Out in the Cold
Chapter 3
Session Start: Sat Oct 24 22:05
Session Close: Sun Oct 25 01:38
Elapsed Time: 3h, 33m
Total Elapsed: 18h, 33m 

Cast (In Order of Appearance)

Storen as Lynna Lucca as Audrey Windstar as Salah Andrew as Finn Criz as Criz

Danny as Cassandra SOLaike as Cobia Bahamut as Miriamele Storyteller as Daria, Ramus, Man/Vargomere, Margory, Virginia, Other Preistesses

[Storyteller] We last left the party holed up inside the Shrine of Althena. Outside was a horde of vile tribesman, apparently being lead by the High Priestess Imogene. Fortunately, all three of the giants were slain. All the Peons are able to do is pound on the door and throw themselves at the window, to little effect.
[Daria] Audrey... What do we do now?
* Lynna watches the peons throwing themselves at the windows, and can't help but find some sick humor in their futility.
[Audrey] I don't know...I don't know...But we're not safe here, that's for certain...
* Salah looks at the now barred door.
* Finn paces.
* Criz looks around as he can hear the pounding of the peons.
[Salah] I, I think she has something more planned than this...
[Audrey] Of course she does. :/
[Audrey] That's why we're not safe.
[Criz] Damn critters, they just won't quit will they? Audrey, you know this place best...is there ANY way out whatsoever?
[Ramus] Are there any other ways out of this place?
[Finn] So what are we going to do?
[Cassandra] Yeah, maybe there's some back door or something...
[Audrey] There's outside access through the basement.
* Cobia looks around, trying to think of a plan.
[Finn] We better not have to wallow around in any more sewers.
[Audrey] It leads to one of the storage areas out back! It's our only way out.
[Daria] But that's where all those noises come from every night...
[Criz] There just has to be, we can't go through another fight like that again.
* Audrey sighs.
[Audrey] It's either that or the peons. :/
[Salah] Noises?
[Audrey] Yes. Noises, people disappearing...Imogene did it all...
[Miriamele] How many could there possibly be?
[Criz] Elaborate on this Audrey...
[Audrey] Well...
[Cassandra] More than enough, Miri...
[Salah] Well, I-I guess then we should get out through the basement.
[Audrey] I've lived in the shrine since I was eight. Imogene hasn't been the high priestess very long. Just since Jessica went on extended leave...
[Lynna] Seems like being a priestess isn't all fun and games after all..what kind of things was Imogene doing in here anyway?
[Audrey] And since then...
* Cassandra looks out one of the windows to see how many peons there are out there.
[Audrey] Girls have dissapeared....things break without cause...noises...
[Criz] With no explantion on this disappearances right?
[Audrey] Yes. None. Oh! Before I forget...there are healing statues in the main hall.
* Criz eyes the group as he sees them all doing their own things.
[Finn] That should be the undisputed first destination...
[Miriamele] Maybe we could hide and wait for them to break in. Then we could either surprise them, or make a break for it when their guard is down.
[Criz] First of all...before we risk our lives for one another. Who ARE all of you?
[Audrey] Audrey Nanshete.
[Salah] I'm Salah.
[Finn] Finn MacGovray.
[Salah] Nice to meet all of you.
[Miriamele] Call me Miri. ^_^ I wish we all could have met under better circumstances, but..
[Finn] Which way is the main hall, Audrey?
[Criz] A pleasure it is to meet you all, though it is a greater pleasure for you all to meet me. I am Criz, that's all you need to know.
* Cobia decides to hold off on the salutations until they are out of danger.
[Lynna] I'm Lynna...Lynna Handred. At least we won't die a bunch of strangers now.
[Audrey] This way.
* Cassandra doesn't bother mentioning her name at all.
[Criz] Lead on Audrey!
* Finn eyes the chick with the whip and smirks.
* Audrey leads you to the main hall, where the statues are.
* Finn touches a statue...
* Criz inspects the statues.
* Cassandra looks at Finn.
[Cassandra] You mind not staring?
* Salah looks at the statues, says a quick prayer then touches one.
* Audrey touches another.
* Cassandra touches one of the statues.
[Finn] Not at all, ma'am, not at all.
[Cassandra] And don't call me ma'am....I'm not high enough for such a title.
[Criz] Audrey, to be honest with you. I am believing your story, yet you were wih Imogene before... How do we know you're not helping her?
[Audrey] Criz...I am in no way a part of her schemes.
* Criz stares into Audrey's eyes.
[Criz] I...I trust you.
* Audrey looks back, with dead conviction.
[Audrey] Thank you.
* Lynna looks at Criz.
[Lynna] "Who cares...If Imogene wanted her to betray us I think it would have happened a long time ago."
[Storyteller] ++ ALL HP RESTORED! ++ ALL MP RESTORED! ++
[Salah] I trust you Miss Nanshete.
[Audrey] Thanks. :)
* Lynna looks at the statue of Althena a moment, and touches it lightly.
[Ramus] About this way out, Priestess Audrey...
* Cobia searches the floor looking for an inconsistancy of some sort.
[Audrey] Yes?
* Criz quickly touches the statue as he feels refreshed.
* Cassandra looks at Finn. "So where're you from?"
[Daria] I still don't think it's a good idea. Won't the rest of the priests and priestesses come back?
[Finn] Um...Meryod, actually. And Vane. You?
* Cassandra says with contemptment.
[Cassandra] Meribia. It really sucks.
[Audrey] They might...but the question is when...
* Lynna just stands there, wondering if today could get any worse..
[Criz] Soon is what we all pray for.
[Daria] But we can hold up in here forever. We've got plenty of food...
[Finn] I think we ought to go down to the basement...
[Daria] Lots of wine...
[Audrey] Bu how long will the door hold up?
[Finn] Whatever she's doing down there, perhaps we can stop it.
[Audrey] I agree with Sir Finn.
[Finn] Just Finn will do.
* Finn smiles at Audrey.
[Ramus] At the very least, we should barricade ourselves in the basement.
[Audrey] Okay...Finn.
[Criz] What are we gonna do about rations?
* Criz looks at Ramus waiting for an answer.
[Ramus] Like Priestess Daria said, there's plenty of food.
[Finn] We shouldn't even be thinking about rations. We should be trying to get out of here.
[Daria] (whisper) Merciful Althena, protect us...
* Salah nods.
[Lynna] There's no way I'm staying in a shrine for the rest of my life...let's go to the basement.
* Cassandra nods.
* Audrey says a quick prayer under her breath.
[Audrey] What a fix I've gotten myself into...
[Salah] I think the basement is our best hope.
[Finn] Okay, I guess it's pretty much decided then... Lead on, Audrey...
* Audrey nods, and leads the way!
* Lynna follows Audrey somewhat impatiently.
* Cassandra follows silently.
* Cobia follows the party down into the basement.
* Salah quietly follows everyone.
* Finn follows, humming under his breath.
