The Vale of Shadow (Part 4)

[veraka]

The aasimar and winter wolf followed Zek out of the city to wherever he led them. Veraka secretly hoped that there was a fight in the near future, for the berserker was stirring within him, but he was starting to welcome it's presence.

Aurora gave her friend a wary look, then proceeded to pad up next to the ranger, saying [i:n3zt6ed9]so, now where are you heading?[/i:n3zt6ed9]

[Zekafae]

Zek looked to Aurora and offered a smile" East, we're going to find them, find their stronghold and assault it. Personally I see no good in anyone of them that's there. So He may see differently, my intentions are to end this one form or another."

[veraka]

[i:3c3dl281]Oh I don't think that Veraka is caring about sparing lives at this point; it's his rage that I'm worried about; he seems almost. . . . excited to use it again. I'm not at all worried about his ability to end this, it's what may come about of it that has me worried.[/i:3c3dl281]

[Zekafae]

Nodding silently to this thinking for a long moment [i:1zx005bh] Hopefully he has a tight grip on it. In some ways I'd hope he gets knocked out so he can gain his senses again. [/i:1zx005bh]

[veraka]

The wolf nodded to the ranger's assessment; [i:15m9kbxl]a smack to the head might do him some good, but I get the feeling he's saving it for the enemy, wherever they may be.[/i:15m9kbxl]

The aasimar trotted along behind Zek and Aurora, silently contemplating these past few events, as the group made their way eastward.

[Zekafae]

Nodding slightly he mused" With a tree might work..." he muttered to aurora with a grin as his arms folded over his chest.

[veraka]

Veraka caught wind of Zek's comment and said "Now what are you two scheming to do, huh?" He chuckled as Aurora looked back at him with dead-pan look.

[i:2kviu0wn]I take it back; maybe a smack from an annoyed dragon might do the trick, then into the tree that you suggested.[/i:2kviu0wn]

[Zekafae]

without missing a beat [i:1upz7o7a] Ancient collossal... the works.. into the tree, through the forest, into the moutain and through the range head first, and finally through a hoop being moved along by a little girl with a stick... a stick[/i:1upz7o7a]

[Inriiaynrae Jaelre]

((ok im home for a couple days rest then head for the next week. so i got till saturday i can post, assuming nothing comes up of course...))

[going with that yall will exit the city soon and be nearing the foothills]
the general area indicated by the Baelorn was not to far surprisingly, but the terrain was a different story. the way was basically an incline increasing further in degree as they neared the foothills of the mountain range that separated the dessert from the lush green lands. the companions still had a good distance to go since the best paths meant winding around and thru the mountain passes and up the steep sides as well as figuring out where to go in the vast area.

the mountains themself are quite safe, if one is invisible. If not, there are bandits that attack often and cause problems for the weak. of course there are other dangers to worry bout also, including those who inhabitied the mountains (giants, goblinoids- especially orc tribes, and other dangerous creature) and those temperary dwelling here (the Vhaeraunite camp).

the forest valley was no ordinary spot. it contain the main group and away from the mountain hideout that the leaders of this band kept secret. numerous shelters had been constructed around the mountain springs. groups of drow, half drow, and the many of lesser races (mostly slaves or deranged) were antsy, eager with anticipation for the upcoming battles.
Aunrae made her way back to the valley from the meeting of the comanders to speak with leaders, relaying plans to them. their was a minor setback, not something the throng would be happy about. for they were on the verge of fighting amonst themselves, so eager to kill spider-kissers some were.
Nilree sat with a small group gathered around a table and a sava board. their was an aperent stalemate at the moment. his opponet reached for the cup containing the dice to toss. Nilree looked up to see Aunrae coming and muttered under his breath. this took the novice, an Unmasked by surprise and he tossed the two square ivory chucnks while looking back. Nilree with some extraordinary slight of hand readjusted the dice as the blondish novice's eyes were fixated on the coming female.
"I guess it just wasnt so," Nilree remarked to which the Unmasked turned to look with astonishment.
his thick jaw dropped slightly as Nilree captured his mother piece in a swift move.
"has she returned?" Aunrae asked.
the half dragon drow had not returned to report and it was hoped she returned to her quarters.
Nilree shook his head finding it odd the female was taking so long to do such a job. of course no word of Raven's Claw or the recent demise of it had spread or they might would have guessed what of her fate.
Aunrae snorted in agitation, the breeze whipping her own bone white silky hair around to add to it. Nilree thought for a second, furrowing his brow before gathering his earnings to follow the female back. he picked up his equipment, including an assortment of small weapons; his favorite included a chain that contained spiked metal balls on each end and a blace to grab. his katana never left his side as he learned from his days in his homecity so long ago. his shoulder length hair, tho naturally silver streaked with red, had been dyed green to give a slight metalic look. and wearing it as he did added to his already impressive and naturally intimidating self. and he carried himself as such to add to it. (im borrowing zarae's twin brother for this since he's a vhaeraunite and its ok with her.)

Alya paced the room again as she waited with still no word. her scry attempts did nothing either. and no doubt the three were heading this way. at least they would have a hard time finding the sorceress and by the Masked Lord's will they would be on the march anyway.
her co-leader too was anxious and not happy about the lack of even a report. things were not going so smoothly. did they send another? of course a few spies among the small bands of thieves who managed to escape the drow were vigilant and watching, ready to report.


----
http://www.curiosity-shoppe.com/sd/cgi- ... esertmouth
found this if if helps yall with visualization or ideas. im not too familier, tho looking up info. but im just going with something really.

