"Demon Winter"

#81

OOC: You notice nothing spectacular about the dagger. Not saying it is what is seems, but, nothing short of a powerful identify magic spell would even come close to unweaving the mystery of the blade. Again, this is knowledge your gaining in OOC...do not use it in character until such a time that presents itself in story. The reason I let you in on this little tid bit, is because of your forthsite in keeping the rusty blade. Your curiosity might well empower you later on...then again, it could also damn you! Enjoy.
IC: The remainder of the first watch passes without incident. The next watch is due to be awakened within minutes. Both Seraph and Tsurin heard not a peep from the wolves for the remainder of their watch. The wind did increase and a slight howl can be heard over the treetops. The trees have been relentlessly creaking in the night breeze. It creates a creepy and unsettling atmosphere around the camp for both Seraph and Tsurin. For some inexplicable reason, Seraph feels the urge to look at Bear's form. Mistrust latches on to the outskirts of your subconscious. It is barely noticable and gives you no reason to act upon your passing emotion. In an instant the feeling is gone. The feeling Seraph felt can be easily written off as his normal untrusting demeanor. But, a seed has undeniably been laid in his head. The time for the next watch has arrived. The fire has dwindled down to hot coals and the chill begins to set more firmly within the encampment. About 100 yards from the camps perimeter, a form watches the camps activities. The creature has perfect night vision and can easily make out the sleeping forms and the two sentries pacing and guarding their respective areas. The creature smiles and moves to another vantage point 75 yards from the camp's perimeter. For a creature of this size, it is unbelievalbe how easily it moves through the forest without making a sound. Anyone looking in it's direction would think they saw snow drifting in the constant night breeze. It continues to watch the camp undetected.

"Demon Winter"

#82

The knife was still bothering him. Why would The Jade Sniper be carrying a rusted knife. It made no sense. Earlier he would have taken it to Bear and asked if he knew anything about it, but now he was not so sure. Maybe Aden, who at this point might be his closest ally, but then again he would not feel comfortable about doing that. He did however need to talk to somebody. Tsurin was still up. In fact, Tsurin was the only person around the area who still seemed neutral. Tsurin was the only person who had not mentioned Seraph. Although Bear had not really said anything either. But Bear did know that Seraph existed, and for some reason, Seraph could not shake the feeling that Bear was not who he seemed. In fact, Bear might be one of the demons leading them into a trap. How else would he have such inside information. It all didn't sit right with Seraph. What if they were walking into a trap. Seraph knew that his unconscious mind detected things just as much as his conscious mind did. He would not tell Bear anything. Bear was now number one on his do not trust list, and in that case, Tree was not exactly his friend either. they could be allied. Gerrard was suspiscious, but Seraph did not think that he knew anything. But Bear could be very dangerous.
And that knife did not make any sense. The more he thought this, the more sure Seraph was that the item was important. Especially because The Jade Sniper knew what he was doing. He was a marksman. It just did not fit.
Seraph did not know why, but he did know that something in this whole situation was wrong. The more he thought of the knife, the surer he was that it did not belong, and the more he thought about the whole situation, the surer he became that Bear and Tree were not to be trusted. Worse yet was that Seraph did not know who to trust. He could trust nobody. He would have to keep this knife for a while until he had a better knowledge of what was going on, and in the meanwhile, he would watch Bear like mouse watching a cat.

OOC: i still need to know if my Percy was successful in getting in and out of Gerrards bag and if so, i need the mouse to search Bear's bag of personal belongings as well, before the shift-change.

"Demon Winter"

#83

OOC: this post is right as everyone is settleing in to there places,

IC: Aden climbed in to the nearest tree with her back leaning on the trunk of the tree she pulled her cloak closely about her. " Bear was right it isgrowing colder." She took out her hands and smiled, " If they can risk it so can I." with this fire seemed to erupt from her palm filling her body with immediate warmth she carefully set it beside her, it did not burn th ebough on which it set but she would feed occasionally feed it twigs to satisfy its appetite. As she began to drift wearily into sleep she too evaluated her companions. " Bear seems tustworthy enough, I wonder if everyone else trusts him as much as I do. Ofcouse many of them may not understand the mystery that surrounds him, remember your race learned long ago that somethings were not meant to understand. No I've dealt with the other races and if I can correctly remember they were not very good at accepting something that could not be easily explained away. As a matter of fact these are the only people that have accepted me since I ran from my home. Seraph I know now can be trusted. After all that potion didn't kill me. I'm Glad he doesn't know that when I first put it on with the pain I seriously did beleive he betrayed me. Tsurin, theres a tough one, we have so much in common and yet one of the people i know the least about, I wonder how he discovered his powers.... and do they work the same as mind... I wonder.... have they ever caused him any grief or any pian as mine have. There are so many questions that I want to ask him I may try and talk with him when we are traveling again. Gerrard I don't really know a whole lot about him either seems nice though. Maybe I can try and get to know him tonight, We must come together as a group..... there is to much mistrust and mysteriousness here. we ahve got to come together got to...." and with this Aden layed her head upon her bag and fell into a deep sleep. Her sleep was restless it usually is. It has been since the nightmares began this was another reason she did not want to sleep on the ground she was not eager to explain why she thrashed about at night. In her opinion it was enough to have your sleep filled with unpleasant thoughts, she should not have to revisit them in her waking hours.

OOC: I will wait for Warlock to give Jack his information before I wake for my shift! Also just to clear things up Has Tree become the fifth warrior? I noticed that one amongst has not posted in a while and since he is here and you have already named us the five chosen warriors will Tree become the fifth of our group?

"Demon Winter"

#84

OOC: Warlock, you keep calling my character Thengal :P It's Tsurin ;)

IC: Tsurin remained silent throughout the entirety of the watch, just outside of the light of the fire and studiously studying the darkness before him. As with the others, he also pondered on the alliances of his companions. First, there was bear - truly a resourceful man. He seemed to be well prepared for this, from the sled, to the weapons, to the large man which had been willing to pull the sled without any problem - what kind of person goes out into such danger without one sign of disapproval? Well... apart from himself, of course, but that was a different story.
Next, came the curious rat-man., who was on watch behind him. Another oddity of a person - Trustworthy, however? Perhaps... but Tsurin, usually a loner, rarely classed people into categories of trust - merely their usefulness - and Seraph was useful. And then there came Gerard. From his silent studies, Tsurin had learned the least about Gerard. An alchemist, obviously, perhaps merely a trader in potions and concoctions. But then, what was he doing here? To have created such explosive mixtures and offensive potions indicates he's had his own run-ins with danger. Now, the woman in the tree. Aden seemed to be an openly honest woman, though shy almost to the point of paranoia about her abilities. Tsurin chuckled silently at this thought - what was there to be worried about? In his mind, anyone who is unable to accept the unusual is not worthy of aquaintance with him. Hm, well, to each their own. Some things worry some people more than others.
Tsurins silence remained whilst he called upon a fragment of his magical reserves to cause a lump of snow to arise and hang suspended between his cupped hands. He was in his element, out here in the quiet, snowy wilderness, and he was glad for it. He continued watching the rolling snow and darkness, oblivious to the creature which watched them, for the remainder of his shift.

