From behind the recently displaced rocks, an elf's glamorous face emerged, adorned with glistening snow-white hair. With a hint of bashfulness, she explained, "I thought you were in the vicinity of the rocks and decided to give you a surprise."

As her eyes locked with Malenia's, a mischievous cheshire grin spread across her face, radiating warmth and amusement. Though her expression was less boastful when she turned her attention to Judal, she still greeted him with a friendly smile.

Malenia, standing firm with her weapons raised in a defensive position. Her teeth bared and gritting in pain and frustration at the circumstance in which she had unknowingly led them in. Silently curses herself for being so prideful and foolish. Yet the stern expression slackens when a familiar visage appears from behind the displaced rocks. 

".....Lilith? What're you doing here?" Was all the Eladrin could manage to stammer out, in disbelief to see an albeit strange but friendly face nontheless. 

     Judal smiles to the newcomer that Malenia apparently knows and allows the tension that had been building in him to... simmer where it is for now.  This Lilith, as per Malenia, may be friendly but they still were in unknown territory with who knows what right around the corner.

     "Our friend Pyornkrachzark, here," Judal says indicating the large stone Rockeater in their presence, "was bringing us to the Goliaths.  We were hoping to parlay with them, perhaps win the favor of borrowing a mount to get us back on mission...  We've had a few side quests pull us from the way, as it were."  Judal smiles privately appreciating the little turn of phrase he did there. 

     "I myself am Judal, called the Sladdbarn by some and the Disappointment by others.  I have been the Gauntlet of Galladoorn and the Grim Knight of Guilder.  I am both Favorite Brother and The Forgotten Relation.  But you can just call me Judal," he says with a bit of a bow since they had not yet been formally introduced.  "And you are...?"

"It's Lelith," the elf called out with a hint of exasperation, her eyes rolling in a display of annoyance. One would assume that fellow Fey kin would possess a superior ability to remember names. Nonetheless, she decided to restrain her sharp tongue this time. "It's nice to see you too, Malenia."

As she spoke those words, Lelith genuinely meant them, though her fey nature restricted her ability to outright lie. Nonetheless, being in the presence of the Eladrin provided her with a modicum of solace. She couldn't help but feel a pang of homesickness.

Lelith's raised eyebrow fixed its gaze on Judal, a flicker of curiosity dancing in her eyes. "You hold an impressive array of titles. You must be quite the formidable mortal. I eagerly anticipate witnessing your prowess in the midst of battle."

"As for my presence here... Certain circumstances have concluded, and I prefer to keep the details private," Lelith explained, her tone veiling a sense of secrecy. "At the very least, I have proven my trustworthiness once again." Placing her hands confidently on her hips, she surveyed both individuals before her. "That's why I've been dispatched to assist here. Tis' a far more fitting utilization of my skills than tirelessly flitting from one group to another, saving them from every little trouble they stumble upon... That endeavor grew wearisome after a while."

     "Trust me, I'm not merely as pompous as the titles make me sound," Judal says with a grin.  "Most of them are insults, truth be told.  I've just chosen to adopt them anyway.  Not sure if it's out of spite or just because I think they sound cool.  As for battle...  Well I hope to live up to your anticipation when that time comes."

     Judal takes a moment to survey the surroundings and see if there are any other surprise visitors waiting to pop out of nowhere.  ((Was Lelith the rider we saw in the distance or was that someone else?  Are we still expecting Goliath's to come charging at us at any moment?))

     "An extra pair of hands is welcome for any job," Judal continues thoughtfully.  "But just wjat specific help did you come to provide?"

Lelith listened to Judal's words with a mixture of amusement and curiosity, intrigued by his self-deprecating humor. "Ah, the allure of adopting insults as titles. It seems you possess a unique blend of defiance and admiration for the unconventional," she replied, a faint smile playing at the corners of her lips. "Rest assured, I will judge you based solely on your titles. Titles reflect one's essence, accomplishments, and position in the grand tapestry of existence. They shape perception and set expectations. At least that is the case among my kin."

"As for my specific purpose here," Lelith answered, her tone was still light and friendly. "I am of the Fey, gifted in the ways of both the arcane and the natural world. My expertise lies in tracking, scouting, and navigating treacherous terrain. I am a hunter, you could say, and very few preys are beyond me. I can also serve as an asset for gathering information and ensuring our party's safety. Think of me as a guide through the hidden realms and a protector in times of need."

Lelith oddly tilted her head to the side, her genuine smile hadn't dropped for a single moment, "are my qualifications to your satisfaction?"

     "Well, I may need adopt more titles then," Judal says with a bit of a smirk about him.

     "You're a friend of Malenia so that is good enough for me, qualifications or not.  I'm easy to please and each day just hope to make it til tomorrow, no matter what kind of crazy sky dive off a Roc at a Tarrasque kind of day it is."

"Friend.....Is a generous term Judal. I would more call Lelith an acquaintance and a FeyKin. Though honestly I know scarcely little about the people we both hail from." With both weapons humming lowly, Malenia's emerald hues move from Judal over to Lelith, happy to see a familiar face but truthfully still a little wary of this individual. 

