Silent Slough

[Lianaila of the Wood]

Seeing the orc farmer and a female orc warrior, lifting Elron away from the dolmen covered in runes, Daleah instinctively steps forward to assess the situation.

Be careful, those runes might be dangerous.

She places herself between the dolmen and her teammates, ready to intervene if the runes activate or if there's any threat.

Good job acting quickly, Slog and Bludgeon! Is everyone alright?

Daleah prepares herself to defend the group against any lingering magic or summoned threats from the dolmen. She again asks,

Are you unharmed? Were you able to learn from the spell, Elron?

She observes Elron's physical behavior and looks over him to make sure he is not injured.

[Bhaern Quel]

Elron shakes off the feeling of the dolmen and also the orc hands.

Slog I am alright, though there is magic in those runes. I do not think I should take the rubbings..

Looking as Daleah takes up a guarding position speaks to her

Lady Daleh I do not think there is danger in the entrance itself. The only time there was effect is when I used magic to read on it. It said to me.

"Step beyond this stone. Gaze into time out of mind. The reflection is not of the moments that flow, but stillness. If you survive, you may return to the footpath from where you came."

A puzzle, warning and threat all combined in one. Let us go and tell the others, however this should not change our mission

Turns to return to the camp.

Lielanni, Tarvis answers you , then then turns as you comment on the other and turns to look.

I am glad to help you and it is good that they all are almost done
turns and looks
Something that concerned the orcs and the lady. We will know soon they are coming.. I do not see any foes.

[Drathiranon]

Slog glad Friend ok.

The orc man looks to Bludgeon, then to his teammates.

We go now, tell Leader Tarvis. He know what to do.

The two orcs each stay at Elron's side, glaring at the paladin, awaiting her to move aside.

Llelanni watches her teammates, the situation looking much like some kind of standoff. She fills the last tray, piled high with fritters and taking one for herself, sets the tray aside. She looks again to Tarvis.

Sir Tarvis, I think the only foes around here are the differences of opinion.

She says this with a chuckle, her ruby red eyes seem to be hiding laughter within her discerning gaze.

[Lianaila of the Wood]

When the bard, Elron, shares the inscribed warning, her brow furrows as she listens carefully, her hand instinctively resting on the hilt of her sword. Her hazel eyes of green and gold narrow in a mixture of concern and resolve. The message seems like a warning and also an explanation. She stands firm, speaking in a steady, commanding tone of voice.

Well now, this here inscription confirms what I feared. This portal ain’t just an entrance, no sir. It’s a dangerous test of will and understandin’. Might’ve been a sanctuary for the ancient orc empire, or maybe, just maybe it’s a trap left behind for them that might go a plunderin’ the last of its treasures.

Daleah steps closer to the dolmen, her gaze fixed on the ancient runes that once reflected their ominous glow on her armor.

Now, if what you're sayin' is true, then those who step inside are caught in an endless cycle, unable to move forward or back in time. We gotta be mighty careful. It might carry the risk of losin' track of how much time's really gone by, or gettin' caught up in its timeless spell.

Her expression softens slightly as she considers her companions.

Well now, y’all, we got ourselves a duty to figure out what’s really goin’ on in this here city, but we best be watchin’ our tails, too, ‘cause that trap’s somethin’ fierce. That dolmen they pass through? It'll mess with folks’ heads, time’ll feel like it’s stretchin’ out forever, or maybe just a little while, but in truth, not much of nothin’ really changes. We ain’t got no business rushin’ in all wild-like. Nah, we need us a solid plan b, maybe find a way to break or sideline that effect, or at least be ready for whatever’s a comin’.

She then looks again to the orcs who stand glaringly awaiting her response. Her voice is firm but caring.

I reckon yer right. I betcha Sir Tarvis’s got some answers, 'cause he’s been here and done that afore. I'd say he’s even already felt some of these runes’ effects. We gotta stay on our toes, ‘cause the biggest danger ain’t the trap itself. It’s us, y’know, our own want to uncover some of them secrets without knowin’ what it’s gonna cost us.

Dleah steps aside to allow her teamates to pass and follows lockstep behind them.

[Bhaern Quel]

Elron leads the party back to Tarvis and Lielanni replying o Slog and Daleah

Yes the Leader will need to know what I learn and what Lady Daleah believes about this place. Though he and the fairy went in and came out, though about the same time. They were not trapped

Considers other meanings that might apply to the tune as they join the camp.

At the camp reports to Tarvis, adding Lady Daleah has a theory of it being a trap of no return..
Lady Lielanni I did not get the rubbings of the runes, though they seemed to change under magic to be understood the message I received.[/b]

Tarvis looks at the group. the stand off was not explained.

Lady Daleah was the danger that cause concern between you and Lady Bludgeon and Master Slog?

In any event we all might as well eat these that Lady Lielanni coked for you.

[Drathiranon]

The orcan farmer impatiently speaks up first, quickly blurting out his words, explaining the difference of opinion in the near altercation between the orcs and the paladin.

We had to hurry, get Friend Elron safe for sure. We know already Leader Tarvis ok after going to city and back home.

