Ghost Stories

We started forward, on forethought I pulled my cloak closed. "I'm scouting ahead, you three walk slowly." I started forward swiftly and pulled my hood up. Free of my burden I was able to look inside of the small dilapidated buildings leading up to the fallen Monastery. They were full of rubble, a corner of the ceiling fallen in here, part of a wall missing there. Four building in all, two on each side. Each building looked as if it was once a lecture room. Broken benches in rows, battered bookshelves along side the same respective walls. There were pillars outside, destroyed, some writing still survived, but useless to me, a few lone letters. Nothing that could be pieced together. There was one oddity on a pillar. It looked like claw marks. As if a giant claw tore through and slashed this pillar. 

Stepping back I turned my head toward the Monastery, looking for something, anything to give further clues. It was at that moment I saw something. Pure whiteness on a green stem, resting on a cut slab of stone. I quickly checked for movement, and sound other than the approaching incessant chatter of Lim and Alloriah, sensing nothing I ran to the slab of stone, and the whiteness.

I knelt down and stared. What was this flower doing here? Freshly cut, and very hard to find, in a climate such as this it must be cultivated carefully. It is only known to grow around graves as well. Mayhaps another clue to what has happened here? 

There was an inscription on the stone was well. Battered by the weather, and covered with grime it was nearly impossible to read. I tried though, very hard. Without cleaning it was not possible. With a sigh I looked around the ground searching for a trace of a footprint, or for all I cared a paw print. Nothing, and I had already mauled a portion of the ground with my own boots. Silently chastising myself I arose. These were the kind of mistakes Master Crow spoke of.

I made my way back toward the group as they were coming to the crest of the hill. Walking alongside Lim for a moment I listened to him, apparently I was sneaking around leaving them open for attack. I suppose I should be flattered at his opinion of me in a fight. Though I feel the true meaning behind his words. Taking off my hood I told them of what I found, and warned them not to touch the flower. It was a private pleasure in watching Lim jump sideways, and the others startle back.

We made our way to the Monastery, and inside. The outside was horrendous, but inside; inside was worse. It was also full of despair. Rubble filled every corner, there were stairs leading up to the bell tower, they seemed sturdy enough. There were also rooms off shooting to the left and right. Looking around the main area it was apparent where an alter once stood, no more...pews, some of them still stood,while most were crumbled. Windows lined the walls devoid of glass. But most obvious of all, a huge bell lie on the floor directly under its tower, a fine crack running up its side. Larger than even Lim's massive size it drew our reverent attention for some time.

But reverence can only go so far. It can not protect us from what might be lurking in the shadows. I pointed that out to them, and we continued our exploration inside. One side led to a smaller private prayer room, also in ruins, nothing of use to be found. The other side seemed to be similarly devoid of clues, a teaching room though, with plant life taking over. Upon closer inspection there was a door hidden behind a bookcase. Warding were scraped into the wood.

Alloriah and Lim were able to ascertain that they were protective, something about keeping spirits in, but nothing more than that. We decided to open and explore inside, but not before Alloriah summoned Demeterious by her side first. I checked the door for traps, and upon finding none, nodded toward Lim to open it. It did not swing open but fell off its hinges. Another slab of wood was placed behind where the door once stood closed. Demetreious growled as Lim lifted the door and placed it to the side.

Taking a moment to discuss if we were all ready, and still willing to go down, we agreed. Demeterious was to stay at the top of the stairs for he was unwilling to ascend with us. Lim would move the wooden slab, and I was to take point. Alloriah and Vernin would be in the middle with torches. Upon reflection it may have been wiser to have payed more attention to Demeterious' reaction than explored further in.

Lim lifted the wooden slab, which turned out to be a table. Scratch marks raked the underside of it, hundreds of scratch marks. Looking back at the others, trepidation began to knot my stomach. Stairs led down. As I started down a gust of air rushed up to meet me. It felt of death, old death. The walls on both side of the stairs were gouged with scratch marks, much more than on the underside of the table. Taking a moment to examine them, they were made by someone, or many someones going down these stairs. I told the others, and continued down. It took only moments but soon the stairs ended and a room opened.

In the torch light there were skeletons literally encasing the walls of the room. Hand raised to my mouth, and I uttered a small prayer. Alloriah let out a cry, and Vernin's torch began to shake, Lim let out a low whistle. The center of the floor seemed to be dirt. Looking over my shoulder I told Vernin to go back upstairs with Demeterious, he handed the torch and literally fled the scene. Alloriah and Lim refused to enter further, seeing that there was nothing to be gained from standing here looking in, I took the torch from Alloriah, and stepped down onto the dirt.

