William
The trip into the southern mountains had been a bust. The giants had proven to be interesting, but ultimately failed to provide any useful information. 

Rawn and the dwarves ended up parting ways with master Kro, who stayed behind with the giants. 
Jeriscal had wondered off with a traveler the group had come across.

Keladan had opted to stay on, and the group headed out of the mountains and down into the valley between the mountain ranges.

The dwarves found a few small towns to resupply in. In those towns they found a few volunteers to join in on their adventure. 

Once ready, they set off into the northern ranges.
 
It took a few days, but they eventually found the abandoned road that lead to the Felshroud mine.
The road was, since it was made by dwarven engineers, still in very good shape. The caravan did have to move fallen trees out of the way, and clear paths through a couple of rock slides.

Eventually, the forward scouts brought back news that the caravan was a little less than a day's journey out from the entrance. 

Rawn called for the group to set up camp for the night. No point in pushing on when they could arrive relatively fresh the next day. He wasn't exactly sure what they'd face once they entered the mines. 

Once the camp was set up, he sent Bik out to gather the party leaders and the new adventurers. 

And thus, we find our story continuing.
Cassandra
*When Nimue had first heard and encountered the dwarven caravan, she certainly hadn't expected to join them on their adventure - but something whispered that she should. Thus she put herself forward, offering her skills as a Druid, Doctor, and Ranger of sorts for the party - she had mostly kept to herself, working with the scouts themselves on getting a lay of the lands ahead, and any troubles they might face.*

*It was upon her return with the scouts that a meeting was being held, thus Nimue entered the camp and took up a spot to listen in on what the others had in mind for the caravan. She would also take the chance to see whom else was among their group, besides just the many dwarves.*
Julian
Keladan was close, he felt it. If he could hold out just a bit longer.. He would strike gold. The damnable dwarves stubborn habits were wearing off on him. 

 The enchanter so far had been able to repair the damage done by the 'boots of swiftness' incident with Bek.. But it seemed every step taken towards a trade deal with the dwarves, took several other roundabout steps in another direction. It just seemed they were on the most part too skeptical of magic items to trust them. *No matter how logical practical or pragmatic the elf went about it, a dwarf always had a counter argument or could pry out saw some type of flaw regarding the matters if magical in nature.* 

 *Kel couldn't make head nor tails of it, and was pondering out the problem thoroughly over some good everleaf smoke with Roxanne when Bik came to find him.*
Lucy
*Fey sat quietly, waiting for the meeting. She had vanished back into another mushroom circle for a while — when, **Oh when** Would she learn to watch out for those? — but had somehow stumbled back out in time to not miss the caravan moving on. 
... It took her several days to get over the hangover... Faewine was strong stuff!

But, she was game to keep up her scouting duties, especially when the dwarves almost certainly would never buy hangover as an excuse, what with how hard-drinking they were themselves. So, she sure wasn't about to look like a wuss to the dwarves!*
Stuart
*The flute would have dragged her back to work anyway...*
Lucy
*It did, though, take a day before the flute's piercing sounds would have been tolerable to her again though, so she could resume her other job around here, to entertain the dwarves and others with the caravan. 

But, all that was surely a while ago by now. So, as she awaited the meeting, she quietly tootled away on her fine, yet surprisingly long and thick and heavy-looking flute — that the dwarves knew she also used as a mace-like weapon — and kept her eyes and ears open...*
Jessie
Hrosty had joined up with the caravan when they stopped in one of the small towns. The dwarven maiden had just been stocking up on necessities when she came upon them. She was presently mounted on Gingersnap, an impressive mountain ram with curled horns and decorated in all sorts of finery as was Hrosty herself. She had red hair and an equally thick and beautiful red beard to match. Braids ran through various sections of both, decorated with little bits of metal and beads. Her clothing was that of an adventurer, though she wore a fine red coat. 

