<font color=white>Candle Team: Middle of desert-lands, traveling North to Tavern with the Candle. Currently at rest at 12am.

Necklace Team: Currently being hosted by Liam in his woodland home. 12am is the time. Some are already going to bed and some are not yet ready for rest.

Shadow Mage: You'd like to know, wouldn't you! Ha!

Nanashi: New NPC introduced. Cute girl with bad temper. Currently hunting.

Reaper: Off somewhere Reaping. </font>

<font color="goldenrod">Liam</font>

Liam thought for a moment while looking at the door to his bedroom, then gave Larry an appologetic look.

<font color="goldenrod">"Unforrtunately, the bed is alrready taken, but if KayLisa does not mind, then you may sleep in the comforrtable arrmchairr you will find in that rroom."</font> He extends a finger in the bedroom's direction. <font color="goldenrod">"I will sleep elsewherre, so it is only you and KayLisa that will need a place to rrest. Although, I think she has found one alrready,"</font> he adds, looking out at the druid sprawled across Arcades' back.

<font color="goldenrod">"Have a good rrest. If therre is anything you need, just ask."</font> After bowing politely to Larry and watching the man walk into the bedroom, Liam turned and walked gracefully and silently towards Arcades and KayLisa. Watching them for a moment, he too looked up at the sky and surveyed the broad expanse of stars and the almost full moon.

The tall man was silent for a moment before saying huskily <font color="goldenrod">"Beautiful, is it not? Everry time I see this, it feels like the firrst. It makes everrything worrth while, somehow."</font> He looked at KayLisa with his feral golden eyes. They seemed to have an inner glow to them, almost like cat eyes. <font color="goldenrod">"May I speak with you, prrivately?"</font> he asked her politely.

After the two of them had reached the edge of the trees, Liam turned towards KayLisa. <font color="goldenrod">"I know you have alrready guessed about my trrue naturre,"</font> he said to her, touching long fingers to the top of his shirt, where she knew a familiar necklace lay hidden just out of sight. <font color="goldenrod">"And I would just like to say that you arre rright. I do not wish forr the otherrs to know, not yet. I'm surre that some of them have made guesses, but I do not feel it is the rright time to rreveal it to them quite yet. The element of surrprrise can be helpful when involved in dangerrous quests, such as Larrry's."</font>

He paused for a moment, collecting his thoughts. <font color="goldenrod">"I must warrn you, in the next few nights I may begin behaving... strrangely."</font> He cast a concerned eye up at the night sky. <font color="goldenrod">"The moon does not affect me as it would a werrewolf, but it is still strrong. If I should disappearr forr a while, do not worrry. I want you to know, so you may come up with an excuse forr the otherrs if they become currious. I am not asking you to lie forr me, howeverr,"</font> he added quickly, peering into her face anxiously.

Liam waved an arm airily. <font color="goldenrod">"I must tell you, the rreason why Neomea said "Kitty." She is the motherr of the cat that I sent to watch overr RRhi... the otherr one. I have not hearrd any news, which does not necessarrily worrry me, but I thought you should know."</font> He bowed his head.

<font color="goldenrod">"Have a good night. I must check on what has been happening while I was away."</font> He turned and moved fluidly into the forest, disappearing silently into its depths.

Anyone who was watching would have noticed that the disgruntled tigress, Chisa, had disappeared.

ooc- it is not possible for any one to have overheard, including Arcades. Liam made sure that he was out of their hearing. [img]smile.gif[/img]

<font color="peru">Sabbiel (Sand Cat Spy ;) )</font>

Sabbiel continued to lope across the desert, occasionally pausing to observe his surroundings and test the old trail. It was a few days old, but he could tell he was getting closer.

The cat blended into the desert-scape easily, the hair in between his footpads protecting his paws from the extreme temperatures of the sand beneath him.

Sabbiel tested the scent again. Three males, a female, and... something else. He unconsciously growled deep in his throat. He didn't like the smell on the other creature, nor on some of the males. The Sand Cat rippled his shoulders in a cat-like shrug. But if He requested for him to find them, then he would. The small creature continued to make its way along the trail, getting closer to the camp some where in the distance.

<font color="darkseagreen">Lyulfe</font>

The elf quirked an eyebrow as he continued to lie motionless on his back, pretending to be asleep. After awhile Roderik stopped speaking in a language unknown to Silt, and Lyulfe listened as the two talked.

