FYI: Anyone have time for a quest? There are two threads already in motion at the Broken Strings in Cascadia, and at the The Green Gryphon in the Village of Kellen but you may join here too! People who are recruited one place are not required to post in the other two. This is the last recruitment for the quest and only those who have joined in one of the three threads will be allowed on the quest. This is not the meeting time Ornell had set, I will post that soon enough and PM everyone who will be going on the quest the link. Only ARPers (or higher) please, as we will be heading to the Dragonspine Mountains for treasure and untold wealth! And finding some! Really!
The way this will work is:

• I will post once a week or every three posts (whichever comes first) unless requested to do otherwise.
• You may join the thread at any time, aka you do not have to join at the beginning.
• Also, you may only post once between each of my posts.
• If you are skipped, you can still post later on. If you want me to wait for you to post, you have to let me know.
• If anyone has any questions, please PM me about it! Thank you! ^_^

And now to continue...

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The city was more alive at this time of day, the morning was always so present and the heat of the day was just starting to burn off the chill of the cold desert night. It was at night she had traveled here, a bit earlier then she had told the others to meet her here. She had other arrangements to make and some of The Burning Fist were supposed to show up with supplies for the journey. There was a fairly good sized group thus far and she wondered is word would spread. She wasn't going to say anything to those here, not yet anyways. For now, she only wanted some quiet time and a good meal.

Ornell walked along side Valen, now in his human guise with a shirt on that would allow his wings to grow should he need them to. The slits on the back were hidden beneath a loose vest he was wearing that ironically went very well with her armor, done for this particular journey to look just like dragon scale armor. The armor's scales started as red and moved into gold and then silver at the ends of the scales. She loved the colors, but it didn't seem to be as much in her taste as her normal garb. Her usual set of armor was being held on for her in this very city until she returned for it or someone was sent for it. She was posing as a Dragon Rider though, and she did have the dragon to ride. They were going to the Dragonspine Mountain too, so it all tied together rather nicely. It was in this very city that she had learned about the wealth available if one dared to go that far to get it. To travel so far north for what so many thought of as a mere rumor... well she knew it wasn't. It had taken a long time to fit all the peaces together and now she was pulling together her own peaces to overcome the only problem she foresaw... not enough people to pull it off. She could just do it on her own, but it would then have to be her responsibility and it would be considered a divine act. She wanted the wealth to go to the people of Imythess and this was the best way to do it.

The pair stopped in front of a tavern that looked a bit too big for the number it held and the sign was so faded from sun and sand blown on the wind there was nothing but raised wood where the paint used to be. There was an image of a faint palm tree and something that could be... she wasn't sure.

Not waiting to figure out what the name was she simply walked inside. It was inside, on the wall behind the bar, that she saw what the image was supposed to be. A palm tree by a lake, a desert oasis. In bold letters over the image it declared 'The Oasis'. This was the place. Ornell smiled and went up to the bartender. "Excuse me, I'm supposed to meet a man by the name of Leadin here. Has he arrived yet?"

The barkeep looked up in mild curiosity as he wiped a bit off dust of the well crafted but old bar. "Nay, m'lass. Haven't heard from him in a few weeks."

"Lady." Valen said sharply, correcting the barkeep who looked at him wide eyed for a moment, then blinked and looked back to Ornell as she started to speak again. The cloth continued to move as she spoke, but slowed rather rapidly until it was still by the time she finished.

"My name is Ornell. I'm a Dragon Rider and this is my dearest friend, Valen. We have been gathering a few people who will be arriving in this very tavern over the next few days. There are at least eight of us and there will likely be more. We are heading off to the Dragonspine Mountains from here one everyone has arrived. Will this place be as suitable for us to stay at as I was told it would be?" There was only a slight smile pulling on the corner of her mouth at the look the barkeep was giving the pair of them.

"Oh, um... yes, of course! That will be just fine!" A nearby barmaid looked up with a worried look on her face at his stammered words.

"Thats wonderful!" Ornell let the smile loose and tossed him a small pouch. "Your best mead and some good food when it's ready then!" She said and turned away as the barkeep opened the pouch to find gold enough to higher more help should he need it, which he knew he would for that many adventurers.

She heard him stammer a "Yes, of course!" again as she wove her way between the tables to sit not to far from the empty fire place. Valen was close behind her. The clay walls made this place so much cooler then the rising temperature outside. It was a good time of year to travel across the desert. It was cooler in the winter, even if there was never snow.

