Finally, Morys revealed to them the item which had thrust them into turmoil. Chizu hissed at the shiny little sphere and scampered around to hide behind Farish, peeking at it and hissing over his shoulder. Now that he was focused on it, the boy's magical senses told him that this thing was evil for sure. Also, its aura was... distinct. He wasn't sure, but he thought that whoever was after it could probably track it almost anywhere after they were locked on to that energy signal.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">This isn't a problem that's going to go away,</span>he thought.<span style="font-style: italic">We'll have to deal with this one at its roots.</span>The prospect wasn't one he was looking forward to-- especially since all he wanted now was a good night's sleep. Who knew how deep those roots were?<br/><br/>Chizu had been upset over the object Morys held, but her agitations didn't end there. It was obvious to Farish that she was honestly afraid of whatever made that terrible howling noise, and she seemed to take no pleasure in the transaction between Darakus and the Shape-Shifter.<span style="font-style: italic"><span style="color: #00FFFF">"Filthy black magic,"</span></span>she muttered. Farish wasn't overly surprised: it seemed to him his new friend had just the sort of chaotic disposition that would incline him toward the darker spell variety. Besides, all that mattered in the end was how that magic was used, right?<br/><br/>Although, that he seemed to know the demon-in-disguise was suspicious, as was the fact that he appeared now as a wolf Anithrope. One could reason that he'd simply noticed how many Anithropes they'd already encountered in these woods-- but a<span style="font-style: italic">wolf</span>? Perhaps they were pupil and master, given Darakus's possession of the other wolf's spell book, or perhaps their relation was something else entirely. Well, if they didn't die in the next couple of hours, they'd likely find out sooner or later.<br/><br/>The boy sat silently, almost defiantly, as Morys called him out on his placement of their guest. It was perfectly obvious that he was withholding further information on purpose. For now, though, his goal had been achieved: Morys had relented and allowed the mystery man on as their ally.<br/><br/>Farish sighed. "Are we really charging straight into battle again so soon?" he asked, complaintative from lack of proper rest. Was he the only one here that didn't openly welcome violence? He glanced back at his fuzzy blue friend. If they were planning to fight, he ought to have Chizu restore his mana. And if he did that, the fight had better come! If he didn't burn off that energy again he'd never fall asleep-- and magical stamina was no replacement for honest rest.<br/><br/>Many of the others had gone topside by now, and the boy sighed again. "Well then, Chizu," he muttered to the wide-eyed sprite, "I guess we should go make sure our new friends don't get themselves killed."<br/><br/>The elf child took his turn to scamper agilely up the tunnel, dexterity and size working to his advantage. He emerged from the hole to join the others, and glanced at Morys-- or rather, at his vest. Their enemies had not yet arrived, but they were surely coming, and they were probably following that<span style="font-style: italic">thing's</span>energy signature. Well, if they were going to find them no matter what, one mana spike wasn't going to betray their position any more. Other threats from the forest would likely stay as far away from these creatures as they could, and Farish needed his force fields at the ready when they arrived.<br/><br/>He and Chizu locked eyes and understanding passed between them. The Sprite gave off a faint glow as she called on all the spirits and creatures of her element to lend her strength for her weary companion. In an exhilarating rush, the boy felt all of his vivacity and power swell inside of him. Controlling one's life energy, and life energy from other amicable sources was the job of a mage. But to force all of a person's mana back within their too-small mortal frame took a little time and a lot of control.<br/><br/>For nearly a six-foot radius around the boy, his translucent aura surged excitedly. It seemed like a lot, compared to what was usually employed in spells, but it<span style="font-style: italic">was</span>the entirety of his mana, his life energy, all at one time, and he<span style="font-style: italic">was</span>a capable sorcerer. The exposure was brief, and four or five seconds later the boy had brought his power back inside of him. His blue eyes flashed for a moment afterward, but he stilled that too.<br/><br/>Curious, the boy glanced at Morys, wondering how the kindly (though ignorantly) protective human would react to this brief display. The elf offered him a small half-smile and shrugged.