Xavier glanced over beside him in the bed. She lay silent beside him, but still breathing. She had made a commitment to him, and he would honour it. However, for the time being, he needed to get back to his acquaintances. They did have a job to do.

Noticing a quill and paper nearby, Xavier gets out of the bed, careful not to disturb the woman who slept beside where he had been. Scribbling a brief note saying that he would be back later. He walked over to where his clothes were, and reached in to his pocket, searching for something to leave so that she would have a memento of him to remember. He didn't have anything though... Except...

He unzipped the lining of his cloak and withdrew one of his many Shuriken. Taking is and stabbing the note to the wall with it, Xavier proceeded to dress himself, then silently stalked out into the night again.

It felt good to be out in the night. And it felt good to be nourished. In fact, he hadn't felt this good for a long time. Now the question was... where was everyone else? Hadn't the governor recommended an inn? Maybe that was a good place to start. Now if only he could remember the name of the bloody place...

_______________________

Xavier will head to the inn that the governor recommended, and if nobody's there, then he will return to the governor's building.

During the lute player's lively song, Satya danced with abandon from the heart, wishing to have the time of her life tonight. The only thing that could make it any better would be a real man to share it with. During her dance, she couldn't help but notice that one of the town guards, young and the perfect picture of masculinity, was staring, intranced by her feminine moves and exotic body.
As their eyes locked he beckoned for another round of what he was having and began to approach Satya with a glass of wine in each hand. The music stopped, and so did time, or so it seemed for these two. The musician didn't seem to like the attention her playing attracted, so she got up and took the coins she earned, then exited quickly.

Cheffron approached Satya and handed her a glass of wine and said, "You look as though you could use it. You dance wonderfully. Can you dance just as well with a partner? I'm Cheffron Goodlynn."

Piano music begins once more as the previous player returns and Cheffron looks deep into Satya's eyes, "May I have this dance, Mi'lady?"

As the song ended, and the crowd cheered with up lifted spirits, the bashful musician seemed to have had her fill of attention for the evening. Satya was sad to see her pick up to leave but as her eyes traveled back across the room her disappointment melted away as her eyes locked on the guard that she had noticed watching her intently through the dance. He now had two drinks in his hand and was walking over to greet her. Satya's heart was racing from so many things happening all at once that she began to feel light headed.

Cheffron approached Satya and handed her a glass of wine and said, "You look as though you could use it. You dance wonderfully. Can you dance just as well with a partner? I'm Cheffron Goodlynn."
"Thank you." Satya takes the glass proffered her, and puts it lightly to her mouth taking only the smallest sip. She smiles as she lets her tongue glide ever so slightly across her lips. "We will have to see, for I have never had the great pleasure of dancing with a partner before."

"May I have this dance, Mi'lady?"
Satya took one more small sip and set the glass down on the table. Then taking his drink as well and setting it next to her own, she linked arms with Cheffron and led him to the open space where people where still mingling and waiting for more lively music. As he pulled her close to him ready to catch her up in a reel she whispered in his ear, "I am Satya."

They spoke very little as they danced the night away. Their glasses sat neglected on the table for some time as they where caught up with the intoxication of each other. When the music slowed down they did not stop. The physical connection between them never breaking but for the briefest of moments.

"Thank you."

The paladin rises to his feet and cautiously approaches the doorway. The symbol of Ilmater takes up almost the entire front side of the door. Trusting that he had found the place he had been seeking, he pushed the stone door open and walked inside to find a priest.

As Chiron decended the steps into the temple, he takes notice of the walls and floor being similarly tiled with smooth, glossy tile. The corridor in which he found himself to be seemed long and narrow. There appeared to be a light at the end, brighter than the torches held by sconces along the hallway. Being that the temple was underground, he couldn't fathom what could create such a bright light. Maybe devine power?

As Chiron continues, the smooth tiles begin to abruptly display etched pictograms. Three tile lengths ahead display a devout follower removing his shoes and foot coverings. The next three tile lengths show the same devout follower taking three steps, one step per tile. At the final step shown in the tile the follower kneels.

(OOC INFO: The Tiles, as I said before, are mounted to the walls as well as the floor. The pictogram tiles are done the same way, mounted to the walls and floor. The tiles are 5ft by 5ft each. the hallway's demensions are 10 ft walls and 5ft wide floor and chiron doesn't know yet how far the hallway goes. All pictogram Tiles cover a 30ft
walking area.)

