Shadowland RP Part I

Andrella: former member of RBW, once leader of the Northwind watch. Her magical sword is possessed of a spirit that permits group interdimensional travel. She does not know this, but the imprisoned wisp inside her orb must be freed!

Connor: a human ranger. Long ago he had been a member of a Ranger grove, one that had fought in the lands of Krynn. Now he led the Watch, a group that traveled different planes of existence looking to fight for right and correct the greater evils of the multiverse.

Enid: a lurikeen, a gnomish healer. Enid is sucked into the party’s dimension, thinking (correctly) that one shouldn’t drink and thaumaturgize.

Feneiona: a human raised by elves, at times in her life, a healer, a warrior, and an madwoman. She is one of the Chosen but has chosen not to capitalize upon it. Or as a matter of fact, to capitalize just about anything, not even her name. Call her fen.

(Ki)anne: Andrella’s right-hand lady, a strong defender of the watch.

Thylath Darkblade: an older elf, the high cleric of Delaron. His staff is mighty as his elementalist spells.

Ximix: a young elf. A cleric of Mystra, he is a student of mystic and divine energies. His keen assessment of these powers makes him a valuable ally.

•feneiona’s captor

•the Drake, the dragon who turns into man.

Lord British: the king of the realm, taken hostage.

Lord Blackthorne: the evil lord who kidnapped Lord British.

Gwenno & Iolo: Retired, Iolo had devoted himself to research. When Andrella contacts them through the crystal, she is convinced that she must take drastic action.

Mondain: an elder wizard, an evil overlord of the Shadowlands, the dire enemy of Andrella and Kianne and the RBW

Minax: evil overlady, Mondain’s lover. She vows to destroy Ki & Andrella yet is unaware of the darker force at her land’s threshhold.

(Gratag)malem: gargoyle overlord, loyal to Mianx & Mondain

After her last adventure, feneiona had laid down her arms, to start a new life...you know the whole house thing, cleaning and cooking, pressures to settle down with a man and all. She had a week of it and was ready to gag. Feneiona never was one to be tied down, her loyalties to the Watch were too strong. She missed them. Slowly and careful she went to the wall and picked up her old sword, already dusty. Her new house was big, too big she felt. Unsheathing the sword feneiona swung the blade around. Yes that felt right. Casting a few spells, she felt her old self coming to life.

It was time to talk to Connor once more. She stalked over to her carrier bird...A strange house warming present she thought but Connor was a strange man. On a small piece of parchment she scribbled a note saying "HELP! i am going crazy here Connor, I will be returning to the service of the Watch ASAP. Please reply with this bird where as you can I need to meet you for a talk afore i go back to the keep. Your Friend, Feneiona" Yes that would do. She attached the parchment to the birds leg and went outside into her garden. Afore she could release the bird a man came out from behind her.

‘I must be getting slow if i couldnt sense him’ were her last thoughts before she feel at his feet. "You wont be seeing your friends dear one" He muttered, "No, no, no we couldnt let you all become too strong, no no no..." He kept whispering 'no' as if he had nothing to do when he saw the bird. He tried to pounce on it but instead ripped the paper and sent the bird flying. The bird was trained on a straight course to Connor, with the one word still attached to its leg….Help!

Thylath Darkblade walked out of the Elven grove which he had called home for these past couple of weeks. Feeling alone and missing his old comarde amd friend he prayed a divination to his god, Dalathar. Seeing through the divination a sudden flash of pain and agony and then of unconsciensousness, Thylath quickly grabbed up his twin Swords and his cloak and planeshifted to Sigil. There finding the proper door he stepped onto the plane of Faerun. Summoning up the energies of his deity, he called upon his god's power and stepping into the plane, endured the travel of the portal. Upon entering the otherside, he quickly aquired a mount, no I will not go into the logistics of how one "aquires" a mount now, and teleported himself to the vicinity of his friend.

Seeing him laying there on the soft grass, Thylath quickly dismounted and asessed his Lord. Hmmm, his shirt is ripped, very intriquing, yet there is no blood, even more interesting. I will have to study this phenomenon at a later time, but for now there is no time to spare. "Come on, Connor, wake yer lazy bum up." Sensing something approaching fast, Thylath turned to see a hawk flying directly for Connor, clutched in its grasp a single word, "Help."

The man tied feneiona to the apple tree Thylath had gave her when she moved in. He hovered around her talking to himself and looking very nervous. Feneiona, disliking the bump on her noggin, slowly came to her senses. She quickly thanked God that she had not forgotten all of her training. Remaining limp, she 'felt' the area around her. It was night time and no others had arrived, for her side or his. Her assailant, muttering to himself was still there, he sounded very nervous. "The fool," she thought, "If he thought only he could take me down, well he did take me down…but that’s not the point" feneiona scornfully thought. Her sword was left in her house, about ten feet away, but she still had the dagger she constantly had up her sleeve. She felt silly for keeping it there, but without it she felt vulnerable and naked.

She opened her eyes, the muttering man rushed over and started playing with her hair. "So your awake, my darling, are you? About time, if not for your breathing I would have thought you were dead." He turned his back and walked towards the front of the house. "He IS a fool, for leaving me...what does he have planned..." with that she carefully cut her bonds and made her way to her sword. She was almost there, but the man beat her to it, stepping on her hand when she went to reach for it. "Fine, we will do this the old fashioned way." She laughed, this was going to be fun. Side swiping him off his feet, he fell to the ground where the warden proceeded to hit him on her head with a near by bowl. "Ye, weren't very tough to beat. No challenge what-so-ever. Maybe when ye wake up we will have more fun." She doubted he would wake up anytime soon as blood started to drip from his head and a goose egg began to swell.

Disappointed she sat on her couch and waited to see if anyone would come to her "rescue".

V’Kail stabbed his sword into the ground and lifted a small ripped piece of paper that had blown in the wind. He offered it to Lema, who read it aloud:

“i am going crazy here Connor, I will be returning to the service of the Watch ASAP. Please reply with this bird where as you can I need to meet you for a talk afore i go back to the keep. Your Friend, Feneiona”

LemaKara chuckled. “To be a stupid bird who could deliver not the entire note…”

“Maybe be the bird is dead.” V’Kail flipped his swords in his hands. “Just like Feneiona is be soon. To be stopped from joining the Watch. Let me to kill her, I want first the blood.”

V’Kail rushed forward, gliding at an incredible speed. He wasted no time kicking the door in! He spun his blades skillfully as he immediately moved in to attack her. He yelled, “To be a member of the Watch is to be dead!”

Minax walked quickly up the stairs, the sound of her steps echoing forever in the tall, empty tower. She walked for minutes before finally reaching Mondain’s lair. He was sleeping in his worn throne, his head drooped into his chest. Minax remembered how glorious he was when she had fallen in love with him. He was not that man anymore; instead, he was a weary old wizard who grew older everyday.

She took his hand and sat on the arm of his throne. “Mondain…”

He muttered in his sleep, “No… Kianne, don’t hurt me. Huh..” He opened his eyes, disoriented.

“It’s ok.” She whispered and rubbed his hand. “You sealed the gate. RBW cannot enter The Shadowland anymore.” She smiled her evil smile. “Kianne and the others will be left there, defenseless against us!”

Mondain shook his head. “Do not underestimate those left. Even now, Andrella can plane shift herself, and anyone alive right out of there. I cannot stop the powers of her cursed sword with a moon orb.”

“But she cannot take the shard pieces with her. So they would be all the more ready for the taking.” Minax smiled.

“True.” Mondain held his hand in protest as he choked on his coughs. He caught his breath and rasped. “But, as long her sword has life, she can return the Shadowland just the same…”

“Don’t worry. I have sent gargoyle elite to stop the rest of RBW on their own planes.” Minax grinned.

