Vin_Da_DM: Previously on Warriors of Destiny: After being sent into a portal by Lady Velarenyssa, the Warriors found themselves on another planet. Ending up in a field they were met by a young elfish boy, Niklas, and his pet Nox.
Vin_Da_DM: After the arrival of Niklas� older sister, Miran, the Warriors were led to their nearby village named Pirroko. Presumed travelers from afar the group found now found themselves in a pre-industrial society.
Vin_Da_DM: Given this break from action everyone decided to relax, rest or discover where they should go next. We rejoin them the next morning.
Vin_Da_DM: *Time passed: 8 hours*
Vin_Da_DM: The morning sun peaks through the clouds and through the leafy branches of the trees surrounding the village. Villagers scamper about beginning their daily lives. Inside the tavern the sounds of the village coming to life float in through the door and windows.
Vin_Da_DM: Niklas moves quietly around the tavern as he sets clean cups on each table. Taking a moment to glance at everyone waking up he giggles softly.
Vin_Da_DM: $ Start
Kat|e rolls over and gazes blearily at whatever, as she can�t focus.
^Shinta sits at a table waiting for the others to wake.
Tewyn sits up from the bench, �Well, that didn�t do a back good.�
Vin_Da_DM: �I forgot how humorous you people are when you sleep,� Syne comments as he stands from his spot against the wall.
Claron lifts her head up from the wood plank that serves as the bar, squinting her eyes, �It can�t be morning yet.�
^Shinta smirks watching the others wake, �I take it we won�t be moving in a hurry this morning.�
Vin_Da_DM: �It is morning. Some of you people make funny noises while sleeping,� Niklas comments as he grabs a basket of bread rolls from behind the counter and brings them to a table.
Clarice stirs, lifting her head from Tewyn�s shoulder, �Sleeping on the tables might have been a better idea.�
Kat|e�s head swivels toward the sound of Shinta�s voice and she grimaces and lowers her head in embarrassment.
Tabris yawns and stretches as he stands up, �Man...that was an interesting night.�
Tewyn: �Yea, guess so.�
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse shakes Luna gently on the shoulder, �Time to wake up, Luna.�
^Shinta: �So, you all interested in hearing on our whereabouts?�
Claron looks at Tabris rubbing her head, then glances over at Kat|e. �It was indeed.�
Tabris: �Might as well�� Tabris grabs a bread roll from the basket and takes a bite out of it.
Luna_Faline lays very still in Eclipse�s warm embrace. �I�m awake, do we have to go back? This is so nice and peaceful,� I purr softly cuddling into his side.
Clarice: �I take it you found out some information then, ^Shinta,� as she sits up stretching her arms over her head.
Vin_Da_DM: �Probably. Wouldn�t want the others to think we�ve run off.� Eclipse wraps his arm around Luna as he looks up at the sky through the trees.
Claron looks at the rolls, �Hot cup of java would be nice,� she whispers to Tab.
Vin_Da_DM: Syne walks up the ramp and checks on Lilly in the bed upstairs, �Still out...guess that portal did more to you than the rest, kid.�
Tabris: �Have to settle for what�s given, Babe.� Tabris replies to Claron with a nod.
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder gives a loud yawn as he sits up from his spot by a table. Blinking he looks around, �What time is it?�
Luna_Faline opens one eye and looks at him, �Wish we could have more times like this.�
Claron grimaces, �Well, maybe I need more of the hair of the dog that bit me,� chuckles softly.
Vin_Da_DM: �So do I...maybe after all this is over we can.� Eclipse sighs as he begins to stand up, �All right, up we go.�
Clarice looks directly at ^Shinta, �So what is it you have to tell us?�
Luna_Faline sits up and looks around for my clothes, giggling, �Can you reach that?� pointing up at my dress hanging on a tree branch overhead.
