~Elendil~
Elendil laughed as she thought that he was also part of the silvermoon family. "Sorry but I am not at all related to the silvermoon family, I was born in the city of Elfswing just like them but not of the Silvermoon family. I am of the Eagleswing family." He clarified. "See I do not have the acclaimed and popular blonde hair and blue eyes of the Silvermoon family with Nova being the only acception." He looked over to Nova and saw her with Ishmael and how she was being offered his hand. They looked as if they were getting rather close. He then looked back to Deedlith. "Also by acception I mean her pink hair and red eyes. Don't ask me how that happened cause I do not know. It is a rare mutation that is all. Just as blonde hair and blue eyes among humans is in fact a mutation that became wide spread through genes." He explained once more. " The ruling family of the city however is not the Silvermoons, but the Silverwing family. At some point up the lineage of the Silverwings and the Silvermoons there is a connection however, they are pretty much cousins. Someday perhaps the Eagleswing family will become encorperated into that Lineage as well. That is if Ishmael doesn't steal that chance from me...." He said as he chuckled.
~Erandur~
Erandur pressed two fingers against his forehead as Elendil said his final set of words. "That is not funny Elendil..." He said looking over to the paladin. "Then again of all the humans a paladin would be of the right choice, any other human would be a poor mix." He said and he looked to Deedlith and rose up a hand. "No offense to your companion that is. It is just we elves of Elfswing are of a holy sort and we should make sure that our dealings are with those that reflect that. Humans outside the holy church can be distrusting and your friends lust of gold is well.... not something we elves smile upon. We are raised to think beyond such things and are selfless beings. We fight not for money but for the greater good, because Corellon Larethian wills it to be so." He then turned to see that the group was to start moving again. Heinrich took position within the hallway.
~Nova~
Nova was joyful that he accepted her desire to be beside him but that was short lived by Heinrich's words. They were to depart and she felt a little upset as she watched Ishmael rise up. However, the light in her face returned when he turned to face her and lowered his hand to help her up. She smiled and decided that for the time they would spend traveling she would do it beside him. She happily accepted his hand and used his strength to help herself up and then waited for him to move to the others. He had some sort of magic ability to rejuvenate people and she kind of wanted to see it in action.

"My mistake," Deedlith said, a hand to her chest. "Eagleswing, Silvermoon," she chanted, looking at the family's corresponding members. "And that is the case with many clans, often the further back you look the more connections you find." She laughed at what Elendil implied before turning to listen to what Erandur had to say.

"None taken," she replied, glancing over at Areia. "Her means are... abstract, to say the least, but she means well. She's always done it more for the adventuring aspect, the gold a reward simply for what she enjoys doing. Over the years Areia has found more needs for gold, thus the balance has become slightly weighted to one side, and loot becomes priority over the journey itself."

Deedlith watched as Ryoko shook her head and smiled at the two elves before walking over to Heinrich with her. "Well, what's stopping you?" She asked, curious. The elf herself had already become acquainted with two of her kin, so what prevented the woman next to her? "Looks like we won't be getting much sleep tonight then," Deedlith sighed to Ryoko, noticing the group begin to stir.

---

Areia nodded, listening intently to what the samurai had to say. "It's good that you have a cause. So what's this great water dragon like then?" She inquired, rising from the ground with Kyoto. Areia was always looking to broaden her knowledge, especially from someone as passionate as the swordsman beside her.

{Ryoko}

Ryoko's smile vanished as she turned her eyes away from Deedlith and looked towards Heinrich. "Because right now there are more things important then personal feelings, I represent my clan out here and I will not embarrass or fail them because I let emotions get the better of me." She said and she left it at that. The time they were given to rest was enough for her. Her body was already relaxed so the lack of sleep wasn't going to get the best of her. Besides she would have plenty of time to converse and be friendly with Kyoto. She doubt this mission would be quick one.

{Kyoto}

"Hotaru Tsukiko Yori, is the dragon's name, and she is beautiful. A goddess in her own right for her powers and magic protect my village. She can even take the form of a human and visit her village." He said as he rose to his feet using his blade to help himself up and then he rose it, so that it could drop and rest upon his shoulder. "Other then that she makes her home in a secluded place underneath a waterfall. It is there that you can make a wish or receive her blessings." He then gradually began to move towards where the group was gathering to. "Some may think it strange but I have grown a fondness of the water dragon..."

{Hotaru}

Hotaru pushed against trees as her body moved through the forest. The scent she took in was his for certain, she knew it. She would not stop until she had found him.

The elvish woman finally explained herself as Nova and De closed his eyes slowly in contentment and nodded. He laughed a little at her comment about the interaction of mage users and physical fighters in battle. " Don't worry.. i'll give you breathing room alright.." Forgetting that the soup was conjured by ethereal means he began to eat it and before long, Nova excused herself politely to go and see to the paladin. Again De nodded and briefly watched her go, curious as to what the paladin was experiencing. However his attention then went to Cassandra who then also introduced herself as cassandra and that she was a something called a Drow. He nodded to her, paying attention and keeping his mouth shut while she talked. His facial expressions barely changed as he brought the soup bowl up to drink from it. It made sense that their species nickname was 'dark elf' and the way that she had freely talked about it seemed that it wasn't a sort of derogatory word of any sort. "hm.." He gave a hum of intrigue when she came to the point of her hair and he briefly tried to imagine seeing a Dark elf with the sort of red hair that she described. And then she came to the reputation of her race, as from what she was telling him, they were not fondly looked upon. De understood that in some ways, not all races get along with everyone and once hot heads collide there are bound to be racial stereotypes and racial differences that could spark a social stigma against a particular race. It happens within their own species too.