“You are brilliant…but I hope you sent the best. Most of the RBW cannot be easily defeated.”

Ximix spoke up at last . . . "The prospect of facing an imposter to a throne seems a righteous challenge, add the 'Evil Guardian' aspect and this sounds like a great opportunity indeed! I gladly place my meager skills with the Watch, mayhap I can help with this" waving his hand about, Ximix gestures as still more of the walls about them slowly fade before their eyes.

Stepping lightly about, Ximix begins to extend his senses, chanting softly, feeling the energies about him, summoning his powers and calling on his goddess, Ximix reaches into his deep pockets and withdraws two wands, one in each hand. Oblivious to the others, the robed Elf begins to weave a gleaming silver wand in his left hand even as he mirrors those movements with a strangely reddish metallic wand in his right. As he moves the star pattern upon the front of his robes begins to softly glow, the reddish mist issuing from the circle of seven stars slowly wafting about him, surrounding the priest and obscuring him even as his wands cut intricate patterns through it.

Kianne stood still, watching the display of magic without fear or anxiety, just a touch of confusion. Her hair was stirred up by the breeze produced by the spell, but she seemingly ignored it as it waved about her head and face.

"'A great opportunity'?" she echoed to Andrella and those standing near her, softly so as to not disrupt Ximix's concentration. "Surely he knows the extent of the evil we are facing...? I hope he doesn't consider this to be some sort of game..."

Ki shook her head and brushed away her cloak, which like the rest of her clothing was also flapping gently in the magic-induced breeze. Abruptly she noticed that the RBW cloak was fading like the rest of Northwind. With a sigh, she absently removed it and tucked it away into her bank box where the Guthnor statue had gone.

Though outwardly the dusky-robed Elf appeared slack, almost bored, Ximix was seething with anger inside. The fabric of magic, the very Essence of his Lady herself was being sundered in this place . . . he was torn between indignant rage against this assault and sheer terrible awe at the power required for such an unbinding of the Veil. After he had been standing motionless for some time, Ximix realized the others were unsure how to react to the arcane display . . . sadly Ximix had to admit he was unsure how to proceed as well.

"This is . . . wrong." the priest stated in a voice both matter-of-fact and sad. With his words the strange mists disapated and the symbols spun away, disolving into the air much like the buildings around them.

Turning towards the others, Ximx sat right where he was, recovering his strength . . . his voice sounded hollow as he announced "I cannot perceive anything past the chaos, the destruction that this force wreaks is massive, it is disrupting the very flow of Magic itself." Furrowing his brow in concentration Ximix spoke again, his tone now urgent "I need something magical from this realm, does anyone carry a staff or wand, something that can be recharged when it is drained of magics?"

Desperate, Andrella talked into the crystal. “Is there anybody out there who can hear me? Connor? This is Andrella, from RBW. I’m in Britannia.”

After a few minutes of silence a feint voice emanated from the crystal. “Andrella! Andrella, this is Gwenno! Can you hear me?” Gwenno was Iolo’s wife, and an old friend from the Shadowland.

Andrella looked shocked, but rather then question how this rare coincidence happened, she immediately spoke to the crystal. “Gwenno! Where are you?”

She responded, “Iolo and I are trapped in Ambrosia. The gates have been closed for a long time, we wondered if we would ever hear from Britannia again!”

“We are working on the gate problem.” Andrella answered. “Britannia has fallen under the vile rule of Blackthorn and we are doing all we can to free Lord British and Nystul. They may be the only ones with the answers we need.” She equipped her life drain katana and looked around, to make sure no prying eyes were upon them.

“Andrella!” Iolo called through the crystal. “I discovered the origins of your sword. It was once held by DeadEye Makage, a Lord of SIN. He imprisoned the essence of a wisp within its dark magic. The blade has the power to open planar gates, maybe you could use it to open a gate to Ambrosia? Try it.”

Andrella looked at her life drain katana, the blade she favored for a long time in the Shadowland. She held it high and concentrated on its powers. Her paladin abilities searched through the blade, to the core of its power. She could see it, the imprisoned wisp!

In a sudden moment, she felt a strong power surge through her and the blade shattered like glass into a million pieces. Nothing was left of the life drain katana… a dim wisp floated above her.

The wisp chimed in a harmonic language, she could not understand then quickly flew away, its light vanishing into the sky.

Andrella was in shock. She looked to Kianne and Ximix in puzzlement. “Well that’s not going to work Iolo…” Andrella told the crystal. “We’ll figure out something. Just stay safe until then.” As an aside Andrella pondered their situation. All of these multiple dimension shifts were confusing. Hadn’t Gwenno and Iolo been trapped in Dawn? She shrugged away the thought and came back to her senses.

Standing to the side, Ximix pondered the meaning of disappearing buildings, a dark power sundering the very fabric of magic and the possibility that said power was focussed on the destruction of the RBW and by extension himself; with all that, plane shifting into a reality in which Nystul was alive and not a legend from the past seemed perfectly reasonable! "Well, whatever shall we do next?" he said, half to himself and half in supplication to his Lady.

Andrella sighed deeply as she peered into the sky. Weeks passed and she felt so helpless. There must be a way to find the other members of the Watch, to ensure their safety. Kianne and Ximix stood nearby, also trying to think of a solution.

Northwind was gone, the only thing left was the memory. The remaining members of the Watch formed a splintered group and a base in the outskirts of Skara Brae and dealt with the Shadowland as best they could. But there was still a longing to be with their friends… to be with the Royal Black Watch.

In all of her years, Andrella had rarely been powerless. Losing her sword meant nothing to her, she could always find another blade, but losing her ability to plane travel was far more detrimental then she had ever imagined.

“Andrella Valence…” A soft voice resounded. Andrella looked around, wondering who said that.

“I am Reigh Si Ar… only you can hear me and you cannot see me with your eyes,” Andrella took a deep breath and listened patiently as the voice spoke to her.

“I am the spirit of the blade. I have returned to thank you. I sense the rapt feelings of you and your comrades. I know what it is like to be trapped, and if I can, I would like to return the freedom you have given me. I will make the gate you seek and you may use it at your discretion. But know this… only those close to you will be able to use the gate. Those who believe in you; for friends can never be truly isolated from each other. Thank you,” the voice trailed into silence.

Can it be!? Andrella wondered in disbelief. She had never expected this! “Thank you,” Andrella whispered and smiled. She understood Reigh completely and looked to her friends. She would explain everything to them later.

“Let’s go find our friends!” she rushed outside Shadow Keep and there, waiting nearby was a magical golden gate.

She turned and smiled to Ximix and Kianne. “Let’s go find RBW!”

Andrella was still unsure of the golden gate, unsure how it actually worked. But she knew it was a gate of friendship.

Andrella and Kianne walked through, not to be seen again. Ivan had no further need for them. But Ximix was called for further action.

The world was new, Unari of the flaming hair was close to him, he could feel the sweet jasmine of her life as he gently touched and caressed her. Then he was somewhere else, sword in hand Connor advanced on the metal knight that had just killed Unari, faster he thought, he had to move faster. Suddenly, he was somewhere else and he knew not where…

Connor awoke with a start, spinning and cracking Thylath on his jaw. "Eh UH... Sorry old friend was in a different place," with a somewhat vacant stare, Connor murmured, "a different time..."

Then the ranger stood and stretched a bit, notcing the note in Thylath's hands, "so lad did ye know that the Shadowland seems a bit closed off? Does someone need help? Who would it be nae?"

