Arissa, hand over hand, quickly makes her way across the gap and clambers on to the next bridge. Moments later, Ozum flies across the gap and joins her. Frandal then uses the rope, just as Arissa did. Sariel opts to fly across, assuming the form of a bat once again. 

"Well, Xellos, that leaves the two of us," says Thoradin. "After you."

Frandal will keep a hold on the rope to help his friends if needed.

Seeing that everyone else had no trouble, he makes his way over the rope

Thoradin, somewhat nervously, follows Xellos.

All six members of the party stand closely together after successfully crossing the gap, and Celebquesse offers more information regarding what lies ahead as you continue your journey across these strange bridges. It seems as if a choice must now be made. The first option will require the party to negotiate two more crossings from bridge to bridge as you have just done. The second option will require the party to negotiate three crossings, however. Based on Celebquesse's descriptions, the first option leaves you with two crossings that are quite large. The second option leaves you with three crossings that are a bit smaller.

By walking a few hundred feet along the bridge, Celebquesse points out the two spots where you can continue your journey. If you wish to make only two crossings, the gap from your bridge to the next is approximately 75'. If you wish to make three crossings, the gap appears to be 50'. 

Sariel comments, "If only each of us could fly. I don't like the thought of making these larger crossings. Ozum, what would you think of you and I taking on the form of giant eagles? We could then carry the other party members, one by one, to the safety of the other side of this chasm?"

Xellos likes that idea, "Neither of those crossing options sounds good... Eagles sound fun!"

(He's also attempting to keep their energy and spirits high by trying to sound enthusiastic )

" I wouldn't say no to that my friends " smiles to both of the druids Frandal

Sariel, whom by now you've realized makes frequent use of her wild shape ability, morphs into a giant eagle and flaps her massive wings a few times. Xellos quickly springs onto the eagle's back, takes hold of the bird around its neck, and prepares for the flight. Rather than leaping upward, the eagle jumps from the narrow stone bridge and makes a dive down into the darkness of the chasm to gain speed. A few seconds later and a few hundred feet away, Xellos suddenly comes into view as the giant eagle rises out of the darkness and soars into the grey sky, heading toward the far side of the chasm the party is trying to cross. 

Thoradin looks at Ozum and says, "Well, you druids have quite the flare for the spectacular sometimes. What do you say, Ozum? Are you ready to do the same?"

"It is probably the fastest option anyway." Ozum follows suit and transforms into a giant eagle. He offers his wings to the ground as a sort of stepladder for whoever would like a ride.

Thoradin says, "It's probably for the best that I have an empty stomach," as he grabs hold of Ozum and prepares for the flight. Moments later, the second giant eagle, with a terrified dwarf, is arcing through the sky and heading toward the opposite side of the chasm.

A few minutes later, the first giant eagle (Sariel) returns and lands next to Arissa. 

Arissa climbs on, thoroughly intending to enjoy the ride across. 

Frandal jumps into Ozzum's back and enjoys the ride. Every second of it. 

*Don't be such a baby* 

*Oh.. some day I am going to learn how to enlarge you, that would be fun...* 

*Don't you dare!!* 

Frandal laughs while dismounting Ozum and bowing to him as thanks. 

Arissa and Frandal:  As you soar over the chasm below you, you notice a dark, winged mass in the sky to the east, which is the direction you are headed. Whatever it is, the creature is nearly the same color as the ashen Shadowfell sky, and it is rapidly flying directly toward you. You estimate that within one minute you'll reach the far side of the chasm. You also estimate that you'll cross aerial paths with the unknown creature sooner than that, possibly in forty seconds. 

Ozum:

Frandal says to the others. 

"Be on your guard friends! There's something incoming!" he points towards the form while he gets his bow and notchs an arrow on it

Arissa says wistfully "Maybe it's a nice rainbow unicorn here to help us..."

Arissa, Frandal, and Ozum:  Sariel (who is carrying Arissa) reacts in such a way that assures you she sees the winged creature as well. She immediately begins a steep climb, and Arissa watches the strange landscape below grow smaller as the eagle labors to gain altitude. As the dark, unfamiliar creature draws closer, all of you are able to discern that it is a massive thing, with a long tail and enormous membranous wings. It begins to dive downward, and you realize that it is focused on Thoradin and Xellos who stand on the flat, rocky ground on the far side of the chasm. 

Sariel and Arissa are approximately 220' from where Thoradin and Xellos stand. Ozum and Frandal are approximately 170' away from Thoradin and Xellos. (Flying speed of a giant eagle is 80')

Initiative: 23

"I don't think it's a friendly rainbow unicorn."

( OOC: A dragon?! That's a great comeback that's for sure! XD ) 

Initiative: 24

 (Round 1 commences; actions for Frandal and Ozum are first, followed by Xellos)

Eagle-Ozum uses his action to dash. He simultaneously ascends while still moving toward the other side of the chasm (80' up and 80' across) to give Frandal a better vantage point while still moving toward safe ground. If possible he will try not to keep distance from Sariel to split the dragon's attention. 

( Had we took a short rest after the fight with our duplicates? Sorry I forgot about it... ) 

Frandal aims his bow towards the form of the dragon and releases an arrow toward it in aiming for his neck.