As De had finished his bowl of food he shook his head slightly about her explaining her 'way' of doing things.
"That shouldn't be entirely true. Sure, I may be a heavy weight but that is because of the circumstances that I found myself in and because of such, I was shaped a certain way so that I could survive my environment just as you had to because of where you were brought up and I should not blame you for it. That is not fair." he briefly switched hands carrying the bowl and moved to set it down on the floor for now. " Just because you may be smaller does not mean you are not just as strong or if not stronger than I am. The strength of your opponent should not be measured in his ability to swing his sword or his ability to take out as many foes at once. Real strength is in here" De took two fingers and tapped the side of his temple, referring to intelligence and wisdom. " Any brute can take a sword and kill someone with it. Heck, he may end up killing himself. Real strength is in the mind and it is your mind that will keep you alive. When you face an' opponent, you are not testing his vigor, you are testing his knowledge of combat and if you are smarter, you will win."

Ishmael figured that the mage would likely be in a hurry so he decided to use a mass rejuvenation spell. He simply rose his hand up into the air and then he closed it into a fist and it would seem that light tried to escape from it. He then released that light by re-opening his hand, the light engulfed a good portion of the room hitting everyone. This light then surrounded each persons body and suddenly the fatigue in ones legs or arms began to vanish into nothing. Energy was restored into them and once Ishmael was done he turned to look to the pink haired elf named Nova once more. He smiled and then turned away from her to join Heinrich. "I believe we are ready to move on now,.."

Heinrich turned to face him finding that the elves had joined them rather quickly. He then nodded to them, "Apologies, for not allowing you to sleep tonight but I feel that it is best to get moving. We can find another place to rest our eyes." He said and then with that said and done he turned his head to face forward and began to move down the hallway. Leading the group ever farther into the labyrinth which was all but forgotten by travelers. Many unseen treasures would be found and as well as monsters and creatures you only heard tales about. He wouldn't be surprised if they saw some dark mantle but those things were best avoided.

Ishmael followed after Heinrich and as they walked he felt that this time he would start the conversation. "So Nova, how did your people react to your pink hair and red eyes?" He asked her.

Cassandra smiled at the words De had told her. He was indeed a wise and rather intelligent human. It was perhaps because of his isolation from the world that he had no room for racist thoughts of others and so in turn he had a better outlook on everything. Plus for him it was a big learning experience. "Well I am pretty good with a rapier, I enjoy how light it is in my hands, which works good for someone like me. Seeing as I have to resort to speed to fight, but from the way this mission might sound we might be relying more one my expertise with poisons then I thought... but I will spare it for only the toughest of foes." She said. Her smile formed into a smirk. De would likely be the first human she could actually befriend without having to prove she is not her mothers daughter.

~Nova~
Nova watched as Ishmael performed some kind of spell. By the time he released the spell she found her self engulfed in some form of light. As the light shined she felt herself being refreshed with energy. Then once it was over they were on the move again. She decided to continue to walk beside Ishmael and she had felt like saying something but he beat her to it. It was a question about her. The subject was of her hair and eyes plus the reaction of it all to her people. She sighed and shrugged her shoulders. "It's been so long I hardly remember, all that I can recall is that the seers prayed for a long time for answer from our god, that's all I know though..." She answered. "So what about you? how did your parents feel about you becoming a paladin?"

~Erandur~
Erandur suddenly felt this rush of energy take over him but what it did was give him energy and he looked to the owner of the spell. He found himself looking to the paladin and he couldn't help but send a nod his way. He immediately sheathed his sword and he watched him and his sister. He actually did not mind it at all if they were somehow bonded during all of this. His sister was not all that popular because of her features, so if she could find someone outside that was just right for her that would be perfect. His kinsmen might not think so but he didn't care about what they would say. He just wanted his sister to be happy.

~Elendil~
'Perhaps we can learn more from each other' was her last bit of words towards him. He honestly did not know how much she could learn from him or him from her. Nor did he really care, he had a mission to do and that was more important then educating another elf. Personal feelings and desires must be put aside in order for this mission to be of success. He felt that this elf did not understand the meaning of those words.

=Kyoko=
Kyoko suddenly felt a rush as energy was being poured into him and he felt,... Well refreshed. He turned around just in time to find out it came from Ishmael, the paladin. He gave a slight nod and noticed the elf Nova was keeping rather close to him. He couldn't help but look to Erandur just to study his reaction. To his surprise though the elf was taking it rather well. He didn't hear any part of the conversation Erandur had concerning his sister. He felt it was rather foolish to be honest. One's birth doesn't define them, its what they do with the life that is given to them that determines who they are. Therefore, I judge someone by not their race or color or occupation but by their actions. He would like to educate the elf but it would seem he has already been educated. The past argument between him and Nova seemed to make effect.