It was good to be back among her kin and it made her have a happy feeling in her soul. She had missed having real drinking buddies!
Cassandra
*Nimue kept with the scouts of the caravan while they worked to finish up setting up any other remaining things needed - though she did take notice of the more colorful members of the group. The brightly colored hair of Keladan easily caught her notice, along with the Faefolk with her floating flute? She had to do a double take on that one - she had easily seen the Dwarven woman upon her mountain ram; she did think perhaps that one was a tad too flashy.*

*She now moved around to the various pack animals of the caravan, checking up on their welfare - a small habit she would pin back on Nel. But also to keep an eye and ear open for any sign of trouble - though they were soon reach the entrance of the mines come tomorrow - Nimue couldn't quiet the whisperings from the earth.*

*Though the region had long been abandoned, many tales and rumors spoke of monstrous creatures lurking abiout - some claiming they were coming from the old mines. Nimue chose to be on the side of caution all the same.*
Cynthia
Once everyone was gathered, Rawntha stepped up onto a stump to address the group.

"As everyone knows by now, we're about a day's journey from the entrance to the mine. Once there, we'll establish a more permanent base camp outside the mine. Then we'll start the exploration. We know the rumors are that their are air elementals inside. I expect that Miss Nimue, and Master Keledan, given their skill sets will be invaluable in dealing with these... Things. 

"Which means lads, It might be time to look into some of Kel's items. I don't suspect that regular swords, axes, hammers, arrows, and bolt's are going to be greatly effective against such things.

"That said, I suggest in our exploring, we use stealth tactics to try and locate the elementals, before we even consider an engagement with them. We're on the hunt, and we need to be fully prepared. 

"So, don't get too celebratory tonight. We've an early morning and possibly a late night ahead of us. To Tomorrow! To Victory! To reclaiming the mine! Dismissed."

And with that, the dwarf leader hopped off the stump and headed off to discuss specifics with the heads of the scouts, transportation, and combat groups.
Cassandra
*Once the meeting had come to an end, Nimue pondered on the information given to them - but it still felt confusing to her - how were Air Elementals inside the mines? Sure they were rumors, but she expected Fire or least Earth based Elementals.*

*Shifting herself around the camp she would spot the bright pink hair of Keladan, she wanted to speak with him on the subject - once she had approached him she would introduce herself.* "Sir Keladan, I am Nimue Reuben - its nice to meet with you. Considering how both our names were brought up in the meeting I thought it might be good to disccus with you on possible plans of action."

"Though I am a tad unsure on the rumors of Air Elementals, given we are going into those mines... It seems odd such creatures would find those mines a place to dwell. Now I expected Fire or Earth Elementals, I'm least somewhat familiar with the latter of those two types - what are your thoughts on the whole matter?"

*She had her own various types of potions, toxins, and tonics she could offer - but she doubt any of those would be useful again Elementals.*
Julian
The elf was grinning from ear to pointed ear. He never thought the day would actually come~he mustn't let the chance slip. Now that he'd gained the trust of the dwarves he would prove his usefulness. Once and for a-
 Nimue appeared as Kel was preparing to return back to the tortoise. He nodded listening to her words and planted a hand on his chin in thought. Looking a bit more serious now~ *Though he was still plotting upon his own devices*

"*Mae'suilla* You are wise friend~ let us prepare for more than just air down there. I have been waiting for this day."

 Keladan had never spoken with Nimue before but he had seen her around and taken note of the woman. The presence of her mana was quite distinctive. 

"I have an idea on how one could destroy these monsters.. But first I'm gonna need to borrow your mana.. Or perhaps youve some potions that can help?"
Cassandra
"Aye, I've heard many tales of various things coming to live within the mines - so doubt it will just be elementals."

*When he asked about using her mana or potions, Nimue was curious - she had sorta heard this elf was something of an enchanter. So she did wish to see how he did his work - thus from her bag she would pull out a few of her potions and others for him to check.*

"These are the current potions I have, a few are tonics, and others are more toxic. But I don't mind offering some of my mana if need be... What sort of plan do ye have in mind?"

*Should he review any of the potions themselves, he might sense the faint bit of magic/mana within them. Though Nimue was by no means an enchanter like himself, she did know how to empower things with her mana. This was something sort of natural for her being half Nymph.*
Jessie
Hrosty thought nothing of Rawntha jumping onto the stump to address both the smaller and taller members of the gathering, and just to be more easily seen. She listened while stroking her luxuriously soft red beard, some of which had beads woven into it. The dwarf knew she was unique among other races, it seemed only their females grew beards. She thought nothing of any judegement passed. 