After awhile Silt settled down, and Roderik began tossing knives rhythmically into the air. Lyulfe watched the glimmer of the blades in the night and fire light, and slowly the silver gleam seemed to blend together as Lyulfe drifted off to sleep...

~dream sequence~

<font color="skyblue">"Lyulfe!"</font> The slight half-elf looked delighted for a moment before she pouted at him. <font color="skyblue">"Why did it take you so long to fall asleep? I've been waiting for ages!"</font>

Lyulfe's brow wrinkled for a moment as he frowned at his blood sister. <font color="darkseagreen">"Waiting? What are you talking about? And what are you doing in my head?"</font>

She observed him with an exasperated look. <font color="skyblue">"I can believe you don't remember. You're the one who told me about this trick! When we're apart, we can connect in our dreams. Unfortunately, you might feel a little tired when you wake up,"</font> she added with an embarrassed laugh. Lyulfe sighed and rolled his eyes, but smiled again. He was glad to see her.

<font color="skyblue">"Sooo, how're you and Rong, huh?"</font> The half-elf nudged him playfully and wiggled her eyebrows. Lyulfe could feel his ears turn red and he scowled at her.

<font color="darkseagreen">"I don't know what you're talking about. But if you must know, we're helping someone with a practically hopeless quest of regaining a lost love, and we were recently kidnapped by a flying monster but I was able to get us away."</font> He smirked. <font color="darkseagreen">"Silly creature, thought a sheer, rocky cliff and deadly drop would stop me, heh."</font>

She giggled. <font color="skyblue">"Well, sounds like I should've stuck with you. I'm just wandering a bit for now, sort of inbetween quests... but I should go now. If you use up any more energy, you might, uh... reveal things to your group that you won't want to..."</font>

Lyulfe's eyebrows shot up. <font color="darkseagreen">"What?"</font> he said incredulously.

<font color="skyblue">"Um, well, talk to you later!"</font> She waved a hand hurriedly then turned around and seemed to walk away from him into a mist. The last thing he remembers seeing is her braid, swinging back and forth behind her, before falls into a deep sleep."

~end dream sequence~

<font color="darkseagreen">"Skye..."</font> the elf mumbles quietly in his sleep.

ooc- pm Larry

<font color=white>

Quick DM add-ins.

Larry accepted the chance to take the chair and has fallen asleep easily. He will be quite difficult to wake up in the morning.

The others in the Necklace Team can continue doing whatever for the remainder of the night. I'll let you know when it is morning.

The Candle Team are on the midnight to 2am shift currently, and Roderik is the party's defender. If there is anything that Roderik and Silt need to get worked out, do so soon.

Now...

<font color=darkgoldenrod>Nanashi

Before she saw them, she smelled them. There were people nearby. She slowed down, and asked the wind to tell her more about those who were close.

The winds brought her the scents of three humans, one being female, one elf, and another that she could not discern. When she got close enough, she could see them in the distance, apparently bedded down for the night. She did not have time to waste, playing with these however, and so decided to simply bypass them by walking around the camp. She picked her way stealthily around the camp, and when she was safe enough in distance, began again her run. As she ran, she checked the moon. It told her that the next night would be a full moon. </font>

<font color=white>Candle Team

Silt, although it is not your watch, you nevertheless have sensed the tiger near the party, but she has moved on. You can draw mention of it if you choose.</font>

Vincent Pathfinder 91/98

Resting peacefully in the enveloping bed, all that can be heard is the slight whisper of Vincents breathing being droned out by the cats puuring. After a few hours, Vincent snaps awake and looks around bewildered for a few seconds before shaking his head to clear the sleepiness from it. The cat remained motionless and sleeping. Looking at where the window should be, all he saw was the normal murkiness of night time. His elven vision at times a curse but most times a blessing helped him find his belongings and he slowly reassembled himself. The house was for the most part quiet so he assumed all the others had fallen asleep, he felt bad taking Liams bed for as long as he had, butit was so nice sleeping in a real bed. With a stretch he buckled his belt and resecured his weapons, and walked to the bed room door. Opening it slowly as to not make the normal squeak, he surveyed the area in front of him, The fire in the hearth crackled, and several cats were lying about. The room was lit in gold from the fire. Larry sat in a chair resting peacfully it would seem. Walking outside he saw Arcades resting as well. All for the most part seemed well. Sitting down in a chair on the porch he reached into a pouch and pulled out an oblong piece of wood. Unsheathing his dagger he began to quietly widdle away at the wood, enjoying the moment of peace.

