<[DM]_Hatter> The party moves across the cobblestone streets as they move into the Temple District nearest the port of where the ship would be docked, a slow yet steady pace with Lystos and Makal walking hand in hand. When nearing the temples, a thunderous blast echoes out from the Temple of Bahamut as a small person easily mistaken as debris sails through the air from the first blast. Flames spew from the doors and windows as pillars begin to collapse and rock sailing fifteen feet away from the temple itself. The guards within the temple, rolled by the first blast, lay across the temple district as if they were rag dolls dropped by children

* [PC]_Cian leapt back a few steps in surprise. "What the Light...."

* [PC]_Lystos watches as the person zooms across the sky, then looks to the Bahamut temple. "It always seems to be this temple."

* [NPC]_Makal steps back several steps grabbing onto Lystos' shoulder with fear as she begins to kneel down to avoid any form of accidental misfire "By Pelor! What was that?!"

* [PC]_Alecs flies through the air, desperately holding on to her skirt as she sails towards the ground below, trying to wrench her body to look behind at the blast, "So pretty~ I had no idea holy wine would be so combustible...Ack!  Falling, falling!  Spell, spell!  Falling feathers!  Feathers of light!  Featherfa--" She hit the streets and began tumbling, tumbling into the nearest building.

* [PC]_Cian rushes over to help the strange girl up. "Are you alright...You are not hurt anywhere are you..?"

* [PC]_Lystos follows Cian, waving Makal to follow.

* [NPC]_Makal keeps her head down as she slowly follows Lystos "...The temple... It went away..."

* [PC]_Alecs lays sprawled against the wall of whatever she hit, stars flying, "Um...could you...move a little out of the way.  You're blocking my sight."

* [PC]_Lystos turns to Makal. "Yes, it did... It seems to have... exploded." He looks to the charred girl. "That was some flight."

<[PC]_Cian> "oh, begging pardon..." He moves to the left, looking behind with a quizzical look.. "I suppose i ought to go look at the guards..."

* [PC]_Alecs crawls past Cian, then sits crosslegged as she watches the temple burn, "Uh huh..." He mouth hangs slightly open and she doesn't seem to be blinking.

* [PC]_Lystos scratches his head at the girl's peculiar behavior. "Are you... injured? At all?"

* [PC]_Cyenen walks forward, really not shocked by the scene "Its seems we find trouble WHEREVER we meet Lystos. Next, who knows! We might meet a chimera!"

* [PC]_Alecs waves off Lystos, "Fine, fine...probably.  I know featherfall, after all.  A little tumble isn't going to bother me...come on, don't you guys appreciate this though?"

* [PC]_Cyenen chuckles at the girl "We have been through much. There is not alot these days that can shock me."

* [PC]_Lystos turns to the smoldering temple. "Well, I am sure that I would be a tad more appreciative if this was not my father's city."

<[PC]_Cian> "Appreciate seeing buildings explode in flames and guards rolling around...? Sorry, i must be lacking in aesthetics department..."

* [PC]_Alecs shrugs, "Humans are so weird..."

<[PC]_Cyenen> "I am no human"

* [PC]_Lystos is confused once again. "Neither am I..."

* [PC]_Cyenen pulls her hood off of her head and looks down "I am a lady of Lothlien, the elven realm. Do not mistake me as a human."

* [PC]_Alecs looks up, notices the ears, squints, "Ah...I'll take your word for it, I guess.  All shins look the same from down here."

<[PC]_Cyenen> "You should learn to be more observant small one."

* [PC]_Cian looks to his shins and the others.... "Do they...? How interesting..."

* [PC]_Lystos sighs heavily at the sight of his temple district on fire. "I certainly hope the fire brigades arrive soon, else we are paying them for no reason."

* [PC]_Alecs stands up, then begins dusting herself off somewhat reluctantly, "Right, right.  So...there's a crowd gathering, and I can't really see so well over them, so..." She starts scrambling on top of Lystos and sits on his head, "Thanks!"

<[PC]_Cian> "Well....if this girl is alright, might I suggest we continue to the boats..?"

* [PC]_Cyenen chuckles and turns to Lystos "It seems we have a delinquent on our hands Lystos. She has started a fire... and OH. MY. Word... it seems you have.. *breaks out in laughter* Lystos.. you have acquired a new HAT!"

* [PC]_Lystos sits completely still as the halfling climbs up his side and onto his head. "Hmm. This is new."

* [PC]_Alecs pulls on his ear, "Closer please~"

* [PC]_Cyenen holds her sides laughing at the sight of the halfling sitting on the half-elf's head

* [PC]_Lystos does not look amused at the halfling's order. "Excuse me?"

* [NPC]_Makal looks onto Lystos' head and cocks her head slightly "...Interesting... I thought the halfling kind went away some time ago to the north... I was wrong..." looks onto the Bahamut temple burning quickly "And I enjoy this halfing for the actions commited..."

<[PC]_Alecs> "I can't see...!  Closer please."

* [PC]_Cyenen continues to laugh, and turns away from the pair, trying to get the look on Lystos' face out of her head"

* [PC]_Lystos glances to the rest of the party. "If only my heart were hardened... Just this once!" He begins to walk toward the remains of the temple.

<[PC]_Cian> "May I get a ride to or is there a height limit?"