He suddenly noticed that Heinrich was on the move again leading them on to get this chalice of silence. He was a bit curious of that as well. Using his pole weapon like it was a walking stick he decided to move in quick but steady manner until he was beside the Mage. "What do you know about this Chalice?.. I am rather curious about it. "

=Kyoto=

Kyoto being mostly in the back started to decide who he should travel beside, he did desire to have a friendly conversation with someone. It helped if he got to know the people he would be depending on to cover his back when needed. He noticed the conversation between Deedlith and Ryoko was about him. Ryoko had strong interests in becoming good friends with him and he had to smile. He then looked to Aeria beside him. "Pardon but I am going to indulge a certain ninja with her personal desires." He said then he moved to join Ryoko. He caught her a little off gaurd when he did. "You know, there is nothing wrong with getting to know someone a bit better, as well as make friends with someone. Yes we are on a mission but sometimes it is good to have someone you could share it with. For instance look at the Paladin or the knight fellow. Now I know for a fact they were trained to be serious but that doesn't stop them now does it?" He said.

Ryoko began to suddenly blush at his choice of words. Not only did it say that he heard their conversation but it did come to one conclusion. That sometimes it is necessary to create bonds with other people. She felt rather foolish now but she was a little tickled that he chose to converse with her. "Sorry,... I guess I was a little conflicted with thoughts of my clan. I am only doing this to bring them back the gold coin that could help find everything we need." Her eyes trailed to the hard stone floor. "I suppose I got a little too serious."

"The only time you need to be serious Ryoko is in battle and situations where your skills are needed. Other then that you need to relax yourself. Enjoy the time you have for you never know when it will be your last minute." He added and she looked up at him. Ryoko was caught by his features although with a few scars. He did look rather handsome. She could only nod in acknowledgement to his words. He was right after all.

De nodded to cassandra, "I can bet if we were to have a match, we'd have an' equal chance of beating each other. But this talk of poisons seems interesting, better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it..but perhaps on your leisure you could teach me the how to identify the poisonous plants of this region.. Just so that i know.." De smiled lightly under his mustache. In this moment a wave of light came over him and suddenly the aches of his body that had arisen from the trek over to this place had disappeared. His mass of hair bent under the gust of light and as the spell dissipated, De watched the light magic that swirled around him disappear. It was beautiful but it left De not really knowing what to do with himself afterwards. He stood with some tension like a kid afraid of stage fright and now the spot light was set on his single, tiny insignificant body. The problem was that De was so used to the simple concepts of whether or not something was actually there. He had grown up dealing with physical objects that he can see and since he can actually see these physical objects, that is what he has to work with. To De, a sheep is a sheep and it isn't anything else because it doesn't need to be anything else. It will always be a sheep from life till death.

But magic is something strange and unknown. If magic were a constant physical thing with it's own shape and form, then De would not have a problem with it. But because magic appears to come from nothing and because it comes in many forms, De remains unsure.
He gave a few looks over himself to make sure that he was still the same as he was before and so far, everything seemed to be in order. He gave a few looks around and saw that everyone else seemed to be completely at ease. They trusted it.
So he swallowed his anxiety for now and followed the herd (so to speak) further down the hallway without another word.

(Heinrich)

Heinrich led the group ever further through the long tunnel. He never looked back behind him to see if the group was still with him. He felt it strange though that one particular member kept to himself the whole time. Urthak of the Lizardfolk and even now he kept to himself. Perhaps he preferred it that way, emotional attachments could also cripple a warrior especially when that attachment is severed. He only hoped that the Lizard's abilities were well focused and perfect. Sometimes a emotional attachment can make you do things and rather enhance your abilities. The will to protect the ones you care about can be very strong indeed. It is those situations that make and break men and women.

Then his walking came to an end as they entered a rather large and ancient chamber.... So large that the light from Heinrich's staff could reach its bottom or other sides... It was massive and one could hear was the echo of water as it dropped from the ceiling and into a large reservoir. Heinrich then turned to his right and began to decend a set of stairs spiraling down.

(Ishmael)

The Paladin nodded as Nova answered his question ,but her own question put him in spot he did not want to be. However, he could not lie to her, it was against his vows. So, all he could do was tell as much as he needed. "I wouldn't know,... From what I have been told my parents went missing and I was raised by priests at a monestary." He answered. "I don't even know if they are alive still, the priests never told me any clues as to what happened to them. Or where they are at."

It was then that they came upon a large chamber that he had no chance of seeing in. His vision could only go so far before all he saw was darkness. He then noticed Heinrich move to the right and he followed him. He had to look to his left though as he descended. He never knew such places even existed. It was truly inspiring, he just had to wonder what they would come up on next.