<font color=#AAAAA> Silt 80/80

Silt looked up, he had picked something up sub consciously, he looked around, scanning for it. There in the distance running at lightning pace was a tiger, and a fairly big one at that, although it didn't appear to be taking much notice of the his fellow companions, it looked as if it was more concerned with its path, where ever that may lead. Silt stored this information away, incase it was ever needed. But didnt utter a word of it, as he felt Roderik had been through enough this night, and he didn't want to alert his fellow companions, no, he would let them sleep on. There was no danger he decided.</font>

ooc>> thats our shift done I think, unless Roderik wants to say anything? I will stay on for the next watch if you wish, but maybe the night has dragged out enough...

<font color=green>Andrion Wilgor 47/60

Andrion turned around still in his awake state. Although he had quickly become disinterested by Roderik's and Silt's actions he had had trouble falling to sleep. He sat up and rubbed his eyes. Silt and Roderik were still awake, although Andrion had not heard them speak for some time. Andrion stood up and streched his stiff legs for a moment.

"I can't sleep. What's the time?"</font>

<font color=#AAAAA> Silt 80/80

"Its nearly 2am, do you want to join us and take a turn at watch?"

</font>

<font color=green>Andrion Wilgor 47/60

"I could do that. I can't foresee sleep coming to me soon. There wouldn't even be a need to wake Lyulfe if two of the three of us stay awake."</font>

<font color=white>Candle Team

As you wish.

Currently Roderik, Silt, and Andrion are all awake, with Rong Er and Lyulfe asleep, (you suspect).

Even the crickets have stopped their noisy scratching for the night and the desert it quiet. Occasionally, a far away how or other night creature may be heard, but there are no out of the ordinary sounds that would startle a group of travelors.

</font>

OOC>>>What will the three of you do? My suggestion is that somebody had better get some sleep, or tiredness will be your bane on the morrow! hehe...Certainly cannot fight off dragons while lazily yawning and rubbing your blood-shot eyes.

Oh...Do you have a campfire?

<font color=skyblue>She listens intently to Liam, and says nothing, only nodding as she looks up at the moon, then walks back to where Arcades lays, sitting down and leaning against him, as she toys with the moonstone ring on her index finger....</font>

<font color=#AAAAA> Silt 80/80

"I will leave you two to it I think, for I am beginning to feel my eyes. We have travelled far today, and I am sure some rest will do me good" and with that Silt upped and left, making his way to a quiet corner. He threw a log on the glowing fire as he passed, he knew how cold it got on these nights and he wanted to make sure that Roderik, above the rest felt warm, for he was unsure of what was bugging the man, but he wanted to make him as comfortable as possible.

Silt rested. </font>

<font color=green>Andrion Wilgor 47/60

Andrion silently watched Silt go to rest. He stayed silent for a few more minutes. He then turned to Roderik and whispered so that he didn't wake the others up.

"I think we need to talk. Our relationship hasn't been... well without problems. Let's just walk a bit away so that we don't disturb the others."</font>

<font color=lime>Roderik

Nodding to himself, the bard acknowledged the words of Andrion. As he stood up he caught the daggers and hid them about his person, and walked towards the edge of the firelight. He spoke, lowly at first in a low voice that nevertheless carried well to the mage, but no farther, "indeed, part of the problem I fear is our... Patrons. You have much hostility and rage inside, I have many secrets as well, and neither of us hold our tempers well.

"I have nothing against you, in truth I have great respect for your power, but I will not bow to any man, or let any stand above me. I consider our disagreement over, and finished until such time as you act against me."</font>

[ 06-22-2004, 10:12 AM: Message edited by: Morgeruat ]

<font color=white>As the two men walked away from the sleeping companions, the fire crackled with the new life it had been given by Silt's fueling. The fire was tall and warm, and the shadows it caused on the desert floor danced in their fiery mimic of the flames' movements.

However, (Don't you love when a DM says that?)...

There were no open eyes to see that the shadows of those flames suddenly stopped mimicking the movments of the flames and started dancing to their own unsung song. The shadow flames creeped along the ground and rose into the air, causing a curtain of shadow to fall around the perimeter of the campsite. To those inside the perimeter, they would have noticed only that the desert seemed pitch black, and if there were any ambient sounds to be heard, they were now seemingly further away or quieter.