What was she after? The goddess of fire had something she was after in the northern regions. Her avatar had been gathering a small band to go up there lately. He doubted the inquisitive Lady Era was merely exploring, yet what else could she be planning with the band of adventurers. Rith intended to join this band to find out what exactly the goddess had up her sleeve, but first he monitored her attempt at recruiting. He had not watched her first attempt, but had easily gathered enough intelligence on it. Ornell had met with Savarkael Nightwind, a neutral mutt born of evil dragons, Iolanthe Lucine, an air genasai pirate, and Shadeen Altessa, a human. Rothardan also met with her, and the paladin would make it difficult to send someone else to spy on the party. At least this would give Rith some freedom to pry into the paladin’s mind and gain some useful info about the thorns in Seele’s side as well as his own.

Rith had what her second attempt at recruiting personally, though he had decided not to join the band at that time. There was a shady character calling himself Avarice, a fire gensai calling himself Aikanaro, and most interestingly enough even Verrona’s husband had succumbed to Ornell’s call for adventure. Ocardonydd’s joining made Rith’s joining all the more important. Perhaps he could find some useable weakness in the goddess of Blade’s heart. Still, despite all the interesting people, there was no identifiable connection between them aside from the love of adventure. The recruitment itself seemed random, so if Lady Era was planning something it was in the destination, not the people gathered. Rith could understand her not sending her own chosen as she had few faithful to her in that respect and certainly not the number of people she was recruiting for this voyage.

Rith’s disembodied gaze followed Ornell as she entered the city. This would be the next place she would be recruiting and likely the last. It seemed that it would be from here that the voyage would begin. She was joined of course by Valen, the silver dragon that Lady Era had raised. The dragon was at that young impressionable age where the need to find one’s own identity was present. Rith could attempt to take advantage of that, yet he didn’t find much use in it. It wouldn’t get him close enough to Era to have anything more than a spy and the goddess might be quite angered if she found out of the tainting of her… child.

She made her way to the Oasis as his divinations had told him she would. After listening to her converse with the bartender, he figured there was no time like the present for action. Rith opened eyes as blue as the open sky and drew away from the crystal ball he had placed on the table. Rith stashed the crystal ball in his backpack before rising to his feet. He stood not as a small child, but rather a young man that seemed like he could be anywhere from 18 to 21. His short black hair was neatly slicked backwards. His clothing was dark and while fanciful still seemed slightly more fitting of an adventurer than an aristocrat. His black boots tapped against the floor as he made his way towards Ornell’s table. As he approached he could sense the familiar sent of lurking fear, apparently Ornell was indeed plagued by nightmares, though it was not by anything from the plane of dreams. Rith ignored the secrets waiting to be told, that would have to wait for another time.

“The winds of fortune blow in your favor, you must be Lady Ornell and her most trusted friend, Valen. Or has fate conspired to deceive me?” Rith greeted with a warm voice as he approached. He was tempted to pry into her mind, but could not risk it right now. He needed to do it when her mind was busied and might be distracted from any slight abnormalities that the goddess might note. Few people were alerted of mental intrusion, and most of those did not know what to make of the sensation. He could risk the avatar noticing before he plucked useful information, more than just the purpose of the journey. He didn’t need to have the goddess of Fire fortifying her mind and likewise that of her avatar with only trivial knowledge gained in the process. Valen’s mind however was perfect for prying into. There were no mental ties before Valen and his adoptive mother or her avatar for that matter. His mind was also not fully developed making Rith’s work easier and quite unlikely to be detected.

“You may call me Sarro, if I am indeed correct,” Rith smiled as psychic tendrils probed the surface of the dragon’s mind. He would take his time in going deeper. He didn’t need to know anything at the moment, but it would help to know enough of their thoughts through his to stir any conversation in his favor. “Do you mind at all enough I join you at this table,” Rith said as he gestured to an empty chair.

Valen’s metallic eyes followed this newcomer. Not yet had they been approached before Valen had left the company of his Avatar. He did considerer her very much part of his horde, the most important part. His guard was up, ready for trouble or a subtle sign from Ornell that this was no something unexpected. That sign came when Ornell smiled pleasantly. She would give this man a chance then. Valen shifted his attention to the tavern they were in, remembering the place from a visit a while back. He had met an interesting man here then. His gaze shifted around in hopes of seeing the man once more.

Ornell smiled at the man and replied, “You are correct. Please take a seat Sarro.” She motioned for him to sit before sitting forward and resting her elbows on the table, lacing her fingers together palms down so she could rest her chin on them. “So, what have you heard? I would like to avoid repeating useless information.”

Ornell was beginning to wonder how fast news could really travel. It better finish traveling before the meeting time she had set. She was not going to accept any last minute people after all. It was much too uncontrollable that way. Her intended discussion with Valen would have to wait then. He was better at reading people then she was. It was simply because he was from this Material Plane and she was not. She was getting better at it though, but she liked to confirm things with him. They were acting as a team in this venture after all, so they better act like one. This place though… it was like the rest of the city. Once a place that thrived on trade and now it was only host to a few random trade rotes. This quest she was taking people on would at least bring adventures wanting to visit the mountains, but if she was lucky… they were going to be able to find much more then a few trinkets up in the Dragonspine Mountains. It was a dragon that had convinced her that this was the best course of action after all. Who better to get information about the Dragonspine then from a dragon?

