High King Peter Speaks!

[Petraverd]

(Log courtesy of Kiyon. Thanks, pal!)

Outside the Ruins
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You stand at the base of a huge, tumbled pile of rock that is overgrown with grass and a few, scrubby-looking bushes. It appears to be the ruins of what must have been a castle of some kind. In fact, the rubble just before you seems to have once been a gatewall, but it looks like it's been smashed with something heavy. The path continues through it, but to follow would mean picking your way across some really unpleasant-looking crags.
The air is oddly still here, and despite the brightly-shining sun overhead, you feel just a little chilly.. It's like a dip in temperature right before a storm, but there are no clouds and no sign of rain. Odd... The path leads out of the valley, meeting a small stream to the east.
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You can go: Enter the Ruins <E>, Toward the Stream <W>
Contents: A mouse of regal appearance (Meepicheep) and An unicorn with flowers
braided in her mane (Trianna).
Kiyon steps on top of a pile of rocks, the gate wall. He takes a torch in hand and starts marching toward the entrance.
Meepicheep runs up beside kiyon and slows down to his speed, "Good day Kiyon."
Trianna trots through the bushes and whinnies to the two.
Kiyon casts a glance to the approaching mouse and offers a smile. "Ah, good day, Meepicheep." As the bushes rustle and Trianna makes her appearance he offers her a warm welcome as well. "I hadn't expected to see anyone here, but, it's certainly welcome."
Meepicheep turns around and starts walking back to the entrance with Kiyon, "I have been waiting here for some time now for someone else to show up so I could enter. That's why, as you can see, I am quite pleased to see you."
Trianna swishes her tail and lowers her eyes from the son of adam. "I often search for you. Few times have I found you of late. I wish to take company with you both if I may."
Kiyon chuckles at Meepicheep's words. "Ah, I see you are very enthusiastic about our endeavor. I too am wondering what more lies within the darkness. We shall find out together." He turns to Trianna and quirks a small smile. "I am sorry I am not more readily available. But please, join Meepicheep and I?"
Meepicheep turns to Trianna and says, "Oh yes, please do join us. We would love to have your company."
Trianna dips her head to the mouse and trots over to the son of adam and noses his shoulder.
Kiyon offers to lead Meepicheep.
Kiyon offers to lead Trianna.
Kiyon hehs softly and nods. "Shall we begin?"
Meepicheep decides to follow Kiyon.
Trianna decides to follow Kiyon.
You pic your way eastward over the rocks, heading into the courtyard.
Courtyard Ruins
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You stand in the Courtyard ruins of the old, abandoned castle. Aside from rocks and grass that has gone to seed, there isn't much to see here. The courtyard was apparently a wide, open area just inside the castle wall. Any adornments that might have decorated it are now gone, and you can even see a few spindly shrubs poking up between the pathstones as nature does its usual slow takeover of such ruins as these.
You can make out the crumbling spires of what once made up the castle's towers. They look more like jagged stone teeth than anything else now. The largest of these lies directly across the Courtyard from the ruined gate, and you can see stairs leading up to two massive double-doors. Two massive columns that must have held up a kind of portico have now fallen in segments over the steps, though, making the doors harder to reach.
Two smaller towers can be seen on either side, both with their own wooden doors leading in. The wood is splintered on these. The gatepath leads westward out of the ruins, but the way is blocked by so many broken pieces of the wall and gate that it doesn't look easy to pass. Still, it's the only way out.
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You can go: Ascend the Portico <E>, Out <W>
Kiyon lights the Torch.
You hand Torch <LIT> to Meepicheep.
Kiyon lights the Torch.
You climb up and over the column segments, ascending the portico until you stand at the doors.
Atop the Portico
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You stand atop an elevated stone platform that apparently once made up the floor of an entry way before the two main doors into the main spire of the castle. There are platforms here and there where statues may have once stood, but they are empty now. The adornments seem to have simply vanished. The roof high above you is intact, though crumbling at the edges where the two columns that once supported it fell away. They now lie in pieces across the broad steps that lead down into the Courtyard below.
The two doors that lead into the spire are wooden and shut, and they appear to be very heavy despite already showing some signs of weathering. Their hinges and fastenings are thick wrought-iron.
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You can go: Doors <E>, Courtyard <W>
You pull on the door handle and feel the door slowly give. The rusted hinges creak in complaint as the door swings open, allowing you to step inside the Great Hall. Once inside, they fall heavily shut behind you.
The White Witch's Great Hall
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By the flickering firelight, you can make out very little. The room is so large that even the brightest lantern would have difficulty really illuminating it, and no windows let in light from outside. The ceiling, intact, is too high and dark to make out, and room is so large that the walls cannot be seen until you walk near them.
There is a musty, unused smell to the air, and you can see dustbeams stirred by your footfalls as you walk through the room. There are pedestals here and there that must have once held statues but do so no longer. At the center of the room a throne sits, enshrouded in dust and cobwebs. A rumpled mass of chains lies beside it, similarly buried. Beyond this and along the far wall, several doorways lead into rooms beyond this one.
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Meepicheep turns to Kiyon, "Are we to keep searching this room?"
Kiyon pushes the heavy doors open with a deep grunt and once they're all in he watches it close slowly. It shuts loudly, echoing through the hall.
Trianna swishes her tail as she brings up the rear. She watches Kiyon. "I am uncertain of this place. Are we sure it is safe? I can scout ahead if needed."
Kiyon nods, "Here, and perhaps through a doorway or two. Petraverd has expressed that he prefers I do not go too deeply past this hall and into the ruins. He says we are still not entirely familiar with what we may face here." He smiles to Trianna. "We will be safe together. But I think maybe we should stay together? What do you both think?"
Meepicheep nods, while he looks about the room, "That should be fine."
Kiyon glances around the room, his eyes fixating on the throne in the center of the room for a few moments. Finally, he takes a breath, and starts walking along the edge of the room. "I noticed a doorway there at the south and one leading further in to the east. Further in, I know there are old prison cells."
Trianna nods. "I am with you, where so ever you decide to go."
Meepicheep nods, "Yes, I remember. But where shall we start?" He looks along the western wall.
Kiyon eyes the eastern door. "Well, why not the next room east... deeper in? I haven't seen much in this hall that caught my attention."
Trianna says, "Id like to go to the cells."
Meepicheep glances east, "That seems sensible enough. let us go and see what awaits beyond that door."
Kiyon nods and steps through the eastern doorway, holding his torch in front.
You head through the east door.
East Tower Antechamber
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You stand at the base of a massive tower with a sweeping staircase leading
upward. At one time this particular chamber may have appeared very grand
indeed, but now the air reeks of decay and disuse, and dust and cobwebs
obscure any hint of grandeur. There are some low pedestals here that must
have once held statues, but they stand empty now.

The perimeter of the chamber is hard to make out in the darkness -- there are
no windows here. The staircase winds upward, but you lose sight of it
quickly. A door in the west wall leads out to the Great Hall of the castle.
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Kiyon steps toward the base of the huge staircase and rounds the edge, brushing away cobwebs with his torch. He moves behind the empty pedestals and motions toward a doorway. "I think they're through there. But, in the meanwhile... do you notice anything else in here?"
Meepicheep looks carefully around the room, "At first glance I do not see much of interest here."
You see a broad, sweeping staircase that winds upward into the darkness. The entire structure appears to have been made of light-colored, polished stone, from the steps to the carved railing. Two pedestals sit at the bottom. They look as if they once held statues, but they stand empty now.
Along the side of the staircase you see a small door. It appears to lead under the stairs themselves.
Trianna hmms and searches the pedestals. Her nose wriggles and bunches. She jerks her head back, tossing her mane to the side. "Achoo," she sneezes
Trianna trots over to a pedestal and turns about. She sweeps her tail over the dust and cobwebs revealing a small line that looks like a doorway.
Kiyon throws a look over his shoulder and shivers slightly as the sneeze reverberates around the ruins. He waves some dust away from his face, stifling a sneeze of his own. "Are you all right?"
Trianna whinnies softly, "Yes, thank you."
Meepicheep stares at the outline behind the pedestal, slowly moving towards it, "Kiyon, Trianna, do you see that?" He points towards the pedestal.
Kiyon steps forward, setting his torch in place so he can use his hands freely. He begins clearing some rubble, coughing occasionally at the dirt and dust. "I see something... let's clear this away."
Trianna paws at the rubble with a hoof. "I shall do my best," she says lowering her head. A medium sized rock is seized quickly by the mare and then tossed aside.
Meepicheep helps Kiyon, to remove the rubble around the pedestal.
Kiyon reaches forward and pushes on the surface of the area they've just cleared and it swings open with a creak. "It's a doorway. I think we have enough room to fit through." He shoves it all the way open with the force from his shoulder.
Meepicheep moves his torch closer to the entrance in attempt to see inside.
You open the door, and walk down the steps you find behind it.
The Carcern
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You stand in a dank, dark dungeon ruin. The bars that once divided the cells
here are bent or broken, fragments laying rusted and falling apart on the bare
rock floor. Several spots have been cleared of rubble and debris, allowing one
to lay down, if one were so inclined.

Water drips down from the ceiling making the floor damp and cold, and the sound
of the drops hitting the stone floor at random intervals is somewhat maddening.
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Trianna swishes her tail and flicks her ears forward. She shakes her mane as water drips on her head.
Water gathers on the ceiling before dropping onto your head. It isn't much water at all, but it is cold.
Meepicheep flicks his ears as a drop of water falls on his head, "Well it certainly is less dusty down here, although much colder and wetter."
A drop of water drips from above, splashing on the stone floor.
Kiyon scowls as cold water trickles down his neck. He lifts his hand to cover himself and takes his torch, sweeping it slowly around the room to illuminate the old cells. "There does not seem to be much here."
Jana comes walking down the stairs toward you.
Trianna looks up at the ceiling. "Kiyon, where is all this water coming from...and whats that up there?"
Kiyon shivers and his eyes scan the room again and again. He rubs at his arms and takes a short breath. "Ah... I don't know..."
Meepicheep walks into one of the cells and examines it.
Trianna shakes out her mane again and lets out a 'brrhhhrrrrrrrrrr'. "Shine the light up so we can plug the dripping holes. It's so cold its driving me insane."
Kiyon follows after Meepicheep and blinks, seeming very distracted. "Ah... I don't know if it /can/ be plugged, Trianna." He sweeps his torch near the corner of a cell and coughs a little from the cold environment.
Jana takes a few steps back from the others as they discuss the water, investigating instead the floor, walls, former cells, and what appear to be abandoned sleeping places.
Trianna raises a brow at the mouse. "Where did you go?"
Meepicheep returns to Kiyon and Trianna and looks up at the ceiling, "It is quite strange actually..."
Kiyon murmurs quietly from a cell near Adara. "Where would it come from, though?"
Jana glances up at the ceiling, frowning.
Trianna swishes her tail furiously. "I sure wish we knew where it was coming from so we could stop it."
Kiyon steps up on to some rubble and debris and raises his torch as close to the ceiling as he can, examining it and illuminating it for the others.
Meepicheep conjectures, "Maybe it's coming from the throne? Or something directly below it?
Jana says, "Maybe if I could get on someone's shoulders..."
You walk past the ruined bars, and up the dark stairs.
East Tower Antechamber
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You stand at the base of a massive tower with a sweeping staircase leading
upward. At one time this particular chamber may have appeared very grand
indeed, but now the air reeks of decay and disuse, and dust and cobwebs
obscure any hint of grandeur. There are some low pedestals here that must
have once held statues, but they stand empty now.

The perimeter of the chamber is hard to make out in the darkness -- there are
no windows here. The staircase winds upward, but you lose sight of it
quickly. A door in the west wall leads out to the Great Hall of the castle.
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Trianna comes trotting out from behind a large pedestal.
Trianna arrives, following Kiyon.
Jana comes walking out from behind a large pedestal.
Kiyon hmms softly as his torch reveals a passageway further up. "There's some sort of old stair passage here... want to see where it leads?"
You see a broad, sweeping staircase that winds upward into the darkness. The entire structure appears to have been made of light-colored, polished stone, from the steps to the carved railing. Two pedestals sit at the bottom. They look as if they once held statues, but they stand empty now.
Along the side of the staircase you see a small door. It appears to lead under the stairs themselves.
Trianna nods to Kiyon. "You first."
Kiyon tests his footing on the smooth stone and begins to climb it carefully, holding his torch out in front and feeling for support with his boot.
Jana watches him with narrowed eyes.
Trianna trots behind Kiyon and nudges his back. "Be careful, Kiyon. You might open a secret passage way."
Some debris topples from the edge of the staircase and lands with a *thunk* on the stone floor. It sends a sharp noise through the room and Kiyon halts hardly a third of the way up the staircase. "It's broken." He calls down. "Not stable enough to continue further up, from what I can make out."
Jana shuffles backward out of the way hastily.
Trianna trots back several paces as the stone hits the floor. She whinnies very loudly.
Kiyon starts at Trianna's whinny and backtracks, using his free hand to help catch his balance as he hurries down the stairs. "Is everybody all right?"
Jana says, "Reckon, yeah."
Trianna raises a hoof and steps back a few paces. "All is well now."
Kiyon puts a hand to his chest and stands in place a moment, eyes rolling around the room. "I think... perhaps we've seen enough for one day, don't you?"
Jana says, "Wait."
Trianna shrugs. "If you are ready to head out, I am also."
Kiyon coughs softly and nods, "Yes, what is it Adara?"
Jana says, "There's a door here."
Trianna swishes her tail and peers around the room. "Where?"
Jana steps over the new rubble, bringing her torch close to the stair wall. "Look, here."
Trianna looks at the door and then at the daughter of eve.
Kiyon steps forward and looks from Daughter of Eve to Unicorn. He turns his attention to the doorway and nods. "So there is..."
Trianna trots closer to the door. "We should try it."
Jana is already tugging at the door. It pulls open with a squeak.
Kiyon steps through the doorway cautiously.
You pull open the small door that leads under the stairs, and find it opens surprisingly easily. You head on through it, ducking under the staircase.
Under the Staircase
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You find yourself in a funny, curved-shaped chamber with a ceiling that slopes
sharply downward until it meets the floor. This makes much more sense as you
realize you're under a staircase. The walls on either side of you are smooth,
but marked with peculiar drawings and writing that appear to be dwarven in
nature. This must have once been a passage used by the dwarves in the Witch's
employ.

