D.O.R.K sagged in her seat as if sighing in relief. Before she can utter a word however, even what one might say a 'Healing Word' upon noting the limp, Lukian's question is one seems to rob any returning vitality in the construct. "My brother...." She paused and looked about absently as if carefully choosing her next words. "... Torunn voiced great concern over my previous failings, and has so chosen to walk a different course from us in order to... stay true to his faith." She explained eventually.

"As it was dangerous to leave him alone, I have given Vark and Beedo leave to escort him until such a time that he is somewhere safe. In light again of my previous... failings, I have given them leave and directions that should assist them in learning from a more adequate follower of the Red Knight." The whole time she is speaking, Lukian would pick up her voice was ever toneless, and the lights of her eyes dimmer than usual.

At the first utterance of the word "failings", Lukian's face immediately darkens. The second utterance of the word makes him look downright mad. "What? What do you mean? You've not failed anymore than the rest of us! Is he perfect that he expects perfection from you?" The elf turns and limps three paces away and then back, still looking mad. "That's ludicrous, but perhaps best. If he isn't ready to follow the will of his god, then he's only an impediment to us following ours. My lord only knows what he must think of me — being so swiftly knocked unconscious." He takes a deep breath, his anger subsiding. Finally, he puts a hand on Dork's shoulder. "There may be more to Torunn's leaving than meets the eye. Perhaps he is only using you as an excuse. While his weapon was interesting, I prefer your strategy any day."

Devin visibly sighs in relief at seeing Lukian again.  "My friend, it is good to see you again.  We had feared the worst yet hoped for the best and had not given up hope.  Much has happened and yes the dwarf has taken his own path.  I would be lying if I said I missed the Beedo, but his bow was handy and I will miss Vark.  Torunn is the greater loss but we will bear it and continue."  He then 

Devin continues to the campfire while studying Harshnag noting Lukian's forced congeniality.  (Insight 26)  But he stays true to his intent to not be hostile and approaches with a friendly and relieved demeanor.  Seeing that Harshnag is a giant (if I read that right) he offers a greeting speaking in Giant "Greetings Harshnag, I am Devin of Waterdeep and servant of the Lady of Mysteries."  Devin gives a short bow. 

 (@DDP: D.O.R.K is currently riding Mr. G, so.. gonna be difficult to put a hand on her shoulder. :P)

D.O.R.K had immediately shook her head to the second question. But before she can get a word in edgewise, the anger seen on the elf's face left her too stunned to say a word. Though his mentioning of Torrun's faith being unsteady causes her eyes to flicker red for a brief few moments, and even tighten her grip on the reigns, D.O.R.K eventually 'calmed" and sagged forward in her seat without a word.

But as he pressed on, offering some sign of genuine comradiery, her posture straightens a little. "... If that is meant to be praise or comfort, it is undeserved. My... Torunn had been correct in his assessments of my character of late. Though it is possible his words may have been more heavily influenced by the fact that the giants we faced were known for the craftsmanship, it does not negate the truth. I will endeavor to continue improving until I am truly worthy of your and everyone's continued faith." Having said all that, a brief look is given to Devin, and then back to Ebonitus.

Seeing as the latter remained might've fell behind somewhat to continue conversing or aiding Mambo, D.O.R.K and Golemogote would remain in position hanging back between the two groups, keeping an eye on proceedings as much as was as possible.

This is how the DM sees it!

1. Devin has crossed to the far side of the braided streams, which total about 500 yards in width, and is in conversation with Lukian and Harshnag (see PM to Devin – feel free to retcon Post #3361).
2. Golemogote with D.O.R.K. riding is in about the middle of the braided streams is about 250 yards behind  Devin.
3. Ebonitus is about a further 250 yards behind on the far shore and every time he steps into the water to catch up to the others he picks up strong emanations of abandonment – and not a little bit of anger – from Mambo.

(@All: I'd hate to say it, but we'd have to Retcon even further than that if Dork is literally 250 yards away and Ebon is even further way. There's just no way she's shouting all of what's been said across that kind of distance. So instead, Devin will have to either explain the situation to Lukian alone after bidding Dork hang back to figure out Mambo's situation, which she would do in her defeatist mindset. Or Ebonitus is gonna have to give D.O.R.K leave to keep going with Devin as back up in the event and figure turned out to be hostile. In either event, she would not be further than 20ft(6yds and some change?) from one or the other, if she's gonna play any kind of protective role.)

(So @Devin & Ebon: Up to you how do you want to handle things.)

