In reply to Althaea Sylvaranth (msg # 155):

"Merely that the weak-minded people of Vertigo would never survive it," Thorn quoted. Hardly surprising, that.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:09, Fri 17 July 2020.

We need more information. I cannot go to my people for aid with just that to go on. How should we go about obtaining this, an expedition or by some other means? I believe I would be capable of obtaining an audience with the drow leaders and come out of it alive. It would be folly on them to harm me when I come as an emissary of sorts.

In reply to Althaea Sylvaranth (msg # 157):

Thorn blinked once in confusion. Althaea was a fearsome and sensible female, but she did not know the Drow. "You could gain an audience. And survive. Probably. But you would never be permitted to return to your people." She paused thoughtfully. "Unless they were baiting a trap."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:19, Fri 17 July 2020.

Then the drow would have another war from a different front. They would not be allowed to kill the heir to the throne of the Feywild and walk away unscathed. My Mother would bring retaliation on the drow in force.

In reply to Althaea Sylvaranth (msg # 159):

"Or perhaps sacrificing you would give them enough power to defeat your mother." Thorn rolled the last word on her tongue as if unaccustomed to it. "Particularly in the Underdark. But they needn't kill you. You'd make a useful hostage and a pretty slave."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:55, Fri 17 July 2020.

I pondered Thorns words for a moment before answering, The hostage idea is more likely, but even so they would have a hard time keeping me in a cell for long. They would have to keep me in a sleep to prevent me from escaping and I cannot succumb to sleep through magic, which you know. Hypotheticals aside, what is our plan going forward?

"Thorn, you seem to know much about the Drow and the Underdark. Do you know anything about entrances or the  tunnel layout in this area?" I add quietly trying to redirect this conversation to a more immediate concern. "Any idea where this fourth Drow may be headed?"
This message was last edited by the player at 14:17, Fri 17 July 2020.

They could. And would. She wasn't sure if Althaea was overestimating her own abilities, underestimating the Drow or both. But Thorn knew her clumsy words were insufficient to make the proud royal understand. So she answered Giltris instead. "No, but I may be able to track the final Quad member. With the passage sealed, it was impossible to tell."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:16, Fri 17 July 2020.

Althaea knew there was little chance of convincing Thorn otherwise without showing her, but that could wait until we had a plan in mind.

Well, if we are going to track the drow, we need a plan. He has had several hours to gain a lead on us.

The elves talked about the events and what was next, seeming to lean towards chasing down the fourth drow in the Underdark. Sand had no idea what that was and tried for a while to figure it out in what the others were saying. Althaea did admit being the heiress of the Feywild, another place he had never heard about. Finally, his patience thin, he raised his voice, tired of not understanding.

Sand sorry to interrupt. Sand not  stupid but feels stupid now. Sand not know what Underdark and Feywild are. Are they other villages like Vertigo? If Sand go to other place, Sand needs rest first, lost all magic.

If he could blush, he probably would be right now, once again his limited life experience showing in front of his erstwhile companions.

"That is understandable Sand, those are very dangerous places that many do not know about. I myself know very little." I say making sure to give him a gentle smile as I make eye contact. "You are right, I do not feel we are in a good position to make any plans and this can wait until morning. Sand, if you will help me put this man to rest." I say standing up cradling the dead Drow in my arms and walking towards the exit.

Sand glad to help.

Following the paladin back to the improvised graveyard, Sand used his earth magic again to move the soil and excavated the just buried drow corpses, the two of them working silently together to line up the cadavers. Using magic as much as possible, they finally had the oven ready, but has Sand was getting ready to load them up, the half elf stopped him. Sand cocked his head to the side, curious, and was about to ask why but saw the seriousness on the face of his friend and wisely kept his mouth shut.

As Sand and I finish laying the three bodies into the makeshift crematorium, the bodies having been stripped to only their basic clothes, I get out of the trench and stand at the edge with my head bowed. I begin to say a small service, first in Undercommon and then again in Elvish for Sand's benefits, praising them for their martial skills and dedication but lamenting the choices that led them to this end. I wish I could have helped them. By the end, tears are trickling down my face and blue streaks are threaded throughout my hair.