Rubbing his chin, Thylath replied with a sly grin, "Nae, I know not who needs our help, but it was this 'ere bird that carried the message. And the Shadowland is cut off? How do you mean, cut off? Let us be quick and attend to the matter of Helping the owner of the bird. Then we can head to Sigil and see what is up." With these words, Thylath retrieved his supplies from the ground were he had left em and grabbed his mount, awaiting to see if Connor knew who owned the bird that knew exactly where to find him.

Goosebumps went up and down Feneiona’s spine. "Whats happening? i havent had this feeling since i was on the mission to save Thylath..." Feneiona mused, reaching for her sword. Entering her fighting stance she circled the room, sword drawn. "I know ye are there. Show yerself, coward!"

Her uneasying feeling only grew worse and knew the bump on the noggin wouldnt be the only injury she would suffer that day. Silently she wished for her the Watch, her friends. Unfortunately someone (or something?) else broke through the door.

V’Kail twirled his blades, one in each hand. The blades were identical, both long and thin. He stared Feneiona in her eyes as he spread his large wings and grinned boldly, “If you are think you can defeat someone skilled as I, then bring your little sword out to me.” He arced his wings to shield his back as he lunged backwards, crashing though the wall and landing outside. He watched her through the dusty rubble, awaiting her attack, “Come fight now!”

LemaKara watched in the distance. She knew V’Kail had never lost a battle in his years as the Gargish Champion, but was wise enough to know that he was not invincible. Should Feneiona prove to be trouble, Lema would have to use a little bit of magic to aid V’Kail. "To be impossible for one of RBW to defeat us both." she whispered as she took cover behind a tree.

Her blood boiled - who did he think he was? What was he? Either way, she was going to face him no matter the outcome. This was what she was meant for. She walked into the dust and as it settled she was not to be found. What was this creature, where was he from, why did he want to kill her and most importantly, how could she beat him? She discarded her shield for a dagger relying on her parrying and evading for defence. From her hiding place she lunged on to his back trying to either stab the dagger into his spine or decapitate him with her sword. He turned ready for her sending her flying into the fence. Though her sword did cut his arm. He wasn’t invincible at least. "Connor, anyone, where are you?" slowly she muttered as she got up preparing for another attack.

Connor studied the birds plumage, its colors gave that its home was this land, at least as far as the ranger could tell. Knowing that most messangers know their way home he deftly removed the message pouch from the bird and then released it into the air, but with a small attachment a very small silver arrow.

From a brass compass the Ranger started running and as he did a gasous form envloped him; a dark steed formed out of the seeming air already at a run as Connor assumed the place on the steed.

"Come Thylath, I will race ye to the birds place, wherever that may be," with that the Ranger rode on to see what the help he could offer. After all this was not his place or time, yet.

LemaKara watched V’Kail and Feneiona as they dueled nearby. It was apparent to her very early, that V’Kail could not win this fight alone. Though he matched her at speed and skill, Feneiona had many tricks up her sleeve.

V’Kail was a straightforward fighter. He never employed tactics in a fight, relying solely on his incredible sword skill. His skill never failed him, though it would not save him in this fight. His twin blades missed her often, as she danced circles around him.

LemaKara mused as she envisioned electrocuting the nimble Feneiona, paralyzing her. That would be the best way to ensure victory this day. She stretched her long wings, and jumped into the air. As she hovered high, preparing to invoke her magic, she spotted others approaching fast.

It was Connor and Thylath! “V’Kail!” She yelled to him. “Coming, two more are!”

V’Kail, his eyes locked in battle, yelled back, “to tell the others of skill they have. Not to stay and die with me!”

LemaKara knew this was the end for V’Kail. He would fight until death, even though death was certain. But she would tell the others, "Never underestimate any members of the Watch…"

Noticing the beast hovering in the air and then turn and vanish into the distance, Thylath looked to where it had been observing on the ground before noticing him and Connor. Seeing Fene engaged in a battle of whits and skill with a huge demonic creature he pulled his twin blades and then muttering a word to Connor vanished from his mount to appear next to Feneiona. Both of them fell into their normal stance when fighting together, their twin blades intertwining as he took a blow upon his rapier. parring then riposting, slowly easing in to take over the battle and letting Fene catch her breath and prepare for the next bout with the creature.

Ah, just like training, Thylath and her have practiced like this many times, this wasn’t a battle to the death, no, it was just a training session, to get the no longer, very young, warden into shape. Fene was very grateful when she noticed Thylath slowly taking over the battle for her, aye this was just training with some calamities. Her hawk, Teloth, dove at the creature, distracting him for that one moment. Connor knocked his bow, closed his eyes, as usual his shot just missed Thylath but hit his target dead on. Feneiona ran up to the creature, stared deep into his eyes, "V'kail?"

"You know who I am, member of the Watch?" V'kail’s voice was raspy, he didn’t have long.

"From some time ago, while I was but a new member of the watch…an encounter I had, you...with you," Feneiona bit her lip. This creature had tried to kill her, this was not the time for emotion, "I..." She had no time to say anything else to him for he already had passed onto his next life.

While this happened little did they know that the rest of the Watch had just magically arrived not but a flight away, that is a flight with a Hawk with a small silver arrow attached to his leg. "Teloth?! Where are you going?" Feneiona asked in wonderment.

Connor let fly and then snapped Hawkwing up into a guard position, the bow locking into a staff. The creature that had been attacking Thylath and Feneiona lay dead upon the ground, its lifeblood leaking out.

"Feneiona lass, what in the world was that?" the old Ranger asked still a bit behind the curve. Then he heard a faint call in his head, much as the other watchers did, faint and far away, but it seemed to be something beckoning them to follow. Then Connor saw the lass following the birds trail; this was somthing that he could indeed help with.

Wiping his blades upon the dead creature lying at his feet , an arrow protruding from its breast, Thylath looked to where the others were heading. The elven ranger then calmly examined the corpse for any sign from which it had come, or any other clues that may explain why it had attacked a member who had chosen to lay aside her arms and armor and take a passive role upon the land.

Lema quickly found Karmagash and Hazmalen, the magical silver gates from Minax served them well. The three gargoyles were soon formulating a plan to eliminate the standing members of the Watch.

“To be a fool V’Kail was always.” Hazmalen practiced aiming an arrow, her bow arched by her left wing. “He was to call a coward to me for shooting mine enemies from afar.”

“To have always fought with only his sword and his mind never.” Karmagash shook his head. The blind gargoyle was emotionless. “Matters it not at all now… to lead us there LemaKara. To fight together them.”

“To not think they will be easy to kill.” LemaKara said. “Even one Feneiona had skill more then a swordsgarg.”

“To talk like one them Lema…” Karmagash scolded her. “You know it is winning not that makes the victor. In our defeat, Gratagmalem King will know to make a battlefield against them. It is us that prepare the tactics.”

Lema nodded in quick agreement. She knew Karmagash had a telepathic link with the Gargoyle King, and his words were often that of the king himself. “With me come to the way I show.” She lept into the air as they followed closely behind.

If they die against RBW, then Gratagmalem will make war against them. The Gargoyles had never lost a war... LemaKara liked the sound of that. The three gargoyles followed the magical silver gates, traveling from one dimension to the other. They had no idea where they were going, trusting in the gates to lead them. However, they were surprised as a gate led them back to The Shadowland…

“Why are did you lead us to back here?” Hazmalen asked Lema, as though it was her intention to bring them here.

Lema looked around confused as they stood in the hall of Minax’s throne room.

“To be waiting in quiet.” Karmagash told them.

Several minutes passed before the footsteps of Minax resounded in the hall. The dark sorceress rushed into the throne room at a panicked pace. The gargoyles turned and bowed to her, awaiting her to speak.

Minax took deep breaths and her face was covered with worry. She tried to hide it with an angry look as she examined the gargoyles. “Where is V’Kail?”