There is a small door leading out into the East Tower. Another door -- a
larger, wooden one on rusted hinges -- leads eastward. From its weatherbeaten
appearance, it must lead outside.
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Jana walks in from the Tower Antechamber through the small door.
Kiyon steps under the staircase and feels at the walls, brushing away dust and cobwebs to look for any details.
Jana comes close to the wall as Kiyon's fingers expose some writing.
Kiyon runs his fingers over the writing and squints. "Can you make that out?"
Jana scowls, obviously making a clear effort, but completely unable to read it. "No, can you read?"
Kiyon shakes his head and sighs, frustrated. "Not a word."
Jana says, "It's written weird."
Kiyon nods and rubs the back of his neck. "Perhaps we should head back. Ask Petraverd about it."
Jana says, "My husband could read it."
Kiyon shoots Jana a look. He takes a breath. "Oh? He knows the Narnian languages?"
Jana says, "He reads good."
Kiyon thinks for a moment and then suggests. "Petraverd might be able to read it too, though."
Jana shrugs.
Kiyon shivers faintly. "Well, until we get someone here, it means nothing to us. Did you see anything else?"
Jana says, "Nothing besides that other door."
Kiyon hehs softly. "I... rather don't like to leave a doorway without knowing where it leads." He moves alongside its frame and pushes on it.
Jana follows close behind him.
You head out the east door.
Behind the East Tower
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You find yourself standing in a rather open-but-gloomy expanse just behind the ruins of an old castle. Immediately to the east, you see a huge stone tower reaching upward toward the sky, tapering at the top in such a way that it looks like an enormous crag or a horn. There is a small door here at ground level, but no windows for several stories upward. There are various vines attempting to grow up on it, but the stones are still smooth enough that they don't appear to be having much luck.
Beyond this, the expanse is overgrown and mostly featureless. To the north and south, the land rolls in huge hills that obscure any long-distance view. A short ways off to the east, however, you can see the edge of a thick coniferous woodland area that almost appears to be creeping toward the castle.
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You can go: Northern Woods <E>, Enter the Tower <W>
Trianna comes trotting out of the tower door.
Jana comes walking out of the tower door.
Kiyon blinks at the shift in lighting and lowers his torch. "Ah. Well, that's interesting."
Jana holds the door half open. She frowns.
Kiyon glances back to Jana and cants his head. "Hmm. Seems we've reached the end of this portion, then."
Jana says, "Yeah, reckon."
Kiyon steps back to the doorway and hehs softly. "Well, I suppose it's as good a place to finish as any. I'm tired, I think we'd best leave for now."
Jana says, "Yeah. I'll tell Auremh what we seen."
Kiyon frowns faintly, but nods in understanding. "All right, then. Let's make our way back through the entrance and we'll return another day." He moves back inside with Jana and returns to the great hall entrance.

[Caileana]

http://caileana.wordpress.com/2013/09/30/first-time-back-inside-the-ruins/

[Glyn]

Ulfden Clearing

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You stand in the midst of a clearing in the woods. Tall trees surround you on all sides, with a wooded hill looming over you to the west. Little sunlight streams through the foliage of the trees above. Rocks jut from the ground and hill, giving the clearing a wilder look. Jutting out of the wooded hill to the west is a rocky overhang casting a slight shadow around the entrance to what seems like a cave. A scraggily wolf pads back and forth before the entrance, glancing your way.

The clearing ends in a rock path leading through scattered trees to the east. A small cave entrance dwells underneath the overhang to the west.

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Nevarre moves a little further out in to the clearing and takes a seat in the middle of it, nodding to virika as he passes, but not interrupting her conversation

Virika nods to him and then pads toward him.

Glyn appears over a rise in the trail to the east, his gait looking a little tired. As the clearing comes into view, his ears prick with attention, and he approaches close enough to lower his head and announce himself. "Good evening, Alpha, Hunter."

Nevarre smirks as he sees Glyn arrive. He remarks, "You look tired Glyn. Petraverd keeping you busy?"

Virika smils to her brother and nods, "Brother."

Glyn's chuckle is dry but good-humoured. "There is much to do," he agrees. "Arranging border patrols was one thing, but the High King's new orders are another entirely. I couldn't even make it back to the den last night before morning patrols began."

Nevarre gives a knowing look, "It is a bit different when you are the one who has to do it"

Glyn dips his head. "It is. Although I'm glad not to be alone in it. Petraverd has been consumed with the latest preparations too."

Nevarre nods, "Much was the same for me."

Virika gives a small nod. "How goes the cleansing?"

Glyn takes a deep breath. "It goes well, one step at a time. We've explored most of the main floor, taking it slowly in groups. We don't want nasty surprises. Once that's done, I believe we'll be opening up the roofs to let some light in and then can start the clearing out in earnest."

Nevarre says, "It sounds as though it is progressing smoothly enough. I had in mind to make my way over there actually."

Virika nods. "We thought we'd see how things were going and offer to help."

Glyn's head lifts as he looks between them. "We'd be glad of it." He pauses before adding, "Those who know the history of the ruins have been a great help in anticipating danger. Your eyes and experience would be most welcome."

Nevarre nods, "Then it is set then, we shall go at once" He takes one look at Glyn and said, "It is up to you whether you choose to come or not. I can clearly see you are weary and need your rest. A good leader always takes his sabbath"

Virika smiles at this and prepares to go.

Glyn shakes his head. "It's no great matter. I was able to rest up at the watchtower if not the den, and the accommodations there are comfortable enough. I'll be back to my full self after tonight, I'm sure."

Nevarre nods, "Fair enough." He gets to his feet and turns to the den, "I shall return shortly"

Glyn looks to Virika and shares a private smile.

Nevarre trots west. Beo gives Nevarre a slight nod and a gentle growl, allowing Nevarre to pass into the cave.

Glyn looks thoughtful. "Perhaps I should go ahead an gather torches. The darkness is oppressive in there."

Glyn dips his head. "I'll meet you at the entrance, as soon as you're both ready." And he trots off eastward.

Along the Northern Stream

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You stand alongside a small stream in the midst of some VERY hilly country. To the east and south, little rises and valleys roll like stationary waves on a great, grassy ocean, with trees and bushes scattered on them like leafy boats. To the east and north, the trees of Lantern Waste cast mottled shadows across the stream. at your feet flows down from the north, continuing on its way southward toward the Great River in the distance. Across it, two particularly large hills meet in a shallow valley. An overgrown path leads eastward into it, and beyond you can see what appears to be a massive pile of rubble. It looks unattractive and out of place in this otherwise pretty little area. A cool breeze blows from the east, rustling the leaves of a beech tree that sits here near the stream.

The streambank continues both north and south from here. Crossing the stream and heading west also appears to be fairly easy going.

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Virika arrives, following Nevarre.

Glyn stands in the middle of the path, eyes searching away westward. Around his shoulders is a leather harness that holds up a torch.

Virika followers Nevarre in a serious mood.

Nevarre follows shortly after Glyn, carrying a lantern in his jaws

Glyn dips his head at their approach. "Feel free to bring the extra light if you wish, but if it's at all awkward we can use mine. Would you care to lead, Alpha?"

Virika draws a breath and steels herself.

Nevarre asks, "Will your light alone be sufficient to shine light where even some dark fears to tread?"

Glyn frowns, opens his mouth a moment, and then closes it. At last he replies, "We should pass with caution, in any event."

Virika frowns herself but remains quiet.

Nevarre nods, "Indeed. Lead the way Glyn, for you are the one responsible"

Glyn nods, straightens his shoulders, takes a breath and turns toward the ruins.

The White Witch's Great Hall

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By the flickering firelight, you can make out very little. The room is so large that even the brightest lantern would have difficulty really illuminating it, and no windows let in light from outside. The ceiling, intact, is too high and dark to make out, and room is so large that the walls cannot be seen until you walk near them.

There is a musty, unused smell to the air, and you can see dustbeams stirred by your footfalls as you walk through the room. There are pedestals here and there that must have once held statues but do so no longer. At the center of the room a throne sits, enshrouded in dust and cobwebs. A rumpled mass of chains lies beside it, similarly buried. Beyond this and along the far wall, several doorways lead into rooms beyond this one.

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Nevarre tenses as he looks around the room that is all too familiar to him. He looks around and says quietly, "It would be wise to not stray while in here. We may have ran the lost wretch off years ago, but unspeakable dangers are still housed in these walls

Nevarre lights the Lantern.

Virika remains close to her Alpha and brother, eyes constantly scanning the place. She frowns deeply.

Glyn pauses near the threshold of the entrance to the hall. After lighting his torch, he takes a moment to scan the dark expanse and gives a grave nod. "No number of sorties through this wreck can ever shake that... evil feeling." He glances to his sister and the Alpha. "But... I confess, I know little of what horrors happened here and that concerns me when we're trying to keep our explorers safe. What dangers do you think might remain?"

Nevarre asks, "What do you know of the history of the place Glyn?"

Virika's ears swivel and she shifts. Her voice is strained, "You know... he used to frequent these halls... He knew all the ins and outs of the place... I never set foot in here because of it..."

Glyn flattens one ear at Nevarre's question. "After *she* fell, I heard little of the stories, beyond what Vi--" he stops abruptly. "Beyond nonsense," he says more firmly. "I know of your warnings, of course, and some evil misfortunes that two of Ulfden have encountered here, but not how or why."

Glyn glances at Virika, eyes curious. "He?"

Virika's mouth draws tight. "Viraj." Her voice is cold.

Virika looks at Glyn. "His stories are more than nonsense. If all the things about the Lion are true, I'm more inclined to believe all the things I've heard about /her/.--It's a comfort to know, however, which of the two is stronger."

Nevarre frowns slightly at the turn of the topic, but it is too dark still to see his displeasure. He says, "Both my predecessors met their end not too far from where we stand...

Virika says firmly, "Your end will come in peace after your pups have had pups. /I/ will see to that."

Nevarre says "It was within my vengeance that we worked to clear this place of those wretched weres and eventually bring their numbers to where they are today..." He pauses and turns to Virika, not sure what to say for once.

Glyn's jaw sets and his stance stiffens at this talk. He studies Nevarre. "It's the High King's hope that ridding the Waste of this... nest, will be another major step to keeping their foul number at bay."

Virika gives a grim smile. "Well, it will certainly make them think twice about the lasting power of their former leader won't it?"

Nevarre nods, "Indeed, though only those who called her leader might think twice about it

Glyn mutters, "Her followers are devoted. They will not be swayed, but they may be beaten back for a time at least."

Virika says callously, "Or die for her. That works too."

Nevarre shakes his head, "Not what I meant..." He looks back towards the double doors, feeling a bit uneasy which is uncommon for me, "Come, let us continue our search at another time. I wish to check on Eirwyn and two is fairly small company"

Glyn dips his head. "Of course. There is time enough." He steps to one side to allow Nevarre to pass.

Nevarre stops Virika from walking with him.

Nevarre moves ahead of the other two. He turns around and says, "Be safe you two"

Virika nods. She moves closer to Glyn.

Nevarre trots across the chamber, disappearing through the east door.

Glyn shivers a little as the doors slam closed, letting the blackness flood over the room once more. He turns to his sister, studying her by the flickering torch. "I... don't know which of father's stories to credit. His dedication to *her* was... well, it poisoned everything."

Virika nods, keeping in the circle of light cast by the torch. Virika's mouth is tight and her body is tense. She shivers a little. "Yes. As the belief in Aslan strengthens and heals all we are and do... I believe she was capable of nearly anything--as were those devoted to her."

Glyn grunts. "It's certainly unwise to underestimate her followers," he assents. Looking back around the hall, he asks in a hollow voice, "There's a good deal of fear in the sorties. Talk of curses and evil magic and..." he takes a breath. "I don't know what to believe."

Virika looks around, her grim features become defiant and she gently touches his shoulder with her nose. Her voice takes on an uncharacteristic gentleness, "Believe what you heard--but belief and know that whatever power she has, the power of Aslan is stronger. When he defeated her, he broke her power too.--All that lingers here is the shadow of dread and fear and hatred... the only vstiages of /her/ that remain. The evils return here only because of the stain it's left on the land... and now we will ensure that stain is removed--or at least lightened."

Glyn takes a breath and stands a little straighter at the touch. He nods a few times. "You're right, of course. And for anyone's fear, nothing evil has befallen us yet. The plan is sound, and we're taking great care with each step." He gives his shoulders a shake. "And once we've finished here, there will be no dark corners to hide in."

Virika nods, smiling a little. "The Lion's light will fill this place and perhaps at long last eradicate the dark and cold here."

Glyn flashes a savage grin. "And Aslan's light can begin with some assistance from the good giants. They've agreed to help us crack these roofs open. That should send the vermin scurrying."

Virika lifts her nose and sniffs the air. She gives a faint smirk. "I think the only vermin that remain are the unpleasant creatures that don't mind the ruins. Even dumb beasts that have any natural sense avoid this... and honestly... I doubt much is left behind. You'd all have encountered something by now." She almost sounds relieved. She however, remains on high alert. "I can't wait to bring the roof down."

Glyn grins and looks up. "Probably the most important act we'll do to crack this place open. And not just for the practical reasons. This place needs to be broken."

Virika nods firmly. "Agreed.--And the sooner the better."

Glyn nods. "Well, unless there's anything else you wanted to see, we should probably clear out. With only two of us, there is a risk to lingering too long.'

Virika says, "Anything I'd wish to see I'd want more members of a scouting party for. You can't have too many people present when dealing with this place."

Glyn agrees, "My thoughts exactly." He moves to doors and gives them a hard shove to make room for Virika to pass.

Gathering Circle

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What a sweet place you have wandered to. The forest trees here are scattered across a soft meadow of heather and wildflowers, and the sun dapples the ground through the leaves above. This is a wide section of earth, and it seems to be a gathering place - indeed, there is a ring of stones in one side of the open clearing where it seems fires have been built over many nights. To the south, a worn path leads to the Caldron Pool and the waterfall that feeds it. You can also see a path leading west toward the cliff-face. To the east the path leads into the deeper forests of Lantern Waste.

