnon says, 'Interesting explanation, Shandor should be fine. Well, at least now he'll know not to insult your cooking.'

Ariea chuckles softly.

Ariea kneels down beside Shandor.

Faelnon stands up and examines the once-throne room.

Tengu stumps towards the rest of the group.

Faelnon says to the group, 'I hope you didn't mess up this room with blood, Shandor might take it as a holiday home.'

[Narrator] Shandor states, 'Not likely... of course if you want it...'

Mihwen smiles

Faelnon states, 'Wild horses couldn't keep me near here.'

Faelnon spots Lestat and dashes over.

Dramicus hides his bloody spear, "Oops, sorry about that"

Faelnon strokes the Jayle's soft fur.

[Narrator] Shandor twists his head to look at his animal-friend.

Isondil continues to lie motionless

Tengu says, "I thought we are...", then looks around, searching his staff, before noticing Dramicus.

Faelnon turns around again, 'Mihwen, check on Isondil.'

Faelnon whispers something in elven to the Jayle.

Dramicus gives Tengu his staff

Mihwen looks around and spots Isondil

Mihwen walks up to him and looks at his wounds

[Narrator] Lestat the Jayle opens his eyes and moans softly. It carefully clambers to his feet and looks around. He doesn't growl at Shandor this time, instead he trots over to his friend.

Tengu thanks Dramicus then looks at Shandor.

Mihwen start to treat Isondil's wound on his arm as Isondil gains consciousness

Faelnon looks at his minor wounds.

Faelnon shrugs and mumbles to himself, 'That can wait 'til later.'

Isondil looks around blankly and says 'what happened were are those creatures?'

Faelnon asks Shandor, 'Where is the Gifts manuscript?'

Faelnon says, 'When the Evil was forced from Shandor, the forms of Evil must have fled, too.'

[Narrator] Shandor rubs his head, 'I think he put them in the library, it is upstairs somewhere.'

Ariea grins, 'I won't be doing any of that for a long time.'

Isondil nods slowly

Faelnon leaves the room and finds his way upstairs.

Faelnon begins poking through the rooms in search of a library.

Isondil walks over and picks up his axe

Tengu says, "Sometimes we make thing we never though we be doing"

Faelnon finds the library and takes a look around.

Faelnon spots a table with some scrolls and books scattered over it.

Faelnon lifts one of them up and grins, 'Yes, this is it.'

Faelnon tucks a few of the scrolls away and takes the book back downstairs.

Faelnon says to Shandor, 'Quite the thief, you could have been.'

[Narrator] Shandor shrugs, 'I was.'

Faelnon grins, 'Finally, I was wondering when you would admit that.'

Tengu coming closer to Faelnon, leaning on his staff.

Faelnon says, 'Now, let us away. I'm assuming that inn is safe to visit?'

[Narrator] Shandor nods, being helped to his feet by Ariea and Faelnon, 'I wouldn't say no to a nice meal.'

Faelnon helps Shandor to Faelnon's horse outside.

Faelnon says, 'Okay, folks, saddle up and lets go to the inn in town.'

Mihwen follow then outside

Tengu says, "When I decided to travel by foot, I never thought to become lame."

Faelnon says, 'Then perhaps you are not as wise as you claim.'

Tengu smiles, "Indeed"

Faelnon leads his horse to town.

Mihwen sights

Faelnon enters the inn and looks about, it is empty.

Mihwen shakes her head

Faelnon orders another meal and some ale.

Faelnon also orders room for the group.

Ariea helps Shandor up to his room.

Dramicus says, "This has been a long day, I am going to my room"

Faelnon nods,

Faelnon states, 'Good night.'

Tengu addresses the barkeep, "Water and bread, please."

Dramicus goes up the stairs to his room

Faelnon orders a small meal for Lestat.

[Narrator] Lestat whines.

Faelnon sighs, 'Alright, a large meal for Lestat.'

Mihwen smiles at Lestat

Tengu slowly consumes his 'meal'.

Faelnon strokes Lestat's fur.

Faelnon yawns loudly while eating his meal.

Tengu says, "Too many events that day, I'll have to be in solitude for a while"

Mihwen eats her meal in silence

Isondil walks up to his room

[Narrator] The barkeep looks at the wounded and tired group, and Shandor that had been dragged upstairs, 'Exciting day?'

Faelnon shrugs, 'Not any more than most.'

Tengu grabs his staff and bag and leaves to his room saying, "May harmony not leave you"

Isondil returns and sits down

[Narrator] The barkeep mumbles while cleaning a tankard, 'Now I know why I choose to be a barkeep and not an adventurer.'

Isondil smiles at the barkeep

Faelnon chuckles softly.

Tengu enters his room, looks around for awhile, then places his staff in the corner and gets candles and tinderbox from his bag.

Tengu places and lights the candles in a form of semicircle before him.

[Narrator] The barkeep sniffs the air, smelling scented candles, 'Ey now! No fires other than that one there in here.'

[Narrator] The barkeep states, 'Put 'em out, or you go out.'

Tengu sits down, puts his palms on his knees and peers into the void, then shudders at the voice of the barkeep and says, "One who owns the roof sets the rules under it", and puts out the candles.

Mihwen excuses herself and walks up to her room

Faelnon crosses to his room.

Isondil bids his goodnight's to the group and heads upstairs

Tengu closes his eyes

Faelnon falls into a quick slumber.