* [PC]_Alecs giggles and squeals, "Mmm....nothing warms you up like a good bonfire, right?  Right?  It's great, right?  Ah, you know how it is."

* [PC]_Lystos gives a hard look to Cian, and begins to walk. He stops well outside of the range of the fire. "Anything closer, halfling, and you will have to use your own legs."

<[PC]_Cian> "Hmmm....I prefer a good windy day over a bonfire."

* [PC]_Cyenen continues to chuckle at the sight, but regains her composure and surveys the scene "Come along then.. we must get going." *looks at Makal* "We have a mission, do we not dear one?"

<[PC]_Alecs> "Oh...windy days are awesome.  Specially in forests..."

<[PC]_Cian> "I do hope you mean in a non-blazing sense."

* [PC]_Alecs wrenchs Lystos' head around to Cyenen, "Mission?"

* [NPC]_Makal nods and looks onto Alecs with a smile "We cannot leave her for the guards though... I enjoy this small person for burning down the place of which I hate..."

* [PC]_Lystos looks to the party. "Seems that we have a new cohort, then. Do you all agree?"

* [PC]_Alecs bends down to eyelevel with Lystos, holding on to his ears for support, "Cohort?"

* [PC]_Cyenen chuckles "It seems we need some humor in this band of comrades. However, little one, would you prefer my shoulder instead?"

* [PC]_Cian looks to the Halfling. "She does seem rather comfy there, I agree."

<[PC]_Alecs> "No thanks, shorty."

* [PC]_Cian stifles a chuckle

* [PC]_Cyenen chuckles "Shorty.. I believe I stand taller than you do my friend."

* [PC]_Cyenen shrugs "Come. Let us be off!"

<[DM]_Hatter> Vilnius could be seen running for the Temple district with a worried look on his face "WHAT IN THE NINE HELLS HAPPENED HERE?!" his gaze turns onto the temple seeing it blazing "By Pelor... This is madness..."

<[PC]_Alecs> "Well yeah, all humans are tall, but some are taller than others, you know?"

<[PC]_Cyenen> "Elf. I AM AN ELF."

* [PC]_Cian laughs and shakes his head in amusement

<[PC]_Alecs> "Geez...you're pretty short for an elf..."

* [PC]_Cyenen gazes into the eyes of the halfling and laughs, then smiles at her. "I believe you and I will get along greatly little one. Laughter is what I need right now"

<[PC]_Alecs> "What's this about a mission, friends?"

* [PC]_Lystos picks the halfling out of his hair. "You, my dear, are affecting my balance." He places the girl on the ground.

<[DM]_Hatter> Vilnius makes a rush for the party staring at Lystos "Son! What the hell has happen-?! What was that on your head..?"

<[PC]_Lystos> "We are off to the bay. To Iron-hold, to be precise." He turns to hear his dad. "Dad? What in hellfire are you doing here?"

<[PC]_Alecs> "Iron hold?  Like...a hold made out of iron?  That sounds dreadful!"

* [PC]_Cyenen chuckles at the marquise, then looks down at the halfling "What is your name little one?"

<[DM]_Hatter> "...I heard the explosion all the way from the Estate and wondered if we were under attack..." He lets out a heavy sigh "What happened?"

* [PC]_Alecs moves a bit away, craning her neck up as she stretches out an open palm, "Alecs Hotfoot.  Wizard."

* [PC]_Lystos turns to the halfling. "It seems our new friend here - Alecs, it seems - enjoys flames quite a bit."

<[PC]_Cyenen> "Pleasure. Cyenen Rydari, Lady of Lothlien, Ranger."

<[PC]_Cian> "Hotfoot indeed...I Am Cian Govad." He kneels down and bows his head.

<[PC]_Alecs> "Hey!  What makes you think I did that?!"

<[PC]_Cyenen> "Your amusement with it seemed to indicate you did Alecs."

<[PC]_Lystos> "Well, you were a bit... airborne shortly after the blast. Most of the force of an explosion radiates from the center, thus you would have had to be at the center of the explosion."

* [PC]_Alecs scrambles up Cian as he bows, resting on his shoulder, "Oi, talking on the ground with you people puts a crick in my neck.  You don't mind, right?"

* [PC]_Lystos watches the halfling climb up the druid. "...Never mind. I am Lystos Harken."

<[PC]_Cian> "No, I do not mind, but I do ask that you save the ear-pulling for Lystos. He seems especially fond of that." He chuckles softly to himself.

<[PC]_Alecs> "Hmm...nope.  Totally wasn't me.  I was just minding my own business, uh...praying to the god.  I'm pretty devout, you know.  So I don't know why it blew up in such a pretty, pretty way."

<[PC]_Cian> "So devout indeed that you were admiring the Holy Wine as well, eh?"

<[PC]_Cyenen> "Aha. Well, I will make sure to keep the dragon ale AWAY from you then, my little friend. We do not want THAT making such a pretty blaze on the ship."

<[PC]_Alecs> "I'm totally not drunk if that's what you're implying." She hiccups.

* [PC]_Lystos holds the bridge of his nose and sighs.

<[DM]_Hatter> Vilnius looks around slightly "Little friend... Whom would you be referring to? One of these people..?" his attention turns to the halfling climbing and his jaw drops "What the hell... Is that... I'm very confused by whatever that is, Lystos..."