^Shinta: �Seems we are in a small town, Pirroko�very underdeveloped tech wise to us. Seems we have two choices on a path to go�east and through the woods, which most the traders use for a route�or we go north to what is unknown to most here in town, but something is there. It is the route the pilgrims go.�
Vin_Da_DM: Niklas sits on top of the counter and listens as he munches down on a vegetable from one of the baskets.
Claron: �Then I take it we must have entered this village from the south?�
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse wiggles his pants and shirt back on before standing up and grabbing Luna�s dress. �Here you are...hmm, we should hurry up. I think if hear some people coming.�
^Shinta: �Its hard to say where we entered�� looking at Niklas. �Umm, given the circumstances.�
Claron: � ...or maybe the west?� Looking all confused.
Vin_Da_DM: �Unknown? Couldn�t be anymore vague?� Stryder says as he stretches a bit.
Luna_Faline takes the dress and quickly pulls it on. Grabbing a boot and pulling it on as I look for the other one.
^Shinta shrugs, �Not many of the villagers head that way...maybe if we catch a pilgrim here in town we can find out more.�
Tewyn: �So we just pick one and hope for the best?�
Vin_Da_DM: Niklas raises his brow curiously at the Guardian ducking into the tavern.
Clarice lowers her gaze having finally realized how truly far behind this place is from what she has been used to all her life.
Vin_Da_DM: Guardian looks around at everyone, �Good, you�re awake. Wait...where is Luna and Eclipse?�
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse whistles to Luna as he hangs her boot toward her with one finger, �Missing something?�
Claron: �No idea,� as she looks at the Guardian.
Vin_Da_DM: �Well...wherever we�re going looks like we�ll have to take Sleeping Beauty over here with us,� Syne says from the top of the ramp as he points to Lilly.
Vin_Da_DM: �Some of the pilgrims that came by were healers. Maybe they can help your friend?� Niklas inserts his comment as he listens.
Luna_Faline blushes as I reach for the boot. �Thanks,� purring as I take the sai out of it and put the boot on. I stand up and shake the grass and leaves off my cloak. �I guess we should go back to the tavern now?�
^Shinta nods, �But I�d suggest not showing, umm, our special features we have to far out of town.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Best bet, I�d say.� Eclipse extends his hand to Luna.
Claron: �Do we know how often pilgrims enter this village?� Feeling her face grow warm as she remembers she may have put ^Shinta in an uncomfortable position last night while talking with Kat|e.
Tewyn: �Could you tell us more about them, Niklas?�
Luna_Faline takes his hand and pulls him to me, giving him a soft kiss. �Good morning,� as I step back and smile.
Vin_Da_DM: �Um...I dunno. They didn�t talk much, and only of going north and some �holy� stuff.� Niklas rubs his head, �I�m sorry. They used words I don�t know.�
Clarice: �Don�t think that will be much of a problem if we don�t run into anything that would cause us to do so.�
Tewyn: �Oh, its okay.�
^Shinta: �So, which way do we go?�
Clarice looking at Shinta replies to Niklas, �Do you remember what any of those words were?�
Tabris: �Well...I�d hate to break with our tradition of going after anything mysterious. So I vote for the unknown north.� Tabris smirks.
Vin_Da_DM: �No...it was real important sounding though,� Niklas tilts his head trying to remember then shrugs giving up.
Claron chuckles softly, �Might as well go north��
^Shinta: �I agree, something seems different about these pilgrims�so isolated.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Wherever,� Stryder crosses his arms and looks at everyone, �Just as long as we go somewhere.�
Kat|e shrugs, finally putting in her two-cents worth, �Might as well check out the pilgrim angle.�
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse heads for the tavern with Luna, watching the villagers as they walk.
Clarice: �Hmm, wonder what that could possible be�and mean,� glancing at Tewyn before looking back at ^Shinta.
Tewyn: �With our luck�who knows.�
Vin_Da_DM: �I�m just along for the ride. So I�ll follow you guys,� Syne says from near the unconscious Lilly.
^Shinta catches Clarice�s glance and shrugs.