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Eirwyn says, "Indeed. There will be many chances for all groups to work together on the new task."

Meepicheep nods in assent to Eirwyn, "Very true. I have the same view."

Kiyon cants his head, "I know Meepicheep has already accompanied some others and myself to the ruins. I look forward to working together to finish this task."

Lovisa agrees at once. "As will I. We should have ample opportunity." She cants her head. "You are not thinking of joining us, are you, Eirwyn?", she asks with some concern.

Glyn arrives along the eastern path, his pace looking a little tired, but his eyes bright and alert. As he breaks the cover of trees, he pauses to observe the gathering of Beasts and moves forward. "Good evening," he calls.

Eirwyn snorts, shaking her head immediately. "Certainly not. I'm staying at quite the distance from that place while you all work. I was only speaking generally."

Aelius trots into the clearing from the south, he curiously watches those gathered.

Virika is beside her brother. She nods to those gathered, "Evening all." She bows her head to Eirwyn, padding over to her and murmurs something,.

Virika mumbles "Would you join ... Alpha ... ...", to Eirwyn.

Lovisa answers dryly, "Yes, I imagine you would. It is wise, after all."

Kiyon raises his head and calls softly to the newcomers. "Greetings Sub-Commander, Virika, and Aelius. Welcome."

Eirwyn smiles. "But I appreciate the concern. I wish I could help you all, but I know my current limits." She looks to Virika and gives a small nod.

Meepicheep turns to see the arrivals.

Eirwyn dips her head to both Glyn and Virika in greeting.

Aelius smiles at Kiyon and starts to make his way over to him. "Hello Kiyon."

Glyn flicks a curious glance at the exchange between his sister and Eirwyn, but moves smoothly to the circle and lowers his head in greeting, beginning with the Alpha but also more generally. "Thank-you, Kiyon. I'm glad to have found you all here."

Meepicheep glances at Aelius.

Kiyon looks to Meepicheep and Aelius and grins, "Hello, partners." He glances to the wolves as they speak in low tones, his gaze settling on Glyn. "Were you looking for us, Sub-Commander?"

Lovisa tilts her ears forward at Virika. "Sounds rather serious. I certainly wouldn't keep either of you."

Virika laughs softly and shakes her head, "I wouldn't say too serious. Just a routine thing. But I'd like to borrow my Alpha nonetheless."

Glyn grins. "No fear, Kiyon, you are still off duty. I only meant that company such as is this is a pleasant sight. Our duties recently have made me come to appreciate these sunnier moments the more."

Eirwyn smiles at Virika's words. "Ah, good then." She addresses the others and says, "Please, excuse us. It was very nice to see you all. Good evening."

Virika takes off with Eirwyn.

Virika nods to them, "Later everyone."

Kiyon grins back. "Please know I am always willing to help if there is need. And I am glad you could join us." He directs this to Eirwyn and Virika as well. "Take care

Glyn inclines his head to Eirwyn and Virika. "Farewell."

Meepicheep bows to Eirwyn, "Aslan be with you."

Lovisa says her goodbyes to the departing wolves along with the others.

Glyn nods to Kiyon. "Of your dedication to duty, Kiyon, I have no doubt," he agrees with a smile. "But tonight is for other matters." He glances to the other wolf still present. "Lovisa, good to see you out and about. How are you settling in?"

Lovisa replies amiably, "Very well, and with work to be done there would be little room to complain, even if I'd a mind to. Which, of course, I don't. If nothing else, the Guard has changed the perception of Winterden here in the Waste, which I am grateful for."

Glyn nods with some consideration and care. "It does appear to be working out well. And the Guard is certainly glad of Winterden's assistance." He looks to the Fox and Mouse. "As it is of the assistance of all Narnians in the great work ahead."

Kiyon contents himself to listening as the wolves discuss things. He grins at Glyn's words and looks to said Fox and Mouse.

Meepicheep looks up at the sky, as if searching for something.

Aelius glances at Glyn with a smile, he turns back to Kiyon, "Today's your day off duties then?"

Lovisa simply nods at Glyn's words. "Well, I am more than happy to take part. Even given what we may be facing."

Kiyon bobs his head. "Petraverd said to leave the ruins for a few days... and I do not stand watch tonight. What are you two up to today."

Glyn's smile flickers a little as he nods to Lovisa's words. "We all bear what we're facing in mind. It's the Commander's intention to move with care and caution, for the safety of all of us." He glances to the others, curious to hear the reply.

Meepicheep looks down, and mentions, "It is very dusty work."

Lovisa replies, "Of course. He will assure we take every care, and we will all do our best to follow his orders, I'm sure." She also cants her head toward the others.

Aelius shrugs at Kiyon, "Not really much at the moment."

Meepicheep turns to Kiyon, "What? I'm sorry, what did you say?"

Kiyon hehs softly and nods to Aelius. "Me either. And it's welcome enough." He turns to Meepicheep. "Ah, I was just wondering what you are up to today." He nods to Glyn. "Any word on when we can return, though, Sub-Commander?"

Meepicheep replies, still not exactly listening, "Up.. Yes, up. lots of things very high up..."

Lovisa smiles a little at Kiyon. "You're eager."

Glyn tilts his head curiously at Meepicheep. "Is everything alright, Master Mouse? Anything on your mind?" To Kiyon's question, he rolls his shoulders. "I'm sure it will be soon, as there is still a great deal of work ahead. But I've not heard specific word from the Commander yet."

Kiyon nods to Glyn, looking a bit disappointed. He grins a little to Lovisa. And then his eyes settle on Meepicheep and he chuckles. "I say, Meepicheep... did you hear a word I said?"

Meepicheep looks down at Glyn, "Oh yes, everything is fine." Then he turns to Kiyon, "Oh, right. No, I am not really doing much today."

Aelius tilts his head at Meepicheep, "Quite a bit on your mind, Good Meepicheep?"

Lovisa says with some amusement, "Oh, the enthusiasm of youth. You'll have more than enough chance soon enough."

Glyn still seems curious about Meepicheep's demeanour, but shares a small mirthful look with Lovisa. "And you won't be waiting much longer, Kiyon, of that I'm sure."

Kiyon smiles and nods. "I'm certainly glad to hear it. I understand that we should not head into the matter at full speed and without thought, but, at the same time I am ready to complete this task. And every day we're in there, we're a day closer, anyway."

Meepicheep suddenly says, "I am sorry everyone, but I must be off. Aslan keep you all."

Lovisa grins. "Closer to?" She tilts her head curiously at the mouse. "And you too..."

Glyn's ears prick at the Mouse's abrupt announcement, but dips his head. "Of course, Meepicheep, if you must go. Take care."

Kiyon dips his head. "And Aslan go with you as well, Meepicheep." He watches, a touch of concern in his voice. "Be well."

Aelius bobs his head as Meepicheep leaves, "Good day Meepicheep!"

Meepicheep bows to everyone, and turns to leave.

Glyn takes a moment to look at the ground before inhaling deeply and rising to all fours. "Well, I should probably be off as well. Duties last night kept me from getting all the sleep I likely should."

Meepicheep walks north.

Kiyon turns to Lovisa to respond when Glyn announces his departure. So he dips his head lowly and offers a slight smile. "It was an eventful evening... Aslan go with you, Glyn. Rest well."

Lovisa asks Glyn, "Mind if I walk with you? I suppose we should have a chance to talk."

Aelius nods at Glyn, "And I think I'll see if Meepicheep's alright."

Glyn catches before smiling at Kiyon. "And with you, friend." To Lovisa's request, he dips his head. "Of course. Are you heading to the tower?"

Glyn flicks a glance to Fox and nods understandingly. "Perhaps a good idea, Aelius. I hope he's alright."

Lovisa nods. "I am. I thought I would check in with the Guard member holding watch and offer to relieve her."

Kiyon takes a slow breath and finds a smile. "Good day to you all, then. Until we speak again."

Aelius dips his head to the rest of the gathering, "Good day."

Aelius mumbles "Next ... ... shall ... ... ... ... ... those other wolves. ... ... know ... yet.", to Kiyon.

Glyn looks to Lovisa. "Very good of you. That will suit me fine." To the others, he bids, "Take care, all of you. And thank-you again for the company."

Kiyon mumbles "Ah, how ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... unfamiliar ... ... Certainly, friend.", to Aelius.

Lovisa bids the others good night and falls into step with Glyn.

[Glyn]

Caldron Pool

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The best word for this spot might be grandiose. To the west water roars from a fall, where a river somewhere in the western wilds crashes over Narnia's western border-cliffs to form the great, churning Caldron pool, deep and cold. The path at the edge of the pool forks three ways: east, to follow along the bank of the Great River, north, toward the Gathering Circle and the forest homes, and south fording the relatively small 'river' where it continues curving around to the southern side of the pool.

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Glyn stands a couple of feet from the edge of the pool with his legs partly submerged in the water. His stance is a little tentative, although he is drinking eagerly enough.

Petraverd trots along the riverbank, heading for the Pool. He pauses a moment upon seeing the Wolf present, then trots into the shallows nearby with a low whicker. "Fancy seeing you here," he says.

Glyn looks up at the disturbance and offers an awkward smile before lowering his head to the unicorn. The gesture is cramped as he clearly does not wish to get his head wet. "I went for a good run," he explains, "and needed to cool off."

Petraverd smirks slightly. "Generally easier in the water than out of it," he concedes, flicking his tail as he dunks his head - though it should be noted he is carful not to splash the Wolf in the process.

Glyn gives himself the most delicate of shakes--almost a shiver. "With these cooler days, we won't be able to do this much longer."

Petraverd resurfaces, flicking an ear as he continues to smirk. "Well, you might not, at least. Be a little while longer yet for me, I think - but yes, it's getting to be the end of the season for it."

Glyn's grin is toothy. "Unicorns can't catch a chill either?"

Petraverd chuckles. "Oh, we certainly can, but I've got something of a tolerance to it by this point."

Glyn replies dryly, "I'm sure you're half dolphin by this point." He takes a drink, sparkling eyes on the unicorn.

Petraverd jerks his head in an equine shrug. "Is that our strategy for potential future incidents? Lure our foes into the pool so I can swim circles around them?"

Glyn snorts. "From our last spar in the pool, I thought that strategy was pretty obvious. You could have drowned me."

Petraverd waves a hoof in dismissive fashion. "Balderdash. I do my own work, I'm not going to let the water do it /for/ me." He smirks. "Though I fully admit to... a certain degree of cooperation. The water and I have an understanding."

Glyn's ear lifts. "Forging alliances with the naiads, are we?"

Petraverd flicks an ear. "Would it surprise you? One guards the entrance to the Cail, after all, we Unicorns already have an in with the naiads." He grins. "And you know my particular affinity for water."

Glyn shakes his head with a grimace. "It wouldn't surprise me in the least. And I've run into your 'affinity' with water many times before... usually muzzle first!"

Petraverd chuckles. "Oh, would Easanyn have a field day with you, given the opportunity..."

Glyn's head tilts. "Who's that?"

Petraverd says, "The aforementioned naiad of the waterfall that guards the Cail."

Glyn says, "Ah, of course. Well, I know better than to try to cross that line. You have your secret places, Ulfden has its own."

Petraverd nods a bit. "True enough. Easanyn generally doesn't show herself except to the herd to begin with, either." He chuckles a bit. "But she's something of a mischievous streak, at times. Only to be expected, hanging out with Unicorns as much as she does, I suppose."

Glyn chuckles. "Ah, I wondered how much that streak was common to *all* unicorns."

Petraverd smirks a bit. "It's more defined in some of us than others, granted."

Glyn grins and then extracts himself from the water with careful steps, leaving the surface still. "It is indeed," he agrees as he stands a way off and shakes himself out.

Petraverd flicks an ear, turning to face the Wolf though remaining in the water himself. "Just wait until Quicksilver gets old enough to start expressing his own properly. He's got me /and/ Peridot to teach him how to do so, after all."

Glyn's chuckle is dry. Looking over his coat he shakes again. "I don't look forward to that troublemaker beginning to spar."

Petraverd chuckles himself. "You're forgetting his parents. He'll have a decent amount of healer in him, I think, even if he doesn't choose to walk that path directly."

Glyn grins knowingly. "Time will tell," he allows, sitting to lick down his most rucked-up patches.

Petraverd steps out of the pool, shaking his mane. "Indeed it will. Always does, after all." He tilts his head. "So, how are you this evening, besides recovering from a run?"

Glyn rolls his shoulders. "Keeping well enough. I keep hoping to speak with Drune, but it seems our patrols keep conflicting. I'd really want to press on with our reconnaissance. Having it looming overhead is just... unnerving."

Petraverd hehs quietly, nodding. "A good word for it. Anything I might be able to ease a bit?"

Glyn weighs that offer in his head. "I think you and Eirwyn have helped to ease it already," he admits. "But nothing will settle my mind so much as *knowing* what's before us, whether it's dangerous or not."

Petraverd twitches his ears, quiet for a moment. "Then perhaps a brief excursion would be worthwhile?"

Glyn fixes the unicorn with a look. "On our own, you mean?" His tone is dubious.

Petraverd flicks an ear again, expression revealing little. "Might help a little with the uncertainty."

Glyn says quietly, "I'd... I'd like that. If it weren't such a great risk for both commanders to go in at once. Perhaps if we arranged an escort."

Petraverd smiles slightly, giving a small nod of both agreement and approval. "Rubin should be getting back from patrol soon - let me drop by the dale and see who I can find."

Glyn's ears lift and he gets to his paws with lightness to his step. "Shall I gather torches?"

Petraverd nods. "We'll reconvene at the ruins' outskirts."

Glyn nods, his manner brisk and animated as he wheels about and trots north.

Outside the Ruins

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You stand at the base of a huge, tumbled pile of rock that is overgrown with grass and a few, scrubby-looking bushes. It appears to be the ruins of what must have been a castle of some kind. In fact, the rubble just before you seems to have once been a gatewall, but it looks like it's been smashed with something heavy. The path continues through it, but to follow would mean picking your way across some really unpleasant-looking crags.

The air is oddly still here, and despite the brightly-shining sun overhead, you feel just a little chilly.. It's like a dip in temperature right before a storm, but there are no clouds and no sign of rain. Odd... The path leads out of the valley, meeting a small stream to the east.

