The paladin stood there in shock for a few moments after the Governor's rebuke. Bailash either had great faith in this drow and was unwilling to share the basis for such trust or he was unspeakably foolish, and neither possibility sat well with Chiron.

Everyone else had retired to the dining room to finish their reports and enjoy a nice meal. Chiron followed, still dazed. Bailash had asked him here to protect the town from an external threat, and then all but tells him to ignore a potentially greater hazard from within.

Chiron absently takes a seat. The table is lavishly set, with various meats, cheeses and fruits, but he hardly notices. Placing an elbow on either side of his empty plate, and wrapping one hand around the other, Chiron drops his forehead down onto his clasped hands and tries to find a way to stay and help. The conversation around him faded in and out and Chiron caught only bits and pieces, lost in thought as he was.

"I can only hope I'm wrong... avatar of Tiamat, the Queen of Evil dragon-kind. If so we are in grave danger."

"Tomorrow one of my hopefuls... will be willing to join the group."

"As the book says, Are such adventurers present and ready to undertake this task?"

Chiron didn't know that answer to that question. He wasn't opposed to working with a dark elf as a matter of principle, but he'd seen in the past how much damage could be done by giving too much trust and forgiveness too quickly to one who wasn't penitent. This was Castor's town, though, and Chiron had no authority to countermand the Governor's wishes.

"I am an adventurer, and maybe now it is time..."

"If it pleases you Bailash I will take these tomes and study..."

He needed counsel, and no one here, himself included, was capable of offering an unbiased perspective on the situation. So he would find someone who was capable.

"Governor Bailash," Chiron began, standing from the table, "Is there, somewhere in your town, a church of Ilmater? Or, if not, then a temple to Tyr, or Torm? Failing those, a church of Lathander?"

Ardulace listened quietly to the flow of the conversation, picking daintily at the food before her. The Governor’s suspicions about the Queen of Evil dragons meant little to her. Her knowledge of such things was limited, but as she had already agreed to pursue this matter, and did not think it at an end yet, she considered it only to be another challenge on what had already been a difficult road.

Though she expressed no outward sign, her heart jumped as the Governor put Chiron quite firmly in his place. Perhaps now that their mutual employer had given such a show of support, Chiron would let the matter be. Or not. She did not dare underestimate the man. Still, Bailash may or may not know her true race, and she might not be able to count on his support if Chiron chose to betray her secret.

"As the book says, are such adventurers present and ready to undertake this task?”, asked the Governor.

Ardulace took barely a moment from her meal to reply, “Yes, of course”, as if the question need not have been asked.

"Governor Bailash," Chiron began, standing from the table, "Is there, somewhere in your town, a church of Ilmater? Or, if not, then a temple to Tyr, or Torm? Failing those, a church of Lathander?"

A cold chill ran down the drowess’ spine as Chiron rose and questioned the Governor. Did Chiron seek a place to pray for guidance? Or was he going to find allies with which to continue his campaign against her? Surely he could pray in private on his own, the gods could hear one’s prayers wherever one might be. Chiron could not possibly be personally devoted to all of those many gods. He could only be going to them to seek like-minded folk to aid him.


Rising from the table herself, Ardulace bowed to the Governor. “Please do not think me ungracious or unappreciative of thy hospitality, Your Lordship, but I have wounds from this morning’s encounter that require my attention.”

Turning to Seluumiel, she retrieves her sword and bow, “Many thanks, Seluumiel, thy support is much appreciated.” She replaces her sword on her belt, and keeps her bow in hand. To the moon elf and the others, she says “I shall see thee all at the Nightshade Inn this evening, where I am sure we will have much to discuss.”

Turning on her heel with neither a word nor even a glance at Chiron, she leaves the room and heads for the street.

“Will it never end?” she thinks to herself as she fights back tears of rage and frustration.“A rightful place awaits thee in the Realm Above, in the Land of the Great Light. Come in peace and live beneath the sun again, where trees and flowers grow.” She recites Eilistraee’s creed to herself over and over again as she leaves the building.

Xavier nodded his approval as Bailash explained the situation to him about his sister. So she was safe. Wonderful. He wondered about that assassin that she had run into... if he was still alive or not. He probably was. But that wasn't important to him. His sister was well, and he would soon see her. Unless the governor was lying to him to delay the inevitable. Then in one day he would feast on the blood of a man of the law. Picking up his wine glass which Simon had provided him with, and gazing at the dark red liquid that filled it, Xavier suddenly felt a lurch in his stomach. However, he had no time to excuse himself, as the governor invited them to dine.

