Town of Thieves
Chapter 9
Session Start: Sat Sep 26 1998 22:16
Session Close: Sun Sep 27 1998 02:20
Elapsed Time: 4h, 4m
Total Elapsed: 47h, 28m

Merchant's Guild, Reza

Audrey's Dream

[Storyteller] You wander the library of the shrine. You can see numerous fellow devotees, hard at their work. You can't help but think it's good to be home.
* Audrey smiles at everyone she sees.
[Storyteller] Nobody seems to smile back. Then again, most of them are slouched over books, studying intently...
* Audrey shrugs and decides she should study anyway...
* Audrey plucks a book from the shelf and puts it gently on a desk.
* Audrey looks around at everyone.
[Storyteller] As you set the book on the desk, the acolyte across from you groans and falls to the floor.
[Audrey] Huh?
* Audrey runs to the acolyte...
[Audrey] Are you all right?
[Storyteller] You find yourself walking over to him, but are suddenly unable to bend over to examine him.
[Audrey] Hey! Are you okay?
* Audrey blinks.
[Storyteller] Something seems to be pulling you by the wrists...
[Audrey] Hey! This isn't funny! Let go of me!
[Storyteller] As a matter of fact, it feels like it's pulling you at the top of the head too... And your knees.
* Audrey begins to panic.
[Audrey] Stop it! Stop!
[Storyteller] All of a sudden, you feel yourself being pulled up into the air.
* Audrey screams!
[Audrey] Help! Someone!
* Audrey begins to cry.
[Audrey] Stop! Let go! Anyone! Help!
[Storyteller] Dangling in the air, you're turned around and greeted by a smiling face. The smile broadens, revealing fangs you know oh so well.
[Audrey] Vargomere!...
[Vargomere] Nobody to help you my dear.
[Audrey] What have you done?!
[Vargomere] Nothing. It's what I'm going to do that you should be worried about.
[Storyteller] And with that, the dream ends.

Cassandra's Dream

[Storyteller] You settle down to sleep, thoughts of two men dancing through your head. One gruff and slightly rude, but charming in his own way; plus he's powerful and rich to boot. The other is a soft, gentle man, but he obviously has a harder side. His prowess in combat proves that.

Combat! Round One!

[Lyle] Don't you see... You're not man enough for her!
[Lamont] So maybe I'm not... but she's too good for you too!
* Lyle rushes at Lamont. He swings his sword down and hits Lamont for 12 damage.
* Cassandra blinks.
[Cassandra] Ummm... Lyle? Lamont? HEY! What the hell are you doing, Lyle?!
[Storyteller] You find yourself unable to do anything... Like you're just watching, they don't seem to hear you.
* Lamont clangs his claws together.
[Lyle] Come on... Come get some ya' little pissant. Beat me and you can have her.
[Lamont] No. It's for her to decide, not you... or me.
[Cassandra] Lyle! You dickhead! I don't want anyone fighting for me!
* Lamont turns his back to Lyle.

Combat! Round Two!

* Cassandra blinks and thinks to herself.
[Cassandra] . o O (It's kinda cool to have guys fighting over me though...)
* Lyle spins Lamont around and socks him in the gut. Lyle hits Lamont for 12 damage.
* Lamont drops for a second...
[Lyle] You couldn't possibly love her like I do! You're not man enough!
[Cassandra] Damn it, Lyle! Can't you hear me?! I SAID STOP IT!
[Lamont] She deserves someone honest!
[Lyle] She wants somebody with a backbone!
[Lamont] Then let her decide that. It's not of your will or mine.

Combat! Round Three!

* Lyle grabs Lamont by the neck and starts shaking him around. Lamont takes 8 damage.
[Lamont] What will this prove, Lyle? That you can fight?
[Cassandra] GOD DAMN IT! Would you two stop?! You're acting like a couple of shit-heads!

Combat! Round Four!

* Lyle throws Lamont across the room, then storms off...
* Lamont hits the wall and falls over.
[Lyle] I wonder if she even understands...
* Cassandra tries to go to Lamont.
[Storyteller] And with that, the dream ends.

Criz' Dream

[Storyteller] You find yourself awake, early in the morning. Looking around, you realize that you must still be dreaming. You're in Baroton, like it was before your family was killed in the fire...
* Criz looks around in shock.
[Criz] The... fire. This has to be a dream, it can't be real.
[Storyteller] As you walk down the street of your hometown, you see a massive shadow pass over you. Accompanying it is the heavy beating of large wings. By the time you turn to look up at it, it's gone. Standing behind you is a medium tall woman with hair of darkest night. She bears a striking resemblance to your sister, but is plainly not. She's much older.
* Criz stares at the woman.
[Criz] Who are you?
* Criz begins to step closer to her.
[Woman] I'm surprised you don't know.
[Criz] I'm supposed to know who you are?
[Storyteller] She smiles.
* Criz studies the woman.
[Woman] I would think so, but if not, no matter. How are you doing?
[Criz] I'm doing good I guess... But this is a dream.
[Woman] Maybe, maybe not... How about your new friends? Do they treat you well?
[Criz] They treat me well, but I still feel as I don't belong. I... I feel like I'm missing something inside of me.
[Woman] You are. But you'll find it eventually.
* Criz steps closer.
[Criz] I must know you... I can't remember though, I just can't. Please, tell me who you are.
[Woman] You do know me, but you shouldn't remember me. It's okay. It's will have to be that way for now.
[Criz] For now?
[Storyteller] And with that, the dream ends.

Finn's Dream

[Storyteller] You find yourself walking down a nondescript seashore. The setting sun causes the water to glow and sparkle. Scanning around, you see a figure walking the beach up ahead.
* Finn shades his eyes with his hands...
[Storyteller] The glare off her beautiful gown and lustrous hair is almost blinding.
* Finn feels a jolt of adrenaline surge through his body... He jogs toward the figure.
[Storyteller] She walks with a preternatural grace you've only ever seen once before... Could it be?...
* Finn increases to a sprint.
[Finn] Hey!...
[Storyteller] She keeps walking straight on.
[Finn] Susannah?... Is that you?
* Finn runs up to her and touches her gown...
[Susannah] Finn... I can't talk to you anymore... It's... It's simply not allowed.
[Finn] Why not?
* Susannah continues on her path, not turning to look at him, walking straight forward.
[Finn] You know I still love you... why can't we be together like we used to?
* Finn tries to run in front of her...
[Susannah] I love you too, Finn... Honest, I do... But we can't be together. It's simply not allowed.
* Susannah's walking at a normal pace, but she still manages to keep ahead of you.
[Finn] Allowed by WHO?
[Susannah] The order of things to come won't allow it.
[Finn] There is no order of things to come... We all have the power to alter the future.
[Susannah] But there is. And I can't do what I need to do and still be with you.
[Finn] Is what you need to do more important than your heart?
[Susannah] Oh, Finn... I just can't... Remember that I love you... I always will...
[Finn] My life is meaningless without you...
* Finn's shoulders sag.
[Susannah] Please... believe me, that when this is all over I'll come back to you... Because I love you.
* Finn blinks...
[Finn] I hope you keep true to your word...
* Susannah runs off.
[Storyteller] A final blast of light from the setting sun blinds you ever so briefly. When you look up, she's gone. And with that, the dream ends.