As the group broke up she hurried to catch up to Rawntha, "Do you mind if I tag along?" She questioned as she fell into stride with him, leaving Gingersnap behind to graze on whatever might be available. She'd never fought any elementals and all she had to her was her ax and bow - both of which he'd said wouldn't work. What should she do in this case? Maybe gaining a little more information would be beneficial.
Julian
The elf let a soft sigh escape as he looked over the potions.
*"We must make do.."*

 He continued over to the giant tortoise who had been listening from the back, and began to rummage through one of her bulging saddle packs. 
There was an odd~ unfamiliar weight upon Kel's shoulders. *Perhaps.. Responsibility..* 

 Outfitting dwarves with magic equipment was one thing. Though now that they would possibly be relying on said artefacts with their lives at stake. Well it was a different matter entirely.

 Kel found what he sought, a worn leather book titled '*Akhlani's mystical beastiary'*. After flipping through the pages kel's face lit up & he began to read. Nimue would see his expression slowly falter, until the elf looked as if his hopes had been dashed. He spoke in a low tone to the other.

"I think a lot more of those healing salves and potions will be needed.. The book says it takes *Extremely* Powerful magicks to summon an air elemental... And I'm not sure if... If I can d-do anything to help."
Cassandra
*Nimue clicked her tongue* "Aye, summoning elementals takes alot... So its won't just be them we'll be dealing with but likely whoever brought them into creation." *She had long heard of tales of demons and other foul beasts making their home in the abandoned mines of these mountains - indeed, whatever they would be up against, it wasn't going to be an easy fight.*

"I can begin work on crafting more salves and potions as needed... Though if its an Air Elemental, surely there will be ways to limit it. Given the enclosed space of the mines... Though like we heard, we must first see where they are. It wouldn't shock me if they were placed outside the mine entrance or just inside of it to act as guards."

*She would glanced at him again* "Though did you still wish to use my mana for something?"
Lucy
*Fey had spent her time after Rawn's stump speech snooping about the caravan, especially observing their new companions.
But, as she checked out their new fellow travelers, her mind kept returning to ... Air elementals... She'd never even thought of combatting such beings. Such were not in her usual line of work, her usual paths of investigation. Cleaning the streets free of rabble rousers, pickpockets, and sneak thieves was considerably different. What could she contribute?*

*Fey slunk around till she finally spotted Kel and that new person ... Nimue ... In deep discussion, talking shop. She leaned against a nearby cart and tootled on her flute as she tipped an ear their way, hoping they had ideas for better tactics than she'd been coming up with herself...*
Edward
Away from the main body of the caravan itself, a lone figure wandered through the high mountain passes. Ulf, the head of the dwarven scouts spotted the bewildering sight first: a tall elf, his long silver hair whipping in the gusts of wind as he labors on foot through the snow-covered mountainside. He is not dressed for this terrain or climate, wearing only light clothes of loose-fitting silk, and seems to bear no weapons, not even a backpack.

The figure stops short as, seemingly out of nowhere a small group of dwarves encircle him, weapons at the ready, but the elf raises his slender open hands before him, smiling grimly and simply nodding his head a single time in acknowledgement. 

He remains in that position until they draw in close, and then he speak, raising his voice to be heard over the icy winds that have begun to build. "I have come to lend my support to your cause," He explained in short order. 

"Probably a mage," Mutters one of the scouts darkly to another under their breath, but seeing as he has not presented a threat, the dwarven scouts would lead him back to the caravan, with him following their lead, smiling grimly in determination...
Julian
Meanwhile at camp another elf was considering abandoning *The cause altogether*. He'd told Nimue he would call on her when ready. For he had to scheme like a fae trickster.. No enchanter he knew of had created anything that's been used against elementals.

 Unfortunately no good scheming had occurred so far, though. The enchanter had searched and sensed.. And collected a small handful of enchanted items he had never managed to sell in a pile before himself. 

*Pendant of eagle eyes: Improves vision in the dark and accuracy with ranged weapons.

Boots of swiftness (previously returned by Bek): +5 speed

Spoon of renewal: Allows the user to cast a powerful healing spell on target but spoon must be placed in targets mouth.



