"If your work is to be done in the morning, then I would be delighted to join you. If you are looking to complete it tonight, I am afraid I will have to decline. I also have unfinished matters to address prior to our departure.”
Lambert smiled softly at the Sylvan dancer. Whether this eve or with the break of dawn, the timing mattered little. And, in retrospect, this would allow him a quiet night in which he could collect his thoughts, reflect on the quest before them, and plan for the grim days ahead.

"Of course, Nadya." He replied, beginning to understand the young woman's worried withe the inquiries - and matching conditions - that she had voiced to the table. She was afraid of them dying. It was a natural response when folks became close. He understood how she felt, though he had long ago found in himself a resolve to push those concerns down. He hoped his idea could help the lass. "If you would join me at the temple cloisters at sunup, I would be pleased to benefit from your assistance."

His good mood was almost immediately quashed as their woodland companion spoke up with his own thoughts on what was being offered them. Thus far, all of Bert's friends had approved the offer, even showing enthusiasm at the prospective wealth. But this sudden show of greed, not only scoffing the librarian's offer of a thousand gold pieces, but even that the reward was insufficient as a whole, this did not sit well in the priest's stomach.

"Librarian Tremain offers a collective five thousand pieces of gold to us, Crow." Lambert spoke up, his voice tinged with irritation. "One thousand apiece. That sum could provide food to a village and its livestock for nearly a year. For the orphanage, clothes or maintenance McKay be provided to the needy. My own share could restore a sizeable part of the temple my brothers and sisters seek to repair to service. Tell me, Crow, what cause is yours to make light of what this man offers?"

His face expressed no ire, but his iron gaze carried his conviction, and even beyond the fact that four out of five of the companionship had already agreed to undertake this, trying to fleece the librarian was not right.

"Libraries contain books, not vast vaults of coins and baubles. The mental is valued more than the material in places like this. I would take the opportunity for research in here were I you," Lambert leaned back in his chair. "Exploring the wealth here might teach you a few lines of diplomacy, and that may provide you a far greater reward that whatever you plan on doing with Tremain's coffers, I assure you that. But in the event you find that insubstantial, then good Librarian," His gaze turned from his travelling companion to their contractor. "I retract my dedication of my own personal reward from the temple. Give it instead to Crow upon our return with the Compendium."

The cleric felt a bad taste in his mouth. He did not enjoy the feeling of delivering reprimand to his companions. But he was a man of Merca's cloth, and he was sworn to uphold justice in her name. A librarian was no burgomaster; a life in the temple had taught him that. But he was to travel with these people, for the cause of serving good. Lambert made note of the greed expressed in this room. He would not be doing his due diligence in sitting and letting this go.

His face felt hot, and he realized that his jaw ached from clenching it in frustration. He pushed his chair back and rose to his feet. "You will excuse me. I must prepare for our departure." Lambert gave a gentle wave and made for the door. The duties of a judge were often unpleasant. But, he thought back on how Nadya worried so heavily for their safe return, and how he himself was so detached from it, and perhaps it was from that life of trying to maintain the best for all that had steeled him so severally.

Library of Felarin - Evening

“Well, do you all think this is a mission you will all wish to undertake? If so, do you have other questions that I might answer?” the Chief Librarian had asked and a flurry of questions followed.

“How many have you lost?” Nadya mumbled softly.
“How many…?”

Gathering her senses, Nadya tried to save some face by repeating the question, “How many agents have you lost already in your efforts to obtain the compendium?”
“Ah,” he understood the question now, “Well this is the first hint we have had of the Compendium in many years, so yours is the first expedition we have sent in search of it here at the Keep.”

“Okay,” Nadya spoke to Tremain, her voice more confident. “Your offer, Master Librarian, is good. But there are a few more conditions I wish to add to our terms.

“First, should any of us perish during this undertaking, the Companion’s share shall divided even amongst the others remaining.

“Second, some of us would like full access to this great library for a year, beginning immediately and will continue up to one full year after the completion of our task.

