Roslyn, the first to step from the lofty boulders of the swallowing gorge, breathed deep the moist air and eyed the soft, lush meadow that awaited them with a silent, appreciative smile.

Aramil followed next and helped Teflar with the final steps before both sat down exhausted on an outlying rock. Erelis plodded along up the trail and allowed Timbra to quickly pass him by. The gnome seemed to gather some inner spirit and started somersaulting headlong in the wet grass! " Almost home." he resounded with true emotion.
" But yet so far away..." finished Teflar while eyeing the humid mist that rolled across the sleek grounds.

Gailwind watched Nanith heave his body over the final steps out of the gorge. With the amount of sweat covering the hobbit�s face, it looked as if he were crying. " I can�t feel my legs." he grimaced and threw his backpack off with great effort.

The fellowship made it into the cool clearing {59*], but it took a heavy toll on their energies. Most sat and fixed a tired stare into the morning shadows. They were between the Nalmiar Forest to their right and the mountains on the left and, from Gailwind's relation, they were 15 miles from a settlement known as Dewvastra. The way north would pull them through past a moderate lake that skirted the range foothills.

Running water was more audible now that their hearing had direct access to the source. Roslyn pulled the gnome to his feet and whisked him back to the group. " Be careful Timbra, we still have a way to go." She looked around them while the rest waited for her lead. " Insects still slide their song; it is safe. If a threat lingers than it it shielded by the most powerful of natural wonders."

Teflar, with true weariness in his eyes, suggested the group relax for the time being and even supplement themselves with a much-needed breakfast. " I'm not sure this would be the most ideal spot to rest. What do you think?� Nanith asked the druidess " Maybe we should move to a safer spot?" The thief massaged his calves and glanced over at the ranger knowing the answer would suit him as well. Roslyn plucked a long grass blade from the sparkling dew and bit its end.
" That could be the best-laid plan." she replied " Though we do need to replenish our water supply eventually."

Nanith watched the priestess scuff through the undergrowth that rose practically to her waist. A frown etched his face " I have a feeling that something might be hidden in that meadow." Erelis squinted and said " Only game I suspect. Vrai would have been a great help to pluck out a few hare." After their short recovery and consumption of food, the fellowship moved east into the dark woods.

9 AM: The forest was abhorrently thick in this region and it wasn't long before the group found themselves entangled in the unforgiving undergrowth. Noone responded with animosity, but accepted this fallback as an upgrade over what they had been encountering the past few days. The druidess led them north in a swayed pattern until the team came upon a huge obstacle. Crossing them from west to east, a chasm dropped 1500' feet before their feet with a fresh bubbling brook at its bedrock. To the west, a roar of water was heard; to the east, Timbra spotted an old rope bridge that spanned the 120' long gulf.

Nanith flung his backpack to the ground and plunked himself on the forest floor. " I would think that is probably the only crossing for a few miles." he said waving towards the wooden span. " If that is the case, it would be used by anyone that wishes to cross this chasm. A lot of unwanted traffic could pass our way; trouble that would be best to avoid. Does this road seem to be well-traveled, Roslyn?�
The druidess drew back her hood and stared off into the deep gulch. " I don't know much about this area, but I sense that place is rarely toured."

Aramil glanced from the chasm to the rope bridge, weariness now more apparent on his face. " Let's rest for a while before we decide what to do." Teflar suggested a watchguard so they could endure hours of necessary relaxation at their leisure, perhaps tucked away within the trees out of casual observance.