Lynna's Dream

[Storyteller] Klink... Klink-Klink...
[Man] Hmm... 24-601 reads viable...
[Woman] So did 23-601 at this stage.
[Storyteller] You see two people peering at you. It's hard to make their features out, however. Your entire view is tinged in blue. Occasionally, a burst of bubbles floats up past your eyes. You find yourself unable to move in any way, almost like your mind is outside your body.
[Woman] And 22-601... And 21-601...
[Man] Allright, allright, I get the picture...
[Storyteller] The man seems to laugh a bit.
[Man] But look at this right here... Yeah... That...
[Storyteller] He points at something on a print out.
[Woman] This one has two X chromosomes... It's going to be...
[Man] Yes... This one is female.

Salah's Dream

[Storyteller] You again find yourself in that solid white mindspace. Just like the first time, there are two figures sitting ahead of you. The boy, Vigo, sits in the low chair, sized so that he can look the taller man in the eyes.
[Vigo] She seems to be taking it well.
* Salah looks at the two silently watching and whispers.
[Salah] Vigo...
[Man] True, but I think she misses you.
[Vigo] I don't think so. I'm programmed to look out for her, not the other way around.
[Man] Only because I was tired of you trying to look out for me.
[Vigo] Well... Did you hear something?
[Man] I was just about to ask you the same thing.
* Salah blinks. She tries to approach the two.
[Salah] Umm... Hello?...
[Storyteller] You are able to move, but it feels as if something is pressing against you. Each step you take increases the pressure, soon the strain of moving forward is too great. You begin to have trouble breathing.
* Salah coughs, but continues to walk, at a slower, more strained pace.
[Vigo] Maybe we're reaching her this time.
[Storyteller] It seems like you're pressing against a wall. You can't breathe at all any more.
[Salah] Can... can you hear me? Vigo?
[Storyteller] The pressure is too great.
* Salah coughs and falls down, tears of pain her eyes.
[Man] I didn't think she would advance that quickly. She's faster than me.
[Storyteller] You don't fall down. In fact, as soon as you stop pushing towards them, the pressure against you stops and you can breath again.
* Salah yells.
[Salah] Vigo! Can you hea--*Cough*--me?!
* Salah tries again once her breath is back.
[Storyteller] As soon as you move... Wham... Pressure, can't breathe.
* Salah stops.
[Vigo] Well, it's not unheard of. Your younger sister is better at it than you. Your youngest might possibly be better still.
[Storyteller] Pressure gone. Breathing fine. You're obviously making no headway.
* Salah this time, holds her breath and starts running as fast as possible.
[Storyteller] You feel like your slamming into a wall. Winded, you fall backwards. And with that, the dream ends.

