The group of strange companions began their march northwards towards the elven lands as Nirael began to explain.<em>"You may inquire about some of their uses from the young human lady amongst us..."</em><br/><br/><strong>"Pffft!"</strong>Mara scoffed at that comment and kicked a stick from the ground towards Nirael, but the smirk on her face said it was a playful act and not one borne of anger.  One that drew a chuckle from Lunari, who was bringing leading the group towards her homelands.  Sirana, who was walking beside Nirael, and in front of Mara nodded her head.<strong>  "I've studied magic for a several years now, since I heard the call of Wee Jas.  I died once, drowned.  She spoke to me before a fellow villager saved me from the rapids and pulled my body to the shore.  He said I wasn't breathing but he was a herbalist and knew how to breathe air into my body until I sputtered back into this realm.  Ever since then I've had the goddess's blessing, and an insatiable drive to learn more before I return to her side."</strong><br/><br/><div class="floatright">(http://i.imgur.com/tN4iDqI.jpg)</div><strong>"What did Wee Jas say to you?"</strong>Mara asked, "<strong>If I may ask."</strong><br/><br/>Sirana shifted slightly, clicking the metalic fingers of her gauntlets together nervously,<strong>"You may ask but I will not answer.  It is, private, for me."</strong>The action drew Nirael's eye and he saw for the first time, elaborate etching on the back of the metal gauntlets.  A stylized skull in front of a burst.<br/><br/>Mara muttered quietly,<strong>"I mean no offense, forgive me."</strong><br/><br/>Sirana waved a gauntlet-ed hand as if it did not matter,<strong> "No offense taken, but I do not share such things easily." </strong>Then turning back to Nirael,<strong>"So you have a connection to the primal?  I've heard of this.  It is a plane like our own?  Like the shadowfell or feywild, conterminous with our own but separate?  I know little about it.  I would know more about a mage who's powers include the ability to heal if you care to trust more in sharing this in the future, and more of your tale as well."</strong><br/><br/><em>"As for our tale, and my role among my companions, I'll be willing to part this much...</em>Nirael continued,<em> "...or if possible, to slam it to the ground and channel all the power I can for the simple purpose of utter obliviation for the one that plans for my own evisceration."</em><br/><br/>Sirana ran one silver taloned gauntlet through her short but thick brown hair,<strong> "Hmmm a demon is no small matter.  They are beings who do not belong in our realm and usually wreak havoc wherever they go.  I admit the curious desire to see one however and can't help but wonder if it was more than random chance that brought us together.  For I was led to the elves by a dream, a dream that said my studies would be expanded here.  I thought that maybe the tombs and crypts beneath the ancient grounds you transported into were where  I was meant to go, but after six months of study and hunting, I've found little there of much interest.  Certainly nothing more exciting than the annoyance of acting as a buffer between the humans to the south and the elves to the north."</strong><br/><br/>Lunari tossed her hair over her shoulder as she looked back and asked,<strong>"I left my home a little less than a year ago, what transpired to make you take up residence?  You speak as if the elves worked out a deal with you, I would know it before I walk back into my village."</strong><br/><br/>Sirana nodded,<strong>"I do not know all of the details but from what I understand, the humans have wanted the elven forests for many years now.  But previously the elves had a wizard of great power.  But all of his apprentices left the forests and had not returned when he crossed over into the realm of the glorious dead."  Lunari grimaced and it was obvious that Sirana was speaking of Lunari's father, though she likely did not realize it.  "Without his protection the humans began encroaching, having far less fear of arrows and beasts then they did of magic, being a very superstitious group.  Then a few months ago, the humans received word that the elven wizard's magic was available, and agents from other wizards far and wide began to sniff around.  The elves thought I was one of these fortune seekers when I first approached, but quickly learned my interest lie in the ruins to the south.  We struck an accord, they would supply me with food and supplies once a week, at a spot at the very edge of their lands, and I would stop and turn back any adventurers approaching from the south.  The first few tried to press their luck, but my golem and my magic quickly dissuaded them.  No more than a few of their bodies joined the ranks of my guards which now protect the southern edge of the area I claim."</strong><br/><br/>The group continued on in silence for a while before Lunari muttered quietly,<strong>"I had no idea that it would get so bad."</strong>Then raising her voice slightly she said,<strong> "We should hurry to make it to my people before night fall."</strong><br/><br/>But then Mara brought up a good point,<strong>"Lunari, forgive me for asking this, but is it likely that your people might mistake our approach?  Their 'guardian' approaching the town without any of her ... um... charges, two unknown humans, and a single elf that hasn't been seen in a year?"</strong><br/><br/>Lunari grimaced and paused, stopping along the river bank that they'd been following to nod.  Turning to Nirael she asked,<strong>"I don't suppose you have any magic that might help, or any ideas?  Just to give us enough time to explain the situation, to make it back to the village without being peppered by arrows from the trees?"</strong>