"As the good librarian here said, we are running short on time, leaving us little for scouting and none for bickering," Parannos says briskly. "And as much as I'd prefer to linger here in the warmth, I'm afraid we have no such luxury." He gives the library a wistful glance, lets out a deep sigh and looks at the others. "Time to see to our preparations and set forth, I suppose."

"Yes, Parannos is right", Draugthuilion agrees and gives Dorin still a bit amused look. How could the dwarf think they had time for such things as rest. "There is still a few hours of light left so we should hurry if we want to start our journey in the light of the day. Here in the north the darkness comes early. Pack only the things you definitely need and what you think you can carry. Food and water most importantly", the elf instructs the others. "I know the way to the ruins and I can tell you it is not an easy one. We will be traveling through the wilderness where the snow is deep and we don't have an army to stomp us a path". "Thank you Svala, time with you has been most informative, as always. I hope we shall meet again and perhaps then we have something to teach to you", Draugthuilion says and bows to the old librarian and then turns to look at the rest of the group. "We shall meet at the front gates in an hour, if that is enough for you", he says and it easy to notice that the ranger is quite eager to get out of the city. He nods at Svala once more and then heads out of the room.

Dorin turns his attention back outside the window. With his back to the party, he draws his battle axe and places the shaft on the floor as though it were a walking stick. Without turning he says, "aye, the skills of such a Ranger would be most helpful right now. Should there be a warrior like this in this troupe I'd wager they'd be out there scouting for danger instead of holing themselves in a tower listening to bedtime stories." Dorin turns and places a firm grip on his axe with both hands. He narrows his gaze while staring directly at the Elf and continues, "so while some hide and wait for a wee nighttime kiss from their Momma, I intend to address the enemy who draws ever closer. 'cause that's what warriors do while the cowards steal themselves away from danger." Hearing the conversation that follows his remarks, Dorin smiles and states enthusiastically, "'bout time we did something useful." The Dwarf slowly makes his way towards the door.

Updated 30 July 2013 (17:11)

Draugthuilion stops at the door when he hears the dwarf's words, chuckles lightly and and turns the look of his only eye to to dwarf. "I understand your eagerness to fight, believe me I do. I want to kill those damn orcs as much as you do. But on a mission like this and when our numbers are so small we can't afford drawing attention to ourselves. And what comes to listening 'bedtime sotries', like you put it, it is important that we gather as much information about our mission before we do anything", having said this Draugthuilion opens the door to the corridor and is about to leave.

Updated 30 July 2013 (20:19)

Once reunited in the gates a red sun begin to hide behind a mountain, outside the walls the city guards are heard interrogate all riders who arrive about news of the enemy "patrols everywhere", "several enemy scouts on the roads" all the same news. "i heard that you will travel to the ruins", behind the group a human with dark brown robe supported in a smooth yellow staff, "can i join you? if you do not mind." say with a smile is his thin face. Dorin and Parannos remember him as one of the wizards which joined the army a few days ago. "My name is Gwenaël and my knowledge can be of extreme utility"

"Parannos, at your service." The cleric looks at Gwenaël slightly bemused and asks, "Excuse me, sir, but who told you that?"

Draugthuilion eyes the wizard suspiciously with his only eye. "And I am Draugthuilion", he introduces himself. "I must ask the same. Our expedition is not well known and we haven't talked about it to anyone. At least I haven't", the elf says and glances at Dorin.

Dorin leans on his axe which stands in front of him. "Nay," he says to the Elf and waits patiently for the Wizard to respond.

Updated 1 August 2013 (22:39)

The sorcerers takes a good look at Gwenael as the rest of the party waits for his answer. "I'm Amelia and this one is Shadow...What kind of knowledge is that Sir Gwenael?" says with a smooth voice and stares for bit the yellow staff.

"I am a master of magic and the secrets of the universe ..." "lie in it" added, after a exaggerated dramatic silence Shadow flits to Amelia's shoulder and exclaims: LIE LIE LIE "What peculiar pet ..." and adds with discouragement "Many people in the city do not feel comfortable with the crow woman and the rumor of his imminent departure has raced very fast" FAST FAST FAST replies the crow The wizard smiles without grace

Updated 9 September 2014 (01:40)

"It seems ye've been given an answer conjurer," Dorin says as he strokes his beard. "If knowledge is what you want, there are people in this city who can give you that. 'An when we return, we can regale you with the tales from the crypt if ye so wish. As for now, we should be off." Dorin watches Shadow flutter on Amelia's shoulder and winks at the bird saying, 'An not all in this City are uncomfortable with ye." Turning to address all in the party the Dwarf asks, "shall we get on with it then?"