* [PC]_Cyenen nods and mutters "DEFINITELY keeping the ale away from her."

<[PC]_Alecs> "Hey, you guys never told me about Copper Hold!  Is it really made of copper?"

* [PC]_Lystos turns to his father. "It is a halfling, Dad; the closest haven for them is in Bern, but this one does not seem like a local."

* [PC]_Cyenen chuckles and nods to Cian "make sure to have a good hold on to her Cian. She might tumble off your shoulder if you are not careful."

<[DM]_Hatter> "What is reponsible for the temple that current exists in flames and ashes?" His face grows more concerned about the safety of his city.

* [PC]_Alecs grins and opens her mouth, then thinks for a moment, "Ah...I bet it was goblins.  Yeah, this place is totally filthy with goblins.  I saw two just this morning, stealing some cheese."

* [PC]_Cian looks to Cyenen and nods. "I will make sure she does not fall down into another Temple."

<[PC]_Cyenen> "Or into another cask!"

* [PC]_Lystos looks to the halfling quickly. "No, goblins do not take up shelter anywhere near the city --" He turns to his father. "-- Dad, send for the fire brigades. The city will not burn if they act."

<[PC]_Cian> "Begging pardon, sir." He turns to face the Marquis. "If i may so ask, why have the brigade not arrive yet? And on that note...I do believe we should carry on to the ship. Aeolus is waiting for me."

<[DM]_Hatter> Vilnius looks at Lystos and lets out a heavy sigh "The Fire Brigade was for the most part taken out by your priestess when they tried to stop her from running... It would seem the temple is a loss but it shouldn't burn the surrounding buildings..."

* [PC]_Lystos appears relieved. "The engineers designed the quarter well, then."

* [PC]_Alecs sighs, "Yeah, way too far apart..."

* [NPC]_Makal turns her head away from Vilnius "I am dreadfully sorry, they looked like men from my kingdom and I just went on instinct..."

* [PC]_Cyenen looks at the buildings and turns to Makal whispering softly "Ale' lye tela sinome, Ale' nauva qu lema mellonamin. Uuma dela" (After we finish here, we will be on our journey my friend. Do not worry..)

* [PC]_Lystos chuckles warmly at Makal, then turns to the ragtag group. "Well? May we be off, or shall more explosions take place?"

* [PC]_Alecs stands atop Cian's shoulder, "Explosions?!"

* [PC]_Lystos quickly looks at Alecs. "Do not answer that."

<[PC]_Alecs> "Aww..."

* [PC]_Cian holds onto Alecs rightly

* [PC]_Cyenen chuckles and offers Makal her hand and arm, "Let us be off?"

<[DM]_Hatter> Vlinius eyes Lystos and sighs "Go... The halfling will not be prosecuted as long as it stays with you... If I catch it alone, I will personally punt it into the Northern lands from this point!"

* [PC]_Alecs sticks a tongue out at Vlinius, "You and what army?"

* [PC]_Lystos nods to his father and shakes his hand. "Thank you for everything, dad. I shall return. Give mother my regards."

* [PC]_Cian chuckles

* [PC]_Lystos glances to the halfling. "Alecs, now is not the time..."

<[PC]_Alecs> "Right!  I wanna see this brass hold!"

<[DM]_Hatter> Vilnius stares at the small person with a frown "I'll have Makal punt you. It should not be much of a problem for her since she took out most of our guards by herself!"

* [PC]_Alecs eyes go wide as she stares at Makal, "Really...?"

* [NPC]_Makal slowly inches over to Lystos taking him by the arm and stepping up on her toes to whisper "He wants me to harm to funny little girl..?"

<[PC]_Cian> "I think she rather favors this little one."

<[PC]_Cyenen> "Aye. Let us go then friends! We have delayed here enough!"

<[PC]_Alecs> "Indeed!  Place is nearly burnt anyways."

* [PC]_Lystos looks at Makal, whispering to her. "He only says such things to scare her. Come." He smiles widely at her. "We go."

* [PC]_Lystos turns to the rest of the group. "To the boat."

<[PC]_Alecs> "To the boat~"

* [PC]_Cyenen walks forward towards the docks, becoming quiet, pondering the sudden turn of events and the new party members

* [NPC]_Makal eeps herself close to Lystos "The short one is funny... The other man... He just seems nice..." she fiddles with her robes some as she straightens herself up "As for the boat... I hope it is flame proof..."

<[PC]_Alecs> "Hmph.  So, what's at the boat?"

<[PC]_Cyenen> "We sail to Iron Hold, Alecs."

* [PC]_Lystos slows for Makal's pace. "Yes, they will both be valuable assets... If the halfling does not burn us. I am sure she has enough common sense not to do so." He quietly hopes that he is right."

<[PC]_Alecs> "Iron Hold?"

<[PC]_Cian> "And my companion is there as well."

<[PC]_Cyenen> "Iron Hold, is our quest."

<[PC]_Alecs> "Cool.  So what's the quest?"

<[PC]_Lystos> "We are... not sure. The quest is Makal's." He turns to Makal, beside him.

<[PC]_Cyenen> "Makal knows of it." *turns to Makal* "If you would explain it again?"

<[NPC]_Makal> "The undead... The vile undead... A man whom wishes to control them... Become one of them... He is trying to bring necromancy into the cycle of magic again..."

<[PC]_Alecs> "Zombies or skeletons?"

