Randall:

Shrugging, Randall says, “We just arrived via magical conveyance and took shelter from the rain under a tree.  We took no aggressive action, but the trees themselves seemed to be corrupted by some kind of evil.”

"What, is this black tent? I spied it while, as a fox" He points towards it. "Lately, such tents are harbingers, of evil"

Several of the elves look back at the black tent in puzzlement and then back to you.

"It is just a tent. We do not assign superstitions to colors. If I may ask, what land are you from that a black tent means evil?"

Tempe nods, "True, tents, are not evil, but show us, inside the tent, please."

They look confused and slightly put out but lead you over to the tent and pull back the flap. It is quite nice inside, an ornate carpet dominates the center and several pillows and low tables are arranged around the perimeter at intervals to make maximum use of the space inside, and finally there is a small brazier on a short tripod with a fire that serves to warm the inside of the dwelling.

With a confused expression Evixor asks, "Do you think perhaps the tent caused the Treants to attack your party? I assure you it isn't enchanted."

Tempe looks contented, he shrugs "Apologies, we've been in a fight that, had goblins attacking our city, controlled by an agent, that kept a black dragon, later dracolich, in a black tent, I am not a wordsmith, my friends can explain better"   out of curiosity, he tosses a small pebble into the tent, making sure not to hit anything breakable.

Check ooc: Guys

There are 5 elves currently lounging about in the tent, 2 appear to be male and female who are sitting together and talking intimately in low whispers to each other, the other 3 are not presently engaged in any conversation, of those 2 are male, one of the males and the female are wearing light chain shirts.

Randall:

"Thank you for your hospitality," says Randall upon entering the tent.  Before resting, Randall casts a group healing spell, revitalizing everyone inside the tent (23 hp healed from Mass Cure Wounds).

Pepin takes a seat with the male in chain mail

"Afternoon, how are you? My name is Pepin, we are here to investigate the temple and I was wondering if you could answer a few questions?"

Tempe walks to the male and female who are not engaged, and sits near them, he looks towards them, smoke coming from his nostrils, with innocence  "Pardon me, is this the nonsmoking section?"  then he gives, a slight grin 

@Randall

All the elves nod toward you in recognition and gratitude of your spell. It is a common sign of respect among elves.

@Pepin

"My name is Aural and I will help if I can." responds the elf in chain mail.

@Tempe

The male laughs at your jest until the female nudges him with a smirk of her own forming on her face, "You must excuse Dundee for his silliness and gaiety but if your jest also masks a hidden desire for an alternative method of relaxing," she opens a draw in a nearby table and produces a selection of options, "or if you prefer a more traditional method there is this pipe." she produces an ornate silver and electrum inlaid handle with a ivory bowl to hold any manner of herb.

He nods "Thank you for the offers, but I only smoke, I don't inhale"

"Good to meet you Aural, we are planning to look for your missing guide, aswell as go towards the temple to investigate and were wondering if you, or anyone else, got any useful information for us? Have you been to the temple?"

@Tempe

She puts the pipe away and picks up a tray of puff pastries, leaning toward you she offers the tray to you, "Have you tried elven candy? I know it is contraband but a loophole in elven law allows for it to be included as an ingredient in other recipes. These pastries have different candy fillings and are legal under the current treaties. They are my personal creation, as this is my own family recipe."

She lowers her head in your direction.

"Do try one."

@Pepin

"I serve to guard the entrance. This is my off shift, I only stand watch a quarter of each day as they want each shift fresh and ready for anything. They fear both what may be left inside and what may have already emerged into the light of day again. We need hearty adventurers to clear the way for us to reenter the temple as we're mostly scholars, philosophers, and historians."

Tempe nods and tries one, figuring it would be rude not too.

Pepin listens to the guard

"And did you see anything interesting when you were standing guard? Could you tell us how the front of the temple looks like? Anything that stood out?"

@Tempe

The pastry does have a sweet taste and pleasant flavor without being too sweet. It almost seems to melt in your mouth and doesn't stick to your teeth or anything.

@Pepin

"Since we've been here nothing and no one has entered or left, except for Rulf, that's the name of our missing scout. The entrance rests against the side of the hill with two bas reliefs, one on each side, each depicts one of the Seldarine."

Randall:

Joining the conversation, Randall asks, “Have you heard anything about a creature composed of flying bones?  One not much larger than a normal person, but strong enough to fly off with Rulf?”