Bards Cap of Fire Resistance.

Tongue latcher: A magic grappling hook.. Eerily reminiscent of a frog..

Orb of invisibility: This gem is scribed with eldritch runes. It allows the user and their surrounding allies to hide from onlooking eyes once per day.*

Still Kel worried this didn't really increase the odds.. They needed a weapon.. Or at least more resistance.
Cassandra
*Nimue returned to her other duties, deciding to work on crafting a few more potions to pass out to the dwarven groups that were likely to see the most action. Yet while she was working away in one of the medical tents, her whole body began to shutter as her tattoos/birth marks began to glow slightly - she paused in her work to look towards the opening of the tent.*

'What was that... Such a heavy, no maybe very old... Yes very old magic' *She thought, moving to look outside the tent opening, scanning her eyes over the camp. Dwarves were about everywhere, but some feet ahead she spotted two dwarves leading a rather towering sort of figure - a silver fellow, likely an elf if she had to guess.*

*She would watch for a few moments as the dwarves led him back towards where the leaders of the caravan were. Nimue would click her tongue, before returning to her potion crafting back inside the tent; though her mind pondered whom was their strange visitor.*
Lucy
*While she idly kept an eye on Kelly Dan, once his new companion departed for her own tend, she resumed keeping her eyes and ears peeled for the goings-on around the camp. Something felt ... Off... 
Hmmm...
. O O ( Sally? ) 
*... Sally was sleeping now? Really? Especially when she was just playing the flute! Usually Sally complained that that kept her away...*

*Fey grimaced a bit as she shifted her eyes back and forth.
Actually...*
Stuart
*Indeed, what Fey was about to consider was true. Sally had felt it too, and was using another method to study this strange feeling the pair had had from another angle... From the dreamscape. 
Indeed, there was something odd here... Something like ... Extra-thick mists, as if fog masking something ... But what was it? She had no idea... It was like nothing she'd felt before... Ominous... But, she dared not get too close from this vantage point. She and Fey would have to locate it first in the waking world...*
Cynthia
Rawn nodded to Hrosty after she asked to accompany him as he made the rounds. 

The scouting teams were prepping their quietest gear, putting it into separate travel bags for use once they go to the mine. Most other races didn't consider dwarves to be a very quiet people. Aramus and Rawn had spent enough time around a few shadowy figures to know however, that sometimes you needed to be sneaky to reach your goals. Not every dwarf in the caravan was suited to it, but the leaders of the Swifthammer clan had managed to get the scouts to be pretty proficient at the task. 

Of course the regular fighters were checking armour and weapons. Though they were not expecting to engage the enemy first thing. Explore, locate, then strategize how to get the mines freed from the unwelcome intruders.

 When the scouts came back to camp, leading in a silver haired elf, who clearly wasn't dressed for the current situation in these mountains, Rawntha was taken by surprise. The dwarf wasn't sure what to make of this new comer, and unlike the non-dwarves in the camp, he didn't get a "Magical" Sense of the power of this man. But the so called "Dwarf lord" Could tell, if nothing else, this elf carried himself with a dignity and self sense of power, that very few beings ever could. 

"What are we getting into?" Rawn thought to himself. Suddenly things seemed like they might be getting more interesting than they already were. 

"Oy, lads. Over here." He called to the incoming scouts. "What have you found that has you back in camp so soon?"
Julian
As there was some bit of commotion. Kel watched the scouts return from the high arch of his mounts saddle. He looked at the newcomer with suspicious discerning eyes, before sitting back down. *He was unsettled.*
The elf was probably warded from the cold by some way of magic~ same as he... *He already knew he was not going to trust him.*

 Kel wrapped his cloak around tighter as he still pondered over the real issue. *Most elementals have a weakness~ whereas air are purely a whirlwinding swirling vortex of air.. You'd be lucky to get close enough to find out if physical attacks work..* It *Would* Have to be a gamble wouldn't it..?
Lucy
*Fey quickly moved on from the spot where she'd been watching Kelly Dan ... She was feeling fidgety. She had to figure out what felt so off... She paused for a bit to watch the warriors work on their gear, and pondered if she needed to go out and do some scouting around the camp. It was like an itch, this uneasy feeling, how could she scratch it?
It both irked her and concerned her, too, that Sally was snoozing at this particular moment. She wanted to talk to the flute-spirit about this. On the other hand, she knew Sally often snoozed off and on during the day and was cranky if you woke her unnecessarily...
... And she knew that Sally likely felt this too, and was studying it in her own way.