(Urthak)

Urthak had stayed by himself keeping far away from these people. Well not too far, they were all new to him. Their sent was strange and the way they walked and talked. Each one with his or her own story. They were interesting but he did not know what to make of them just yet. He would wait awhile longer before he would start socializing with them. All thoughts shifted though as the scent of water and wet stone entered his nostrils and before he knew it he was looking into a dark chamber. He wished he had the ability to see it all but it was no good. He followed after the others as they made their right turn down a set of stairs spiraling down for who knows how long.

The sound of the water was rather rhythmatic and rather soothing. He liked the water and wondered if he was going to get to enter it.

(Cassandra)

She had to smirk as De was taking a curious reaction to the magic. Well not curious but startled, he simply checked his body to make sure everything was there. This caused her to chuckle a little, and she patted his right arm. "It's just a rejuvenation spell,.. Don't worry the paladin hasn't cursed you with anything....yet." She said the last part with a little bit of mirth. She then began to recall what he said about the poisons she worked with and that if she could teach him. "Not all my poisons are from poisonous plants but as well as venom from animals and for some of them you have to travel pretty deep to find the best choices. I won't mind teaching you a bit about them when we have the time... Also you want a chemical that is very useful you should go to the cold terrains of the north or the top of some mountain and extract stomach acid from a white worm. They are huge and giant but someone your size should be able to handle one. Perhaps after this mission I should take you some time or lend you some of my poisons so you can do it yourself." She said. "The stomach acid is useful for getting into places without having to be a locksmith. It burns through pretty much any metal."

That was when suddenly the air became a lot more moist and when she focused enough she could smell the water and hear it splash upon the under ground lake. This gave her a feeling of nostalgia. She couldn't help but remember the underground waterfalls and streams that ran through her birth place. In some ways she missed the life she had in the great underdark but then she would recall why she left. She sighed and looked to see the group walking down the spiraling stairs farther into the deep darkness and she wondered if she would be able to show De one of the creatures he could harvest a good poison from.

Kyoto and Ryoko continued to walk forward together and when they came upon the giant chamber with a spiraling stair case going down. There was a strong scent of moisture in the air telling them that this was also a reservoir and who ever carved the stair case built it to go around the underground lake below. He wondered if this is what his goddess's home looked like. From what he was told this was an exact description of it... well maybe not so much but it could look somewhat similar to this. He did not get the chance to take it all in for their leader was already on the move leading them downwards to the great depths of the earth. Heinrich did say they would see great things on their journey and it would seem that he was right.

Ryoko pulled on the collar of her tunic as if trying to make it so that the cool air would have a way of making its way down. As if it wasn't cold enough down here as it was but the atmosphere down here felt so inviting. She could almost feel the moisture against her face. She then hurried forward to catch up with Kyoto just to make sure she did not get left behind.

---

Kyoko was a little annoyed that he had been ignored and he supposed the mage had his reasons. Probably was saving the moment to tell everyone when they found it. Then again maybe it was wise not to tell them. The group could easily turn on him and want the chalice for themselves if they ever found out its power. He however would not have such desires for it. He was a monk after all and he was above all that.

"mm.." He made a noise as he looked up at her, feeling a little dumb as she seemed so familiar with the spell as if it was common knowledge. "Yet..." He rose his brows giving a half amused look that eventually turned into a little smile. " If I fall because my legs turn into.... whatever- your carrying me..and my axe.. I hope you got your magic for that too.." He continued on through the hallway that was soon filled with a water thick air. All the while he kept his eyes swishing from side to side and downwards to watch his step. "Animals.. that's right, i forgot about the venom of serpentine things- good point." And then the mention of a giant white worm made him cringe and he had to give a look at Cassandra. " A what? A giant.. white worm? what the- .." He imagined something like a large maggot or a large grub that the birds find in trees. These things were all that he could have to try and imagine what a creature like that would look like high up in the mountains. " I think i'd feel more secure if I didn't accidentally burn a hole in my armor..this is not cheap.." he said a little insecurely.

Still though, he thought about what it could be like to have that acid on his weapon. He could tear away the armor of any opposing knight with it. " Hm.."
After a small while De noticed that she had gone silent and he gave a quick glance back again. She had a hint of somberness mixed with that '1000 mile long stare' they call it. Its a distant look that some of the soldiers get after killing their first man. De had it too, but you get used to it.
But the slight somberness gave more of the impression that she was reminiscing rather than psychologically compromised. He thought of saying something,but decided to leave it be if she did not want bring it to light. They had just met some few hours ago, but its good to make quick friends especially before having a first battle. It helps ease the mind knowing that there is someone out there who has your back.
So with out another word he decided down the staircase into the abyss.

-Nova-
Nova regretted the very words she said for she felt that she might have said something she shouldn't have. She moved her hand out to touch him but pulled it away slowly."Sorry I didn't know, if I made you feel.... Well hurt from my words I had no intention of it.". She said. She frowned and sighed. 'Good job Nova, just when it was getting interesting' She thought. The sudden feel of the watery vapor did not really help her that much. It made her feel cold and wet. She moved with the flow of the group as she tried to think of what to say her arms crossed and her current mood saddened. She felt the friendship she might have begun to form between the paladin had just faded away. She was afraid to say anything out of fears she would say something wrong again. She made one man feel upset already by jokingly voicing about his hair and now she might have made another one upset. Just when she thought she might have had a thing going.