Fully expecting something to reach up and grab my ankle, I stepped lightly as possible. Hand on the hilt of my dagger, and walked closer to the bones. Most of them were in a sitting position. Children of every size were once here, as well as a few adult skeletons. Fifty children, easily, were here. Five, ten adult bones, mayhaps they were only older children brought down to tend to the smaller ones. the walls here were smooth, not a scratch mark. As I stood in the center of the room I closed my eyes for a moment. Where I come from fifty children could be the entire new generation born in over a century.

I moved further in toward the bones, it was easier to think of them, to remember them, as just some bones. Looking for anything, jewelry, parchment, a journal. Anything to shed light on why this had happened. Nothing. I searched for a entire half hour, with nothing to learn from it. Disgusted with the lack of information. I told the others that there was nothing to be found here. Lim was becoming nervous, as was Alloriah. I conceded, and followed them back up the stairs. Walking up the stairs I looked down and saw a fingernail lying on one of them, a shiver went down my spine. It became apparent just what made all the scratch marks now. Shaking my head, I continued up. Once outside, the table was replaced, and the door was set back over it. Alloriah said a prayer for the souls inside.

I turned my back to the door trying to calm my rising emotions.

After she was done, Lim brought up the fact that we were here to fortify this place. I nodded to him, agreeing. Vernin seemed calmed at the thought also. After some discussion, and examining the whole Monastery, we had a rough plan. Cover for the front windows could be made from boards found around the backside. Broken pottery with growth would be placed around the inside. I would set up caltrops inside the front windows and in a semicircle thirty feet outside the entrance. A rope trap would be set inside the entrance way as well. Lim also got it into his head that pointed sticks inside the windows behind the slates was a good idea. Time consuming, and he was left to it alone.

It was soon made clear to us that the boards were far too heavy to move by hand, mayhaps dragged with some animal help, but by ourselves it wouldn't happen. After a brief discussion Alloriah and I went off back down the hill into the woods where we last saw the herd of horses. A short search led us face to face with the herd. Alloriah enlisted the aid of the stallion. I looked him over for a owner mark, and found one. I assumed that it belonged to the Countess. Alloriah was worried about using her horse, but I assured her that after we were done with his assistance he would be set back to the herd. My assurance worked, and she rode him swiftly back to the Monastery, leaving me to sprint on my own two legs. Lim greeted us at the entrance with warnings of angering the Countess.

"You stole one of her horses?!? You can be arrested and put to death."

Alloriah laughter and happiness immediately left. She looked to the ground, silent, as usual.

"No. We did not steal anything, nor shall we steal from the Countess, Lim. We are borrowing the use of her horse. Alloriah asked his help and he apparently agreed. After we're done he's to go back to his herd."

"You can die if she accuses you of stealing. Hell, you can die if the horse gets hurt!"

Aloriah voice whispered in, "But we're not stealing Lim."

A few more minutes discussion left Lim throwing his hands up, and a grin passing between Alloriah and myself. I made a harness for the stallion and with his massive assistance in a few hours the boards were in place and the sun was moving across the sky turning it a fierce auburn. Untying the rope harness I checked the stallion for wounds, with none found I gave him a firm pat on the shoulder. Alloriah spoke to him again and he was gone with a whinny.

We set up camp that night in the center of the Monastery a small fire flickering. Over dinner and shortly into the night I began to tell ghost stories. Feeling it was only fitting in such a area. Also, mayhaps unnerving Lim would shake him from waggling his tongue. It is only fair to mention the stories I spoke were ones I found fascinating as a young child.

Sleeping in shifts keeping watch at the top of the bell tower the night went on. Morning came to pass and we continued fortifying the Monastery. I took some time to scrub off the grime. And eventually the words came to life again. It was a inscription about a battle here, forgiveness about a misunderstanding, and honouring of a man by the name of Darkcrow. The flower left here still caught my attention. Where did it come from, whom brought it, and how soon would they be back? By noontime our meager fortifications were complete. After some discussion over our meal we decided to pay a visit to the Countess. For mayhaps she would be able to tell us some more information on what had happened here.

Out of the nest and into the world.

In the morning we gathered around a table for breakfast. Lim was talking...about what I can not recall. Lim talks frequently, and in circles. Alloriah chirping in every now and then. I, I was eating, and looking around the dining hall. Contemplating on what as to come, and how little we knew about this Monastery. I do not care to dive headlong in to the unknown, on blind faith.