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Glyn paces some distance off from the rocks that mark the outskirts of the ruins. His attention is torn between the imposing edifice and the path leading westward. Tucked against his satchel is a lit torch.

Petraverd walks toward the ruins, two of his fellow stallions in tow - one a bit larger, with a generally placid demeanor, and the other smaller and rather evidently younger, though with a determined expression. Petraverd nods toward Glyn as he approaches, and the others follow suit. "Found a few willing to join us on the excursion. Rubin's one of the other trainers in the herd, and he's brought one of his more skilled charges. You might remember Marmor."

Glyn nods to the unicorns in turn. "Of course. It's good to have your skills on this mission, Rubin, Marmor." For the youngest unicorn he flashes a small grin. "Is this your first sortie into the ruins?"

Rubin dips his head in acknowledgement, though remains quiet - there is, however, evident respect in the gesture. Marmor bobs his head, and though he shifts on his hooves a little, the determination in his tone extends to his demeanor. "Yes, sir. But I want to help, and Rubin says I'm ready."

Petraverd smiles a bit, glancing to the others. "I happen to agree with him. You've proven yourself well lately." He looks to the Wolf. "We'll follow your lead, Glyn."

Glyn nods, a gesture that is at once sombre and pleased. "Fine praise, indeed. And well-spoken, Marmor. Then let's be off." He turns and picks his way toward the castle.

The three stallions nod, and follow after Glyn - Marmor near Petraverd, and Rubin bringing up the rear.

South Tower Antechamber

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This chamber is small and close, with a strong, musty odor to the air. There is a curving staircase leading upward, and it seems to be in tolerable repair. Only a few boards look weak, and the tower above appears to be structurally sound.

The wooden door leading north is wide and appears to be very solid, protected as it is from the elements. The door to the west, on the other hand, looks warped and weather-beaten. It must lead outside.

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Glyn pads cautiously into the antechambre, his breathing silent in the oppressive darkness. He pauses to peer about, the torchlight behind him throwing gigantic shadows against the stone walls.

Petraverd follows Glyn, Marmor still keeping close with his glance darting about every which way. Rubin remains just outside the antechamber (mostly so it doesn't get too crowded), standing sentinel. Petraverd remains composed, frowning slightly as he twitches his ears.

Glyn keeps his distance from the throne at the centre of the room, his nose wrinkling at the pedestals. "This room has even more memory than those cells," he remarks.

Petraverd moves to walk around the periphery of the small chamber, flicking his ears and tapping at the wall with a hoof on occasion - the sound echoing in the space. "This tower seems to be fairly solidly built. The other near the back entrance was less sturdy, or at least looked to be less so."

Glyn glances over at Petraverd and nods after a moment to consider. His eyes alight on the staircase winding up into the darkness above. "I believe that tower runs all the way up, judging from the look of it outside. We've not yet explored that staircase, though, I don't think."

Petraverd shakes his head slightly. "Not that I've been made aware of. We've stuck to the ground level and below."

Glyn takes a breath and gestures upward with his muzzle. "Ready to investigate?"

Petraverd glances to Marmor with a questioning glance, who takes a deep breath and nods once, resolutely. He turns to Glyn and nods himself, in much the same manner. "Ready as I'll ever be. Lead on."

Glyn's ear flattens as he turns back to regard the stairs. Straightening his shoulders, he approaches and takes a few cautious steps up, testing each tread before resting his weight on it.

Petraverd tilts his head as Glyn does so. "Stairs seem sturdy enough? I'd rather not bring it down while we're halfway up."

Glyn nods. "So far, but let's take it slowly," he suggests, and makes his way up one careful step at a time.

Petraverd follows after, his step more tentative.

South Tower Upper Landing

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You stand on a dark tower landing. The air here is thick with the smell of rotting wood, dust and general disuse. The boards beneath your feet complain with loud, threatening creaks as you walk across them, and puffs of dust fly up with every step. This area has not seen much traffic in a long time.

A flight of stairs curves upward into the darkness. It also curves downward.

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Glyn reaches the top of the stairs, taking a few measured steps into the room. The creaking of the floorboards draws him up short as he scans the room. "The way those creaks echo, they could be coming from anywhere," he mutters.

Petraverd follows after Glyn, remaining on the stairs a few moments longer. He frowns. "Old wood. Clearly built to last, too. I don't like the feeling I'm getting from this place... moreso than the rest of the ruins, I mean."

Glyn grunts softly, nodding. "It feels almost like it's been hidden away. Buried."

The shadow of a man appears along the stairwell and footsteps can be heard approaching.

Glyn's head whips about sharply.

Petraverd nods slowly. "I can't put my hoof on it exactly, but... something just doesn't feel right." The sound of footfalls divert the stallion's attentions, and instinct kicks in before anything else, Petraverd poising a hoof and angling his head slightly, putting his horn in a more usable position.

Kiyon steps on to the boards and turns his head to face Petraverd and Glyn. He pales and stops in his tracks. "Ahh..." Swallowing as he looks at Petraverd's horn he manages to croak out a greeting. "Hello there."

Glyn lets out a his breath in a rush, his hackles beginning to settle. "Oh, Kiyon, it's you."

Petraverd takes a slow breath himself, assuming a less... offense-ready stance, though perhaps not entirely. "Ah, Kiyon. Rubin pointed you our direction, I presume."

Kiyon rubs the back of his neck and grins sheepishly. "Yes, indeed. Forgive me for I didn't mean to startle either of you by not announcing my entrance. I had thought you were possibly further up, honestly."

Glyn shakes his head and manages a small chuckle. "Well, if nothing else, you tested our alertness. Good work, watchman." He turns and looks to the stairs leading up. "Onward, Commander?"

Petraverd glances to the stairs, frowning slightly. He takes a breath, and delivers a single nod. "Further up and further in, I suppose..."

Kiyon lifts the torch a little higher and grins. "Glad some good came from that, then. May I join you?" He follows eagerly.

Glyn studies Kiyon a moment, and then nods. "Safety in numbers, and we don't know what's ahead. With your leave, Commander?" He tests the first few stairs, making his way gradually upward.

Petraverd merely nods again, following the Wolf.

Kiyon grins wider and bobs his head. "Thank you, Commanders." He follows closely, bringing up the rear of the group.

Witches' Council

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You stand in a round, windowless room atop the south tower. It's actually quite a bit more spacious than you might have anticipated, and looks as if it once served as a meetingplace. The moldering remains of a ring of tables sits around the perimeter of the room, almost undecipherable beneath the heavy layers of dust and cobwebs that now cover them. Exactly what was done here is uncertain, as most of the rest of the features of the room have been either destroyed by age or simply looted. The only remaining interesting feature is some carved writing that appears on stone panels within the walls at each of the cardinal directions. These, too, are layered with dust and cobwebs, but not so badly that they cannot be read.

A staircase leads down into the darkness.

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Glyn slows as he reaches the top of the stairs, recognizing this room as the end of the journey. His stance hangs low, coiled as if to spring, as he hugs one wall so that he can scan his unprotected side.

Petraverd enters into the room, taking the opposite side of the room from the Wolf. A small shiver wracks him for a brief moment, and it may not be entirely voluntary.

Kiyon holds his sword in close near his chest with his shoulders drawn back. He glances one way and then another as he enters the room and positions himself near Petraverd.

Glyn studies the walls, noting the arrangement of stone panels. "What did they use this place for?" he wonders aloud.

Petraverd frowns, tail thrashing as he takes in his surroundings and pausing for a moment on the east end of the room, twitching his ears. "The arrangement... I would guess a meeting place of some sort."

Kiyon runs his hand over one of the scattered tables and turns his head to the side as the dust lifts off its surface. He gives a single cough and nods his head. "Certainly not one that's been used in recent times, anyway."

Glyn grunts in agreement with Kiyon. "Small mercies." He stares at the panels more closely. "There's writing underneath."

Petraverd turns to glance at the one he's standing near, squinting a little in the dim light. "One of you bring a torch over here, if you would..."

Kiyon springs into step after Petraverd and sweeps the torch carefully near the wall to properly illuminate the said writing.

Glyn has enough light that he can start to make out words, voicing them quietly, "Into the Green Land you must go, As far as may from the beach..."

Petraverd scans over the words on the panel he's scrutinizing - and freezes, ears pinning back and his breath coming in rather a more snorty sort of manner.

Kiyon appears at Glyn's side and adds. "To find Old Phora in the crags..." He trails off and glances between the two, noting Petraverd's demeanor. "What are these? What does it mean?" He asks quietly.

Glyn seems lost in thought for a moment. He shakes his head and murmurs to Kiyon, "Some sort of poetry, maybe? Or a riddle. Perhaps this was a study..."

Petraverd's tone is tight, even as he mutters to himself. "Stun... cease your foe's attack..." He starts to approach the next panel around the room. "The others," he says, a quality not often heard in the stallion's voice slipping into it - though it's hard to pinpoint what. "Let me see what's on the others."

Kiyon nods his head quickly and moves to the Unicorn stallion with a sense of urgency. The torch flickers as he lowers it to a proper height to read the next panel. "Here you are, Commander."

Glyn's ears flick as the unicorn's muttering carries across the room. He turns to watch as the unicorn and man huddle together.

Petraverd circles the room, reading each of the panels in the light Kiyon provides. He paws at the ground with a forehoof, and the frequency with which he does so increases with each panel.

Kiyon pulls back a step or two at the Guard Commander's body language. Though he remains close enough to provide the light, his gaze is on Petraverd and he bites his lip as he watches him manuever about the room.

Glyn gradually stiffens as he watches the unicorn become increasingly agitated. "What is it, Commander?"

Petraverd's tone is harsh, though clearly not directed at his companions, as he replies, "If I'm right... nothing good."

Kiyon glances from one tile to the next and skims over the wording suspiciously, though too quickly to really read it well. He looks to Glyn with a confused expression.

Glyn straightens as his tone becomes flat. "Is the danger imminent?" He looks about as if expecting to see something leap out. "What should we do about it?"

Petraverd shakes his head slightly. "As far as imminency - no, I don't believe so. But I don't like what could come of it." He thumps a panel with his hoof, which resounds and echoes in the chamber. "These aren't going to give easily..." He takes a breath, giving his mane a violent shake, though neither action seems to do much to steady himself. "I don't... I don't know yet. But I don't think this is the sort of thing we should be spreading around too much. Not imminent danger, but..." He shakes his head again. "Enough for now. We've made some progress, and... I have much to consider."

Kiyon breathes in slowly and relaxes a little as the danger does not appear to be immediate. But he looks puzzled by Petraverd's words and follows near his flank. "What is it, Commander?"

Glyn spares another glance at the panel above him before nodding to Petraverd's words. "Very well, Commander. Marmor," he directs the other unicorn as he pads to the head of the stairs to peer downward, "let's get ready to leave."

Petraverd makes his way after the Wolf, replying to Kiyon, "Later. I need some time to let my head settle - make sure I'm not just jumping to conclusions."

Kiyon watches Petraverd move forward and heaves a sigh, a hint of frustration hidden in his features if one were to look closely. He surveys the room one last time and then moves to match pace with Glyn with an even expression.

Petraverd doesn't quite miss this, and says something quietly to the Son of Adam.

Glyn eyes the human beside him, pausing a moment to emphasize, "There will be time, Kiyon. We will discuss this further." Then he moves one step at a time down the staircase, taking the same care to test the treads as he did on the way up.

Petraverd mumbles "... need you ... ... me ... ... ... ... I'll fill you in. ... ... isn't the ... of thing I ... us ... up ... wrong ... ... ... to ... ... want ... ... ... ... ... make sure ... ... at things straight ... I speak my ...", to Kiyon.

Kiyon casts a glance to Petraverd and merely nods. It's a single, short nod but it's enough to indicate his understanding. In response to Glyn he replies quietly. "Yes, Sub-Commander. Whenever you both deem it an appropriate time, then."

The party picks its way down the dark stairway until only flickering shadows remain behind.

[Kiyon]

Outside the Ruins

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You stand at the base of a huge, tumbled pile of rock that is overgrown with grass and a few, scrubby-looking bushes. It appears to be the ruins of what must have been a castle of some kind. In fact, the rubble just before you seems to have once been a gatewall, but it looks like it's been smashed with something heavy. The path continues through it, but to follow would mean picking your way across some really unpleasant-looking crags.

The air is oddly still here, and despite the brightly-shining sun overhead, you feel just a little chilly.. It's like a dip in temperature right before a storm, but there are no clouds and no sign of rain. Odd... The path leads out of the valley, meeting a small stream to the east.

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You can go: Enter the Ruins <E>, Toward the Stream <W>

Contents: A daughter of eve with a scar under her eye (Jana); A son of adam

with unprepossessing features; and An eagle with a crested head (Skarlieth).

Jana stand with Myrd among the scrub, facing the ruins. Her cloak is pulled close around her, and with her free hand, she is gesturing as if explaining something to her husband, presumably about the castle.

A son of adam with unprepossessing features nods, his head bent in toward hers to catch her words. "Ain't saying I'll talk to him, but I reckon I'll think about it. Sounds promising."

Skarlieth soars over the Ruins, head tilted downward as if examining it from above... far above. He circles once, slowing to as close to a stop as he can as he passes over the two humans, before his flight path curves over the Courtyard again.

Kiyon walks toward the ruins slowly, his garment pulled tightly around him. He stops at the sight of any moving shadow and then finally comes near the pile of rock.

Jana glances at Kiyon as he nears them, "Looking jumpy today, Kiyon."

A son of adam with unprepossessing features snorts and mutters something under his breath to his wife.

Myrd mumbles "... that's different than any ... time? Ain't ... to ... ... against a goose, ... less something ...", to Jana.

Skarlieth circles once more, then folds his wings and dives. He lands nearby, eyes narrowed slightly as he half-bows to all gathered.

Jana scowls at her husband.

A son of adam with unprepossessing features gives her a rakish grin in return.

Kiyon settles his gaze on Myrd and Jana and slowly dips his head. "Myrd, Adara. At this place, there's good reason to be." He swivels his head as Skarlieth lands and his expression brightens. "Hello, Skarlieth!"

Jana asks, "Hello Skarlieth. Scouting out for trespassers?"