<[NPC]_Makal> "I do not know... Ironhold has not be stepped upon by mortals within the last thousand years... It could be anything..."

<[PC]_Alecs> "Wait wait wait...so it doesn't have a fire brigade, right?"

* [PC]_Cyenen sighs "No Alecs. You can set things alight all you like."

* [PC]_Alecs yanks on Cian's ear, "To Iron Hold!"

* [PC]_Cian yelps and dashes onwards

* [PC]_Cyenen laughs and reaches the docks, looking for their ship

<[NPC]_Makal> "I... do not know... I do not know what a fire brigade is..." her eyes widen at the event and looks at Lystos "...Am I simply hallucinating..?"

* [PC]_Lystos chuckles and gently takes Makal's hand. "You are not hallucinating. Fire brigades put out fires that happen in the city. They seem to be the arch-nemeses of Alecs, though..."

<[PC]_Alecs> "Oh, no, no.  My archenemy are those guys with the staffs, they hug trees, don't eat meat...uh..."

<[NPC]_Makal> "Tree...hugger..." slowly leads Lystos up the Gangplank while contemplating the words of which were said "Tree...hugger... Hm..."

* [PC]_Alecs hops off Cian's shoulder and begins to wander the ship's deck with curious eyes.

* [PC]_Cyenen boards the deck, and stands at the bow, breathing in the fresh air.

<[PC]_Cian> "Hmm....now where is Aeolus...." He goes onboard and begins to look around.

<[PC]_Alecs> "Can we go now?"

* [PC]_Lystos walks up the gangplank and looks about. "Where did the crew get to?"

* [PC]_Lystos lets out a sharp whistle.

* [PC]_Cian shivers

<[DM]_Hatter> The human crew moves around the ship's deck as the one whom fell from the crow's nest trips over the halfling landing ontop of her "Who put the rock on the deck?! This is not funny guys, its getting old!!"

<[PC]_Cian> "Must you do that..." He rubs his ears.

* [PC]_Alecs squeals, "Not a rock!  Not a rock!  I'm an Alecs, you oaf!"

* [PC]_Cyenen chuckles and helps the sailor to his feet, freeing Alecs. "Not a rock, a halfling. And she is now one of your masters, so respect please."

* [PC]_Lystos turns to Cian. "Forgive me." He looks back to the crew. "Prepare to weigh anchor! We set sail for Iron-hold!"

* [PC]_Alecs ineffectively stamps on the sailor's shoe, bouncing off, "Yeah, and don't forget it!"

<[DM]_Hatter> The human accepts the help as he stands giving a swift kick to the halfling across the deck "Bloody rocks... Mages enchant them to talk..." he grumbles as he climbs back up to the crow's nest at the notice of the leaving.

<[PC]_Cian> "Ah-ha! there is Aeolus!" He hurries over to behind a few boxes. "How are you, dear friend..."

* [PC]_Cian reaches down to scratch behind the ears of a large male wolf, grey in color.

* [PC]_Alecs goes flying from the kick and bites back tears, "I am NOT a rock..."

* [PC]_Cyenen calls to the crew "SAILORS! We have three new companions! Cian Govad,Aeolus and Alecs Hotfoot! YOU WILL respect them! DO you understand me?"

<[PC]_Alecs> "...puppy!" She runs towards the wolf and jumps on top.

* [PC]_Cian catches Alecs just in time

<[PC]_Cian> "I would not do that jsut yet if i were you little one"

* [PC]_Alecs squirms in his grip, "Lemme go, he loves me!  Come on...!"

<[DM]_Hatter> The helmsman yells "Pull the anchor, get your arses moving!! We have no time to waste! Ironhold is a day away with the winds blowing like this! I WILL SHOOT MATTHIAS OFF OF THE CROW'S NEST IF YOU DO NOT GET MOVING!" the crew hurries as they prepare for the journey

* [PC]_Lystos looses Makal's hand and speaks to her. "I believe, my dear, it is time for another serving of that precious ale that we acquired from the island." He hurries below decks to grab a keg and as many mugs as he can carry.

<[PC]_Cian> "Loves to nibble on you, I am sure." He puts Alecs down and proceeds to sit next to Aeolus.

<[DM]_Hatter> The human in the crow's nest yells back "DO NOT SHOOT ME, CAPTAIN! I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING WRONG!" as the ship begins to turn and sway for the island.

* [PC]_Cyenen moves from her spot at the bow, and sits next to Cian "may I greet your companion?

* [PC]_Alecs begins hugging and petting Aeolus, "Puppy, puppy~"

<[DM]_Hatter> Upon Lystos' entering the lower deck, blood is apparent across the floor as if it was mere drops turning into a stream and staining the floor slowly, it was atleast a day old.

* [PC]_Lystos looks down. "...Blood?"

* [PC]_Cian looks up to Cynenen, "Why yes, you may. He would like that."

* [PC]_Lystos follows the trail of dried blood. It leads to the captain's quarters, the door to which is closed. He breathes deeply, placing a hand on this sword's hilt.

N* [PC]_Cyenen moves slightly sitting in front of Aeolus. "Creoso, Belegerea" (greetings mighty one.)

* [PC]_Lystos places one hand on the door to unlatch it, and breaches the room with a kick to the door.