Devin had not payed enough attention to the giant as he approached, perhaps he was tired or not wary enough.  Add to that his joy at seeing Lukian safe he wasn't at his sharpest.  After turning his attention to the giant he nearly sputtered.

"Wait, I know who you are and why that name seemed familiar to me.  You are of The Gray Hands from Waterdeep!  I would know that dragon skull from anywhere.  I used to watch you when I was a kid growing up.  Have the Masked Lords sent you out here on a mission?" 

Devin waves around at his companions, scattered as they are for the moment.  "We are clerics in the service of our various gods sent on a holy mission to understand what is happening with the giants.  Open Lord Silverhand himself sent a message to the House of Wonder seeking our aid and I was sent on this mission.  We have learned that Annam the All-Father himself has shattered the Ordning between the giants to break his ‘children’ out of their complacency.  But there are nefarious forces afoot that appear to include some dragons or at least one.  We were on our way to the town of Nesme to investigate a lead.  A Duke Zalto, a leader of the Fire Giants, is in some sort of league with the Zhentarim."

Devin suddenly is no longer wary of Harshnag.  Perhaps he is still a bit naïve, but the giant's position in Waterdeep and the Gray Hands puts him at ease and trust.

OOC: I'm flexible. What was said to Dork can be held onto until later.

Lukian is unabashedly surprised by Devin's sudden excitement concerning the giant. He looks back and forth between them as Devin talks of Waterdeep and some "masked lords" and then explains their mission. The human's sudden friendliness does not help Lukian feel better about the situation; he actually feels more apprehensive. He looks toward the dark shape which he assumes is Golem some distance off. "What is delaying the others?" he asks Devin, almost seeming to want to change the subject. "Do they need assistance?"

Ebonitus is concerned. He has seen Devin get very excited and rush toward the Giant camp, but is not sure why. He has Mambo unable to cross the stream, but does not seem to want to wait alone. He Calls out to D.O.R.K. "I'll wait here with Mambo unless I can figure out a way to bring him across the river."  He then communes with Mambo "I'll try to figure out a way to cross the river safely." Ebonitus then finds a dry piece of land near the river to sit on and keep mambo company while he contemplates a course of action.

Have the Masked Lords sent you out here on a mission?"  Devin asks before explaining further "We are clerics in the service of our various gods sent on a holy mission to understand what is happening with the giants.  Open Lord Silverhand himself sent a message to the House of Wonder seeking our aid and I was sent on this mission.  We have learned that Annam the All-Father himself has shattered the Ordning between the giants to break his ‘children’ out of their complacency.  But there are nefarious forces afoot that appear to include some dragons or at least one.  We were on our way to the town of Nesme to investigate a lead.  A Duke Zalto, a leader of the Fire Giants, is in some sort of league with the Zhentarim."

To this explanation Harshnag replies "no, the Masked Lords have not sent me but it is said that the gods act in mysterious ways! It is possible that they have placed me in your way to assist in your task. Certainly I think I was assistance to your friend here. As to the possibility of an alliance - although that is probably to strong a word for it, probably more a recognition of mutual interests - between the Zhentarim and the Fire Giants that is not surprising. The Fire Giants are the most ordered of all the giant races and I have heard that they seek to rebuild a dragon slaying colossus called the Vonindod. Can't say that's a bad idea really. As to the Zhentarim they probably sniff a profit in working - very loosely I might add - with the Fire giants; that lot can sniff a profit under a rock at a 1000 paces. As to Nesme I can only think there meeting there because its a ruin in the middle of nowhere!"   

Ebonitus jumps up excitedly and communes with Mambo "I've got it, if you can keep watch for a few minutes I will be able to make it so we can walk across the river without getting wet." Ebonitus then kneels and communes with the Earth mother to prepare the spell water walk replacing Aid. Upon completion he casts the spell on Mambo and himself. He then demonstrates that he can walk on the water as if it was solid ground and encourages Mambo to follow him across the river.

Devin, not wanting to bring up that they had just attacked some other giants, skips the part of the giants and continues his explanation.  "The others are a bit scattered at the moment but coming up as quickly as they can.  We got a bit strung out there trying to cross all of this water and also trying and find you."  A sudden realization also dawns on him.  "And, and, I have your sword!  You dropped it back there on the bridge but we picked it up."  He holds out the hilt of Dawnbringer for Lukian to take.