[Storyteller] Their footsteps echo as the descend into the basement. The cold draft of air swirls thier clothes about them. Audrey recalls it being substantially warmer last time she was down here. Perhaps somebody left a door open?
* Audrey shivers slightly.
* Salah shivers lightly, not liking the feeling of this place.
* Finn mutters and rubs his arms.
* Lynna continues down the steps, not caring much for the air of this place at all.
[Audrey] Last time I was down here, it was warmer... someone must have left a door open..
* Audrey looks at Finn.
[Cassandra] Damn it's cold...
[Finn] Maybe she's keeping a morgue or something...
[Audrey] Oh I hope not.
* Finn looks around for an open door.
[Lynna] Where there's a breeze there's a door..and a way out.
[Salah] What if, what if they knew about this place too?
[Daria] Imogene knew about the whole shrine...
[Storyteller] Before you is a long hallway. Down the sides are a series of doors. The cold air seems to be coming from down the length of the hall, rather from any of the side doors.
[Finn] Then that gives us two choices... Act like sitting ducks until the hordes of peons come and find us, or find our way out.
[Salah] I mean, Imogene knows about this place, why wouldn't she send some of her men down here?
* Audrey shivers, wrapping her arms around herself.
[Finn] All villains are dumb, Salah.
[Audrey] No matter which way we take, it won't be safe.
* Cassandra checks to see if any of the doors are locked.
[Audrey] Not nessicarily....but...
[Ramus] Certainly not...
* Lynna's robe flutters a bit in the draft, shifting colors slightly..
[Cobia] Finn is right, we can't wait down here forever.
[Storyteller] The nearest four or five doors are unlocked. One of them leads to the wine cellar that Audrey was cleaning earlier this evening, before things turned.
* Salah pulls her cloak tightly around herself.
[Finn] Sure they are...in practically every story, every legend...the villain has a chance to kill the hero and he doesn't take it.
[Cassandra] Anybody wanna get wasted?
[Audrey] Let's see....I don't think they'd be anything useful in the wine cellar...and no...getting 'wasted' would not be wise.
* Salah would rather not.
[Cassandra] It'd keep us warm...
* Lynna goes over to some of the locked doors and inspects them.
[Salah] I don't think I'm old enough to drink that stuff.
[Audrey] But trying to fight anything intoxicated is foolish.
* Daria stands off to one side, waiting for the others to make a decision.
[Ramus] If the plan is to leave, shall we get a move on?
[Finn] Shall we just head directly down the hall?
* Salah shivers.
[Salah] Let's go please?
* Cassandra goes to the locked doors and begins to try to unlock one of them.
[Audrey] Yes. Let's.
* Audrey leads the troupe.
[Cassandra] What if there's some useful stuff here?
[Cobia] Let us try to open the locked door.
[Daria] It's Shrine property! You can't just *steal* it!
[Salah] Umm, Cass? Let's just keep going
[Criz] What if is not good enough for me Cassandra.
[Finn] Sure we can...
[Audrey] Cassandra...let's go.
[Criz] On the contray Daria...of course we can.
[Daria] Audrey... Tell them they can't steal from the shrine.
[Audrey] No, you...um. Can't.You can't steal from the shrine.
[Lynna] Oh just forget it...I'm not hanging around here just to steal some worthless religious junk.
* Finn wanders down the hall.
* Cassandra ignores the others and continues trying to unlock the door.
* Lynna starts off down the hallway.
* Salah follows Finn.
* Daria admits defeat and follows the rest...
[Criz] Audrey, Althena hasn't given me anything in life, she took far more then gave. I will respect you, for that I will not steal from the shrine, though I think it's going to be time for the goddess to give something back to me in awhile.
[Daria] (whisper) I hope you never see the light of Althena, thiefing wench...
[Audrey] Althena makes her choices for certain reasons...even I don't understand them all. But she is good and pure...and she protects all she creates.
* Finn keeps walking.
* Cobia overhears Criz.
[Cobia] What more do you want from Althena, she has already given you life."
[Criz] Life? You call what I haved lived through LIFE? Cobia is it? Until you know MY life, don't mention about it, thank you!
* Ramus adjusts Dyne's Sword over his shoulder and follows the rest.
[Cassandra] Damn this door! Open!
* Salah lowers her head.
[Salah] Except my family....
[Storyteller] Click! The door opens.
[Cassandra] Whee!
[Audrey] Cassandra!
* Cassandra goes into the room and looks around for anything useful.
* Audrey fumes.
[Audrey] Come on! We need to go!
[Storyteller] Cassandra finds 8 Herbs!
* Criz enters the room.
* Cassandra walks out of the room and goes over to the others.
[Criz] No weapons..nothing good.
[Daria] She's stealing from the shrine! Audrey... Do *something*!
* Lynna keeps on walking, getting ahead of the party by some distance.
[Audrey] Well...
[Finn] Oh do shut up already...
[Criz] Wait...do you people suppose there could be an exit in this room?
[Audrey] For once I agree with her. I think Althena would rather us get through this alive. :/
[Salah] Ramus.... my father... he wasn't here... that explosion, he-he...
[Finn] There are more important things at stake.
* Daria looks at Finn and shuts up.
[Ramus] They may have made camp elsewhere, honey... They probably saw the force attacking the shrine and went someplace else. I'm sure he's okay.
* Lynna looks back.
[Lynna] Are you all coming?
* Finn is walking in front or close to front.
[Audrey] Now...let's keep going.
* Daria is as far from Finn as possible.
[Daria] (whisper) Stuck in the basement of my own shrine with a bunch of heretics...
* Cobia follows closely behind Finn.
[Salah] I-I hope you are right.
* Criz starts to walk, as he tries to keep his distance from everyone.
* Finn tilts his head slightly back and towards Daria.
[Audrey] Daria! :/
[Ramus] I am. Come on, we don't want to lose the others.
[Daria] Yes?
[Audrey] Ahem...oh nevermind. Let's just get out alive...
[Daria] Yes, ma'am.
[Audrey] Ma'am? No...no...Audrey is fine. ^_^
* Salah continues down the hallway alongside Ramus.
[Daria] Yes, ma'am.
[Finn] I wonder if Althena likes judgemental hypocrites...
[Audrey] Audrey.
[Daria] Yes, ma'am.
* Audrey blinks.
* Lynna tries to follow the air currents, a little relieved when everybody catches up.
* Criz overhears Daria and Audrey and chuckles to himself.
[Miriamele] Althena... hmm..
[Finn] Is this thing ever gonna END?
* Finn yawns noisily.
[Audrey] Very shortly. ^_^
* Salah sighs.
[Lynna] You know..
* Salah looks at the repeating decor as she continues walking.
[Storyteller] Up ahead, you hear a squeeking sound... like mice or rats.
* Lynna turns to Audrey.
[Lynna] I'd say "Are we there yet?" just to break the monotony.
[Criz] There's our snacks people!
* Audrey laughs.
[Audrey] I was thinking the same thing!
[Finn] Ugh.
[Audrey] O_o; Oh.
[Salah] Ewww..
* Lynna rotates her eyes forward.