Claron snickers, �Well, look who the cat brought in��
Tewyn sniffs, �Hmm, is that perfume De Sexo?�
Kat|e stifles a giggle.
Vin_Da_DM: �If you�re going north, be careful. We don�t know of any towns that direction,� Niklas says as he moves around gathering different things together.
Claron laughs out loud at Tewyn�s comment.
Luna_Faline sniffs as I walk in the tavern, �Is that O�de Jealous I smell?�
^Shinta: �We will, Niklas, and thank you for your hospitality. We needed this break.�
Vin_Da_DM: �We didn�t miss much, I hope.� Eclipse says as he gives everyone a morning nod.
Tewyn: �Pffft�hardly, kitty...I think your smelling cock o� morning breath.�
Clarice smiles sly, �At least they found a way to enjoy themselves.�
Vin_Da_DM: Guardian watches Luna and Eclipse enter then looks at everyone, �If we are all agreed to heading north, I suggest we leave soon.�
Clarice busts out laughing... �You are in rare form, Tewyn.�
Luna_Faline deciding to ignore them, I look Guardian in the eye, �What is north?�
^Shinta stands heading for the door, �North it is.�
Tabris: �Apparently we don�t know. But it�s mysterious and some pilgrims go there. Sounds fun, huh?� Tabris smirks at Luna.
Kat|e gets up carefully and ambles out the door. �Right-O, Guvna.�
Claron nods her head at the Guardian, �Providing I can relieve my bladder...somewhere private hopefully,� glancing at Niklas.
Luna_Faline: �The pilgrims go there? Do they ever come back from there?�
Tewyn: �Should of been here for the briefing, kit-kat. Some went and got some info while you practiced making litters in the grass yesterday.�
Vin_Da_DM: Niklas looks at Claron for a second then blinks in understanding, �Oh, over there.� He points to a cloth curtain on the wall.
Claron smiles sweetly at Niklas then makes her way to the cloth curtain.
Clarice: �Now, that sounds more like you.�
Luna_Faline growls as I turn around and walk back out the door. I look up at the sun for a moment then turn and start north. Not waiting for the rest to follow me, I adjust my cloak with a growl and grumble to myself.
Vin_Da_DM: Guardian ducks out of the tavern and looks at Shinta. �If we follow the road east through the forest it will fork and we can head north from there.�
^Shinta sounds good, �Maybe we can pick up some clues along the way.�
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse heads off after Luna looking back at the others, �I think we should go with the rest of the group, Luna.�
Luna_Faline reaching the forest again, I climb a big tree and sit on a branch. �Really? Why? So I can listen to that jackass the whole trip?�
Claron returns from the cloth curtained area.. �Now, that�s definitely primitive...useful as it is...think I�d rather drink that fermented smelly stuff any day then to have to use another one of them again!�
Vin_Da_DM: Niklas finishes wrapping up a large sack full of food and hands it to Tewyn along with a leather water pouch, �Here, you�ll need these. Good luck, travelers...you will be welcome here always.�
Tewyn looks at Niklas, �Thank you again�You are a good one of our kind...be well,� taking the sack.
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse sighs as he looks up at Luna, �Well...we can�t just run off on our own.�
Luna_Faline digs at the tree bark with a claw, �If I ever have a child, it won�t try to kill us all.�
Tabris: �When in Rome, dear.� Tabris smirks at Claron, �Let�s be going.�
Clarice smiles softly at Niklas, �You and your sister have been so very kind to us, we all thank you.�
Tewyn walks out to the others, �They were kind enough to provide some provisions for the trip.�
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder heads out of the tavern, lost in thought again and talking to himself. �Damn it, Sis...why��
Claron smirks as she follows Tabris and breathes in the clean fresh air as they walk outside.
Vin_Da_DM: Syne slugs Lilly over his shoulder and takes her out of the tavern, giving Niklas a pat on the shoulder as he leaves, �See ya later, kid.�
Vin_Da_DM: �I�m sure it won�t...but it�s not entirely his fault his kids are like that.� Eclipse says as he sighs and looks up again.