Xavier walked into the dining hall rather clumsily. He was crashing from his dependancy, and was in need to feed, yes, however it wasn't the kind of feed that most would think of. His heritage had been rather well hidden, but now he was starting to feel like he couldn't hold it up for a lot longer. His fangs inched out past his normal teeth, though still inside of his mouth, and his breathing became heavy and laboured. Going to the wall, Xavier puts his hand against it in order to brace himself up, to prevent him from falling over. He was dizzy, and the people in this room all pulled at his fancies. But he couldn't drink from them. Yet.

Chiron was already flipping out about Lacey. So she was one of the dark elves. Big deal. They had an adventure with her, and she seemed just as good as the paladin himself. However, Lacey had proven herself. Xavier hadn't done anything too major in the ways of good. However, if he showed his heritage to them now, it wouldn't be a big plus for him. Vampires were not the favourite thing for many creatures... especially not paladins. He wouldn't hear the end of it, and would probably end up staked. So, he had to do this his way. And so, he would take to the streets.

"Governor, your news thrills me really. But you see, I have a condition. I saw some of the herbs that my sister used for my medicine out in the forest. I'm not too hungry right now, so I will leave you to dine with my companions while I go out and search for this. I am truly sorry for this, and I thank you for arranging to save my sister. Now however, I must leave. I shall return in due time."

Turning, and continuing to use the wall as a brace in order to conserve energy, Xavier walked back to the front door of the governor's house. At the door, Xavier decided that it was now or never to get the blood, and so he took a deep breath, and decided that now was the time to use the energy that he had remaining. Standing up fully, and taking long, measured strides, he strode out into the city, looking for a suitable meal... er, companion for the night. Perhaps the best place to start was the tavern... Xavier walked through the town, looking for a place like the one where he could finally be fed... and maybe a bit more.

Seluumiel handed him the "Book of Unwritten Chronicles" and as he read the pages, he noticed that something was left out of Seluumiels reading, unless it hadn't been written until now.

"That's interesting", Bailash said. "All those who have agreed to take up the mission, their words have been recorded."

He slides the open book back to Seluumiel.

He then hears Chiron ask about the temples of the town. "We in Leaphaven are legal stewards of a temple of Illmater. However, due to the war in the north, the temple's location has been moved south of the town three hours ride from here. You may have time to visit the temple if you set out now. Using the Kingdom's Capitol as a starting point, from the largest building visible on the horizon to the southwest, travel due south for one and a half hours until you find what looks like a grave marker shaped into the symbol of Illmater. The entrance is hidden, however. It is said that a prayer asking Illmater for the revelation of the entrance from a true follower will show the way. The temple was safely relocated and built underground on newly hallowed ground. The original building is still here in town, but is empty."

Rising from the table, Ardulace bowed to the Governor. “Please do not think me ungracious or unappreciative of thy hospitality, Your Lordship, but I have wounds from this morning’s encounter that require my attention.”

"Many thanks, Seluumiel," says Lacey, while she retrieves her bow and returns her sword to its place at her hip. "Thy support is much appreciated."

Despite Chiron's feelings about the drow, his training and belief that no suffering should go unredressed in the world made him try to delay Ardulace's leaving. "Wait."

Moving around the table to where the drow is finishing with her scabbard, Chiron continues, "The cloak is beyond my ability, but your burns I can heal easily." He holds up an open hand and waits to see if she'll accept his offer.

Turning on her heel with neither a word nor even a glance at Chiron, she leaves the room and heads for the street.

Rising from the table Ardulace bowed to the Governor. “Please do not think me ungracious or unappreciative of thy hospitality, Your Lordship, but I have wounds from this morning’s encounter that require my attention.”

Turning to Seluumiel, she retrieves her sword and bow, “Many thanks, Seluumiel, thy support is much appreciated.” She replaces her sword on her belt, and keeps her bow in hand. To the moon elf and the others, she says “I shall see thee all at the Nightshade Inn this evening, where I am sure we will have much to discuss.”

Seluumiel smiled "I shall see you there tonight."

The moon elf sipped her wine as she watched the drowess depart. She would have offered Ardulace healing earlier but she had been too lost in her own thoughts to notice the other woman's injuries. Would the Seldarine grant healing to a dark elf, even one who served Eilistraee? She pressed a finger to her lips as she pondered the thought.

Seluumiel returned her attention to Bailash and handed him the "Book of Unwritten Chronicles." He took a moment to read the passage before looking up from the book

"That's interesting", Bailash said. "All those who have agreed to take up the mission, their words have been recorded."

He slides the open book back to her.

Taking the book Seluumiel reads the passage over again. 'All those who have agreed to take up the mission, their words have been recorded.' She smiled, the book's magic had begun to take hold.