-Erandur-

Erandur listened to the conversation between his youngest sister and the paladin. Suddenly it went quiet between them and Nova seemed rather... Not herself. She tried to restore the conversation with a apology and then she seemed to be thinking. He wondered what the paladin would say to her next. He enjoyed the quiet but then again he liked to see his sister happy. It was a catch 22 but he felt his sisters happiness was more important. For now he waited but if the man did not say anything back he would step in.

-Elendil-

The change from dusty hallway to moistured air made him feel much to his desire. He looked down to Ajax and smiled. "Reminds me of the time we went over by that waterfall don't it? The way the water splashed and carried itself." He said. He wished he could enjoy it a little bit more but found it not worth getting left behind. He then noticed the lizard man also enjoying it rather well. This intrigued him and made him skip over to Urthak. "So you find it to your liking as well? By chance where do you live?"

Heinrich

Heinrich had ignored the attempts of the monk as he tried to get information out of him about the Chalice. No it was best that he did not know about its power, none of them should know anything like that about it. All they need to know is that in the wrong hands it can bring to the world a dark silence of destruction and despair. There may come a time when he must tell them everything but it wasn't now. Right now they did not need answers, they needed someone to lead therm to it and that was his job. He only prayed to the holy divine that someone had not already beaten them to it. The light from his staff was the only thing illuminating the small area the group was in. The light was a good radius surrounding the whole group just so that they could see the steps they were taking downwards. He would not want one of them to slip and fall into the void of the unknown depths of this chasm. Sound travels a long ways in subterranean environments such as this. The sound of the drops hitting the water below could be who knows how deep. Then there is the question of the deepness of the water below. Would it be deep enough for one to fall into it and not crack open their skulls on the rocks below its surface. Then again if it is really far down that water could feel like hitting a rock and kill someone. As he traveled downwards he began to notice the door way that would lead them out. It was still a good distance away. Perhaps a mile from them maybe more. He smiled and took a deep breathe and then let if back out. "So far so good..." He said particularly to no one.

Cassandra

Cassandra noticed De had suddenly stared at her as if trying to figure out what was going on with her. "You know those times when you suddenly think of your home? I just had one of those moments, it was a a good memory and like most of them of my homeland they get flooded by the bad memories every time I have them." She then looked away narrowing her eyes as she began to move once more and once she was back at the man's side she continued. "My greatest fear, is that I would die by my own kin's hand. It would be the worse kind of death imaginable for me. I know it is different with humans such as yourself it's just... the only drow that would want me dead are the ones from my house. You see the drow society works in what we call houses, and it is the high ranking ones that make up the governing body with a council at the top. Something like a drow going rogue or deserting their house is disgraceful. The only way they could clear that is by killing the traitor. Problem is I still have a place in my heart for some of the members ,if not all, from my house. So you can understand now how it must feel, the thought of being hunted by your brothers and sisters,... and perhaps even your mother and father." She said. As she walked with him though suddenly as sound from the otherside of the dark chasm made her ear twitch and out of a reaction she slammed on the breaks stopping her movement. She even outstretched her arm to stop De as well.

This reaction saved both of them as a black arrow coated with a deadly toxin flew past them and broke against the wall to their right. She looked to the arrow and her eyes widened as her worse fear may have been realized. However, she did not let herself freeze because of it. She looked to De and said one simple word. "Run!.." She Yelled.

Urthak
Urthak rolled his eyes as the elf suddenly approached him from behind and joined his side and asked him about his feelings for the misty atmosphere and he shrugged. He decided that just ignoring him would be rude and would not do them any good. "Yes, I do like it. It feels good against my scales." He answered and then he contemplated on whether he should tell this elf about his homeland. He looked over at the elf and sneered at him. He had the look of..'what are you thinking?'. Then the sound of Cassandra yelling the word run got him to look to her and then towards the darkness to their left. He saw it just in time for him to bring up his falchion. It's large blade made it real easy for him to deflect the air. What unnerved him was he could smell the vile scent of the poison on it. He turned around to face Elendil. "Well you heard her... Run!" He then began to run down as well.

Ishmael
Ishmael finally had a feeling like someone was staring at him rather intently and when he looked to who it was he saw Erandur and then Nova's words rang through his head and sighed. He looked over to Nova and sighed he moved close to her grabbing her hand and lifting it up. "Sorry, I did not mean to make you sad, of course you didn't know. How could you?... Do not feel guilty for something that not even I had no control over." He said his eyes full of sympathy. Then the sound of the arrow cracking against the wall, with Cassandra's yell for them to run soon following it, caused him to turn to face the darkness. He saw a arrow going right for Nova. His behavior followed as such with suddenly pulling her close to him and moving to her left side using his back as a shield. Suddenly without even muttering a word, white wings spread out from his back and covered them with the wings. When the air hit the wings it, along with the wings shattered. The spell was a simple shield spell which caused the arrow to splinter and shatter. He then quickly guided her along using his own body as a human shield.