Slogs green nostrils flare, his red eyes turn to Daleah.

Do all paladin talk too much?

Slog then looks to the plate of hot pastries and grabs a few, giving some to Bludgeon.
The orc woman pulls her fritter in half and also gives an answer to Tarvis.

Paladin say might be trap or magic protection for Rozdruzza. What say you, Leader?

Bludgeon stuffs half a fritter in her mouth and licks the sticky cooked apple syrup from her thumb.

Llelanni smiles widely, passing a knowing look to Tarvis, confident in her assessment of the actions of her teammates.
She then looks to Elron.

It seemed like you were under some kind of hypnosis just before the runes turned black. At least you are OK, that's the most important thing. Ill try to get rubbings on our way inside, if possible.

The dark elf wraps a couple of fritters in parchment for Elron and some for Tarvis, handing them each a bundle.

Sir Tarvis, do you think it possible we could get stuck on the other side?

She looks to Daleah.

If the runes are some kind of protective measure wouldn't Sir Tarvis and Mouxsie not been able to escape last time?

[Lianaila of the Wood]

She wrinkles her nose, looking to the orc man.

Sir Slog, I ain't tryin' to put a burr under your saddle. We can't afford to have our heads up in the clouds and our feet stuck in the mud. This situation can only get more intense if we don't carefully heed the sign posts along the way.

Daleah shudders, her shoulders straighten up as if she were trying to shake off her emotions.

We could get stuck in a time loop or even alter a past reality. To be honest, it makes me about as wary as a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs.

[Bhaern Quel]

Tarvis listens to all of them before he replies. Does not see any way to settle Slog and Daleah differences so does not talk about that, he also notices Lielanni smiles at her guess being correct.

Yes it is a trap in some ways and might keep us. When Mouxsie and I were in last time, the city did try to keep us in there in death. We were only attacked when we started to come out. Also time had shifted so that it appeared that we left before we entered. The time had shifted so much that when returned to the store evreyone thought we had not left the hamlet.
Lady Daleah you are correct to be concerned about the risks we can become lost in the city. My last visit I can near death Mouxsie and Puca both with me lost. It would be safer to stay out, however it will not solve the danger that comes from this city, some one has to end it. I still plan to do it.

Elron adds

That must have been a time loop, I did not feel the stunning, it must of occurred while I was reading the runes. So the risks indeed are there. However I agree that we should press ahead to try to remove this. The Dark Maiden can not want this in her lands and might even aid us if we get trapped. As for taking rubbings, it might be easy if you do not try to read them. It would be interesting to see if the rubbings have the same effect.

Eats his fritter as he waits to see what the others respond to Tarvis' comments and his.

[Drathiranon]

Slog stuffs the rest of his fritter into the side of his cheek as he listens intently to Tarvis.

So, we no leave, we not get trapped. Maybe...we find some things. Slog ready, trap or not.

With a grunt of agreement, Bludgeon, still also listening, looks around at the sky to take note of the time of day. She fastens her belt then grabs up her sack from the ground.

We go soon. Puca will go away. Might as well find out what inside.

Llelanni wraps the remaining fritters up to hand them to Daleah. She responds to Elron.

No, the Dark Maiden could not possibly want this in her lands. I also believe she might aid us if we get trapped.

The orcs look to one another in agreement about the Dark Maiden. They collect their gear near the campfire and turn to wait for further instructions. Slog raises his bushy black eyebrows.

Ready when you are Leader Tarvis!

[Lianaila of the Wood]

Daleah shares a winning smile. Her hazel eyes reflect logical sound judgement, appearing grounded like the green and gold colors of the earth, as they lock onto Tarvis.

I really do appreciate your understanding, Sir Tarvis, and I agree with you as stayin' out might keep us safe, but if the danger's as deep-rooted as you say, then we can't just turn a blind eye. If'n I might be so bold to say, sittin’ on our hands and waitin’ for trouble to come knockin’ might not be the best course of action. Sometimes, you gotta get your boots dirty and face the music head-on, even if it means dancin’ with Lloth herself. A good man’s gotta step into the fire at times if he’s to see justice done. Ain't no guarantee we’ll come back or even survive but if there’s a way to end this curse, I reckon it’s worth the risk. We’re bound by duty to see this through, come what may.

Daleah nobs to the bard.

I reckon you got a point there too, Sir Elron. Turnin’ tail and runnin’ ain’t exactly the kind of legacy we wanna leave behind. We gotta saddle up and face the storm, even when it’s lookin’ like a wolf in sheep’s clothing. If there’s a way to put an end to this mess, then by Eilistraee, we best roll up our sleeves and get to it. We’re also bound by honor and I reckon the Dark Maiden's got a stake in this as well, whether we see it or not.

Daleah kindly accepts the wrapped fritters from the dark elf woman.

Y’see, Llelanni, when the chips are down and the cow’s out of the barn, we gotta be the kind of folks who stand tall even when the wind’s a howlin’ louder than a pack of wolves. So, I’m sayin’ we saddle up, tighten our belts, and give it a shot 'cause if we don’t, we might just be leavin’ a mess for the next poor soul to clean up.