[Criz] What are you all puting those faces on? You all eat cows right?
* Finn wrinkles his nose and keeps walking.
[Cobia] Do you hear that.. I know that sound too well.
[Criz] Rats have meat just like cows.
[Finn] Cobia? What is it?
* Miriamele looks up ahead into the darkness a little, hoping to make out the outlines of the scurring rodents..
[Audrey] Rats are also carriers of germs...
* Criz listens closely.
[Criz] What sound, Finn?
[Storyteller] Something runs across the far end.
[Criz] That wasn't a rat folks!
* Lynna squints a bit in the darkness.
[Storyteller] It looks like there's a T in the tunnel up ahead.
[Cobia] Giant rats I believe.
[Audrey] Looks like we have no choice...
* Salah shifts unconfortably.
* Criz walks up to Salah and puts his arm around her.
* Audrey looks at Criz.
[Finn] Audrey's right.
[Criz] Don't be scared Salah, I'll protect you.
* Criz smiles.
[Audrey] As will I. ^_^
* Lynna approaches the intersection and smirks.
[Lynna] Imogene, rats, and T-sections, oh my...
[Finn] So...left or right?
* Criz looks at Audrey and nods his head yes.
* Miriamele draws out her dagger and darts up ahead to the "T" to check the area..
* Salah looks extremely stlarted.
* Miriamele looks down both ways..
* Lynna checks with Miri.
[Criz] The rats are nothing Lynna...but this intersection is something all right.
[Storyteller] Both sides look the same, it's much to dark to see the ends of them.
* Salah uncomformably moves out of Criz's arms and turns to him.
* Criz looks at Daria.
[Finn] I say right.
[Audrey] Right.
[Finn] How about right?
[Miriamele] Hmm..
[Storyteller] The rat ran from left to right.
[Salah] T-thank you, but I'm okay.
[Criz] (sarcastically) Why don't you just PRAY to the goddess for directions!
* Cobia looks over towards Criz and gives a threatening look.
[Audrey] Criz...stop it at once!
[Cassandra] I say we go right.
[Ramus] Keep close, Miss Salah...
[Lynna] I say maybe our furry friends have the 'right' idea so to speak. Let's turn that way.
[Daria] Criz!
[Criz] Sorry for that remark...I don't know what got in me.
[Miriamele] I think right is probably the best decision.
[Finn] Right it is.
* Finn heads right.
* Lynna sighs at Criz's remark.
[Criz] Then I shall go left!
* Cassandra follows behind Finn.
* Audrey leads the pack right, only because she lives here. :P
[Salah] I-I think we should go left, the rat may have been running away from something....
* Finn waves goodbye to Criz, in that case. :P
[Cobia] One more remark like that and I will toss your tounge to the rats.
[Lynna] Criz...could you save the macho act for when we have time for it?
[Criz] What macho act?
[Finn] Oh, for goodness sake, we don't have time for this...
[Criz] I feel as left is best, nothing else.
[Miriamele] Salah, if it was running away, then the worse thing is down the left path.
[Criz] Ok ok...to show YOU Lynna, I will go right. And I am NOT being macho. :P
[Ramus] Miss Miri is correct. We should follow the rat. Perhaps it knows the way out.
[Salah] W-well, I just thought it might be the right way.
* Lynna looks at Criz.
[Lynna] That damn flirting..it gets old reallly fast.
[Salah] But if everyone wants to go right, then I'll follow as well.
* Miriamele carries on down the right path...
[Miriamele] "We'll be fine. I'm sure of it."
* Audrey nods in agreement with Lynna!
[Cassandra] So...ummm...priestess lady....Audrey? Yeah....Do you have any idea where we're going?
* Salah follows Miri.
[Audrey] Um... Yes...of course!
* Finn looks at Audrey.
* Lynna heads right, chuckling that a priestess actually can agree with her on something..
* Criz walks right behind Lynna.
[Audrey] I've never really been this far down before.If you want the truth.
[Finn] Well.
[Storyteller] They begin walking down the righthand corridor...
[Cassandra] You better, 'cause if you don't, guess who's gettin' a can of whoop-ass opened on 'em?
* Miriamele carries along, ears perked and alert..
[Storyteller] A rat scurries past them, running down the side very close to the wall.
* Audrey sighs.
[Storyteller] A second follows it, brushing Salah's ankle.
* Salah shrieks.
* Cassandra snickers.
* Finn jumps at Salah's shriek.
* Ramus puts a hand on Salah's shoulder...
* Audrey yelps!
[Ramus] It was just a rat.
* Lynna jerks her head when she hears Salah's shrieking.
[Cassandra] Will you all just shut up? It was just a rat!
[Audrey] Well..she startled me...
[Salah] I know, I know! I just wasn't expecting it.
[Daria] Oh, and I suppose you're not afraid of anything, Miss Thief?
* Finn exhales and keeps walking.
[Audrey] Please, no more hostilites!
[Daria] Yes, ma'am.
[Lynna] Let's just forget it...I don't like being in this rat-hole any more than any of you do.
[Audrey] Audrey.
[Criz] For crying out loud...can't you just call her Audrey?
* Miriamele glances warily down the path as she continues..
* Finn picks up his pace.
[Finn] Let's hurry it up...
* Audrey walks along.
* Lynna keeps pace with Finn.
[Finn] This scenery is getting old fast...
[Audrey] What scenery, Finn? ^_^
* Salah quietly follows along, trying to shake the odd feeling since Meribia
[Finn] Heh.
[Storyteller] At the end of the hall is a closed door. One of the rats wiggles through a hole in the bottom where one of the slats was broken off. A gentle light shines through the warped and battered door.
[Criz] Ok now who's skinny and small enough to fit in that?
[Audrey] That could be our way out.
* Finn tentatively pushes at the door...
[Storyteller] Another rat slips out the hole, something clenched in it's teeth.
[Lynna] Hmm...
* Audrey looks down at the rat.
[Storyteller] It scurries back the way you came.
* Cassandra tries to open the door.
[Cobia] Does anyone else feel a breeze?
[Storyteller] The door is locked.
[Criz] Did anyone see what it had in it's teeth?
[Audrey] I bet it was the key.
[Storyteller] There is no breeze anymore.
[Finn] Hmm...Cobia, can you chop it down?
* Lynna goes a bit closer to the door, a bit distrubed by the fact the wind stopped.
* Cassandra tries to pick the lock on the door.
* Miriamele looks down the hole..
[Criz] Let's just knock the old fashioned way!
[Storyteller] Ka-Click! The door unlocks...
[Cassandra] It's good to be me.
[Criz] Ummm...
[Finn] Wow, she's useful.
* Cassandra opens the door.
[Criz] Good job Cassandra.
[Daria] Who's going to enter first?
* Salah nods to Cassandra.
[Salah] Good job.
[Lynna] I wonder just what battered that door like that...
[Audrey] I'll go.
[Storyteller] She pushes the door open. It squeeks half of the way, then falls of it's hinges. It drops to the ground, the battered old wood pulverizing on contact. A small silver brazier burns in the center of the room. Enscribed around it are arcane symbols bearing no resemblance to any that the group has seen before. The symbols must be engraved deep into the floor, for each is filled with a shimmering black liquid... perhaps blood? No, definetly blood.