“Third, because you are sending us into Sendria, a place of darkness and twisted people, we will require, each, a new wine skin filled with this fine Sylvarii wine. A hopeful token for us to carry into the despair that is Sendria.”
Chief Librarian Tremain nodded to himself as Nayda laid out her requests.

“I think we can accommodate you on all three of your requests,” he said.

"Access to the libray would of course include the compendium itself I presume? If so, I will see that it is brought here as quickly a possible." Alana added.
“Alas,” Tremain said, “that I cant guarantee as the Compendium would have to be examined by the Mages at the School to see if what is safe for others. You must understand that it is rumored that the things in the Compendium can be dangerous. Until it is examined we wont know the extent of those dangers. I will enquire with the mages upon your return with the Compendium; if it is deemed to be possible then it will be allowed.”

“My Lord, an extra mount would be preferred…
“Mounts can be arranged if you need them,” he agreed, “but alas they will not be trained war mounts, but suitable for riding and should get you there and back.”

“I ask that my reward be given to Abbess Liara, that she may use it to further the development of our sacred hall. In addition, I would like the option for the clergy to use the library's resources, with your express permission, of course, that we may better serve the good people of Felarin and beyond in upholding law and justice for all.” Lambert asked.”
“If that is your wish,” Tremain said with a smile, “and the Abbess has already applied for use of the Library and been granted unlimited access for her clergy.”

“Librarian you say you will pay us a total of 1,000 gold upon completion of your quest, not a petty sum. Yet you tell us others have gone to this place and have not returned did you again offer only 1,000 gold? Nadya has also asked for access to your library and wine, and that is fine for those that sit here that can make use of it. I for one have no use for your library nor do I think has Archan and possibly Rose as we are not of the scholarly types as our skills lie elsewhere other then in books.

So I ask you Librarian what’s in it for us non-scholarly types? Have you any magic within your great building of stone to help us survive this quest. Have you any items that we each may choose from to increase our skills thus granting us a greater chance to return with this item you crave so greatly, yet are unable to retrieve yourselves?”

A short pause then Crow asked again “So I ask again oh great librarian... What’s in it for the three of us.”
“Well,” the librarian looked at Crow, “we do not have equipment here, nor is this place a storehouse for magical items. We collects books, scrolls, papers, anything of written knowledge and history. Access to this knowledge is all that I can offer you beyond what I have already agreed to. However we do have tomes here that can help you to increase your skills in whatever career path you have chosen. Access to this type of knowledge would be granted upon your successful completion of the mission.”

The Chief Librarian listened as the group all agreed to undertake the mission and he nodded and again rang the bell 3 times. Another older man entered this time carrying a small chest which he sat on the table before them.

“Inside you will find your initial payment,” Tremain said as the other man left, “along with maps of the area and of the Keep. Frankly, we don’t have much to go on, the maps are old and before the time of the Keep’s descent into darkness. All we know of the Keep’s current inhabitant is sparse as all who have gone there over the years have died if they entered. I can tell you that it is dark, extremely evil, and by all accounts of the few survivors that strayed close but did not enter, is that it can command the undead. I wish I could tell you more, but the dead tell us nothing unfortunately.”

Rising he gestured to the chest, “Now if you are in agreement on taking the quest, please take your chest and make what preparations you must before your journey. I wish you luck and may the god’s blessing be with you and bring you all back safely.”

When they were ready to depart, a servant entered to escort them out, outside there was any mounts they requested. They are good strong mounts, though not war mounts. A wine skin of the wonderful Syl wine for each of them was waiting strapped to the mounts saddles; along with several packs which when examined contained enough standard rations for the lot of them for two weeks.

They had the night to prepare if they wished to depart by first light tomorrow. The shops were closed for the night but they had been in town for two weeks so they had plenty of time to restock any of their supplies they would have needed.


Morning dawned bright and clear with hardly a cloud in the sky; a fitting start to their journey perhaps.

~MAPS~


(OOC: here is the map of the Border between Sendria and Ertain; pardon my crude joining of the two maps. I am not the best at any type of Photoshopping. It is recommended that the group travel due north and cross at the upper most part of the border as this is the shortest route. Also, it would be wise not to venture close to Starfall Keep as the Sendrian troops there would surely want to know why you are entering their country. Of course, the choice is up to you.)



