Arek and Yesil cautiously look out into the courtyard to see the source of the distubance, while Felicia and Adia-Ny go to the grate.  With them is enough timber to lodge the grate open do that even the drunk could get through.  Obligingly Elmo  makes ready to lift with the help of Ronalt.

[Private to Arek Blackiron; Yesil: The is no sign of a confrontation within the courtyard. A fight can however be heard, the general direction being back up the track towards Hommlet.]

"Get the timber ready. Ready to lift Elmo? On three. One, two and lift."
Ronalt strains and drags the porticullis upward a second time in only minutes with Elmo's help.

Ronalt and Elmo between them manage to get the grate high enough it can be wedged, allowing room for even the Arek to wriggle underneath.  The others quickly get the wood in place, reuniting the halfling with the party memebrs in the passageway.  The sounds from ahead have long since died down.

[Private to Arek Blackiron; Yesil: as opposed to the sounds of battle from outside which can still be heard. Though you can hear shouts and yells, the word are indistinct.]

"What's down there?"Felicia asks the halfling.  She looks in the direction that the noise originated from.

"Dunno, but now you lot can follow me for back up, we can check it out." The halfling throws a grin at Felicia.

"I don't know if that's a good idea or not,"the mage replied, glancing upwards with some trepidation.  "It sounded like a battle going on."

Having retreived his staff, Adia-Ny glances back the way they had come.  "Shouldn't we wait for the others?"

"Better go find out what's happening out there Yesil."
Arek was obviously refering to the battle that was apparently raging outside the ruined walls.
"I'll watch your back."

"Baddle? Where?" said Elmo looking a bit worried.

[Private to Arek Blackiron; Yesil: I've created a new thread for you to post until the other join you or visa versa,  It's called "above ground" imaginatively enough...]

Ronalt whispers, "How far does this passage go for Vestan? DO you have any idea where the mage has gone?"

"I heard a battle in the courtyard outside Elmo,"Felicia hissed at him quiety.

"Shud we naw go en help em?" Elmo says far louder than the others had been talking. There is still no sound in the passageway other than the partys discussions.

"The gate isn't going anywhere now we have it opened. Lets see if they are friends or foes." Ronalt heads back up the ladder/rope quietly.

Elmo follows Ronalt up the stairs.  When they reach the top they too can hear the sound of battle from outside.  There is no immediate sign of the plainswoman or the dwarf.

Adia-Ny, Vestan and Felicia remain below.

Ronalt as quietly as possible moves towards the sounds of battle using what cover he can, not wishing to reveal his presence to those in battle, yet.

Elmo follows Ronalt to the doors leading to the couryard.

[Private to Ronalt de Gault: Outside you can see Yesil and Arek together.  The noise of battle is beyond the courtyard but not far.

Can you please post now on the "above ground" thread which you should now be able to see.]

Adia-Ny remains with the mage and the halfling as ordered.

"I hope it's alright,"Felicia breathes, watching the warriors sally forth as they stand in the light of the lantern.

Time passes slowly below ground as the three companions await events.

"What did you find when you were exploring Vestan?"Felicia enquires, looking at the halfling.

Suddenly the sound of feet rapidly approaching down the stairs behind you can be heard. As they near the voice of Yesil is heard saying "Come quick...There is a battle."

OOC: once you post your actions here I will add you into the other thread (or not if you so choose)

Vestan had spent the time kicking his heels. He looks up at the lasses' question. "I didn't find owt, but then I didn't exactly get far," he says. Then gives a little grin as he hears the voice from upsatirs. "Shall we go and see what the pickings are up there then?"

  "They may need our help!"Felicia urges, dashing in the direction of the battle, grateful for the slits in her robes, allowing her to run.

"Indeed, they may."  Without another word, he charges up the stairs.

Vestan moves up the stairs at a more seate pace, hand on the hilt of his trusty sword, ready or a little more action.

OOC: game continues in the "above ground" thread
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:10, Wed 19 Apr 2006.