After breakfast a messenger came to us and requested we reconvene in the meeting hall in a few hours. I got up and told the others I had business to attend to before our meeting. Walking outside I watched the men and women here working. Wandering inside the smithy I was pleasantly surprised to find Darren lifting boxes and doing, whatever they do in there when one is not hammering away at the anvil. I stood and watched him for a few moments. He seemed contented. Stepping forward out of a shadow and into his sight I was greeted by a large floppy smile. I told him that I would be leaving with the other two sometime this morning, and that I wanted to say my farewells to him. I was assaulted with two large, very large, very well muscled arms encasing me and being lifted well off the ground in a hug. I was told, also to take care of myself. I had a feeling that he sincerely meant it as well. The "Or else I'll have to come looking for you" clenched the feeling.

Walking away toward the left side of the complex I spotted a young man working in a garden. I stayed in the shadows of a nearby building watching him for a bit. He seemed content enough working, not complaining or stopping. Young for a human, mayhaps sixteen. I approached him and offered a trade. Knowledge for care. He would care for my herbs, and in exchange I would teach him uses of them. He looked me up and down and accepted my offer. I brought him inside my room, and told him what to do for each pot, I then told him the key would be available for him to pick up after I left from one of the guards. Our agreement made, he left hurriedly.

I gathered my pack, and a package of more personal things, and left for the meeting room. I was the second to arrive this time, literally right behind Master Crow. He took his respective chair at the head of the table, I approached him, package in hand. I asked him to keep this in a safe place for my return, and upon not returning to make arrangements to have it sent back to my homeland. He nodded gravely and accepted the package. I then took a seat to his left hand side and awaited the others arrival.

Shortly Lim, Alloriah, and Vernin filed in and sat down. Then it began. The Monastery we were being sent to was said to be abandoned. On the lands belonging to a Countess Della Hanna. A great battle was fought there some time ago. There was rumored to be a amulet of power left somewhere within. We were to find and retrieve it, before another fraction arrived. Firstly though we were to secure the Monastery for our group. There would be men sent to rendezvous with us at the Monastery, after we secured it. As for the other fraction not too much was known about them, save for they wanted the amulet as well. Stories of men dressed like beasts, attacks...in short fantasy tales. But, behind every story...

Well enough. After asking a few question that had unknown answers we were ready to leave. Packs were waiting at the gate. Vernin easily hefted the largest of them upon his back. Each of us took a smaller one. We nodded to each other and headed out. I let the other walk in front of me, and was last. Looking back over my shoulder, I saw Darren rushing up and pushing through the crowd. He stopped short at the gate. Letting out a tremendous smile he lifted a well muscled arm and waved farewell. I smiled momentarily, and lifted a arm up on response before turning back to the group and catching up. I did not allow myself to look back again.

Four, five, six days we traveled. Camp was made and watch was set each night in turns. Our travel passed with out incident. After the first few days Vernin carried my small pack as well. Scouting ahead with the pack was too noisy and cumbersome. Lim's eyes narrowed at Vernin's offer, but I ignored it, and offered the boy a sincere smile. As well as my pack. Through out our journey we chatted, often ending the conversation with; "Just one clean cut Lim, that all it will take.", and Alloriah giggling. As for Vernin he was pretty quiet, offering his opinion here and there. He liked to run. Also, he cooked fairly decently.

Finally we found ourselves on a road stretching left to right. It was overgrown, not overtly so, yet no one had traveled upon it for some time. To one side was a town called Ja'Du, to the other was the Countess' manor. We turned toward the Countess' side. If what we were told is accurate, traveling this way for half a day then turning off the road we would reach the Monastery but early afternoon. Traveling through forest did not prove difficult, there was a clearing, a small one, when we stepped into it, a herd of horses broke out into a gallop. Its stallion leading them away. I could almost imagine I was back home.

Almost.

Shortly after, well, shortly the way I measure time. Mayhaps another half of a hour. We reached the bottom of a rather large hill. Making our way up the hill we laid our eyes upon the Monastery. It was ruined, and in ruins. A dilapidated structure that looked like it was hit by a war. There was a few smaller buildings set before the main one, but it was all in ruins. The others seemed to have the same reaction that I was having. Confusion, apprehension, and disgust.