The Next Morning

[Storyteller] You all awaken fully rested. In fact, the Sleep Guild of Reza makes some of the best mattresses you've ever slept on... Although for some reason, yours seem to be lacking those little tags they tell you not to tear off.
Audrey & Salah are in one room together as are Cassandra & Miri. Criz and Finn were sharing a room, while demon girl... I mean Lynna, seemed to end up with a room of her own. Will and Lamont were also together, although Lamont is absent when Will awak ens.
* Salah slowly opens her eyes as the blinding light pierces through the curtains and onto the bed she is sleeping on.
* Audrey yawns and curls up in the sheets. ^_^
* Audrey sits up and yawns some more. ^_^
* Salah sits up and rubs her head a bit.
* Salah looks around.
* Salah throws her fist down on the bed and sighs.
[Salah] Almost...
[Audrey] Salah?
[Salah] Mmm?
[Audrey] Are you all right?
* Salah turns to Audrey and sits up on her bed.
[Salah] I'm okay, how are you?
* Audrey nods.
[Audrey] Okay, I suppose...
* Salah gives out the little smile, the sweet smile.
[Salah] Sleep well?
* Audrey goes through the morning routine.
* Finn gets out of bed pensively...
* Finn blinks several times, feeling wetness on his facial cheeks.
* Criz gets out of bed with a startle.
[Criz] Who are you!?
* Finn casts a sideways glance at Criz and sighs exasperatedly.
[Finn] It's Finn.
* Finn stretches.
* Criz stretches.
[Criz] Questions turn into more questions. The story of my life!
* Finn leaves the room silently, running his fingers through his hair...
* Cassandra sits up in her bed and looks around.
[Cassandra] Lamont?... Oh... it was just a dream...
* Cassandra gets out of her bed and walks out of her room with only a bra and panties on.
* Lynna tosses uncomfortably under the sheets of her bed, awakening to the morning with a slightly less than happy face.
[Lynna] I don't even want to know what that dream was about...
* Lynna gets up groggily, going through the usual morning routines.
* Will turns away from the morning light, holding his bedsheets tightly. He opens his eyes, looking blankly at the half-lit wall in front of him.
* Finn runs into Cassandra.
[Finn] Um...
[Storyteller] A short woman with close cropped blue hair walks up the stairs...
[Finn] In an exhibitionistic mood this morning?
[Cora] Oh, I see you're all up. Lyle wanted me to invite you all down to the dinning room for breakfast.
* Cassandra blinks at Finn.
[Cassandra] Hey Finn... Not really, just too lazy to get dressed right now...
[Criz] Breakfast you say?
[Cora] How about those two younger girls, are they up?
* Finn gives Cassandra the Head-To-Toe Look.
[Finn] Well... that... outfit... doesn't exactly leave much to the imagination, you know.
* Audrey walks out of her room.
[Criz] Well, Finn.
* Lynna opens her door into the hallway, fixing her hood a moment...
[Criz] That's the beauty about it!
* Cassandra looks at Criz.
[Criz] You practically don't have to imagine anything else, she already did it for you.
* Finn shrugs and walks downstairs.
* Audrey looks at Cassandra.
* Cora looks sideways at Criz...
* Will slips out of bed with a stifled yawn and starts sifting through his gear from half-closed eyes.
[Cassandra] Shove your head back up your ass and shut up.
* Audrey takes her cloak off and puts it around her shoulders.
[Cora] You're the kind of guy that wonders why you never get the girl, aren't you?
* Salah gets out of bed, and tosses the nightgown she was wearing to bed (a gift from Ramus the Second) and puts on her normal attire.
[Criz] Not really miss.
* Cassandra looks at Audrey.
[Cassandra] There something wrong with what I'm wearing?
* Finn looks around for the dining room.
[Audrey] Yes. You're wearing panties and a bra... Only.
[Cassandra] I know.
[Audrey] Don't you think that's... a little... bare?
[Cassandra] No, Audrey.
[Criz] (whispering) Besides she has a bigger uglier mole on her chin then Patricia did at the MSS!...
* Salah walks out the door barefoot, her long beautiful hair down.
[Cora] Well, miss... Usually people don't wander around the Merchant's Guild Inn in their undies.
* Salah turns to see everyone and gapes at Cassandra.
[Salah] Cassandra?
[Cassandra] Yes, Salah?
* Will comes out of his room wearing his usual clothes.
* Lynna steps out of the shadows into the area of the others.
[Lynna] Well, this morning's off to a fine start I see.
[Criz] Well folks, my stomach is grumbling. It's telling me to go and eat, who cares to join me?
[Audrey] I will as soon as I convince Cass to put on some clothes.
[Will] Wh... what are you all *yawn* doing?...
* Cora stands out of the way, off to one side of the hallway.
[Salah] Y-you're ummm, kinda... indecent... in front of these... err...
* Salah points to the men.
[Cassandra] . o O (Geeze, what's with everyone today? You'd think they'd never see a woman being comfortable.)
* Will rubs his eyes.
[Cassandra] Indecent? I didn't know I had to prepare just for them...
[Criz] Cass ignore them, lets go eat.
[Salah] Errr ummm... well...
[Will] Where do you go down? Can I get some water?
[Cora] In your room, sir. Running water. Behind the little door in the corner.
* Finn is already downstairs and searching for the dining room.
* Lynna notices Cass in only in her underwear and stifles a small laugh.
* Cassandra hands Audrey her cloak, walks into her own room, gets dressed, and walks back out.
[Audrey] Thank you.
* Audrey puts her cloak back on.
[Criz] Miss, can I go and eat already?
[Cora] Sure. Any time you'd like.
[Cassandra] Oh, I don't think Miri's gotten up yet...
[Will] Ah...
* Cassandra walks down the stairs and looks around for Lyle or someone who would know where to go.
[Cassandra] Lyle, dear, where are you?
* Salah sniffs and smells some food.
[Salah] Smells just like my mother's cooking.
* Will goes to his room and splashes his face with cold water, coming back out and down the stairs.
[Criz] Fine, I'm gone then, these folks take forever!
[Cora] (whisper) What an asshole.
* Cora trips Criz as he tries to go down the stairs.
[Storyteller] THUNK! THUNK! THUNK! THUNK!
* Cora whistles innocently and goes back to tidying up the rooms.
[Salah] Criz!
* Audrey blinks and shudders.
[Audrey] Ow.
* Will looks at Criz curiously.
* Criz gets up from down the stairs.
[Criz] Excuse you?
* Lynna goes over to Criz and picks his sorry carcass up.
[Lynna] You know... even I have to feel sorry for you sometimes.
* Salah dashes over to the stairs.
[Will] H-Hi. ^^;
[Storyteller] Criz is just fine.
* Cassandra walks up to Finn.
[Cassandra] You know where to go?
[Finn] Not really... I guess we just follow our noses...
[Cassandra] HELLO?! WHERE THE FUCK IS THE DAMN DINING ROOM!
[Lyle] Stop yelling, would yah.
* Will follows Audrey, totally lost.
[Audrey] Hey Will... Just follow your nose, I think we're almost there.
[Lynna] Let's just go eat already Criz. before you break your jaw and can't.
* Lyle steps out into the hallway.
* Salah steps down the stairs, letting her nose guide her to the dining room.
[Criz] Fine...
* Will's face plunges into a dark abyss.
[Lyle] Come on in.
[Audrey] ...
[Criz] Bad service this place has!
[Salah] Hello Mister Lyle, how are you this morning?
[Audrey] Oh no! I said something wrong, didn't I?
[Lyle] It's free, Mr. Criz. Don't get too uppity.
[Will] Could you... guide me instead?
* Audrey blinks, finally beginning to understand.
[Audrey] Sure.
* Lynna shrugs.
[Lyle] Well, you don't have a five-star attitude yourself, you know...
* Audrey leads Will by the arm to the dining room.
[Lyle] Go ahead in and set yourselves down. I've got some business to attend too. I'll be back in a bit.
* Finn sits down...
[Audrey] Sorry, by the way.
* Lyle glares a bit at Lynna then walks off down the hall.
[Finn] There has to be a piano somewhere in this place...
[Will] I-it's okay...
* Salah sits down and looks about.
* Cassandra walks into the dining room and sits down to the right of Finn.
[Cassandra] Why?
* Will smiles weakly.
* Lynna finds a seat in the room, taking a position more near the end out of habit...
[Storyteller] A few moments later, Cora comes out from the kitchen.
* Finn smiles weakly at Cassandra.
[Finn] Playing is my life's passion, and I haven't been able to since this all started...
[Cora] What would you like?
[Salah] Finn, you play the piano?
[Finn] Yes, Salah.
[Storyteller] She has a little waitresses pad and a pencil.
[Cassandra] I'd like a ham, cheese, onion, and pepper omelette. And a tall glass of orange juice. And two slices of bread, too.
[Finn] The works, ma'am... bacon, eggs, pancakes, hash browns, and some milk.
[Cora] Okey... Done... Done...
[Finn] And do you have a piano?
* Cora scribbles...
* Salah's face brightens.
[Salah] I could play some piano too, maybe not as well as you good, usually I just sing when my mother or my brother plays.
[Cora] If you can kill it, we can grill it. Regrettably, a piano is already dead.
[Criz] Well, what I want is... two eggs sunny side up, a slice of cooked ham, toast with butter, bacon, ummmm pancakes and *smiles* a beer.
* Salah looks up at Cora.
[Salah] Miss, just some hashbrowns and scrambled eggs will do nicely for me.