As the time of the shift ending drew close, Tsurins quiet whisper crossed over the slumbering party to Seraph, "Time's almost up, my small friend. An uneventful night so far, hm?"" Tsurin had shifted back into the circle of light, though his gaze remained glued to the darkness studiously.

"Demon Winter"

#85

The wolves! Suddenly Seraph noticed that the wolves had not been howling. This could not be normal. Maybe it was, but from his experiences with night creatures, there would have been something during the first several hours of nightfall. Again, something did not make sense.

He pulled out the whistle that Aden had given him and blew it. It was a very high pitch. Only two or so notes below his maximum hearing. Then scrambling over to Tsurin.
"The wolves are not howling. They They have been silent for quite a while. I think something is wrong. I think that we should explore the perimeter for anything suspiscious. And espescially, be on gaurd"(if and when Aden wakes up from the whistle, Seraph will tell her the same)

Seraph already had an unconsciously placed hand on one of his darts. He scanned the area extra hard before he started heading out. Percy his rat, was inconspicuosly sitting on his shoulder watching behind Seraph for anything approaching. Seraph of course was busy being silent, lurking through the woods with his eyes (which see much much better in the dark) and his ears straining to notice any kind of sound or movement or anything at all out of the ordinary, as well as double checking things that at first glance might seem in the ordinary. If somebody was hiding in these woods, they would try and be sure that they blended in with their surroundings as much as possible. Seraph would need to be alerted for that.
OOC:I am assuming that Percy made it back OK.
Adel: i think that the fifth character was supposed to be Thengal, but then he never showed up or stuck around. Remember, that we actually had had several people in the beginning, who are not here now.

"Demon Winter"

#86

OOC: Jack I understand that but if you will review he said early that there were five great warriors and he appionted the enemy to fit these dimensions, since thengal is apparently out I was wondeing if tree were the person to take his spot!

IC: Aden jumped up as soon as she heard the whistle call she heard and understood everything Seraph had said to tsurin and believed that it was unusual that the sounds of night seemed all but disapear. She readied herself and scrambled out of the tree. She keeping her eyes peeled she began to move around in the darkness weary of any sign movement. She quickly turned around she had heard only the faintest of nioses from the the bushes behind her. she quickly hid behind a tree, She got her Bow and was reaching for an arrow when the sound grew so close she didnot have time, with no arrow drawn she pulled her bow string tight and her skin glowed an earie translucent blue. Her eyes however were the color of frost and upon her bow string sat an arrow completely sculpted out of Ice. She faced her opponent as he creeped out of the shadows. Bow taught she was ready to fire into the night...... however a familiar face looked back at her. There stood Tsurin.

"Demon Winter"

#87

Around the entire camp perimeter, what had looked to be only snow covered hills, now began to rise to their full heights. Twelve Tundra yettis surrounded the camp but made no move to attack. Each of them sported two fiercely glowing sky blue eyes and stood well over 11 ft tall. None of them were holding any conventional weaponry, but the four inch claws and mouths full of razor sharp teeth were more than adequate. Each was a giant muscled mountain of white fur, teeth and claws. They were massive creatures known throughout the lands as terrible mountain and tundra menaces. For a group to be caught in the wilds by one of these beasts was a horror. But a dozen of them! By this time, Bear, Tree and Gerrard should all be awake. Bear cautiously makes his way over to the group and states, "I was afraid of this, but it was an unavoidable risk that had to be taken. Make no aggressive moves or we are all dead." Looking at his fold, he tried to stop them from making a mistake. "Put down your weapons, are you crazy! This is a battle that weapons will not win. They want something from us or we'd be dead already. This is Bizmak's territories. There are several clans inhabiting the two peaks and seldom do they show themselves to humans, let alone interfere with the affairs of people. Bizmak is the "King" of the yettis. Perhaps he has something to do with this?" Bear pondered the last more to himself than out loud. Before anyone could reply or take to action, one of the monster's spoke. "You and yours will follow us Guardian! Lord Bizmak commands you and yours to hold counsel in his throne chambers!" The yetti motions for them to follow a single yetti standing to the north of the camp. "You have 10 minutes to pack your camp and comply. You know what will happen if you resist or try to defy my patrol!" the lead yetti began to blend back into the forest. "We will be watching guardian. Make haste, the master grows impatient! Pack and follow the guide...we are watching" With the final being stated over it's shoulder, the yettis, with the exception of their guide, disappeared into the forest completely. Bear stood still contemplating their predicament. His death grip on his battle ax turned his knuckles white. Finally, Bear let out a gasp of frustration and nodded to Tree, who instantly began packing up the camp. "Everyone gather around. We have no choice but to see what Bizmak is playing at. I have met him once before and that was enough. He is completely arrogant and beleives all other races to be inferior. He will not tolerate attitudes he finds displeasing, so be forewarned. And no, there is no other way. If we were to decide to fight, we'd be dead faster than we are packing this camp right now. These are not mythical beasts my friends. They are what the stories say they are. Every bloody detail. And they are town and village enders! The one and only thing we have going for us is,....well, that....we aren't dead yet! Lets pack up, keep our wits about us, and see what this "King" wants. What say you all?!" Bear begins strapping on his gear and awaits a response from the group.

OOC: Gerrard must let you know what your rat found in his belongings. Bear's arm was wrapped around his pack (like a familiar lover) so your rat found no information there. I have not yet counted Thengal out, but if he doesn't show soon, Tree will replace him in the story as the fifth warrior. Sorry for confusing your name Tsurin. Enjoy all!

"Demon Winter"

#88

Gerrard quickly gathered his few belongings and got himself ready to leave. He was still wiping the sleep out of his eyes and could hardly believe they'd been surrounded and captured so easily. This was madness. First a demon, then a mysterious trapdoor and more supplies and weapons than an entire army could use, then a massive force of gnolls and goblins, now these yettis. The day had been just wonderful. At least he wasn't alone. If nothing else, Gerrard felt he could trust Aden, who seemed to naive to be capable of betrayal, and Bear. Seraph was a sneaky little thing not trustworthy at all, and Tsurin was too aloof and quiet. Gerrard didn't think he'd heard Tsurin say a dozen words together all day. Oh well. Nothing left to do but go with these yettis and hope Bear was right: they needed something from the little group, or they were in big trouble.

