(round 1)
While the argument began to heat between the two dwarves, the mage, and the monster, Draven had remained a silent, dark presence in the background. There would be a fight. He needed only wait. When at last, weapons were drawn, and the beast reacted, Draven could not help but smirk at the apparently overconfident druid, catching a chest-ful of rather painful looking spikes. Alyssia muttered something dismayed, and Gunar charged forward, spewing insults, in what seemed to be an attempt to draw the monsters attention from Loda, who had slumped to her knees, in a rapidly growing pool of crimson. Draven remained where he was. His massive blade was slung over his shoulder, and his golden eyes were fixed on the beast as it took to the sky.

Pursing his lips, he reslung his blade and began rummaging through the pockets of his long, black coat, as the beast swooped down, and Gunar gave a cry of pain.

(round 2)
After a moment, Draven looked back up, three, ebony darts tucked between his fingers. Tobin’s bow whistled, and three trails of light snaked from Alyssia’s fingertips to splash against the “troshba”. The beast roared, and wheeled through the air. Patiently, Draven held the darts up to his eyes, ignoring the battle. He could see the glaze that coated the dart points. The poison remained. Snapping his gaze once more onto the flying monster, Draven suddenly acted. Flinging his arm, he sent a dart whizzing through the air. He would set fire to the fluid grace of the Troshba

Gunar after being scratched by a flying monkey. Continues to call trashba names and ready to anticipate on another attack.

"hey flying monkey reject come down here and fight like a ape"

"trashball you have to be the weakest thing i have ever fought that attack couldnt kill a ant"

"here nonscary whatever you are trashba exactly what are you you have to be the weakest of your kind no wonder you need us to bring you food"

"come here so we can get you death over with"

Gunar is anticipating troshba or trashba wat ever its name is attack.

Elessar pauses in her calm song long enough to intone the spell Mage Hand and then she uses the Mage Hand to press as many of the tile triggers she can that could effect the Orc. And then she takes the hand and pounds on the door that she had been heading too.

Loda looked down at the falling spike, just now realizing how grievous her wounds were, and glad she could pull the spell off in time. Being a little shaky, she could barely stand up as she regained her composure, and seen Alyssia coming at her. Also two of the party members were taunting the beast, distracting it from her. She became slightly annoyed at her self for having to have all of these people protect her, she was a fully capable dwarf and could handle herself just fine.

“Not really fair, Gunar… us always pickin’ on the big monsters. Poor things never seem to know what’s coming.”

Tobin spoke out, words that would surely irritate the beast flowing freely from his lips. She quickly looked around to see where Gothard was, and he was behind her, looking up at her with his big wolfy eyes. His gaze eased a little as he knew she was better, and then casually walked up to her right side, his back making its way underneath her right hand.A few droplets of blood stained his coat as a steady stream of dark red blood raced its way down her arm, and onto Gothard.

"hey flying monkey reject come down here and fight like a ape.trashball you have to be the weakest thing i have ever fought that attack couldnt kill a ant. here nonscary whatever you are trashba exactly what are you you have to be the weakest of your kind no wonder you need us to bring you food. come here so we can get you death over with"

Gunar spoke out, desperatly trying to get the beasts attention, as he waved his axes around, ready to strike a blow at any given time on the beast Troshba.

Loda thought for a moment and started to cast another spell. Not wanting that to happen again, she started to cast bark skin on herself, and hoped that would be enough to weather another one of Troshbas deadly spine attacks.

Kharolis Mountains
Troshba’s Grounds
13th day of the 7th month: Pfier
0:29 pm
Gunar still tried furiously to focus Troshba’s attention on himself. He had definitely succeeded before and now, with the help of Tobin the Cidal, he was enraging the creature beyond words. From her airborn position, Troshba tightened her lips and growled at every remark. She was intelligent enough not to bite back without proper care though. But Gunar had her attention, and that was all the fighter really wanted. Now it was time for tactics.
Last time he had let the beast surprise him with a diving attack. He would make sure that didn’t happen again. Still cursing the creature with everything he could think of he readied his magical axe, to make a fast blow, should she attack again.

Draven used the diversion to concentrate on his throw. He had drawn one of his deadly darts, and enjoyed its feel while he got ready for it to fly. The dart itself was cool, but the poison would definitely burn upon impact. Anticipating the right moment by judging the creature’s movement, the hunter of souls flicked his wrist and pressed forward with his arm. The dart flew at Troshba like a shadow. For a moment it seemed like collision with the monster was inevitable, but at the last moment she heaved herself up in the air in preparation for an attack. Draven couldn’t believe it, but his dart missed her by inches.