Outside

[Storyteller] Meanwhile, you woke up early in the morning, taking care to slip out of the room you and Will were sharing without a sound. It wasn't your usual policy to sleep in the Guildhall, but you were so dead tired it didn't make a difference.
[Lamont] . o O (No need to wake him... )
[Storyteller] You figured it would pay to be quiet the whole way down. Most people were probably asleep at this time of the day. Most merchants liked to sleep in when they got the chance. Ripping people off... err... buying and selling is a strenuous business.
[Lamont] Guess I'll have to look for strings later. What a morning...
[Storyteller] The sun rises over the recently constructed city walls. Reza wasn't always so paranoid, but in these times it probably paid to be a little to far on the safe side.
* Lamont smiles, the sunrise always makes him smile... his mind wanders about... certain things.
[Storyteller] A young woman walks by.
[Woman] Mornin' Lamont.
[Storyteller] She walks on.
* Lamont looks at the woman.
[Lamont] Um... hello?
* Lamont has a seat on a bench... pulls out his sketch pad and starts to draw.
* Lamont mumbles, scratches out something, and starts again.
[Lamont] I can't... get her to look right...
[Storyteller] A tall, blue haired gentleman sits down next to him.
[Man] Nice morning, isn't it?
[Lamont] Um... yeah... it is...
[Man] Whatcha got there?
[Lamont] N-nothing... just a journal of sorts...
* Lamont closes the book.
* Man scratches his semi-bushy blue beard.
[Man] Looked like drawings to me. Can I see?
[Lamont] I... guess...
* Lamont opens to the first page of the book.
[Man] You're pretty talented. One of my sisters draws, ya' know. She's not as good as you, though.
[Lamont] T-Thanks...
[Man] Well... I'll leave you be. Good day to you.
[Lamont] Same to you... Sir...
[Lamont] . o O (That was weird... )
[Termony] St. Valentine. Termony St. Valentine
* Termony walks off.
[Lamont] . o O (Why can't I get her face to look right! I'm just not good enough to capture her beauty on paper... maybe I should just quit now... )

Merchant's Guild

* Cora takes everybody's orders and the heads back to the kitchen. She leaves you in piece to talk among yourselves for a bit. A few minutes later, she brings out your food and serves it.
* Audrey smiles.
[Audrey] This looks great.
* Will takes some bread and water.
* Salah nods and thanks Cora.
[Salah] Thank you very much!
* Audrey then looks at Will.
[Will] Th-thanks...
* Lynna is at the far end of the table, with her head resting on her palms. However, once the food is out, she doesn't hesitate to start eating.
[Salah] Will, aren't you hungry?
[Audrey] . o O ( I'm so stupid, saying things like that... )
* Cassandra looks around as she eats.
[Salah] The food smells really great!
[Audrey] Um.
* Will looks at Salah.
* Audrey puts a hand on Will's arm in a reassuring way.
[Will] A... h...
* Audrey smiles. ^_^
[Audrey] It's okay, Will.
[Lynna] It's food... that's good enough for me.
* Salah starts eating with the same good manners she had before.
* Lynna takes a few bites out of her scrambled eggs.
* Audrey digs in. ^_^
* Cassandra takes a few bites of her food and then blinks.
[Cassandra] Hey, anyone seen Lamont?
* Finn starts eating ravenously...
[Salah] I was wondering, where is Sir Lamont this morning? Is he still in bed?
[Finn] Mmm. Good.
* Salah looks at Finn...
* Finn looks back at Salah.
* Will finishes his breakfast quietly.
[Finn] Something the matter?
* Salah clears her throat and tries not to stare at Finn's caveman eating habits.
[Lynna] He wasn't upstairs from what I saw, Salah.
[Salah] N-nothing.
* Cassandra gets up from the table after finishing her food to look for Lamont.
* Finn suddenly drops his fork...
* Finn gets up and heads for the door.
* Audrey blinks.
[Audrey] Sir Finn?
* Lyle comes into the room.
[Audrey] We can never have a normal meal anymore...
* Will looks at Finn and Cassandra.
[Lyle] You started without me... That's okay... Hey! Cora! Bring me my usual!
[Cassandra] Oh, Lyle, have you seen Lamont?
* Lyle sits down.
* Criz sees all the food and begins to drool as he devours it, ignoring his surroundings.
[Finn] Oh, Lyle, is there a piano I can play in this town?
[Lyle] Nope, but he's probably off playing harp or drawing or something like that.
[Cassandra] Thanks...
* Salah looks up after finishing her plate.
* Cassandra walks out of the building to look for Lamont.
* Lynna drinks some water at the table, only mildly listening to the conversations.
[Lyle] (to Finn) Not that I know of. There was one in Ramus' Pleasure Emporium, but it fell out a window.
* Will waits silently in his seat for everyone to finish.
* Finn winces, and, resigned, takes his seat again.
* Salah stands up.
[Salah] I'm going to go for a walk, anyone want to come?
* Criz finishes eating as he lets out a huge burp.
[Criz] Ummm... excuse me?
* Audrey winces at Criz.
* Criz smiles.
* Finn feels nauseous.
* Will takes the opportunity to get up.
* Lynna laughs and nearly spills her drink.
* Salah looks disgusted.
[Lyle] Well... You should all come back here this afternoon. I've got something I want to talk to you all about.
[Salah] No one then?
[Audrey] All right. I'll come Salah!
[Finn] I'll take you up on that walk, Salah.
[Audrey] Will, come with us.
[Will] Um... I'll go...
* Audrey pulls Will up. :D
* Salah shrugs.
[Salah] All right! Thanks

Thieves Park, Reza

* Lamont sits right where he was before, drawing away... tongue stuck out in true artistic thought.
[Storyteller] Cassandra wanders the area around the Guildhall. Eventually she spots Lamont sitting on a bench in a small park-like area. He has a pad of paper on his lap as he scribbles away with a pencil.
* Cassandra walks up to Lamont quietly.
* Lamont appears to be pretty absorbed in what he's doing.
* Cassandra tries to get a peek at what Lamont is doing.
[Storyteller] Just as she gets into a place where she can see, her shadow falls onto the paper.
[Lamont] Eh?
[Cassandra] Hi Lamont...
* Lamont closes the book suddenly.
[Lamont] Who's there?
[Cassandra] It's just me. Don't have a cow.
[Lamont] Oh... good morning... I figured you and your friends would have left by now...
* Lamont smiles at Cassandra.
[Cassandra] Nah. I just finished eating breakfast. Why weren't you with us?
[Lamont] Oh I was... out here... just messing around... I do it all the time. Plus I didn't know what Lyle wanted to do with you all... and if it was any of my business anyway...
[Cassandra] He said you were either drawing or playing the harp... I didn't know you did any of those. Is that your drawing book?
[Lamont] Um... yeah... it is... it's just something I do... nothing special...
[Cassandra] Can I see some of your drawings?
[Lamont] . o O (Whoa boy... bad timing...)... Sure...
* Cassandra smiles a little.
* Lamont opens to the first page in the book, a drawing of a Church of Althena.
* Cassandra sits down next to Lamont and looks at the drawing.
[Cassandra] Wow... That's awesome Lamont. You ever thought of doing this professionally?
[Lamont] N... not really *blushes a little*... I just do it for fun... I prefer to draw people... but I don't do it often...
[Cassandra] Really? Can I see some other drawings?
[Lamont] . o O (... ) S--sure...
* Lamont opens to the second page of the book, a drawing of a mountain with a sunrise.
[Cassandra] I wanna see some of your drawings of people... ... Please?...
[Lamont] Oh... *sweats a little*... I... don't have any presentable drawings of people in this book...
[Cassandra] C'mon. I'm sure they're not bad. Let me see what you were just drawing right now.
* Lamont looks pretty nervous.
[Lamont] I dunno if you wanna see that one right now...
[Cassandra] Yes I do.
[Lamont] ... um... well... . o O (What do you do now, kiddo?) Fine... you... can see it...
[Cassandra] Good.
* Lamont opens to the last page of the book, holds it up and winces away from the consequences.
* Cassandra looks at the drawing and blinks.
[Cassandra] I... Wow...
* Lamont sweats nervously.
[Cassandra] I... I'm flattered.
[Lamont] I... know it's not real good... but... it...