“To have died at the hands of RBW, three were their number to fight against him.” LemaKara told her, remembering Connor and Thylath coming to aid Feneiona.

Minax shook her head. “We are not going to concern ourselves with RBW any longer. There is no way they can come here to The Shadowland.” Her plan had shifted from her previous position to prevent RBW from coming here. “We have more immediate issues here. Lash has been defeated…” Lash Fkarik, the captain of the swordsgarg, who had even trained V’Kail.

The gargoyles gasped.

Minax continued. “Andrella has killed him, only minutes ago. In addition, the Avatar has freed Shamino and now has the Orb of Moons in her hands. Moreover… she also has the Skull of Mondain.” She whispered the last part under her breath.

Minax shook her head. All of her plans to defeat Kianne and her companions had failed in only this hour. “Regroup with Gratagmalem and wait further instructions.” She waved them away as she turned and retreated quickly to the darkness.

This was the last to be heard from this shard for some time. It was believed that they had been destroyed. Why did Iolo convince Andrella to free the spirit encased in her sword, knowing that the people left on this new shard would be trapped here? What power was being unleashed here? And who (if any) would survived on either shard?

A dark undead necromancer now fell upon this, a small realm. It was an innocuous forested land, yet one that would give him much power. He moved his interdimensional fortress there, having left all the shards he had drained before desolate wastes, drained of all their energies.

Feneiona like the others was a more then a little confused. "Thylath, Connor…Thanks...I don’t know if I would have...I mean that thing might have..."

"No problems Fene, lets just call it pay back for saving me before" Thylath winked jokingly. "but why would it want to attack you? I mean, you were a strong fighter, but you laid down your arms long ago."

"Were? I'm pretty sure I did pretty well on that beast!" Feneiona answered sarcastically..."Anyways, V'Kail, knew me...he was from a different realm. He tried to bring me to his side, when I was young and naive. I can't...when I said no...the next thing from that I remember was a scout calling for a medic...V'kail..."

"We will figure it out later lass, do nay stress yourself. For now, you and Thylath hop on to me horse. Follow yer bird. I will follow from a distance, in case of disaster." Connor said. "Good to have you back, Fen." Connor smacked the horses bottom and they were gone.

Connor, Thylath and Feneiona sat in a small clearing... Enjoying the friendship and fellowship of the moment... It was indeed few times that they had such a time... There was a small brook and without a thought the Ranger pulled the lass up and hefted her into the water laughing as she splashed and sputtered...

Thylath, ever the warrior-scholar, was reading beside a tree.. allowing time to pass unnoticed... Then it happened... There was a crack as loud as thunder and a voice that neither asked forgiveness or gave compassion…

“Your time is now. Know that are you needed here...” The voice teleported them to another realm, a realm being devoured by the same dark force that had destroyed the previous realm.

The world changed once more swirling about them and envloping them in energies lighting cracked and cascaded down their bodies..The very air ripped and then there were once more somewhere else. A dragon bounded past them.. many cuts and wounds oozing its blood... and there were creatures giving chase indeed... A shambling chase of those things no longer alive...

The call for help was different but unmistakeable.

"Connor! Now I am soaking, will you look at my armour?!" Feneiona sputtered, she started to splash water onto him but stopped as she gawked at the passing dragon. "Um, i do say that was a dragon..." she said her jaw dropping.

"Yes, very good. And what is that?" Thylath said pointing at a tree. He put his book into his bottomless bag and got up. "Well lets go help him..." Thylath made it seem like this was a normal occurrence.

"How does one, go about helping a dragon be chased by the undead..." Connor wondered.

"Why sir, that is a very good question. But we had better help him soon. Thy can heal him while you and I take on the undead...Our healing spells do work on dragons, right sir?" Feneiona started running after the dragon.

"Since when did you start calling me 'sir' Fen? And where did that bird of yours get off to…"He said as he hefted her onto the back of his horse.

Due to his connection with mystical and arcane energies, Ximix was called away from the destination his companions were bound for. Lucky for him, since they were not to be heard from for some time. Instead, he was called to help the party that was now being assembled by an unseen hand...

Emerging from the gate was like taking a breath of air after swimming to the depths of a lake . . . Ximix mused at his analogy while enjoying the spectacle of the gate closing, fading motes of golden energy all that now marked it's place.

Turning with a smile upon his face, Ximix was still feeling upbeat and was eager to find the rest of the Watch. He was confused to find himself alone. 'Where have Andrella and Kianne got to?' he thought aloud. As he opened his mouth to call out for them, the unmistakable roar of a Dragon resounded over the hills. The sound was angry, yet unmistakeably pained . . . a Dragon was being attacked, and beaten!

Scratching out a quick sigil to let the Ladies know he was around, Ximix looked back at the hills, and set off to investigate.

The magical spell that has cascaded throughout dimensional space, calling Connor and his allies, strikes yet another victim…

One more swirl of sand and the portal gate would be perfect. Carefully, tiny fingers let slip magical grains to complete a pattern that would form the gateway to another world, or in this case, a portal anchor in the next town. Enid looked over her shoulder, stood awkwardly from a crouching position over the pentacle she had drawn and adjusted her backpack. The sound of a party in full swing tumbled in through the open windows of her cottage. Many more guests had shown up than she had expected, and with the evening at its peak, the supplies of port and ale were running dangerously low. Tonlow, the self-appointed barkeep for the night, had informed Enid of this most grave situation.

"If we don't get more supplies soon," the gnome intoned, "there'll be no drink left to toast the moon in thanks for the harvest. A bad situation indeed." After much tsking and head shaking on Tonlow's part, Enid finally laughed and pinched the sullen gnome's cheek.

"Oh, don't get your knickers in a twisht! Have I ever not had enough food or drink to go around?" The lurikeen did a swaying pirouette and bowed to the gnome. "I'll be back in just a few minutsh with more than enough of everything for everyone."

And so, with backpack ready and worn staff in hand Enid was ready to embark on a most vital mission to "The Golden Swan", a well known tavern and storehouse in Caer Gellifelen. With some difficulty, and using her staff more as a support than a channel of magic, she mumbled an incantation. The pentacle began to glow, the air about it to shimmer slightly as a portal opened in front of her.

"Right, then. Off I go." The small body took a step toward the portal, then pitched forward as the rather tipsy lurikeen misjudged the distance from her raised foot to the floor. Enid landed on the other side of the magical gate in a rather undignified manner. She looked about and, with difficulty, stood.

"Oh, bugger." This was definitely not The Golden Swan. She rubbed her eyes as she looked down upon a valley where a dragon was being chased by...undead?! Even more surprising were some very familiar voices that sounded just as shocked as she was.

"Enid? What are you doing here?" To her left, were two figures on a horse, closely followed by two more.

Swaying slightly, Enid pointed an accusing finger at Connor. "You! You called me here?" She drew herself up to her full imposing height, that of a small human child, and glowered.

Connor started to bite back the words that he would use on the wee disappearing lass but he did not have time... The undead here were very fast and they moved with suprising speed.. Suddenly the creatures chasing the dragon had turned and come at him and the small band... The moaning and shambling was unnerving; however, this was not the first time that the ranger had fought undead...

He spun and took off one’s head and its left arm... Deftly making the slices, cutting the first down... Then the unthinkable happened... almost as fast as it fell, it righted itself the limb and the head reattached and it was coming again...

Great, muttered the Ranger... Always something new...

He moved back a bit to give Enid a bit of room.... “So little sister think you can do something about this...”

Connor parried and hoped that the others were faring better then he was.

Feneiona sighed inwardly "things never turn out the way they are planned, do they?" She dismounted and left Connor and the others to take care of the undead. Not like it seemed Connor remembered that she was there. With all his parrying and slicing and what not he nearly took off her head. She would be no use here anyways. The only magic she knew was healing, and that is certainly not what the undead needed at this moment. Magic seemed to be the only way out of this as Connor’s hand to hand combat style didn’t seem to affect the enemy at all...