"May you rest in peace, until it is your time to try again." I conclude the service and cast the torch into the base of the oven to light the fire. I stay their looking into the flames as the three bodies are consumed until only embers remain. Turning to Sand I give him a small smile, "Lets go back inside."

Giltris did some sort of speech in a language the construct didn’t know then seemingly translated it in elvish, which he surprisingly understood. Something about making better choices next time. Sand stayed silent during the service, and has the fire started to burn the bodies, Sand noticed the tears flowing on the gentle face, as her hair mysteriously changed color from blond to blue. Gently, he asked.

Giltris has great pain? Dark skins tried to hurt Giltris, Althaea and Thorn. Why would friend feel great pain for dark skins? Sand wishes to understand.

I take a moment to think before I answer Sand's question. I wish Bodmoli were here, he was always better at this. "I believe that nearly all creatures are created in a state of innocence and throughout their lives forces push them away from that state. What makes intelligent creatures different than creatures like the long leg animals you traveled with is our ability to reason. We can do more then just react to those forces; we can decide HOW we react. We can choose to do good even in a terrible situation."

"I know something of the society that shaped those men and it is dark and evil. It revels in chaos and destruction and those forces shaped their lives from their earliest days. So I can understand why they made the choices they did; why they tried to hurt us. What pains me is that I can see what they could have been had circumstance been different. And it pains me that despite my efforts, I could not help them off the destructive path they were on. They are dead, in small part, because I failed them."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:34, Fri 17 July 2020.

As they were slowly walking back to Vertigo, the paladin explained why she had wept for the murderous drows. Sand listened and did not know how to react. It was obvious that it meant a lot to the half-elf, and he tried to process it during the short walk, but it was too much for the time they had. So he simply said:

Thank you. Sand has a lot to think about.

Sand and I walk the remaining distance back to the cavern entrance in silence. I hope that helped him understand. I get the sense that he finds it frustrating to speak with us, that he cannot convey everything he thinks or feels. And I am sure he feels. He and his companions are marvelous creatures and I hope I can help them find their place in this world.

The commotion in the main cavern has died down in the two hours since we left to dispose of the bodies but there are still a few people moving around, two of them armed with simple swords. These must be some of the local guards that Thorin called up; I hope they are up to the task. I do not see either Althaea or Thorn, maybe they went back to the inn? I catch Sand’s attention and indicate the cave entrance with my left hand. He nods and we make our way back to the Better Times Inn.

There are less people inside now and I can see Althaea sitting at a table in the back with Thorn skulking in a nearby corner, seeking to hide in the shifting shadows cast by the fire. They must have made an impression because the other patrons are deliberately staying back leaving them in an isolated pocket of space. We make our way over to the table and I sit down with a groan and try to stretch my back. Such a long day.

As soon as Sand and I settle down, Althaea sits up straighter and shakes out her long auburn hair. "Now that we are altogether, we have much to discuss. The threat of the fourth Drow is looming on our minds; however, there are other factors to consider.” Her voice is strong and confident but low enough not to be overheard by anyone not at the table and she makes sure to meet each of our eyes. “All of us are here by the grace of Thorin and should we wish to keep his grace, we must consider his opinion. Prior to the attack we had been discussing an expedition outside the walls of Vertigo, traveling to a keep rumored to have belonged to Sebastian pre-cleansing for weapons. I feel we need to gather as much information as we can on the keep and determine which course of action is the most pressing.”

Turning her full attention on me she continues, “Giltris, I believe you would be the best fit to talk to Sebastian. He and I do not seem to see eye-to-eye and every time we speak I have a tendency to lose my temper. While you are talking with Sebastian, I will talk to Thorin and determine which option he feels he needs us to complete first. We can compare the information gained from Thorin and Sebastian about the keep we may be traveling to.”

I nod, “Very well, I can do that in the morning. I feel there is little to be gained by speaking with him this evening.” I am pleased to see she is aware of this failing in herself. Knowing there is a problem is a necessary step in correcting it.