Reza

* Finn starts walking outside...
* Audrey follows.
* Salah walks outside.
[Finn] I guess it's a nice day out...
* Will follows, looking better now that he's away from food and the table.
* Finn turns to Salah and Audrey.
[Finn] How did you guys sleep last night?
* Salah looks at the city.
[Salah] I... slept well. This place looks very different from last night.
* Audrey's face darkens.
[Audrey] Fine...
[Salah] How about yourself?
[Finn] Oh...
* Lynna brings up the rear, looking at Audrey and Finn.
[Lynna] I've had better...
[Finn] Not too well, actually.
* Finn shrugs and keeps walking.
[Criz] Well besides the constant snoring from Cass, I slept quite well.
[Audrey] You slept with Cass?!
* Salah walks besides Finn.
[Salah] Really? You know some nice hot herbal tea will help you sleep better.
[Finn] Where would you go about getting that, Salah?
[Criz] I did not sleep with Cass, Audrey!
[Audrey] Just checking...
[Criz] Her snoring was loud from my room!
[Audrey] Okay, okay.
[Salah] Well, you just crush some herbs and boil it in with hot water and a tea bag.
* Will chuckles.
* Lynna surveys the town.
[Lynna] Just where ARE we headed anyhow?
* Will scratches his head.
[Will] Good question.
[Audrey] Shopping Maybe?
[Salah] Well, I thought we could do some shopping.
[Criz] What kind of shopping?
[Will] That's a great idea... I could use something warmer.
* Salah smiles.
[Salah] Oh, maybe some clean clothes, maybe a charm or something.
[Finn] Sounds like a plan. Let's go.
[Will] Let's go, then.
[Criz] Fine with me... I guess.
* Finn goes and finds a store.
* Salah follows Finn.
[Lynna] Well, I'm along for the ride I guess.
* Finn enters.

Time passes...

[Storyteller] You manage to buy that gear you already picked. Lamont and Cassandra happened to bump into you on the way. You all ended up in a provisions store.
* Will adjusts the bandanna on his forehead, feeling slightly ridiculous.
* Finn looks around the store.
[Sir] What can I do for ye'?
[Finn] What've you got to sell?
* Criz walks up to the man, and next to Finn.
* Lynna thinks her choice of robes and circlet was well worth the added power.
* Salah walks over to the clerk.
[Salah] Do you have some tea bags and some herbs?
[Audrey] Do you have any herbs, Sir?
[Sir] Sure... Plenty of Herbs... In fact, they're on sale this week. Only 7 silver each.
[Finn] We should definitely get some herbs...
[Salah] I guess I'll buy three herbs then.
[Finn] I'll buy three as well.
* Lamont looks at the keeper.
[Lamont] Do... you have... harp strings...
[Sir] Nope... Didn't you ask me that a few days ago?
[Lynna] A herb or two couldn't hurt...
* Lynna shrugs.
[Audrey] I'll buy 5, Sir.
[Criz] Well... *goes into pockets* I'll buy 2 herbs mister. Good ones, I don't want to get some old ones now.
[Lamont] Well, I was hoping you might have gotten some in...
[Finn] Do you have any Starlights?
[Audrey] Or Purity Herbs?
* Lamont mumbles... I want to play my harp...
* Will puts his share in his backpack, careful not to rumple them.
[Sir] Yep, both.
[Audrey] How much?
* Salah takes her herbs and places them in her pouch.
[Finn] I want to play piano, Lamont... I don't think this is a terribly musically inclined town, though...
* Lynna takes a couple herbs... better to be safe now then dead later.
[Will] Starlights? Purity Herbs?... What are those?
[Sir] Starlights be 15, Purity Herbs are 3.
[Salah] Do you have any tea bags Sir?
[Audrey] I'll buy one Starlight and 2 Purity Herbs... Is that okay with everyone?
[Lamont] I'm not any good... I just... like to play
[Finn] Nonsense... I'm sure you're proficient...
[Sir] Got some Dental Pliers, 3D Glasses, a few Gongs, and a couple of Cattle Prods, but no tea bags.
[Salah] Hmmm, oh well.
[Will] 3D Glasses?
[Lamont] Never played for an audience before... so I wouldn't know...
[Salah] Better luck next time I guess.
* Will looks interested.
[Sir] Yeah, supposed to help the BLINd see.
* Criz walks up to Lamont.
[Criz] You're bad when I say you are. I haven't heard you play yet, and I get vibes from you. Like you can play the flute really well... the violin I mean.
* Criz smiles thinking he is correct.
* Lynna wonders how that Cattle Prod would work on somebody like Criz...
[Will] How much are they worth?
* Lamont looks at Criz.
[Lamont] I think... I'm flattered... thank you...
[Sir] They're all 3.
[Lamont] . o O (I hope Cassandra's not mad... )
* Salah looks at her silver.
[Salah] We're kinda low on money everyone... We should just try to get what we really need.
[Lynna] Hey... you're the ones that wanted to go shopping... don't look at me.
* Lamont doesn't say anything... it's not his place to tell anyone how to spend their money.
[Finn] Let's buy another Starlight. It could come in handy if we're in a really rough position.
[Criz] Well shoot me and call me aunt Debbie Sue. Do we even have enough silver to get food just in case I get hungry down the road? :P
[Salah] Yeah, let's buy one more Starlight.
[Will] I'm all set.
[Finn] Well... I guess we should be getting back to the inn to talk to Lyle...
* Will nods.
* Salah nods while placing the Starlight into her pouch.
* Finn heads out of the shop and towards the Inn.
* Salah turns to the clerk.
[Salah] Thank you sir.
[Will] W-We should see what we're going to do now too...
* Salah leaves the shop, heading for the inn.
* Lamont follows everyone... pacing dead last.
* Lynna waits for everybody to get moving and leaves the store a couple herbs heavier.
* Criz walks out of the shop, staying almost last.
* Will heads back to the inn.
* Audrey smiles and walks out with everyone else.
[Audrey] I think Lyle wanted to talk to us.