Strapped to the walls and resting on tables are a multitude of bodies. Most of the bodies are dressed in robes of the priesthood, all are splattered with blood however. Five angled tables are arrayed around the symbols in the center. The bodies on these tables are stripped bare, their stomachs sliced open. The tables are stained with blood, one of them is still dripping; the blood flowing down the table into the engraving on the floor.

 It's from this body that one of the rats runs in, tears a bloody chunk out, and scampers out the door.
* Audrey gasps.
[Audrey] What...what is this?!
[Finn] Oh my God...
* Finn feels his stomach lurch...
* Ramus covers Salah's eyes.
* Criz has a blank stare.
* Audrey not only feels her stomach lurch, but goes into a corner, and empties it.
* Lynna stares at the carnage, open-mouthed...
* Audrey shudders and wipes her mouth.
* Daria leans against the wall, covering her eyes...
[Lynna] I think we found the missing clergy...
[Daria] (whisper) My... friends...
[Audrey] I had no idea that Imogene did THIS much. N, no...no clue!
* Salah quickly turns away, with a deathly pale face....
[Audrey] ...all my friends...
* Finn kneels by the engraving...
* Ramus leads Salah back into the hall.
* Cassandra looks at all the bodies.
[Storyteller] Another rat scampers in, grabs a piece and runs away.
* Audrey tries to hold back tears.
[Criz] This...this is too much for even my eyes to see.
* Cobia looks at the bodies trying to determine when they were killed.
[Cassandra] You know, I have this strange feeling that that psycho bitch is gonna appear....
[Finn] I think we should burn this place.
[Audrey] Don't say that....
[Daria] Audrey...
* Miriamele looks more intently at the various arcane symbols...
[Audrey] Daria....
* Daria points to the freshest body...
[Finn] Burn and run away the other way really fast.
* Audrey looks where Daria is pointing.
[Daria] (softly) That... Tell... Tell me that's not Lucinda.
* Lynna looks down for a moment, as not even she has seen this much death in one place.
[Audrey] ...oh by Althena's name..
* Salah sobs, trying hard not to cry, blinking back her tears.....
* Audrey looks at Daria with sadness in her eyes.
[Audrey] It is. I'm sorry...
[Ramus] (Softly) Salah... it's... It's gonna be okay. We'll get out of this place.
* Criz acts cold throughout it all, as he has gone through such carnage before in his childhood.
[Storyteller] Yet another rat scampers in. He runs up the table and pulls a piece from her shoulder...It runs back down, passing right near Cobia's foot.
[Salah] I wanna leave this place, now!
* Daria turns and walks out... She slides down against the wall...
[Audrey] Daria!
* Cassandra remains quiet the entire time.
[Criz] People, as much as we may want to leave, there has to be a way out.
[Daria] (whisper) Althena has forsaken us...
* Audrey rushes to her friend.
[Audrey] No...no...she hasn't....
[Criz] From this room itself, this is where it lead us, this is where we shall escape!
* Lynna bends down to inspect the arcane symbols.
[Audrey] She's now shown us what's going on. It's up to us to set things right.
* Finn covers his mouth.
[Finn] I can't read those symbols...
* Audrey is still sobbing.
[Criz] I don't think anyone can Finn.
[Finn] But this whole situation looks like the makings for some obscene witchcraft...
[Miriamele] I think we'd better go.. we can't burn this place up, or cave it in 'cause we may do more harm to ourselves. We'd better just leave.
[Lynna] From the looks of it Imogene was gathering their blood for some kind of spell..
[Criz] Go where Miri?
[Criz] We walked all this way, to get here.
[Miriamele] There's always the other path. I don't see another way out, do you?
* Salah somehow knew that the left path was the right one, this path now proves it correct.
[Storyteller] Again... Rat... Fleshbit... runaway...
[Finn] Miri is right...but I'm hesitant to leave this how it is...what is she up to?
[Cassandra] That's obviously where all the rats are coming from...
[Cobia] This is obvisly some kind of sacrifice.
* Lynna stands up, and turns around.
[Lynna] Let's get out of here before we find out just what she was planning on summoning.
* Salah clutches her head and in a darkened voice.
[Salah] Its not a spell, not quite...
* Cassandra blinks.
[Cassandra] How about we follow those rats?
* Finn looks at Salah.
* Audrey is still outside comforting Daria.
[Ramus] What was that, Salah?
* Lynna looks at Salah oddly.
* Miriamele exits the room. "I've had enough of that, I don't think my stomach'll take much more.."
[Lynna] You know something?
* Daria rises from the floor with Audrey's assistance...
[Criz] What...was that you said Salah?
* Cassandra follows Miri.
[Cassandra] I'm with you, girl.
[Audrey] It'll be okay...it will...
[Salah] Huh...?
[Criz] You just said something...Didn't you?
* Salah looks around.
[Salah] S-something wrong?
[Finn] You said this wasn't a spell...
* Lynna narrows her eyes.
[Lynna] You said something about this being not quite a spell..
[Criz] Exactly Lynna, that is what she said.
[Salah] Spell...?
[Ramus] Leave the girl be. Lets just go.
[Criz] And you don't remember you saying this?
[Salah] I-I can't remember... I-I-I...
[Criz] I agree Ramus, this is all getting to her.
* Finn swallows thickly and follows behind Cassandra.
* Daria looks at Audrey, then Ramus and starts walking...
[Miriamele] All the more reason to make a break for it if something is wrong. Let's go. We can come back and deal with this later. Besides, if we're caught here, we have nowhere to run now..
* Lynna shrugs.
[Lynna] And people say I had a bad memory..
* Salah nods and follows.
* Audrey leads again.
* Lynna turns and walks out.
* Cobia lags behind the group.
[Criz] I don't want to leave...what can this all be? HEY! They all left me!
* Criz exits the room.
* Cassandra looks to Finn.
[Cassandra] Well, after seeing that, how about we go have some dinner?
* Miriamele quietly & alertly scouts ahead...
* Finn smiles sickly at Cassandra...
[Finn] That was really tasteless, you know...
* Salah shudders.
[Audrey] I can't believe it....
[Salah] What's going on? Why is this all happening?
* Lynna hurries down the hallway, a lot more uneasy about this whole situation.
[Finn] Because there are some very sick people in this world...
* Criz stands next to Salah as they walk.
[Criz] Are you ok Salah?
* Finn keeps pace with Lynna, anxious to get out.
[Lynna] No kidding, Finn.
[Salah] First Meribia, now this...?
* Cobia catches up to the front of the group.
[Criz] Meribia?
[Criz] Why, what happened at Meribia?
[Cassandra] Salah, shit happens. There's no way to change what's already been done.
[Criz] I was supposed to go there, I'm in search of someone dear to me.
[Salah] Meribia was attacked.... my family, everyone I know, is dead....
* Lynna looks at Finn.
[Lynna] Where'd you and your rag-tag party come from anyhow? You showed up at a really good time.