To those outside the perimeter of the curtain, it would appear only that the flames of the campfire had died down and was not producing enough light to lighten the area as it once was. Snores from any sleeping members could not be heard, but maybe they just were not snoring. Nothing really seemed wrong. </font>

OOC>>>Andrion can detect the shadows and what they are doing, almost as if he were being told by a still small voice, rather than knowing it on his own. He also knows that the shadows are not there to harm anyone unless required to do so.

<font color=green>Andrion Wilgor

Suddenly at the edge of his awareness Andrion noticed what the shadows had done and realized that the time to act was here. He smiled at Roderik's words as he was already ready to act against him. Andrion swiftly swung up his staff from where he had been carrying it and brought it down hard on Roderik's head, aiming to knock the bard out.</font>

OOC: Nothing personal.

[ 06-23-2004, 09:56 AM: Message edited by: dplax ]

<font color=white>Roderik has been successfully rendered unconscious.

Andrion has the next move.</font>

<font color=green>Andrion Wilgor 47/60

Andrion watched with pleasure as Roderik fell to the ground, unconscious. He searched the bard, looking for the candle, but then remembered that he had put it in his pack. </font>(OOC: if I don't remember well, then please correct me)<font color=green> As a payback for what Roderik had done to him in the cave Andrion kicked the lying figure three times in the ribs. Then having satisfied his personal revenge he picked out some rope from his pocket and tied Roderik with it. He then tore a strip from Roderik's clothing and gagged him with it.

Andrion then dragged Roderik's body about a hundred meters away from the campfire and hid it among some bushes, then as an extra mesure of security hit him on the head with his staff again, to keep him knocked out for longer.

Andrion then walked back towards the campfire.</font>

OOC: I'll end my move here in case someone reacts.

[ 06-23-2004, 12:30 PM: Message edited by: dplax ]

<font color=white>Candle Team:

Nobody has noticed the beating nor awaken at all behind the curtain of shadow. Andrion is free to move through it, as it will not harm him. He knows this internally, though not from his own experience.

Roderik has suffered (hold on...I gotta get a bigger calculator...)

Roderik was last seen at 64/70 HP. In rolling online dice in addition to NWN toolset to count for the methods of attack and the weapons used, the knock on the nogging cost 9 hp, since it knocked him out, using a +3 staff which is 1d6, then the three kicks to the ribs were rolled up as a total of another 9 hp, if you can believe it...and then the final whap on the head cost a pretty 7 hp.

9 + 9 + 7 = 25 hp deducted
64 - 25 = 39 hp remaining

If anyone finds a flaw in my math or the way I am counting hits, please let me know. I am new at this and doing the best I can.
</font>

<font color=green>Andrion Wilgor 47/60

Andrion walked through the shadow-like flames and picked up his and Roderik's backpacks. He then walked to where the two horses were and led them to where he had hidden Roderik. Andrion tied Roderik's horse to his own and then checked to see whether the candle was in Roderik's pack.</font>

OOC: Andrion's next move depends on whether the candle is there or not.
Pm sent to Larry also.

<font color=white>Andrion finds the candle hidden within the bag.

Andrion...you are now free to do as you choose, for your enemies have been taken care of.

Roderik...You may awaken in whatever mindframe you choose as best fitting in four rounds, unless the party awakes to find you and arouse you before that time. If they do, then you can awaken earlier to their promptings.

Silt, Lyulfe, and Rong Er...You may awaken to find the morning sun warming you. </font>

<font color=green>Andrion Wilgor

Andrion took the candle and put it into one of the pockets of his robe. Then checking that Roderik was still unconscious he lifted the man up and put him up on Andrion's horse, his head hanging down on the right hand side, and the legs on the left. Andrion then put the two bags on Roderik's horse, sat on his own horse behind Roderik and started riding north, Roderik's horse coming behind his horse, tied to it. An hour passed when he stopped. Roderik was already conscious </font>(OOC: I guess I am free to suppose that)<font color=green>, but bound and gagged he could not do much. Andrion was getting tired however. The last two days he had not slept too much. He dismounted and walked a few feet away from his horse.

"My Lord! I need your help! Shorten the way for your servant, who brings you a gift!"-he cried into the dawn seemingly towards no one, but he was sure that the one to whom he shouted would hear him.</font>

OOC: pm Larry

<font color=white>For Andrion and Roderik:

As the servant spoke, his answer was forthcoming.

The sudden appearance of a smokey black circle appeared in front of Andrion. The circle was from the ground up, about 9 feet tall, and hovered there silently. </font>

OOC>>>The portal will collapse upon the passing of all targets through it. The portal is linked straight to the throne room, on the fourth floor of the Tower. </font>

<font color=green>Andrion Wilgor 47/60

Andrion smiled as the portal appeared. He grabbed the reins of his horse and walked through the portal pulling both horses and Roderik behind him. Stepping through the portal he noticed that he was in the throne room.

