Amandil nodded agreement but cautioned. "We don't have a lot of time. This world is ending and we need to salvage what we can from it. We can go but we need to be quick about it."

Ron comes along without question, assuming his place is to aid you as he can in debt for releasing him. With your objective a little more clear, you inform Razgerah that you've decided to help him. He offers you his personal horses, all four of them, which have been made ready at the stable. Razgerah points the way to the personal stable, nearly opposite the direction of the portal from the manor, though it is only a brief walk away. He says that he has arranged for your payment and even if he is tied up, the head butler should see to your pay when you return with word from all three destinations. Ron suggests you should have an advance, and that he'll accept it as debt if you don't fulfill the task. Razgerah agrees without hesitation, leaving to the east wing for two minutes, returning with a small velvet pouch of platinum worth 300 gold.

In the interactions with Razgerah, some of his servants, and Aelar, your vision comes to 80', and the colors of the world seem more natural, brighter, and no longer even notice the disorientation you first felt. You go to the portal. The amphitheater seems undisturbed, the portal silently hovering exactly where you left it. It appears darker, more noticeable, as if an opening into a shadow realm. Unless otherwise instructed, Ron will wait at the amphitheater for you. Anahn bravely goes first.

Crossing back to your home world, the defensive resilient sphere has been remade, in which Anahn can't see out of. A choking cloud quickly takes hold, but the sphere dissipates, allowing the cloud to disperse harmlessly. The mages have gathered others to the observatory, more of the arcane equipment removed and replaced by the village's gathered preparations for a defensive camp. Eleana, brow coated with sweat, sets down a small crate of potions on one side of the room, sighing with relief and holding a small, shy smile looking at Anahn. One of the village men loudly guffaws, coming to Anahn and sweeping him by one arm away from the portal.

"Where's the bag of gold, Anahn? Don't tell me it's not the end of the rainbow over there! We were just about to head over too! What did you come back for?"

Ms. Greenwinter gently puts a hand on the man's shoulder. "Don't crowd him. It's another world over there, let him breath our air once again."

Amandil and Van follow through the portal, able to see the collapse of the resilient sphere from their side and see the others through the portal.

The man politely gives Anahn space, and the dozen others in the room look to the group, though some continue working.

     On arrival Anahn is disoriented from the sudden shift, but will greet Hallamir with a bright smile and a tight hug once pulled away from the portal. After which he will give the woodsman a light punch on the shoulder as he laughs at the man’s teasing, “If there was gold I’d definitely hide it from you old man! You’d probably spend it all on ale in a fortnight! And we’ve come back to update you all and hopefully pick up some supplies!”

   Anahn’s eyes then scan around the room before landing on Eleana’s, the blue of his irises visibly brightening once landing on the alchemist. He quickly looks back to his companions with an apology and asks them that they catch Miss Greenwinter up on their travels so far. He will then rush to Eleana’s side immediately and wrap her in a tight hug. He lifts her up in the air a bit and spins her around about two rotations. He appears truly unable to contain his excitement at seeing her again.    
      After putting her down Anahn will look at her and say slightly out of breathe, gesturing to her sweaty brow and the potion crate at her feet, “I see that you’ve dearly missed my knack for physical labor, how’re ya El? Are you good? Staying safe?” He says looking to Eleana with a smile, the warmth he feels for her visible on his facial features, though his hands still unconsciously lay at her waist from hugging her. He looks over her face and body instinctively, looking for any injuries she may have sustained without him by her side. Just more so as a habit he’s used to doing instead of a genuine worry that she can’t take care of herself. 

  Medicine: 18
    

Van feeling thankful for not retching this time comes through the portal with a smile. "Elena, Miss Greenwinter, it's good to see you. Excuse my bluntness by as you know time is short. There is much going on in this world we've been sent to. We thought seeking your council would be wise before getting too far away from the portal"

It was a relief to be back "home" but Amandil didn't go far from the portal, though he surely wished he could rest. The day had been a trying one, and he didn't have much energy left. But no help for it. As Van said, time was short. "We'll make a full report when we return for good. We came back just for a quick consultation."

Hallamir grins at Anahn's comment, and he shrugs. "Whatever you need, Anahn. You got a serious discount!"

Eleana...

 Ms. Greenwinter nods to Van and Amandil. "I spoke with Lillaeas. I could not have anticipated our initiative was a prompted event. As much as I dislike serving as a pawn, the design fits us, fulfilling the role Lillaeas desires. It looks as though you've already found some success. I have more questions than you, perhaps... but please, gather what you need as we speak. Eleana brought some of her ready creations, and Jeanette's has brought some essentials as well. Lillaeas left me uncomfortable. In the last hour, we've observed the hermetic pulse decay as anticipated. However, we expected an echo on the world itself... but found nothing. No pulse at all. We're not sure what that means yet, but... from this side, there are no changes to our estimates. About 66 hours."