Skarlieth straightens and folds his wings. "Hail, Kiyon, Adara, and... Myrd, I believe?" He cocks his head briefly at the older Son of Adam before looking back to Jana and nodding briefly. "Or for anything else out of the ordinary, yes."

A son of adam with unprepossessing features scowls deeply at Kiyon's use of his name. He gives a curt nod in response to the eagle.

Kiyon dips his head to the Eagle and smiles warmly. "It's good to see you, Skarlieth, my friend. Your unique perspective is certainly welcome here." He looks to the others, frowning at Myrd's reaction. "What brings you both this way today?"

Jana says, "Reckon he's been thinking of going in with Petraverd sometime, seeing if he can read stuff and all that. I was just telling him where we'd been so far and what we'd done."

A son of adam with unprepossessing features positively glowers at Jana. "Reckon that's our business, ain't it, Darlin'?"

A toadstool with scrawny limbs and black eyes comes walking out of the ruins, picking her way shakily across the loose mass of rubble.

Jana says, "Reckon it's the guard's business and ours too."

Skarlieth observes Myrd carefully for a moment before looking towards Adara and then back at Myrd. "It was not an offensive question..."

Kiyon snorts and shoots Myrd a pointed glance. "No need to be defensive. I understand you are aiding us in the effort, are you not? So it's natural that we talk about it."

A curious, gangly figure appears at the entrance to the ruins, a tiny thing with an even smaller torch bobbing at her side. She is shuffling backwards carefully, and puffing with great effort. So intent is she on whatever she is trying to do that she spares no glance for what is behind her.

A son of adam with unprepossessing features jerks his chin up. "Maybe not, but I reckon if that horse creature who answers to Commander thinks it's worth telling you lot he will. Ain't your call either."

Jana changes tack, "Anyway, Kiyon, reckon you promised me you'd go in with me today."

Skarlieth's eyes narrow, but his tone remains quite even. "Whatever business you may have, it is no cause for discourtesy. However, I would wish to know if you have been there in recent time."

A son of adam with unprepossessing features's arms cross pugnaciously. "Reckon you would, would you? Well, way I see it--" He swears and turns his head when he catches the toadstool out of the corner of his eye. "Ruddy Emperor."

Kiyon takes a deep, slow breath and inclines his head. "He's a Unicorn. And you've no reason to speak of him disrespectfully if you-" He catches sight of movement and follows Myrd's gaze to the curious newcomer, blinking in surprise.

Skarlieth's gaze cuts immediately towards the movement. He snaps his beak once involuntarily, muttering something to himself.

Skarlieth mumbles "And that, then, ... be ... ... saw.", to Skarlieth.

A toadstool with scrawny limbs and black eyes's head whips around in shock at the voices behind her. As she does so, it becomes easier to see the object of her rapt attention: a hefty slab of stone floating in the air just beyond her, held aloft by no visible means. As her attention is divided, the slab begins to weave drunkenly.

A son of adam with unprepossessing features's hand reaches for something which is just protruding from the top of his boot.

Jana's brows rise for a fraction of a moment, and then she is running toward the intruder.

Skarlieth wings open and he launches into the sky, quick behind Jana.

Kiyon's hand flies to his side and grips the base of his sword, fumbling with it as his eyes fix on the strange spectacle. He breaks into a run and his voice is dry once he finally finds words. "Halt!"

A son of adam with unprepossessing features takes aim with the dagger he has retrieved, trying to get a clear shot between them. "Move, confound you. You see what it's got?"

A toadstool with scrawny limbs and black eyes's black eyes jump from one figure to the next before her resolve steels and she makes a dash for the rubble to the north, ducking behind a rock to hide herself while the slab soars more gently after.

Jana leans down as she runs, scooping up a stone. She hurls it at the slab.

A son of adam with unprepossessing features wastes no more time before letting the dagger fly. It his the ground at the very spot the creature just vacated and sticks deep.

Skarlieth's path curves up and in a quick arc, his sharp hunter's eyes staying focused directly on the Toadstool.

The slab appears to meander a bit now that the creature is out of sight, and when the rock strikes it, it loses its bearing entirely, sending it careering into the side of a large boulder. A small chunk of the slab thuds to the ground, causing the creature's head to pop up and cry out in alarm. "Don't break it, you fools! Get back!"

Skarlieth immediately dives when the Toadstool pops up with all the speed of a raptor. His wings flare open at the last second, one talon shooting forward in an attempt to pin (though not harm) the little creature in place.

A son of adam with unprepossessing features scoops up his dagger at a full run to aim it at the creature's head when it appears. He stays his hand when Skarlieth blocks his shot.

A son of adam with unprepossessing features changes direction, heading this time for the tablet itself.

Jana seems to be of the same mind as her husband, taking the warning as goading. She scoops up a few more rocks and throws them, nearing the slab.

Kiyon draws his sword and steps in front of Myrd, eyes darting between all that is happening in confusion. "Myrd, what are you doing? Get back!"

A toadstool with scrawny limbs and black eyes glares at the eagle as it closes in, and ducks flat to the ground behind her rock as the raptor passes over, leaving her no cover between her and the eagle on the far side. The greater part of the slab continues its journey, picking up a bit of speed as it strikes out west and rises higher aloft.

Jana says something obscene as it pulls away from her.

Skarlieth drops one wing to make a quick turn. He comes back around to dive at the Toadstool again, just as fast but with less height, wings spread wide to trap any attempt to run.

A son of adam with unprepossessing features calls to her, "Ain't no good if it's enchanted. That Calormene teach you anything to counter it?" He heads for the toadstool, murder in his eyes. "Make it stop or you ain't going to get out of here with breath in your body. I ruddy swear it."

Kiyon rubs a hand across his mouth and then hurries after Myrd. His eyes are locked on the slab and he pales.

A toadstool with scrawny limbs and black eyes's black eyes widen as the eagle begins to fill her vision. Her expression hardening, she stays rooted to the spot and whips around to stare hard at the slab and mutter some foul words. It rockets upward, sending it in a great arc taking it northward. The burst of speed causes it to tremble, and the stress caused by all of the missiles striking it becomes evident as cracks spider along its surface. A few more chunks come crashing to the ground amid the rubble.

Jana breaks into a full run after the slab.

Skarlieth's eyes flick up towards the slab as his talons close around the Toadstool and he snaps his beak, taking off with the creature in his grasp. "Let it down gently!" He calls to the Toadstool over the beating of his wings.

A son of adam with unprepossessing features follows hard after his wife once Skarlieth has secured their prey.

Kiyon's nostrils flare and he whips around as everyone turns toward the slab; he follows after them from the rear.

A toadstool with scrawny limbs and black eyes's furious cry comes out as a strangled squawk as she is hoisted into the sky. "Let me go, you stupid bird!" She beats at Skarlieth's legs with her tiny, clammy fists. The slab continues in its tremendous arc, its momentum taking it rapidly away over the northern trees.

A son of adam with unprepossessing features hollers up at the eagle, "Kill the toadstool if you have to, but that slab's poison if it gets to the moors."

Kiyon shouts out at the toadstool and pointing the sword before him. "Set it down, NOW!"

Jana makes a heel turn, heading toward the toadstool and Skarlieth. When she reaches them, she says, "Go after the panel. You'll be faster."

Skarlieth lets out a rather terrifying screech as he does begin to shoot towards the stone. He all but throws the Toadstool back, aimed slightly towards Kiyon, and speeds towards the panel.

A son of adam with unprepossessing features swears violently and races to intercept the flying toadstool.

Kiyon curses under his breath and lowers his sword enough to brace for the impact of the flying toadstool. He looks up and grits his teeth, holding his position despite catching sight of Myrd out of the corner of his eye.

A toadstool with scrawny limbs and black eyes sails backward as the eagle releases her. Her limbs flail in terror, giving her a wild trajectory. She crashes to the ground a few feet short of Kiyon, rolling over and over and getting tangled up in his legs. The slab grows smaller as it retreats. It must be clearing the watchtower by now.

Jana comes up on the toadstool, flanking it from the other side with Kiyon.

A son of adam with unprepossessing features is on the spot before her, just a second too late to arrest the creature's fall. He grips his dagger, ready to hold good on his threat to make the toadstool stop the tablet's motion...or else.

Kiyon tumbles forward with a grunt as the toadstool upsets his footing. He manages to keep hold of his sword, but has to splay his arms to catch his fall.

Skarlieth's wings angle slightly. His flight speeds up, proving how quickly he can travel. Like the tablet itself, he quickly begins to shrink into the distance.

Skarlieth spreads his wings and takes off.

Skarlieth flies up from the ground below.

Jana slips a dagger into her hand. "Stop the panel."

A son of adam with unprepossessing features grins wolfishly, his blade also in his hand, looking as dangerous as it is possible for a human to look. He growls, "Do what she says."

A toadstool with scrawny limbs and black eyes scowls as she tries to wriggle out from the lummox on top of her. "What do you care?" she snaps. "You already smashed it twice." She stares at the blades in front of her, her black eyes like marbles.

Jana jabs at the creature with her dagger.

A son of adam with unprepossessing features's eyes are dark as pitch. "Care because I know what it is, and I'll be blasted before you send it where you're planning. Reckon what I don't care about is your miserable hide." He presses the point of his dagger against the creature for emphasis. "Now set it down gentle-like and I might let you keep it a while longer. I know your kind, toadstool, and I know the moors better than you can imagine."

Kiyon rises partway and holds his hand up. "No Myrd, don't!" He tries to pin the toadstool down with his knee. "Set it down! Now! Before it ends up shattering completely!" He shouts at the toadstool.

A son of adam with unprepossessing features ignores Kiyon completely. His dagger remains in place and there is not a bit of mercy in his dark features.

A toadstool with scrawny limbs and black eyes freezes as the blades press against her skin. The knee in her back forces a grunt out of her and she manages to favour Kiyon with a particularly nasty glare. "Oh, fine!" she shouts at last. She lifts her head to peer at the slab, which is now just a tiny speck descending slowly over the trees. She murmurs a few words under her breath, and vanishes into thin air!

Jana says something very crude.

A son of adam with unprepossessing features curses as this happens. He shoves Kiyon roughly aside to go toward the ruins. "You ruddy idiot--"

Skarlieth comes walking toward you from the path to the west.

Kiyon's shoulder twists back at the force of the shove as Myrd moves toward the ruins. He pushes down firmly with his knee and blinks as the toadstool is suddenly gone. "Where is it? Where did it get to?"

A son of adam with unprepossessing features snaps, "Toadstool. It was a ruddy toadstool, and if I'd known them tablets were still there earlier--"

Jana moves next to her husband and puts her hand on his arm, her face very carefully neutral.

Skarlieth ignores Myrd for the moment and nods to Petraverd. "It was a panel from the ruins. It is broken now: I made sure of it. We had the Toadstool captured, but it seems to have used magic to escape." He glances towards the castle briefly. "My apologies. I thought I had seen something moving about earlier, but I did not act upon it..."

Petraverd's eye drifts toward Myrd and he says, his voice honed to a razor edge, "By all means, push me farther, if you dare. You're welcome to find out what I am like past my breaking point." He shakes out his mane, recovering a calmer tone as he nods to Skarlieth. "What is done is done. What must be considered now is our next steps."

A son of adam with unprepossessing features's jaw clenches with the visible effort of keeping his mouth shut.

Kiyon finds his voice again, though barely, and speaks lowly. "Skarlieth saw where most of the stone tablet went. I was here trying to hold the toadstool. If you wish, Commander, I can accompany him in locating them."

Jana's hand tightens slightly on Myrd's arm. "The other panels are gone too."

A son of adam with unprepossessing features glares daggers at Kiyon when the latter makes this observation. The arm Jana is touching tenses enough for her to probably notice.

Skarlieth glances briefly towards Kiyon. "I fear that it is a task likely much swifter if I do not have to wait upon one on foot. I can show you the areas in the forest, but if we are to retrieve from the moors... It is something I would prefer to do with all haste."

Petraverd flicks an ear. "You are certain that at least the one panel is destroyed?" he asks the Eagle.

A son of adam with unprepossessing features drawls, his expression now deadpan, "It's destroyed all right. Ain't the older of them kings up there already with real knights? If anything, I reckon sending a message to them ought to be done. You're wasting your time looking for them panels in the moors, eagle or not. That thing had magic. You all saw them tablets fly, and if it sent them where it wanted--"

Jana mumbles something incomprehensible to Myrd.

Kiyon shakes his head slowly. "Then speak what you think best, Skarlieth, Commander. I'll head to the moors at once if that's the course of action."

A son of adam with unprepossessing features, perhaps wisely and perhaps in response to his wife's words, refrains from saying what he thinks about Kiyon being sent north.

Skarlieth looks at Myrd, gaze still flat. However, he responds to Petraverd, "The panel I pursued will never be able to be read again. I repeat, if any are to search the Moors, I am the most suited, as well as the most likely to find anything, if there is something to be found."

Petraverd turns to Myrd, and says perfectly evenly, "If I hear another word unasked for from you then that panel will not be the only thing destroyed tonight." He shakes out his mane to regard Skarlieth again. "If that is the case, then I believe there is little need to recover the pieces from the moors themselves. If it cannot be read nor made whole again, then that should be enough. Let us recover what we can from this side of the border and see them properly disposed."

Jana steps slightly in front of Myrd.

Skarlieth nods. "I shall do so now, unless you need anything more of me?"

A son of adam with unprepossessing features's eyes flash dark as midnight, but he manages to keep silent.

Petraverd dips his head once to the Eagle. "I will expect a full report at a later time - it can wait until the immediate concerns are put to rest."

Skarlieth nods curtly and turns, launching skyward without another word.

Skarlieth spreads his wings and takes off.

Skarlieth flies up from the ground below.

Kiyon watches Skarlieth leave and frowns. He glances between Petraverd and the other two uncertainly.

Jana watches Skarlieth go, her eyes, perhaps tellingly, not leaving the Eagle even after it would be appropriate.

A son of adam with unprepossessing features doesn't move a muscle, continuing to remain sullenly silent as ordered.

Petraverd follows the Eagle's flight path for a moment, then turns to the others. "Let me see if I understand the basic idea here, then. A... toadstool got hold of the panels, magic being involved as I take it. Three are gone, one destroyed."