Merchant's Guild, Reza

[Storyteller] You return to the Merchant's Guildhall, only to find Lyle sitting in a chair tilted back against the door frame.
[Lyle] Hey there...
[Audrey] Hello Lyle.
[Criz] Well hello there Lyle. Comfy I see, huh?
[Lynna] Well, you're certainly comfortable...
[Lyle] Not really.
[Salah] Hello again Mister Lyle
[Storyteller] He hops out of the chair and sets it inside the door.
[Finn] Lyle... what are you doing?
[Lyle] Waiting for you.
[Finn] With that chair.
[Lyle] I was putting it back inside, what are you, daft?
[Will] Let's go inside?
[Lyle] .oO(Maybe I shouldn't show it to everybody...)
[Lyle] Actually, we're going down the street.
[Lynna] Finn's piano depravation must be getting worse.
* Will looks around.
[Will] The street?... Where are we going?
* Lamont doesn't say much... just appears to be watching.
* Lyle starts walking.
[Audrey] Hmm?
[Criz] Lyle, where are we heading too?
* Finn starts walking too.
* Salah walks inside the inn following Lyle.
[Lyle] The warehouse.
* Lamont follows everyone... once again takes his place in the rear.
* Will furrows his brows.
[Lynna] Warehouse... what for?
* Criz chases after the party.
[Lyle] There's something I want to show you.
[Salah] Warehouse.
[Audrey] What?
[Criz] A surprise I assume.
[Lynna] Oh goodie...

Warehouse, Reza

[Storyteller] He opens a side door of the warehouse with a key on his belt.
[Will] . o O ( Warehouse?... Why, if we have the Inn for ourselves... and Salah does call him a crime lord... a trap? )
* Finn tenses up.
[Audrey] . o O ( Why are we going into a warehouse?... Something feels off... )
[Storyteller] He pushes it open and leads you in. The room is filled with a wide variety of crates.
* Criz notices Finn all tense.
[Criz] What's the matter buddy?
* Lyle coughs a bit.
* Lynna stays on guard, not trusting a man like Kyle in a million years.
* Will keeps his right hand closed, ready to let loose a Diamond Lance.
[Lyle] Pardon all the dust. Nothing much has shipped out in the last month or two.
* Finn chuckles.
[Finn] Nothing, Criz, don't worry about it...
[Audrey] So what is it you want to show us?
* Salah coughs a bit from the dust.
* Criz walks in front, side by side with Lyle.
[Lamont] He's not going to do anything...
[Lyle] Hold your horses... Hrmm...
[Criz] What?
* Criz looks Lyle straight into his eyes.
[Salah] Is something wrong Mister Lyle?
* Lyle searches the warehouse, like he's looking for something.
[Lynna] I'm going to get all dusty like these crates from waiting...
[Lyle] Out of my way, Criz...
* Lynna taps her foot.
* Lyle stops by a large stack of crates.
* Finn smirks at Lynna's comment.
* Salah appears curious.
[Lyle] Ah ha! Here it is.
[Criz] Here what is?
[Lyle] Finn, you wanna gimme a hand.
[Will] W-what is it?...
[Finn] Sure...
* Audrey stands by Will.
[Lamont] It'll be fine... trust me...
* Finn walks over to Lyle...
[Audrey] Don't worry... yet.
* Lynna looks at the crate, wondering just what it could be...
[Storyteller] He picks up a pair of crowbars.
* Audrey whispers this to Will.
* Finn takes a crowbar.
* Will turns a surprised look on Audrey.
* Salah sneezes again.
[Will] (w) Um... o-okay.
[Lyle] Here, take this... Slip it under that edge there... Yeah, just like... No... Under the crate... Yeah.
[Lamont] . o O (I guess no one's listening... oh... well... )
* Finn does as Lyle asks.
[Salah] I was Lamont.
[Salah] Errr--ummm I mean...
[Lamont] Huh?
[Salah] Nevermind.
* Lyle takes one last look up at the crate. There are two smaller ones on top of it...
* Salah blushes slightly.
* Finn huffs.
[Lyle] On three... One... Two... Three... Heave!
* Finn heaves, his studly muscles bulging.
* Audrey blushes, looking at Finn. ^_^;
* Salah stares at Finn's muscles, then quickly looking away, her face flushed.
[Storyteller] The crate lifts up. You'd think the crates on top would fall off, but they don't. It's like they're bolted or nailed down.
[Storyteller] Creeeeeeeeeak!
[Lynna] Hmm...
[Finn] Jeeeeez...
[Storyteller] The whole stack falls over, still remaining nailed together. In the empty space beneath is a set of stairs.
[Audrey] Wow!
[Salah] Is... is this it?
* Finn sets the crowbar aside.
[Lynna] Stairs?...
[Lyle] Well... Sort of.
* Lyle tosses his crowbar on top of Finn's.
[Salah] D-down th-there?
[Will] W-what is this place?...
[Finn] What's in those damn crates?
* Salah sneezes
[Criz] So I assume, you want us to go down there?
* Will advances and looks down at the stairs.
[Lyle] Nothing. Come on down. Welcome to the Underground.
* Lyle heads down the stairs.
* Lynna moves to get a closer look.
[Criz] How did I know.
[Audrey] Underground?
[Lynna] Underground... how mysterious...
* Salah quickly follows Lyle.
[Salah] Hey wait up!
[Finn] Whoo boy, this gets better every day...
* Finn heads down behind Salah.
* Lamont follows everyone down... dead last.
* Audrey follows.
[Lyle] Everybody in?
* Will hops down the stairs.
* Lynna follows downstairs...
[Criz] Well, no point in standing here and looking pretty.
* Criz heads down the stairs.

