Meanwhile... in the Darkness Below

[Blindhamsterman]

Elenaril Nods

Aye, I had said that the creature was likely an Elder Stone Spirit, i simply wish I'd known as much before we opted to attack... the moment we saw it we should have fled. Still, what's done is done, and as Maer has said, we survived and even learned a little from the encounter.

From now on, I'd prefer it if any of you looks pointedly at Sywyn then Maeredhel at least let me know if you're going to leave the safe room without the rest of the party... same will go for any other place we decide to rest in.

Still, it seems that Ethan was correct in his estimation that we should've followed the sounds he heard... with that in mind Sywyn, I need you to work closer with him, as others have said, we've had blunders, two of which saw severe injuries and loss of precious resources, I do not hold you to blame, but rather hold my own willingness to simply accept things when perhaps I should not have.

That isn't a request, we need to work more closely with eachother - to rely on the skills others have. I'll not see more deaths, because we failed to do this.

glancing about, he places a hand on the two bloodied books at his side almost subconsciously

When we've had a little more time - hours at most, we'll set out to investigate the region that Ethan suggested previously. It seems our focus for the time being will be learning further information for the dwarves rather than the devil, when he is ready, I've little doubt he'll find us anyway, perhaps if we can discern a sensible approach to the region we met such heavy resistance... we'll return.

Elenaril moves over to Sywyn and holds one of the crystal gems about his neck toward him

May Sehanines tears grant you the same reprieve they once granted to Corellon brother... now, what weapons might be better against the stone spirit?

My understanding was that blunt weapon would prove more useful, were the dwarves able to confirm that?

[Killthorne]

The ranger scraped carefully at the stubble growing on his cheeks and chin with his silvery kukri, listening to Elenaril and Sywyn with discernment writ in his brow.

"I ain't sayin' that passage was th' right way ta' go. Though, I'd like ta' get an idea o' what all that noise is about. I think we're too focused on followin' th' Devil which led us right inta' that stone spirit... an' we've have been outright attackin' too much, without really gettin' th' big picture. Feels like we're missin' somethin' important."

Ethan frowns, tucking the braided lengths of hair behind his ear to get at his sideburns.

"We're in their territory. That means we play by their rules. Upsettin' them rules is gonna get us killed. No doubt we got quite a group here o' capable combatants an' it's workin' fer cleavin' a path through them fish-people an' spiders an' what-not... but it's made us easy ta' find. Easy ta' keep watch on. I think we need ta' blend in more an' cause less o' a ruckus."

His hand feels his own face for stray hairs.

"Also, I think there's an exit back in that place with all them spiders. Might want ta' ensure we got a way outta here."

[Keryn]

*looks at Elenaril with a raised brow* The very same reasons I mentioned before still stand. And I've been proved right several times already.

*pauses and looks at his hands*

Very well... as you wish! Ethan will scout by my side!

*stands up slowly and looks at them all and finally at Elenaril*

We've had blunders? *adjusts his cloak and passes a hand over his cheek removing some of the blood* It is a question of perspective... I gave the information I was able to gather without giving out my position and placing in risk us all. When Dhakir died i reported great numbers of greys and at least one Ilithid that i could see, actually their number was such I had not the time to count them. Could we've predicted there were more Ilithid far behind that were not visible? Maybe, and then we will not be able to give one step without fearing our own shadow.

*looks around to the group*

And still after resting, and having seen Dhakir dieing the idea to strike back was still a valid option to which I opposed...

Yesterday... in the long distance, I saw the shadow of what seemed to be an orc, and as soon as I saw the Ilithid and nothing else around I reported in. I confess that the knowledge of Orcs attacking our borders recently, sent by the greys came immediately to my mind, and maybe i was hasty in my description of an orc and Ilithid. But the fact is I had no idea what that thing was even if I had been able to get closer, and none of you could move close enough to check it without exposing yourselves.

*pauses once again*

This place is dangerous, death may wait us each time we turn a corner, we've had quite successful moments and these two, blunders as you called them, well... I was expecting no less and came down knowing that the danger would be a constant, and I could very well die here. I do not know what was in your minds, but we won't always be able to have the knowledge of everything we have ahead of us. And if you think my work has not been done as it should *he nods* So be it, Ethan will come along... but if someone was quick to judge, maybe it is worth to keep in mind. Each time I leave you all behind to give you accurate information to help us in how we will face what we have ahead. I risk my life, because if I'm spotted I'm alone on my own. Though when things go wrong, its just easy to point the finger and say that you were not warned of all that was ahead, and claim it is my fault...

