Dawn is disturbed at Sarros's and Ban's responses and thinks deeply for a moment.

"Influenced and did not respond to warnings? ...I see. I suspected as much when you all arrived. I've never known of that old tree to openly attack anything and if what you say is true, then my worst fear has been finally confirmed. With the influx of evil creatures in these woods and Blackbark attacking you — I feel there is some other force in the forest at work that is attempting to spread its malevolence. This is worrying indeed...normally I stay out of the outside world's affairs, but if this is the case then the human town nearby is in danger, in addition to the forest being defiled. If you're all going to the caves then you must exercise caution. I do have one request of you all...

I know you all do not know me that well and I know you're just passing through, but if I may accompany you all to the caves then perhaps we can help each other. If there is something sinister residing in the forest, then it must be somewhere in the caves, or at least a clue must be there. I am only interested in investigating them for the forest — your business there is your own. If this helps out the human town too, then all the better. Of course, I understand if you all decline."

She does seem legitimately concerned about the forest and judging from her possessions, she likely does not need or even use gold or treasures. Realgâr seems ok with it since she shows no interest in any material possessions inside and since he is just a guide — he looks to see what you all think.

Still drinking and get really familiar Zephyros will wrap an arm around her shoulder "I like this mistress, I am Zephyros nobleman of the sea. Telleth me doth thou has't rule ov'r this "forest"?

She seems pretty trustworthy, Ban thinks. "I don't see why we can't help each other out. Despite our adventurer qualities," with a flat stare at Zephyros, "I, well, can at least personally vouch for myself and the paladin here. Forests are wonderous places, and they should be protected. If it comes to it, we can aid each other in combat, but I can't really guarantee safety." 

"The trees are as old as us Elves .It pained me to see the forest being corrupted." Sarros says blankly to noone in particular. He then looks at Dawn.

"What were you doing when you came upon us?" He asks. "Do you live here alone?"

OOC: apologies for the slower responses. Been busy with City Council meetings and advocating for housing in my town so been extra tired in the evenings. Should slow down with it next week though

Dawn is a bit confused when Zephyros puts his arm over her shoulder, but she takes it at just being friendly, unaware of most customs of the outside world. She says to him, "So you are from under the salt sea? That's...amazing. I don't rule the forest, but think of me as a caretaker. A servant of sorts."

To Sarros's question, she says, "I was doing what I normally do most days—just enjoying merriment with my mischievous fairy friends, as well as investigating what the cause for the recent corruption in the woods could be. There was a surge of activity that my friends reported to me and that it was moving to my glade—I assume this was when you encountered Blackbark. Then I met you all," she says with a smile. "I'm not necessarily alone with all the other creatures around, but there are no others like us as far as I know."

She finally says, "I am glad to come along, thank you for allowing me to join you all! Do not worry about my safety—it's my duty to purge any evil out of this realm...I do thank you all for the shared sentiments! I can handle myself in a fight if it comes to that," she says with a wink.

"When do you all plan to make for the caves?" she asks.

"We're well rested and ready to go, I believe." Sarros replies. "We're on our way there now. A guide would be most helpful."

Grol lifts his head. “Might as well! No better time than the present.”

He takes a few moments to get up. He gets his gear together, then sits at the edge of the glade with his eyes closed in meditation. A quiet, but deep humming fills the air for a few minutes then fades away as he opens his eyes.

"Sounds like a plan. I'm ready as well," Ban statrs, standing up and stretching. At the top of the stretch, full extension, she lets out a light huff but then relaxes with a slight smile.

Zephyros will finish another cup and is ready to continue.

"Very well! Let's be off!" Dawn exclaims.

"Aye, let us make haste to the caves." Realgâr replies — drunkenness not affecting him much.

Everyone packs up their gear and makes their way back towards the path. Dawn and Realgâr are at the front of the column as you all make your way up the trail in the morning sunlight that is breaking through the canopy of trees. Every so often a fairy buzzes out of the tree line and whispers in Dawn's ear before flying away. The walk goes on for a couple hours and is a relatively pleasant stroll through the forest.

Eventually you all notice the air feels a little different and the sounds of wildlife are less frequent. Dawn appears to be more on alert. "Not much further now. Let's remain quiet — I don't trust the feeling in my gut." She says as she takes out her quarterstaff and continues leading on.

After maybe 15 minutes of walking through this, you all see a rocky outcrop in the side of a forested hill in the distance with an obvious entrance. Making your way closer while hiding behind some foliage — the entrance is roughly 100ft away. It is a vertical rectangular opening that looks like it was carved out of the rock some time ago. The area around the entrance is mainly dirt with a few random stones embedded in the ground.

There appears to be no sign of anything hostile around the entrance.

"Well, here we are," Dawn says as she turns her head to scan the surrounding area.

"At nothing appears to be at the entrance. We should be cautious at least," Realgâr says.

How will you all proceed?

Grol closes his eyes and, using his wolf instincts, takes several deep breathes through his nose to determine if he can sense the presence of others in the area, and if so, if he can identify what and how many. Perception: 18

Once Dawn pulls out her staff Zephyros will pull his longsword. As they reach the cave he will step up with blade in hand and begin to move in first.

Sarros casts mage armour on himself. A spectral blue chest plate and shoulder pads hugs his torso.

He's ready to follow the group up, keeping his wits about him.

Perception: 6

Stealth: 16

Approaching the cave, Ban takes out one of her trusty daggers in her left hand. Kissing the flat of the blade, she giggles slightly and does her best to approach from the cave's right side silently.

Stealth: 26

Grol attempts to move stealthily, following Ban. Stealth: 14.

 Grol thought, “I don’t usually have a knack for this stealth stuff!”, amazed at his ability to sneak around.

Examining the cave Zephyros enters moving about 10ft ahead. Sword still out, he remembers what his father used to say about entering enemy territory.  He lifts his robe and underneath a shield. It being covered in algae and barnacles, it's perfectly round. He will slowly speak out to his allies.

"Move with caution I dont like this."

[Zephyros is actively moving forward and ready to dodge. He is not hiding.]

Ban looks back at her paladin friend, smiling, and gives Gol a good wink. He really can be sneaky when he wants to. Maybe I'm rubbing off on him.

...the group approaches the mouth of the cave, as the shadow of the rocky outcropping falls across you, the temperature seems to drop, the air feeling cold and damp. There’s an almost imperceptible breeze coming from the mouth of the cave, and the warm smell of wood and blossoms is replaced by a cold, musty, dead smell. 

The entrance of the cave seems to be empty except for the presence of webs which undulate from the breeze coming from the cave.

*farts* [gah it's hard picking it up now. I think I have mage armour on?]

Sarros looks back at the clearing to see if they were followed. Perception: 5

Zephyros will continue leading the way with his shield out and longsword.