Chiron regarded the first pictogram in the series. He never understood why the most inane practices were the ones most vehemently adhered to and followed. His superiors in the Noble Heart said that "he lacked the sense of discipline and foresight to comprehend what would happen if small, inconvenient rules could be ignored for no other reason than that they were an inconvenience."

The paladin had engaged in that argument many times before he was sent away. He maintained that strict focus on the letter of the law distracted from a person's ability to aid those the law was supposed to be sheltering and bring justice to those who might exploit the law for their own benefit. But, today, he was seeking guidance, not debate, so he removed his boots before moving any farther.

Walking forward to the last tile and kneels, offering another prayer to Ilmater asking advice and guidance. He then continues barefoot, deeper into the temple, following any further instructions, until he can speak with an Adorned.

Alone in her rooms Seluumiel poured herself a cup of water from the pitcher next to the bed. Sitting on the bed she drank to water. Ardulace had not come and she had hoped that she would have had a chance to talk to the woman alone. The moon elf finished the water and left the cup on the stand. She could talk to drowess in the morning, she needed to rest now.

Seluumiel sat up on the bed crossing her legs. Staring forward she began to focus on her breath. Inhale. Exhale. Slowly awareness of the room faded as she slipped into the elven trance. The years began to unfold before her pulling her deeper and deeper. And within her reverie she began to dream.

After kneeling and prayer, Chiron stands and opens his eyes as the image of a continuing hallway wavers and falls away to reveal the heart of the temple. Behind the altar, is an elderly cleric adorned in the clothing of the faith, wearing a grey tunic, trousers, robes, and a red skullcap. He wears the symbol of Ilmater around his neck and a teardrop is tatooed beneath his eye.

"Welcome, faithful follower of The One Who Endures. What brings you here? Trouble in Leaphaven, possibly?"

Alone in her room, Ardulace continues to sleep.

As the pianist finished up for the night the lounge area of the inn was almost empty. A few passed out drunks where being dragged to their rooms by stable boys and kitchen staff so that they too could go home for the night. Satya and Cheffron stood alone by their empty table, their glasses long since cleared away. "I am leaving town tomorrow." She finally said hoping that she didn't sound desperate. "Would you like to join me in my room for the night?" Her face was flushed and her heart was racing. She had never actually been so forward with a man before, at least not when it came to intimacy.

He smiled at her."Well, your honesty is refreshing, your smile enticing, and your offer...." Cheffron leaned down to whisper in her ear "I accept." He breathed lightly on her neck as his lips graze her ear. It sent shivers down her spine. "It's too bad I can't convince you to stay a little longer." He wrapped his arms around her then lifted her up. "Point the way my dear lady." Satya put one arm around his neck and said with a smile.

"Top floor."

He slowly climbed the stairs being careful not to trip up them. When they reached the top floor she pointed to her door and pulled out her room key. They laughed as she fumbled with the key, and the door while still in his arms. As the door creaked open he stumbled through the threshold and crossed the room in just a few large strides, coming abruptly to the large bed on the far side. Gently he set her on her feet, then walked back over to the door and made sure that it was secured. No one would bother them tonight. As she stood there watching him her skin began to ache for his touch again, the feel of electricity that crackled down her spine at the smallest caress of his fingertips. But she waited, and watched, as he carefully removed his belt and jerkin. When he was down to his tunic he slowly walked back over to Satya. His smile warming her from the inside out, it was like a desert wind deep in her belly. It radiated out to the tips of her toes, and her eyes began to water as an unexpected wave of homesickness washed over her.

"What's the matter?" Cheffron asked as he reached out to take her cheek in his hand.

"I do not know how or why, but I am suddenly missing my homeland. I thought that when I left I was ready to move on and never look back, but tonight I am reminded that I brought a piece of the desert with me." She sat down on the bed embarrassed that she was crying and not sure how to help him understand just what it was that snapped inside of her. "I...have never been with a man before. No man in my tribe would have me. I was feared and shunned for my father was an outsider." She felt a pang in her chest for withholding part of the truth, that she was a monster and had killed a boy for nothing more then taunting her. She had spent the last ten years keeping people at a distance from her so she would not hurt them and likewise herself. "I do not know why I feel compelled to tell you this, but you have awakened things in me I thought long dead."