An Exchange

Freshly bathed, clothes pockets cleaned out, and given to the washers. I made sure I was suitable to leave my room. Late into the night it was, and as soon as I opened my door, surely enough there was a messenger requesting I see Master Crow. Immediately. Looking back into my room, there is a table in front of the only window. There sits my herbs, happily nestled into their respective pots. At that moment I wished I had a pot to happily nestle in.

This meeting would not go well. Too many things had fallen out of place in the Citadel.

Entering the meeting room once again, I saw Jax deep in conversation with Master Crow, at the far end. Lim and Alloriah were sitting at the table in the center of the room. Darren though, was apparently waiting for me. He walked up in front of me and looked down. A smile lighting up his face. 
 

"Your looking much better, smell better too."

I looked up and gave him a smile, halfheartedly. Then my attention snapped to Master Crow who walked briskly up to the table, and lied the wand in front of him. Darren followed my attention, patted my shoulder, and joined the others. I walked toward the table, but instead of sitting I leaned up against a wall. The coolness of the stones through my shirt felt nice. It might have been the only nice thing that happened that evening.
 

Jax had told Master Crow everything. We messed up. Why were our faces now known? Guards are still searching for us, and will be for who knows how long? the Clergy now knows about us. The list went on and on. As he spoke and named off every error, I cringed, and sank deeper into a shadowed corner. Lim piped in whenever he had a chance. Jax stood behind Master Crow looking darkly satisfied. Darren sat looking solemn, and offering a few good words when the time merited. Alloriah just sat there though, sniffling every now and then. Not crying, just sniffling, making the noise whenever she was mentioned. Disgusting.

In the end the wand was put in a iron box and given to Jax for research. He took it and spirited out of the room. Darren's gaze followed him, and his expression fell. Master Crow then told Darren he was to stay around and help with the Nest. Darren nodded, stood, and offered us a smile before he too walked out of the room. Then Master Crow's attention turned on us. If I could have sunk into the wall at that moment I would have. His eyes glittered dangerously.

"I heard what happened. Your bickering. Your arguments. Your threats to cut out someones tongue." Those eyes focused on me for a moment. I sighed quietly. "You were told to keep a low profile. You were TOLD to stay out of their sight, and now descriptions of you are circulating around the ENTIRE Citadel. Now. Now I have to keep you out of it. What use is that to me? How does that help our goals?"

He sighed and sat down. "I need you to stay away from the Citadel until this blows over. I need you away from here for some time also. There is a Monastery a week's journey from here, it is rumored that there was an amulet left in there. You three are going to retrieve it for me. Maybe, you three will learn how to work together. Your going to need to."
He stood up, and motioned to the door. A slim youth stepped in, light haired, and if I miss my mark, lightly muscled. "Also, Vernin will be going with you. He's going to help carry your supplies, and keep a eye on you. Go. Get some rest, you'll be leaving tomorrow."
Vernin, Lim, and Alloriah filed out. I followed, just upon reaching the door, Master crow's voice called softly. I turned around to face him, pulling the door shut behind me. He walked up not even a foot away from me.

"I expected better from you."

"Mayhaps, then you should have sent me inside alone."

"You would have been dead. I expect better from you from now on. Don't disappoint me. I don't care if you like them. Work with them anyway. You should know better."

Clenching my teeth together, I nodded. Then reached into my sack and pulled out a pouch. I held it up in front of him. After a moment he took it, and opened it. Inside glittered, ranking pins from each guard I killed, or their station sigina. Whichever they had worn. I offered a half grin
.
"That many less you have to worry about now. And the pins themselves..."

"Quite useful." He nodded. "Ann...watch over my nephew."

"I will at that. In return, I no not how long we will be away. Someone must watch over my plants."

A brief smile flittered through his serious face. "I think that can be arranged. Find someone tomorrow, before you leave."

I bowed, in the manner of my kind to him, then took my leave. Quickly I skimmed in the shadows back to my room, not wanting to be bothered by anyone. Once inside I looked again to my plants, then set about packing and resorting my gear. Thinking on all he had said, knowing Vernin's life would be worth more than any treasure I could ever find.

Tomorrow would come soon enough.

A dusty, bloody, fiery, smelly way out.

Coming to, I saw wooden beams above my head slanting downward. To my left Darren loomed, his face splitting into one of the largest most sincere grins I had ever witnessed. The sound of rain dancing overhead beating its steady melody upon the beams is forever etched into my mind. The smell of dust was thick, and looking around I could see it coating the floorboards. Lim and Alloriah were on the other side of this rather small yet long room. Jax alone was absent. 