Meanwhile, Loda had regained some control of her health, and now realized the danger in this situation. She had highly underestimated this creature named Troshba. Perhaps she had judged to quickly. In any case, it was an abomination of all she believed in, and it had to die in order to restore balance in the mountain’s ecosystem. And if not for that, than just for the fact of harming her and her companions. Loda would give the monster its share of pain, but right now defense was more important. She called upon Kharox to aid her in this. The god’s power of creation sent a unnerving sensation through her skin. It dried, tightened and wrinkled up, hardening like the wood on a tree. Although uneasy, she was now better protected against whatever Troshba would do next.

Tobin Tumblebelly was enjoying himself, so it seemed. He dove happily behind a bigger rock, and peered around it to judge the monster’s location. Encouraging and aiding Gunar in infuriating the monster he safely drew an arrow and got his magical bow ready. With a quick step he got in a good enough position to fire. Through his mask two bright eyes took aim, and the arrow was released.
At the exact same moment, Troshba drew back her tail. They could see how new spikes had formed upon it. She flung the tip at the party in anger. Her tail flicked heavily and the spikes came flying at them. This time they were not directed at a single foe, but spread across a wider area.
Two flew at Gunar. One bounced harmlessly from his chest (a mighty feeling that is), but the second one struck right in his hip. The pain made him stumble for a few seconds, but he regained his readied position, gritting his teeth.
Whether aimed at Loda or Gunar, a third spike flew a hair from the male Khord’s flank and buried itself deep in Loda’s belly. She looked at the thing in disbelief. Had she not cast her spell for extra protection? Then the pain set in, and Loda could barely keep herself from vomiting.
A fourth spike in the rain of pain broke itself upon the rocks in between Loda and Draven. The man looked at it as if it was an annoying fly. With the same gaze he regarded the fifth spike that was now sticking from his right leg.
The sixth and final spike flew straight at the point where Tobin had just released his arrow. The spike would’ve struck true, but Tobin leaned to the side right in time for it to fly by without hitting him. His own arrow was in a better path, and pierced Troshba’s hide right below her left wing. A wild roar told them that it had done its work.

Alyssia jumped into action as soon as she saw Loda being hit again. Calling upon her goddess again she prayed that the druid would see her errors and had suffered enough. Her healing spell bathed the Khord in a radiant energy, but Alyssia felt that her goddess had not granted a full healing. Though forgiving, Lysora was also disapproving of the druid’s actions against Troshba.

(OOC: Jozan, you must be a critical-hit-magnet. You got one again. Loda’s bleeding stopped, and the spike is out of her belly. She’s back to the amount of HP she had at the beginning of this round. Gunar is in pain, but has suffered worse in his life. Draven’s leg is feeling numb after a fast shot of sharp pain. Perhaps a nerve has been cut. Tobin is the only one who did damage to Troshba this round and she’s still very much alive so it seems. Sorry for the long update. Hope you guys don’t mind the reading, I try giving each character the attention they deserve.
Also, I hope that you can all post before Saturday. I would like to take up my old schedule again and update on that day. If you all help me out that would be appreciated. I would like to end this battle before Christmas.)

Loda looked up from the spike potruding out of her belly, and couldnt believe her eyes. Even with her hardened skin, and own armour, she still gets skewered like a pig. Gothard growled a bit at the Troshba, but looked up in time to see Loda get bathed in a healing light, and watch the spike fall out of her. Alyssia had just cast her own spell, with Loda looking over, giving a weak smile and a gentle nod in thanks.

Loda looked up just as an arrow pierced Troshbas side, and smiled at its pain. She then snapped back into reality, and finally decided to heal herself again.

Taking out one of her cure moderate wounds potions, she tore out the stopper and downed the liquid in one gulp. putting the vial back in her pouch, she reached down to pick up her bow and arrow, and once more try an down this vile beast that has given her so much trouble.

( Ok Loda is going to drink a cure moderate wounds potion, and try an get a shot off at Troshba, thats if i have enough time to do both in one round. If not, then I want to just drink the potion)

Geim had found a book containing some possibly useful information, but time was running out. He committed as much as possible to notes and memory before he had to leave to keep his appointment. There was a temptation to just take the book, but that went against his beliefs that knowledge should be share by other who would follow. Before he left, he gathered a few more random tomes to drop by the keeper as he left.

Tobin's eyes followed the creature as it flew across the sky while, at the same time, nocked another arrow, drawing it back, and releasing it in one fluid motion. These were natural motions for him, like breathing nearly.

While training and experience took over Tobin's body, his mind was thinking a few steps ahead. After the arrow flew into the sky, Tobin trusted the fates that it would meet its intended target and ducked behind the large rock once again.