* [PC]_Cyenen holds her hand out to him, waiting for his acknowledgement before touching him

* [PC]_Cian nudges Alecs aside so Aeolus can breathe and greet. He stands up and looks around.

<[PC]_Cian> "Where did Lystos go..."

* [PC]_Lystos lunges inside, his sword ready to slash, when he realizes his surroundings. "....By Pelor... No."

<[DM]_Hatter> The captain's chamber was sprayed with blood, across every corner as a body laid in the middle of the room, half fleshed. His face was half bone with the other half being the face of Adonis and a holy symbol carved into his skull of Bahamut. The rest of the body was muscle showing or bone with very little top layer flesh left to speak of.

* [PC]_Alecs grudgingly sahres Aeolus with Cyenen.

* [PC]_Cyenen hears a noise below deck, and and stands from her spot, moving swiftly to follow Lystos' footsteps

* [PC]_Cyenen follows the blood trail, and enters the cabin seeing the body of Adonis

* [PC]_Lystos 's jaw drops in horror. "...Adonis. What did they do to you, my friend..."

<[PC]_Cian> "Cyenen? Come, Aeolus." He follows Cynenen with Aeolus by his side.

* [PC]_Lystos quickly turns to Cyenen, and steps in front of the terrible scene. "Cyenen! Don't look!"

* [PC]_Cyenen stares into the face of Adonis

* [PC]_Alecs rids follow along, holding onto the wolf's tail.

<[DM]_Hatter> A large note is stabbed into the wall with a long scroll of parchment with writing that could be read from the doorway, it had drops of blood across it and partially written in the blood of Adonis.

* [PC]_Cyenen pushes past Lystos and bends down to touch the face of Adonis, getting blood on her hands

<[PC]_Cian> "Oh my.....how cruel....." He turns to place a handon Cyenen's shoulder. Aeolus lets out a soft snarl and begins to sniff the area.

* [PC]_Alecs pokes her head into the room, "What's wrong, guys?" As the smell and sight hit her nose, her face begins to turn green and she falls to her knees, panicked into silence.

<[PC]_Cyenen> "A'maelamin... Melamin...NEYA!"

* [PC]_Lystos walks over to the note, seeing no reason to hide the mess anymore, as it is all about the room. "I am... sorry, Cyenen." He pulls the dagger from the note and reads it.

* [PC]_Cyenen blinks the tears from her eyes, and drapes a sheet over the body of Adonis, then stands and turns from the sight, leaving the room

* [PC]_Cyenen enters her cabin, and shuts the door, sitting against it.

<[DM]_Hatter> "Adonis, Former Prince of the Dragon-kin, commited acts of treason against Bahamut,he abandoned a priestess of whom was my sister and his death marks only the beginning... Keep my precious safe, We are always watching you..." signed by the Vassal of Bahamut, Jetha

* [PC]_Cian tries to follow Cyenen only to meet the door. He lets out a soft sigh and leans on the wall opposite the door and slides down to sit.

* [PC]_Alecs flees towards the deck and begins to empty her stomach into the ocean.

* [PC]_Lystos drops the note, letting it flutter to the ground. The dagger, he stabbed into a nearby table.

* [PC]_Lystos turns to the sheet-covered body of Adonis. "May Pelor keep you, my friend. You deserved many things, but death was not among them."

* [PC]_Cyenen lets the tears run down her face, "Lissenen ar' maska'lalaith tenna' lye omentuva, Cormamin niuve tenna' ta elea lle au' Adonis. Quel esta..." (Sweet water and light laughter till next we meet... My heart shall weep until it sees thee again Adonis. Rest Well..)

* [PC]_Lystos walks out of the room, shutting the door gently behind him. "...Rest in peace." He walks somberly up the stairs and takes one of the crew aside, telling him what has happened, and to prepare the body for a funeral.

* [NPC]_Makal walks down into the Lower deck with the eyes on the group near the door "What has happened..? Has something gone a stray and--" she sniffs the air lightly "Blood... What has happened?!"

* [PC]_Alecs wipes her mouth clean, then crawls towards a hiding spot, sitting with her knees pulled up to her chest and rocking back and forth.

* [PC]_Lystos hears Makal and rushes downstairs. "Makal, don't!"

* [NPC]_Makal continues to walk to the blood trail "What has happened, Lystos..." her attention directed at the floor.

* [PC]_Cyenen cries leaning against the door to her cabin. She sees the blood on her hands and crawls to the bed, feverishly wiping the blood on one of her sheets, trying to get it off of her hands. She cries harder and harder, finally collapsing on the floor by the bed.

* [PC]_Lystos dashes up to Makal. "Something terrible. It is... better if you do not see what has transpired."

* [NPC]_Makal walks into the cabin with widened eyes staring around the room with her jaw dropped "What..exactly...happened...?"

* [PC]_Lystos follows Makal into the room. "He... Adonis... was killed by a vassal of Bahamut. The one called Jetha."

* [PC]_Lystos puts his hand on Makal's arm. "Makal, I'm sorry. We could not have done anything."

<[NPC]_Makal> "Jetha... Brother Jetha..? He died to father though... I watched..." she gives a heavy sigh "What gave you this conclusion?"

* [PC]_Lystos strides over to the note on the floor and picks it up. Turning to her, he spurts "This note. It was found dug into the back of the door."