Turning his attention back to Harshnag he nods in agreement.  "Yes, you would know fire giants better then we do.  That's what we were going to look into.  As for the Zhents, yes there will be a profit motive for sure. As for the fire giants they have been trying to do just that.  Cloud giants are collecting old artifacts that have been strewn around Faerun.  We spoke with Zephyros and he aided us for a time.  We also met a couple other Cloud Giants in Secomber, Nirva and Jaral who have explained much to us."  Devin ponders for a moment and continues.  "Will you aid us as well?  I would rightly say you have been placed in our path to help us.  The Lady of Mysteries is just that but I can see her tugging on the weave for such a purpose."

Though reluctant, D.O.R.K reflexively started to call out for Vark and Beedo, only to be met again by harsh truth. Such a realization left her more somber, and with but a nod in acceptance to Ebonitus, she hurried Mr. G's pace to catch up with Devin, fearing the worse; only to be met by a pleasant surprise. Wary yet upon confirming the large figure to be a giant, and too late to hear any initial exchanges, she at least kept Ebon's and Devin's wishes to heart, and refrained from letting a hand hover by a weapon.

If/When Lukian asks about the others, she'd include Mambo's issue and Ebon's puzzling over a way to amend it(having left before he figures out swapping miracles), before launching into the spiel about Torunn, Vark, and Beedo(if not already explained by then via Devin) (See post(s) here if applicable). Apart from all that, she is silent, and patiently awaits to see how things unfold/get caught up on what happened in her absence.

(That should maybe fix the timeline a bit better. If not, we'll see about it later, and how Dork feels by then, as she might word things differently)

(OOC: I'll just wait and see how Lukian responds before I put up Harshnag's response)

Lukian brightens considerably at being presented with Dawnbringer. He takes the sword handle and calls forth glowing blade. "Dawnbringer!" he says aloud by way of greeting. After a bit of back and forth, the elf says he's going to go see if he can help Ebonitus and Mambo.

And now everybody is together again - I think?

 As Devin passes Dawnbringer back to Lukian, Harshnag replies “I suspect that you are right and your Lady of Mysteries may well be trying to influence the outcome in her favour.” He pauses and then continues “as I see it you have two options. One, I guide you to the ruins of Nesme where you could seek to find out more about what the Fire Giants and the Zhentarium are planning, including possibly disrupting their plans; or Two I guide you deep into the Spine of the World to a temple built by the giant lords of ancient Ostoria – the location of which few remember or know – which houses the Eye of the All Father, a chamber that the ancient giants used as an oracle that may be of some assistance to you.”

 As Harshnag finishes speaking, Lukian says “I’m going to see if I can assist Ebonitus and Mambo” and starts splashing back across the various streams. He passes D.O.R.K. astride and reaches Ebonitus just as he casts his Water Walk which allows the Earth Genasi accompanied by the fire elemental make their way across the various rivulets. As they do so, Ebonitus picks up emanations from Mambo along the lines of “nasty water can’t touch Mambo as he has powerful friends – hee hee hee hah did hah” etcetera  etcetera. Eventually the three of them catch up with D.O.R.K. and the five of them make their way back to where Devin has been waiting with Harshnag.

Ebonitus sends comforting thoughts to Mambo, as he feels more comfortable himself having rejoined the group. And though wary of the giant, knowing that he had saved Lukian and that Devin seems to trust him fully, he relaxes a little more. "Is anyone in further need of healing", he asks. He will then see to the wounded as necessary, before settling down for a long rest, secure in the company of his companions.

D.O.R.K only shakes her head to the sides in response to Ebon's questions. Though it may be hard to see, most of the strange living wood just visible along the joints and neck seemed still nicked or even torn in places, but not debilatingly so. Her attention then returns to Devin and Harshnag, still awaiting to be caught up on things, but unwilling to speak a word of anything yet. Not without being directly prompted in some way; and even then, the more time pass, the more curt the response after a brief delay.

Lukian is clearly on the brink of collapse, but he replies, "Nothing my lord won't fix with a night's meditations." After hearing the choice the giant has put before Devin, Lukian frowns. "Can you not do both? Lead us to one and then the other?"

After hearing the choice the giant has put before Devin, Lukian frowns. "Can you not do both? Lead us to one and then the other?"

Harshnag ponders Lukian's request for a minute and then says "I suppose I could do that? We will leave in the morning after you have rested! Perhaps you would like to tell me more of your adventures as we sit around a fire tonight?"

(OOC: everybody gets 1450 xp. I'll now need to park the campaign until 31 March as I'll be travelling in Tasmania for the next 10 days or so)