"Troshba! I wish to renegotiate with you!"

Draven stood, looking down at the spike that protruded from the black leather armor of his thigh. Blood was flowing in a steady stream down his leg, and he could feel it's warmth soak into his boot. He scratched his head and muttered distractedly.

"Well that wasn't supposed to happen."

Grabbing ahold of the spike with both hands, he grit his teeth and yanked the spike out. A guiser of blood gushed into the air and splattered into the mud. Turning his attention back to the beast, he furrowed his brow. He really would have liked to use Grishnak on the beast, but it wouldn't leave the heavans. He was beginning to wish he could grab ahold of it and tear it's wings from it's back.

Instead, he merely growled, and wung another dark at the monster, while moving closer to the rocky outcrop that his "companion" had taken cover behind.

Kharolis Mountains
Troshba’s Grounds
13th day of the 7th month: Pfier
0:29 pm
As Gunar remained standing as a living shield, Loda took her time to uncork a vial with healing liquid. It glided like honey down her throat and set her stomach burning with energy. She felt the life get sucked back into her body, as if she gained strength from the rocks around her. The spikes still stuck from her flesh, but in the heat of this healing frenzy she could not feel their hindrance.

Draven had his own way of curing himself. With a primal willpower he tore the spike loose from his leg and cast it aside. He knew that revenge was all that would help him this instance. Another black dart found its way into his hand. It followed the other one’s path, but this time struck true to Troshba’s skin. The creature screamed, but showed no sign of losing balance, and Draven realized her metabolism withstood the poison.

Tobin let go of another arrow, then jumped behind the rock. He saw how Draven was slowly limping his way. His gaze went to Loda, who had already taken a lot of damage, but was looking better now. Gunar had been struck too, and soon they would be out of healing spells. The rogue figured it would be better to talk.
What he hadn’t seen was that his arrow flew straight into the chest of the monster. The impact was hard, and it infuriated Troshba. The words that followed the arrow were dubious to say the least.
"Troshba! I wish to renegotiate with you!"

Troshba seemed to ready herself to unleash another swarm of spikes. She hesitated for a moment and growled: “Your words better say that you get Troshba food. Troshba WILL leave you safe. She is not sneaky as short man-likes!”
Though she keeps from attacking, there is no doubt that she will return to battle. Although she has been hit several times, she seems healthy enough.

(OOC: Loda is almost back to complete health. Alyssia can still cast her mage armor is she wants, but if negotiations are leading to peaceful departure you may not need it. Your call Vesper.)

---

Khordal Kingdom
The Grand Library
23rd day of the 7th month: Pfier
5:31 pm
Tempting as it was, Geim held true to his beliefs. With a content feeling he randomly picked several other books and put the journal in their midst. He knew Kharox would be proud of him. With his quick mind and trained reading skills he had taken to paper the most important sites and remarks. These papers were now safely tucked away.

Mrs. Orebelly looked up from her scribbling and actually smiled at the Runemaster as he plunged the stack of books on her desk. She took a curious look at the titles he brought her.
“Did you find what you were looking for? Aren’t these books amazing? You can smell the knowledge, richened over ages of history. I love my job, as I’m sure you do too. You ARE a Runemaster also, am I not correct?”

---

Maelamin Kingdom
Bladesinger Keep
25th day of the 7th month: Pfier
8:40 pm
Ensnared in the ropes, Elessarea had a hard time concentrating on her spell. What was more, she was hindered by the orc, and could barely move her hand for the somatic part of conjuring a mage hand. She tore hard at the rope and got it to stretch out an inch. It was enough though, and she completed the gesture just in time before the spell slipped from her mind. The ghostly mage hand hovered in the air for a second, only for her to see. Then it shot into action, and pressed the last tile the orc had carefully stepped over.

Instantly, they were both engulfed by a sea of fire that erupted from under the stone. The orc dove down in a reflex, and Elessarea would’ve done the same, was she not bound in place. The ball of fire hit her with full power, like a spider in a web, caught by a falling pinecone. Her clothes and skin were scorched, and the ropes that bound her snapped. Down she fell, next to the orc, who was already getting up. She could now see how part of the orc’s face was distorted, and a pale skin shone through the dirt. Holes in its clothes revealed the same pale tint of smooth skin. Elven skin.
Still, an attack came. Perhaps the bladesinger was caught off guard but the rapier pierced her flank and the tip dug deep into her organs. Blood stained her burnt cloths, but she was still holding her sword, and free to use it.