“Sand, you and I will speak to Alicia again about the amulet that was taken from her. We need to know what it does, if she knows, and where exactly it came from. If she came here from the Underdark, perhaps she can help us traverse it should that be our bearing. Thorn, you may join us if you wish.”

"Sand will help. Needs to say Sand sorry for causing great pain. Short hair… What is name for people like Thorin? Sand never learned, Alicia’s friends never told Sand."

“Thorin’s people are called Dwarves.” I tell Sand with a smile.

Althaea turns her attention to Thorn. “Either way we need to learn as much as we can about the tunnel the Drow used to escape. You seem to know the most about them, after we have rested you will assist me in exploring the tunnel. Also, you will draw up a watch schedule to ensure that we are warned should they return.”

Thorn nods. “I’ll cast an audible Alarm. We’ll need to replenish our spells, so Sand and Giltris should take the first watch.”

Althaea sweeps her eyes across the table, the firelight flashing in her hazel eyes. “This issue with the Drow seems to be time sensitive should that be our course. Let's meet back here once we have spoken with Thorin and Sebastian and plan further from there. Are there any questions or suggestions we must consider before departing?"

"Sand thinks Sand can bring earth and block tunnel if Thorin prefers this to defend Vertigo. Sand glad to help. Sand will do what is needed to defend order.

That is good to know. It helps to know what his priorities are.

I shake my head and ready myself for my watch shift. It is interesting; judging by her bearing and confidence Althaea is used to being in charge but from our earlier conversation it is not a part of her personality that she is proud of. I know her attitude and condescending tone can be upsetting but it seems a learned behaviour; one she might grow out of if given the chance to develop her own style.

Only a couple of more hours and then I can get out of this armour and rest. I have to make sure I find the time to speak with both Thorin and Thorn in private tomorrow when I am not so tired. There are things I need to know.

Corsica, can you please lead our new friends to their beds please?  I apologize we don't have more permanent beds for you all, but I promise we will do our best to make it a priority, as soon as we can. Thorin says.

Sure thing bossman.  Follow me!  Let's hit the waterfall, as I'm sure you'd like a quick washing up before hitting the hay.

After washing up quickly at the waterfall, Corsica leads those who are not on watch down the hallway into a little niche in the wall, that is just deep enough to fit 6 people, head to toe, with 3 sets of bunk beds, and not much room in between, allowing only 1 person at a time to squeeze in.  A rough burlap curtain has been fastened on the wall to cover the niche, though a meager attempt at privacy, it was all they had.  Sand looked at the size of the niche and though to himself, should he lay down in the bed, his feet would be sticking pushing the curtain out into the hallway.

There were a couple of shelves, which were just pieces of wood pushed into crevices made in the stone and dirt, and Scamp found purchase on one of those to relax, if that was at all possible for him.

The beds looked quite comfortable.  They had a layer of hay as the base, to give it a little height, followed by a thick cushion of feathers wrapped in a soft, smooth material.

After getting settled, Sand, Althaea, and Thorn quickly fall to sleep after the exhausting day.

Andraste and Clacker get comfortable in the storage room, with barrels pushed up against the wall to make a makeshift defense, in front of the now warped wood tunnel.  The 1st watch goes through without a hitch and Andraste wakes up Sand for his watch.

Sand and Clacker take up the second watch, and during their time, Sand uses his mold earth cantrip, playing around with it's different uses, but the watch goes by in complete silence.  Once Sand's watch is over, he wakes up Althaea and Thorn for their watch.

Thorn sits on the floor, legs crossed, sharpening her chakrams, while Althaea tuned her instruments before exploring the tunnel.

Suddenly, the alarm goes off, a bell clinging over and over again.  At first glance, no movement can be seen...then, skittering from in-between the 2 barrels pushed up against the wall, comes a tiny spider, which was about the size of a mouth of a tankard.  It tentatively scurries towards Thorn, creeps up onto her leg, then nuzzles itself in her pant leggings, seemingly now at peace.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:45, Sun 19 July 2020.