Updated 5 August 2013 (17:09)

"I am afraid we are in some haste at the moment, sir," Parannos says with as sincere a tone of regret he can muster, "and we are only prepared for a small expedition. "We'll seek you out later, though, and we can discuss magic, secrets and ruins at length. Until then, however, we must bid you farewell."

The wizard does not move a muscle despite the negative "In that case, I have no alternative but to travel alone, I hope we meet again in the ruins, but with so many patrols and the dangers of several days of travel, at least three days according to the maps I have consulted, if you forgive the comment, the odds are against you. " YOU YOU YOU Shadow repeats "I will not steal more of your precious time every night at the inn I will drink to your health and the second day I shall leave to the ruins and by means of my magic i will have to travel only one day" DAY DAY DAY "By the gods, with such a fuss the odds are not at all encouraging, good day" And with a flutter of his cape walks slowly toward one of the streets

"Well," Dorin says as he picks up his axe and slings it over his back, "he took that better 'an I expected. Makes one wonder though, if he can make such a journey on his own, why would he need us anyhow?" The Dwarf grunts to himself, then turns to face Parannos. Looking up at the man Dorin continues, "now then Master Cleric, me Pa always said you canae make a sword with a rolling pin, 'an I'm inclined to believe 'im. That's why you should 'ave these," Dorin opens a pouch at his waist and produces eight small vials containing a bright yellow liquid. "Nae I'm told these are potions of healing 'an I'm inclined to believe the one who gave 'em to me. I'm no healer, 'an I'm as likely to 'ave 'em crushed before they can be put to use. No one's going to gain from a yellow mess in my trousers," Dorin laughs as he closes his pouch. "Asides, kinda hard to heal anyone when I'm knee-deep in the innards of our foe. Now I've kept two fer meself, just in case, but those others are better in yer hands no doubt."

As long as Dorin was talking to Parannos Amelia was trying to ease Shadow... "Wait, did he say he will travel only one day?"... the sorceres stays and stares the figure of the wizard as he leaves their company. Before it's too late she raises her hands and says a few whispering words @detect Magic@ hoping to catch a glimpse of his and his staff's aura.

Draugthuilion snorted with distaste. "Wizards... I've never liked that lot. Always going there where the fence is lowest", he said mostly to himself and then glanced at Amelia. "But with you, lady Amelia, I make an exeption", he said quickly with short smile. "Anyway, lets not waste the precious light time", the elf said with a louder voice to the whole group and started to lead them out of the city.

Parannos accepts the vials. "Thank you, Dorin, that is most gracious of you," he says with a little bow that is almost imperceptible because of the mound of furs he's wearing. He then hands two to Amelia and Draugthuilion each. "Keep these, just in case." He looks at the departing wizard and says, "Well, as much as I like the idea of a shorter trip I suppose it's better this way. If he shows up at the ruins at least we know something about his capabilities. Then I'd suggest we take him along, to keep an eye on him, if for no other reason." He turns his back on the city and sets out to follow Draugthuilion with a sigh, "Back into the cold we go..."

Amelia focus on the back of the wizard and thanks to her spell can see a faint glow on his staff and cape, the exact same brown tone of his tunic. The double doors close behind the group as soon leave town a guard from the battlements bark to them "cowards". To the south to a couple of miles emerges from the snow a line of trees breaking the white monotone. The sun delay to hide while the first stars of the night struggle to shine in the east.

Updated 10 August 2013 (13:43)

Dorin begins to follow his fellows but pauses. Looking at Amelia, the Dwarf gestures towards the path in front of them saying, "m'lady. Likely best I bring up the rear 'case of any attacks."

Amelia gives him a little smile "Of course master dwarf, but please people call me Amelia." says and walks at the centel of the company. "Shadow we will need your eyes too" says to her friend and gives him a good stroke on the chest...