OOC: Seraph, your rat would have found a number of papers with recipes on them for different things, a small wooden box, though its locked tight, so unless the rat can somehow get in, I don't think I should say what's in it. Besides that, there's a little food, some vials of various chemicals and some empty vials for mixing more.

"Demon Winter"

#89

(explatives deleted)!!! How could he have been so careless. He should have noticed much longer ago that somthing was wrong. So much for his good hearing. Seraph grabbed his pack, which had food, and his scraped up knife in it, and hopped onto the sled.

"Hide me", he said to the others in a voice to low for any of the Yetti's to hear. "I ran up a tree and you haven't seen me since"

At that point he put his pack on top of himself and positioned himself so that he would be as inconspicuous as possible. If everybody put their packs on top of him, and if all went well, the Yetti's would just forget about his existence. There was no point in him seeing the Yetti King, and if things went for the worse, he could always take a few potions and blow everybody out of trouble, and find out what was in Gerrards little box for that matter.

"Demon Winter"

#90

Tsurin, if anything, seemed amused more than anything of both the encounter of Aden in the forest, and their encirclement of these ferocious creatures. "Funny how things can change so rapidly, hm?" he uttered to no-one in particular. With few words, as usual, he packed up his belongings and placed them on the sled next to the hidden form of Seraph whilst speaking quietly in return, "I suggest you try not to anger these things by attempting to fool them. If they are anything like the snow beasts in my homelands, they will have seen your every move into this sled." All the same, he left the rat-man where he was - there was always a chance they didnt see him.

"Demon Winter"

#91

Aden was still a little riled after meeting with Tsurin in the forest, she was also a little confused She pondered to herself as she began to gather her few belongings....." How did I do that......... I didn't ask the ice for aid, How did I sculpt an arrow out of Ice.......... I have always had a special connection with the elements but........ but never as strong as that it was as if for just one moment I was the Ice............. but thats ridiculus No where in the scrolls has it been written that a person and an element could meld together. But, I could feel the coldness within me I could feel it squeezing my insides and biting my skin, what would have happened if I had not realized that it was a freind and not foe tonight" As she thought a little more on how Tsurin had reacted to a near miss, she listened to the faint breeze that was growing steadily stronger, then she turned to Bear. "Time is up the giants approach again........."

"Demon Winter"

#92

"What!! It doesn't make any sense Jerard! What would that fool Bizmak want with our quarry? He can't possibly know the guardian is within the group!" Lyrid began to pace back and forth pondering the packs next move. He was a bit worried the Dark Elementals would return and look to punish him and his clan for their failure to capture the band. "Well, have our best scout tail them to Bizmak's cave. We must not loose them now. You have your orders Jerard, make haste." The werewolf nodded to his master and loped off to issue Lyrid's new orders to the rest of the pack. Things weren't going as planned and the pack knew what would happen should they fail.

(Meanwhile...) "Best we be on the move everyone. Seems our time is up." They all begin to follow the massive guide deeper into the mountains. At least they were still traveling in the right direction. So pre-occupied with the camp clean up, Bear never noticed the foolish move made my Seraph to try and hide himself on the sled. Most, who knew the legends, knew that yettis were magical creatures, who's life spans dwarfed those of the nearly immortal elves. These creatures were masters of their element and could smell a ratman two miles away. This was a big reason Lyrid and his pack never ventured into the Yetti's domain. But, there was always a small chance that they would dismiss the smell as a common rat and not think twice about it. Nothing could be certain though. The group continued throughout the night and into the dawn of the new day. Once every couple of hours the guide would stop and take a knee at the head of the column. Twenty minutes later, it would just stand up and continue on its way forcing the group to adjust to it's work/rest schedule. Around noon, as the group was beginning to tire, they came upon a large cave entrance with two massive yettis guarding it. They had finally reached Bizmak's citadel. After a quick conversation between their guide and the sentries, the group was admitted into the entrance tunnel. Fifty feet in, the tunnel gave way and opened up into a massive cavern some 40 ft in height. Numerous yettis could be seen walking, working and socializing. They paid the little procession little attention and mostly kept to whatever buisness they were conducting. As the troop neared the far side of the cavern, they could see three more tunnels all branching in different directions. The guide chose the tunnel in the center. Ten minutes later, the group was standing in front of a door to a holding cell. The guide motioned for them to enter. "An escort will arrive in two hours to guide you to King Bizmak's throne and audience chamber. I suggest you rest and come up with a good explanation as to why you were found so deep in our territories Bear Mathews." With a final look at the group, the guide turns and disappears back down the direction they had just traveled. The group was left to themselves in an ice walled prison. The cell was 12ft by 12ft. Ceiling hgt was about 7 feet. Three walls were all made of ice, while the one facing the hall was made of steel bars, one inch gap between each bar. Two yetti guards could also be seen actively walking up and down the jail cell row. Other moans of pain or despair could be heard echoing in the hall from what could only be other holding cells. It appeared they weren't the only ones caught in the wrong territory. The sled had also been allowed to be brought into the cell. Aparently the yettis felt know threat from the small group of lesser beings. Besides, what could a small group of lesser beings do to a cavernous citadel filled with hundreds of yettis? Bear walked over and tested the cell door. As soon as his hands touched the door they began to glow a soft blue and instantly Bear grunted in pain as he retrieved his fingers. "Some sort of....frost.....spell protects these bars, keep your hands away from them." He began pacing as much as he could in the small confinement. "Well, anyone have any ideas?" Bear asks as he begins to hand out some cured beef slices. "I figure I should be the one to address this Bizmak when we are brought before him. Don't speak unless spoken too. They may be beasts, but they demand to be treated as royalty. That much I know. This Bizmak is an arrogant one. We must be careful when we deal with him. Now, out with it. What is on eveyone's mind? And where did Seraph get off too?" Bear waits for some replies as he looks around trying to locate the ratman within the small holding cell.

"Demon Winter"

#93

Tsurin, once in the cell, began pacing around it slowly, studying each wall, roof and floor. "Well, we most probably could melt our way through these walls with little difficulty, but personally, I don't want a city of yettis on my tail, so I suggest we wait to address this leader and explain ourselves... and our rodent friend has been hitching a free ride." With that, Tsurin makes his way to the back wall and lowers to a seat, resting back against it and closing his eyes - of all of them, himself and seraph had not yet slept since the beginning of their adventure, and that long hiking certainly did not remove Tsurins fatigue, at least. The icy cold of the wall he is resting against seems not to bother him in the least and, though not sleeping, the blue-clad man takes the time to recollect himself, allowing his other senses to take over for the moment whilst idly rubbing his sore muscles.