So the young one came back... Issachius thought quietly to himself. Beneath the floor and some ways down, the dark cellar was a strange retreat for most. Cool even for a desert, his cellar beneath The Oasis was merely the nucleus of his lair - after all, everyone upstairs were his guests. I must go up and say hello.

Wearily he got to his feet. The musty air was thick here, and the presence of newcomers had roused him from his languid repose. He's brought a friend too. Or did she bring him? And there's that other... Not that it mattered, nor that he really knew. All this was merely an extension of his awareness into his own lair. I ought to bring them something nice. Let me see... Walking carefuly between the stacked bottles, he quickly found a flowery blush. This should do. Yes. A nice wet wine to take the dry air out of your throat. And the glasses... Yes. Resuming his adopted form whilst reaching for the bottle, he walked up the well trod flights of stairs, and into the light of his hearth and home.

From behind the counter, the innkeeper appeared with cloth and bottle, walking towards the seated group, deftly grabbing the prepared meal on his way around. With a nod to his partner along the way.

"My Lord Valen, A pleasure to see you once again. Lady Ornell, A pleasure to meet. And your friend, Sarro was it? Your meal. Issachius sets the plates of Curried Beast with Spiced Roots before them, a loaf of fresh bread and a pitcher of water for them. He then places the glasses in front of the three, and sets one down for himself. The wine is with the compliments of the house. A Flowery Reisling Blush, from the southern coast. Perfect to take the dry air out of your mouths, if I may pour?

He was fairly protective of her. Metallic dragons were often extra protective of those near and dear to them, treating them as if they were apart of their hoard in some cases though at the same time realizing that they couldn’t be stuffed in some cave amongst piles of cold and other valuables. This seemed slightly more unusual when the dear one was nearly a goddess and was fully capable of handling herself. He was quite untrusting of Rith, either a good hunch or a mind that always readied for the worst. Nevertheless his actions reserved and inoffensive as he was sure they would be with such a close tie to Lady Era.

“There is little that I have not heard. You are a dragon rider and Valen serves not only as your dear friend but also as your dragon. Your journey will bring your band through Dragonspine Mountains to secure the way to that which was long forgotten. You have recruited most of your band and they shall be gathering here within the week ready to begin this adventure of yours. That is it in a nutshell is, it not?” Rith explained after seating himself. The information covered all of what she had said in a conscensed form, but most off it was also common knowledge amognst the two cities she had visited.

Rith recognized the innkeeper as he came towards them. He had done his research on the Oasis before coming and knew a bit about the people who worked there. He didn’t bother to uncover all of their secrets; he didn’t need to waste time solving mysteries that would do him no good. His chief concern was to ensure that Oasis was indeed the staring point of their venture rather than the start of some deceptive plot. It was unlikely given Lady Era, but Rith could not allow that only to prove her innocence.

“You have indeed heard correctly, and If I am not mistaken you are Issachius, a very knowledgably source when it comes to wines. It is a pleasure to meet you and I am sure it would be a pleasure to follow your judgment on wines,” Rith answered after the elf joined them at the table. Rith did not favor drinks or food, they were unneeded for he was immortal and due to the manner of its creation his shell did not cater to the frivolous sense of taste. Nevertheless it was often good business to accept the hospitality of one’s host.

Ornell looked at Sarro in silence for a bit and then shrugged with a smile tugging at her lips but not quite there, not yet. "Sounds like that about covers it to me. Though I doubt you're just here to sit and be well informed. Then the only question that remains is weather you would be interested in joining us or not?"

When a lone figure appeared from behind the bar, his hands full, Valen grinned and stood. Ornell's attention shifted from Sarro to this newcomer. For a split second she was about to be annoyed. One person approaching about her little venture was one thing, more then that... but no. It was the barkeep and she also rose to her feet as the man approached with food and drink This man must have been the one Valen had spoken with. The information was easy enough to gain with the promise of bringing a bottle of what was considered rare wine back on the return trip. That would be, of course. very easy to accomplish.

"Uncle, thank you again for letting everyone meet here." He motioned for the innkeeper to join them.. Ornell sat down once more and Valen followed soon after. "And yes, please do let us have a sample of your wine."

