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-----Raven speaks, "Who knows why Arliss choose you? He must have seen something in you that made him think you could help." Raven leans forward in his saddle and pats his horse's neck. Raven continues, "We are trying to end a curse that has fallen on this region. Nature herself has been twisted into a nightmare." Raven points to one of the dead rabbits, "See even the most harmless creature is driven to madness." Raven's face shows sadness and worry.
-----"After we escort this girl to the bridge, we'll explore these ruins for clues to the source of this curse. I personally would welcome you to join this quest, but do not take it lightly. I feel there is great danger ahead of us."
-----Raven gets off his horse, "These rabbits should be safe to eat. I hope..." Raven collects four rabbits stuffs them into a sack. "Waste not want not..."
-----Thalog holds up the black gem given to them by the elven girl and says, "These black gems have been found with suspects and on the trail of suspects throughout our investigation. I am holding them for further study. The last suspects we 'interrogated' led us here to find the real culprits behind the curse."
-----Thalog glances over at the large raised stone foundation and puts the gem into the folds of his robe. "I have used up all of my strength for today and require a night's rest. Perhaps we could investigate the stone foundation tomorrow? That way we have time to escort the girl and when we investigate, we will have the sun to your advantage. But I am curious as to why you bowed to Rand."
-----Sol nods at Raven's words concerning the cursed land. At Thalog's however, he gives a generous smile and says, "I bowed out of respect to the sun god, for I was named after him...to an extent. In fact I was originally intended by my parents to join the priesthood, but I...uh..." at this Sol coughs uncomfortably, "...wasn't suited to join, nor did I particularly want to. No disrespect intended to Solarius of course, it's just not the life I wanted to lead, or could lead."
-----The men slowly start leading their horses in a western direction out of the ruins. Within a few minutes, they find themselves trotting down the trail road that leads to the river-bridge and the village of Tru. As evening approaches, the blue in the sky deepens and a few birds are seen flitting about.
-----They arrive at the bridge with a half-hour of sunlight left. The river beneath the bridge seems to flow calmly and peacefully by. Across the Altor, they can see a few small shelters of the village. They stop and Sol helps the elven lady down from the horse.
-----The men are enthralled by her beauty. Her soft ivory skin casts a contrast to the flowing raven tresses that fall to her waist. Most striking of her lovely features are her eyes. They sparkle like fine amethysts between fringes of long, curling lashes. Her face is ovaline and slightly concave through the cheeks. She has a small, straight nose and unusually soft, full lips. Her figure is rather dainty, but the graceful curves beneath her robes dispel any notions of childishness. A delicate and spicy fragrance is about her.
-----She faces the men dismounting beside her and smiles sweetly at them. A look of wisdom and intelligence is in her eyes. "My thanks to you again, my kind escorts. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Shallia FarSeer, a diviner of the magical arts. I have listened to all you have said and I must admit the stars agree with you." Here the smile fades, replaced by an almost pouty expression. This look hints more of a expression deep in thought than one of disrespect. "I have read that the beginning of this year is to begin with what many believe to be a period of promise and hope. Underlying all are hidden mysteries and secrets that threaten to upset the balance. The position of the wanderer, Shakalee, signifies that action taken early is the best chance to prevent disaster."
-----She looks toward the sky. "The sun sets soon. My simple abode is a small one indeed, but I can offer you shelter there, if you like. I can provide you with a breakfast before you start out tomorrow."
-----Rand who has remained unusually quiet of late, looks suddenly very alert and nods his head and says, "I for one would very much appreciate your offer of shelter. What do you two think?" Rand asks looking at Raven and Thalog.
-----Rand turns to face Shallia again and smiles charmingly at her. "Could you perchance tell me of what has happened in the town of Tru of late, and more specifically of a man named Heiros?" Rand grimaces slightly and his expression betrays an intense disgust as he says the name 'Heiros'.
-----The guarded expression appears on Shallia's beautiful face as she says, "I have not lived here in the village for long. The people, for the most part, seem to be a quiet, if not a superstitious, lot. The one you ask about," here she pauses, "seems not to care for those who study the magical arts."
-----"I accept your gracious offer. Is there more you could tell us about this curse? It would help us if we knew who is behind it or what exactly 'it' is. When you referred to a key, did you mean a physical key or the answer to a question? Is there anything else unordinary that you think could help us?" Thalog then listens to Shallia's response.
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