They did share a common ancestry, yet from her experience with Lelith they seemed to have differing views and opinions on the world and it's peoples. Specifically when it came to the treatment of those who have mixed blood. "While your presence here is welcome, I must say it is a surprise. After the events concluded I had assumed we would not see eachother again for quite some time. You say you were sent to help? Sent by whom?" 

Of course Malenia, having her own titles refused to share them for her own reasons. She had been noones Blade in quite some time, and being referred to as 'The Severed' would become tiring quickly. 

Pyorn watches this exchange with intense interest, dropping down to sit on his stony haunches and examine what is happening.  He smiles at Lelith, then Judal, seeming to appreciate their banter, then frowns when Malenia says that Lelith isn't her friend.  He reaches up with huge fingers and scratches his granite head.  

"Hello Lelith."  The Rockbiter says with glee finally, interrupting the conversation and waving his big hand in his childish way.  "I'm glad to meet you.  I've made many new friends lately, and even go reacquainted with my friend Malenia."  

He points to the other Eladrin and smiles a big, dopey smile.  

"I even got to pet a dog!  That was delightful.  I have never petted a dog before.  See?  This is our friend Joy."  

He rises and looks for Joy, then squints when he isn't able to find her.  

"Ereni?  Where is Joy?"  

The Rockbiter looks around and squints further. 

"Where is Ereni?"  

He begins to search where he last saw her, and around all of the outcroppings and hiding spots in the vicinity.  

"Ereni?  Hello?  Where are you?"  

     "Joy?" Judal calls out after quickly glancing around and seeing the pooch wasn't nearby.

     "Ereni?!?"  He calls out also.  Louder and with more concern.  He looks to the others, from one to the other to the other.  "Did nobody see where they've gone?"

     Judal moves five or ten feet one way.  Then the other.  It is more out of frustration than any hope the slight change would give him a better view.  "Joy, where are you?" Judal calls out again at the top of his lungs.  This is the trigger to one of the Magic Mouth enchantments he had weaved into Joy's collar.  If the collar is within thirty feet of him when he calls that phrase out it should automatically respond with "Here I am!" in Judal's best dog voice...  But then again, if they were within thirty feet then Judal should be able to see them!

     "Nobody saw... Nobody heard anything?" Judal calls out to the others, worried.  He grabs his cloak... but holds.  He decides to wait on using that, for now...

The dog doesn't answer, indicating that she is out of range of Judal's magic.  A cursory search reveals little...until one of them find the message etched onto the side of a rock, like a piece of limestone had been used almost like chalk.  

Gone to settle some things my own way.  

Simple.  Direct.  Alone.  There was only one person in the world that could have left such a message...

     “I think Joy left us a goodbye,” Judal notes, indicating the rock with the message.

     “Too bad…  obviously we’d have helped with whatever she needed,” Judal says to Malenia as much as to nobody at all.  Just kind of putting it out there… 

     “Well, I can’t imagine they’d be too happy if we tracked them down.  Probably couldn’t anyway, sneaky ones they are.  So…” Judal looks from one woman to the other to the rock biter.  “What’s next?”

"Oh no..."  Pyornkrackzark says, immediately feeling the loss of the dog.  "Oh no.  I had grown so fond of Joy.  I will really miss her.  I hope Ereni is okay.  What a sad day atop the mountain."  

The Rockbiter takes a deep break (though it's unclear if the being made of stone is actually breathing) before stepping away from the rock and taking his time walking down the trail.  

The trail goes forever, though Pyorn cannot follow it the whole way.  Within a few hours of the start of their journey they reach a crude wooden bridge that leads across a far divide to another peak across from them.  When they reach the bridge, the Rockbiter smiles and sits down, though he does appear to be more melancholy than before.  He points across the bridge.  

"You'll have to go on alone."  He tells his friends.  "I'll catch up.  But you can move faster now without me.  Just follow the road, and it'll bring you to the Goliath village.  I won't be far behind.  I'll come to you before you reach the gates, and maybe I can help you win their favor."  

Crossing the bridge is no great feat.  Neither is the walking, the monotonous, never ending walking afterward, along the winding path and multiple bridges that lead long the tops of the Goron Range.  They rest as they can.  The days and nights blend together almost flawlessly.  

As they press north, the sky slowly begins to dance more and more frequently with aurora borealis...

Malenia's shoulder noticably fall, her facial features softening once the message is made known. The soft hum provided by her weapons is cut short by a short metallic noise as she flicks their ignition, cuaisng both weapons to finally become inert. "I would've, We would've followed her if she had only asked...." Thinking on the weapon still within the satchel at her side, A weapon that was treasured by Ereni for it's connection to her mother. 

Certainty crosses her face, Ereni will return to them at some point if only to reclaim the weapon. It is then they will be able to say a proper goodbye.