Ornell hadn't spoken again yet, but waited a moment or so. "Have you heard from Leadin at all? He is supposed to be here with everything before everyone shows." There was a bit of annoyance in her voice then. Leadin said he would be here... what was the hold up? Had something happened? She hopped it was just something simple, like a sandstorm or something that had slowed them. Hopefully they would be here by morning... She let her gaze shift over to Sarro again. He hadn't stood to greet the host even though he did know who the man was. Either he was much more of a commoner then he appeared or he thought himself above an innkeeper. Innkeepers ranked with merchants and both were considered well learned enough to get at least begrudging respect from nobles. Perhaps she would just let the pirates have a few rounds with this boy to see where he stood. She wouldn't stand for those she had recruited for this to be treated as servants. She didn't let the other Gods and Goddesses treat Valen like a servant so she saw no reason for this to be any different.

Falcas walked into the somewhat over sized tavern and gave it a quick scan before walking in and closing the door. The breeze that brought a hovering cloud of dust settled, much to the relief of several nearby patrons who seemed to be enjoying the cool tavern, a welcome retreat from the beating sun, he was sure. His face had a light layer of dust on it, which was wiped away quickly with one dirty sleeve.

His previous scan had brought to his attention a woman sitting at a table with two others. He sighed in relief and asked the barkeep for a damp towel, which he used to give himself a brief dusting off before approaching. One must always give a good impression for others. He had almost missed this woman once again, forcing him to take a long route to the city in the middle of the desert.

Approaching the table tentatively, he put on a grin. He nodded to the woman respectfully. “I apologize sincerely if I am interrupting, or have missed the general informing, but I wish to sign up for your, erm, expedition.” He remained standing until he was given permission to sit or told to leave, he did not wish to appear rude. It had not been too long since his leaving the mountains, and he still could not speak to the other races as he could to his kin.

Truth be told, he wanted to return to the mountains for a bit, to be home for a small while. This was just a chance to go back in a group. Gods know it was hard enough coming here, it would be hell getting back on his own. He had no intentions of leaving the group as soon as he got there, he would keep his word, like any honorable man. In fact, the idea of such a quest got his blood flowing. Things had gotten a little too slow for his tastes just sitting about.

"I'll just get us another glass" Issachius motions the newcomer to a place at the table. Well, so much for a private word with his nephew. Not now, he had to suppose, but there'd be time. Another glass was brought over while Issachius poured.

Lifting his glass to the gathered group Issachius gives a toast "Here's a health to the company." nods briefly to Ornell, "And one to the fine lass. Let us Drink and be Merry all out of one glass." Deliberatly, he left out the part about might or might never meet here again. Why jinx their little trip. Besides, the young lad had offered to bring him back a few bottles of Striberg Merlot - A deep, yet suprisingly fruity wine, with a dark red cast and properly served in chilled glases not above the freezing point of water. It had been a long time since he'd had any of this treat, and with the promise of resumed through his town, he'd be the first to wish the success of this venture. Issachius toasts them all and takes a seat.

"Dragonspine it is then? well, from one who knows what is there, and who knows better than to speak of it, let me just wish you all the luck you'll need. But I miss my manners, and I'd hate for you all to miss your sleep. I'll finish the glass, and listen to your tale, if you'll humor me with it's length. Then I'll see to your rooms."

Another sip, slosh, and smile. "May fortune favor you all."

The door had an annoying creak that bothered Jarreth's ears. It was a minor annoyance, but after such a long ride, he knight was on edge. The company of Solara had made the length more bearable, but he was still looking forward to a solid chair and a meal he was not forced to catch himself. He had grown soft, he joked to himself. The door stayed wide as he entered the tavern. He had visited this town before, and he found that not much had changed in the bustling building. A few of the tables seemed different, perhaps newly repaired or replaced, but the atmosphere was the same.

He let out a gruff cough, clearing his lungs of some dust that had snuck in during the ride. He was sure to cough into his fist, hoping not to offend any of the patrons. While he recovered, Jarreth watched the room, looking for the group that was gathering for a grand adventure. He found tale of the journey in his dreams when his lord, the God of Day, came to him and told him it was time to return to the Dragonspine Mountains. Jarreth had spent many years away from those peaks, but the memories were still vibrant and forewarning of what may come. Still, with Sargoth fresh on his thoughts, he dare not turn down his orders. He would escort Solara to Istan and meet for a quest of great fortune. Jarreth had kept his bargain truthfully and without hesitation.

Jarreth saw the largest group sitting around a table near the center of the tavern. A toast to adventure carried to his ears. The speaker seemed to be enjoying his drink greatly. Another had just been invited to join the table and partake in drink and conversation. Jarreth had a strong suspicion that this was the group he was looking for.

"Good day," Jarreth said with a bow. "I am Jarreth, Cavalry Commander of the Legion of the White Souls. I have walked the treacherous Dragonspine Mountains and live to tell the tale. I have word that there are those who would venture back to those cursed peaks, and I seek to join you on your cause."