Aeria and Deedlith

Aeria had positioned her self behind Kyoto with Deedlith to her right. She listened to the conversation that Kyoto and the other woman were having and it seemed rather nice. Then like all good peaceful moments. It all came to a end and for her, her reflexes saved her. She bent her back a bit more backwards as a arrow shot past her but for Deedlith,... she was not so lucky. The air that nearly hit Aeria hit her, not in a usually killing spot for it did not go in so deep thanks to the armor she wore. However, the pain at her side from the venom she could not ignore as well as the blunt trauma of getting flung to the ground from the force of the arrow. Aeria looked to her elven companion and her face filled with distress as she moved to Deedlith. She did her best helping her friend up to her feet and running with her. Using her own strength as a support for her. This attack would force them all to run farther down the rabbit hole with Heinrich standing at the door way that he had seen earlier.

Heinrich stood there waiting for each member to go past him and into the exit out of the killzone. He then began using his magic to send magic missiles, floating orbs with long thin tails that explode when contacted with a target, towards the arrows that were shot out. It wasn't too hard for him sense from the count of the arrows there were not that many archers shooting at them.

Unknown Enemy

"Damn traitor just had to keep herself from getting hit by the arrow as well as her human friend...." One of the drow spoke as she fitted another arrow onto her bow and took aim. She released it and found her efforts for another try thwarted by the mages magic. She growled but felt a hand touch her shoulder. She looked up behind her to Ezekiel. She blushed slightly at him.
"Don't let your anger get the best of you, he cant hit everyone of our arrows." He said as he looked to the other archers. Danika followed his gaze and then looked back to their targets and saw that they had some difficult targets to hit. However, they did nail one target though, and it just happened to be one of the stinking elves. "Nice shot Ariel, you killed one of the elves anyways,... let's see if we can hit the others and Cassandra the traitor." She said with a bit of glee. Ezekiel smiled at her enjoyment as he watched the group run for their lives. That mage was good though but he did not care. The message they sent was clear,... 'That they were prey to a much more prestine and superior race of beings known as the drow.

"The only advantage they have and the only help they have are Cassandra and our Surface cousins. Their low light sensitivity gives them the advantage he. We must kill them all first and then we can play with the rest,... perhaps save the pink haired one. Me and Danika would love to play with that one ourselves."

~Nova~
Nova suddenly began to blush as Ishmael turned to suddenly face her ,and when he touched her hand and began to lift them up, she felt like she was in some kind of fairy tale that children were told when they were young. He was the knight in white shining armor and she was the princess that he came to save. Only that fairy tale became more real when suddenly she heard a crack as something hit the wall behind them and before she could look she heard Cassandra yell for them to run. Before she could do anything she was pulled in close to Ishmael. Real close, close to the point she could almost hear him breathe and despite the current situation her face turned even more red. However, she began to be worried when he stepped in the path of where the arrows were coming from. However, it was misplaced as Ishmael had all the magical abilities he needed to protect her. He wrapped white wings around her and himself and suddenly just as it went up, it shattered into thousands of pieces along with the arrow that could have killed either one of them. Then Ishmael pulled her along and continued to use his own self as a human shield to protect her.

Her heart began to race rapidly as she moved with him and in a strange way she was actually quite excited. This was almost a story book kind of event. Here she was under attack with nothing but her guardian angel to protect her. The moment they got into the exit of the large chasm she wanted badly to go help Heinrich. Then again he was pretty powerful from the way he carried himself. Still, how long can he keep that defense going. She suddenly slammed her hand onto the metal breast plate of Ishmael. "Hold on, your a paladin right?.. and I am a sorcerer. Lets help Heinrich with our spells, I don't care if he is a high mage or not but he can't deflect all those arrows!" She yelled.

~Erandur~
Erandur was just as in shock as most of them when the crack happened and when he looked to the source and saw a black arrow he had only one conclusion. It was a drow ambush. He turned to look to Cassandra but her actions and words ruled her out as having something to do with this. He then looked to his sister and the paladin. He smirked and pushed back the bangs from his face. His little sister was placed under the best protection. He drew out his bow and proceeded down the stairs until he reached the safety of Heinrich's defense and stood to the side of him. He then used his eagle like vision and low light eyes to see the dark figures who launched their volley of arrows at them. He took aim set a arrow in place and pulled back on the bow and released launching a silver tipped arrow in the direction of the attackers. He did not expect to hit the evil dark skinned cousins but he could at least provide some covering fire. "Elendil!... get over here and help me return some fire!" He yelled.

~Elendil~

Elendil felt bad for the sight he saw. The young elf maiden was hit by one of the poisoned arrows of the drow. He could tell by the black shaft. If she did not get the wound treated quickly she could die. He moved to help Aeria move Deedlith down the stairs and as he was coming down he heard Erandur yell out an order. Elendil wanted to refuse but looked up to see Ishmael. "Hey can you take care of this?" He asked and then ran out drawing his own bow and quickly fitting an arrow in place. Before firing he tapped the tip of the arrow with his index finger. "Zoi,.." He said and suddenly the arrow head turned a crimson color and when he released it the whole arrow burst into flames and would explode on impact. Which should really cause the drow to take cover which would buy the slower members time to get into the safety of the exit.

