On the Edge of the Breathing Swamp

[Inriiaynrae Jaelre]

Inrii got back up on feet when she heard the female's taunt. Lothir's outburst did surprise her bit. She expected Eilistraee's followers to be perfect. One reason she didnt think she could be taken in. It showed that he might not have been to different than her in some ways.
"Siblings? I totally understand. I have the worst sister in the world. She'd say the same of me of course. Cant count the number of times she's threatened to turn me into something. Should you need to rant, go ahead." getting a bit more serious, "But where did she go? and is she working with the guy we're looking for?"
Inrii saw the others join, relieved it wasnt the enemies backup. She opened the pocket to let Zarstra out. Nuta stops next to them. Inrii look to Lothir, then spoke, "I think we're good. not much of a fight tho." then speaking to the group, "she ran off too soon. But we still need to find that spellcaster before anymore trouble comes. If any of yall have a magical way to restore spells, that would help us find him quicker." Inrii then notices the lady surrounded by others, guessing she's important.

[Bhaern Quel]

Perth takes an evening snack of what was placed in the lake, before resting for the morning feed.

Derek, studies the indications from the Island, bad enough his minions died with no success another appears to be seeking the same land. Considers expending all his power to getting that female, perhaps Zarae could be tasked with that. Female versus female always made an interesting display.

[Zarae Zyne Kilanatlar]

))is perth like Nessie? a leviathan or something?((

Zarae sat in the globe hopeless. When Derek got more ticked then intrigued, she knew it didnt bode well for her. Her past punishments from her mother and sister flashed before her eyes, driving her into more hopelessness.

((what is it bout a 'cat' fight men like...lol. i'll never understand))

[Aylstra Illianniis]

He sighs, taking one last glance around. Having been spotted by so many unknown enemies, Morg is likely long gone, though perhaps not too far, he believes. Knowing her as he does, she will probably wait until he is alone, or scout the opposition before taking them out one by one, or in some massive surprise attack.

"No, I doubt Morganna is with whoever led that first attack. That's not her style. It must be coincidence the attacks came so close together. This is a personal matter- and I should probably leave to avoid endangering anyone. It's me she really wants, but she won't hesitate to kill anyone who gets in her way. I still don't understand why she would cross two worlds to find me, or how she even knew I was still alive. But she's like a bad copper that way- always shows up when least wanted. She probably only left because she realized there were too many spellcasters to deal with. But she won't have gone far. Just be glad she didn't stay to fight, or there would be little left of this forest. I would not put it past my sister to burn down this entire area with a few fireballs, just to be sure I was dead. She's insane, you see."

[Inriiaynrae Jaelre]

"You think I should just let u head off? you are nuts then? We all got someone after us. My family's not giving up too easy. and here i thought we had a good team going." Inrii said with a sarcastic wry. "and if she takes off so easy, she's gotta be scared of you and your allies. House Jaelre wouldnt gave up that easy. But if chose to go, you miss all this fun and I get to knock down this guy," she tried to joke. "these folk here in this swamp night need you." she said at last, not a real attempt at guilt.

[Bhaern Quel]

The males do surround all of the ladies, except Jenia - which frowns at the fallen tree. All are considered important and that includes the guests.

Nuta speaks, "I am glad you are unharmed. As for the attackers it might be best if we return to our camp. There is strength in numbers. Of course it is up to you to decode, we do not require that you stay. I understand the rivvil (human) did promises you both a bed and you might need to rest."

Eilae steps forward out her concentration. "They I can not detect right now, however they still might be near. Spare spells and recharging is possible to some extent, however rest often the best cure. Also remember that as you used magic, so did they. They also need to recharge. Return to the camp I advise, but indeed travel on if you wish. We can provide you with three days rations and as much fire wood" glancing to the fallen tree "that you wish to take with you."

[Aylstra Illianniis]

He considers Inrii's words for a moment, then finally gives in, though he feels dread gnawing at his gut. "No, she wasn't afraid. That much I know. Morg has powerful allies of her own, most notably a certain red wyrm, though I somehow doubt she brought him along. But I would not be surprised if she found similar allies here- she is a worshiper of Tiamat, after all, and it would be just like her to bring in help from the Chromatic Queen's children if she thought it prudent."