Underground, Reza

[Criz] Any torches around here Lyle?
* Lyle chuckles...
[Criz] It is kind of dark down here you know.
* Salah bumps into something.
[Salah] Ow! It's kinda dark down here.
[Lyle] We don't need torches...
[Storyteller] You hear a click, then the whole room is aglow.
* Finn winces briefly.
[Audrey]Whaaaaaaa?
* Will puts on his goggles.
* Criz quickly looks around and ooohhs.
[Lyle] Pretty cool, huh?
* Lynna blinks as her eyes adjust.
[Lynna] Wow... artificial lights...
* Salah winces, her eyes not adjusted to the bright flames.
* Lamont blinks for a second, but says nothing.
[Will] This is impressive!!
[Finn] Where...
* Lyle walks over to a rack of glass and metal against one wall.
[Will] Do you use a generator for this?
[Audrey] Incredible!
[Criz] Very much so, what kind of fire is this?
[Lyle] I really don't know.
[Lynna] Will, weren't you carrying something like these to Meribia?
[Salah] Hey... these look like those lights back at Meribia!
* Will follows Lyle quickly, taking in the surroundings.
[Lyle] All I know is that it works...
[Will] You mean... you didn't build this?
[Finn] This is really incredible...
* Lyle begins flipping switches on the machine in front of him.
[Lyle] Nope... Found it.
[Lynna] Found it?...
[Lamont] You mean... Stole it... don't you.
[Storyteller] The mechanisms whirr and pop, coming to life one by one. It looks like some sort of monitoring station.
[Audrey] This is so strange... but incredible! ^_^
* Lynna folds her arms, looking around.
[Lynna] Stolen or not... this is something alright...
* Will takes a deep breath.
* Criz is dumbfounded by all the technology that surrounds him.
[Lyle] Yeah... Give it a few minutes to warm up...
[Will] This is incredible... ! What does it do?
[Lyle] And I didn't steal it. I don't do that any more...
[Salah] I don't think he could've stole something this big...
[Lyle] I bought the Warehouse and found this underneath...
* Lamont packs himself away somewhere out of the way... feels rather out of place...
* Will takes off his gloves and touches the machine, examining the construction eagerly.
[Storyteller] The room is only about 20 feet to a side. The construction is incomprehensible. No visible conduit work. No steam vents. Everything is nice, neat, and sealed.
[Will] Oh... if only Myght could see this! He'd go wild!
[Lyle] Ah... here we go...
[Lynna] Who the heck could have made this?...
[Will] Where's the power source though? It doesn't work on steam...
[Storyteller] A large screen pops and crackles as it comes on line...
* Will hops around the machine.
[Audrey] This is so... so strange.
[Lyle] Watch this...
[Salah] It looks... so... advanced.
* Audrey looks very lost.
[Criz] Let me guess... it's that word that took me so long to pronounce.
* Lyle presses a few buttons...
[Will] But it definitely IS electrici- huh?
[Storyteller] On the screen an image pops up...
[Criz] E... electricte?
* Lynna finds her eyes drawn to the screen.
* Salah looks quite fascinated.
* Audrey watches in awe...
[Storyteller] It appears to be the Blue Star and Lunar, but from quite far off.
[Criz] Ahhh, the Blue Star.
* Salah looks at the screen.
[Salah] Hey, a drawing...
[Audrey] The Blue Star... Lunar?...
* Will watches the images, enraptured.
[Lyle] Yep... It gets better...
* Lamont pays attention.
* Finn gapes and watches silently...
* Lyle keys a few more sequences...
[Storyteller] Blip... Crackle... Pop... The image changes to the open sea.
[Lyle] Hrmm...
* Criz walks closer to the image.
[Criz] What would happen if I touched it?
[Salah] The drawing can move?...
[Salah] How... can that be?
[Lyle] Hey, Will... Push that button over there... yeah, the one marked "Zoom"...
[Lynna] Is this... some kind of observation device?...
[Lyle] Exactly.
[Will] It's not a drawing... somehow... somehow... this machine can capture ima- zoom?...
[Audrey] This is wild!
* Will nods and pushes it.
[Lyle] I can watch just about any place on the planet from here...
[Finn] But how could it observe all these things?...
[Audrey] I love this... even though I don't understand any of it.
[Finn] Is it... floating above the world, or something?
[Storyteller] When he pushes the button, the image looks like the source is dropping.
[Salah] Any... place?...
[Lyle] I have no idea. All I know is it works.
[Lyle] Any place outside.
[Salah] C-can it show us what Meribia is like now?
[Criz] So you mean I can ask to see a place... and it will show it to me?
[Will] How can you keep this down here like this!? If we had this kind of technology in the Tower...
[Storyteller] All of a sudden, it crisps up again. You can see the MMS Dragonmaster floating in the ocean. It's slowly approaching a large island. The large island is Vane.
* Lynna thinks... what if Imogene could have a device like this...
[Lyle] Well...
* Finn gets up close to the image...
[Lyle] Never really though about it that way, Will...
* Criz goes to touch the image, still amazed by it.
* Lyle smacks Criz' hand away.
[Audrey] ... I wonder if I could see Reachdeep... maybe someone is there by now...
[Will] We might even be able to make more of them if we could figure out how they work... what's it power source? Where are these images coming from?
[Lyle] You've got butter on that...
[Storyteller] Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!
[Criz] I'm sorry Lyle... I'm just... astounded!
[Storyteller] Blip! Wooop! Whirrrrrrrrrrr! Everything goes dark.
[Audrey] Oh Criz! You broke it!
[Will] ?...
[Lyle] What the fuck?!
[Lynna] Looks like Criz's magic touch strikes again.
[Criz] Umm... Did I do that?
[Salah] What happened?
[Lyle] I have no idea...
[Will] I-it can't be!
* Lynna leans back.
[Storyteller] You hear a grinding noise against one of the walls.
[Audrey] ... Something is wrong...
[Lyle] Can't be what?
* Salah looks to the noise...
[Lynna] Hmm?
* Lynna turns her head.
[Lamont] I think we're about to have company...
* Criz stands on guard.
[Criz] I think It's me... I bring us bad luck!
[Will] . o O ( Drilling through!? From where? They can't be inside Reza... or can they? What's going on? )
[Storyteller] Grind-grind-grind-grind-grind... All of a sudden, something bursts through the wall, showering you with rock and metal dust.
* Salah clutches her head and kneels over.
* Audrey screams and stumbles right into Will!
* Lamont shields himself as best he can.
[Will] A-ah! Au-Audrey?
* Lynna stumbles, shielding her face...
[Audrey] W--what's going on Will!?
* Criz takes out his nun chucks.

Combat! Round One!