Cheffron sat down beside her and looked at her with awe. "It amazes me that your people would not embrace a beautiful gem like yourself. You are rare indeed and you have no idea just what kind of power you truly wield. Do not be surprised your desert will never leave you, for you carry it in here," as he placed his hand over her heart. Satya closed her eyes as his touch left her breathless.

No longer able to speak, her body took over communicating her fear, inexperience, shame and her passion. The rest of the night was a blur and when the first light of dawn peeked through her window she found herself wide awake and for once at peace. Cheffron lay deep in sleep snoring away on the pillow next to her. Satya watched him as the first rays of dawn began to light his face. She smiled then rolled out of bed. She dressed quickly and quietly and made sure that everything was properly stored away. After one last check over the room and she was certain that everything was in its place she walked over to the bed kissed Cheffron and whispered in his ear "Thank you."
She then walked out of the room without looking back.

"Trouble in Leaphaven?" Chiron repeated after the clergyman, "Not exactly. More trouble with the trouble, or, more specifically, trouble with one of the others summoned to help the beleaguered town. Let me explain: I am Chiron Po, former member of the Companions of the Noble Heart, and one of the adventurers brought by Governor Bailash Castor into Leaphaven to help deal with the appearance of a ghostly dwelling near his city and the monstrous creatures either spawned by, or drawn to that strange house. He also brought in a pair of priestesses, one elven and one of mixed human-elven blood and a very odd... you know, I not sure of his specialty. He is flamboyant enough to be a bard, but the way he flits about he could also be a reformed thief turned adventurer... maybe an acrobat. But truly, it doesn't matter. It is not with him, but with the half elf that I have issue. She has turned out to be a drow in disguise. A dark elf!

"I would have slain her the moment I discovered her true nature, but she had just recovered a young boy who had been taken from the town. I held my blade until her intentions could be brought to light. I'm not sure that turned out to be a wise decision. When we returned to Leaphaven I purchased an elixir of truth so that the woman could be questioned about why she was there and if she was involved with any of the deaths suffered by the townsmen. The Governor denied my request to question the drow, Ardulace by name, and seemed either oblivious to the danger of allowing a dark elf into his city, or was refusing to share whatever knowledge he has of this woman that makes her not a threat to every one of his citizens.

"The woman has been, at best, standoffish since we all met, and has verbally attacked me on several occasions even before I knew the real color of her skin. I am at my wits' end with this woman. If she has nothing to hide, why avoid proving it? I have used this interrogation technique several times, even been its subject once, it causes no harm. I don't know that I can help Governor Bailash defend his town if he places a well known and documented threat at my back while I face a second, unknown danger. That dilemma is why I come to you tonight for advice and guidance."

The cleric listened stoically and took a slow, deep breath after Chiron completed his story. Pulling at his beard contemplatively he asks, "Have you considered, Chiron, that she might be elusive and abrasive as a defense mechanism? She has to deal with the legacy of her race where ever she goes on the surface. That level of hatred and anger would cause a great deal of emotional pain if you could never get a moments reprieve from it."

"All she needed to do was drink the potion. Submit to the questioning and, if her answers are in line with what she's already told us, my suspicions and the unvoiced doubts of the rest of the group will be satisfied. She would have her reprieve." Countered the paladin.

The old cleric smiled, "Should she carry one elixir of truth for every person she will encounter while traveling on the surface? Would you have instantly thrown away your prejudices and been her champion against the racists? You have had extensive training on how to deal with physical pain. A severed limb is minuscule compared to the suffering involved with afflictions of the spirit. You say you are a former member of the Companions. What would you have done if I insisted you submit to magical questioning about how you came to leave that group before I agreed to hear your story or offer you advice?"

Chiron opened his mouth to answer, but no words came forth. He really had no idea what he would have done. Ilmater had allowed Chiron to be reinstated as one of the Crying God's paladins, but the mystery surrounding why he had been stripped of his station in the first place had led to Chiron being sent away on an extended mission to "bring Ilmater's healing and compassion to distant lands." Kicked out without being kicked out. Would this cleric follow the same course his former superiors had taken?

