The dragon examines the tome for a moment.  "This was not part of my father's trove. "

"Then how could it have possibly gotten back there with the rest of the loot.. er, artifacts".

"That is a story for another time.  We should adjourn to some place safe enough to do the ritual.  Somewhere...my master will not lightly send his minions for fear of the loss. " Delunar looks anxious, even fearful.

The green dragon rears up on its hind legs, looking almost humanoid in it's stance.  "The Withered Heath!  What does Mellor have that can stand claw to claw with dragons?"

Delunaur almost says something but decides against it.  Instead, she taps her chin thoughtfully, considering, then shrugs.  "That is a hard argument to refute.  Most of the dragons are free of my master's will.  The death of Smaug ensured that. "

"Sure wish there was a way to tell the two that left we're going there. On account of the child and all"

Xarini steps forward.  "Perhaps...perhaps I can be of help there."  She looks up at the sky where Gwaelind's prison once rose.  "When we were fighting troglodytes, I was there.  I could help.  Make a difference."  She looks over at Klale, then down at the ground in sadness.  "When we walked through the trials, I survived with the rest of you, largely due to your ability to keep me alive."

She looks up at Ryland, tears in her eyes.  Her lips tremble and she wraps her arms around herself as if terrified.  "When I was in that tower and the legends of old sought to destroy us, you strode out to face death with humor, without fear.  There is, within each of you, power beyond my comprehension.  That thing would have killed me in a single breath had I not stayed with Gwaelind and Delunar.  You, you fought it and won.  I-" Her eyes grow wide and she stares down at the ground, shaking her head.  "I still can't imagine it, the reality of it, and I saw it happen!"

Tears pour down her cheeks.  "Even at the end, I was in the tower as it was destroyed, as the remains began to fall, and I knew then that my time had come.  I saw into the face of my own d-death and was so s-scared I could not even s-scream.  Were it not-t for D-delunaur, I would have b-been no more than collateral d-damage, unworthy of even a footnote in the recording of this b-battle hand down and told throughout the ages."

She takes a deep breath, halting her sobbing speech.  When she continues, she looks at Toben.  "I cannot go with you.  Not for lack of desire to do what is right, but because I am not one of you.  I cannot stand at the side of legends and hope to survive in this onslaught.  You speak of the most ancient of evils as if he is an obstacle to overcome on your way to wherever you are going on a journey.  His name alone, to those who understand, drives normal men insane with fear.  I will deliver your message to Mairen.  I will tell her that her son lives and that he will be found and returned to her by those who are able to climb the sky, to reach into the heavens and draw down the stars, and to storm the gates of Utumno and slap the Great Adversary on the cheek like a misbehaving cur.  He will be returned to her on the backs of dragons, the very dragons who rather than devouring her child, took him to safety at the behest of her."  She nods at Delunar.

Klale considers Xarini. I asked you to strike when the time was right. Had the ti;me been right, I deem you would have struck—Smith. You may count me brave...maybe so...if you cont bravery as feeling that, since dying could be a moment away, one might as well do what one can in that moment.

Toben smiles back at Xarini. "Don't discount yourself, Xarini. We all have our part to play as even a messenger can turn the tide of battle. So even though you choose to return, the message you carry holds great value." He walks over and gives her a hug. "Give my regards to Phin and the others if you see them, and be sure to give the Duke a thorough report."

Ryland smiles as Xarini. "What you didn't see back there was the change of under garments when I dropped my old man spell. Jokes aside though, there's no shame what you're doing. I think I speak for everyone when I say no one looks down on this decision. And Toben is right. The message and information you carry back with you holds astounding weight. You're doing us a large favor with this. And with any luck, that assassin that escorted Mairen to safety might even be able to rejoin us. That's another huge service you do us. Every move in life has meaning, even when you don't think so".

Xarini smiles at Toben and Ryland.  "Thank you for your kind words.  I'll make sure Mairen gets the message and Ourn as well."

She turns to Delunar and after a moment of hesitation takes her hand.  "I believe in you, Delunar.  I pray that you find your freedom."  Delunar looks down in a bit of wonder at her hands in Xarini's, then she looks up and smiles and bows her head graciously.

Xarini then turns to Klale.  She offers him no words.  She pulls him down a bit and stands on her toes to give him a kiss on the cheek.  Her hand lingers on his armored chest for a moment, then she steps back to face everyone again.

"It has been a wonder adventuring with you.  I look forward to the time when you return home.  We can sit around the fire and listen to your tales.  Please, come home safe."  She chuckles one last time and is gone, headed down the hill to where the horses were left almost two days ago.

Klale takes Xarinit's chin in hand and looks her in the eyes. He releases her and says As you think best. He watcher her leave until she is lost to sight.

Toben looks back over to Gwaelind and Delunaur. "If we evacuate to the Withered Heath, won't your presence here be missed? It might generate cause for alarm or suspicion."

He looks back to the book still lying on the ground. "Also, I would be remiss if I didn't inform you about the book, and the curse that appears to be on it. I picked up on an aura, something very powerful and evil, upon that book. Likely not fatal to one such as yourself, but would certainly knock you down a peg or two for a long while. It didn't affect myself or Torak when we opened it. It may only target those of a higher calling."

"Might i suggest we find a place less high up and precarious where we can decide on our next move. I know I have some questions for Delunaur "

"Perhaps we can help with that?"  As Kairo'uonar speaks, there is a flap of wings and Shock appears out of the twilight sky to land next to him.

The blue dragon dips her head toward Gwaelind and Delunar.  "It is hypothesized that the two of you can manage on your own.  Kairo and I can carry the rest."

The two maiar nod, but Saris steps forward.  "I hafta gi' ya some more bad news.  Too much has transpired.  Xar an' I need t' report back to Moria.  We 'ave a better grasp o' what's goin' on in th' world, now, and 'is majesty needs t' know.  Wi' th' dragons and the maiar, it should be th' perfect time t' leave ya for a while.  We'll see t'any horses if you will be aback th' dragons."

A sadness fall over Toben's face with Saris' announcement. "I'm sorry to see you both leave, but I understand. It's been a long journey so far, and you need to keep your people informed as well. It's been an honor ... " His voice trails off.

Toben walks over, gives Saris a long hug and Xar a firm handshake. "Travel safely. I'm sure it won't be too long before we see each other again."

Ryland nods to them. "It has been an honor, to say the least".

Ano stands and makes his way over to the two dwarves and gives them a fond smile "I will be sad to see you go but i understand the urgency of your errand.  Thank you for standing with us." With a brief break in his normal demeanor Ano gives Saris a hug.

Klale goes over to Xar and inclines his head. It's been a honor. Go with my gratitude.

He turns to Saris and goes to one knee. Lady.... He pauses, groping for words. May the world become worthy for ones such as you. He stands and blinks several times before turning away. He says gruffly Whatever is to be done next, we'd best be about it.

Toben looks over to Klale and nods. "Yes, we should probably go. With all the commotion we've caused, I'm sure it'll draw unwanted attention here."

He walks over and scoops up the ritual book from the ground. "Anything else we should know before taking off?" He gives Shock a sly look given how much she withheld from their last meeting.

"Yes.  The dragons are free now, but that does not mean they are all good souls like Kairo and I.  They aren't necessarily bad, but they are powerful and they know it.  You would do well to remember that."

Kario'uonar lowers his belly to the ground like a cat.  "I am not as powerful as Shock - yet - so I should probably carry the lighter members of your company.  We can talk more later, but we should get going now."

Toben looks at himself, and then the others as he sizes himself up. Likely being the smaller and least armored, he steps over to Kairo. "I'll ride with you."