Questioning the absence of Jax, I sat up, none too worse for the wear, my wounds wonderfully healed. I was told that we were in the attic of an abandoned house. And that Jax went out. Everyone seemed to be alright, but we were to keep our talking in whispers. Asking Alloriah about the lion, she told me that he was set free. I raised a eyebrow in the shadows, but took her word for it. I would think it would take more than a few moments to set the lion free back to its mountains, but then again I am no Druid.


After some time Jax, returned, crawling through a small window, the rain had eased up to a drizzle, and small drops glistened off his clothing and hair. He told us that our descriptions were being circulated, guards were looking for us, and in short we needed to get out of here, quickly. Into my pack I rustled for but a moment, and out I pulled a small box. I offered to augment every one's looks until we were outside of the damnable walls. My offer was heartily taken up and the next few hours put my skills to the test. Using Jax's information on our descriptions I went to work. 

First Lim Dul'Karavack's thick black tresses were shaved off, fully. and his skin colour, lightened. Jax and Darren's skin colour changed as well. There was little else I could do for them. Alloriah though I changed her hair as to make it appear short, but cut it I did not, and I dulled her features. For myself I dyed my hair a non-discript colour, and braided it. When my work was done we did look differently enough so a given description wouldn't match us. We then left our attic hiding hole, in groups of twos, and I alone checking ahead of us. With my cloak closed and hood pulled up I could sneak ahead with little fear. We were to split up and go different ways to ultimately rendezvous at the Inn.

Dodging patrol groups, with out any incident this time, I finally made it back to the Inn, and watched from a close alley way. I let them trickle in, then slipped farther around to the alley and made a bit of a change with my own clothing. Inside I went. At a corner table they were sitting and I slipped next to Darren to join. The Innkeeper had signaled it was not time to leave yet. Ordering some drinks, we sat there for a relatively short amount of time, mayhaps a half of a hour. We were getting ready to leave, eventide was nigh. 

The door to the Inn burst open and guards marched in. I wrapped my arms around Darren and flaunted over him, resting my head on his muscular shoulder. His hand slipped around my waist, while I felt his other inching towards his weapon. Lim engaged himself in conversation with Jax, and Alloriah looked on with interest. Five minutes at least, the Captain of this unit looked us over. When finally he turned to leave, in stepped the Cleric.
  The very Cleric we left unconscious. I almost regretted not killing him when I had the chance. Alas, the penalty for his death would not mesh well with my plans, if ever I was caught. 

He looked around for but a moment. 

"That's them, they broke into my home and took a valuable book." 

The guards moved to us, Lim unleashed a spell, Darren busted forward toppled the table, I slipped behind him. Alloriah, well, I do not know what she did. Jax caught my eye, I knew what he meant to do, and nodded. He slipped away in the confusion. I only hoped he got outside safely, and that he had some light to lead him through the underground. After a few moments of scuffling, and shouting Lim, Alloriah, and myself were subdued. Whileas Darren was holding his own with three of the guards.

Seeing the danger rising around him, and knowing the outcome of three more guards joining the fray, I yelled for Darren to cease. He gave me a confused look. And I shouted for him to lay down his weapon, this battle was over, to allow himself to be taken. It seemed to take him a moment to let the scene around him to sink in, but finally he yielded, grudgingly. Guards rushed over, took his weapon, and shackled his hands behind his back. To my eyes, it was as if someone had captured a wild stallion. Shameful.

All the while the Cleric stood watching, like a amused spectator. As we were shackled he walked up to each of us, and studied our faces. 

"Did you really think you could get away? My book is very valuable." 

"We didn't steal any book!" Alloriah finally seemed to find a voice. 

"There's one missing. Where is he?" The Cleric came up to me and lowered his face.

Looking up at him calmly. "I have no idea what your talking about. We just came here for a meal. I don't know what book you could mean." 

He sneered. "Take them to the prison, they can be questioned there." Turning on his heel he walked away, a small group of guard waiting outside rejoined him, and escorted him up the road. Babble broke forth from Lim and Alloriah, what they said I do not know, I was contemplating too deeply to pay attention. How to escape...with the rest of them in tow...surely they couldn't keep a closed mouth under interrogation.....the Nest would fall due to the storm that would come about. 

The Captain ordered for us to be taken outside, a small group of three guards were to stay at the Inn. Two carts pulled by oxen were waiting in the evening dimness, to carry us away. Darren was being corralled up, in the first cart, and Alloriah was bring lifted up into the second one. Turning to the Captain I spoke calmly. 