He nods when Nuta and Eilae bring up the subject of rest and supplies. "you're right, of course. It's just- I don't want anyone getting hurt on my account. Believe me, I know what she's capable of- which is to say, almost anything. If we must stay and rest, it would be wise to post double guards, and do not let anyone out of sight of the rest. She's good at slipping in unseen, and even better at magical disguises. And poisons. She was our father's personal assassin, after all. So best not to let one's guard down even for a moment. Even if she needs rest, Morganna is fully accustomed to the surface, and knows tricks that would make a Calimport cut-throat envious."

The others fully warned- as much as they can be- he sighs, and goes back to sit near the fire again, though his light mood of earlier has been utterly broken. He stares into the fire for a time, pondering the mystery of how she could have followed him, and why. The last he had seen of her, she had plunged a ceremonial spider-blade into his chest, and he had quite literally died choking on his own blood. If not for the fortunate wish made by his friend Vala, he would have remained that way. But he had watched Vala roast her to a blackened corpse while he lay slowly drowning in blood, though her body had inexplicably vanished afterward- no doubt due to some contingency magic. That was more than a year ago. <Why here?> he wonders. <Why now?>

[Inriiaynrae Jaelre]

Inrii listened, unsure what to say. 'Comfort' wasnt her strong suit. She could understand being hunted. She didnt doubt someone was looking for her, she just didnt know who and when they would show up.
"so how does a drow end up worshipping a dragon deity? Or is she part dragon? and if she is, I reckon I'll pull out the secret weapon if needed." she winked and followed everyone back twords the fire at camp. "Let me know when your ready to start the search for this guy out there," she said more seriously.
Humor prolly wanst the best tactic right now.
Inrii decided to give Lothir space. She sat down in the far corner of the camp in the shadows to rest and attempt to meditate. Zarstra climbed down and walked over by the fire, near Lothir. Somehow she understood thing Inrii couldnt.

[Bhaern Quel]

(( You posters are making it hard for me, so many ways to talk and events to react to - but mostly you are involved with each other. That said of course will work with what you gave me. ))

Nuta smiles, "It is good you were unharmed" Glances to the trees. "Jenia might remove all of them soon if your foe returns" She smiles as she lead the way back to the camp.

The three Drow males maintain a flanking position of all of those returning to the camp. Jordon though remained behind with Jenia for now.

As Micha settles into the camp, offers formal introduction of herself and the others by name and adds "Jenia and Jordon will be joining us later, your beds are prepared for when you wish to rest. Though this eve I think few will rest easy. We do have our wards and even Perth to help should it come to it. This place should be considered safe."

Chub "A watch will be maintained, we after all do not need to sleep like some others" A glace sent in Eilae's direction, though if some are quick to note drawing eyes from Siew, Smust, and Nuta in what might be less then approval of the comment.

__________________

Jordon talks with Jenis to get her out of her battle rage.

Derek searches (with magic) for where that female caster is. A rash foe maybe, there again his plan did not go well either. She seeking the death of some of the Island clearly could be used to his advantage. Take out two of the the Priestesses and his minions could take out the rest. Mutters to self, will need to get a few more orcs and kobolds for the next attack. Considers maybe something for though swamp trolls do not fare well when near the camp.

The first best move might be to make a deal with Mot? , the sensor not always clear on sound, however it appeared well know to that one male.

[Inriiaynrae Jaelre]

Inrii couldnt mediate. too much on her mind. so she decided to join the others again.
They provided food and shelter and she appreciated it but she was still uneasy around the others. They avoided her also it seamed. Maybe it was for the best of all the people involved. Even if Lothir assured her they didnt wont prisoners, but she could be to sure of it.
'who should she speak to?'
Micha spoke up first so after she was done Inrii walked over to her, still cautious.
"So have yall any idea who might be wanting to attack you?"

[Aylstra Illianniis]

He looks up as Inrii comes over to talk. <At least that's something good,> he thinks for a moment. "No, she's not part dragon, thank the gods. She's bad enough as is. But she respects only one thing- power. And dragons being some of the most powerful beings alive- well, she has more respect and reverence for them than anyone else, so..." He shrugs.

After a few minutes, he gets up, letting out a deep breath, and glances around at the others. He starts to pace uneasily, then finally shakes his head. Worrying won't do any good, he knows, but he can't shake the ominous feeling that death is coming for him- again. And this time, there won't be a kind-hearted friend to pull him back.....