Kyoto, Ryoko, and Kyoko were all taken by surprise by the turning events. The sound of the arrows hitting the sides of the walls and the the words RUN ringing out. Kyoto did not hesitate when he ran for he head nothing else he could do. His sword could not attack ranged targets at all. He cursed under his breathe wishing that he could do something for the group but there was nothing he could do. All that there was was for him to run. He wouldn't have minded showing off his swordsmanship to the others. Perhaps next time when the enemy is much closer and in range of his blade. He looked beside him and then then behind to make sure Ryoko was still behind him.

Ryoko was only a couple feet from Kyoto's left side and she was doing rather well when it came to running. She too wished she could do something but she wasn't going to dwell on it too much. When they got to the exit way she saw that Kyoko was already there but someone had gotten hit by a arrow. The unfortunate one was Deedlith, the rather friendly and curious elf. Ryoko watched as her friend loomed over her asking for help. There was nothing she could do.

Kyoko stood by as well waiting for the time for them all to make way down the hallway and away from the chasm. He was slowing his breathing down from the running he had undergone. His Ransuer did not make it any easier for him to run. He just looked out and watched as the Elf ranger Elendil released some kind of fire arrow from his bow. Did rangers have that kind of power or was that just something elves could do?.

" hm.." He answered cassandras first question and his eyes settled down and he turned his head forward, satisfied with her question. " I don't think i've thought of home in a long while... I can only wish my parents have had a quiet, peaceful death." Out of the corner of his eye he saw her look away in anxiety, expressing that she feared getting killed by her own kin, or 'house' as she called it. Fearing the possibility that her own family would be tasked with slaying her as a traitor. De only hoped that despite Cassandras slight and sugar coated comments of her own kin that her mother, father, sister or brother would still hold the same place in their hearts as she did for them. He liked to think that love can conquer all, it was something of a human belief to give them courage and hope through their darkest fears. Before he could formulate something of comfort to her, she outstretched her hand in front of his chest plate suddenly and he staggered back in reaction suddenly catching wind of an arrow passing through his hair. He grunted and briefly looked back to see where it had hit the wall then he turned his head back to Cassandra and she only shouted what was on his mind already.

His brows furrowed together in discontent as he trotted along. He had to run a certain way because of his armor so that he could carry himself without a misstep and so that he could keep his breathing regular to keep a constant stamina. He did not like the feel of this and he had to say something. " What if they are herding us into an ambush? Be on your guard and stay together! Strong fighters to the sides and the front! Ranged fighters inside!" He had no experience with working with mages but he decided it would be best to do an old stand by formation. Protect your ranged fighters inside a box formation while they load their attacks and then crouch down to let them fire, then raise back up to defend them while they load again.

Drow

The Drow did not enjoy it when their targets began to return fire. Especially Ezekiel and Danika. Ezekiel's eyes light up though when he noticed what the elf Elendil did as he saw the arrow of flames shoot towards them. He looked to his fellow kinsmen and swung his arms out, "Retreat!" He yelled and as one got up to do exactly that an arrow from Erandur nailed the drow elf in the chest causing Ezekiel to curse. He began to evacuate his drow hunters out just as the flame arrow hit causing several debri to fall and for parts of the ledge to collapse. He lost three other men from the attack and almost lost Danika if he had not moved to catch her hand. He pulled her up and exited not even caring if the other two remaining drow with them made it safe. "Damn that wizard and damn those bloody elves, I hope Nerull cuts their throats in their sleep." He barked.

Danika looked up at him and sighed. "Don't worry we got two drow out and we at least killed one of the elves,..." She said pausing trying to comfort him. He looked up to her and his hatred left him and he nodded. "Your right Danika, the ambush up a ways should finish off the remaining people..."
"I doubt it..." She said and he looked up at her raising a brow and lowering the other. "We have warriors waiting for them, and from what I could see they have some very good fighters with them. Slow them down maybe but not finish them off. We can hope all we want my love but its just false hope in the end." She said. She then rose up to her full height and looked to the two remaining drow. Ariel was the one on the left and on the right was a male drow named Malakai. She sighed and then looked back to Ezekiel. "These tunnels go on for ever with many turns we will have another chance, lets go back and plan for another hit." She said and Ezekiel decided that she was right after all. So what if they lost four drow back there, they died because they were weak.

Cassandra

Cassandra wished De was wrong and that there was not another ambush ahead but they had no other choice. They had to keep moving and the chances of another attack coming on them at closer range would not be good for them. Not at all, His plan was a good one though. The strong take up the front to fight against any close range fighters and to provide cover for their own ranged attackers. However, when they reached the exit she looked to see that Deedlith had been hit by one of the arrows and she grimaced. She knew the venom would be coursing through her veins right about now and soon she would die. Sooner then one would think. Cassandra looked to Ishmael and shook her head. "Don't waste your spells, you may be a paladin but those arrows were laced with a toxin that will kill her in a couple seconds,... I hate to sound cold but she is already gone. She looked back to Deedlith and could see the woman already foaming at the mouth and in not time her eyes suddenly rolled back and she was gone. Cassandra looked away. "See,... we should get going sense the elves have pushed their bowmen back. We shall reform our positions so that the close ranged fighters such as myself, De, Urthak, Kyoto, Kyoko, Ishmael, and Erandur can keep the ranged attackers safe... Aeria your with us as well. Nova, Elendil, Heinrich, Ryoko you will be in the middle." She said. She then looked to De and then two others positioning herself next to him as they proceeded to move.