* Audrey keeps to herself.
* Criz eyes almost fall out in shock.
* Ramus walks next to Salah.
* Daria mopes along behind Audrey...
[Criz] At...attacked? But...that city miht have held so many answeres for her...now I don't know where to go to find her.
[Cassandra] You don't know if your father died....Well...wait..Oh yeah, the city kind of blew up...But maybe he escaped!
[Storyteller] Yet again... A rat runs past you.
[Finn] Cobia rescued a girl and I from the water...
* Salah pulls out her pendant around her neck and clutches it.
* Miriamele watches the rat go..
[Finn] We managed to find you guys later on...
* Criz feels as he has to start from the start again.
* Audrey considers stepping on the rat to relieve her anger.
[Storyteller] Where as usually your pendant usually feels warm to the touch, now it strikes you as being very cold.
[Criz] (Now where shall I go? Where can she be?)
[Lynna] I'm guessing that's a good thing...of course the water might have been better then being stuck down here..
[Storyteller] You continue down the corridor, quickly passing the intersection. You continue on.
* Criz goes into his pocket and pulls out a picture of a young girl.
* Salah idly looks at her reflection on the shiny gold, not caring too much about why her pendant is so cold.
* Ramus puts his hand on her shoulder...
* Criz stares at the picture as he almost looks like he is about to cry, he then quickly puts it back in his pocket.
[Ramus] Come on, Salah... Chin up.
[Cassandra] That your girlfriend?
[Criz] Huh? Ummm..no... She's my sister.
[Cassandra] Oh....
* Cassandra shrugs.
[Storyteller] Up ahead you hear a number of rats squeeking, at least three or four.
* Salah looks at Ramus.
[Salah] I'll try.
[Finn] Well...this is certainly a lot more frightening than the water. I'll give it that.
* Ramus nods.
[Audrey] If I see another rat, it'll be too soon.
* Lynna looks ahead.
[Lynna] I'm starting to think these rats know something we don't.
[Storyteller] A rat runs up the corridor from behind... You definetly feel the breeze again. The further you walk down this path, the stronger and colder it gets.
* Salah slides her pendant under her dress and presses onward.
* Miriamele watches the rat scurry off into the darkness ahead...
* Criz feels a breeze.
[Miriamele] I think we gotta be getting close to something...
[Cassandra] We've gotta almost be out of here!
[Storyteller] Further on, there's more light.
* Salah tightly pulls up her cloak.
* Audrey shivers violently.
[Lynna] Tell me that's a door..tell me it is...
* Criz stays warm for he has on a long rain coat type jacket.
* Criz walks up to Audrey.
[Criz] Are you cold?
[Miriamele] Great. We're gonna be outta here soon. Although we should be on guard... if those things attacking the church were working for what's-her-face... she may have also told them to keep an eye on this entrance..
* Lynna pulls her robe closer about her, as it almost seems to become thicker and warmer to the eye.
[Storyteller] The door up ahead swings slowly on it's hinges.
* Salah looks outside.
* Miriamele stops and looks at the entrance carefully..
[Storyteller] Outside, you hear the rats squeeking, but you also hear a soft, low voice.
* Criz walks faster and faster towards the door.
[Criz] Did you people hear that?
* Finn listens carefully.
* Miriamele waves her hand to keep the volume down. "Everyone, quiet!"
[Audrey] I heard it...
* Lynna advances cautiously towards the voice.
[Criz] It sounded as a person...!
[Finn] Of course we heard it...
* Criz walks towards the voice.
[Salah] (whispers) I've heard this voice somewhere....
* Miriamele creeps up to take a careful look...
[Criz] Hello...is someone there?
* Finn grabs Criz and pulls him back.
[Audrey] Shh!
[Storyteller] The person looks directly at Miriamele as Criz calls out...
* Salah clutches her head.
[Salah] Where, where did I hear it?
* Miriamele closes her eyes and thuds her hand to her forehead.
[Criz] Why you do that for ?
[Finn] Now you've done it...
[Man] Ah... Company...
[Lynna] It better not be the Rat King or anything...I've had enough of them for one day.
[Audrey] Who...?
[Man] Coming along for the ride?
[Criz] Umm...I guess so.
[Audrey] Who are you? What are you doing here?
* Man steps out from behind the cart, one of the rats climbs up his cloak and sits on his shoulder.
[Man] I was a guest of the lady of the house.
[Criz] Just as long as this ride isn't dangerous. Like Audrey asked, who are you?
[Audrey] Imogene...
[Man] Truely an exceptional beauty. Pity I wasn't able to sample her flavor.
[Criz] Oh...the bitch!
[Miriamele] I don't like this one bit..
[Audrey] ....sample her...flavor?
* Miriamele surveys the outdoor surroundings..
[Audrey] What are you babbling about?
[Criz] Her flavor? Mister, what disgusting life have you lived down here?
[Finn] Oh my God...
* Salah looks curious.
[Salah] What are you talking about?
* Lynna glares at the man.
[Lynna] (Why didn't I keep my mouth shut...
* Man hops up on top of the cart... Although he didn't appear to jump... He just... moved.
* Finn retches...
* Miriamele tries to take a look in the back of the cart..
[Criz] (whispers to Miri) Can you see what it's there?
[Storyteller] The cart is looks like it's loaded with wooden chests, probably containing some sort of supplies.
[Man] Now, now... It's not nice to whisper.
[Audrey] Who ARE you?
* Cassandra unlatches her whip for safekeeping.
[Criz] Fine, then I shall say it to you. Who are you? And what are you doing down here?
* Finn places a hand on the hilt of his sword.
[Man] Vargomere Gangrath, Esquire... And I already told you. I was a guest of the lady of the house... Now, if you have no more questions, I'll be leaving.
[Audrey] Charmed. I don't appreciate you eating my friends.
[Miriamele] What is it you do, Mister Gangrath?
[Vargomere] I haven't eaten anybody. What horrible manners to accuse me of such a thing.
[Audrey] You sort of gave it away.
[Criz] Leaving? Do you know a way out?
[Vargomere] Why yes, I do... Right down this tunnel.
[Audrey] But...
[Salah] I've heard your voice.... somewhere.... where?
[Criz] By saying you wanted to taste HER flavor.
* Criz looks at Salah.
[Vargomere] Oh... Ladies... Come... It's time... Grab up those ropes and pull the cart...
[Audrey] Unless he meant something sexual...but I doubt it. :/ This is a church!
[Criz] So?
[Storyteller] Four priestess shamble out of the darkness.
[Audrey] What the...?
[Storyteller] They appear to be half-asleep... Or is it half dead...
* Lynna continues staring at the man, not the least bit cooperative.
[Criz] Look at their skin tone.
[Audrey] Wha--!
* Cobia takes out his blade.
[Storyteller] They take up the rope tied to the carts and begin to pull...Slowly it starts to move...
[Criz] Pale as can be...
[Lynna] Zombies...
[Audrey] Stop!
* Cassandra looks at the man and priestesses. She tries to get a close look at his face..
[Vargomere] A sword? You wish to fight me? Very well.
 