He let his eyes move across the seated individuals, hoping to catch eyes with the person responsible for leading the expedition.

Solara bit her lip as she followed Jarreth into the tavern. With one last look, she peered back into the sand-swept city. It was unlike anything she had seen before. Her body was still sore from the long journey, but she still felt awe creep into her muscles as the gaped at the protective walls of the city. The land was so dry and warm that her hands ached. She was grateful that Jarreth's steed had been able to carry both of them for most of the way. Solara could not imagine having had to walk the entire distance. She was sure that without the aid of Jarreth and Aina'fea, she would never have had the chance to see this wonderous city. Nor would she have had courage to go through the hardships she faced on her way to the city. She now owed Jarreth her life, in more ways than one.

The tavern was distinctly darker than the outside. The sun had less sway after being forced through windows. Solara took comfort in the shade but still felt her skin burning from being out too long. She took one last drink from the waterskin that Jarreth had lent her and was suddenly even more overjoyed to be in civilization. On their journey to Istan, the water supply was nearly a legend, and they had to do without a drop for over a day. Jarreth had sacrificed what little he had for Solara. She could only pay back the kindness by negotiating with a travelling caravan. Her performance was rusty; it had been too long since she had last entertained. Too many months at the academy. Apparently she had done well enough to earn enough water to make it to Istan.

Jarreth had stopped and coughed loudly while she thought about the past few days. She nearly ran into him. His gaze was recognizable by now: he was looking for something or someone. When he spoke, she too settled her gaze on the growing table of people. Taking Jarreth's actions in stride, she followed with a quick curtsy.

Solara chimed in after Jarreth, attempting to sound formal as he had, "And I too, Solara Embersia, wish to travel to the Dragonspine Mountains. For glory!"

Her cheer was loud and sincere, although those were not her intentions. She too had words with Sargoth, and her motives for travel were not for conventional glory. Thoughts of her mother filled her thoughts, and Solara's desire to be worthy of those thoughts fueled the fire of her resolve.

Ornell never got her answer from their host, but food and a good drink were fine offering for now. She doubted that he was there anyways, so why worry. There were a few days to spare after all. She had done that on purpose. She took the offered wine in hand and rose to toast with Issachius. Just as she swallowed and the cup left her lips, another person approached. So much for having a bit of time for herself... She set the glass down and went ahead and reached for her food. Settling it before her, she motioned for him to sit and decided to ease her now slightly annoyed mood with some decent, well more then decent, food. This was a nice place, a little rough around the edges and a little worn perhaps, but nice none the less. Trade would bring this place up to it's former glory, and more travelers. The ones she was bringing here would help some, but she wasn't just doing it as a favor to the innkeeper. She was going on this quest because she wanted to.

Valen partook of the food too and it wasn't moments later that a travel beaten pair came through the door and rather swiftly made their way to her table. She set her silverware down as the pair approached and she sensed Valen stiffen at Jarrith's words. Ornell raised two fingers off the table to signal for Valen to stay in his seat as he was about to rise.

“You are of course welcome to come with us on our little venture to the Dragonspines, but please refrain from calling them cursed. My dear friend Valen here was born in those mountains and still considers them home. How would you like it if someone called your home cursed when you thought it a lovely place?” She let her elbows rest on the table, her food remaining untouched for the moment. She steepled her fingers and let her index fingers idly tap her chin. “It appears though that news has traveled faster then I do. Please take a seat and let me know what you have herd so I know where to begin. Also feel free to ask any questions you wish to ask.” She left the speaking to them now, knowing full well what one knew the others would learn upon the answering of her request.

“Ah, you see all to well. I do indeed intend to join you in this venture,” Rith Replied to Ornell.

Rith was caught slightly by surprised Ornell rose to greet the innkeeper. He understood that for Valen it was more so showing respect for his uncle than showing respect towards an innkeeper. If this was indeed any custom it was one he had never needed to look into for his dealings, though he could see it was a sign of respect towards the innkeeper. He would have risen also, but before he could do so the innkeeper was already at the table.

Having the innkeeper at the table with them was a negligible problem, as Rith had already gathered enough information on the Steel Dragon and of course the innkeeper would not be joining them. Yet, fate sought to complicate things further as dwarf entered the room. Dwarves were not commonly seen outside their mountain holes and far less often seen in Istan. He needed no divination to guess what the dwarf was here for. It was rather annoying to have another person to distract him from any mental progress. He’d have to suffice for drawing from surfacing thoughts now.