[Storyteller] Enemy Front: RockEater A, B, C
[Storyteller] Enemy Middle: TechnoCommando A, B, C
[Storyteller] Enemy Rear: TechnoCommando D, E, F
* Lamont looks around for Cassandra, hoping she's OK.
[Will] W-we're being attacked! Get ready to fight!
[Lynna] Now who the hell are these guys?
* Will takes his mace out of his backpack, holding it with difficulty with both hands.
[Criz] What are these things?
* Lyle pulls his sword and rushes at RockEater A. Lyle hits RockEater for 13 damage.
* Will shakes his head.
[Will] We'll have to find out later!
* Lynna brandishes her claws.
[Lynna] Whatever they are, they'll soon be dead.
[Audrey] Who... are these monsters!? I've never seen anything like this!...
[Will] M-me either! Everybody seems to have better technology than what I understand!
[Storyteller] Miriamelle lets loose with her boomerang at the back row. She tosses her darts at TC F.
[Storyteller] Boomerang has Line Effect. Critical Hit! TechnoCommando D takes 56 damage and dies!Miriamele hits TechnoCommando E for 0 damage. Critical Hit! TechnoCommando F takes 44 damage.
[Storyteller] Miriamele's darts hit TechnoCommando F for 9 damage and kill him!
[Finn] Niiiice...
[Will] Good job, Miri!
* Audrey cheers.
* Lamont starts to chant as a green aura swirls around him, "Oh great spirit of air, Sylph, I call your power to my aid. Let the power of your great winds be as sharp as Althena's sword and cut through the foes of justice that oppose me!"
[Storyteller] RockEater A takes 95 damage from Lamont's spell and dies!
* 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 rises by 33!
* Salah suddenly stands up.
* Salah closes her eyes tightly, a sudden white flash eminates from her causing her to float a few inches off the ground, and in a brilliant flash she returns to the ground, the white aura around her gone.
[Storyteller] Salah's Reaction rises by 42!
* Criz starts to spin his nunchucks in front of him as he charges at the Rockeater and jumps into the air as he lands on top of it and back fist strikes it. Criz then smacks it with his chucks as he kicks him at the throat and slams his chucks onto the top of the mechs head.
[Storyteller] Critical Hit! RockEater B takes 53 damage. Criz hits RockEater for 1 damage. Criz hits RockEater for 0 damage. Critical Hit! RockEater takes 45 damage. Criz hits RockEater for 0 damage. Criz hits RockEater for 2 damage.
[Lynna] Let's see how you metal clad morons deal with this...
* Lynna chants low... "Heed me, o shadows! Become a scythe of destruction, to cut through the souls of my foes! Black Ribbon!" Suddenly, she swipes at the air, as a wave of onyx energy rips through the Middle row!
[Storyteller] TechnoCommando A takes 38 damage from Lynna's spell. TechnoCommando B takes 42 damage from Lynna's spell. TechnoCommando C takes 37 damage from Lynna's spell.
[Will] Well... h-here goes...
* Will holds his heavy mace awkwardly with both hands, trying to keep it at a steady height. Swinging it backwards with an effort, he approaches the front row and swings the mace forward in a geometry-defying arc! "H-Hammer Swing!!"
[Storyteller] RockEater B takes 79 damage from Will's weapon skill and dies! RockEater C takes 78 damage from Will's weapon skill!
[Audrey] ^_^ All right Will!!
* Will takes a few steps backwards, holding the mace barely above the ground.
[Will] Wh-whew...
[Storyteller] TechnoCommando A unslings his GyroCarbine and cuts loose on Lynna. Critical Hit! Lynna takes 46 damage.
[Lynna] What is tha... ack!
[Salah] Lynna!!
[Audrey] Lynna!
* Lynna gets flung backwards with the force of the impact before she can react!
[Will] Woah... what was that? O_O;
[Storyteller] TechnoCommando B cuts loose on Criz.Critical Hit! Criz takes 46 damage.
[Storyteller] TechnoCommando C moves into the Front Row.
[Criz] You got to do better then that!
[Storyteller] TechnoCommando E moves into the Front Row.
* Lynna struggles to her feet, clutching her chest.
[Lynna] That... was... painful...
[Storyteller] Cassandra lashes out at RockEater C with her whip. Cassandra hits RockEater for 17 damage.
* Lamont hopes Cassandra doesn't get hurt...
* Finn advances on C and slashes at it twice with his sword and twice with his dagger.
[Storyteller] Finn hits RockEater C for 7 damage. Finn hits RockEater C for 8 damage and kills it!
[Storyteller] Defaulting to TechnoCommando C. Finn hits TechnoCommando C for 0 damage. Finn hits TechnoCommando C for 0 damage.
[Lamont] They... they are all machines... physical attacks are going to be hard...
[Lynna] Then we'll hit them harder...
* Lynna is panting a bit...

Combat! Round Two!

[Storyteller] Enemy Rear: TechnoCommando A, B
[Storyteller] Enemy Front: TechnoCommando C, E
* Salah suddenly begins glowing in a faint blue aura.
* Will puts his mace on the ground and joins both hands, preparing to use a spell.
* Lamont clangs his claws together.
* Criz wipes the blood from his face and spits blood on the floor.
* Salah closes her eyes and lowers her head, a loud whistling noise can be heard as well as the sounds of an ocean. With a sudden flash a torrent of water circles around Salah reaching high into the sky as it splashes down upon the enemy row and splits into several directions, becoming solid sheets of ice. With a thrust o f Salah's arms the ice shatters into several thousand pieces and slams into the enemy line!!
[Storyteller] TechnoCommando C takes 56 damage from Salah's spell and dies! TechnoCommando E takes 55 damage from Salah's spell and dies!
* Lyle rushes toward TechnoCommando A, he slips around him, bringing his sword up under the gunstrap and neatly cutting it.
[Storyteller] TechoCommando A is Disarmed!
[Lynna] Looks like... Lyle is good for something.
[Storyteller] Miriamele DEFENDS.
* Audrey giggles a bit.
* Lamont clangs his claws together another time and rushes into TechnoCommando A.
* Lamont swipes at his body!
[Storyteller] Lamont missed!
* Lamont swings again!
[Storyteller] Critical Hit! TechnoCommando A takes 34 damage and dies!
[Storyteller] Defaulting to B.
* Lamont rolls over to B.
* Lamont leaps in the air and slams his claw into it's shoulder.
[Storyteller] Lamont hits TechnoCommando for 0 damage.
* Lamont swings at his head with the other hand.
[Storyteller] Critical Hit! TechnoCommando takes 26 damage.

Victory!

* Lamont stands over the fallen enemies, satisfied with his efforts
[Will] Right! We did it!
* Salah pants and collapses to the floor, her forehead slightly wet.
* Finn bends over slightly, holding his knees...
* Audrey phews.
* Criz wipes the blood which keeps trickling down his nose and cuts.
* Will tucks his mace in his backpack and goes to examine the remains of the RockEaters.
* Lamont makes sure that Cassandra is alright.
* Audrey turns to Lynna...
[Storyteller] Audrey blinks for a second... Lynna isn't there.
[Audrey] Lynna?... Lynna!
[Criz] Lynna?
[Audrey] Where did she go?!
[Will] I wonder how these work...
[Salah] Lynna?...
[Will] Huh?... What's wrong?
* Criz looks around a bit, but is still hurt bad from the hit and falls down.
[Criz] Oww... Lynna!
* Criz gets back up slowly.
[Lyle] What the hell?
* Audrey turns to Criz and heals him
* Will turns around.
[Lamont] What's going on?...
[Will] She... isn't here!?
[Audrey] We better find her... those monsters might have taken her!
* Will goes to inspect the tunnel the RockEaters drilled.
[Criz] Lynna... where the hell are you?