<[DM]_Hatter> The night moves onto the ship as it sails, As Makal sits in the second in command's room holding the note as if it were a relic reading it to herself in disbelief of what had happened. It was only read in the light of a lamp but it was a clear as day what had transpired within the room.

<[DM]_Hatter> The night air fills the ship, the sky clouded over preventing the light of the moon & stars from shining down onto the boat. It was as if the gods placed them there to cry down onto them, a rain drop hits the deck followed by another until a light rain beat down onto the deck.

* [PC]_Alecs curls up against the wolf, using its side as her pillow, a small cover around them both.  As much as she liked fire, she could also appreciate the soothing sound of rainfall.

* [PC]_Lystos sits in the galley, with a keg of triple-brewed ale. He sips from his mug almost involuntarily; compulsively. "I wonder how Cyenen and Makal are holding up," he wonders to himself. "They knew Adonis the longest..."

<[PC]_Lystos> "Well, so did I..." He looks at the mug full of companionship. "There is no joy in drinking alone."

* [PC]_Lystos grabs another mug and fills it. Looking to Cyenen's door, he sees that it is still closed. "No luck here," he thinks.

* [PC]_Lystos walks over to the first mate's room, where Makal sits. Gently, he knocks on the door.

<[DM]_Hatter> The human crew working through the night comes through the lower deck picking the body of Adonis, carrying it out of the room only to have it break it in half on them as they scramble to pick it back up and get it onto the upper deck.

* [PC]_Cyenen stirs slightly, and realizes she cannot deal with the pain of being human. She shifts into her wolf form, knowing that it will be easier. she lifts herself onto her hind legs, and opens the door to her cabin, passing Lystos on her way. She treads the hallways and heads out onto the deck and into the rain, where she sits beside Alecs and Aeolus like a statue, not bothering to let the pain of her emotions engulf her

* [NPC]_Makal raises her head up at the knock with a look at the door "Do come in... Its not locked and I am not yet sleeping..." her words were warm yet bitter with the knowledge she had received.

* [PC]_Alecs stirs when she hears the crew carrying up the body, then rubs the sleep from her eyes.  She didn't quite understand what was going on, but she got on her feet to watch.  Her pounding skull and weak heart made her hold her tongue.

<[DM]_Hatter> The crew had placed an escape boat onto the deck in a memorial of the lost comrade as they place him into the boat covering the top of it. The Helmsman stands infront of it "All of whom knew this man! Come on the deck to pay last rites to the man!"

* [PC]_Lystos watches Cyenen's wolf form tread past him silently, but says nothing. He slowly opens the door to Makal's room, clutching both drinks in one hand. "Good evening, Makal," he says with as warm of a smile as he can muster.

* [PC]_Alecs watches as they begin to load him into the boat, and suddenly her ears perk up, "Viking funeral?"

* [NPC]_Makal eyes Lystos with the note firmly in her hand "Jetha is my brother... He is watching us... Watching me... Adonis' death was caused by Jetha for his actions on the island. Its logical..."

<[PC]_Alecs> -r d20+10 knowledge: religion, funeral services at sea

<Dicebot> [PC]_Alecs rolled d20+10 knowledge: religion, funeral services at sea --> [ 1d20=3 ]{13}

<[DM]_Hatter> Alecs learns about how the funeral is to light the boat onto the sea, the boat is loaded with many flammable goods to keep it burning while it sails off into the distance.

<[PC]_Alecs> -r d20+6 will save

Dicebot: [PC]_Alecs rolled d20+6 will save --> [ 1d20=14 ]{20}

* [PC]_Lystos nods to her in understanding. "Yes. Logic, however, has no bearing on the transpired events, though..." Overhearing the helmsman, he amends his speech. "I am attending this funeral service. You may stand with us, if you wish."

* [PC]_Alecs bites her tongue and doesn't volunteer just yet...

<[DM]_Hatter> The crew stands over the boat each giving a heavy sigh "He was a good captain... He didn't say evil words and he didn't try to kill us... He was a good man..." The Helmsman's words spoke for most of the crew as they stood over top of it.

<[PC]_Cyenen>  ACTION stands from her seat next to Aeolus, and walks silently over to the lifeboat. She places her nose against the side of it, then raises her head back and howls to the sky. A Wolf cry and elven words mixed together, piercing the night. Her pain is like daggers, the noise shocking the crew, and piercing everyone on the ship. A single tear rolls down her fur and splashes onto the body of Adonis. In her mind Cyenen thinks to herself. A single tear rolls down her fur and splashes onto the body of Adonis. In her mind Cyenen thinks to herself. "It is done. He is gone. I will continue on, to honor his memory. He was a good man."

* [NPC]_Makal shakes her head slowly "I wish not to see it..."

* [PC]_Lystos nods and places the drinks on her nightstand. "I will return for my drink." Slowly, he exits the room, and makes his way to the deck, to stand next to his other compatriots.

* [PC]_Lystos places a fist over his heart, saluting his fallen friend as the rain comes down. "Rest well, friend. May Pelor guide you to eternal slumber."

<[PC]_Alecs> -r d20+6 will save

Dicebot: [PC]_Alecs rolled d20+6 will save --> [ 1d20=19 ]{25}

<[PC]_Lystos> "Sleep well, Adonis." He removes his hand and bows his head.

<[DM]_Hatter> One of the crew places his headrag over into the boat "Rest well, dear captain. The band will provide your life in the next to be fruitful..."