Rith followed suit with the toasts, with the drink being as tasteless in his mouth as he knew it would be. Afterward he slowly sipped the wine as if he were savoring the wine’s unique fruity taste. Issachius claimed to know the Dragonspine Mountains well, which was which was not at all doubtful for a Steel dragon. Dragons had reigned over the mountains for many draconic generations and would doubtlessly continue to do so. Most dragons even went there to die, at least those native to Imythess.

Rith’s attention was drawn to the door once more when two more people entered the Oasis. He recognized the first immediately. It was Jarreth, another of those that he had watch carefully. He had not been watching the knight lately as he was too busy trying to expand his contacts again to make it easier to do such monitoring. The knight was clearly here to join the expedition. Rith wondered if he had been spirited by Sargoth this time just as Sargoth had sent Jarreth to give Kli aid long ago. The woman that entered behind him was clearly travelling with him and under his protection, yet he saw no signs of any romantic relations between the Jarreth and his charge existing.

Rith could sense the anger that surfaced when Jarreth slandered the dragon’s homeland. Far better taasting than any wine could be. Ornell calmed Valen and then defended his slight lose of composure. “I assure you Jarreth meant no harm, Valen. Many men have met their doom and other ill fates in those mountains and I am sure Jarreth has some dark tales which can attest to this. It is not very hospitable to humans. Dragons, of course prosper there, which also adds to the danger for humans. Beauty is subjective, but is it so wrong to call the most glorious heaven cursed because it is inhospitable you and your own?” Rith mused as he extended his psychic tendrils to Jarreth and the dwarf. He would leave the lass calling herself Solora to keep her thoughts to herself for now.

Jarreth's mouth formed a straight line across his face as another person at the table chose to speak in his stead. The knight eyed the man who was called Valen, a strong individual by looks alone. Should Jarreth have encountered this man on the field of battle, he would never underestimate him. He respected Valen at least as much as a warrior could appreciate another. Until swords clashed, Jarreth could not be sure who's side Valen would choose. For now, it seemed he would follow the commands of who he assumed was Ornell. He could not be sure of her identity, but Sargoth's description was unusually specific regarding Jarreth's point of contact. He knew that meant there would be no argument for a time, since Ornell had already chosen to maintain Valen's temper.

When the conversation fell off to let the ambient sounds of the tavern take control, Jarreth chose to respond for himself. The last speaker, one which Jarreth could not place a name, had left a very vague and open question to be answered. It smelled to him like the talk of a mage. Rather than follow in what could become a lengthy discussion that led nowhere, he chose to address Valen specifically.

"I extend my apologies for my careless words," he stated sincerely with a slight bow. He then continued, addressing both Valen and Ornell, "And I am unable to tell you how I would feel, Lady Ornell."

He remained respectful, particularly of Ornell, as he had been instructed to do by Sargoth. While Jarreth's manners were traditionally kept at high standards, Sargoth knew that proper titles and careful words were a wise investment.

"My home was lovely, and it remains to be that way. I have found more that believe it is cursed than those that do not. Where our stories differ is that I know it is cursed. This was not always true, and sometimes I only remember my childhood when it was still a beacon of society and tranquility. It is only when I fool myself in the past that I leave myself to be hurt by the truths of the present."

Jarreth left his words for consideration. He did not know if his own experiences would sweeten or sour the conversation, but he wanted to say the words anyway. He felt it was time now to answer Ornell's question.

"As for the journey, I only ask to know the last post of civilization that can provide proper supplies before we make our way up the slopes of the Dragonspines."

Falcas looked at Jarreth with anger in his eyes. He was about to object, along with another at the table, as It seemed, as he was from the mountains and had grown up in parties to the dragonspine mountains. His words were cut short, however as Ornell spoke up.

He listened to her respectfully, and by the ensuing responses he was sure that Jarreth meant well, but that did not cut short his anger. Falcas took a seat as instructed. He was surprised by the being that was already present, hearing words that sounded as if from experience. He couldn't imagine this one in the Dragonspines, but appearance was decieving. Falcas should know this as well as any.

Falcas remained speechless as Jarreth voiced his question. He was sure that he meant human towns, but then again, he didn't know of the relationship between the dwarves and humans as of yet. He decided to keep this bit to himself and listened quietly.

“I was told of this quest by a friend and decided to look into it for myself. After discovering where it was, I couldn't resist but to join. I've been to the Dragonspines several times before and am able to defend myself from any common dangers.” Falcas spoke up. “My question is this, What can we expect to face on this trip? Other than this, I have no questions.” He said briefly.

Already this would prove to be an interesting trip, with the company present. There would be others, most likely just as, if not more, interesting than the current group.

Solara could not help but bite on her lip harder as tension built between Jarreth and some of those at the table. She had been intimidated by the situation she was in when she entered the tavern. It was a new place, and she was surrounded by new people who would know her more than just as the evening's entertainment. Now she was intimidated by those new people for an entirely different reason. The man that started to rise looked frightening in a dangerous sense. Solara was not pleased at all. Her foot turned out as her subconcious prepared her to leave quickly. As the man, Valen, returned to his seat, her fears were only slightly dissuaded.