Jana lowers her eyes to Petraverd finally. "Yes, that's about it."

A son of adam with unprepossessing features says nothing, leaving that to the others.

Kiyon responds quietly. "Yes. It pulled out the tablet with some sort of magic and lifted it into the air, as you saw. I only saw the one." He glances to Myrd and nods. "He says the others are gone."

Jana rubs the bridge of her nose.

Petraverd nods once. "Then that is enough for the moment, I would say. The details can come after you all have had a chance to... recover, as it were. I will return to the tower to await Skarlieth." He glances to Jana and Myrd. "I believe you two have a son to see to as well. We shall speak later."

A son of adam with unprepossessing features turns on his heel at this order.

Jana says, "Our son is with Scattertwig. We would not leave a four-year-old in the house alone."

Kiyon looks to the north and falls silent.

Petraverd says only, "Of course." There is no trace of anything that would suggest his thoughts past these two words.

A son of adam with unprepossessing features gives Kiyon another look of unadulterated loathing in passing and takes to the path leading to their cottage, not even looking to see if Jana is following.

Jana licks her teeth, making a small suctioning sound. After a moment, she follows after Myrd, muttering to Kiyon that they'll have to save it for another day as she passes by.

Kiyon meets Myrd's gaze and glares back with equal disdain for a moment before averting his eyes at Jana's words.

Petraverd watches the two go, remaining stoic all the while.

Jana walks west, following the path.

Myrd leaves, following Jana.

A son of adam with unprepossessing features walks west, following the path.

Kiyon turns back to Petraverd silently and regards him with a slight nod.

Petraverd gives his mane a violent shake after the two are out of sight, his stoicism melting in the process. "Give myself time to cool off..."

Kiyon sucks in a shakey breath and nods his understanding. "I'm sorry you had to walk in on all of that, Commander."

Petraverd simply repeats, "What's done is done... what's left is to determine how to move forward."

Kiyon exhales and nods. "Well, once that's been determined, simply let me know if there's something Skarlieth doesn't have handled and I'll get to it at once."

Petraverd nods once. "Of course. In the meantime... again, I'll expect a full report later, but for now I think it best we give ourselves time to clear our heads a bit."

Kiyon shakes his head. "I had it pinned down. And it just disappeared from beneath me."

Petraverd twitches his ears, and his words come with a tone much closer to his usual one. "As it would have had anyone else been the one to pin it down."

Kiyon sighs. "So it was the wrong thing to do, then? It escalated so quickly, Commander, I'm sorry."

Petraverd shakes his head slightly. "I'm saying it's difficult to know what the right thing to do /is/ when magic is involved. You're hardly to blame, Kiyon."

Kiyon nods a little but still looks downcast. "Still. I wish there was something else I could have done. Now the very thing you wanted to keep quiet is scattered across Narnia."

Petraverd flicks an ear. "Well, at least we know /one/ of them won't pose a problem... albeit not in a manner I might have preferred, but it's still something." He sighs, shaking out his mane. "We did want them gone, at least, at that's... been taken care of for us. We'll figure out how to move on from here."

Kiyon rubs the back of his neck. "I didn't get a very good look at it when we were in there. I wish I had. Perhaps I could have found something useful. But we'll get along, won't we Commander?"

Petraverd nods. "We will." He gestures. "Get some rest. I daresay you've earned it tonight. And perhaps things will seem brighter with the dawning of a new day."

Kiyon nods his head and rubs at his temples wearily. "Yes, Commander. I'm... I'm glad you showed up when you did. Probably couldn't have been better timing."

Petraverd hehs. "Seeing that shoot up into the sky suggested it might be something to investigate. We'll work it out in time, I'm sure."

Kiyon ducks his head in a bow and turns toward the west. "Good evening, then, Commander. Unless there's anything else?"

Petraverd shakes his head slightly. "Not for the time being. Good eve, Kiyon. Rest well."

Kiyon looks faintly disappointed but nods and turns to the west, disappearing into the Waste.

[Wickham]

Word has leaked that the Northern Guard intends to bring down the roofs of the old ruins, with the help of the Giant Rumblebuffin! Join in the destructive fun on Tue, Mar 11, between 4pm and 8pm PST.

[Glyn]

Outside the Ruins

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You stand at the base of a huge, tumbled pile of rock that is overgrown with grass and a few, scrubby-looking bushes. It appears to be the ruins of what must have been a castle of some kind. In fact, the rubble just before you seems to have once been a gatewall, but it looks like it's been smashed with something heavy. The path continues through it, but to follow would mean picking your way across some really unpleasant-looking crags.

The air is oddly still here, and despite the brightly-shining sun overhead, you feel just a little chilly.. It's like a dip in temperature right before a storm, but there are no clouds and no sign of rain. Odd... The path leads out of the valley, meeting a small stream to the east.

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Rumblebuffin sets the pipe down, cradled between two rocks for safety. He places a hand to his chest, "I am Rumblebuffin. Please to meet you Aliyah of Ulfden." He leans forward carefully at the waist. "I believe I met some of your pack earlier." He pauses, brow furrowing as he struggles to recall names. "Glyn and.... Cailobe... no... Pheelaina? No..." He half coughs, half chuckles in embarassment.He tries to cover, "Very lovely folks."

Aliyah nods, backing up just a bit in case he falls. "Do you perhaps mean Caileana?"

Rumblebuffin ahs eagerly and nods, "Yes! Yes! And Pheeobe! Yes! Very nice wolves."

Aliyah grins at the mention of Pheeobe. "Pheeobe is quite the different wolf. She brings a nice change to the pack."

Rumblebuffin says, "She was very soft spoken when we talked. But very friendly and polite. i do hope I get to see some more of her.--And everyone!" He adds hastily. "It is always so nice to be around fellow Narnians."

Glyn appears over the western rise, padding quietly and cautiously. Spotting the Giant from a long way off, he quickly tacks toward them. "Ah, Rumblebuffin, good evening to you. And Aliyah too, excellent."

Aliyah tilts her head questioningly. "Where do you live, if you don't mind me asking?" Hearing Glyn, she turns and wags her tail a bit. "Hello there!"

Kiyon comes walking toward you from the path to the west.

Skarlieth glides toward the gathering from over the ruins, circling a few times as if waiting for someone.

Rumblebuffin seems to be more at ease, seeing Glyn. He takes up his pipe and waves. "Hello there Subcommander! Good to see you!"

Glyn dips his head to each in turn. "It's good to see both of you as well. All ready for tonight's venture?"

Kiyon looks a little winded as he appears from the west. He glances upward to where Skarlieth is circling and chuckles softly before turning to nod to each of the others in turn.

Aliyah nods slowly. "I had wondered what was drawing me here.. A venture sounds like just what I need." She glances to Kiyon and then follows his gaze to the eagle above.

Skarlieth swoops down to land near Kiyon. "Hail, Subcommander, Aliyah, and Giant Rumblebuffin," he greets, nodding at all in turn.

Kiyon says, "Good day, all of you."

Glyn's smile spreads as he dips his head to the two new arrivals. "Skarlieth, Kiyon, well met. Are you also joining us to help bring some much-needed light on the ruins?"

Skarlieth nods once. "For a time, at least," he confirms.

Kiyon hefts his torch with a chuckle. "But of course, Subcommander."

Rumblebuffin watches as the new arrivals join them and looks down at his pipe. He nods to the Subcommander's question, tapping the pipe and then grinding its contents into harmless ash on the ground. "I think I am ready. It is a good day to see the dark lift from this place."

Glyn nods to the Giant, straightening. "A day long overdue, I think we'll all agree. Well, I think we have enough to begin. A few words of caution before we start, though."

Aliyah listens intently.

Skarlieth rests his gaze on Glyn, strict features solemn as he waits.

Virika arrives quietly. Her eyes widen at the sight of the giant but she keeps her muzzle closed and goes to stand beside Aliyah. She smilesand nods to her brother.

"While the ruins have been cleared to the best of our ability, it's still dark as pitch in there. Well done on the torches, Kiyon, but let's all be watchful just in case. Once our strong friend here," Glyn nods to Rumblebuffin with an awkward grin, "begins swinging his weight around, there will be debris to contend with so keep well clear. Rumblebuffin, if you could keep an eye out for any of us who might... have got underfoot? It would be a big help."

Kiyon moves over near the Eagle and turns his attention to Glyn.

Rumblebuffin slowly stands, with great care. He listens to Glyn with a thoughtful expression.

Rumblebuffin smiles a little nervously and says jovially, "I am always very careful about those underfoot--it is something I am always cont--conten... contenting---er, dealing with." He smiles again.

Aliyah nods to Virika. "Hello," she says quietly.

Virika continues eying the giant. She gives a half smile to Aliyah. "Big day. You ready?"

Aliyah shrugs. "I think so..."

Skarlieth shifts his wings and nods slightly before asking, "What will the main tasks of the rest of us be?"

Glyn smiles and inclines his head to the Giant. "Thank-you. And last of all, we're going to need lots of help clearing away the rubble so that it doesn't build up and block our progress. If everyone looks for their opportunity to pitch in, I think we'll do well. Skarlieth, if you're coming inside with us, I think we'll most benefit from your sharp eyesight, in case there's trouble."

Skarlieth gives a brisk nod, wings a bit tight against his sides but expression neutral and calm.

Virika's mood seems to lighten at the talk and she watches her brother with pride. Her gaze shifts back to the giant occassionally, as if she still doesn't trust his presence.

Glyn finishes, "So, our approach is simple: Rumblebuffin will lead the demolition, and the rest of us will carry light, be on the alert in case of trouble, ready to cart away rubble, and try to stay out of the center of the demolition as much as we can. Any questions or suggestions before we begin?"

Aliyah nods. "Should I go get some extra light? Or do we have enough?"

Rumblebuffin stands still, although he looks very much as if he would like to shift back and forth, growing more nervous as a larger crowd assembles. Spying the other wolves he lifts his hand a little in greeting. He adds after Glyn's final words, "I will ende--endeeever--I will try very hard not to drop anything on you... but if something lands close, please do not be shy about letting me know. This can be very messy work."

Kiyon frowns and looks deeper into the ruins as Glyn explains the work to be done, particularly at the mention of possible trouble. He seems far away for a moment after these words, but his attention fully returns to the discussion at hand and he leans over to Skarlieth to comment quietly with a faint twinkle in his eye.

Kiyon mumbles "... stay together. ... ... ... I don't get /too/ ... ... ...", to Skarlieth.

Skarlieth clacks his beak once, though there's a bit of tension in his stance that doesn't ease as he turns to face the ruins.

Glyn says, "Ah," to Aliyah's question and shrugs at his satchel to retrieve a couple of torches that he gives to Aliyah and Virika in turn. "Kiyon has brought his own. Does anyone else need one?"

Virika takes the torch in her teeth, snorting at the giant's words.

Caileana comes padding towards the ruins, not trying to be particularly quiet. She surveys the crowd.

Glyn adds, "Let's use them sparingly. I think we'll only need one lit at a time in order to work, and there's a fair amount of work ahead."

Kiyon shoots another glance at Skarlieth, studying his demeanor and arching a brow. He turns back to Glyn and nods his understanding.

Skarlieth gives a single nod at Glyn's words, examining the stone structure.

Rumblebuffin tucks the pipe away in a large pocket in his trousers, waiting for the Subcommander's direction.

Aliyah plays with the unlit torch nervously.

Glyn grins at Caileana and passes her a torch as well.

Caileana bobs her head to Glyn and the rest and takes the torch in her teeth.

Petraverd canters toward the ruins, shaking out his mane as he does so. He spends a moment tossing his head about in an attempt to get his pack to settle properly before he makes his way over toward Glyn.

Kiyon smiles as the Unicorn stallion joins the group, lowering his head in greeting. "Commander." He takes his torch in hand and idly traces it with a finger.

Glyn's ears prick at Petraverd's approach, and he lowers his head. "Ah, Commander, just in time. We've just gone over the plan and I believe we're ready to begin." He moves to stand beside the Unicorn and awaits any last directions he might have.

Skarlieth breaks his scrutiny of the ruins to nod deeply to the Unicorn.

Rumblebuffin booms brightly, "Ah Commander! Good to see you! We are /quite/ ready for this!"

Caileana wedges the torch she's been given mostly inside her satchel and sidles over to the other Ulfden wolves.

Petraverd bobs his head to Glyn. "Ah, excellent. Thank you for seeing to that." At the Giant's booming declaration, he grins broadly and calls up to him. "I am glad to hear it! This day has been long in coming, and it is good to see it here." Turning toward the gathering, he says, "Good to see so many of you here, as well. Today we prove that even the deepest darkness can and /will/ be brought into the light again, and reclaim this place for the Waste once more. A task that we cannot do alone, and so I thank you all for your support and aid today."

Virika barks her approval at Petraverd's words through her teeth which grip the torch. Her tail swishes back and forth behind her. She nods to the unicorn in greeting.

Skarlieth quietly listens, remaining motionless as Petraverd speaks.

Glyn holds himself a little more erect at the unicorn's words, and he nods firmly.

Kiyon breaks into a smile at Petraverd's words and Virika's enthusiasm. He stays near Skarleith's side and studies the group.

Caileana smiles a bit. She gives a deep, formal nod to Petraverd's words.

Petraverd says, "For too long this place has been a mark of the icy grip its former resident held the Waste in, and indeed all of Narnia. Today, we fear this place no longer. Today, we remember the Lion's victory, and make this a memorial to the day his roar was heard from here all the way to Cair Paravel and proved his power over evil! Today, we claim this spot for Narnia once more!"

Aliyah listens silently.

Rumblebuffin listens quietly, his eyes becoming distant for a moment. He rouses himself from his thoughts and declares in a loud, triumphant voice, "FOR NARNIA! AND ASLAN!" He lifts a fist into the air and waves it around jublilantly. He lifts one foot and then quickly drops it, remembering where he is. The earth trembles faintly at this and he looks embarassed. "Pardon me... I had a moment..."

Glyn's determined demeanour breaks slightly as a fangy grin begins to form. "Well spoken, Commander! And Rumblebuffin! What say the rest of you?"

Skarlieth's wings flash out instinctively at the loud cry, which conveniently helps balance him at the tremor. A faintly amused look passes over his expression before he turns back to the Commander and Subcommander, eyes once more solemn. "What more is there to say?" He asks quietly.