Vin_Da_DM: Guardian looks back at the group as he stands at the edge of the village near the east road.
Claron glances back making sure Stryder is close, then whispers to Tabris, �Stryder is missing a part of himself,� states matter of factly.
^Shinta starts walking down the path, �Time isn�t on our side, we should make haste.�
Tabris: �After what happened to Clarissa...we�re all missing a part of this family.� Tabris sighs, �I�ve been trying to ignore it, myself.�
Luna_Faline looks up at the sky, swallowing down the lump in my throat. I jump down and put my head against his chest.
Luna_Faline: �We should have stayed where we were.�
Vin_Da_DM: Guardian follows next to Shinta as he walks, �I wasn�t able to fully scan the constellations, but I would guess we are not in a part of galaxy with much space traffic.�
^Shinta: �Makes sense, would of been some technological advances here by now if there was.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Maybe...but we have to go with them. We�re a team after all.� Eclipse says as he pats Luna�s head then nods, �Come on, let�s go catch up.�
Kat|e purses her lips �So how the hell are we gonna get back off this rock, then?� She murmurs softly.
^Shinta: �I�m hoping that�s where these pilgrims come in...could be they are hiding something up here. Why they stay so isolated?�
Luna_Faline sighs and pulls my hood up over my head to hide my face. �I�ll follow you,� I whispurr, tucking my paws into my sleeves to hug myself.
Vin_Da_DM: �Perhaps, but there are numerous recordings of religious practitioners that isolate themselves,� Guardian replies to Shinta.
Claron slides her arm around Tabris, �Like you said, we will find a way�� pausing a second...�There is one thing I am wondering though�can�or would you be able to see signs of him having the same psychosis that I witnessed within you?� Reaching her free hand up and gently touching the space between her breasts.
^Shinta: �That�s true.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Good question, Katie.� Syne says as he walks behind her with Lilly, �Girl doesn�t weigh as much as I thought she would.�
Tabris: �I�m not sure. A lot of it takes place in the mind, until it manifests,� Tabris sighs confused, �If he is...just hope it isn�t as bad as mine or Dad�s was��
Tewyn digs thru the pouch, �So, any of you hungry since not all got a chance to eat?�
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder follows behind the others at a distance, �Clarissa...I know you�re out there somewhere. I�ll keep my promise��
Claron thinks for a second before speaking, �If it is like both then?��
Vin_Da_DM: �Depends on what you�ve got in there,� Eclipse calls out to Tewyn as he and Luna join up with the group.
Clarice: �Any fruit in there?�
Tewyn stops for a moment and opens the sack to let them browse� �There is water here in the pouch also.�
Tabris: �We try to stop him from hurting anyone as best we can,� Tabris takes a heavy breath as he looks at Claron.
Vin_Da_DM: The sack has several rolls of bread, vegetables, a few fruits and some jerky-like meat.
Luna_Faline stays behind Eclipse, keeping quiet.
Claron�s eyes show true fear. �Then we need to be very alert for any sign. No matter how small. Yes?�
Tabris: �I guess so,� Tabris shrugs, �Time will tell...unfortunately.�
Kat|e peers into the sack �The fruit looks decent.�
Tewyn tosses Kat|e some fruit.
Tewyn: �Guaranteed non froggie infested.�
Kat|e makes a face, �I wasn�t worried about that.�
Vin_Da_DM: �I don�t need anything,� Syne says as he looks at Katie and Tewyn, �Think we should feed the kid here something?� Syne motions with his head at Lilly.
Claron sighs, �Just so you know...I WILL do what ever I must to stop it...and I do mean whatever...even if it means my own safety,� looking directly into Tabris� eyes.
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse moves to the side and slows so he is next to Luna. Wrapping an arm around her shoulder he smiles, �You okay?�
Tewyn: �Here, give her a veggie.�
Vin_Da_DM: �How exactly am I gonna get her to eat it�� Syne looks at the vegetable then at Lilly.