---------------------------------

Morganna sits in her perch high above the camp, at a safe distance to observe the camp. There is another out in the trees somewhere, as she has already scried him. A possible ally? She muses, taking a moment to chew a few pieces of rothe jerky while she watches the insipid do-gooders and her pathetic younger brother. How he escaped death, she hasn't a clue, but she is sure she can fix that, given enough time and planning. Perhaps he had a contingency of his own? Or some item of magic that... Enough guessing, she snarls to herself. If he is too well protected to attack directly, perhaps a small diversion is in order. She sends her scrying view back to the unknown male in the woods, and a plan begins to form....

[Bhaern Quel]

Inrii. Micha smiles to you as you come near her with a welcoming smile. Trust is always hard to build. She nods in answer to your question. "Xas we know a little, come sit I we will tell you what we do know." After sitting, her voice starts to take a sing song quality. "The wizard's name is Derek and here is his plan.
Why we do not know, he wants this land.

From time to time he seeks to kill,
however he has not broke our will.

Of the swamp he claims supreme,
As the orcs and kobolds so deem.

They serve his will at his call,
to meet our blade so then fall."

"We learned some of this from Jenia, an experiment we rescued in one of her counter attacks. You may not know this but most half orcs are the result of male orcs raping human females. Jenis though is a result of Derek capturing a human male and he was used to father as many children as possible among the orc females. We estimates he has about 50 children before he died. In general the children are trained in battle rage first ten trained to become spies among other races. Of course armed with the explanation that they were the result of rape and have no love of orcs. Jenia rebelled and was to be killed for not being a loyal orc when our attack was made. Since then she has chosen t stay with us, other then battle rage, which at times causes problems, she has been loyal and respective of Lady Silverhair." She sighs softly. "Of the other children, I fear we have been forced to kill in combat. As for the new one, it appears your companion knows more about her, though of course we will seek to learn more."

Lothir as you start to wander about the camp, Club joins you to walk at your side. "You did say no one should walk alone, besides you are more of my kind, then Jenia, Jordon of that Lady. I am sure you must feel the same"

Eilae, feeling something starts to weave a spell.
"So you watching as you may do,
be it thy eye make you a fool."

A mist rises from the swamp and the lake, between the fire and the wanning moonlight shadows, or are they shadows, bring to view an increased size of number at or near the camp fire.

__________

Jordon walks with Jenis back toward the camp, they holing hands.

_________

Derek catching the the sense of detection decides to wait before countering. He issues orders to the orc chief, let her watch for now he knows where she is. "Your warriors failed and this I can not permit. I give you one more time to put together a plan that will work. Fail me again and I will give you to the dark Ladies myself. Get those Lizard dogs in order as well, to fight a battle you need to kill something, not just produce food for the lake monster."

Notices with his one watching eye that human is at it again, how can such a puny creature do so much?

[Inriiaynrae Jaelre]

Inrii listened to Micha. Did everyone do poetry and song? wouldnt that get annoying?
"Derek? what could he want with a swamp? Or is their something more to it than 'just a swamp'?"
Inrii looked around the camp watching everyone. she could sense something not right, again. She cast her true seeing spell and looked around.
"well, the new female may join with this wizard. 'enemy of my enemy' kinda thing. As soon as Lothir's ready and whoever is going, were finding him. I gotta score to settle with him now!"
She spotted Zarstra near the fire, resting.
"So who's in charge? I would like to speak to the priestess about an ally of mine."

[Bhaern Quel]

The fog occurring she reaches to dress in a light gown, because of the recent events none of the three had time to dress, Micha is paused in answer by the action.

"Derek wanting the swamp, might be more he wants this island as a base of power. It is a good site to build a tower. As to the value of the swamp, there are many herbs, useful for spell casting and the well" sighs softly "At times too well watered lands here. You ask to speak to our leader, that is Eilae among the females, I rank third should the other two move on I lead. Of the males perhaps Siew or Jordon as leaders of our protectors. I do think Jordon better suited, however our race have those that wish only Drow as leaders. Something i have heard that he Dark Maiden's bother claims."

[Inriiaynrae Jaelre]

Inrii sorta chuckles nonchalantly to hide the bit of uneasyness,
"Should you build this as a base, what would you control, mosquitos? Are their even towns close enough? anyway, who can scry or do locater kinda spells. she was injured and seperated. I know she follows the Dark Maiden and I just wanna be sure that she's ok."