<[PC]_Alecs> -r d20+6 will save

Dicebot: [PC]_Alecs rolled d20+6 will save --> [ 1d20=15 ]{21}

* [PC]_Alecs begins chewing on one of her pink pigtails, hoping the funeral would HURRY THE HELL UP!

* [PC]_Lystos looks down at the irreverent halfling with disdain. "Not. Now." He whispers through clenched teeth.

<[DM]_Hatter> The Helmsman gives a heavy sigh "We do not have a torch to light the funeral casket... We must go without, hurry and lift this bloody thing." as his words came out, the crew lifted the boat above their heads going to the side of the ship

* [PC]_Alecs perks up, "Ah...if you guys don't have a torch, I could...if you wanted...I'm a wizard...and..."

<[DM]_Hatter> The helmsman shakes his head "We can do a traditional funeral, thank you..."

* [PC]_Cyenen leans her body against Lystos' legs, bowing her head and giving a wolfy sigh. She was hurting

* [PC]_Alecs sighs...

<[PC]_Alecs> -r d20+6 will save, DC 18

Dicebot: [PC]_Alecs rolled d20+6 will save, DC 18 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{17}

<[PC]_Alecs> "No, really, I don't mind...." She holds a ball of flame in her open palm, "See?"

* [PC]_Lystos reaches down and pets Cyenen's head for a moment. "Shh. It will be all right."

<[DM]_Hatter> The crew's attention turns towards the light being formed from the back of the ship and the crewman Matthias gives a heavy sigh "Oh bugger..."

* [PC]_Cyenen whimpers and whines softly but stays put, leaning against her comrade for support

* [PC]_Lystos turns toward Alecs, watching the small wizard build her flame.

<[PC]_Alecs> "I mean, really, it's not like it'd be any problem for me to...Grease!" She covers the boat in a slick, flammable grease, hoping to make it too slippery for the crew to continue to hold upon.

* [PC]_Cyenen looks up at Lystos as Alecs casts her spell, and rises to her feet

<[DM]_Hatter> The crewmen's hands begin to slip as the boat follows the path from the frontmen's hands slipping, sending the boat into a barrel rolling effect into the water but the contents are not moved in an extreme case by the spin being faster than the dropping of the content. The helmsman simply covers his face with a hand "...That was not planned..."

* [PC]_Alecs hops up onto the railing, her face solemn, "Adonis, I did not know you, but I will see you off.  The seas are lonely, it's floor cold.  May these flames warm your heart and send your spirit to the heavens." She begins chanting with her arms raised, a small fireball growing above her head, bigger and bigger, until her final recitation leaves it larger than herself.  Silently, she drops the ball of flame onto the tiny boat, engulfing it with an almost gentle flame.

* [PC]_Cyenen runs to the side of the ship, placing her paws on the side and looking down, making sure his remains were not desecrated and disrespected before growling low in her throat at Alecs and the crew, returning to Lystos side

* [PC]_Alecs recites a small prayer to Adonis' god, then hops back off the railing to watch the boat burn with unblinking eyes.

* [PC]_Lystos stays silent in deep thought, remembering Adonis. The good and the bad flash before his eyes as he watches the small vessel begin to smoke and crackle.

<[DM]_Hatter> The boat remains afloat, burning as the gentle flame turns into a raging flame from the accelerants inside of the boat immediately cause a small explosion on the front side of the boat sending it into the darkened depths.

* [PC]_Lystos 's eyes grow narrow as the boat begins to sink. "Fly away, Adonis," he thinks. "I will meet you in the next life." He looks down and pets Cyenen once again.

* [PC]_Cyenen lifts her head once again and howls, before rising on her hind legs and shifting, able to handle her emotions again she turns from the funeral and faces Lystos with tears in her eyes "He was a good man."

* [PC]_Lystos stares back into her eyes, trying to be strong. "I know he was." He hugs Cyenen. "Never forget him."

* [PC]_Cyenen embraces Lystos, then wipes the tears from her eyes. "We must continue. He would have wanted us to continue.."

* [PC]_Alecs watches as the ship fades into the darkness and beneath the waves, then sighs, "Love viking funerals..." She brings her sleeve to begin wiping her eyes.

* [PC]_Lystos releases Cyenen, nods to her, and pats her shoulder. He looks around at his friends, and smiles at all of them before moving below decks once again.

* [PC]_Cyenen looks to the Helmsman "To Iron-Hold. We must not linger."

* [PC]_Lystos strides over to the first mate's cabin and opens the door slowly, trying not to disturb Makal. "...Makal?" he whispers.

<[PC]_Alecs> "It's not like we can hurry up anymore...we're on a ship."

* [NPC]_Makal is holding the letter in one hand as she was laid back in the chair, tears streaming down her face, she was apparently asleep, likely cried herself sleep.

* [PC]_Lystos is gripped by the sight of Makal's sadness. "I am sorry, my dear," he whispers, though he knows she cannot hear. "If only I... if only *we* were stronger." He removes his cloak again and drapes it over her. "Keep her warm, cloak," he silently tells his beaten outer covering. "Just like before." He takes the two drinks and slowly creeps from the room. He makes it as far as the galley before he realizes that both mugs are empty. He smiles softly and places them on a table outside of his room. He enters and closes the door. He lays on his bed, pondering the future until he drifts into a deep sleep.