(OOC: The fireball and a critical hit dropped Elessar to one third of her HP. The orc, or whatever it is, doesn’t look so fresh either. The mage hand is gone, unless you want to make a concentration check. You can’t concentrate and fight with your sword at the same time. Your call.)

Elessar could not let the pain and furstration cloud her focus, instead she used it, focusing it by the power of her mind, using it to bring her body under iron control. Yes there was great pain, yes the disguised elf had still attacked her. All of her pain and frustration became enflamed will, tuned to dealing with the Orc. At the same time she locked in her mind the tiles that the Orc had overstepped.

A sheep in wolf's clothing was a wolf.

Elessar made a sword lunge at the Orc/Elf, as it was the fastest sword maneuver she could make.

Tobin smiled as he heard Troshba's reply. She does not feel to confident now that she has gone a couple rounds with the wee folk.
He spoke clearly, still behind the rock, arrow nocked once more. "I have seen the pain you are able to inflict Troshba. Yes! Pain from claws and spikes. You have been true to your word. I have no wish for one of mine to perish."

He paused for a moment before continuing. "And, yet, you too have felt our sting. And I doubt you wish to perish. So... food for you and your young for free passage through this pass... and a bit of help on your part. Your protection through your land."

"What say you, Troshba? Shall all live to see tomorrow?"

Geim was a bit surprise by the question and replied simply “Yes I am. Who else would be here researching?” He pause a bit politely not expecting any reall answer and anxious to get to his appointment.

Kharolis Mountains
Troshba’s Grounds
13th day of the 7th month: Pfier
0:29 pm
Troshba sprayed a shower of spittle before replying to the Cidal.

“That was Troshba’s offer she said first time. You get food and Troshba gets you safety. We all live.”

That was her answer, and now she was waiting for them to start getting her food. She was still ready to react should they try to continue the battle.

---

Khordal Kingdom
The Grand Library
23rd day of the 7th month: Pfier
5:31 pm
Mrs. Orebelly leaned in, as if she was sharing a secret. Checking the room, she whispered to Geim: “You wouldn’t believe what kind of people come in here. Not just Runemasters, you know. Merchants come in here too, doing research for their business. Mages I see a lot as well, but they’re never as interesting as you are. What did you come here for? Interested in the history of our lands, judging by the books. Why don’t you sit …. here,” the keepers tapped another chair next to the table, “and tell me all about it. I get so bored, sometimes.”

---

Maelamin Kingdom
Bladesinger Keep
25th day of the 7th month: Pfier
8:40 pm
Elessarae lunged for the orc with her sword. The magical blade sliced a deep cut in the orc’s arm. Red blood clung to the weapon as the bladesinger withdrew it. The orc cried out, but it was not the cry of a green blooded brute. Elessar didn’t need this information any more. She knew what she was dealing with. It was another test.
The tip of the rapier that the disguised elf carried shot up, and would’ve skewered her like a frog on a stick. She could barely step aside. But she managed to evade. This action brought her so close to the orc’s face that she could feel its foul breath. Very unselfish.

Alyssia had seen it as Loda had taken another set of spikes from the monster and felt a bitterness at her companion's pain, even though it was more than deserved in her opinion. With a gentle hand, the servant of Lysora swiftly pulled free a spike that had been imbedded and put a hand to the wound. It was a sense of euphoria flooded through the sorceress as Alyssia reached towards the power that was part of her in a manner that few if any others would ever experience. It was a sense of kindness and mercy mixed in with a sense of righteous holiness that few ever felt. Here in this moment, there was nothing she could think of that would be more pleasurable in the world.

The feeling passed through her hands and into the druid that now stood before her and through her tough-as-bark skin. Flesh reknitted itself slightly with the magic's passing. Although the spell had healed her to where she was before, it should have done more. She could feel her mistress's disapproval at the druid's actions, keeping it from doing the rest.

"Troshba! I with to renegotiate with you!" Lodin yelled out, surprising Alyssia with his response now that the battle had been set in motion, if only for a mere couple of minutes.

Loda pulled a vial from a pouch as Alyssia released her hold upon the her. Flesh finished reknitting and leaving no scar as if there had been no wound at all. Alyssia caught her companion's look of gratitude even though the spell had not done its job to its full capbility.

With a gesturing of her hands, the sorceress whispered beneath her breath, "Lysora watch over and protect me. Keep me from the harm of the foe that stands before me now."

A slight smile crept across her lips as she felt her goddess's power wrap her in a barrier of protective energy. The sorceress halted any further advancement upon the beast that had called herself Troshba. She may be willing to renegotiate, but Alyssia was not too sure about the parties involved.

(Oh, and I still have plenty of healing remaining. But, of course, the others may not know it.)