Clarice: �I wouldn�t mind a piece of fruit,� watching Tewyn toss Kat|e fruit, �Or are you still upset with me?�
Tabris: �I know...and I�ll do whatever to protect both of you.� Tabris looks at Claron with a serious look.
Tewyn glances at Clarice, �Food is for everyone.�
Tewyn: �Hmmm, okay, just give her some of the water then.�
Luna_Faline moves a step closer to Eclipse and purrumble, �I�m fine.�
Tewyn: �Maybe she will wake up when she about to pee all over herself.�
Claron: With deep worry in her eyes, �Then we understand what lengths we both will go to protect our children.�
Vin_Da_DM: Syne chuckles as he moves Lilly in order to pour some water in her mouth, �Let�s hope so...otherwise it�ll be me she�ll pee on.�
Tewyn: �Call it payback for all those time you raised that hind leg, Syne.�
Vin_Da_DM: ~I can hear both you...I hope you know that.~ Stryder�s voice pokes into Tabris and Claron�s heads.
Tabris looks back at Stryder with a short frown.
Vin_Da_DM: �Guess so�� Syne shrugs and tosses the pouch back to Tewyn when he finishes giving some water to Lilly. �Soon as we clear the forest I�m going to change to something easier to carry her with.�
Claron looks at her son, ~Then do talk to us, because we both will do what we need to do to protect both of you...just know we mean this!~
Tewyn: �Should be safe enough by then.�
Vin_Da_DM: ~It�s not me you should be worrying about protecting...~ Stryder glares at Claron and Tabris before going silent again.
Vin_Da_DM: �All right�� Eclipse looks at Luna with some concern then glances around the forest some.
Tewyn: �So, we ready to move out again?� cinching the pouch back up.
Vin_Da_DM: �A bit further and the forest will begin to thin out as we reach the fork,� Guardian says loud enough for everyone to hear.
Claron: ~You think we are not concerned about protecting ALL of us?~
Vin_Da_DM: ~The others will be fine...but when the time comes, I will not let anyone interfere.~ Stryder says, his mental voice sounding harsh.
Luna_Faline stays with Eclipse. My heart heavy thinking about the children I may never have. �I will be on my ninth life before Mistress let�s me have any of my own.� thinking to myself.
Tabris: ~Stryder, we can�t help you if you keep us at a distance.~ Tabris says in his head, pausing as if unsure if he heard it.
Claron looks at Tabris with great concern showing, ~Don�t underestimate your Father and I!~ once again touching the space between her breasts.
Vin_Da_DM: The road continues through the forest. Ahead the trees begin to thin as the Guardian said as rolling hills take the horizon. At the edge of the forest the road turns lightly pebbled with visible horse and wagon tracks.
Vin_Da_DM: �There�s the fork up ahead,� the Guardian says as he points to the road intersecting another heading north.
^Shinta: �Time to see what these pilgrims are about.�
Tabris sighs as the silence again, �We have a lot ahead of us, Claron.�
Clarice moves quietly beside Tewyn noticing something is obviously going on between her sister and Tabris, after seeing Claron for the second time touching in between her cleavage.
Vin_Da_DM: �Phew...now let�s hope nobody�s watching,� Syne says as he morphs under Lilly turning into a black horse with red eyes, supporting Lilly on his back. �There...that�s better.�
Kat|e eyes the fork.
Claron stays silent, but thinks to herself knowing Stryder will hear it, �Make no mistake... I will die for anyone of you��
Vin_Da_DM: Guardian leaves the road for a moment and walks up a nearby hill to look out over the north road. �Looks like several miles before it disappears in some bigger hills in the distance.�
^Shinta: �Should we quicken our pace then?�
Vin_Da_DM: Rejoining the group on the road the Guardian shakes his head, �If we keep a decent speed we should be fine.�
Tabris: �And if we run into any trouble, I�m sure we can handle it,� Tabris chimes in to the Guardian, �Unless thugs around here are super powered.�
Tewyn: �I wouldn�t doubt anything around here, knowing our luck.�
Kat|e raises an eyebrow, but remains quiet.