The old priest smiled again at Chiron non-answer, "It sounds like this Ardulace has found a way to deal with the prejudice and she most likely doesn't realize how off-putting it can be. But you say she did save the child? From the stories I've heard about her race, they wouldn't actually commit a good act. I don't think the ones we hear about are even capable of it. Why not assume she's telling the truth, that she is different? Be friendly, or at very least courteous, and give her a chance to open up. You are correct, there is a small chance she is lying. There is a chance that anyone will lie. Don't hesitate to protect yourself and those around you if she does become the threat you suspect.

"Suspect. Keep that in mind. You currently have no proof of her evilness. You have one instance of her goodness. Look for both equally, or you will fall from grace over time. And time, it would seem, is the only method you have available to gather information about her."

The old man let out a profound yawn. "I hope I have been of assistance. I must retire for the night. Think about what I've said. If you are unsure if an action will bring an end to suffering, take no action and observe for a time." The cleric snuffed out some of the candles near the alter and shuffled over to a side door, opening it slowly. "This is a time for observing, I think." he said through another yawn before walking out of the main room, closing the door behind himself.

Chiron sat in front of the alter for some time, replaying the cleric's advice and the events of the last two days over and over in his head. He eventually fell asleep sitting there on the floor.

Elliot awoke an hour before dawn, as was the young man's custom. In the dark of his room he ran through a series of stretches and a routine of defensive martial maneuvers. The only sound in his room was that of deep, deliberate breaths and the slight rustle of the night-shirt he wore. He focused on each muscle, and how they interacted with one another, and considered how the martial insights of his chosen discipline applied to the lessons in medicine he was receiving from Ilmater's clerics here at the temple.

With his morning regimen complete, Elliot dressed and headed out to begin his assigned daily duties as the sun rose. Upon entering the altar room, he discovered an armored man slumped on the floor. Three quick strides and he was at the man's side, and rolling the stranger over onto his back. "Sir? Are you alright? Do you need assistance?"

The man on the floor responded by snoring. Loudly.

Elliot laughed at the situation. He had thought the man dead or dying, but he was simply asleep. Or had been asleep until the monk's laughter woke him. Now he was staring up from the floor, bleary-eyed, with a look of confusion on his face. "Who are you? Where is the old priest I talked to last night?" asked the prone man.

"I am Elliot Lezzer. If by "old priest" you mean Father Brian Froud, then he is most likely sleeping. He takes the last watch of the night and sleeps most of the day. Do you need assistance? I am not a cleric, but I am skilled in first aid, if you are injured. I could also summon a priest if you need more care than I can provide."

"No, thank you. I should really be going. I've got a ways to travel today... I need to get back to Leaphaven. How long was I asleep?"

Elliot helped the man to his feet as he answered, "At least four hours. I don't know how long you remained here after Froud retired. If you are sure you don't want assistance, can I at least offer you some bread and water for your trip and get your name to let Father Brian know you left in good condition?"

"Bread and water would be welcome," the stranger said, stretching his sore neck. "And my name is Chiron. Chiron Po. Would you thank Froud for me. His advice was most... helpful."

*****

Almost an hour later Chiron stepped out into the light of the sunrise, chewing the last bit of bread Elliot had given him. The young man had also shown him a few stretches and his neck was feeling better already.

"That's the last time I sleep on a tiled floor without a bedroll." Chiron told himself as he turned north and began walking. His own night had been a bit short and he wasn't about to cut Prajna's short as well, especially after the hard run she'd had last night. Besides, he wanted more time to think.

The chirping of songbirds outside her window eased Ardulace from her sleep. The insistent crowing of a distant cock told her it was time to get up. Stretching as she sat up, she rubbed the sleep from her eyes, and climbed out of the warm softness of the bed. The planks of the hardwood floor were cold beneath her feet as she made one round of the room to make certain all the doors and windows were still securely shut.

She knelt in silent prayer. Blessed Maiden, another day is gone and a new one begins. Grant me the strength and wisdom to endure the challenges this day presents and to do thy will in all things. Grant me the wisdom to have patience and tolerance most with those who deserve it least. Today my companions and I go to face great evil. I beseech thee; guide us to triumph, deliver us from our enemies and let not the innocent suffer at the hands of the wicked.
With that, she raises the slim silver sword she wears on a chain about her neck to her lips and kisses it. Infused again with the divine power of her goddess she rises to face the day. Hope blossomed in her heart, as it did each morning, that today she might ease the hatred that so many had for her people, that she might take one more small step on the road to redeeming them. But at the same time she knew that there would also be questions and accusations, all of which she would have to deal with as best she could.