Boss Battle! Round One!

* Miriamele's hand drops to the dagger belted at her waist..
* Audrey pulls out her slingshot wearily...
* Criz takes out his bo-staff.
* Finn pulls out his dagger.
[Criz] Now you did it Cobia! We could have tried to talk to him.
* Lynna brandishes her claws, eager to vent some of her frustration.
[Storyteller] Vargomere brings one of his hands up to his wrist, he pops his fangs and slices it open...
[Salah] A-a vampire?
* Miriamele draws her knife, and flicks the wrist of her other hand, several small blades slip between her fingers!
[Storyteller] He waves his arm across... The blood splatters on the floor. Each spot where it hit the floor bubbles...
* Audrey looks on with absolute revulsion.
[Cobia] You shall meet your fate by the blade in my hand.
[Criz] How...repulsive!
[Storyteller] A rat forms out of each bubble... They line up in two neat rows in front of him.
[Audrey] So that's where the rats are coming from...
[Finn] He gets points for creativity...
* Lynna sees the blood splatter, and her robes starts to become a shade of deep red.
[Lynna] Well, I for one think the only blood that's going to spill...is yours, Vargomere.. **
[Storyteller]  Vargomere raises the bloodied wrist up and outward...
[Audrey] I just don't understand it...how can a vampire walk in Althena's church?!
[Criz] Audrey...I never did trust in your goddess in the first place.
[Audrey] That's ENOUGH, Criz.
[Storyteller] Red tentrils of energy extend from it toward Audrey...
[Salah] The room, must've desanctified it.
[Audrey] Ah!...No!
[Cassandra] Blow it out your ass, Criz!
[Storyteller] As he raises the arm, she rises into the air...
[Salah] Audrey!!
[Audrey] Stop! Let me go, you ...you...freak of nature! Put me down!
[Lynna] Watch out Audrey!
[Criz] NO!
[Storyteller] With a grunt, the energy flow stops... Audrey takes 0 damage from Drain Litany!
[Salah] Let her go!!
[Vargomere] You're a strong one... So much stronger than your friends...
[Storyteller] Audrey lands on the ground, on her feet...
[Audrey] Don't underestimate them.
* Criz runs to Audrey.
[Finn] She's fine, Criz.
[Criz] Are you alright?
[Audrey] I'm fine!
* Audrey then smiles.
[Audrey] Really.
[Criz] Ok..it's time to play!
* Criz fiddles with his bo-staff as he then charges at Vampire Rat I and jumps into the air and land on it's head, then hits it with his bo-staff twice.
[Storyteller] Vampire Rat I dies!
* Criz attacks Vapire Rat J with his staff.
[Storyteller] Vampire Rat J dies!
* Criz then smiles and throws his staff towards Vampire rat K.
[Storyteller] Vampire Rat K dies! The staff neatly falls back into Criz's hand.
* Miriamele jumps up, landing in front of the nearest rat! Miriamele plants a dagger down through it's back! Turning towards another, she slices at it sideways! Winding up, she throws another wide volley of blades at the next closest two!
[Storyteller] Vampire Rat A dies! Vampire Rat B dies! Vampire Rat C dies! Vampire Rat D dies!
* Lynna forms an illusionary replica of herself behind Vargomere in an attempt to throw them off guard, laughing slighty at their gullibility.
[Storyteller] Vargomere's Reaction is reduced by 5!
* Cobia charges towards a vampire rat and thrashes his blade around in a display of raw power.
[Storyteller] The blade slices through the rat, splattering the remainder all over the far wall. Vampire Rat E is dead!
* Cassandra coils her whip around her hands, and grins wickedly. She unfurls the whip and lashes it out at Rat F, snapping with a sickening crack!
[Storyteller] The force of the whips flattens the rat. In explodes in a burst of bloody pulp. Vampire Rat F is dead!
* Salah suddenly feels odd, as if something deep inside her was trying to break free....
* Salah closes her eyes tightly, a sudden white flash eminates from her causing her to float a few inches off the ground, in a brillant flash she returns to the ground the white aura around her gone.
[Storyteller] Salah's reaction raises by 15!
* Lynna notices the bright flash of light and blinks at Salah.
* Salah glances down at her hands, not excatly sure of what she did...
* Audrey whispers in an arcrane tounge, drawing strange patterns in the air, patterns that closely resemble a star. Her body begins to glow with a holy aura, and the aura seeps into her body.
[Lynna] What was that, Salah?
[Storyteller] Audrey's Dodge % rises by 14!
[Salah] I, I'm not sure...
* Lynna nods quickly to Salah, and shifts her attention back to the battle.
[Lynna] Whatever power you have, I hope you can keep it up!
[Storyteller] Daria pulls a dagger from inside her robe and moves into the front row.
* Criz notices Daria.
[Criz] Are you sure Daria?
[Audrey] Be careful Daria!
* Criz is not thinking Daria can handle this.
* Finn leaps at Vargomere, stabbing him deeply in the torso and driving his sword upward...
[Storyteller] Vargomere takes 19 damage from Finn's weapon skill.
* Finn jumps back to avoid getting splattered by any blood.
[Storyteller] Ramus draws Dyne's sword... Ramus Defends Salah.
* Salah glances at Ramus.
[Salah] Be careful!

Boss Battle! Round 2!

* Lynna begins to chant, the air around her shifting and growing darker...
* Salah feels a sudden surge of power... Shelowers her head and holds her arms close, jets of water begin to rise around her, freezing into a barrier of ice around Salah. The ice shatters sending splinters of ice toward her opponent
[Storyteller] Vargomere takes 15 damage from Salah's spell.
[Storyteller] Vampire Rat G rises up on it's hind legs and twitters a bit...
* Salah looks rather surprised that she could do that....
[Storyteller] Vampire Rat G uses "Swarm". All of the remaining rats rush through the parties lines and leap on Ramus. Ramus takes 44 damage!
[Audrey] Ramus!
[Salah] Ramus!!
[Storyteller] The rats move back toward Vargomere, now forming into a single line.
* Salah rushes to Ramus' side.
[Salah] Are you okay?
[Storyteller] Ramus kneels, resting on Dyne's Sword...
* Criz smiles as he runs and flips in front of a nearby Vampire Rat and decks it's hairy back. Criz then spins around and back fist strikes the next Rat, as he then shoves and quickly smashes the rats head into the floor.
[Storyteller] Vampire Rat M dies! Vampire Rat O dies! Vampire Rat P dies!
* Miriamele begins a small chant, words of magic flowing fluidly off her tongue. "Power of unbridled Sol! Smite my foes with your fury!"
* Miriamele casts Pulse on Vargomere!
[Storyteller] Vargomere is Vulnerable to Sun! Vargomere takes 33 damage from Miriamele's Spell.
[Vargomere] Arg, you bitch... You're the first to die!
[Audrey] Don't bet on it!
[Miriamele] Ha! I'd like to see you try!
* Salah kneels besides Ramus.
[Storyteller] Vargomere leaps from the back of the cart. He lands in front of Miriamele. He swings his blade at her once, then catches her arm and pulls her close, sinking his teeth into her neck!
[Storyteller] Vargomere hits Miriamele for 15 damage.
[Storyteller] Vargomere hits Miriamele for 9 damage.
[Audrey] Miri!
[Finn] Miri...
[Storyteller] He leaps back to his place on top of the cart.
* Miriamele staggers back..
* Miriamele snarls!
[Miriamele] For that I'll make sure your death is painful!!
* Lynna builds up her power and fires a Black Beam right at Vargomere's black heart!
[Storyteller] Vargomere is Strong vs. Darkness! Vargomere takes no damage!
* Lynna curses under her breath.
[Lynna] Damn it...it's no use against him.
* Lynna looks at her reflection in her claws.
[Lynna] Looks like I'm going to have to get my hands dirty...
* Cobia runs to the nearest rat and takes out his blade. His first slash slices right through the nose while the second goes into the next one's mid-section.
[Storyteller] Rat G dies! Rat H dies! Rat L runs away! Rat N runs away!
* Audrey smiles. ^_^
* Cassandra coils her whip around her hands, and grins wickedly. She unfurls the whip and lashes it out at Vergomere, snapping with a sickening crack!
[Storyteller] Vargomere takes 19 damage from Cassandra's weapon skill.
* Audrey pulls out her crossbow and eyes Vargomere carefully. Sqiunting one of her eyes shut, she pulls back on the bow and a loud "twang!" is heard as the arrow is launched...
[Storyteller] Audrey missed!
[Audrey] Bah!
[Storyteller] Daria rushes forward with her dagger... Vargomere grabs her by the neck and tosses her away...
[Vargomere] Begone, whelp!
[Criz] I told that woman...
[Audrey] Daria!!
[Vargomere] You're not fit to be dined upon.
* Criz looks at Daira wondering if she is ok.
[Salah] Daria!
[Audrey] No! Look out!
[Storyteller] Daria lies crumpled on the floor, unconscious, but not dead.
[Audrey] Daria!!! Oh thats so it! You are so dead! That's enough! Enough!!
* Finn snarls and rushes Vargomere once more, slashing viciously across his midsection.
[Storyteller] Vargomere takes 13 damage from Finn's weapon skill.
[Criz] I agree Audrey, that took the cake!
[Storyteller] Ramus fumbles around in his pockets... he pulls out a roll of some round white wafer things... Ramus pops one into his mouth... Ramus regains 20 HP!
[Lynna] Audrey, let's get rid of this creature of the night first and worry about Daria later!
* Audrey nods.