Clarice moves in closer to Tewyn, then whispers, �Something is up with my sister��
Tewyn: �There is always something up with your sister.�
Clarice shows a hurt look in her eyes, �This may be true...but damn it...SHE�S still my sister! Does this mean nothing to you?�
Tewyn: �Then go talk to her.�
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse scans the horizon as the rolling hills become more frequent and greater in size. The road stretches visibly a few more miles before disappearing at the base of hills that could almost be mountains.
Clarice nodding her head at Tewyn, �And if I should learn something...can I count on you to be supportive when I share it with you?�
Tewyn: �Guess we will see.�
^Shinta slows down a bit and stands by Kat|e. �So, you and the others have a nice time last night?�
Vin_Da_DM: �I guess if we run into anybody, I�ll have to put on the pet act again,� Syne says as he trots along, �Doubt talking horses go over well.�
Luna_Faline looks up to see where we are, then returns to watching the path.
Kat|e gives a tight smile, �It was�liberating. And very informative.�
^Shinta: �Good, information is always good.�
Kat|e looks at her feet. �I suppose that depends on what you do with it.�
Clarice�s stomach feels like its in her throat, �There once was a time I believed you were the only person I could trust.�� not waiting to hear his reply moves quickly up to Tabris and Claron. �Sis, you okay?� as she moves next to Claron.
Vin_Da_DM: �You�re not usually this quiet, Luna,� Eclipse says as he watches her quizzically.
^Shinta: �Very true, just let me know if you have any trouble.�
Tabris: �Well, Clarice, I�m fine too,� Tabris says sarcastically as he waits for Claron�s response.
Vin_Da_DM: �Hmm...that�s odd.� The Guardian �blinks� and then scans the horizon in front of them as they walk.
Luna_Faline shrugs, �I�ve got nothing to say, I guess,� looking up at Eclipse.
Claron looks at her sister, �As well as any one could be considering the circumstances.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Okay...just not your typical self,� Eclipse says as he moves his arm over Luna�s shoulder.
Clarice: �Sorry, brother in law of mine...at this moment its not you I am concerned about�� trying to make light of his comment.
Vin_Da_DM: The Guardian lifts his hand, �Stay here�� He walks off the road again and to the top of a nearby hill. �There it is again��
Kat|e stops, shifting from one foot to the other, looking around.
Tewyn: �Hmmm, wonder what he saw?�
Luna_Faline stops next to Eclipse and looks around the area. I whispurr to him, �I know.�
Vin_Da_DM: Guardian waves his hand to everyone, �Let�s continue on.�
^Shinta continues on toward Guardian.
Kat|e starts walking again.
Vin_Da_DM: �Strange�� Guardian comments to himself as he rejoins the others on the road.
^Shinta: �What did you see?�
Vin_Da_DM: �Detecting random energy spikes...but not from any source I know. But it�s definitely out there.� Guardian says as you round the base of the large hill and the road curves around it.
^Shinta: �Hmmm, interesting.�
Luna_Faline untucks my paws and parts my cloak to draw my sai.
Tabris: �Well, we�re both doing okay, Clarice. Not sure about our son though,� Tabris says as he glances back at Stryder.
Vin_Da_DM: Noticing Luna draw her sai Eclipse looks around, �Sensing something, Luna?�
Luna_Faline: �Like you said, I�m not my typical self.�
Clarice nods slightly, noticing Claron hasn�t said much on her own, then glances back at Stryder.
Vin_Da_DM: As you round the next bend in the road you notice the path ahead disappears into a tunnel carved into a mountain. A cold air blows from the entrance of the tunnel.
Claron starts to shiver.
Luna_Faline sniffs as the cold air hits my face.