"Demon Winter"

#94

Aden, sat down much like Tsurin and closed her eyes as if she were warding off a headache, finally she gazed up at Bear her eyes only slightly open and tried to approach the situation logically. "You say that this "king" Is arrogant but you also say that his lifespan is great. If this be so then it is a possibility that he knows of this......... well I will call it prophesy for lack of better words, If he does know how do you think he will react to it? Could he possiblly become an ally? Could we possibly tell him the truth? Do we dare to do otherwise?" At saying this she merely closed her eyes again and allowed her head to fall idly back against the harsh frozen surface, awaiting a responce.

"Demon Winter"

#95

OOC: I need to know if there are any blankets around that were not brought by the party. maybe some kind of clothing in the corner. Also, did we see other holding cells adjacent to ours. Any other information that you might think is useless, tell me. Percy has been sitting on top of the pile of things the entire time, communicating to Seraph. Seraph is aware of his surroundings.

Seraph spoke from the sled. "Do not mention me again. I do not want it known that i am here. I have no uses in a diplomatic mission and my appearence would only weaken the groups image. Aden, blow this whistle if you need of me. Those bars should not be a problem for me, but I do not know how sensitively these creatures rely on smell. So please do so sparingly"

It is seen that Percy is sitting atop the pile of things holding Aden's whistle in his mouth. It may seem funny to some of the characters that it looks like Percy is talking to the group, not Seraph.

"As for me, my usefulness in here is limited, i am getting some rest"

He did not mention that Percy was keeping Gaurd for him

"Demon Winter"

#96

Bear sighs at the mention of Seraph's hiding spot. Then, he listens intently to Aden's perspective of the situation and nods his approval. "Well said m'lady. Good points. Bizmak has been in this region, so local lore dictates, for longer than any can remember. It is likely he sat on his throne through several demon escape attempts. What is still unknown, is what roll he has played, if any, in the past. Could be he has chosen to remain out of the affairs of mortals. Or, it could be that he enjoys our epic struggles and likes to get involved. But, if the latter is true, to what end does his involvement influence? I, for one, feel that we should be straight forward. I see nothing to gain by lying, especially if he knows what we are playing at. These creatures are not evil. Violent, barbaric, but not evil. Perhaps we can gain something from this encounter. At the very least, our lives perhaps." Bear looks around the cell at each individual and finally sighs as his eyes rest on the rat with a whistle in it's mouth. "What does everyone think. Do we go with the truth, or pit our futures on the hopes of deception?" Bear awaits the groups thoughts and decisions.

"Demon Winter"

#97

Gerrard took a seat as Aden and Tsurin did, shaking his head and rolling his eyes a bit at the rat-man and his protege. At least the yettis hadn't taken any of their equipment or weapons. They must feel quite superior to other races.

"I could probably get us out with a couple chemicals, but in a citadel full of these beasts, that would probably be about the stupidest thing we can do, and lying to their king, especially if he's as arrogant as you say, might be even stupider. I say we tell him exactly what's going on. Hopefully he'll let us go our way, and if we're really lucky, we might get a yetti guide or two to help. Since we're likely to be here for at least a small while, I could use the time to refresh some of my supplies, so just let me know when I'm needed."

Gerrard opened his pack and pulled out the small wooden box Percy found earlier. He manipulated something on the side and it popped open with a small snick. He propped the lid open and started pulling out a few things. Inside the box was a number of compartments each containing a different ingredient for his recipes. He pulled a small mortar and pestle from the box and started grinding up a handful of small leaves....

"Demon Winter"

#98

Aden's head was throbbing with pain" You may keep the whistle it was a gift, If you are needed I assure you I will find some way to communicate it.At saying this she sat back and allowed her thoughts to roam freely while the others decided on their corse of action. Finally after a while had passed she spoke to Bear in a vioce that had seen to much of the harsh temperatures, " I am cold. How would these creatures react if I were to start a fire? Unlike some, I am afriad I am used to a more temperate climate and We happen to be sitting in a hollowed out glacier." Aden's head was hurting so bad she thought it would soon burst. She knew she sounded.... well a bit rude in her manner of speaking, but at this precise moment she didn't seem to care. She spoke agian in her barely audible vioce, "Why don't the rest of you try and sleep a little, It was my turn to keep watch if I remember correctly and Some of you have had no sleep since this journey began, If for some reason we need to defend ourselves we need to be well rested and prepared.

"Demon Winter"

#99

Tsurins lips quirked in faint amusement at Adens words, but he notted faintly, "It would be much appreciated on my behalf at least, were you to take watch, friend elf." Tsurin spoke softly without ever opening his eyes. "And my vote is for telling truth to this yetti leader." He halted in his speaking, crossing his arms before him and drawing closer to himself comfortably. Two hours rest would be better than none whatsoever, and so he shifted into a position more suited for sleep, allowing conversations to continue without him, seemedly asleep and oblivious to any words passed.

"Demon Winter"

#100

OOC: I guess since no one else will post I will! :wink:

IC: Aden sat quietly against the wall Though Tsurin seemed to welcome her invitation of sleep Gerrard seemed to work feverishly at his potions, This Intrigues Adens natural curiosity. She watches the alchemst at his work adding things to his mortar only to grind them into powders, She noticed that as she was focusing on something else her headache began to weaken, she was however still cold, She looked again he never answerd her question about building a fire, she assumed that meant that it probably wasn't a great idea, She looked again at the Sled in which she knew the Seraph was sleeping. He's the smart one Cuddled up and warm I take it! I do wonder what plan he is forming? Then her eyes fell agian on Tsurin, he had called her "friend Elf" and spoken more in these last few moments than he had the entire journey maybe he was warming up to the group after all. " I wonder about him, " she thought to herself," He is so confident in his abilities, he has the confidence that I know I lack. Perhaps if I follow by his example I will gain greater confidence in my own strengths." With this Aden now turned to Gerrard and Scooted a little closer hoping that he wouldn't hamper her growing curiosity. She pointed to a bottle and said, "Whats that? What does it do?"

"Demon Winter"

#101

"Yes, what does it do?" spoke Seraph. He had moved around Aden and Gerrard without a sound. He was pretty sure that they had not spotted him do it either. He took what small pleasures he could in life. "you don't happen to have any potions of invisibility in there do you?"