The moon elf looked up to the governor as she replied. "The tome is of a magical nature." She pauses and places both books in her bag. "I will share any correlations I discover tomorrow."

Seluumiel lifts her glass, "It seems the others are taking their leave. If there is nothing further you wish to discuss I shall make my way to the Nightshade Inn and begin my study." She takes a sip of the wine and returns the cup to the table, "Tell me Bailash, would there be a quiet area nearby the inn with a full view of the night sky?"

She stands facing the governor, awaiting his reply.

"Very well," Chiron thought as Ardulace walked away. "I did my duty in offering."

"Governor Bailash, I would like audience with you tomorrow morning, if that is acceptable. I would like to discuss my involvement in aiding your town. Right now, I must ride south. Good evening to you all."

With that the paladin turned and quickly made his way out of the mansion and over to Prajna. "Hey there, beautiful." he said, as he stroked her thick mane. "We've got some running to do and I'm afraid you're not going to like me very much by the time we get where we need to go."

He pulled himself up into the saddle, and patted Prajna on the neck one more time before bringing the horse up to a medium trot and maneuvering through the streets and out of town. "I'm sorry..." Chiron whispered in Prajna's ear as the passed through the gate leading out of town, and he snapped the reins and spurred the horse into an all-out gallop heading south to the Temple of Ilmater.

Replying to Seluumiel's query, Bailash says,

"Actually my dear, I was not kidding when I said I had set all of you up in the best rooms the Inn had to offer. All the rooms on the top floor are sound proof yours has a balcony."

Ardulace steps around the corner of the building to take a few moments to compose herself. Once she has calmed herself, she returns to the front of the building just in time to see Chiron exit, and ride away at a gallop on his horse. What she had done to earn such enmity from the man was a mystery to her. She thought herself used to such reactions, but in truth, it hurt anew each time.

Though she wanted to find the Nightshade Inn and rest in seclusion, she had much to do before she could. Her cloak had been virtually shredded by the dragon's acid. Beyond that, more than a little of the acid had found its way through the seams of her armor and burned her as well as damaging much of the clothing she wore beneath her armor. First she needed to find a clothier to replace what had been damaged. She left her wounds untended for the time being. 'How odd', she thought, 'that Chiron would offer to heal wounds caused by a dragon whose existence he accuses me of fabricating.'

With that she set off into the town, and with the help of some townsfolk, quickly found the shop of a reputable clothier. Unwilling to commission tailored clothing for which she would have to wait, she restricted herself to choosing from what the shop had on hand. The selection was a bit limited, and she ended up leaving with two pairs of leather pants (a bit tighter than she would have preferred), and two raw, unbleached silk blouses with more daring necklines than she was accustomed. In addition, she purchased a simple cotton shift, and midnight blue velvet gown with intricate needlework at hem, cuff and neckline.

As she left the clothier, following the shopkeeper's directions to the Nightshade Inn, she passed the window of a shop. Prominently displayed in the window were a variety of musical instruments. Ardulace stared wistfully at them for a moment, then sighed and turned away. She made it three steps before she turned back and entered the shop. Ten minutes later she left again, a lute, well used, but in excellent condition hidden in the depths of her Heward's pack.

With a new spring in her step, she headed for the Nightshade Inn

"Actually my dear, I was not kidding when I said I had set all of you up in the best rooms the Inn had to offer. All the rooms on the top floor are sound proof and have and yours has a balcony."

Seluumiel cocked her head to the side at the man's reply. My dear. She was unaccustomed to being addressed as such, and the man's patronizing air was beginning to irk her. Nevertheless she smiled and touched the governor's arm.

"Thank you Bailash, if there is nothing further for us to discuss here I will take my leave for the evening."

As Seluumiel and Satya were the only two adventurers left in the dinning room Satya felt that maybe the time had come to excuse herself. She heard Bailash speak of an inn to sleep at for the night and it made her drowsy just at the mention of it. The fullness of her belly did not help matters either. Satya rose and took a moment to gather her things as Seluumiel spoke with the governor about a place under the stars.

When Satya was sure that she would not be interrupting she asked "Sir, if you please I am not familiar with this town and would also like a safe place to rest for the night. I think I should like to stay at the same inn as the others. If you could point me in the right direction I think I can find my way just fine. I was not included in the invitation originally and therefor do not expect anything in return for what we are about to do. I just do not feel safe sleeping in the wilds so close to so great a danger at this time. Magic at the very best makes me uneasy for I was raised to hate and fear it. I have learned that not all forms are evil or harmful, but just the same I do not like feeling defenseless. It is not something that I have much experience with."

Bailash finally assumes a more appropriate role as protector and employer with a different attitude as he begins to see for the first time that women can be strong and at the same time have the frailities that had always been pointed out to him by his father.

