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-----The three dark clad forms fall silent. For a few moments, no sound is heard, no movement is seen save for the impatient pacing of Sol. Everyone seems to watch each other waiting for just the slightest move, the slightest indication of intent.
-----Just when it seems the tension inside the cave is reaching the breaking point, the one holding the sword to Thalog’s head hisses out a curse. The three dark ones look at each other and then at the blade Raven holds. They also seem to glance quickly at the dark pool of water surrounded by the brazier light. They begin to slowly back away from Zentil, Rand and Thalog keeping their eyes glued on Sarah, Raven and Sol. They then assume a defensive stance as they back off toward the tunnel leading to the outside.
-----Rand slowly rises from his knees, shaking his head as if coming out of a trance. He glances towards the three retreating figures a look of confusion evident in his gaze. He turns toward Raven, Sol, and Sarah, "I thank you all for your assistance, I owe all three of you a debt of gratitude".
-----Raven says to the retreating enemies, "Wise choice. Leave this area now and do not return. The children of the woods are our eyes, we will know if you return here. How else do you think we found you?" Raven pauses, "Leave with what is on your backs and be grateful you still have your heads."
-----The enchanting fear that held Thalog paralyzed leaves him as he regains control. He stares into the Dark Lady's eyes and raises his hands in a subdued manner. Suddenly Thalog's hands conduct a mystic orchestra as he says, "Thantia morian igona."
-----The woman backing away from Thalog is dressed much like the dark figure that fell into the dark pool. Her body is clad in leather and her head and face are covered by a veiled hood of sorts. The blackness of her attire is broken only by the strange orange stripes that run down her sleeves. The shape of her arms reveal a muscular form unusual for a female.
-----Suddenly her dark eyes catch the movements of Thalog’s spell weaving and she hesitates. As her two companions quickly increase their retreat to the outside, her arms hefting her sword and shield seem to relax. She cocks her head to one side as if she is trying to recognize the mage as someone she knows. A dazed look begins to come into her eyes illuminated by the brazier light behind the adventurers.
-----Zentil shakes his head, the visions of fear still echoing in his head. He then walks over to join Sol and Raven.
-----The long blade Sol holds lowers. "So, we’re not going to fight?" A trace of disappointment lingers in his voice. He quickly glances around the cavern, before ending his gaze at Raven. Noticing the bleeding, he asks, "Are you ok, Raven?"
-----Raven says to Thalog, "Easy wizard. I promised them they could leave. Don't make me a liar." Raven looks down at his wound, "Lucky shot."
-----Sol suddenly turns and looks toward the pool. He stares intently at it and then begins to walk toward it, inspecting it closer.
-----Thalog turns to Raven and says, "Very well, although I’m sure this lady might be willing to answer a few questions before she takes her leave. Shall we inquire anything of her?"
-----Raven says to Sol, "Hey, we aren't done here yet! You can play in the pool later." Raven then turns to Thalog and says, "As long as her friends don't mind it, go ahead." Raven to the other two witches backing out the cave, "You don't mind do you? After all the trouble you put us through it is the least you can do." Raven brings his swords into view. "Right?" Raven waits for their response.
-----The two darkly clad people quickly turn and run off out of the cave.
-----Sol lights up a torch and moves closer to the edge of the pool. He looks as if he has found something. He then calls, "Hey Raven, come over here!" Sol indicates a trail of wetness that leads from the pool into the surrounding darkness of the cave.
-----Raven watches the evil ones leave, then after hearing Sol, he runs over to where Sol is.
-----Thalog turns calmly to the dark lady and says, "What is your name?"
-----"Andra," the woman says as he stares with a glazed look at Thalog, "my name is Andra." Her voice sounds gruff as if she is used to talking in a rough manner. "Who are you?" she asks him. Her eyes that stare out above the veil covering her lower face are dark.
-----Sarah walks over and whispers something in Thalog’s ear.
-----Raven turns to Sol, "Hmmm, looks like we got a tough one here. Let’s get the rest of the group and then go after him." Peering into the darkness, he adds, "A cornered prey is the most dangerous. I'd like Zentil along with us. Those elves can see great in the dark." Raven looks at Sol, "You wouldn't just rush into the darkness would you?" Raven pauses, "Don't answer that..." He gives Sol a smile.
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