Although he was not expecting anything but hostility from Gerrard, it would be very useful if there was an invisibility potion there someplace. An invisibility potion was all that stood in Seraph's way from being all but Invincible in battle. He had actually come across them a few times. They were scarce, but they sure were useful. Seraph had taken out larger than Yeti's in combat with a little invisibility. He would just pragmatically go around his enemy, and with concurrent sneak-attacks he would slash tendons until that foe was unable to move, and then finish him off with a coup de grace. Smell was rarely precise enough to catch him, and he was more than able to avoid any wild swings. The last time he used one was in an Orgre encampment. Ogre was great if you knew how to prepare the meat right. Needless to say, he ate well that day.
Sigh. Nothing like that this time.

Seraph memorized the ingredients that Gerrard had in his little box. He had been wondering about that. "I thought you should know that the arrows that the sniper fired at you were poisoned with snake venom. It was concentrated at that. Tricky work, diluting venom. Whoever we are dealing with well prepared. Make sure to keep some healing potions handy." As he said this he held up the empty bottle that had once contained poison. " Here, have a bottle Gerrard" He said as he tossed it through the air to Gerrard and slightly bumping Aden a little.

He did not wait for any kind of reply. He left before seeing wether the bottle hit the ground, or somebody's hand first. He quickly buried himsef back into the sled with his grey cape on. If he was any kind of credible pick-pocket (which he was), Aden would not even notice the two cloaks she was wearing until she looked down. Hopefully the Elven made whistle inside the right-top-inside pocket of the white, outer cape would find it's way into her hand when she needed it.

Royalty. Why did they always go unprepared. It wasn't like it hadn't been snowing when they had set off. And why anybody would want a silver bow, he also could not fathom. Surely an elf would have understood how heavy and inflexible a silver bow would be. Not that he thought Aden incompetent, just naive, lacking an understanding and forthought to prepare for the dangers which had not yet been faced.

If this analysis was correct, then there was also an innocence about her. That was something that Seraph could work with. Something that could be used. Not that he was intent upon using it against anybody, but it would be handy to have somebody that he did not have to listen for in his sleep, and if he had to do a little manipulation to attain that, then so be it.

Percy could be seen sitting on top of the luggage for the sled.

"Demon Winter"

#102

OOC: "It was strong and sturdy yet light as a feather and easy to manuever." Page Four... You might find me Niave......... but I am extremely logical and hard headed......... you might not find me so easily manipulated.

IC: Aden looked down and was suprised to see a glistening white cloak about her tiny frame, she smiles.

"Demon Winter"

#103

After adding a few drops of a liquid from a small vial, Gerrard started grinding the mixture again. He looked up at Aden, then to the rat-man who had crept silently up to them and his eyebrows went up.

"I'm actually in the process of mixing up a few of those explosive potions to replace the ones we used yesterday. This particular liquid is concentrated fire-fern juice. Yes, Seraph, I do have a chemical to make you invisible, but I'm not finished with it, there are a couple problems with it, so you probably don't want it. Here, can you hold this for a second, Aden?"

Gerrard handed the elf a small container out of the box filled with what looked like small leaves. He opened it and added a few to the mortar, then ground it a bit more. When the rat-man suddenly tossed the bottle, Gerrard quickly put his mortar down and caught it, putting it in a pocket, then picking up the almost spilled mortar and throwing the thief a dirty look.

"Be a bit more careful, rat. There wouldn't be much of any of us left if I'd dropped that mixture right now. Instead of sleeping, why don't you do something useful with yourself like the rest of us are?"

He went back to his chemicals and soon after filled a few small vials with the explosive chemical, carefully placing stoppers on them and secreting them into various coat pockets...

"Demon Winter"

#104

"Do something useful huh? Good idea." Seraph thought. Making sure not to be seen, Percy was out of the confines of the jail cell in moments. As Seraph lie there in wait until Percy returned with an intelligence report (althoug, due to his particularily small IQ and lack of descriptive language, it was actually more of a stupidity report) Seraph lie there sleeping, if it could be called sleeping. Even under the many mounds of things Seraph clutched his poioned tipped kris-knife in his hand, his ears attuned for any noises, his nose atuned to any new smells, and his body attuned for any movements. It was actually closer to meditating than sleeping except for the one fact that Seraph had dreams during his sleep.

He found himself in the woods. He was heading back towards a house. His back still hurt from where the Kitin (a demon from hell who has control over chains) had scourged him the just the night before. The wound had stopped bleeding, but was still painful. The attack was unprovoked. The Kitin had simply attacked him for no reason, no reason except that he was small. He was prey. He had run, he had hid, but somehow he always managed to come into contact with the creature. And so now, Seraph, moving through the forest while hiding from the undead Lich, who had sworn his death minutes ago, saw the Kitin walking through the forest, wrapped in chains from head to toe, with four fifteen foot strands swinging at branches as he went. This was his only chance, The Kitin did not see him, did not know he was there, knew nothing.

Seraph Snuck around into throwing range. He had run and hid long enough. As long as that Kitin lived, Seraph would die. It was impossible to get food, The Kitin would just follow him and take what Seraph had killed, Seraph needed to eat, and so far it wasn't happening.

He picked his dart, tipped with a poison that would cause fatigue. He threwat the creature from behind. It was a hit. The creature looked around, but Seraph had already concealed himself again. Seraph worked his way around to the other side, and again threw a second dart. Again, he hit. But the Kitin spotted him. Suddenly the demon ran at Seraph. Four chains lashed out at him. Seraph managed to dodge the first two, and take only a glancing blow from the third, and only because the poisons were taking effect. The last Chain struck home. A gash formed along Seraph's side and blood flowed freely from it.

Seraph tried to hide again. It worked. The pain hurt, but he needed to finish this once and for all. If he did not, he would die. He snuck around again and threw another dart. It hit. The poisons were erally showing now. The Demon was starting to tire. Seraph threw his last poisoned dart, and hit. Not only that, but this time it hit him in the throat. Blood was seen dripping down the creatures had, which now covered its throat.

Seraph's heart sunk as the creature stopped bleeding and removed its hand from the now, closed wound. He threw another dart, unpoisoned this time. It missed, and worse the Kitin saw him again. One two three four chains. Fast on his feet, Seraph managed to avoid all four, but the creature closed range with seraph and swung his final attack, a barbed chain that he swung in his hand. Seraph trying to do the unexpected, dodged forewards towards the Kitin, to dodge the blow...and failed. A gash formed across his shoulder and down the length of his back. The pain was excruciating.

Only one final chance. Seraph used a slight of hand to distract the Kitin from the krisknife that was plunging it's way into his chest, and before the creature could react, he unsheathed another knife across the creatures throat for a final blow. The poison from the knife, drained his strength almost immediately, and having already been fatigued, the Kitin fell to the ground. The wound was already healing on the creatur's neck. Seraph acting quickly, went for the coup de grace, the final blow, plunging his krisknife through the creatures throat.