The Governor pulls out a pouch of silver coins, twenty in all, and hands it to Satya saying,"Satya, your goodness and honesty will not go unrewarded. The saving of the boy is owed just as much in part to you as it is to Lacey. As you have accepted the invitation you found, you are now in my employ and I take care of my own. Now, take these coins and have a good time on me. It may very well be the last night of good times and high humor that you have for a while, for you are as the daring warrior the night before war. That house and quite possibly its origin must be neutralized if this realm is to survive. From what everyone is telling me, it sounds like an invasion is eminent. Keep in mind that I sent out five invitations. Before that I set up five rooms for those I called. Spend a safe night at the Nightshade Inn as a thank you for answering that call. Good night, Satya."

With her new clothing neatly wrapped in a plain brown paper package under her arm, and her newly purchased lute well secured in her pack, Ardulace wound her way through the busy streets of Leaphaven towards the Nightshade Inn. She spotted it while still more than a block away; a large rambling building of several stories. It seemed a well kept establishment, and was certainly in one of the more pleasant areas of town. Nonetheless, she approached with caution, keeping a close eye out for Chiron or anyone that might be allied with him. No one seemed to take any great notice of her, and that was probably for the best. She began a slow walk around the building, noting all the entrances and exits, which windows lead out onto balconies or the roof, and which had nothing but a precipitous drop to the street below.

As she came around the backside of the Inn, she noted several freestanding privies. “Perfect”, she thought to herself. Making sure that no one was observing her, she stepped into the privacy of the nearest outhouse and closed the door behind her. Peering out through a knothole in the door, she waited. When ten minutes had passed and she had not spotted anyone suspicious, she closed her eyes and concentrated on her appearance. It was but a minutes work to alter what others saw from the image of a tall, slender half elf in armor, to a slightly shorter, slightly heavier human girl dressed in common clothing, with red hair and freckles. Ardulace took a moment to stow her bow, sword and shield into her Haversack, then slipped out of the privy.

At the front desk, she bobbed a curtsey to the innkeeper, and smiled, “G’day, sir. Me mistress has sent me ahead to book lodgings for the evenin’.” She dropped several gold coins on the desk. “Ground floor if ye please, she’s terrible feared of fires, she is.”

The innkeeper happily swept the coins into his till, “And your Mistress’ name?”

“The Lady Evaine Guaire. Oh, and she’ll be wantin’ a room with a private bath, if its not too much trouble”, she dropped another pair of gold coins on the desk.

“That will be no trouble at all”, replied the innkeeper, deftly securing the coins. Handing her an intricate brass key, he pointed down the hall. “Just around that corner, all the way to the end, last door on the right. Enjoy your stay.” He made no offer to help the ‘maid’ with her baggage, and she’d have turned him down if he had.

“Thank ye very kindly sir,” Ardulace took the key and headed off to her room. Perhaps her precautions were unnecessary, but she felt safer knowing that if Chiron came in looking for her by name or description he’d have a difficult time of it.

Once safely in her room, she bolted the door, made certain the windows were closed, curtains drawn and shutters shut. She drew her sword, shield and bow from the Haversack, and placed them within easy reach of the bed. Piece by piece she stripped her armor off. Peering over her shoulder at the mirror she saw the gaping rents in her clothing where the dragon’s acid had slipped through the gaps in her armor. Her blouse and trousers were ruined. She took them off as well, and saw the burns the acid had etched into her flesh.
Closing her eyes, she whispered a brief prayer to Eilistraee, “Blessed Maiden, grant thy humble servant thy healing touch.” As she felt the flow of the divine power coursing through her, she laid a hand upon her own shoulder and cast a healing spell. She watched in the mirror as the wounds closed and vanished, flawless unscarred flesh in their place. Satisfied with the result, she took a quick cold bath, and dressed in her new clothing. Once dressed, she donned her heavy armor, strapped on her weapons, and resumed her half-elven appearance. Her bow and quiver she left by the bed, she doubted she’d need them in town.

Taking care to avoid the front desk, she slipped out a back door of the Inn, and struck out into town, seeking the poorer quarters. There was always so much to be done.

Feeling weaker and weaker by the minute, Xavier stumbles about as though he were drunk. Anyone in this bad part of town that saw him, would see their chance for some easy coin. Little would anyone in this seedy section of society suspect his true nature. Even when their intentions aren't to do harm, but to provide vice for a price.

From a darkened corner of a run down tavern, a feminine voice, dripping with sweet honey, calls from the shadows, "Are you in want of some company tonight, Sweet'eart?" She slowly and seductively makes her way into the dim street lamps to give Xavier a better look at her curvy, volumptuous figure.