Malenia remains quiet during the trek, However she is looking noticably better. No longer stumbling and able to walk under her own strength without aid, Her gaze almost seems distant as she thinks on the events that has transpired. Her gaze only rises from the dirt to meet Pyorn as the Rockbiter instructs them on where to go.

"Very well, See you soon Friend and be safe." She silently curses at herself, she had been so caught up in recent events that she had missed an opportunity to catch up with her old friend. Looking up to meet the gaze of Judal, Malenia's sharp features relay a soft smile for only a moment....before a look of shock takes her. The pale Eladrin takes a careful step towards Judal, then another. Trying her best to remain as calm and as quiet as possible. 

"Judal....Quietly as you can....Get back." Both of her weapons hum back to life as she stares pass her friend, a companion who has faced great heights and a fierce challenge with her. Now another challenge seems to be making itself known. Holding her amber coloured weapon up, she points towards a mass of moving scales. A Dragon that is slowly beginning to stir.

     Slowly, yet as quickly as possible, Judal turns to face the direction indicated and shifts his position and stance to be alongside but not right next to Malenia.  “A what?” He quietly asks, skepticism in his voice as he does.

     Judal looks out and tries to see this dragon.  Surely it can’t be too close or his Magic Mouth alarm system should have activated.  Then again, a dragon doesn’t need get very close to be a big ass threat!

As Lelith's keen Fey senses heightened, she noticed a peculiar movement along the side of the trail ahead. Her gaze sharpened, and her heart quickened as she realized what lay before them. Disguised as an ordinary boulder, its reptilian nature became unmistakable. Lelith's breath caught in her throat as she confirmed her suspicions—this was no ordinary reptile. It was a dragon, just as Malenia had asserted.

A surge of urgency flooded through Lelith's veins as she turned to her newfound companions. She just got here, she won't let them die! Her voice carried a sense of urgency and caution. "We must move away from here swiftly, with all haste. What appears as a harmless boulder is, in truth, a cunning dragon in disguise!"

Lelith's eyes darted between her companions, her voice firm and resolute. "Tis' a Dragon. They are formidable creatures, and engaging one in battle is an endeavor fraught with peril. It is in our best interest to retreat now, while we have the chance."

She emphasized the need for immediate action, her instincts urging her to protect those in her charge. With a swift motion, Lelith began taking steps backward, her eyes locked on the disguised dragon. She gestured for her companions to follow suit, a silent plea for them to trust her judgment and escape the looming danger that lay ahead.

     Judal looks around, trying his best to not be frantic about it.  They both see a dragon but all he sees is...  rocks.  He wonders ever so fleetingly on the chance they are both delusional.

     "Is it a good dragon, or a bad dragon?" he asks with genuine curiosity.  "The tales are filled with plenty of both.  Surely one of the more fouler of the kind would not have allowed us to live even this long?"  Judal tries to say it with a confidence and lack of sphincter puckering that he doesn't actually have at the moment.  But then again he did jump out of the sky towards a Tarrasque so perhaps he picked up some intestinal fortitude somewhere along the way without realizing it.

     "Perhaps we should chat with it before we pass judgement?  I have heard they are magnificent, intelligent and frankly awe inspiring... When they are not eating you."

Performance: 8

Persuasion: 27

(So perhaps the dragon knows Judal is terrified but is flattered anyway?)

The dragon becomes visible as it shifts in the shadows ahead...and then it's skin seems to crawl and alter and shift in color as it moves.  A large boulder next to it rattles as its huge body brushes up against it and dislodges it.

The reptilian beast pushes its bulk out from between the rocks, and the dragon steps out onto the trail...and it isn't a dragon.  Well, not exactly.  The thing slithers, the back of the thing completely lacking legs with the only limbs mounted at the front of its body.  Two...wings?  Wings?  Yes, wings, line the sides of its body as they gently undulate up and down its length, like some sort of hellish squid.  And worst of all, the head and neck at the front of its body separates into five individual heads as it looks at the three adventurers.

Bidi bidi bidi... The thing calls, its high pitched, haunting tone somehow dreadful and alien...

     "Retreat is good..." Judal says with conviction to Lelith.  "Most definitely.  Wise choice."  He takes one, two, three quick steps away from the... whatever the heck that thing is... as he tries to slip his shield onto his arm as unobtrusively as possible.  

     "Umm, anyone see Pyornchrakzark?  He was going to meet up with us again, yes?" Judal asks.  "Cause... now would be a good time..."

As the party retreats, the hydra's strange undulating wings begin to cast up dust and it seems to fly sideways out away from the mountain like it's getting room to maneuver.  The strange 'bidi bidi bidi' call sounds again, and the thing takes aim at the retreating bipeds and opens fire with a blast of breath weapon.  Pale blue lightning crosses the space between them, missing the party, but rippling along the road behind them and leaving a shimmering expanse of thick ice along the mountain trail.  

It begins approaching them, still flying in a strange semi-circle pattern...when a shimmering light cracks the fabric of reality ahead of the party where the hydra had been only moments before...