<[DM]_Hatter> The night sky slowly illuminates with the blazing sun as it rises from the depths of the ocean into the sky, a rising that would make any follower of Pelor proud. Within the sights from the deck, the Ironhold island was visible. A large wooden structure with iron bands wrapping around it resides in the middle like a fortress, it was old a rickety from the lack of proper work and the light shone from some of the holes around it.

* [PC]_Alecs climbs up the mast to get a better view, "So big...!!!  Hurry, hurry!"

* [PC]_Cyenen rises from her bed, her resolve a firm hold. She would no longer grieve for Adonis. He would not let herself dihonor him that way. She makes her way out of her room, and knocks on the door of Lystos' cabin lightly

* [PC]_Lystos slowly awakens to the sound of seagulls and waves crashing against the rocking boat. "Ugh... Five more minutes..." He shakes his head a bit. "Oh... *ahem* Come -- come in."

<[DM]_Hatter> The land around the Hold is all stone, the forest was taken away for the vast building and the outside of the structure's base gives a possibly basement or further, a dungeon.

* [PC]_Alecs climbs back down, then rushes to rejoin the party, nearly bumping into Cyenen, "Come on, come on!  Day is full of adventure and such!"

* [NPC]_Makal begins to awaken from her slumber in her chair with Lystos' cloak around her breathing deep from the cloak "...He did it again..." she raises from her chair, holding the cloak around her getting out of the room to the door of Lystos to see Cyenen. She greets her with a smile "Is he awake?"

<[PC]_Cyenen> "Oh.. yes, I think so.. um.. nevermind.. tell him.. I wish to speak to him..."

* [PC]_Alecs opens the door with a little bit of trouble and then begins to jump upon Lystos' bed, "Time to go!  Quickly, before...ah...before whatever it is we're trying to stop happens!"

* [PC]_Cyenen looks at Makal in Lystos cloak, and turns from her, walking towars Alecs again "What is it my little flame minion?"

* [PC]_Alecs stops jumping, "I am no minion.  I am simply a...hero...of...justice.  Yes.  We can't dally here while the realm is still in danger, can we?  Can we?!"

* [PC]_Lystos 's eyes narrow. "One... at a time... please."

* [PC]_Cyenen leaves the room and goes to the bow of the ship looking at the island before her

<[PC]_Alecs> "Right, well, out of bed, get your gear, and let's go ashore."

* [PC]_Alecs scurries back up to the deck to look at the hold some more.

* [NPC]_Makal stands at the doorway leaning against it with a smile awaiting Lystos "You want this back..?"

* [PC]_Lystos stares at the halfling as she runs away. His eyes move up to Makal. "You have awakened..." He looks at his cloak, then back at her. "Well, it is my trusty cloak..." he says with a smile.

* [PC]_Alecs wishes now she hadn't burned the escape boat, her feet itching to get off the ship and explore.

* [NPC]_Makal slips off the cloak with ease walking into the room holding it out to him in both hands "It is very comforting and you are kind to put it on me..."

* [PC]_Lystos rises from his bed and takes it from her gratefully. "I place my cloak wherever it is needed most. I believed that you needed it more than I did," he says with a smirk.

* [PC]_Cyenen watches Alecs and grins. "We wil get there all in due time my little friend"

* [PC]_Alecs folds her arms, "Due time, due time.  I see no point in tarrying needlessly."

* [PC]_Cyenen chuckles "You need to learn the meaning of patience little one."

<[PC]_Alecs> "My personal lexicon is huge!  I know what patience means, but the concept has little weight with me."

<[NPC]_Makal> "It is not my place on the field of battle... I know there is to be a fight and I do not fight..." she looks at Lystos.

* [PC]_Lystos returns the warm look to Makal. "It is understandable. You are no warrior; your place is to heal the wounded." He drapes his cloak around his shoulders and makes for the door, stopping before he reaches it.

* [PC]_Lystos turns around to face Makal. "Watch the ship. Stay out of trouble if you can, though from what I've seen, I have no qualms about you being able to defend yourself." He hugs her gently. "We will return soon, victorious and unharmed."

<[NPC]_Makal> "Come back to me safely, Lystos..." she lets out with a blush and keeps her head turned away from him..

* [PC]_Lystos nods and strides to the upper deck.

* [PC]_Cyenen looks at Alecs "Would you like a ride my friend?"

* [PC]_Alecs considers for a moment, "Yes please!" She scrambles up Cyenen's front and into her arms.

* [PC]_Lystos reaches his companions. "Iron-hold... I have not been here for quite some time..." he says, looking over the island. "Even then, I never left the ship."

* [PC]_Lystos looks to his friends. "Ladies first." He chuckles.

<[PC]_Alecs> "Let's go...!"

* [PC]_Cyenen backs up a few paces, digging her claws into the deck, getting leverage. Propelling herself forward she jumps over the edge of the boat, diving into the water, and swims to the shore, shaking the water out of her fur.

* [PC]_Lystos dives hands-first into the water, and swims the few strokes to land. "Well, that swim was short. I am almost disappointed..."

<[DM]_Hatter> Upon arriving on the island, the landscape becomes more vivid, seeing the rocks built up around the wooden structure and the iron bands appear to be five feet in width. The adventure inwards continues another time...