Virika's eyes widen and her front legs splay as the earth shakes. She gives the giant a grumpy look but purposely tries to soften her expression at her brothers words. She lifts her voice through the torch in a howl of approval.

Virika throws back her head and howls into the sky.

Caileana is also visibly startled by the Giant, but she recovers quickly, encouraged by the enthusiasm of those gathered. Her eyes flash at Glyn's words, and when Virika howls, she joins in. She says something more softly to herself, after the howl.

Aliyah cowers a bit at the tremble.

Caileana throws back her head and howls into the sky.

Aliyah joins in the chorus.

Caileana mumbles "... Neepipeep, and all those ... ... ... place.", to Caileana.

Aliyah throws back her head and howls into the sky.

Petraverd skitters on his hooves just slightly at the tremor, though he grins. "No better way to put it, Giant Rumblebuffin. Onward, for the Waste, for Narnia, and for the Lion!"

Glyn swells at the calls of his packmates, his grin at once savage and beaming. He gives the Giant a measuring look before trotting to join his side. "To the Great Hall!" he calls back over his shoulder.

Kiyon takes a moment to right his footing as the earth shakes. His eyes seem to smile once things settle some and he grips his torch tightly, following after Glyn without a word.

Skarlieth takes off, flapping slowly as he follows the procession.

Aliyah follows at a distance.

Rumblebuffin turns to follow the Subcommander, the earth trembling with each step he makes. Every footfall is firm but taken with care, his eyes and size ever mindfall of the fellow Narnians under foot.

Virika remains close to Aliyah and follows.

The White Witch's Great Hall

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By the flickering firelight, you can make out very little. The room is so large that even the brightest lantern would have difficulty really illuminating it, and no windows let in light from outside. The ceiling, intact, is too high and dark to make out, and room is so large that the walls cannot be seen until you walk near them.

There is a musty, unused smell to the air, and you can see dustbeams stirred by your footfalls as you walk through the room. There are pedestals here and there that must have once held statues but do so no longer. At the center of the room a throne sits, enshrouded in dust and cobwebs. A rumpled mass of chains lies beside it, similarly buried. Beyond this and along the far wall, several doorways lead into rooms beyond this one.

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Petraverd pushes one of the doors leading into the hall open, holding it there as the others enter. "Get a torch or two in the sconces over there," he calls as he does so. "Hopefully won't need them for long, but we do need to see what we're doing."

Glyn finishes lighting his torch, casting a warm glow through the eerie, inky black. "If everyone will stay clear, Rumblebuffin, will you do the honours?" He moves to the wall where he is out of the way, and yet the glow still reaches to the centre of the chambre.

Rumblebuffin ducks a little as he enters the room, eyes scanning the area as he straightens. A grave look crosses his face and his brow furrows. There is a low rumble in his throat and he looks to Glyn, nodding. "Of course." Then he pauses, and asks, "What would you like me to do first?"

Virika keeps to the side, out of the giant's way.

Skarlieth picks his way rigidly into the Hall, also ducking to the side as he surveys the throne room with a flat gaze, beak tight. However, glancing toward the Giant, he raises his head, standing straighter as he waits.

Glyn gestures upward with his muzzle. "The roof, it you please. This darkness has lingered for far too long."

Petraverd chuckles as he follows Glyn's comment with, "Let the sun in!"

Caileana comes to stand by Glyn, out of the way. Her ears prick alertly and she glances around the room briefly before returning her gaze to the Giant.

Kiyon slides along the wall near Skarlieth and blinks as his eyes adjust to the dim light. He looks to the roof and takes a breath.

Aliyah crouches in a corner.

Rumblebuffin carefully moves to one of the pillars supporting the roof. He takes a deep breath and then cries out in a loud voice, "FOR ASLAN!" He then throws his full weight against the pillar. It shudders, with the chamber, and groans under the strain. Not the youthful giant he once was, he pants a little as he continues to push against the pillar. It slowly gives way. "LOOK OUT FRIENDS! HERE IT COMES!"

Virika keeps against a wall, close to Aliyah. She watches with wide eyes.

Skarlieth tenses, his wings starting to spread as he stares intently at the ceiling.

Glyn stiffens and lowers himself into a crouch, ready to spring away if necessary.

Petraverd can't quite keep a short whinny from escaping him at the giant's first blow. His attentions are divided between the giant's efforts, and the rest of the gathering, glance flicking back and forth between them as he too tenses, though subtly.

Kiyon presses against the wall near Skarlieth and watches intently, ready to move at a moment's notice.

Caileana braces herself on her paws, also ready to move if need be.

There is an audible groan through the walls as a great weight clearly shifts overhead.

Aliyah growls very softly and mumbles: "Wolves do not belong in buildings... What in the world have I gotten myself into?"

Petraverd's glance shifts upward at the groan, and after a moment's survey of the situation, he moves position a little, ears twitching.

Rumblebuffin stumbles a little as the pillar finally falls and takes some moments to recover, all of which is in an ungraceful, clumbsy manner. He bellows in triumph--and then remembers that there are now parts of the roof that will soon follow. He looks up and prepares to move.

Skarlieth's eyes glitter in the flickering firelight, sweeping the roof and locking on the section that looks the weakest.

At first, nothing but an awful silence follows the terrific crash of the pillar as it tips over to the floor. But soon enough the groan overhead grows again and deepens, at last turning into a shriek as the first stones of the roof begin to break free, raining down into the center of the hall and spilling out in all directions!

Aliyah flattens her ears, the fur along her back now raised.

Glyn tenses, looking as if he is about to bolt as the stones thud and careen off every which way. But he holds his nerve, eyes narrowed, as he tracks the stones' movements like starlings.

Virika pushes herself against an outer wall, nearly dropping the torch. Her hackles are raised and a low growl escapes her throat.

Petraverd calls out amid the din, "Keep on your toes, everyone!" He shifts position again, the better to keep an eye on the collapsing ceiling, and assuming a rather more defensive stance - almost protective, even.

Skarlieth pushes as hard as he can against the doors. After a moment, they give way and swing outward, allowing Skarlieth to pass through. They close with a loud *WHUMPH* behind him.

Caileana backs away further until her rump hits the wall. She watches warily.

Rumblebuffin tromps out of the way of the falling stones, moving away from the others in case he falls. He stands his ground as the debris comes down and he bellows, "Watch it!"

The clatter of stones tapers slowly into a patter of tiny fragments. A cloud of dust swoops down and spreads out like a cloak over the entire hall. From overhead, though, a first rush of fresh air spills in, pushing open a clear spot in the choking dust--clear enough to see a great rent in the roof above, the fringes of roof around it still clinging onto the two remaining pillars, which look as if they might topple at the slightest provocation.

Petraverd presses closer to the wall as the raining debris kicks up the dust, unable to completely suppress a few coughs as he squints, keeping his glance on the now-rent roof. He grins slightly, in spite of said breathing difficulties, however.

Virika sneezes and grumbles around the torch.

Skarlieth lets out a cry as the sky appears in a large enough gap for him. He flares out his wings and bursts into flight, soaring out of the opening. He lets out another exhilarated cry, sweeping around in a wide circle before waiting for a bit wider a gap to descend through once more.

Glyn blinks and sputters at the cloying dust, shaking his head to try and clear his vision.

Virika shakes herself as the dust settles and blinks as the first daylight appears. She takes a step toward it, momentarily in wonder.

Caileana attempts to hold her breath at the cloud of dust. Her nose twitches, and she sneezes loudly once, twice, and then a third time in succession. She shakes out her fur thoroughly and looks a bit sheepish.

Aliyah coughs, her eyes watering. She, too, shakes herself.

Kiyon covers his face instinctively as the dust rolls to the edges. He puts his sleeve over his mouth and coughs a few times as the excitement settles, directing his attention to the light seeping through.

Petraverd shakes out his mane. "Fine start, but there's more yet to come down! You holding on all right there, Rumblebuffin?" he calls out toward the giant.

Rumblebuffin gives a hearty laugh, "Aye! Shall we bring down another?" He seems to take great pleasure and pride at the thought of this.

A light chittering bounces about the walls of chamber, difficult to pinpoint at first.

Aliyah skids out of the doors, ready to be rid of this place.

Aliyah pushes as hard as she can against the doors. After a moment, they give way and swing outward, allowing Aliyah to pass through. They close with a loud *WHUMPH* behind her.

Glyn finishes his coughing and calls out to the Giant, "I think so, friend! We don't want a stone of that roof left intact!" He grins, and then pricks an ear at the odd noise

Petraverd nods, calling out, "By all means!"

Virika watches Aliyah flee, looking concerned. Her ears pin back at the sound and her expression darkens. She gives a few sharp barks.

Caileana's gaze snags on Aliyah as she slips away. Her head tips, ears twitching at the chittering.

Rumblebuffin grins, then tromps over to another pillar, shoving his weight against it. This time, there is little resistance and it tumbles down with a spectacular noise and collapsing stone. He roars his approval. "FOR NARNIA!"

Petraverd gives the group another glance, then looks back to the roof - and then to Kiyon. He lunges forward, grabbing hold of the Son of Adam's tunic with his teeth, and gives a firm yank back.

The next pillar sets off a chain reaction as it too topples to the ground, shattering and sending shards flying. The stones it supported flow down instantly in a great torrent, bouncing, thudding, skittering, knocking together and forming great, scattered piles of all about the room.

Virika bolts as far as she can from the walls as they come tumbling down. She begins to cough and sneeze, teeth clenching the torch as she runs.

A stray stone strikes directly against a wall that is still deep in shadows, and the chittering suddenly grows feverishly. From out of several dark chinks that pockmark the stonework comes a flood of scurrying things, black, sleek-furred with ugly worm-like tails. They spread out in all directions, getting underfoot and struggling to get clear of the falling debris. Some climb up onto stones and legs out of desperation.

Rumblebuffin puts his hands over his head and tromps toward the spot of sun filtering in from above. He is hit by some debris but doesn't seem affected by it. He doesn't take care to avoid the mess of swarming rats under foot, filling the air with somewhat unnerving crunches and squelching noises as he moves. He begins to stomp around as some try to climb his legs and the earth trembles furious. He roars, "Off with you foul things! OFF!" The whole display creates a vivid, somewhat stomach turning mess and red splotches all around.

Kiyon watches the roof crack and weaken, trying to determine his positioning. His eyes go wide as Petraverd pulls him back and he falls to his rear end but go wider as large piece of stone crashes into the floor where he once stood. His breathing stops and he goes pale for the briefest of moments, eyes like orbs as he looks up at the Unicorn with unspoken thanks. And then the rats are upon them; he sticks his torch over near the other and lights it, waving it to ward the foul creatures away.

Virika's eyes widen as the rats emerge and she swiftly leaps up, setting her torch on fire. She snarls and swings it at the rats, baring through her teeth, "Fire... drives.... off..." She bats and kicks at several that get too close to her.

Glyn's eyes widen as the vermin come swarming. He snaps at a few to keep them at bay when Kiyon's manoeuvre catches his attention. He reaches back to grasp his torch, still sticking up out of his satchel, and waves it out menacingly at the rats. Warning them back, he works his way gradually out from the wall and tries to shepherd a swath of them toward the doors.

Caileana skitters sideways as some of the stones tip towards where she was standing. She tenses, crouched low to the ground, ears flat, and then lets out a loud yelp as a rat scurries up one of her forelegs. She snarls and reaches around to rcrush it in her jaws as it reaches her shoulder.

Virika struggles to keep her footing as the earth shakes.

Petraverd smiles a bit toward Kiyon - which doesn't last long as the rats come out and Rumblebuffin starts making a ruckus. This rumbling is enough to set him off balance, and he falls to the ground with a breathless whinny, batting at the rats with his forehooves.

Kiyon stumbles backward and reaches frantically for his blade. He finds it and weaves his way to where Petraverd has fallen, swinging fire in hopes of redirecting the creatures' path and cleaving at those that do not change course.

Virika sees Petraverd fall and races toward him, leaping on and about him and nimbly ducking Kiyon's blade. She manages to swing the torch around to frighten the rats near him away and swatting off any that make it onto him. Somehow she does this without setting any of them on fire.

Rumblebuffin grunts and grumbles, stomping and stamping. Then he realises what a ruckus he's made and stops, looking very sheepish. "Oh goodness. I am terribly sorry!" His uncomely features are sad and truly penitent. "Should have thought about that before I started to make such a mess."

Glyn manages to clear a path with this torch toward the double doors, and he shifts his grip on the torch so that he can shove one door open with a shoulder, letting cleaner air into the room and providing an avenue of escape. He manages to grunt around the torch in his jaws, "ring 'em ish way!" He jerks his head to gesture out the door.

Petraverd manages to get to his hooves again amid the swarming vermin, thanks to Kiyon and Virika's efforts in diverting them, and gives his mane a violent shake as he does so in an effort to drive out any that might have made their way in there - which apparently, a couple have.

Caileana keeps her balance due to her crouched position. She glances to Petraverd, and seeing Kiyon and Virika near him, sets about creating a swath of destruction through the rats near her. She seems content to pounce the rats and snap at them, batting occasionally with her claws instead of pulling out her torch. Her eyes gleam and somehow the destruction seems to have a cathartic affect on her. When Glyn motions, she starts working her way towards him, jaws and claws bloody. The rats around her flee in Glyn's general direction.

Virika seems to take a rather noticable pleasure in driving the rats out with her torch.

Virika's glee increases when one accidently gets set on fire before it reaches the exit.

Kiyon blinks in surprise at Virika's swift movements as Petraverd finds his footing. He swings his torch widely to drive the rats toward the door.

Petraverd helps in the herding efforts, with a good deal of stamping and vaguely snarl-like whinnying, throwing his own weight around - which is less than the Giant's, of course, but still relatively effective.

Glyn keeps the door propped open with his hind end while he wards the rats away with the torch clutched in his teeth. He manages to catch some swaths of the vermin and persuade them out with the flames.

Rumblebuffin keeps himself very still as the rats flee, trying not to create more of a mess.

Caileana catches yet another rat in her fangs and, with a toss of her head, flings the carcass away from her. It lands in the middle of the group of rats she is shepherding towards the door and they scurry away from her faster. She yips and harries them to Glyn.