[veraka]

Aurora looked at him dumbfounded; [i:10d04u19]is that all you're thinking of?[/i:10d04u19]

[Zekafae]

He just shook his head slowly [i:2yfvix1l] No, aside from getting Inrii back away from them I have other thoughts. Mostly on my own family.. whether they still live, or how I could find traces.. a lot of loose ends and mysteries of the family... And then thoughts to the future. Right now if it wasn't for the Baelorn wanting Ayla back alive, I'd kill anything that stops me from getting our companions back. Why the feelings are there I don't know... they're foreign to me still actually..[/i:2yfvix1l]

[Inriiaynrae Jaelre]

((aw, someone's thinking bout inrii?))

he sat in the perch, his chestnut locks hiding his rugged face well. Azule (i think thats the color) eyes peered down the barely noticable trail. his clothing was of brown and green leathers much like the rangers of the forest. a black cloak wrapped around his waist to keep it out of the way. the half elf had been prewarned to look for dangerous group of outlaws. his bow was placed across his lap and an arrow notched and ready.
below and in another spot stood a dwarf. one of a couple from the clan who use to dwell here. he sat leaning against a large stone, his silver mail blending well with the dismil stones. a large battleaxe was strapped on his back. but he held his dwarven bow, (throwing hammer or ax) as he called it, in easy access. a thick stubby hand played with his reddish orange beard while his other lifted the horned helm from his balding head. he was old compared to many, nearly 2 centuries. and joining up with the groups as tunnel guide and warrior saved him from extinction.
"thar' not stupid nuff to ruff this thar path?"
the half elf shushed the dwarf as he thought he detected a small group in the distance.
"i am hoping for some kinda action. at least a challange. besides, if the outlaws are as bad as they say..." he pasued in mid sentance brining a hand up for silance. the wind shifted slightly, but the experienced ranger caught seant of them.
another motion of his dextrous hands indicated the direction of them and their basic whereabouts.
"bah," the dwarf grumbled and jumped to his feet. he wasnt one for sutleties or finesse.
atop the boulder he could barely make them out compared to the keen eyes of his partner.
"lets greet them and see," the dwarf gruffed already making his way twords them meanwhile handling the small hammer.
the thin whisp of a man shook his head and followed quietly and secretly along the rocks and boulders.
--
Inrii sensed a change around her, suttle yet her sensitivity to magic made it more obvious. and her natural drow resistance to magic protected her from whatever it was.
the male had left her on the floor this time. and she sat up from the ground to look around. she saw or heard nothing, but that didnt mean they werent there. the magical dispeller kept her from any spells so the gag had been removed, a small relief.
when nothing happened she signed and rested her chin apon her bare knees wrapping her arms around herself.
She wondered what her companions were doing now.

Zarstra circled the cage again, agitation clear. they were keeping her well cared for despite the lack of freedom or access to Inrii's spells. her violet eyes tho had lost some of its luster and her scales had become more dull than the usual emerald/teal of before. finally Zarstra settled and curled up into a ball and closed her eyes.

"I need half the gathered to begin marching out under you Nilree. the second half will join from another direction under you Aunrae to meet from the other side catching them in the midst of us. a small group will stay behind joining later with the lizard mounts," he spoked.
they had gathered in a small tatical room. maps of the area, including the underdark hung on the wall. above the door hung a smaller version of the beaten bronze mask. Alya was leaning on the table looking over their stratagy and thinking of every possible ending. of course her divination, tho vague, implied victory for them.
"any questions?" he asked.
when none were forth coming, they preformed the sign and the two departed.

[veraka]

((Alright Zek I'm gonna assume that by this time the three are outta the city and in the mountains, or wherever they are))
The winter wolf padded along next to Zek, keeping his pace; [i:1du3p4d9]wait a second. Friendship is foreign to you, or how you feel about getting Inrii back?"[/i:1du3p4d9]

From behind the two, Veraka kept watch out for any potential trouble.

[Zekafae]

As they walked he looked to Aurora for a moment a rather cold look that could freeze a desert over." The latter of the two. I know of the first well enough to appreciate it, the latter is foreign, having been so long." He walked ahead removing the bow from it's place and notched an arrow. His patience for humans and thieves as a whole was quickly dimishing which meant that he'd hold no quarters about letting the past skills and feats resurface to the astounding level." I don't use my full strengths, no challenge, but this one time... I think I'll go full fury. Let the gods sort the mess out." He muttered in the drow tongue(too lazy to use translator right now lol)

[Inriiaynrae Jaelre]

((i always assumed to talk in drow unless otherwise said and only use it rarely. mainly b/c it can be a pain in the but to use at times.))

[assuming yall are nearing the trail. any chance yall got the horse?]

the foothills were no trouble for the companions, and no one took interest in them as they walked the Shadow gap trail. the path wound around a clear pond of fresh water. the sun was low in the west and a rainbow of colors painted the sky as it darkened. soon the full moon was peaking above the trees and calling out to any dancers to dance beneath its light. a soft snow began to fall. the pond was inviting with many trees and places of natural shelter. further ahead was a tiny cave enterance.

the dwarf paused, still a good distance from the group and waited to see what they were about. he wasnt hidden very well, but he was confident in his dwarven crafted armor to stop and ranged attacks and his resistance to magic to halt most spells. the dwarf leaned against a tree to look up, grumbling about the snow. he hated the late shift and the night, but if these folks were gunna provide some entertainment, then he's be happy for the night.
his partner contimued in the shadows, his bow ready and prepared. the moonlight worked against him but the ranger was still excellent at hiding in plain sight (level 10 ranger ability).

(yall still like a mile or two away)

the portal opened up and the first (regiment?) entered lead by Nilree. the camp now seamed very empty compared to before. and Aunrae's group waited their time, each on the edge of madness. a bit of time passed when the snow hit and dusk appeared.

(oh and yall aint gotta wait up for me, if you were)