Andrion bowed deep and then rose up.

"I bring you two gifts my lord."

With one hand he brought out the candle from under his robe and handed it towards the mage, while with his other hand he pointed towards Roderik.</font>

<font color=lime>Rodie, the unfortunate

The ride had been most uncomfortable, and quick. With his mouth gagged his magic was all but inaccessible to him. But to all appearances he'd simply lain still, consious or not, and gone along with it. When the portal openned however he felt a spark of fear, nothing as bad as he'd gone through in previous trials, but still a shaking event. When Andrion announced himself to his "lord" the bard began chewing at the gag trying to remove it.</font>

[ 06-29-2004, 08:04 AM: Message edited by: Morgeruat ]

<font color=steelblue>The Shadow Lord

The hooded, dark form sat upon his throne, a terror to behold to common folk that had never before faced off against a dragon or a lich or other like creatures of power. One could not even tell whether or not the Mage was looking at the speaker or not, for so dark was his cowl. He however did speak to acknowledge his servant's arrival.

"Andrion...it appears that you have done better than I expected of you. Your messages said that you would be bringing the candle, but never any metion of this little human! I am quite proud of you."

The Shadow Mage looks upon the man, struggling to escape the bonds that even Andrion has not yet noticed.

"Rodie. Yes, I know you are Rodie and not Roderik. I know something of you both, but not much. Go ahead and continue struggling to get out of those bonds. It will do you no good once you are free of them anyway. There is no way out of this building. I have just now sealed all the windows and doors with shadow magic. You will be unable to breach them. And I also detect the arrow shaft about you. I was hoping you would have delivered that by now to Morgie...er...the Reaper...whatever he calls himself these days.

So tell me, how farest thou?"</font>

<font color=lime>Rodie

"Mrrph Murffle Mruff"</font>

ooc I think that says it all

<font color=green>Andrion Wilgor

Seeing that Roderik, or Rodie whichever it was could not speak because of the gag he took a step towards him and removed it.</font>

ooc- I'm baaaack [img]smile.gif[/img] Hmm, who to act out first? *taps side of mouth in contemplation* [img]smile.gif[/img]

<font color="peru">Sabbiel (Sand Cat Spy)</font>

The small cat came to a halt and tested the air again. Yes, something feline approached from the opposite direction, not far off. Following his instincts, he quickly dug himself a burrow a ways off from the path, where he knew the feline would not be able to detect him.

The sand cat's eyes were barely able to discern the spotted coat of the larger creature, and Sabbiel battled with himself as she loped by. She seemed to pull at his senses, like He did, but the sand cat was able to overcome his urge as she disappeared into the distance, in the direction he had come from.

After making sure she was gone, Sabbiel released himself from the sands and continued along the path, easily picking up the trail once again.

After awhile, the sand cat could tell he was starting to get close. The group must be traveling back, which was just as well because he was starting to feel a little fatigued. The fur along Sabbiel's spine rippled uneasily, and he resisted the urge to hiss as he felt a sort of chill pass him. The effects didn't last for long, and soon the flickering light of a campfire attracted the feline's gaze. He flicked his large ears in mild surprise that none of the creatures stood alert for his approach.

<font color="peru">Foolish creatures, two-leggers,</font> he mrowrled softly, as he dug a burrow nearby. Sabbiel made himself comfortable and watched the camp warily, contemplating his next move.

<font color="darkseagreen">Lyulfe</font>

Lyulfe slowly regained consciousness. Keeping his eyes closed for a few more moments, he could hear the fire crackling and see the flickering light behind his eyelids. Opening them, he winced at his pounding headache.

<font color="darkseagreen">"Ye gods, she wasn't kidding,"</font> he muttered to himself as he stretched his weary limbs. Blearily he wondered to himself why he had awoken. He had felt something... and heard something as well.... a scuffle, or a wild animal, or something...

The elf slowly looked around the camp with a slight frown, which deepened as he recounted the number of slumbering bodies. Cursing softly to himself in draconic, he decided which of his companions to awaken.

<font color="darkseagreen">"Silt,"</font> he called softly, touching the slumbering man lightly on the shoulder. <font color="darkseagreen">"I think we have a problem,"</font> he said grimly as the ex-thief regained consciousness.