Petraverd watches as the last of the swarm darts out the door, and lets out a breath. "Well. We /were/ charged with driving out whatever remained lurking in here. I daresay we've done /that/."

Glyn takes a last look around to satisfy himself that the filth really has been purged. He props the torch back against the strap of his satchel and grumbles, "Not exactly the foulness I was expecting." He gives Caileana a grateful nudge as he moves back toward his original position.

Glyn mumbles "Thank-you. That was awful.", to Caileana.

Glyn mumbles "Thank-you. ... was awful.", to Caileana.

Rumblebuffin trundles over to the last pillar and looks about at the gathered group.

Caileana grins toothily at Glyn, golden eyes gleaming fiercely. She answers in kind.

Virika shakes herself off and sorts, putting the torch out in some dust. "Better rats than... worse. And good riddence to that lot!"

Caileana mumbles "Sure. And I'd take rats over what else I've found in these ruins anyday, filthy creatures though they are.", to Glyn.

Caileana mumbles "... ... ... take rats over what ... I've ... in these ruins ... filthy creatures though ... are.", to Glyn.

Caileana gives Glyn a friendly smack with her tail as she also steps away from the door.

Kiyon's nose wrinkles at the foul odor and remnants from the rats stampeding through; he looks ill and nearly loses his lunch a time or two, though he manages to regain his composure. "Good riddance indeed..." He manages quietly.

Glyn chuckles dryly at Caileana. "I believe that."

Petraverd gives Kiyon a brief nudge, though there are traces of discomfort in his own expression for those who look closesly. He glances to Rumblebuffin, nodding slightly. "Ready when you are."

Kiyon glances gratefully to Petraverd and utters something quietly.

Kiyon mumbles "... ... I ... you my life, ... at ... a ... ... ... ... ... ...", to Petraverd.

Rumblebuffin gives a small nod. He joins his fists together and says, "For all those that that vile little woman killed--for those she hurt--and for those she froze." He draws back his hands and says, "This... this is for them. No more will her darkness frighten us--no more will it darken our days. No more shall it ruin our snows." With a great cry he brings the fists forward together, cracking the great pillar in two. "NO MORE!"

Petraverd's reply to Kiyon is cut off by the Giant's cry, and he smiles a bit. "Well said," he mutters, though it is likely drowned out by the sound of the pillar breaking.

The pillar cracks in two, each weakened side crumpling under the overbearing weight of the sagging patch of roof that remains. It comes down in a great sheet, the roof folding like a sheet of paper as it smacks into the ground with a resounding crash!

Glyn, who clearly misjudged the safe wall to stand under, makes a mad dash for the opposite wall, managing to keep just clear of the falling stones.

Caileana, who had been standing a short distance from Glyn, also darts away from the falling stones, just behind Glyn. She doesn't quite avoid getting hit, as one stone lands squarely on the last half of her tail. She yelps loudly and turns to scowl behind her.

Kiyon whips his head toward Caileana at her yelp and dodges a bit of stray stone himself.

Rumblebuffin raises his fist as a piece of roof topples down on him. There is a resounding crack as it splits in two and falls to either side of him harmless. He is showered in dust and stone fragments, looking a rather impressive sight for the moment.

Virika bolts to the far side, nimbly leaping over some stones to safety.

Petraverd darts for the other side himself, weaving his way through the falling stones - well, most of them, as some of the smaller ones bounce off his back, though he manages to avoid the larger, more damaging ones.

Glyn skitters to a stop as he reaches the lee of the wall, scanning up and all about as waits for the next stone to fly.

Caileana kicks the stone off her tail with a hind leg and moves over near Glyn again, holding her tail a bit awkwardly. She doesn't look too badly off but she does make a low grumbly noise, not quite a growl, in her chest.

Kiyon follows after Petraverd to the edge of the room, dust blanketing the back of his tunic and a few stones hitting him; on the shoulder and the arm. He reaches the wall moments after the Unicorn and leans his back into it.

As the dust gradually clears, the Giant's handiwork overhead is laid bare for all to see. The roof is utterly gone, barring a few scraggly rocks clinging to the walls. A great breeze swirls down from the outdoors, carrying the scent of pine trees and the promise of spring. It creates little eddies in the dust.

Petraverd lifts his head as the dust clears, taking a deep breath, and smiling broadly. "Open to the Waste once more..."

Virika gazes at the giant as he stands, still as a statue, and takes a deep breath of the Waste breeze promising Spring. She falls quiet, her expression thoughtful.

Rumblebuffin slowly uncurls his fist, the light reflecting off his hand. It remains outstretched toward the sky and light. He looks up and smiles, eyes closing as he takes in the moment. He breaths in slowly and releases the breath. He says, "It's like that moment so many years ago..." His voice is unusually quiet and holds great reverence. "I almost feel that when I open my eyes, I'll see him standing here before me..."

Kiyon lets the clear air flow into his lungs and breaks into a smile.

Caileana stares at the Giant with an expression of awe.

Glyn's stance relaxes as the air finally becomes still. Ears pricked to the Giant's words, his eyes widen and he takes a step or two forward to Rumblebuffin's side. He looks up at the Giant's face and then at the sky, breathing in deeply.

Virika's expression flickers, becoming sympathetic and gentle as she looks at the giant.

Petraverd glances to Rumblebuffin, tilting his head slightly as he twitches his ears. After a moment, he says quietly, "You've done your work in his name today. As such... I wouldn't be surprised if he's smiling. Wherever it is he is."

Rumblebuffin opens his eyes and lets out a wistful sigh, looking around--as if he almost expects to find the Lion. He gives a somewhat sad smile. "Yes.--He is not here today--not like he was--but some day I shall open my eyes and see him once more." His light mood returns with this last statement.

Virika pads over to her brother and mumbles something.

Virika mumbles "I need to go make sure Aliyah's okay. Send for me if you need anything.", to Glyn.

Virika mumbles "... ... to ... make ... ... ... ... for me ... ... need ...", to Glyn.

Glyn listens and dips his head.

Glyn mumbles "Of course. Thank-you, both of you, for coming and lending a paw.", to Virika.

Glyn mumbles "... course. Thank-you, both of ... ... coming and lending a paw.", to Virika.

Kiyon grins as he listens closely to the Giant's words. And his gaze goes distant.

Virika turns to look at the giant one more time. She lives a faint smile, nodding to her brother and lightly pushing him affectionately with a paw. She gives a small nod to the others, takes a moment to appreciate their work, then quietly slips out.

Petraverd smiles. "As we all will, one day - but you will be able to say 'Hello again,' in a way none of the rest of us can." His glance flicks toward the throne, battered and beaten by the falling rubble.

Virika pushes as hard as she can against the doors. After a moment, they give way and swing outward, allowing Virika to pass through. They close with a loud *WHUMPH* behind her.

Caileana steps out into the light and takes a breath, listening thoughtfully to Petraverd and Rumblebuffin.

Rumblebuffin smiles, looking around. "Anything else we need to smash today?" He eyes the throne.

Glyn offers up to the Giant, "I... wouldn't mind hearing that story someday."

Petraverd dips his head slightly. "I think there's one last order of business to see to." He gestures toward the throne with his horn. "Have at it, by all means."

Kiyon looks to the throne, battered and dust-covered. He glances to the others, listening closely to the conversation.

Rumblebuffin looks to Glyn and grins, "Perhaps some day soon Tumnus and I might tell you a few tales worth hearing." He looks to the Commander and beams, like he's just gotten something he's always wanted for Christmas. He looks around, grabs part of a pillar that has remained intact, and moves to the throne. He looks to the others, "You might want to stand a little back--this might get... messy."

Glyn grins and calls, "Actually, Rumblebuffin! Perhaps this is one honour we might all share. You've been working hard today already."

Petraverd hehs, glancing among his companions at Glyn's words. "We've... all been touched by this place in some manner or another ourselves, too. I daresay we could all do with a little... retribution."

Rumblebuffin grins at this, "The more the merrier I say!" He laughs heartily, his voice booming.

Caileana grins and nods her approval.

Petraverd doesn't need more of an invitation than this, leading the charge with a loud whinny!

Glyn lowers his head with purpose and stomps toward the throne, shoving against it with his shoulder and putting his entire weight behind it.

Kiyon runs alongside Petraverd and grunts loudly as he throws his body weight into the throne with passion.

Caileana joins in, bracing her shoulder against the throne and pushing with all her strength.

Rumblebuffin claps and cheers for them, "That's it! Push!" He plods over and lightly applies a little pressure with one hand, letting the job largely fall on the others. "Keep going now!"

Petraverd lets out another whinny, pulling himself upward in a rear, and bringing his full weight to bear on the throne, his forehooves connecting with a resounding *smack*.

The throne is stolid at first, even seeming to resist the efforts to topple it. The Narnians' combined muscle is a serious force, however, and soon the throne begins to tip, teetering a little as its base lifts into the air.

Caileana slips as the throne begins to move, and repositions herself slightly under it so that she pushes up as she gradually stands up.

Rumblebuffin encourages them, "Just a bit more now! You got it!"

Petraverd continues to make full use of his size and his weight, pushing against the top of the throne with his forehooves, the strain of the effort quite visible on the stallion.

Rumblebuffin tries to be as subtle as possible, using his little finger to weight the throne to the Narnian's advantage when he sees the strain on them. "You almost got it now! A little more! Just look at all of you, you're doing swell!"

The extra leverage does the trick, and the precariously balanced throne swings over violently to smack into the ground with a terrific crack! A fissure spiders its way right down the middle, cleaving it jaggedly in two.

Kiyon practically growls, beads of sweat on his brow and his muscles quivering to keep their control. And yet he still tries to push harder, with everything in him.

Rumblebuffin applauds heartily quickly retracting his hand, "Well done my little friends!"

Glyn steps back from the throne, sides heaving as he gulps down breaths. His grin is savage and joyful. "That... was satisfying," he pants.

Caileana moves back a few steps and grins at Glyn. She nods heartily and eyes the cracked throne with pleasure.

Petraverd scrabbles for a few moments to find his footing again after the throne falls, breathing heavily and grinning all the while. Once he's caught his breath again, he takes hold of the Guard horn around his neck and lets out a brief blast.

Glyn hears the sound of Northern Guard Horn <WORN> from the direction of The White Witch's Great Hall.

Pheeobe enters through the main doors. They swing shut with a loud *whump* behind her.

Kiyon falls back on the heel of his boots and rocks backward and forward once more. He grins tiredly and raises his hand with a cheer.

Rumblebuffin places his hands on his hips and looks around, "I think we did a good job today."

Glyn grins and surveys the group before looking way up at the Giant. "Indeed we have. All of us, but we are especially indebted to you for your aid, Rumblebuffin. Without you this venture would have been nigh impossible."

Rumblebuffin beams and gives a polite bow at the Waste, "Always willing to be of good service."

Kiyon bows his head in return to the Giant, "Thank you, good Rumblebuffin. More than I can voice."

Rumblebuffin rubs his arms, "Although I am not as young as I once was. I shall feel this for days." He gives a hearty laugh.

Petraverd smiles as he dips his head. "In the coming days, we'll clear out the rubble, use it for a few things... but for tonight, it has been a task well accomplished." He grins at the Giant. "You have provided us with much this eve, Rumblebuffin. And you have my thanks for it in return."

Caileana grins. She bows her head to the Giant formally in a wordless gesture of thanks.

Glyn smiles and adds to the others present, "And thank-you all for your help. This is important work, and the unity you've displayed today is the greatest strength that Narnia has. Well done."

Rumblebuffin nods to this, "If you don't mind... I think I should like to get a little rest and smoke my pipe. I feel a thoughtful mood coming on and should like to make the most of it! It doesn't happen very often!" He chuckles.

Kiyon smiles wearily, "Thank you, all of you. And rest well, Rumblebuffin."

Petraverd laughs. "I think we've all earned a rest this eve. As such, a good eve to you, good Rumblebuffin. Perhaps we shall have a chance to speak of what comes of said thoughtful mood."

Glyn's grin is wan and fatigued. "Of course. May your rest be peaceful, everyone."

Rumblebuffin gives a nod and smile to all present, "Thank you, and pleasant eve to you all! You make sure to get some rest too! You all worked very hard!"

Caileana nods again. "Indeed," she says in response to Petraverd. She grins a bit at the Giant. "Good evening to you, Rumblebuffin."

Rumblebuffin gives a small wave before turning and carefully exiting the ruins.

Petraverd casts his glance back to the results of their handiwork, and for a brief moment, an expression of unmistakeable pride flits across his face.

Glyn lets out a breath as he looks about the room. "A good day's work indeed! I think I need that rest too."

Kiyon stands silently, mouth covered by his hands with the remnants of the old throne before them. He turns to Glyn and takes a breath, "Thank you, Subcommander, for everything. And rest well."

Caileana looks up at the open sky and gives a proud, pleased smile. "Quite." She turns to Glyn. "You going back to the den or the Tower for the night?"

Glyn looks thoughtful and glances back to the Commander. "I'm thinking the den unless you have further need for me tonight?"

Petraverd chuckles quietly, glancing to Glyn. "I daresay /you've/ earned it, too, after all the effort you've put into helping arrange the whole thing. My thanks for the aid, and rest well. I think I can handle it from here."

Caileana nods a bit. "I'll walk back with you, then."

Kiyon looks to the female wolf as she announces her leave, "Good eve, then, Caileana. And thank you for your efforts as well."

Glyn grins and lowers his head. "Glad to be of service, Commander. Your speech certainly carried the day, too, so thank-you for that." He looks between Petraverd and Kiyon and bids them a fair evening, then he joins Caileana for the trek home.

Petraverd dips his head. "A good eve to you both." He glances to Kiyon and gestures out. "Shall we take our own leave as well, then?"

Caileana dips her head to Kiyon and Petraverd. "My pleasure," she tells Kiyon sincerely. "Good evening to you two as well."

Kiyon turns slowly away from where the throne has fallen. "Yes. We've done all that can be done for one day, I suppose. And it was..." He pauses, searching for words, "/marvelous/!" He finds a tired, but satisfied smile and falls in step with the Unicorn.

Caileana glances to Glyn and then pads out of the ruins.