Boss Battle! Round 3!

* Salah suddenly feels anicent words chanting in her mind.... She crosses her hands and begins to chant as a cold wind begins to blow, she thrusts her fists forward as daggers of ice are hurled toward Vargomere!
[Storyteller] Vargomere takes 2 damage from Salah's spell!
* Salah looks far more brave and detrimined than before.
* Criz raises his right hand up in the air, making a pattern as his ring start to glow brightly. He then quickly makes a fist and points it towards Vargomere as a burst of water hits Vargomere at full blast.
[Criz] Here, take a bath you smelly bastard!
[Storyteller] Vargomere takes 0 damage from Criz's spell.
* Miriamele begins a small chant, words of magic flowing fluidly off her tongue. "Power of unbridled Sol! Smite me foes with your fury!"
* Miriamele casts ¤Pulse on Vargomere!
[Storyteller] Vargomere is vulnerable to Sun. Vargomere takes 29 damage from Miriamele's spell!
* Audrey hopes Vargomere doesn't go after Miri again...
* Miriamele stands defiantly after the attack.
* Lynna trys to rush and defend Miri.
[Storyteller] Vargomere extends both of his arms this time... The uncut wrist bursts open... The red tendrils of energy reach out toward Criz...
[Audrey] Criz! Look out!
[Criz] WHA...!
[Salah] Criz!
* Criz tries to dodge it.
[Storyteller] As he lifts his hands, Criz rises into the air... The energy flows out of Criz' body and into Vargomere's.  Criz takes 33 damage! Vargomere regains 33 HP!
* Criz falls to the floor, but gets up as if he is ok.
[Audrey] Criz....
[Audrey] You'll pay for that.
[Criz] (Damn it...I can't take much more...)
[Storyteller] Lynna was defending Miri.
* Cobia takes his machette with two hands and charges Vargomere taking a swinging attack followed by a stab to the neck.
[Storyteller] Cobia missed! Critical Hit! Vargomere takes 26 damage.
* Cassandra creeps up behind Vargomere, like a shadow. With a slight chuckle, she moves as fast as lighting, trying to steal Vargomere's weapon right from under his nose! With a satistied grin, she returns to her comrades.
[Storyteller] Vargomere brandishes his weapon...
[Vargomere] Wipe that smug grin off your face, foolish woman.
* Audrey closes her eyes and chants to herself. When she is done chanting, a blue light surrounds Miri, and Miri's wounds heal a bit.
[Cassandra] You can suck my tits, you ugly, pale-ass mother......!
[Storyteller] Miri is restored to full health.
* Criz shakes the pain off.
[Criz] Vargo-whatever-you-are called! I will have your blood on my bo staff, as well as it shall be on the FLOOR with you dead!
[Vargomere] A shallow threat to one of the lords of death!
* Finn rushes Vargomere and stabs him with his sword...
[Storyteller] Critical Hit! Vargomere takes 16 damage.
* Finn slashes again...
[Storyteller] Finn hits Vargomere for 0 damage.
* Finn tries again with his dagger.
[Storyteller] Finn missed!
* Finn attacks again.
[Storyteller] Finn hits Vargomere for 0 damage.
[Criz] After I'm done with you you shall not be a lord no longer, but you shall be a dead man.
[Audrey] Criz... He is dead. :/
[Criz] Well you know what I mean...
* Salah looks at Criz.
[Salah] Criz, don't worry, I'll heal you.

Boss Battle! Round 4!

* Salah closes her eyes a bright yellows light eminates from her forehead, and in a brillant, blinding flash of light arcs of blue light enter Criz healing him.
[Storyteller] Criz regains 31 HP!
* Criz feels refreshed.
[Salah] Do you feel better?
* Lynna jumps over by Criz and smirks. "If you're not going to worry about yourself, someone has to."
[Criz] Thank you Salah. Now let me go and try and kill this smelly bastard!
* Criz spits on the ground and winks at Vargomere as he tackles him down and and hits him with the bo-staff. He then stands up above Vargoemere and tries to drive the staff through it's heart.
[Criz] I back down from NO one!
[Storyteller] Criz hits Vargomere for 0 damage. Criz hits Vargomere for 2 damage. Criz hits Vargomere for 0 damage.
[Salah] He seems to be getting stronger with each blow we make at him..
* Cassandra is scared.
* Salah looks at the vampire.
[Salah] W-what was that thing, that alter you have back there?
* Miriamele begins a small chant, words of magic flowing fluidly off her tongue. "Power of unbridled Sol! Smite me foes with your fury!"
* Miriamele casts ¤Pulse on Vargomere!
[Storyteller] Vargomere is vulnerable to Sun! Vargomere takes 31 damage from Miriamele's spell.
[Storyteller] Vargomere appears in front of Audrey. He slashes at her with his sword. Audrey takes 10 damage!
[Salah] Audrey!
[Storyteller] He reappears back on top of the cart.
* Audrey screams and stumbles back.
[Salah] Are you okay?!
* Lynna glares at Vargomere.
[Lynna] You want blood? I'll show you blood!
[Audrey] I--I'm fine...
* Lynna leaps at Vargomere.
[Storyteller] Lynna hits Vargomere for 0 damage!
* Lynna hits him again in frustration.
[Storyteller] Lynna missed!
[Vargomere] Getting upset will do you no good, my dear, sweet woman.
* Lynna glares at Vargomere.
[Lynna] I'd tell you to go to hell..but that's too good for a murderer like you..
* Cobia's blade glows with a blue elegance as he charges and slices into the midsection.
[Storyteller] Vargomere takes 20 damage from Cobia's weapon skill.
* Cassandra coils her whip around her hands, and grins wickedly. She unfurls the whip and lashes it out at Vargomere, snapping with a sickening crack!
[Storyteller] Vargomere takes 19 damage from Cassandra's weapon skill.
* Audrey claps her hands together and chants lowly to herself. She begins to glow with a white aura and her eyes turn as pure as white. When she is done chanting, she feels her wisdom increase!
[Storyteller] Audrey's Wisdom increases by 21.
* Finn grits his teeth and stabs towards Vargomere's heart...
[Storyteller] Vargomere takes 17 damage from Finn's weapon skill. In puff of mist and a flash of light, Vargomere vanishes... The cloud of mist rolls up to the ceiling, then rolls away.

Victory!