Melenkur Keep


(OOC: Map of the Keep, as it was back in it’s days of glory. The keep guards a pass through some small mountains here and rests against the side wall overlooking the pass. A Keep sits across a gorge which helps protect the keep with a wooden causeway across the gorge to allow access to the Keep. The road through the pass, not shown here, runs to the east of the Keep within easy bow range from the Keep walls. That is all the maps show, if you want more info you will have to wait till you get there to find out.)


(OOC: Please finalize your preparations before leaving and post up to the point where you are riding out of town and taking the Ferry off of the island headed North. The chest also contains a scroll which identifies you all by name as agents of the Library but it does not state your destination or your mission only that you are acting on behalf of the Library of Felarin to retrieve artifacts.)

Having concluded the meeting with the head libraian, Alana suggested a spot to meet in the morning. "Since we all have final preparations to see to, why don't we meet at the ferry tomorrow morning?"

Alana headed back to her room. As usual her entrance was greeted by a pounce and soft bit on her ankle. "Owww!' she gasped in play as the attackers continued to pounce and hop. Then bending down she scooped up the ankle biter. "Minx, you certainly are in rare form today. We have a trip to make so can I get a few moments to gather our things?" In return she received a nibble on her finger. "Ok, ok. First we play then we pack." Sometime later she managed to gather all her things and ready them for the journey. Knowing that this would be the last night with such a luxury available, she turned in early for a good nights rest.

As the sun rose, Alana watched it from her window. After finishing her tea she gathered her things and together with Minx she set out to the stable. There she found the mount promised her by the head librarian. "You are a beautiful creature" she told it as she stroked its neck. Not a war horse for sure but then again she had no use for such. This was a fine riding horse and would serve her purpose much better. As she arranged her pack and saddle she looked for a stool. Finding none she called to the stableboy, "Lad, can you give me a hand?" Her leg made it difficult to mount on her own and she did not feel like straining herself so early in teh morning. Finally moun ted and ready she tossed teh lad a silver coin. "Share it with others." she called as she rode out towards the orphanage. A quick stop there to drop off the money she had collected over the past few days and then back to the library to return the 500 gp. The others would not find her at the ferry. Crow brought too much selfishness for her to travel with one such as him.

OOC: Edited after the backpost of Crow's actions that followed my origional post.

A short pause then Crow asked again “So I ask again oh great Librarian... What’s in it for the three of us.”

As Crow waited for the Librarians answer to his question it was Lambert that spoke first, his voice tinged with irritation.

"Librarian Tremain offers a collective five thousand pieces of gold to us, Crow. One thousand apiece. That sum could provide food to a village and its livestock for nearly a year. For the orphanage, clothes or maintenance McKay be provided to the needy. My own share could restore a sizeable part of the temple my brothers and sisters seek to repair to service. Tell me, Crow, what cause is yours to make light of what this man offers? Libraries contain books, not vast vaults of coins and baubles. The mental is valued more than the material in places like this. I would take the opportunity for research in here were I you," Lambert leaned back in his chair. "Exploring the wealth here might teach you a few lines of diplomacy, and that may provide you a far greater reward that whatever you plan on doing with Tremain's coffers, I assure you that. But in the event you find that insubstantial, then good Librarian," His gaze turned from his traveling companion to their contractor. "I retract my dedication of my own personal reward from the temple. Give it instead to Crow upon our return with the Compendium."

“I make light of nothing priest and I have no cause but my own. You seek knowledge in a book,so be it, I gain knowledge by surviving to live yet another day. The Librarian has stated that parties sent before us have not returned, do you wish our fate to be the same? If my asking for something I can use to keep me alive and thus keep you alive, then I will do so and your hurt feelings be damned. However I will gladly take up your offer of your share of the advanced payment and the rest if we return.”

With that Crow turned to look at the Librarian awaiting his interrupted reply.