*sighs and turns around seeking a place to sit down and rest before they move out, he stops and looks behind him*

I left to make sure we would know what we would face if we had that thing ahead of us again... And yes there is an exit in the fort area. There is an opening in the ceiling from where a chill wind comes, there certainly is an exit to the outside right there. So we do have an exit close by if you wish to leave at anytime, without teleporting out.

*sits down in a dark corner and pulls his hood up*

[Blindhamsterman]

Elenaril smiles slightly, looks to the rest of the group then back to Sywyn

You might recall that moments ago, I placed all blame for any missadventures we've had squarely on my own shoulders... that remains true now.

he looks back to Sywyn, now sat in the corner

My friend, I do not blame you, I blame myself. I also value you as a friend and companion, has it not occured to you that in part the reason why I would wish you to travel with the other scout rather than alone... is infact because I believe you getting caught alone would be worse?

I've made mistakes in the decisions made previously, for the most part in that I've oft left decisions too long, or not made one at all.

So calm yourself my friend, I do not feel you did a bad job, in fact I said you've done an admirable job. But either way, we've walked into traps we might have avoided had we been more careful. Again I say that the fault is my own, the parties leader. I've a responsibility to make smart and prudent decisions.

For all of that, i'm sorry...

He lets out a sigh, pours some water on his bloodied face and attempts to clean the majority of it away. Once done he sits down once more, once again picking up the slain bladesingers journal. He opens it and continues reading quietly, his back to the wall

[Keryn]

*he looks at Elenaril from under his hood* It is no one fault, no one is experienced or knows these tunnels and the creatures that lives within enough to claim anything with certainty.

There is still the very obvious fact you do not wish to accept, *looks at Ethan* and forgive me for saying this, *turns back to Elen* he is not as skilled as I am when it comes to pass unnoticed, I am protecting his life when I say I don't want him to come. If he is seen, I won't be able to do anything, and I do act I'll most likely put myself in danger as well. It is not arrogance, it is prudence and experience. I've trained many rangers in the Argent Owls and when it comes to life and death situations, having our egos ahead of reason might turn out to be quite unwise. But the facts will speak for themselves. It happened already and unfortunately I am almost sure it will happen again. Let us hope the gods watch our steps. *he nods and closes his eyes*

[viigas]

as I cant/wont add IC stuff to this thread I just wish to say I love it.

It gives me much stuff to work with, things to consider when planning ahead (which I do alot). I also get a good insight to each of youre toons reasoning that along with PMs to me paint up a pretty clear picture which inturn give me a way to make details that speak to youre toons in a higher degree where its possible and logical...

I especially appreciate you stay diffuse on exact locations, layout of areas and such as Im pretty sure you guys have lots of readers (hello all ) who havnt a clue where you are and even if they wont act on what you type IC I believe its better if those players dont know more then youre written RP demand as they wont need to seperate IC and OOC... but later on should you IC speak of youre trip the player will get a far better idear of things and enjoy that RP the more.. so thanks.

I also wish to say I really enjoy seeing how you starting to work as a group while before you was a constilation of seperate indivduals, you might even survive this now which, truth be told, was a big question before, hope you guys enjoy it as much as I do.

regards

[Blindhamsterman]

((big thanks to you too Viigas, it's been extremely exciting!))

[Blindhamsterman]

looks between Ethan and Sywyn, eyes then shift to Maeredhel

Would you feel more comfortable with Maer as a companion while you scout? He might not be quite as skilled, but I don't believe he is so very far off... I do not like the idea of you travelling far ahead alone, sooner or later something WILL spot or hear you, and alone you'll likely not survive the kind of thing that might do that.

I do think we should take more care to properly scout things out in the future, while I agree that there have been instances where it would have been difficult, there were other times where I should've had you scout further.

eyes turn to the rest of the party

I've two questions.

Who among you would prefer to be done with this place? given the choice? If you wish to leave, and there is indeed an exit that could be taken, I'll not force you to come any further. That being said, if you wish to see the task for the dwarves completed at least... I ask that you stay.