[Finn] Did I kill him?
[Salah] Is he...?
[Audrey] He ran away!
[Criz] I don't know...I doubt it.
[Salah] We did it! I think..
[Criz] He ran away like a coward that he was.
[Audrey] The dead priestesses...?....Daria!
* Audrey rushes to Daria, seeing if she's all right.
* Lynna watches the mist dissipate.
[Lynna] I don't think we've seen the last of that Vargomere...
* Miriamele inspects what's in the back of the cart..
* Salah suddenly realizes how tired she feels. **
[Audrey] Daria! Daria wake up!
* Daria pulls herself up against the wall...
* Lynna goes over to help Audrey..
[Audrey] Daria... :) Are you all right?
[Daria] What happened... Did you kill... Did we kill him?
* Criz puts his bo-staff away and walks up to Audrey and kneels beside her and Daria.
[Audrey] He ran away...you just...collapsed...
[Lynna] You still with us, Daria?
* Ramus groans from his position on the floor.
* Salah leans against a wall looking like she could just collapse any second.
* Daria slowly stands shaking her head. There's a rather large bump on one side, but aside from that she looks okay.
[Audrey] Oh no...Daria...let me heal that for you.
* Criz goes to help Daria up.
* Lynna sees that Daria is ok and makes her way to Salah.
* Audrey closes her eyes and chants to herself. When she is done chanting, a blue light surrounds Daria, and Daria's wounds heal a bit.
[Audrey] There. ^_^
* Salah glances at Ramus.
[Salah] A-are you okay?
[Daria] Is everybody else okay?
[Salah] Ramus?
[Ramus] (grumbling) Sure... I'll be just fine... You... Go on. Let me rest a bit.
[Lynna] Hey Salah....I think you should speak for yourself..
[Criz] I don't know...Salah, are you ok?
[Audrey] Ramus...we can't leave you here alone!
[Daria] I could stay with him...
[Criz] We couldn't Daria!
[Audrey] Daria....Imogene might come back...
[Criz] We are not leaving both of you behind here.
* Salah sighs heavily.
[Salah] I-I never thought I could, could do that before....
[Daria] I don't think she will... Besides... Somebody's got to clean up that mess in there...
[Audrey] Daria...
* Audrey hugs her.
[Audrey] Be careful. I'll try to warn...oh no!
[Storyteller] The four girls that were pulling the cart shamble over toward you. Despite their state, they're already beginning to look healthier with the Vamire Lord dead.
[Criz] Are you sure about this Daria? I could carry Ramus...umm..WE could carry Ramus. So you can come along with us.
[Margory] Audrey... What happened...
[Audrey] There was a vampire here.. But we ...I guess we killed him after all. You're safe now.
[Virginia] Where?
[Audrey] In the shrine. Actually, underneath. We're in the lower basement.
* Lynna looks at the priestesses.
[All Four] (mumbling) A vampire in the shrine of Althena. That was the voice that called us to the basement. Oh, now I understand.
[Audrey] But I think Imogene was behind this too. She tried to kill us!
[Lynna] I think Ramus and Daria will be ok with all of them back to health..
* Salah kneels besides Ramus.
[Daria] Imogene was in on it...
[Cassandra] That's all great and stuff, but we've gotta go.
[Margory] I knew that something was wrong.... She was acting so wierd... When I asked her about it...
* Margory shakes her head.
[Audrey] She's gone, for now. She could return....so be careful...
* Lynna stands up, looking towards where the cart leads...
[Daria] We will... Come back safely Audrey...
[Audrey] I will....I....I need to head back home...my family...
[Salah] You don't look to good, are you hurt badly?
[Margory] I think we'll be fine.
[Others] Yes, we'll be fine.
* Cassandra turns to the priestesses.
[Cassandra] Oh, and take care of Ramus, he's poisoned and needs to be healed.
[Ramus] Go... I'll... stay here with these priestesses...
[Salah] B-but, I want to stay here.
[Criz] Don't feed the man too much, as you can see he should lose a few pounds on his stay here.
[Lynna] Well, I think this is our cue to exit stage left...
* Audrey turns to the others.
[Audrey] My family was dependant on the donations I recieved from the shrine. Without them....I need to go see if they're okay.
[Cassandra] Salah, we've gotta go.
* Miriamele roots around in the back of the cart..
* Ramus half-grins, in rather a great deal of pain from the poison.
[Audrey] I... I'm sorry, but I must part company with you here.
[Storyteller] Miriamelle finds enough Wool Cloaks for everybody who doesn't have one.
[Audrey] Although...If anyone wishes to come along and keep me company, that's fine too.
[Criz] Are you leaving us Audrey?
[Audrey] Yes...I am for now. I need to check up on my family.
[Ramus] Somebody should go to Nanza too... Warn Kyle...
* Criz thinks to himself and smiles
[Criz] You might need some protection.
[Audrey] I might.
[Criz] Kyle? The legendary warrior?
* Miriamele stuffs the wool robes into her knapsack for later..
[Ramus] Yes... he's in Nanza... Or should be...
[Cassandra] Where does your family live, Audrey?
[Audrey] Reachdeep. It's west of Lann.
[Daria] Shush... Save your strength.
* Lynna looks at Audrey.
[Lynna] Well...I might be persuaded to come with you...
[Audrey] Thank you, Lynna. ^_^
[Cassandra] Well, I have no point in staying anywhere near here, maybe I might find some other purpose past the barrier. I'll go to Nanza. Who's coming with me?
* Lynna nods and half-smiles.
[Lynna] Don't thank me...you actually made me think a priestess can be a good thing... Of course Imogene on the other hand...
[Audrey] Imogene is hardly a priestess.
[Salah] I-I want to stay here....
[Miriamele] I'm familiar with the Barrier and beyond...although I wish I could have stayed here a bit longer. This is a much different land.
[Salah] Just in case my father comes.
[Miriamele] I mean, it rains white stuff here.
[Audrey] That's snow.
[Cassandra] I guess I'm on my own to Nanza...
[Salah] Didn't you know that Miri?
[Audrey] You should come with me, Miri...there is so much snow in Reachdeep this time of year...
[Ramus] Come on, you... Get out of here... Leave me and these fine ladies.
[Miriamele] We don't have stuff like snow on ther other side of the Barrier. It's interesting stuff...a little cold though.
* Criz looks at Audrey.
[Criz] Audrey...on second thought.
[Audrey] Hmm?
[Criz] I'll go with you to your family.
[Criz] You'll need some protection, and Lynna as good as she can fight, isn't better then me.
[Salah] But I have no place to go....
* Lynna smirks.
[Lynna] Very funny Criz...
[Criz] Come with us Salah...
[Cassandra] Look, Ramus, I'm gonna go to Nanza and warn Kyle, but after that, I'm on my own, so don't expect me to come back.
[Criz] This shouldn't be a dangerous journey.
[Audrey] But....
[Ramus] I don't.
[Lynna] You know I hated that battle..not being able to dent that guy with my black beam. :P
[Audrey] Cassandra's going alone...someone should....
[Cassandra] I'm fine, Audrey. If I've been able to take care of myself in that bar, I'm sure I can take care of myself in some land I've never been on.
* Lynna thinks a minute.
[Lynna] You know..I actually wonder if my parents are worried about me back in Tamur...
* Salah looks at the splitting parties wondering if she should go with one or the other.
[Miriamele] Salah, you should go with Audrey n' I to that Deep place. It's got more snow.
[Salah] Au-Audrey, if you don't mind, I'd like to go with you..
[Audrey] Okay Salah.
* Lynna looks over the party.
[Lynna] My,my..looks like this end is getting crowded.
[Salah] I have no where else to go... with my parents dead, and Meribia taken over, I-I have nothing left.... It might be nice to see your family.
* Audrey frowns and hugs Salah.
[Audrey] They'd be glad to see you. Don't expect a lot though, they're rather poor.
[Salah] That's okay, I just hope I won't be any trouble.
[Audrey] You won't.
[Criz] I just hope they can cook, cause I'm going to be hungry by the time we get there!
* Audrey looks at Criz.
[Audrey] Sure....yeah....food. They'll be food...sigh.
* Salah kneels down besides Ramus and hugs him.
[Salah] Thank you.
* Ramus hugs back.
[Ramus] You're welcome.
[Audrey] Ready to go, everyone?