"You can leave the Innkeeper alone, she did nothing. She knows nothing." 

A slap greeted my face. Mercifully un-gauntleted, stinging none the less. 

"Bring me a gag!" It was done and I was gagged."You need to learn your place. Make sure she doesn't talk!" He yanked me around. "You had her shackles too loose!" Lifting me up and apparently shaking me he unlocked my shackles! "There, now do your jobs properly next time, foolishness will get you nowhere." Watching Lim and myself being loaded in the first and second cart, satisfied he ordered the carts off. I watched him turn to attend to the poor Innkeeper, and that mess we caused. The Crow's feathers drop at interesting places. 

The cart lurched down the cobbled street, two guards walking ahead, one on each cart, and two walking behind. In the evening light there was not much to do, mayhaps only be thankful that citizens did not crowd the street, and gawk. I knew the area, and there was only one chance. My dagger and short bow lie next to the guard, along with Darren's sword, Alloriah's staff, and Lim half spear. I moved closer to Alloriah, back to back, and undid her shackles. There was a tunnel coming up that we were to pass through. With any more luck we would be free. The guard watching us looked behind him, forward to the first cart, and I quickly slipped my dagger out of the pile and under my legs. Alloriah was watching me, and I just shrugged my shoulders. As the tunnel came and we entered through it was dark, so very dark, no torches had been lit here yet. Perfect. 

I slipped off of the cart, and dropped back behind the two guards following. Slipping the keys off one's belt loop proved no challenge. My dagger easily found its way between one's ribs, and he crumpled like wet paper. I moved and slipped the keys into Alloriah's hands, then moved off toward the wall of the tunnel. The other unable to see well, called out to see what happened. Amazingly enough I could see perfectly. Of course, that's one of the advantages to not being human. I felt fur brush across myself, looking very hard I could see the shape of a large, very large feline. Blacker than the blackest night. Nearly impossible to discern from the darkness. I reached out and touched its shoulder. Not being attacked, I grinned. It might be handy having a Druid around. Now, the guard that was sitting on my cart was up, weapon drawn, ready. My grinned turned into a smile, he isn't ready enough. 

Weaving through the ox I made my way to the guard, and struck. Injuring a man apparently makes him cry out in pain. Such a shame it was not another instantly silenced injury. Yells exploded from the guards remaining. I grabbed Darren's sword and dropped it on his cart. For it suddenly lurched forward. Moving to intercept one of the guards coming from the front, I yelled for Alloriah to do something. Lim and Darren jumped into motion as well, thankfully. Sometimes...well, that's neither here or now. Fighting ensued. Lim got a spell or two off, Darren is impressive to watch even with his hand shackled, for he somehow got them in front of him. I think Alloriah actually cured one or two of us. And the feline helped us as well. During the battle, I think Alloriah undid Lim's shackles, while I worked on Darren's from inside his arms, as he was fighting. Soon all but one of the guards were down. As the last one ran off, I rushed over to my bow and quickly drew a arrow from a quiver and fired. 

It missed. 

Cursing under my breath I looked around. Lim and Darren were kneeling at Alloriah's side, apparently she went down during the fight. Running over to her body, I checked her vitals. She would live. I then went over to the wall of the tunnel, and drew out my lock picks. A door to the sewers was set here, and this would be our only way out. Setting to work I heard yells coming from down the street and a bell began to clang. Lim must learn someday, that speaking to me during such a impeccable time is not the best of decisions.

Much less telling me to hurry. 

With a minute the lock clicked open and Darren pushed the much unused door open. Inside he went, followed by Lim carrying Alloriah's body. I followed and looked around making sure no one had seen us. Once inside the door was quickly closed behind me and the lock reset. I informed them that Alloriah will be fine and she was mearly unconscious at the moment. Lim let out a wicked grin that took up his entire face. He then swooped a finger into the sewage that was running below us. Promptly putting said finger under Alloriah's nose. 

Never before have I seen someone awake so promptly, and disgustedly.

Laughing softly to myself at what just occurred. Alloriah created a ball of magical light. For fire in such a area would be a prompt end to our lives. I stepped forward to lead them out and slipped on a bit of sewage that Lim had caused to drip in the walkway. Let me just say that the rest of our journey back to the Nest was uneventful, and upon arriving I spirited myself away to the bath house before rejoining the other in a meeting with Master Crow. 

To get the stench of the Citadel off of me.