“Well, we do not have equipment here, nor is this place a storehouse for magical items. We collects books, scrolls, papers, anything of written knowledge and history. Access to this knowledge is all that I can offer you beyond what I have already agreed to. However we do have tomes here that can help you to increase your skills in whatever career path you have chosen. Access to this type of knowledge would be granted upon your successful completion of the mission.”

Crow remained quiet weighing the benefits of questing with the other five and could not see them gaining this tower without his abilities to find the safest path.

“Well as I cannot read, those ‘tomes’ also hold no attraction to me. However I will lead this party with my skills as a pathfinder” Looking towards Lamberts back as he left the room Crow hoped he and the priest would be able to see eye to eye in the coming weeks. Grabbing his upfront payment he placed only his 500 gold pieces in a pocket leaving Lamberts alone. "If the priest does not return for that gold give it to his church."

With that Crow returned to his room readied his gear and went to sleep. The next morning saddles packed and ready for the quest ahead he and his warhorse found themselves waiting for the rest of the party at the ferry docks.

Archan leaned back in has chair as he waited patiently, in his mind, for them to be dismissed. The mere thought of actually getting a high paying job was enough to please Archan.

"Librarian Tremain offers a collective five thousand pieces of gold to us, Crow." Lambert spoke up, his voice tinged with irritation. "One thousand apiece. That sum could provide food to a village and its livestock for nearly a year. For the orphanage, clothes or maintenance McKay be provided to the needy. My own share could restore a sizeable part of the temple my brothers and sisters seek to repair to service. Tell me, Crow, what cause is yours to make light of what this man offers?"

"Libraries contain books, not vast vaults of coins and baubles. The mental is valued more than the material in places like this. I would take the opportunity for research in here were I you," Lambert leaned back in his chair. "Exploring the wealth here might teach you a few lines of diplomacy, and that may provide you a far greater reward that whatever you plan on doing with Tremain's coffers, I assure you that. But in the event you find that insubstantial, then good Librarian," His gaze turned from his travelling companion to their contractor. "I retract my dedication of my own personal reward from the temple. Give it instead to Crow upon our return with the Compendium."

As Lambert said this, Archan slowly sat upright. He had never actually seen Lambert and Crow confront each other. This could be a singular incident, or it could become a trend. Archan sure hoped for the first; them not working together could be the parties doom. Barely able to stifle a laugh, Archan realized how ironic it was that he was the one thinking about teamwork. Once again, he remembered the days when he didn't have to worry about life and death daily.


“I make light of nothing priest and I have no cause but my own. You seek knowledge in a book,so be it, I gain knowledge by surviving to live yet another day. The Librarian has stated that parties sent before us have not returned, do you wish our fate to be the same? If my asking for something I can use to keep me alive and thus keep you alive, then I will do so and your hurt feelings be damned. However I will gladly take up your offer of your share of the advanced payment and the rest if we return.”

Archan listened to Crow's counter, and, as much as Archan wanted teamwork, he silently agreed. Neither himself or Crow had too much overly use of the library. But who would ask for more when they had barely any money to begin with. Archan hardly could believe that Lambert gave Crow his money... perhaps it was a sign of teamwork. Whatever, if the two of them did fight, Archan would do the mission himself. Somewhat arrogantly, Archan was completely sure everything would go fine.

When Tremain finished describing the mission, Archan glanced at Lambert as he walked away. Shrugging, Archan turned to the chest with the money and maps of Melenkur keep. Before Archan took his money, Alana and Crow took theirs. Briefly, Archan felt jealousy about Crow receiving extra money, but he lost attention when he got his 500 gold. It was the first time in many years that he had got that much money at once. "Thank you my lord," Archan stated, as he bowed somewhat stiffly towards Tremain.

Archan quickly headed out and briskly walked back to the inn he was staying at. After he had packed up everything he had, he went to sleep

It was early the next morning that Archan awoke. Once again he dreamt about the guard he killed. It had been fluke. The guard and his comrade had been in the wrong place at the wrong time, and Archan and his companion had to kill them. That fact hadn't made it any easier; the guards were part of Archan's father's forces. Knowing he wouldn't get anymore sleep, Archan relaxed until it was time to leave. When it was time, he mounted his steed and rode to the ferry.