Then she heard the scouts returning, and Rawn's call to them.
Hmmm...
Best check this out. Perhaps they found something...
She stepped that way on light feet, turning back and forth in her head if she should be evidently there for Rawn, or to stay hidden... She just couldn't shake that creeped-out feeling...
Edward
Cohedron allowed himself to be led by his dwarven scout entourage, a small, patient smile on his lips. His step was light upon the packed snow, leaving virtually no trace of his passing, which was typical of elvenkind in general.

Those icy blue eyes fell upon Rawntha as they approached, and his smile widened in satisfaction. "The leader of this expedition, are you? Excellent." His voice was melodic, again not unusual for elves, but the accents were different as well, as if he were using some ancient language origin of the spoken tongue and forcing it to fit into modern dialect. "You seek to make your way to the *Felya Sab**, is this not correct?"

The tall being gestured with one hand out behind him, in the general direction of where the mines lay. "It is forbidden ground," He said in a voice that was suddenly quite grave. "Established long ago by an elder race. And yet..." He paused patiently, looking around at those who had begun to gather around them. His smile remained, but he seemed almost... Sad? "We must go to this place. There are things that must be learned... And corrected."

Half-turning then, he glanced back at the pink-haired elf, those blue eyes penetrating, then turned back to continue addressing Rawntha. "You are not enough, not prepared enough, and the promises were all apparently broken..." At this, those blue eyes lowered to the ground, and it took the being a long moment to conjure up new strength. The original smile returned. "New promises shall be made. We must re-forge that which has been forgotten."
Jessie
Hrosty had gathered with the rest of them to listen to the mysterious elf. Her ram, Gingersnap, remained calm and quiet, only occassionaly lowering his head to sniff at something in the snow. At the mention of promises being broken and new ones needing to be made she furrowed her orange brows and idly stroked her gorgeous beard with its beads and braids in it. 

For now she did not speak but rather listened, it was better to gather information than bombard with questions - at least at the moment.
Julian
Keladan couldn't help but be drawn in with the others. Leaving his thoughts and sad pile of arcane instruments behind. 
His own pink brow arched higher and higher as he listened.. *Forbidden*? *Knowledge to be learned..? That almost made the insults worth bearing... Almost.* A sinking tingling feeling crept along the enchanters spine. *Accompanied by damnable doomed curiosity.*

 Keladan would observe how Rawntha handled this elf. Standing there quietly and looking unusually prim in the snow, He was sure everyone was itching to hear some sort of explanation. 

 Either way, This was far more than had previously been bargained for... This was probably the mage responsible for the elementals. Yet, Coh brought out a feeling of envy within Kel. His pride couldn't stand it. He rather enjoyed being the most mysterious and whimsical elf around.. Complete rubbish that was~ who would have thunk.. *In the heart of dwarf territory too*.. Kel would show him who was 'enough'..
Cassandra
*Nimue had overheard some of the dwarves moving to listen in on whatever the newcomer had to say, but she didn't have any time to see for herself - she had potions to craft and they had little time before they would set off for the mines again.*

*She did ponder if the elf had come to assist them in their quest to take back control of the mines - suppose they would have to wait and see. She was grateful that she didn't decide to bring Tempest along, the wee Owlet was still to young for this sort of drama.*
Cynthia
Rawntha lifted a single eyebrow as the "Elf" Spoke about the mine being "Forbidden ground", elder races, and things to be corrected. He wasn't sure what the "Elf" Was on about.

Though, elf didn't seem right. Rawn knew a lot of elves. This creature, it it was an elf, had a feeling of... Oldness. No, not oldness. Ancientness. Could something have survived from before the destruction of the ancient world? And if so, why was it now appearing here. Could an elf from the days of the blood magics still be wandering the lands?