Clarice feels quite at home as they round the bend.
Vin_Da_DM: �Looks like the road gets colder from here�� Eclipse comments as he feels the cold breeze.
Kat|e crosses her arms across her chest for warmth.
Clarice turns her head around to look back at Tewyn.
Tewyn walks behind enjoying the crisp air.
Claron moves in closer to Tabris, �I feel like this is a sign for what�s to come.�
Vin_Da_DM: Guardian continues into the tunnel surveying ahead. �Temperature has decreased but it doesn�t appear to be getting any lower.�
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder wraps his arms around him closer due to the cold but remains silent. Mentally scanning vainly for Clarissa.
Tabris: �If what�s to come is cold, then you�d be right,� Tabris says as he wraps an arm around Claron.
Clarice almost feels reborn with this coldness.
Vin_Da_DM: As the tunnel takes a turn it becomes slowly coated in snow and ice. Another turn and it opens out into a huge ice cavern. A frozen walkway extends from the tunnel to a temple suspended from the ice ceiling so that it hovers in the center of the large ice cavern.
Vin_Da_DM: �Well, I�d say we found what we�re looking for,� Syne says as he looks ahead noting robed figures at the entrance of the temple.
Clarice feels so at home for the first time in a very long time.
^Shinta: �I�d say so.�
Kat|e stares in wonder, �Holy sweet crab-cakes�� she whispers.
Luna_Faline continues sniffing the cold air as we make our way thru the tunnel. I stay close to Eclipse.
Vin_Da_DM: The robed figures turn towards you and lower their hoods as you approach.
Clarice: �Sis, I know that the past between us hasn�t exactly been the greatest, but I know ...something has you�well�on edge.�
Claron looks at Clarice, �Forgive me, but��
Vin_Da_DM: �They don�t appear to be hostile,� Guardian says as he makes his way across the icy pathway to the temple.
Luna_Faline whispurrs, �Appearances can be deceiving.�
Clarice realizes at that moment that she has not yet won her own sister�s trust and stops moving until she is once again beside Tewyn, �She still doesn�t trust me��
Tewyn: �She just has a lot going on...try another time.�
Claron snuggles in closer to Tabris as they see they see the hooded figures.
^Shinta looks over the figures.
Vin_Da_DM: One of the robed men greets you near the temple entrance, �Blessings of the gods upon you. Are you pilgrims come to seek council with the wise Mateus?�
Kat|e mutters, �Oh yeah, that�s us, alright,� softly.
Clarice: �Why should she trust me? Doesn�t matter if it was my clone or me...one of us did try to kill her.�
Vin_Da_DM: The man looks at Katie oddly then back at the group as a whole.
Tewyn: �Blood is blood, her daughter wanted to at one time...but she still reached out.�
Vin_Da_DM: Guardian looks at Shinta giving him a nod to do the talking.
Clarice looks at the robed man, �Who is Mateus?� as her own form takes on more of an armored like cold affect.
Vin_Da_DM: �This place is fascinating,� Eclipse comments as he looks up at the temple then down off the edge of the walkway.
^Shinta steps forward, �We have traveled a vast distance in hopes of seeking some help with our travels...So, council with Mateus would be most gracious.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Of course. Please follow me inside,� The robed man studies Clarice for a moment before heading off into the temple. The other two men standing nearby watch you then go back to talking to each other.
^Shinta: �Thank you for your kindness,� following behind.
Kat|e shuffles along behind Shinta.
Vin_Da_DM: �Picking up the energy spikes again...seems as if the building itself is giving it off,� Guardian says as he scans the temple as he enters.
^Shinta looks back to Clarice, �Drop the armor, we don�t want to seem hostile.�
Claron notices the man looking at Kat|e oddly .
^Shinta looks at Kat|e ,�How you holding up�bit chilly?�
Kat|e: �Yeah. I�m feeling like a goose is walking all over my grave.� She rubs her arms.