<font color="white">Liam

He will be gone until morning, investigating his domain. There should be no problems, unless the DM states otherwise. [img]smile.gif[/img] </font>

<font color=#AAAAA> Silt 80/80

Silt woke almost instantly, feeling refreshed from his meditation like rest. "Morning Lyulfe, what seems to be the problem?" Looking up he saw nothing unusual, the campfire had burned out and everyone seemed to be sleeping.

</font>

<font color="darkseagreen">Lyulfe</font>

The elf arched an eyebrow at Silt. <font color="darkseagreen">"It seems that Andrion and Roderick have run off on horseback, and I have reason to believe that they took the candle with them."</font> He paused and frowned, remembering some of what he had overheard earlier in the night.

<font color="darkseagreen">"Did anything... unusual occur between the two, or did either of them act peculiar during the time Rong and I were gone?"</font> he asked, rubbing a pointed ear in distraction.

ooc- Sabbiel is observing the group from a distance... I'm too lazy to make a separate post saying this [img]smile.gif[/img]

[ 07-04-2004, 06:26 PM: Message edited by: Skydracgrrl ]

<font color=white>It is indeed morning. Silt and Lyulfe are left to play alone. I do not know if Rong will be able to post soon, so just ignore her for a time, and maybe I will play Rong when I decide I am able to.

As for the necklace team...</font>

<font color=aqua>Larry

Larry awoke feeling refreshed and happy. It had been a good rest, and now he was hungry. He walked out from his room to find the others. He was also hoping to get information on the whereabouts of the candle team, and see if they had successfully captured the prize they were sent to gather. Soon he thought, Mistral will be free from her prison. </font>

<font color=skyblue>She stretches, then stands, building a small fire in the clearing, and starting her tea smiling at the cats as they curl up around the fire...</font>

Arcades lifts up his head and looks at the cats still on his back, taking them one at a time and putting them near Kaylisa's fire. After a good streach, he decides it's a good time to go catch his breakfast. He turns his head to Kaylisa and smiles.

"I will return soon. I've put off feeding for long enough." He tells her before spreading his wings and flying off.

<font color=#AAAAA> Silt 80/80

"Hmmm, well they seemed to be having a few arguments, although I think it was mostly Roderik's fault, for he seemed to be the one who was starting everything, yes, he was acting very strange when you were away. Last night he seemed to be having some sort of nightmare abd was talking giberish, although he seemed very startled when he found out I had been standing over him. He assured me it was just a nightmare though, and after sitting up the next watch with him, I left the pair [Andrion and Roderik] to speak alone, for I felt it would do them a lot of good and let them, hmmm, patch over, there, differences.

This is most worrying though, maybe we should wait for a while and see if they intend to come back, maybe they just went... to find some firewood or something... and wanted to keep the candle safe." Silt said this hesitantly, with a look of disbelief on his face, not ready to accept it, but forcing himself too, as he darent think of any of the other explanations.

After another moment he decided to ask his companion's opinion. What do you think Lyulfe? Do you believe in my explanation for the pair missing, do you think I am to optomistic? What do you propose we do?"

</font>

[ 07-05-2004, 01:07 PM: Message edited by: RoSs_bg2_rox ]

<font color="darkseagreen">Lyulfe</font>

The elf's eyes were narrowed in contemplation as he stared into the flames while Silt talked. After awhile he responded in a low voice, in order to not awaken Rong and any other menacing forces that were stirring against them.

<font color="darkseagreen">"I dislike to say this, but I do believe that they do not plan on coming back. I was not asleep during Roderik's episode, and I was able to understand some of what he said..."</font> Lyulfe hesitated for a moment, then looked at Silt. <font color="darkseagreen">"I feel I can place some trust in you. After this incident, I hope you understand why I am so reluctant to trust,"</font> he gave him a wry grin.

<font color="darkseagreen">"I have the ability to understand any language, written or spoken. Yet, I was able to understand only a few words of Roderik's babbling, and not because what he was saying was incoherent. There was another force at work that was blocking my ability."</font> He frowned and looked back at the fire.

<font color="darkseagreen">There is more to Roderik, and Andrion, then we know. I do not think they will be coming back with the candle any time soon... The decision we have to make now is whether to return to Larry emptyhanded, or to go after Roderik and Andrion. Following them is obviously the more dangerous route, but at least we wouldn't return emptyhanded."</font> The elf shrugged. <font color="darkseagreen">"What do you think?"</font> he turned and looked at Silt inquisitively.