After dressing, she straps on her armor and weapons, the weight of them somehow comforting in light of what they might find in the mysterious house. Lastly she dons her Hat of Disguise, and reluctantly assumes the half-elven guise of Lacey once again. Throwing open the window she greets the dawn, and wonders when, or even if, she will ever be able to let the sun shine upon her own true face.

She jots a quick note, and leaves it on the bedside table beneath a short stack of golden coins. It reads “The Lady Evaine Guaire thanks the owner and staff of the Nightshade Inn for their kindness. Please accept this small token of my esteem and my genuine gratitude for your hospitality.”

She then slips down a back staircase and makes her way to the common room, where she takes a seat at a large table, and asks a passing serving wench to prepare breakfast for five. As she waits, she pulls her lute from her pack, tunes it and plays quietly. Shortly she begins to sing a slow, sad ballad softly to herself.

But love is kind, to the least of men.
Sail away, far away.
Though he be, but a drunken tar.
Sail away, away.
Far from home, and the sight of land,
Sail away, far away.
O’ who will love, the sailor man?
Sail away, away.
Take me to, that star-eyed maid.
Sail away, far away.
O’ I was happy, with her laid.
Sail away, away.
In the comfort, of her bed.
Sail away, far away.
O’ let me lie, until I’m dead.
Sail away, away.
For love is kind, to the least of men.
Sail away, far away.
Though he be, but a drunken tar.
Sail away, away.

The first rays of the rising sun peek out over the horizon as the bustle of Leaphaven life begins to cresendo to a dull busy roar awakening the sleepy heads still in slumber.
The maids and house keepers are knocking on the doors anouncing their intentions to freshen up the rooms of the numerous inns to be ready for the the night later on.

Chiron, deep in thought, walking towards town, was up at first light thanks to one of the clerics of the temple. Xavier, torn between compassion and need, is also up and able, and on his way to the Nightshade Inn. Satya awoke, glowing and at peace, and most likely hungry. So she headed down stairs to the lounge. Happy to see a familiar face, Satya heads for the table where Lacey the lute player from last night and the savior of Johnathan the child, sits. Lacey happens to be singing as Satya makes her appearance. All there is to do now is eat, talk, and wait for the coming reunion of commrades for another day of high adventure. Hopefully this day will be much more free of head butting and personal conflict, at least that is the hope and prayer of many involved.

Even the evil on the horizon cannot hold back the hands of time, and so, the day goes on bringing the motely crew of adventurers closer to their destiny.

As the shining rays of the sun chased the pale light of the moon away visions of the waking world slowly returned to Seluumiel's sapphire eyes. She awoke from her reverie as she always did, at the first light of dawn. The moon elf rose from the soft bed and moved to the balcony. Seluumiel watched the celestial dance of sun and moon as the golden sunlight washed away the dark night. She had always loved the dawn and dusk.

The moon priestess raised her head to the heavens as the glowing globe of the sun rose to light the day. She bid farewell to the night and greeting the morning. For a time she stood on the balcony whispering prayers to the Lady of Dreams.

When daylight fully grasped the world she broke from her prayer and returned to her room. Standing in from of the mirror she regarded her reflection and ran a hand through her silver hair. She snapped her fingers twice pulling a simple magic weave over herself. The cantrips pushed through her body and clothes all the while cleaning, freshening, smoothing, straightening, and arranging. In all but the blink of an eye she stood resplendent, her robes and hair shining in the morning light. Seluumiel nodded at her now pristine reflection and then turned to gather her belongings. After the books and scrolls had been returned to her bag she picked up her staff and departed the room leaving a gold coin on the night stand.

The moon elf descended the staircase and found herself in the lounge with two familiar faces; Ardulace and Satya. Smiling she walked up to the women and picked up a cool glass of spring water.

"'Quel amrun." She greeted her new companions as she lifted the cup of water to her lips.

(OOC: Quel amrun translates to good morning. 1 mp to cast Prestidigitation twice. Spent 1 gp.)