As for the Devil... I do not know what will happen concerning him, but he is in my mind important, I would know why an elf... any elf, would choose to kill an El'Tael... he might have had good reason, though I admit that the thought that he did does not sit well with me. However the connection to the death of the El'Tael is only a recent development, the reason we initially followed him remains true. He is clearly in some way involved with the recent poisonings, for good or ill, the reason we follow him is in an effort to aid the Elves of the Moonwood.

My second question is quite different. I know I have not done as well as the party leader as perhaps I should have, so I ask those that wish to remain here if they'd wish me to step down and one of them take my place as the parties leader... I do not shirk my responsibilities, never that... whatever we do moving forwards, I swear this to each of you, that I'll do all that is within my power... to see you alive and out of here when we're done.

Elenaril - now looking less battered than he had thanks to his remaining healing gem and the wash, continues to look about the group for a short while longer, his expression calm, the two bloodied journals; one his own, one the slain elfs, now out of sight and within his pack.

[Ithildur]

Aglaril listened for a long while, biting his tongue several times while Sywyn spoke. His concerns rather than being alleviated, only increased at the wood elf's reply, and his tone.

His eyes widened however, at Elenaril's last words.

"I've not lost confidence in your leadership Elenaril. You place too much blame on yourself. If anything, I would ask that you expect each of us take responsibility for our jobs, rather than making excuses."

He paused briefly and added.

"Perhaps if I can add a spell or two to my spellbook from yours or Laniara's, I can be a bit more useful myself."

[Keryn]

*noticing Aglaril's reaction Sywyn motions his hand towards the elf*

Do you have anything else to add Aglaril?

[Ithildur]

"You want me to repeat myself Sywyn?" Aglaril gave the Wood Elf a rather flat look for a while, before continuing in dry tone.

"Yes, in fact; I think I would like to add a spell or two to my spellbook... to try to be a bit more useful. Rather than make excuses."

[Keryn]

No but I could not avoid to notice you seemed uncomfortable... *rests his hands over his bent knees and nods* Just asked if you had something else that you could have hold. More or less skilled in combat... all opinions are valid!

[Ithildur]

"I am uncomfortable; I do not want to die down here like that Bedine," Aglaril retorted. "I am uncomfortable down here on so many levels, in so many ways I cannot describe them all. And your words, Sywyn, are not exactly helping."

Aglaril paused, almost as if he wished to say more, but surprisingly, simply shrugs and cuts himself short.

"Perhaps it's best I simply leave it at that. I'm here, for better or for worse, and I''ll make the best of it, as best as I am able, for as long as I'm able. Feh... much longer down here and I'll grow used to it, perhaps even decide to move in down here with the dwarves."

[Killthorne]

After picking at a piece of jerky between his teeth with his finger, Ethan looked to both Elenaril and Sywyn and then chuckled. A warm half-smile creased at the side of his mouth.

"Let's first get some things straight eh?" His eyes went to the ranger Sywyn."I heard 'bout ye Sywyn 'afore this lil' venture an' I gotta say... I wasn't gonna come 'cause ye were goin'. Figured that's all ye needed. Sorta was hopin' ye would fit th' good things said 'bout ye..... an' so far, other than ye bein' a lil' short with me an' a lil' rope-happy? I think ye hold up ta' the legend." Ethan smiled wide and then shook his head slowly, his face straightening into seriousness. "I ain't scoutin' with ye up front. In fact, no one should." His eyes went to Elenaril, his expression still serious.

"Sywyn's right. I ain't quite as quiet an' sneaky as him. Let's not jeopardize this anymore than our unintended ign'rance is lettin' on. We did not know where we were goin' half th' time an' sure as hell had no idea what we were up 'gainst... Aye?" He frowned at Elenaril slightly, though his voice remained sincere."Ferget all that shite 'bout blunderin'. That sorta thinkin' ain't doin' us any good. Just think we need ta' be more careful, more aware.. an' more clever than these buggers down here. We haveta' be."

The ranger pulled out a handful of nuts and dried berries from a pouch and crunched and chewed.

[Keryn]

*Sywyn smiles slightly and nods slowly* I was sure Ethan, one as you would understand better then anyone else. Thank you for your words!