^Shinta: �Maybe it will be a little warmer inside.�
Vin_Da_DM: The man leads you into an elaborately decorated room. In the center is a large circular platform with several paths that bridge over the pool of crystal clear blue water. Underneath the water long blue eel-like fish swim gracefully around.
Tewyn: �Well, we are in�lets hope they are kind.�
Clarice looks at ^Shinta, then looks down at herself, not having realized that this place gave her back something she once lost.
Kat|e: �Here�s hoping,� she says skeptically.
Luna_Faline hides the sai in my sleeve, I grab Eclipse�s hand as we enter the temple.
Vin_Da_DM: The man stops in the center turns to you, �Please wait here while I confer with his grace.� The man lifts his hood and disappears across one of the bridges.
^Shinta: �So, while we wait�what was this information you found last night?� looking to Kat|e.
Clarice tries to drop the ice armor but enjoys it for a brief moment before returning back to her normal self.
Vin_Da_DM: Syne morphs back into his human form and lays Lilly down for a moment, �Sleeping Beauty sure is out of it.�
Tabris rubs his hands together then looks around the room, �Warmer then outside, but still kind of cold.�
Tewyn: �Maybe is some of the effects from that death spell...some magic hits elves pretty hard.�
Claron shivers as she moves closer to Tabris.
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse smiles lightly at Luna�s hand in his then looks at her, �Peaceful in here.�
Kat|e looks down at her toes again. �Oh�just a few things about myself.�
^Shinta nods, �Something helpful I hope.�
Vin_Da_DM: The man comes back, lowering his hood as he walks. �You may now have council with His Grace.� He motions toward the doorway he just came from. �Please, mind yourselves in his presence.�
Claron looks around, her gaze resting on Stryder, �Move closer, son.� Offering an extended arm to wrap him up in.
Luna_Faline: �Yes, it is,� as I tuck the sai back into it�s sheath.
^Shinta looks toward the man, �Thank you, we are humbled for this chance.�
Clarice: �Mind ourselves. Oh, god��
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder looks at Claron for a moment before moving into her arm.
Vin_Da_DM: Guardian nods to the man then walks across the bridge to the doorway. �Let us hope we can get some insight.�
Claron wraps her arm around Stryder...almost too overly protectively tight.
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse looks over at Luna as he makes to follow the others, �Time to see who this Mateus is.�
Claron glances back making eye contact with Katie, unspoken words pass between them.
Luna_Faline nods, �I hope this was not a not mistake.�
Clarice feeling quite at home finds herself looking forward to meeting Mateus.
Kat|e bites her lip and follows.
Tewyn follows the others.
Vin_Da_DM: On the other side of the door a short hallway opens out into another circular chamber. The bridge from the hall extends to the platform. On the far wall intricate runes surround a large block of ice containing a frozen blue scaled creature.
Clarice as she moves beside Tewyn looks around at the runes.
^Shinta checks the runes trying to decipher some of the symbols.
Claron moves quietly and cautiously with Tabris and Stryder.
Luna_Faline studies the ice block trying to figure out what is inside it.
Claron: �I don�t know if I want to learn who�s in that block of ice.�
Clarice feels a sense of excitement as she looks at the profile in the ice.
Vin_Da_DM: A soft male voice echoes through the room as the figure in the ice opens it eyes and looks at you. �Warriors of Destiny�I am Mateus. It is no simple chance that brings you before me. The dark winds gather for the storm of storms.�
Vin_Da_DM: Remaining inside the ice block, Mateus moves his hand to which the runes on the wall respond by detaching and hovering in the air glowing. �There is much you must yet do before you face that storm.�
Vin_Da_DM: �To prepare you for what is to come, you first must change. Now approach the runes, Warriors of Destiny, and prepare yourselves for the challenges ahead. But take heed, success and failure are but a step apart on the road to power�choose your actions wisely��
Vin_Da_DM: �I will do what I can to aid you, Warriors, should you survive��
Vin_Da_DM: $ End