Daleah grabs her pack, pulling her arms through the straps as she faces the group. Her concentration then anchors on the orc pair.

Partners, we might not always see eye to eye but for the sake of our teammates we gotta stick together like glue. Now I willing to make that dog hunt. How bout y'all?

The afternoon sun bathes her strawberry blond hair in its warm light as Daleah extends a hand in friendship.

[Bhaern Quel]

Tarvis finishes eating, stands with staff in hand.

Everyone we will go, Lielanni and Daleah will be rear guard, you will take the rubbings, while to rest of us start up to the the next gate. We will move slowly so not to get to far away. We will search along the trail up for anything of interest or danger, Slog and Bludgean will take the right side, Elron and I will take the left side.

Any questions?

Elron

What tune should I play?

Smiles as he puts his flute away. No playing music well searching for danger, only music of his voice can be played now.

A bold adventure and risk we take. For treasure unsure and and a purpose pure..

[Ssin'urn Streea]

As you gaze into the entrance of the ancient dolmen, a winding path unfurls before you, meandering steadily toward a distant second gateway. It feels like a grand, solemn ancient procession through time. The land beneath your feet is parched and cracked, hardened like dried clay, while the trees ahead in the forest still desperately cling to a delicate, thinning coat of ice on their branches. The narrow footpath, along with the standing stones which graces the grand procession, is dusted with an unusual blend of spring green moss and white freshly fallen snow, lending an eerie feel to the location.

A sudden chill sweeps through the frigid air biting, like winter’s breath and tugging at the adventurers' clothing. As the group presses onward through the labyrinth of stones, an uncanny sensation arises. They feel the presence of unseen eyes watching, like shadows lurking just beyond perception. Though these presences may not yet manifest as direct threats, a subtle warning lingers. These beings are not flesh and blood enemies. They drift like mist, shadows, or ghostly apparitions. These creatures seem born from the metaphysical or otherworldly realms beyond the mortal coil.

[Drathiranon]

Tarvis finishes eating, stands with staff in hand.

Everyone we will go, Lielanni and Daleah will be rear guard, you will take the rubbings, while to rest of us start up to the the next gate. We will move slowly so not to get to far away. We will search along the trail up for anything of interest or danger, Slog and Bludgean will take the right side, Elron and I will take the left side.

Any questions?

Elron

What tune should I play?

Smiles as he puts his flute away. No playing music well searching for danger, only music of his voice can be played now.

A bold adventure and risk we take. For treasure unsure and and a purpose pure..

Slog like music but not now.

Bludgeon takes up her pitchfork in one hand and burlap sack over her opposite shoulder.
Slog follows her lead, carrying his own burlap sack over one shoulder and a long handled pike in the other, over his opposite shoulder.
The two orcs take their place at Tarvis right hand side. Slog stays more in front of Bludgeon, his red eyes sweep along the pathside keeping mindful of any changes or movements.

Is cave far, Leader Tarvis?

The dark elf woman rises up to put out the campfire and slips on her backpack. She looks to Tarvis and Elron.

This is so exciting, I cant wait to see the city!

As she and Daleah bring up the rear, they approach the Eye of the Needle. Llelanni removes the parchment and charcoal from her waist belt. Her ruby eyes sparkle with interest as she attempts to cover the glyphs with parchment and proceed to rub the charcoal over the indentations to make the impressions. While on the inside of the lintel, busy at her work, Llelanni speaks with the paladin.

Daleah, do you sense that strangeness around us too? Can you determine what kind of presence we are dealing with?

[Lianaila of the Wood]

Daleah follows the dark elf's lead and takes a deep breath as she steps inside the portal. Almost dumbfounded at Llelanni's question, she immediately loses the breath she took. Looking around the dolmen and surrounding area, she reluctantly responds to her teammate.

Well now, I do declare, it ain’t exactly no walk in the park. Y’see, I pick up clues from my senses just like anybody else. The feelin’ I’m gettin’ here ain’t buzzin’ with no mighty infernal or divine signature. Now, my faith’s got my back, and it’s tellin’ me these here folks are probably just neutral, at least for the time bein’. Figurin’ out for certain’d take a good long spell and some extra magic, I reckon.

Daleah observes the surroundings as Llelanni creates the symbol rubbings.

You about got 'em? We gotta catch up with the others right quick.

[Bhaern Quel]

Tarvis keeping eye on the left, a few times pokes his staff along the side of the path testing the ground or stones for firmness or surprises.
Answers Slog's question.

It is not far. After this next gateway we found a courtyard and at the other side was the entrance to the tunnel system. If we do not find anything to slow us we should be there soon. Maybe an hour or less.

Looks at the tracer he wears to see if the last two are coming up the path yet.

We will of course wait for the last two to catch up with us. They will not take too long, I am sure.


Elron also looking at the left side is following Tarvis, humming some of the time some pieces of song. He replies to Slog comment about music.

Friend Slog, for this time what music I might use would be only to carry some magic I know to hep us one way or another. The music to just entertain I save for for safer times. This place is designed to put people ill of ease. A stage I think of illusion maybe.