Seraph suddenly bolted awake, knocking packs off of the sled and onto the icy ground. He was sweating, and his dagger was clutched inextricably in his hand. His heart would not slow down, nor would his breath subside. He sheathed his knife. He could still feel the pain from the wound as if it had happened not so long ago. He rubbed the scar that went across his shoulder and down his back.

Percy had returned, to tell him what was outside this cell....

"Demon Winter"

#105

Adel, Caught the Rat that Seraph had sent flying through the air, she then looked at Seraph and quickly rushed to his side. " Whats wrong are you all right. didn't accidentally fall asleep on one of those darts of yours did you?" Aden tried a small grin at her remark, but it quickly vanished when she could see that the rat-man did not look well at all..... "should I wake the others? Here sit up let me get you some water............"

"Demon Winter"

#106

The elf was there. He quickly took his hand off of his shoulder. He hoped that she had not noticed. He still could not control his heart-rate and breathing, even in the presence of the Elf. He willed his hand to stop shaking; it did.

"Oh, um, no, im fine. Let the others sleep." He said unevenly. He could think of no better reply, and barely managed those words. He touched Percy on the nose, who scurried up Seraphs arm, and onto his shoulder. Seraphs breathing subsided.

Without saying more, he got up and retrieved all the strewn bags and things that had been knocked off. Then, still not wanting to face Aden, he went over to the wall and scratched an "X" into the wall. Walking over to the other side of the room, he threw five darts. One at each corner of the "X" and then one at the center. The top right one missed by an inch, and the top left one missed by about half that. He retrieved his darts and started again. As he practiced, Percy told him what was outside the cell.

After a few minutes of practice, and ten rounds of perfect marks, he went over to the sled. He was shaking again, but this time it was from the cold. He pulled a brown blanket out of his bag, and making a few long tears in the fabric, made the shape that he needed it to be. He pulled out a needle and thread, and cutting the thread with his teeth, he sewed the blanket to the top of his cape. Donning his cape again, he looked even more shabby and ragged than usual, with what looked like a loosely shaped blanket for a cape, with small strands of thread poking out the ends of the fabric where Seraph had torn them. He would have sewn it on the inside, but he needed access to the inner pockets of his grey cape. He walked a few paces to test it, and finding it suitable, returned to the sled. As he walked, the blanket, being of a lighter material, flapped and floated several inches behind the grey cape.

He buried himself inside the sled, with Percy not on top of the luggage, but underneath it, beside Seraph. "Thank you my old friend" Seraph thought "for keeping the demons away."

And once again, Seraph slept...

"Demon Winter"

#107

Standing in front of the cell, the yetti had what could be described as an amused look on it's face. It had witnessed the entire episode and now was glaring at the uncovered ratman. At this time the rest of the group was beginning to wake up due to the particular stench a yetti was accompanied by. "Unwise to hide the ratman, guardian. Such a pathetic attempt at subterfuge will not sit well with the King!" As it finished a cart could be heard pulling up outside the cell. Two weak ratment suffering from malnutrition stopped with their burden in front of the yetti. "Guardian, the king will see you all now. Place your weapons within the wagon! None are to be armed in the presence of King Bizmak." after the last is spoken one of the ratmen who had been pulling the wagon falls to a knee, clearly fatigued. Without a warning the yetti reached out a massive hand and grasped the fallen ratman around the throat. With a snarl it broke the ratman's neck without much of an effort and tossed the dead body into the group's cell. "He and his partner were both caught in the treasury, not two weeks ago, attempting to steal from our clan. The penalty for such crimes is a lifetime of servitude followed by execution when they are of no use!" the yetti points at Seraph. "You will pull your companions weapons in the wagon until the king has determined your fates. Our king does not entertain rats, so you will remain with the wagon outside his majesties audience chambers! Now, quickly, place all of your weaponry in the wagon. The king does not like to wait!" as a final thought the yetti pointed towards Percival, "also, unless you'd like your pet to end up as a meal, I would suggest you keep it from wandering the halls of this citadel, unattended!" Finished, the yetti turns it's glare fully on Bear awaiting the group's compliance. Two larger yettis walked up and flanked the herald. Both are armed with massive spiked clubs. Each club is as tall as Bear and just as meaty. They impassively stare at the group awaiting a reason to end their lives. It is obvious that they dislike their current post and want nothing to do with a bunch of humans and their elfling mistress. A look of total disgust crosses both of the guard's faces as they notice the presence of another ratman in their citadel. Both grip their clubs with renewed vigor.

"Demon Winter"

#108

OOC: I would like to know exactly how my character did not see a YETI (!!!) watching him!!! Seraph is a thief. His job is to notice things. That is what he does. And furthermore, he has enhanced smelling. Atleast, if the Yeti came in while he was not hidden, he would not have gone back into hiding. If you intend on surprising me again, then atleast explain why i did not notice in the first place.

IC:Same old same old. Everybody hate the little inhuman-guy. This was the Kitin, and the Lich, and the Were-Panther, and the Paladins, and the Clerics, and the Ogres, and the Troll, and the elves, and the humans, and the dozens upon dozens of other instances where, because he was small and unpleasing to the eye, he was hated and despised and desired dead, all over again. Nothing unusual about that. So he would push the cart, even though he was undersized and would not be able to keep up with everybody without crashing into something. He would push, even though it might sign his death warrent to do so, because these creatures were just looking for any excuse to kill him. He would push, because if he did not, he would die. But he would kill them. In time he would kill them. He would bide his time, like he did so many others, and he would kill them one by one, until they remembered him. Because just like every other time in his life when many people wanted him dead for no other reason than the fact that he was small, the onlly solution was to kill somebody untill the others understood that he was not just some whipping boy to be threatened at leasure.

His heart sank. It was life as usual.

"Demon Winter"

#109

Aden merely looked at the Yetti with disgust, she began to feel that a king that would allow his guards to hold life....... any life... in such low regaurds... would surely be to cold hearted to listen to their pleas. "I should have asked earlier...... do these creatures fear nothing....... is there not something we could use against them. I only pray that we make it out of here alive." she looked miserably at Seraph. " I wonder what was wrong with him earlier, He to looked as if his dreams do not sit well with him. They treat him as if he is so much more a lower life form, I hope that no harm comes to him, I have come to rather enjoy his company, indeed he seems to be the only one who will directly speak to me, And indeed we are the Chosen Five, Will we stand a chance against our bigger opponent if we become the four?