Feneiona slid away in the general direction she saw the dragon head. Nay but thirty seconds of travel and she found him. He was under a tree, excellent, this will help, she couldn’t remember why, “my back to classes I should go.” She mummered. If he had not had massive cuts along his underbelly, and if his head wasn’t banged up so and if some of his tail wasn’t missing? He would have been quite a beautiful and amazing dragon. Under the dried and some of the fresh blood he had a wonderful greeny blue tint to his scales. Feneiona approached carefully, as to not alarm the dragon. A burst of flame came out, out of his irregular breathing pattern, it took too much work for him to do that, she must not alarmed him further. How would she help the poor thing if he wouldn’t let her near him...

The shambling creatures were heading towards Enid, and Connor was suddenly at her side. As if the drink weren't enough to set her head spinning, the smell of the decaying horde cut her nostrils and made her stomach lurch. She knew something had to be done, but her hands felt limp and heavy and her mind was clouded in an ale soaked fog.

"Enid! My sword has no effect on these creatures. You have to do something - now!" The ranger was clearly unsettled. Enid watched as another undead head was sent flying and another torso was severed, yet this only stopped these creatures for a moment. With a sucking sound, the limbs reattached themselves to their owners, ready to rend living flesh and break living bone.

Through a thick soup of drunkeness, the lurikeen began to cast a defensive spell. Her mind sluggishly felt for the invisible energy bands that formed a pulsing network through all time and space. She hurled her semi-consciousness towards the closest one to harness its energy. Energy cascaded through the tiny figure, into the staff she bore in sliding, clutching hands. Numb lips recited an arcane incantation from somewhere...from a book she had studied, from an inscription she had once seen...no matter. As the final syllable tumbled from Enid's mouth a corona of light exploded from the end of her staff. Falling backwards, the last thing she saw was Connor gasping for air and the decaying forms of the undead writhing upon the ground.

Connor could feel his lungs burning and knew that in a very short time he would suffocate... It was strange Enid never usually made these mistakes... But the Ranger had a few moments to change weapons.. Away went his normal blades and out came a blade that Thylath had given him a few months ago... Cold blue eldritch fire burned along the short stout steel... Then, using a amulet of spell disruption, he thrust forward, causing the bubble to burst... Once again the undead were coming for him... the silver blue blade flashed... Energy coursed along the ranger’s arm as the blade disrupted the very fabric of the magic holding the undead... The flash was quick and huge and the ranger stumbled for a moment as a part of him was taken thru the sword and into the undead thing...

Quickly he gathered up the wee little lass and scampered back... Calling for assistance as the undead still shambled forward…

As Ximix set off in the direction of the Dragon's furious bellows he realized he was still ill-prepared for conflict. Coming to a stop, Ximix crouched low, reflexively bringing up an anti-magic shell to ward himself against whatever was attacking the great wyrm. Surveying the area around him, the robed Elf found no sign of the conflict. The roars of the Dragon had abated, yet he felt sure he was close to the injured creature. Extending his senses, Ximix found no immediate threat.

Calling upon the energies surrounding all life, Ximix petitioned the Lady of Mysteries to extend his perception. He found several sentient patterns nearby, the massive lifeforce of a Dragon was unmistakeable, also some felt familiar enough that he knew himself close to the Watch at last. Yet also amongst those familiar were the lifeless negative-energy patterns of the undead. The priest knew he must prepare, tracing complex patterns of magic upon the ground, he bound his lifeforce to this place, the markings fading into the ground leaving no trace of it's magic to the eye. Ximix then began to cloak himself in protection, whatever was out there, he would meet it on His terms.

Cresting the ridge, the Elf slowly descended towards his friends, dark blue robes concealed in shrouds of magic, searching grey eyes gazing from the veil of spells he wore to keep his unseen enemy from acosting his mind as his body was protected from the eye. He descended the ridge and entered the treeline where his sensitive nose stopped him short, he was revulsed by the horrid odor of decay from ahead. Drawing his dagger and presenting his Symbol of Mystra, he felt more than saw a threat nearby. The thick foliage meant spellcasting would be tricky, and his blade was Blessed and silver-iron crafted to be devestating against the undying foes he hated so deeply. The words of Repulsion upon his lips, he was ready to destroy the undead one way or another. Relying on his stealth, the silent and invisible sorceror-priest stole forward slowly, peering into the dense foliage for sign of friend or foe.

Feneiona was amiss, she had to leave the dragon, something was not right; a new scent was in the air. Something was new, something different. She stole away to the forest, "I'll come back and help you dragon friend," she felt sorry to leave the dragon in such a state, expecially if danger was afoot, but she could not help him if she was dead. She heard footsteps coming and quickly moved up to the trees. As she pounced on one of approaching riders, all too late did she realize that she was attacking a member of the Watch…

Ximix was more confused now than ever, at the last second his keen eyes caught movement above him. Thrusting out with his dagger he struck home into the attackers chest . . . the chest of a female Ranger, the chest of a woman wearing the crest of the Royal Black Watch!

"miLady!?" he had just time to utter the question before she lowered her weapon and returned his confused gaze. He'd never seen Feneiona look vulnerable or unsure before . . . she was quite beautiful. He quickly turned his attention to her bleeding wound, thankful the wound wasn't fatal, still it was all too close for comfort. Uttering a few quick phrases Ximix placed his silver tipped wand against the wound. Healing her was at least was within his abilities. Understanding what was going on was still eluding him.

She stood there, her sight going blurry, she was ready to pass out, when Ximix healed her. "What is going on?" she said barely in an audible whisper...

"Who are you? how do you know my name..." feneiona said growing more aware of what had just happened, and of the presence's of a very handsome man.

"Connor talks about you much milady, I am Ximix, from the Shadowlands..." He said, slightly bemused.

"Alas, i have never been there, but Connor is here. Connor, has talked about you also." For some reason she trusted this man, despite the fact that she did not trust easily. It took a good year and a bit before she even truly trusted Connor. Her skin tingled with a strange sensation, "We are under a invisibility spell?" This was really more of a statement then a question. He answered anyways "Aye, the best one. Now of the dragon, and Connor? Connor is here? and what about.."

"Wait, wait, i can only answer one question a time...the dragon i nay know, but he was being chased by the undead and i could not bare but help him. Seeing the mighty creature tortured and slowly dying...i had to help. Connnor is uhh...Connor is, Oh there he is!" Feneiona said, pointing at him as he ran by.

Connor felt the wee lass stir in his arms... She grumbled somthing about "old sodden ranger... and then she was awake... He had drawn the undead into the forest, and with Enid waking up... He had some ideas...But first the wee little lass had to get down...

Och... Feels like a week of drinking the best port in the land.... Connor chuckled soon she would realize who was carrying her... and he wondered... Who should be more afraid, him or the undead?

"What’s that following him, and who does he have in his arms...a midget?" Now it was Ximix's turn to be confused.

"Well, that would be the undead," She said sarcastically "and the only 'midget' I know would be Enid, how she got here I would nay know"

"We will have to finish our conversation later milady, it looks like Connor could use a mite of help" He dashed in front of Feneiona ready to help Connor, while Feneiona snuck back into the tree to see if she could be of better use up high.

With so much happening in such a short time, Ximix forced himself to take things one step at a time. Seeing the Lady was safe, the Elf was emboldened by the smile she flashed as they parted. 'Focus' he muttered.