She relaxed enough to loosen her jaw and free her lip as she glanced nervously around the tavern. A few patrons, just enough to keep the establishment looking used. A barkeep, a stairwell, some various trinkets scattered on the walls. It appeared that the help was too busy to clean up, or they simply felt it was a pointless excercise. So it was that a line of sand crept into the door each time a person entered. It spread like smoke and settled on the surfaces and items laying about. The dust was not interested in religions, races, or kingdoms. It settled on whatever was in its path. This included the man who appeared to be passed out at one of the tables.

She had been listening to Jarreth's explanations and the questions of others. Jarreth had discussed the current state of his homeland with her privately, and she understood his concerns. She wondered then if she had any of her own questions to add to the growing pile. It was suddenly apparent that she did not know enough about the journey to even have any questions standing. Of course, she had one obvious curiosity.

"Oh," she added shyly, "and I would like to know exactly where it is that we are going. I mean, I know it is in the Dragonspine Mountains, but I've heard that it is a big place. Is there anywhere in particular that we are headed for within the mountain range?"

Quite the croud was gathering in his quiet, quiant little lair. Not that he minded. Anything to boost business afterall. He'd was glad, he felt, to play host to this little party. Visiting him a few weeks ago, his nephew had mentioned that "a Lady of some eminence and of his deepest respect" would need to use the establishment as a staging point for the begining of her expedition. He was a little too engrosed in the activity around him to catch the Lady's question the first time around, but refering back to it a little later he turns to Ornell

"I am not sure who this was you wanted me to seek out, or hear from, proceeding you, but this is the first news I've had of the expedition since Valen made inquiries some time ago. I can certinly speed them after you should they arrive. I do understand you'll be leaving in but a few days?"

About him, the business of the tavern and resturant continued at pace. It might not be often, but it wasn't the first time they had entertained strange and or large numbers of guests at once. Just as well, strangers were easier to observe. People such as these must expect to draw the occassional stare. He had been asked to look, yet would have done so for his own reasons anyway. Not that he disbelieved their good intentions, but curiosity had always gotten the better of him. All he had to was wait, and things would show themselves. Waiting was something he could do well. Another polite smile around the table. Sip, Slosh, and Smile.

Ornell swiped a bite or two of her food between when the others spoke without looking away from them. She made sure to swallow before replying though. She let her blood red eyes meet Jarreth’s gaze for just longer then a moment, fire flickered in her eyes for a moment. “I may have to learn more about this cursed homeland of yours. There may be something that can be done about it, but that will have to wait a little bit longer.” She made a slight dismissive gesture with her fork before noticing she still held it and promptly set the utensil down. She blinked and let her gaze sweep to include everyone for a moment. A smile played on her lips, now was as good as any time. She held her hand out toward Valen, “The map, if you would be so kind.” She said. Valen half turned in his chair to fish out a good-sized scroll of paper from his satchel. It was brand new, Valen had made it himself from memory after flying over the path and area a few times to get a good feel of the place. He wouldn’t tell all of them this, as that would make them suspicious of him. He was rather proud of it and he had made sure to mark in an invisible ink of lemon juice where the territories of some of the less then friendly dragons he had crossed paths with were. Ornell could easily heat it to see where that was.

She took the paper and stood, scooting her food to the side again as she spread it out on the table, pinning it down with a few of the glasses to keep the new map from rolling back up. “This is the most current map I could find of where we are heading. Everyone will be meeting here, this Tavern or the square just outside most likely. I have set up for a caravan carrying enough supplies for the trip there and back plus a bit more. Having your own supplies would be useful though, as you won’t have to share. We start here in three days, leaving after the sun is low to avoid the midday heat.” She pointed to the City of Istan, and then traced her finger to the Desert Oasis. “We are heading here first, only slightly out of the way but a good place to stop, especially as I know there are more then a few coming who aren’t as favorable toward the desert as I am.” She then swung her finger in a curve up to what looked like a little notch in the mountains, letting her finger pause a rock labeled Shadow Point just before the mountains. “This little spot is an archway made of stone, very tall and not prone to being berried in a sand storm. We will head northwest from here, just over halfway to the peak. There is a cave hidden there. That is the spot we are looking for and we will have to be careful. It’s said that this strip of land is void of dragons, but that doesn’t mean we will not find any. Thankfully we have more then one dragon coming with us, so it shouldn’t be much of a problem as would be normally.”