Ishmael

Ishmael was about to ignore the drow elf as he looked to her and heard her words. He then looked back to Deedlith and saw the truth in them. He looked to Aeria and bowed his head. "I am sorry for your friend but she is already gone, my spells can heal the living but I have none that can bring her back from the dead." He said. He then listened to Cassandra's next set of words and he looked to Nova and then back to her nodding. "I will take position then.." He said as he moved to join them in their going forward.

Urthak

Urthak felt a little bad for the human but there was nothing he could do or say. He just moved over and lifted her up. "We have not time for funerals... wont be long before we are fighting again and right now the only way you can help her is by surviving this." He said. He knew not their history and did not care to learn it. Right now there was only one thing on his mind and that was survival. There was a time for grieving but now was not it. He then positioned himself to the opposite side of Ishmael with his sword out and ready. Ishmael took the sign as well to draw weapons.

Heinrich

Heinrich turned and listened to the words of his companions. There was wisdom in their words and he felt a bit proud of them. Despite Cassandra's coldness towards the now dead elf, but she knew what she was talking about. This was a opponent she knew about and she would know how to combat them and she must of seen the greatness in De's plan and went with it. If a physical fight went among them and these drow were the fighters more able then the others?... or were the fighters just more skilled and stronger then these drow. He would ask her later and more. She knew what to expect and that could be useful. He took his position in the middle right behind De and Cassandra so he could direct them of where to go if they came to a cross-way.

Aeria

Aeria looked up at Cassandra with anger at her words. To give up on a companion was so cruel and when she looked back to her childhood friend she could see that even if it was cold of her, she knew it would be futile. Still, she should not have just given up, not when it was Deedlith that they were talking about. She grew up with her and she enjoyed the times they had together... but that would all end now. She suddenly felt herself getting lifted up by the lizard man and his words hit her and hit her strong. She did nothing by just sitting here. They had to get out and survive no matter what. She could always tell others about Deedlith and keep her immortalized in her thoughts.

Nova looked to Deedlith as she listened to Cassandra's words. At first she let her elvish thinking get in the way and simply assumed Cassandra was being cold because of the fact she was a drow elf. However, as she observed Deedlith's fazes from dying to dead she realized that she in fact knew what she was talking about. She then heard the plans all being laid out and looked to Ishmael who had looked to her nodding to her and moving to a spot. She took her spot beside him and behind De. As long as, she was beside Ishmael she did not care what they did. She turned to find Erandur taking his own spot as well as Elendil and Heinrich who was right beside her. She looked to the mage and noticed that he wasn't all that old to be truthful. Perhaps it was his magical intellect that made him seem older. She then turned her head forwards and wondered what more would the drow throw at them.

Erandur had taken his spot right beside Elendil and he was as close to his sister as he could get. In case the paladin couldn't protect her. He turned a bit to look behind him and he could tell that the drow that had attacked had left but that wasn't the end of them. He knew that for certain.

Kyoto, Kyoko, and Ryoko took their positions mostly towards the back. Kyoto held the hilt of his katana so tight his knuckles were white. Waiting for the time to draw it. Now he was tasked with protecting those who focused mainly on ranged attacks. Ryoko being one of them. She was indeed something but she was no Hotaru. He would keep her protected though, such a person with skills and potential would be a waste if she died here. It was a shame the elf woman had died though but there was nothing he could do. He was a simple swordsmen and that was it.

Ryoko was not enjoying the next couple minutes at all. Their peaceful moments gone just like that. She thought she was actually getting somewhere with Kyoto. Stupid Drow and their terrible timing. She felt as if everything was going to start falling apart one by one. These tunnels where not going to be the safest or no eventful as she had hoped.

Kyoko taking a position on the outer wall of the group he had many thoughts going on. Why were these Drow hunting us? Are they after the Chalice as well? Or do they simply see us as a good group to hit and salvage from like most bandits. They had lost one person already and he wondered how many more were going to die before they would get to see the light.

"Hmmm.." De gave a noise of disappointment and frustration. They had practically all watched the elvish woman die right in front of them and they were still powerless to do anything about it. He gave a sigh, closing his eye slightly as he took in the scene. Obviously Cassandra did have an upper hand as she was cery familiar to their ways.
So he turned around and slowly unsheathed his battle axe. One by one he felt the presences of the group one by one, casssandra standing next to him of course and he gave one brief look back at the group. They all seemed rather down hearted and that was to be expected. So he turned his head forwards again and he had to ask cassandra. "You dont happen to be familiar with these walls do you?" He decided stay put and wait the supposed captain or leader to tell them to move out. It simply wasnt in his place to make decisions and disrespect the chain of commands.