He remembered his lessons from early in his training against the undead, focusing on the Weave, he brought forth Mystra's anger upon the creatures for they were twisted and foul uses of his Lady's very essence. Holding the seven stars emblem in front of him, the reddish amber stones flashed brightly in their pure silver setting. Ximix began to take on a faint reddish glow which then shot forth from the Symbol, flashing out in an arc in front of him.

The undead dropped, becoming dust as they fell, at least most of them. Scant few had either outpaced his range or were beyond his capability to channel Mystra's wrath. He cursed his weakness again and set off after his Liege-Lord, saddened at the sight of the pretty Lass's blood upon his dagger as he drew it.

'That will have taken the Blessing' he thought, but was happy at least to have healed the damage. Then a moment of panic rose in his chest, he was losing them! The Ranger was easily outpacing him yet the undead were only slightly slower than his long strides paced him and the small one. Never had Ximix seen mere zombies so fast . . . and the fact that Connor did not face them meant they had to be powerful in combat as well. Far beyond 'mere' were these zombies. At last he had an idea.

The blonde Elf, forgetting his invisiblity spell was still in effect, called out: "Connor! Lead them back this way!" as he dug through his Bag. Somewhere . . . in one of those books he had saved from the disappearing keep, was the answer. Now if he could just find it and prepare before the sickening smell of death was close again!

Although Connor did nae like the use of magic.. For once he had to admit his swords were nae enough... and Enid was a wee lass indeed but she was getting heavy... After all he was sprinting... In his mind he chuckled at how Enid would scath him for that if she could read his mind...

Ximix called to him and he adjusted his course so that he could come a bit closer... He knew that the illusions of Kianne and Andrella would pass as his power with the arts was no where near a true mages but sometimes he could bring images of his friends to add to a enemies confusion... Although this time it had not worked...

As he adjusted his course he saw behind Ximix piles of dust that were sprouting arms... Ah good spell the Ranger thought the lad was raising a army... Now if only Enid would wake up....

Connor called to Ximix and Feneiona I am on my way and good idea with the army behind you..

The steady jouncing up and down finally shook Enid from her heavy sleep. Ye Gods! If this was the price to pay for a night of revelry, she would be sure to stick to nettle tea from now on. Painfully, one eye opened, then was quickly screwed shut again. Connor's amused face peered into her own.

"Well now. It's about time ye came to. I hate to do this to someone who had too much ale the night before, but do ye think you could do something about those undead? Without killing us this time, I mean."

Enid groaned. The nightmare from the hours past was real after all.

"Och, put me down. I don't feel good," the lurikeen winced.

"Just as soon as we make that copse of trees. Feneiona and Ximix are at the ready. Can you cast?"

The ranger's swift strides bought them to their destination quickly and Enid was set on her feet.

"Well, at least you can stand, now."

"You over-tall, unwashed..." Enid was about to launch into a tirade, but a nasty headache and a queasy stomach cut it short. A tall elf she hadn't seen before faded into view. She started, but the ranger nodded to him. She turned to Connor. "Right, move out of the way then. I don't want you in the line of fire in case something goes wrong," she said sarcastically. Enid raised her eyebrow at him, noticing that he did, indeed, move away from her.

The undead were almost upon them. A quick incantation would buy them some time. The air between the small troupe and the undead seemed to solidify and twist, forming an energy band that stretched to form a barrier about them.

Picking himself out from under one of the many undead that had seemed to have fallen on him, Thylath dusted himself off. Picking up his bow that he had dropped he loosed two arrows into an approaching zombie looking creature and then he took off and ran a good hundred yards and prepared for the zombie to near.

The shade of the tree felt good on Feneiona, she may have been healed in the physical, but the shock from the wound was just reaching her senses. Breath, that was the key. Well the real key was to breathe without anyone hearing, that was the troublesome part. She sat, and relaxed, the undead were...well dead thanks to Ximix and Enid and she needed to get her own thoughts straight before she got bombarded with questions. She may be a warden but she certainly did nay know everything. She watched Thylath tangle with one of the surviving undead. She would jump in if he needed her, he was capable though.

Now then, as usual the men were helpless as to what to do next. She watched them loiter and talk and Enid sobering up. Yes, Feneiona had to organize them once again. She laughed, that may not be the complete truth but she did hope she had more to offer then just then just getting stabed. She hopped out of the trees, full of energy she was not sure where it came from. Did Ximix renew the body as well as her mind? She would have to ask him later. She landed beside Connor.

"So my ranger friend," she said while giving him a small relieved hug, then stood for report.”

"Report Feneiona, now is yet another trying for the like of the watch." Connor was appreciatively predictable, she was glad to see some things had nay changed.

"Thylath is behind is, killing the last of the undead. I am told more of the watch is about. A dragon still lays harmed, and I suggest we find the origin of the undead, and find out if we have any more allies about" She gave him a wink "Seems we have a few things on our hands, eh?"

The peppermint and willow tea seemed to be working. Enid sat back and sighed as her head stopped its thumping and her insides settled. She had dispersed the energy shield about them and watched Connor, Feneiona, Thylath and Ximix deep in conversation.

Shaking her head, she wondered how she had managed to portal to this strange place. She had drawn the proper gate patterns and concentrated on the right portal anchor... She smacked her forehead in annoyance. The portal anchor - that was it. In her drunken state she had used Connor as a destination gate instead of the inn. Perhaps some subconscious need had pulled her here. She remembered Connor mentioning something about the Watch being bound to service in times of need. Perhaps the dragon had something to do with that.

Finally, the lurikeen stood and surveyed the area around them. The undead corpses had vanished. Once the magic that had animated them was destroyed, so was the bond that held the dead flesh together.

"Dust to dust," Enid muttered. She hefted her pack and wandered over to the group.

Ximix stood just outside the circle of friends, listening carefully as Connor, Thylath and the beautiful lass Feneiona all compared notes. He was hoping to get a clue as to where he was and where Andrella and Ki had gone. So far they seemed to be wrapped up in catching up on old times, with the quick reported statements of a military unit yet the easy mannerisms of old friends. The robed Elf was unsure exactly where he fit into this group, having only been familiar with Connor and Andrella as a contacts within the enigmatic yet powerful Royal Black Watch.

The small round woman who had ended the undead threat with offhanded ease was sipping tea to the side and Ximix remembered her lamenting a hangover. Rumaging through his Bag, Ximix brought out a small bag of dried leaves.

"miLady," he addressed the smallish woman as she approached, "add a pinch of this to your tea, tis Elven-enchanted for easing the remains of a reverie."

"Milady," Enid huffed. "It's Enid. Leave the milady nonsense for the ones that don't like to get their hands dirty." She took the pouch of leaves from Ximix and sniffed them. "They smell sweet. Good for easing reverie, ye say?" The corner of her mouth twitched in amusement. "An elf that carries a hangover cure with him -" She sized up the tall being in front of her. "You and I just might get along. I am Enid." She stretched a hand up and toward the elf, who tentatively reached out his own, and shook it with a grip none would expect of such a small creature. "Grand to meet ye".

She turned and prodded Connor's shin with her staff.

"Now, would someone please enlighten me as to what's going on?"

Connor began, “Well, now, little one, that is the question... You see it seems that we are not where we are or are where we are not...

Anyhow before this all started with the undead and your overzelous teleporting we were on our way to Northwind... I am thinking there is a port close to here... From what I can tell we have traveled to the Lands of Istaria a long forgotten land that is overrun with undead... Although I am not sure how we have arrived here I know that the best way to find out what is going on is to go to Northwind.

I think that in a few days travel we can make it to a old port and go from there to Northwind on this plane... From there we can find Averyl, as she should know what is going on in this land...”

"Indeed, er, I mean Aye Connor . . . " The last said with a heavily Elven accented brogue. "Just one question, what about the great Drake, was it friend or foe?"