He studied the elf briefly as the newcomer seemed to move as if his appearance an... Help?... Should just immediately be accepted and acted upon.

The dwarf didn't get a sense of any malice towards the members of the caravan, but a stranger, offering help, on the doorstep of what was expected to be a difficult battle, seemed much to convenient. 

And "Promises" Broken? New promises? Unknown Forgotten things to be reforged?
This had all the makings of a trap, but... Something told Rawn he at least needed to hear this man out.

"You have spoken a lot of vague things, sir. There are hints, but you haven't given me much reason to blindly accept that you're here to help. You seem to be in quite a hurry, as you have not even introduced yourself so that I may know how to address you. I mean no disrespect, but I'll need more of an explanation. 
After all, all these people" *He gestures around the camp* Are my responsibility. I cannot simply jump at the suggestion of a stranger."
Stuart
*As Fey closed in on the location of the "Elf" In the waking world, it helped Sally with her own examinations... But she had no idea what this was. The dream realms, so closely tied to the mental landscapes, were so closed in and dark and ... **Heavy**... That she dared not peer closer for now, lest she become lost. So, she 'woke up' and resumed her perceptions via the flute at Fey's side.*
Lucy
*As Sally 'woke up', Fey felt her sense of consternation and concern, but knew that her guide would fill her in later. So, she kept her eye on High Lord Rawntha and their mysterious stranger. Hanging back 'over here' at the farther fringe of the gathered dwarves and others, leaned back on a wagon, she hoped she was properly inconspicuous. She wasn't sure she wanted the strange "Elf" To notice her or not.

She nodded approvingly, though, at Rawn's inclination towards caution. Sure, it wasn't that Fey could not be reckless on occasion, but she did often prefer to gather her intel before leaping into the more dangerous situations, and ... Well, 'forbidden ground' ... Treading on such did not imply a sunny day in the park, now did it?

It'd make a heck of an epic poem, though, if she lived to pen it and perform it. But, she dragged her mind back from imagining that even before Sally could rouse and scold her, and kept her focus on Rawn and the visitor.*
Cassandra
*Nimue had finally finished crafting the needed potions for a few of the fighting groups of Dwarves, passing around the bottles and giving a few of the Dwarves rough explanations on when and how best to use them.*

*She herself had also come near to the chatter between Coh and Rawntha himself - finally getting a better look at this new stranger - something whispered to her of just how old this fellow felt. She had met a number of elves who were of elder age - but this stranger felt much older than even them.*

*She did agree that they couldn't just rush ahead without being told what they needed - thus she decided to linger around and see what would come of this discussion.*
Edward
The strange being with the vibrant blue eyes watched the dwarf readily as the stout fellow considered his offer. Coh had not long been returned to Eluaria proper, and this time like the times before it, people seemed different. It was obvious that Rawntha knew that not all was as it seemed with him, and perhaps Coh should have chosen his form better, knowing to whom it was he was approaching: even in the best of days, elves and dwarves hardly found the company of one another palatable. 

His answering smile was patient and seemed to reflect understanding for Rawntha's reservations. He nodded once in response. *╙"Perhaps you are wise to distrust, master dwarf,"╘*He spoke in particularly fluent dwarvish, if with an archaic accent. *╙"But surely even those of you from the farthest, deepest holds have not completely forgotten the kinship between dwarf and my kind."╘* His words relating to 'holds' and 'dwarf' were of the oldest, most venerable forms, as though he referred to a treasured homeland and the most noble of the dwarven race. Those words were intended for Rawntha himself, as Coh could feel those drawn in, curious at his arrival, but after he switched back to the Common tongue to continue, and he spread his hands out from his body in a gesture of peace. "Long has the pact been unnurtured, but we are attuned to this world as much as any other: the eldest of dragons have returned to face the changes that loom before us all." 

Here he paused, his smile fading as his head turned to scan over the surrounding encampment and the people drifting closer. "If I am forgotten, it bodes poorly for the efforts I left behind in my stead, and the chaos surrounding the mine below surely confirms. I am known as Coh, and those of your people in these lands once served the cause I pledged them to. Let us find what became of their fate, and if their dreadful charge remains intact. I sense that here, at least, not all is lost... Yet."