The Avatar strengthened, her red wings relaxing a bit as she let her shoulders roll back. Then they folded snugly against her back as she gave the others a chance to view the map. She stayed standing, but picked up her glass and took a sip to clear the bit of dust from her throat. She wondered if she should request more refreshments for them… though she hadn’t expected so many to show here, not now. It couldn’t have been helped though. They were here now, and now wasn’t too much of a problem over all.

Jarreth considered Ornell's passing proposition with care. He wondered what this lady intended to do about the Legion of the White Souls. He remembered the castle as though it was only a few days back in his memory. It was still a wonderful place, well kept and beautiful against the backdrop of the snowy wasteland. It was home to many good people. Unfortunately, it was also home to the most seedy and vile creatures Jarreth had ever known or fought. He marched away at the command of one of these wretched men, to wander and to fight until more than half of the men were dead. That was the order, and the Legion took orders as the word of God. So they did; they fought and good men died. More good men than evil men, and some of the living did turn dark in the bloody campaign. The violence stole what was pure from their veins and threw it upon the towering burial mounds of lost friends and ideals. It was this lingering presence of the innocent that made the task of purifying the Legion so daunting. Jarreth was surprised to see his friends choose the unholy path; he could never tell which side they had chosen. He would be hopeless to identify those to be saved and those to be slain among a crowd of strangers. He would not be able to trust his own allies; they could simply be corrupt and avoiding a violent fate. Jarreth shook his doubts and worries aside. He was flooding himself with memories that were distracting him from the mission at hand.

The battle-hardened knight watched Ornell's finger trace their route on the rather elaborate map. He was impressed by the workmanship. Had he been in a command tent before a skirmish, he would have expected the same. The only difference in war would have been more detail about choke points, elevations, and archer positions. Jarreth took note about the relative direction of the Oasis, specifically from the points later in the path. Should there be need to return, Jarreth knew that the day saved headed to the oasis could be the difference between life and death in the hot desert. Beyond that, Jarreth could make out no particular details that interested him on the map. He had travelled the mountains once, but that was without a map. He only knew the path in front of him and the path that he had taken. Beyond that, he travelled by the sun, as cruel as it was in that range.

It was then that Jarreth noticed a forboding detail in Ornell's words, "It strikes me that a hidden cave with valuable treasure and no dragon is a cave with a creature alert enough to kill anyone before they could tell tale of it."

Jarreth did not look particularly impressed by his own statement. It was battle paranoia, to be sure, but it had been warrented on less dangerous missions. He started making mental notes about what he would be bringing. Aina'Fae would be treated well in the next three days. She would be nearly overpacked for this journey.

Jarreth’s words had spurred anger in more than just the dragon, the dwarf had nearly let tongue unleash his anger with the knight and quite, but it didn’t seem enough to settle the matter with swings of the Ax. Yet, even after Ornell’s word’s, the dwarf’s anger had yet to subside. He was surprised that the party already had the seeds of conflict planted, but he knew it was bound to happen with a group this large. Jarreth apologized, but did his best to explain his words without getting into details, though that could still easily be taken the wrong way. It seemed that none took the words as further disrespect, but it certainly wasn’t enough to rebuild the bridges that had been destroyed and Jarreth was wise to keep out an eye for Valen and the Dwarf until he was sure that this had not planted a malicious seed that could sprout at any give time.

The conversation finally moved away from Jarreth’s choice of words and back to the quest. Rith was eager to see if this map would confirm his divinations and what Ornell had mentioned so far. Valen knew exactly what she meant when said that it was the most recent map they could find and thus so did Rith. He could see nothing immediately wrong or false about the map. He even observed the adage of the the draconic territories, but could only find a few discrepancies there. Chances were in favor of the party not finding this out the hard way, but it was also unfavorable that they would not meet at least one malicious dragon amongst the range. Meeting a dragon wouldn’t be a problem, though with the number of skilled fighters in the party even if the party did not include two dragons. The plan of their journey also seemed well planned and thought out. Assuming that they were indeed following the map, Rith could easily find out what exactly they were going out for well before their next meeting. He still needed to go to keep tabs on everyone and take advantage of the chances to pry into minds of interest and there was good chance that there might be an artifact hiding amongst the treasures which was far more likely in the dragonspine range than in any other location.

Rith was surprised that Jarreth was still following Sargoth’s instructions despite the fact that Sargoth was no longer the god of day and had not been for quite some time. Rith had meet the guardian earlier and knew the intelligent construct had plans of his own that he was working out, but he did not know that he was still using this noble knight as he did when Kli needed the aid of all of her friends. Rith was also pleased at the insight memories that were convinetly pulled to Jarreth’s thoughts as opposed to Rith having to dig for them. There was nothing immediately useful, but each moment of the past granted Rith a greater understanding of what had made the present and how it could be unmade if needed.