"Demon Winter"

#110

OOC: First and foremost, if I intend to surprise the group then I will. What kind of story has the characters in the driver's seat knowing exactly what will transpire in a storyline? Also, though extremely skilled, your thief is not the most impossible person to sneak up on...that would place your character in god-mode. Under normal circumstances, while your on guard, then no a beast of prey (yetti) could not sneak up on you. Secondly, we both posted at the same time...sooo, my post happened first, when you were waking up from your nightmare, knocking bags over and speaking with Aden. Quite easy to sneak up on a nightmare shaken person upon them waking up, don't you agree? (Example, two ratmen...one waking up from a nightmare, the other sneaking up on the sleeping ratman..who has the advantage? The stalking ratman/Yetti) No reason to get upset over a storyline. The probabitlity of you being able to stay in a sled perfectly hidden when the yetti's saw you all in the encampment and knew your every move is not likely. You should know that, they are animals even more than your character and can smell you a mile away, just as you can pick up there scent. I don't think this story is being unfair to anyone, so please don't get upset when something you didn't plan on, happens. That is part of the thrill. You didn't plan on this happening...it did....now adapt and roleplay through it.

IC: Bear sidled up to Aden and spoke in hushed whispers as the group followed Seraph and the other ratman's lead. The yetti herald followed the wagon and the group followed behind the herald. The two eager guards followed the procession never taking their eyes off their prisoners. "I have never seen such an outburst as the one we just witnessed." Bear whispered. "Perhaps something has this place unsettled. Could be the return of the demons has the yettis unsettled." Bear shook his head with indecision and continued to follow their guide in silence. As the group moved through the corridors they passed dozens of cells. Some were empty but most were filled with all manner of creatures. The most pitiful being a human family. They looked haggard and their eyes begged for help as the group passed by. Other cells sported goblins and orcs. Seems their was no prejudice when it came to prisoners in this place. As the group neared the end of the cell block, a loud explosion rocks the area as the last cell door rockets into the herald. I spray of snow and ice flies all over the place making vision impossible for a brief instant. When the "smoke cleared" a lone figure stood to the flank of the group and began to chant. With a gutteral laugh, the figure finished it's incantation and pulled back it's hood to reveal the gnarled face of an orc shaman. A crack spread on the far corridor wall and two ice shaped figures pulled away from the wall. Both ice elementals began attacking the yetti guards. They stand nearly 10 feet matching the height of the yettis and each has a ice shaped hammer for a left hand. All four colossal figures became embroiled in a full fledged battle right in front of the group. As the group's attention turns to the battle at hand, the chanting can be heard again above the snarls of the yettis. The orc shaman was again beginning to cast another spell. This time it looks to be directed at the group. Bear seeing the situation for what it was, opportunity, turned to the group with an ultimatum. "We must choose quickly...we can either aid the yettis and better our position when we go before the king, or we can fight all of them and make an attempt to escape this ice prison! What say the group!" he finishes yelling and turns to retrieve his battle ax from the wagon while listening for the groups decision.

"Demon Winter"

#111

Assuming his actions would speak for themselves, Gerrard reached into the wagon and grabbed his spear, spinning it around and maneuvering toward the shaman, hoping to skewer him before he finished this next incantation. He held his spear out on front of him, thrusting forward for the shaman's chest.....

"Demon Winter"

#112

Seraph threw a previously concealed dart at the shaman's throat, attempting to interrupt the spell. Then, Grabbing any weapons that he placed into the cart, he got behind the metal cart out of the view of either the elementals or the shaman. He would do what he needed from there.

OOC: if I get a chance when the Herald is distracted, and no other yetti's are looking, Seraph will throw a dart into the Herald's neck,(parylizing him from neck down) and then slit his throat.

"Demon Winter"

#113

Tsurin who, as usual, was wordlessly walking with the group, actually laughed audibly at the sudden chaos - seemed the fear of death didnt hold much to him - and he turned abruptly, completely ignoring the shaman as he assumed the rest of the group would be fine with them. instead, he removed the glove from his right hand and raised it to face the direction of one of the ice elementals. His right hand made a tight clenching motion, and as he did, the elemental may notice a sphere of intense head shrinking swiftly around it - the magically induced change of temperature hot enough to melt even spell-sustained ice. As with his spells, however, they require much of his concentration, so he cannot do much about anything else whilst he casts this enclosing sphere. He does, however, take the time to shift a glance to the elven woman and speak, almost pleasantly, to her, "Aden, I don't suppose you would be so kind as to ask your elements to dispatch the second animation?"

"Demon Winter"

#114

Aden quickly turned to Tsurin and gave a quick nod, with this she slowly began to walk into the battle toward the elemental........ with her hands held palms up in front of her, She began to mouth words in silence stopping seven feet in front of the demon creature, The creature stopped mid-battle and gazed at her transfixed with her eyes which now were teh color of hot embers , she stood glaring.... palms still out streached.... beads of sweat appearing on her brow........... the two cloaks that had been keeping her warm before had dropped to her side reavealing her long hair... now drenched with sweat........... She closed her eyes....... breaking her gaze with the creature.....she visulalized the heat leaving her body and setting the creature a blaze, she played this though again and again in her mind. The creature lunged for her and was almost upon her when her eyes flashed open a fury and then the creature halted. Aden mustered a small grin before her legs gave out and she collapsed in the snow. Still conscious but incredibly weak and cold. The creature jerked his head back and began howling with pain, though there was no indication that he was injured on the outside, raising his fists in a fury he aimed one final blow toward Aden, which she narrowly escaped by rolling on her side. Then the elemental could be seen melting from the inside out, its mouth now frothing...it slowly dissolved. Aden used the last of her strength to crawl away from the battle towards the wagon, She needed her bow so she could protect herself if any other creature dared cross her path.