Sand came and woke Thorn and me for our watch. At the mouth of the tunnel, we did our last-minute preparations. Thorn sharpened her chakrams whilst I tuned my instruments. I did not want my spells to fail because the melody was slightly off-key. We were just finishing these tasks when the alarm spell Thorn had set went off. At first, I was unable to see anything, wondering if someone had cast invisibility on themselves when a spider scurried between the two barrels and came over to Thorn and nestled in her pant leg. Curious. It is normally the drow who are fond of spiders.

Speaking in a soft, but blatantly curious tone, I pose my question. I did not wish to offend Thorn by my query, I was merely curious as to how she obtained her knowledge of the drow. Now, my dear Thorn, I do have a question. Spiders are typically creatures used by drow and you seem to have much knowledge of them. Have you spent time with the drow? Or were you perhaps raised among them?
This message was last edited by the player at 14:07, Sun 19 July 2020.

"A spider." Thorn immediately called out to Sand and Giltris. What - if anything - that meant she wasn't at all certain, but she saw nothing suggesting they needed to prepare for combat. Yet.

Then Althaea spoke. Questions should be answered instantly, completely and truthfully. This training was so deeply ingrained, Thorn struggled to recall that circumstances no longer compelled her to do so. Still, as a poor liar, she chose to answer with a degree of honesty.

"It could be a spy - a familiar or infused with tracking magic," she replied meekly. "Can you determine that?"
This message was last edited by the player at 18:16, Sun 19 July 2020.

I noted Thorn had not directly answered my questions, but I would worry about them later. Once the matter of the spider had been settled. I would allow her to address them in her own time when she perhaps felt more comfortable opening herself up to me. She seemed the most reasonable of my companions thus far and I did not want to strain the already thin bonds we had formed.

Give me but a moment and I will tell you what you wish to know.

I played a precise melody on my pan flute, one meant to determine the identity of an object or spells affecting a creature. I touched the spider and released the spell.

After just a moment, I had my findings. It was an ordinary spider. Even more interesting.

This spider is unaffected by magic. What is drawing it to you is a mystery, unless there is something you wish to tell me.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:15, Sun 19 July 2020.

In reply to Althaea Sylvaranth (msg # 176):

There wasn't.

Thorn nodded once in appreciation of Althaea's abilities. "Good. Since she's awakened everyone, shall we investigate the passage now?"

Standing from my crouched position by the spider, I nod to Thorn.

No better time than the present. Let us see what there is to discover here.

Since the construct’s builders had not bothered with providing their machines with eyelids, and that the beds were too small for his frame, Sand just sat on the floor beside the alcove, turning into a statue of wood and metal during his rest with his eyes glowing a little less than usual. He reviewed his spells to determine which one he though he we need the following day and prepared them in his mind, totally immobile. This task done, he started thinking about how to bring soil in the cavern inn, to block that entrance to the underdark.

Suddenly the alarm spell sounded and Sand stood up in a flash, weapon and shield in hand, before Thorn called a false alarm. Sand still sent Scamp to the storage room and using his link to see through the familiar’s eyes, saw that everything seemed OK. He then sat down and continued his deep thoughts, a few solutions in his head.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:14, Sun 19 July 2020.

After letting Thorin you know you were ready, he closes his eyes and raises his hands, centering them together in front of him and pulling them apart, fingers slightly crooked.  The wood peels back, curling against the sides of the tunnel entrance.

Good luck in there.  Please be careful.

Before entering, you crouch down to get a better look at the tracks and can see the one pair of boot prints leading away from the storage room, have deeper depressions, as if the person was running.  Scanning the tunnel ahead, you don't see any immediate threats.

You walk for about 150 feet, the tunnel sloping slightly down and to the left, the stone and packed dirt walls roughly and hastily excavated.

All of a sudden, Clacker aggressively clacks his mandibles at something he's found ahead.

Laying on the floor about 30 feet in front of you, lies the amulet, face down on the dirt floor.  Almost immediately however, Clacker steps in front of the amulet, facing you, and guarding it, not wanting to let you pass.