Enid chimed in. "Am I with you? Gwion's brow, Connor! I'm here aren't I?"

Enid then nodded at Ximix's question. "Ye seem to be a bit disoriented," she quipped at Connor. "But then, I suppose anyone who knows ye is used to that." She scanned the area where she had watched the dragon disappear to, but it had vanished.

Feneiona, seeming distraught at Connor’s question, gave a cheeky answer, a change from her normal sweet self. "My dear friends, I am afraid I canna company you on this journey. Nay this time, I have laid down my arms and I am done. Before it was personal defence, now I am not in danger. I shall go back to my dull life where nothing ever happens and let you all perish!"

She sighed as one of her eyebrows slyly raised. "Why need you even ask that question? Anyways, I must take care of my new friend Ximix here, who knows what kind of trouble he will get into, especially with the rest of you crazy Watchers." Feneiona gave him a quick smile but swiftly sobered when she saw what was behind him. The dragon was no longer there, she walked slowly over. Feneiona shouted back, “Ximix, Connor! What do you see here?!”

“Dragon tracks, here he laid lass, what of it?” Connor questioned. “Aye, but there is more. The great Drake got up, here be his prints but they change clearly into human foot prints?”

Ximix was becoming nervous, the thought that something could alter it’s appearance to something as large as a Dragon worried him. The weather turned grey, it started to rain, thunder, lightning filled there air. The tree’s shook with this sudden storm. The group had to finish analyzing the situation before the they themselves and the tracks got washed away. Pulling twin wands from his pockets, he arced the silver overhead while the black pointed towards the ground. Lightning streaked down and into the silvery wand, in the next moment the area surrounding the Watch members was clear and dry. The storm continued without, but within the sphere of several yards there was calm.

"Found that in a book in the crumbling keep." the Elf beamed. Then his brow furrowed anew, "To bad Andrella missed this, she was most encouraging when I botched that spell the first time. . . " his voice trailed as he remembered his friends, gone without trace.

Standing straight, he looked towards the tracks "We have calm here for as long as the storm rages . . . the spell uses the storms energies to keep us dry and is focussed on this wand." Ximix still held the blackened rod towards the ground. "So we can move, though slowly. So where did they go?" The Elf smiled brightly, finally feeling useful to his friends.

Connor rubbed his shins... and mumbled somthing about mages...

“His tracks peters out over there. I don’t see any trace of him. So now shall we find us a ship, or do you all still wish to trudge about in a mage’s bubble?

The lurikeen grimaced. "I hate boats. The last time I was on one I spent so much time hanging overboard the captain threatened to use me as fishbait. Can't we port to where we want to go?"

Enid looked at the bubble surrounding them. "Very nice bit o' work. Trouble is, even though we stay dry, the tracks are running away in rivulets as we speak." She shrugged. "I don't really care which route we go as long as we pass by an inn at some point. I'm hungry. Fen, do ye have anything edible with ye?" She wrinkled her nose as Feneiona bought out an odd coloured package from a belt pouch. " I mean edible to us non-ranger types," she hastily added.

While waiting for the others Connor dug into his pouch and tossed some troll jerky and hard tack to the dimutive mage... “There ye go little one will keep ye going for days indeed... And ye do nae even have to heat it to eat it... But if ye keep it in ye pack close to your back it will be warm when you first stop to eat...”

Ximix winced at the pungent odor of Connors offering, and hurridly accepted the proferred hard-tack from Fen. Speaking between bites, the Elven priest considered the questions. "As to the storm shield, it will last as long as the storm does, a truly wonderful idea whoever thought it up, as the storm powers the very shield that protects us. You see it works on the concept of electromagnectic fields, we've only just seen the beginning of this technology as the gnomes call it . . ." his words trailed off seeing the blank looks on the faces before him. "Well . . . it will last anyways . . . " Enids knowing smile was small even for her tiny face.

"That would be the good news . . . Teleportation, or portal travel in general, is not my field so to speak." The Elf cleared his throat. You see, I'm not much of a wizard, I'm simply a follower of Mystra, the Lady of Mysteries and Magic. It is by her powers that I have gained insights into the arcane, and by her powers that I channel magic into a few spells that wizards can use. However I cannot create a portal, teleport or shift planes, not yet." Shifting his feet, Ximix finalized his speech with "so, no . . . I cannot help us get off this world, though perhaps I could aid someone who did have such magics."

The hard bread almost broke her teeth, but the other was rather tasty. "Hmm, you know, I rather like this," said Enid, taking another bite of the spicy, dried meat. "What is it?"

"Troll jerky," was Connor's offhand reply. "Gives ye strength and'll put hair on your chest." He almost burst out laughing at the horrified look on Enid's face. She stopped chewing and her face turned ash gray. She nonchalantly wrapped the jerky in a hankie, aware that the ranger would be more than amused at the utter revulsion she tried to hide. With difficulty, she swallowed the piece in her mouth. "It's lovely," she lied. "And you're quite right, just a little at a time is more than enough." She stuffed the offensive package in a pouch, vowing to lose it at an opportune time.

She coughed delicately. "Now as far as a portal goes, I could do it, but I would need an object that was from where we want to go. You see, everything leaves a trail, either in physical tracks that one could follow," she pointed to the prints in the earth, "or in space and time. And, the longer something spent in a particular place, the stronger the draw to that location and the clearer the trail. There is danger, though. As I have never seen the place we seek, I do not know the lay of it. There is always the possibility of ending up in a wall or in front of armed troops." At this point she sighed. "Of course, I've also never tried porting more than myself." She peered at Ximix. "You say you may be able to help with this type of magic. How?"

Ximix found the small womans gaze disconcerting, like the wife of the Human Priest that had raised him from birth, there was a suspicion and knowingness to her look, her posture was one of someone who waited impatiently. Having never met her before, the Elf was amused at how the small Lady had adopted an atittude of 'show me'.

Ximix smiled wanly, then glanced to the face of Fen and found an interested smile on her lovely face and pressed on. "You mentioned the physical item and it's leaving tracks through space and time, if we do in fact have an item with a strong aura, myLady of Magic can show me the path as clear as a sunlit road." The tall Elf sat down lightly and brought out his wands. "Magic is part of all things and all things have some Magic. myLady Mystra is in fact Magic itself, also known as The Weave, and she is the one who brought Magic to the world, to aid and protect us…. If you are able to find the object we need to return, Mystra will give power to your spell such that we shall have no worries as to the safety of the transit nor the accuracy of the arrival." A small crease of his brow appears "Although I have no way of knowing if we will be arriving in the middle of enemy forces . . . "

Connor wrinkled his brow. Now it was his turn to be lost in a forest, this time of arcane complexities…”Hmmm so now lad and lass... let me see if I get this straight....

If we teleport and we do not exactly know where we are going we can end up in a tree or a mountain? Somehow that seems a bit painful to me... Ximix, you can give us a path but it will not be one that you can tell when we arrive there if there will be enemies about or the like? So perhaps we could drop right into a battle?

“Being that we do nae know the path we should follow, I say we head for a boat... after all tis been a few hundred years since I have been on one anyhow... So I would say that we enjoy a bit more troll jerky and then head out.. it is only about 2 days ride back to the small place where we met feneiona... From what I can see there is a path further from there that we can hire a ship... That being said I would make it 2 weeks of hard ride and 3 weeks or more of sailing on a beatiful shimmering blue sea with the wind at our backs... So shall we find a dock...?”

Most of what Ximix and Enid were saying went past fen’s knowledge. She was never trained in the art of transportation, nor did she follow Mystra. She had training in healing yes, but all they were talking about unnervered her. The chance of ending up in an unknown place, with unknown enemies did not seem safe. She trusted Enid and Ximix, but what if...she was taught to be weary of everything and everyone, she learnt it the hard way.