"Demon Winter"

#115

The shaman began to realize its predicament when Gerrard wheeled on it with a spear pointed towards it's chest. It was still bent on finishing the spell and parrying the spear of the puny human, when a dart whizzed in and caught it in the throat. The words to the spell were lost as the shaman took a step back grasping it's neck. Too late it realized the opening it had left to the spear. As the idea formed in the shaman's head for a nice retreat it felt it's heart explode out through it's back as the spear slammed home and ripped through it's once whole body. The shaman fell to it's knees in shock and then fell face first into the cold cavern floor. It's final thoughts were on it's massacred village and the gloating yetti king who had ordered the death of his family. Then the dizziness overtook it and the shaman fell deeper into the eternal sleep that was death. Through the confusion, Seraph's dart hits home on the Herald and it stops dead in it's tracks. Looking around it is unaware of the ratman's location until it feels a slice across it's neck and hot blood begins to poor from the mortal wound. The herald falls to a knee shakily and as Seraph prepares to sneak back into the shadows a massive club slams into his shoulder sending him flying across the cavern hall. Seraph hits hard against the opposite wall after a 7 foot flight and slides to the ground quite shaken. Apparently once the elf had dispatched her target, the yetti guard fighting it was free of combat and happened to see the ratman's assassination. The sound of falling blocks pauses everyone as the final elemental falls to the ground now lifeless due to half it's body being melted away as a result of Tsurin's spell. Now that the confusion had settled, the two guards turn towards the group with openly displayed menace. "Little rat killed Vintar. They must all die!" it bellowed and took an advancing step towards the still shaken Seraph while raising it's spiked club for the killing blow. It's fellow guard begins to follow suit when it suddenly stops and turns it's head to the incomming sound of a whooosh. Bear's battle ax was glowing white hot as it cut through the yetti's neck. The yetti's head flew off at a 45 degree angle to hit with a thud on the hard cavern floor and continued to bounce down the cavern hall for some ways. Blood and gore splattered all over the group as the yetti's headless body flailed about before finally falling dead in front of the crawling Aden. Aden is covered from head to toe in yetti blood. Fully enraged at seeing it's two fellow kinsmen dead, the remaining yetti backs away from the group slowly and then attempts to flee to sound the warning. "It must be stopped!" bellowed Bear.

OOC: Aden, in the future please post only what your character is attempting to do and what results the spell/attack should result in if fully successful. There are no absolutes in this story and sometimes I like to put twists on your attempts. They are, afterall, only attempts and the results will vary depending on the NPCs reactions/abilities. Again, thanks to all those playing...this is turning out extremely well. Great roleplaying all. Enjoy!

"Demon Winter"

#116

At the sight of the fleeing creature, Tsurins mirth seemed to melt from him, as with all emotions, and he methodically shifted forth, reaching into the wagon, sliding one of his throwing knives from his beltstrap in there, and throwing it, in one fluid motion. As the blade flew through the air, streaking in the direction of the back of the Yetis head, The Climate mage drew once more into his reserves of power, calling upon the elements to alter his dagger - just as he had done in the tavern against the first demon. Instead of a sheen of ice crystallizing over the dagger, though, the blade began to glow, the metal increasing in temperature rapidly - red-hot, then white-hot... Some few feet from the back of the Yettis head, the blade would lose form as metal converts from solid to liquid at a temperature capable of melting through both skin and bone. That globule of iron continues its path towards the creature. and as it does so, Tsurin lowers his hand, and slumps faintly, though not in tiredness. He had done that very same thing to one person before in his life, and the results were not pretty, to say the least.

"Demon Winter"

#117

Seraph came to an abrupt stop at the wall, giving him a pretty good sized headache. He could not even feel the blow to his left shoulder. That was bad. He moved it a little. There it was. The extrame pain of a broken bone. Probably two bones actually. It would be important later to stop the swelling now. He pulled out a paralysis dart and stabbed himself in the arm, ending all pain and all swelling to the limb. He pulled out his crossbow. It would be difficult to manage with one hand, but sitting down he should have a good shot. It was already bolted.

He fired. Then dropping the crossbow, he walked out of the hole in the Ice wall. Essentially he had turned on his party, and they would probably not want him in the area, unless they really were very desperate. Furthermore, He would have Yeti's following him soon. He was already hidden from view as he walked through the forest. He picked up to a run as the cold started to take it's toll. He would have to set the fracture, but not now. Maybe when he was yet again safe.

Suddenly he felt dizzy. He realized that he had had nothing to drink for a day and a half, and now...

His body fell foreward. No hands went out in front of him, no body weight shifted to soften the blow. There was nothing more than a soft thud in the forest to mark any unusual disturbances, and no tracks that he had left for others to follow. His brown blanket made him all but invisible on the dirt floor, where he lay, unconscious.

"Demon Winter"

#118

OOC: this might be a dumb question and you can smack me for it later Jack but how did the snowy land that we were surrounded by turn into dirt?
I am covered in yeti blood ew!!!! that is so gross!

IC: Aden Is disgusted with the yeti blood that now covers the whole of her body. However it is warm and warmth is what she needed at this moment. Knowing that she had no time to rest she stands up and quickly draws the two cloaks about her staining the once glistining white one with dark red blood. " She weakly smiles at bear.... " What now gaurdian?"

"Demon Winter"

#119

OOC:Actually it was an oversight, but it is just as well to say that there is heavy tree cover.

"Demon Winter"

#120

The spellcast liquid hot metal caught up with the yetti and entered it's body through the spine. As it hit, the fleeing yetti came to a staggering halt and turned on the group. Smoke could be seen rising from behind it's neck as it took a step towards the group. A small yelp escaped the yetti's snout as it looked down to the red glow spreading across it's chest. Within a couple of heartbeats, hot metal mixed with blood and melted bone shot out of the yetti's chest. After one final spasm, the yetti fell dead, face forward into the cavern floor. As it's body settled an unnerving silence filled the cavern tunnel. With the exception of the distant sound of water dripping from the icey ceiling, all was deathly quiet. Bear looked around silently at the group gauging their physical conditions. Everyone looked healthy enough to move with the exception of Seraph. Bear looked around more vigorously now trying to locate the ratman's body. "Where has Seraph gotten off too? Did anyone see him move from his slumped position on the floor over yonder?" Bear points at the now vacant depression in the icey cavern wall. Looking around he bends down by the last yetti's corpse and pulls free a small bolt. "Well, I now see how your spell caught up with the yetti before it made that final turn down the cavern tunnel. Hopefully our little friend has the wits about him to at least be moving in the right direction. We must escape this icey tomb before the others are alerted to what has happened here. Aden, you must consult the elements and guide us safely from this place. I pray they see fit to help us in this." After the last is said Bear smiles at the elven princess to put her and everyone else at ease with his slight attempt at humor. "Perhaps the elements can discern the location of our missing companion. In any event, we must be on the move. Lets make haste!" With that, Bear nods at Tree and they begin to move back towards the tunnel that had originally brought them to their cell. The king would not be happy when he found three of his kinsmen slaughtered in his own citidel. The group was in trouble if they could not navigate the caverns successfully enough to gain their freedom and get a head start into the mountains. Bear silently wondered if his past campaigns had met with as much trouble as this one was getting itself into. He could only shake his head slightly to himself as he awaited a response from Aden.

OOC: How exactly did Seraph turn on the group? Did I miss something...heh. He seemed to be helping out quite a bit once the fight started. Perhaps I am misreading something, but please PM me when you read this Seraph so I can understand your intent. Thanks and enjoy all!