The storm raged on around them in the bubble. While everyone ate the troll jerky she sat on the edge of the bubble. She watched the lighting and thunder almost in a trance. There was something different about this storm, appearing out of nowhere as soon as they found the tracks of this missing dragon. Was something trying to slow them down, make it impossible for them to find their friends? Or was it just bad luck? No, she was being paranoid, she wouldn’t tell the others. But then again, if she looked through the storm to the other side, it did not seem to extend so far as normal storms do.

She sat there alone from the rest of group. Taking deep breaths, she closed her pale green eyes. The rest of the group would get her when it was time for departure. What they were talking about was beyond her and she felt useless. Perhaps uselessness was a good thing she contemplated, it did give her time to think and perhaps time to catch up on her sleep. She couldn’t help but feel a bit guilty that the rest of the group would not sleep. She knew they would understand though. Her last thoughts were of Ximix, and how she was glad she had met him, even if their first encounter was a bit of a jolt.

Enid nodded at Ximix's explanation. "Yes, yes, it makes absolute sense, it does. I'd like to study those wands of yours some day, perhaps even meet with this Mystra of yours. Very interesting indeed. In fact, it may just work provided we have something to trace back to. Connor, what besides yourself has resided at our destination?" she asked. At the ranger's mention of a journey on horseback and ship, Enid wrinkled her nose.

"I swear by the cauldron, the old man doesn't listen to a word I say. Unless there has been some remarkable cure for seasickness, I am not setting foot on board a boat. Besides, where in Tir na Nog are we going to get horses? " She took a deep breath. "I really would like to try a portal. With Ximix it could be very possible."

Feneiona's sleeping form caught her eye. "Tsk, tsk. Look at the poor dear. She's dead tired, what with all she's been through." The enchantress trotted over to the girl and placed her hands on Feneiona's temples. A spell was uttered softly and the tiny woman stood. "There now. She'll not be troubled by any nasty dreams."

Enid turned to Connor. "I know that this type of travel has its risks. What I'd like to do is port myself over, then come back and get the rest of you if it is safe." She put her fists on her hips. "Look at it this way - if I can't make it back, you're one seasick lurikeen lighter on your journey. If I do, you don't need to travel the scenic route. Do you have an article I can use to trace a portal trail or no?"

Connor patted Enid’s head. “You see lass that is the problem... as I have stated... I sort of know the way we should travel but as of yet I have nae been there... So no I do nae have anything from that place... I know that the town is west of here and as we get closer I assume that I can find some tracks or a trail to follow... From there my plan was to locate a dock… I do know that place is west from here... and it smells of salted pork and beef... a bit of forge fire and burining pitch and logs... That is what makes me think ships... But we flew past it so fast that I canna truly tell…More Jerky? This storm seems never ending...”

The small woman swatted Connor's hand from her head and scowled. "So you haven't been to this Northwind place, then? Well then, there goes that idea." She waved away the suggestion of more troll jerky with a suppressed shudder. "Bah, I suppose if we have to ride to your port I'll do it, but don't count on me getting on any ship."

A bolt of lightning crackled just outside the bubble they were in. Enid considered the odd storm with annoyance. "Bloody weather. Well, as soon as Fen has had some rest I'd be very happy to get on our way."

The rain was gone, all that was left was a thick mist. Her friends were gone. Did they just leave her there? She was hurt by their abandonment, she saw the dragon. He lurched towards her, transforming into a man. He had Ki and Andrella, with his still claw and scale-like hands, he held them by their hair. She had to get up to save them, his transformation was almost complete, then she would pounce. No, snow rained down on her, so much snow, she couldn’t get up. If only she could get a look at his face, the snout was now gone, but the red lizard like eyes remained. Someone was walking to her from behind!

She heard Enid speak, from a distance, out of the world she was currently in. "There now. She'll not be troubled by any nasty dreams." Her body relieved its tension, and from there she dreamt no more of dragons but of past times spent with friends.

Connor watched as the storm begain to abate... He wondered how long it would be before it started again... “Anyhow,” he thought, “when it comes we will be ready...”

The Ranger snapped his staff into place.. and began to gather up his things... He motioned to Ximix, “Rouse the others we will move shortly... Tis time to make distance...” With that, Connor tapped Enid...”Are you ready little sister?”

Enid was back to her usual self. "As long as there is a backpack for me to sit in, I suppose I am. Well, what are you looking at?" she snapped at Ximix. "You long, gangly folk are a strange looking lot, but even I know that I can't keep up with those beanpoles you call legs."

Enid glanced at Feneiona, who was gently being wakened by the chastened Ximix. "Poor luv," she thought to herself. "Such a young thing to have responsibilities like the Watch. She should be dancing at parties or picnicking under the trees." The enchantress's gaze misted for a moment as she thought back to when she was a young girl, then hardened as she thought of the journey ahead.

She nodded at Connor. "Ready when you are, old man."

"Fen... miLady, time to go" With these words Fen blink-blinked to wakefulness, seemingly half-dreaming still. Whispering a few phrases Ximix fortified the mind and spirirt of the young lady. Then, standing, he grinned down at the grumpy small woman they called Enid.

Speaking in a slow, measured cadence, Ximix called upon the Blessings of Mystra to aid them on their travels. The group felt invigored and sharp of mind, ready to focus on the task at hand. Holding his worn but sturdy Bag over his shoulder Ximix stood ready to travel.

Landing softly next to Ximix, Thylath stood from having hopped down from the tree in which he was keeping watch. Strapping his bow back across his back and unbuckling the leather snaps from his blades, he looked at Enid smiled slightly and then took a bite from an apple. Crunghing it about he said, "I hope ye can swim dear cause outside this bubble that storm is fierce and even though it will repel the water from striking us, I doubt very much so that it will repel the water that is already on the ground. Mmmm this apple is good, glad ye enjoyed that troll meat so much or I would offer ye one, eating the flesh of a sentient, really, ye need to stop taking lessons from Connor."

Feneiona got up groggily. Ximix may have fortified her mind and spirit but not her body. She had still slept on the cold, wet ground. She continued to sit gaining her bearings. She had a dream, but of what? She couldn’t remember but did not care much, when she dreamt they were never comforting. She got up stiffly to stand beside Thylath who had just appeared. She stretched a bit and talked to Thylath getting caught up on what they were about to set off and do. "Well, Thylath. The others may have settled for Troll meat, but i have nay had anything to eat as of yet." With that she knocked the apple out of his hand with her elbow, caught it and with a wink took a bite before handing it back. "Thy, my friend ye are becoming slow. Better shape up if we are to go into a battle." She grinned. After having a chance to wake up a bit she felt quite refreshed.

It rained.... The days passed as the friends made the passage accross the lands... It was a somewhat uneventful journey as they moved accross the lands... A few times they took note of passage of the undead... and perhaps a few other things here and there...

It was 6 days hence when they were camped just outside a large village sitting and talking... Connor was in a good mood spinning a yarn about his days sailing... Sodden and hungry the party talked while they waited for the next day to come into the town... The fire grew warmer when Connor left and returned with a few jacks... he had offered more troll jerky but it seemed to nae wet the apptites of his friends...

It had been a long time since the watchers had made a journey such as this and it was comforting with the jacks turning over the fire...

"Hmm," Connor said aloud, "I think that a bit of sauce out of my pack might make this meat taste a bit better. What do you think feneiona? I mean after tomorrow we will be upon the high seas sailing indeed faster then we can run... tis it nae a good thing to think about... the salt water, the freedom... ah there were times I could tell you all of..."

Will the party make it to the sea? What will happen to them there? Who is behind all this? Find out in the next installment of …The Shadowland.