Most common adventuring equipment, save the heavy things, are available. Potions: 25, 50, 100 gp

 Some scrolls are available as well. 25, 50, 100 gp.

They can also provide limited services associated with their backgrounds, and some are willing to join you now that you have returned.

     Anahn cannot hide his happiness at their reunion, and his smile remains until she asks of how dangerous it was on the other side. His mind immediately flashes to the terror he’d felt in the vision, and of how they’ve had to fight multiple creatures already that he doesn’t understand at all. A look of fear and worry flashes across his face, but he tries to hide it again with a smile as he looks up to meet Eleana’s eyes. 
    “It’s not been an easy trip El.” 
    Anahn backs up a bit, still remaining fairly close, and looks to her fondly as she takes his new whip from his side. He simply admired her for a moment before realizing she’d asked a question, his brows shooting up in worry as she does so. 
   “You know I would take up any chance to spend more time with you...” Anahn says as he bites his lip and wrings his hands with nervous energy. “But I can’t help but feel something is different about this particular adventure...I feel so small with just my two swords dealing with all this magic...And if I’m being honest I am always afraid when you’re not by my side, because you are the one person I know without a single doubt that I can trust. But I don’t know what I would do if I lost you El, and well to be honest the forces we’re dealing with....” Anahn looks down and finishes this last part a bit under his breathe as he envisions the powerful form of Lillaeas, her tales of the Holy Emperor, and the concept of Heroics, “May be more powerful than we could ever imagine”. 

  He then grabs his whip from Eleana and moves to grab both of her hands, looking her in the eye with a toothless but encouraging smile, 

   “But I know nothing in the world could stop that fire burning within you, and I also know that the world should rightfully be terrified! You’re capable of anything, and I know for a fact that if you chose to join you would likely complete this mission with little to no effort.” He teases with a slight smile, hoping to make her laugh. 
   “So if you do choose to join us on this grand adventure Miss Eleana, I’d be a happy, happy little street urchin. Although very worried for your wellbeing.” He finishes softly, looking to her face with a concerned but loving look and just waits patiently for her response.
   

    After his conversation Anahn will also purchase (2) alchemical fire for (50 gp) just in case he needs fire to kill some of the strange creatures he’s faced. His attention is then drawn to the Elixir of Health, and will purchase it for (100 gp) so that they can be prepared in case anything happens to infect him or his companions. Shouldn’t take any chances fighting in a foreign land...

    Done with buying supplies, Anahn will then canvas those in the surrounding chamber as Amandil and Van talk to Miss Greenwinter. While he will ask everyone of their willingness to join his trio, but he will particularly bother Reynmera to join. He will highlight her prowess in battle, and make it a point to talk about how by helping them she will be keeping the village safe from the threats that may come from this world. He will also share that there are many capable who could fill her role as sheriff and tax collector as she works with them to protect their home. 
   
   Persuasion(for Reymera): 18

(I'm a little busy this week so my posts may not be as developed as usual but I'm still here and will try to post more in depth posts in the evenings)

Van's shopping list:

Potions: (200G)

Rejuvination, Elixer of Health

Scrolls: (175G)

Web, levitate, 2 grease, alarm

ooc: I think I'll spend all my gold plus the 100 we just got on 2 potions of rejuvenation (200g), a scroll of tiny hut (100g) and 2 potions of greater healing (100g)

Amandil dug deep into his coin purse, investing almost all his savings into some potions and a scroll. If they were going to be facing such monsters as those last two, they would need them to heal and rest afterward. 

Eleana lets a soft chuckle and smiles softly while Anahn gives his approval for her desire. "Let's not worry then. If you're going back, then I want to help. We didn't come this far to be lost in different worlds, right?" She reaches up and rubs his head, delighting to ruffle his hair gently. "I need someone to teach me how to pet, and who better than you?" She continues for a moment, as though the ruffling would ease his tension.

She then draws a larger breath and balls her hands in front of her. "Anahn, I'm going to help. I trust Van and Amandil, and you too, but I won't sleep easy with all three of you that far from me. I don't think any of us will!"

With that, Anbul sets down a small cask with a loud clunk and hoots in agreement. "Uh-huh! But with you gone too, we'll be twice as worried!" Eleana furrows her brow and opens her mouth to object. Hallamir, Reynmera, and Falos crowd around the two, commenting about missing her pie and the smell of coffee in the morning. Then as her face reddens, she hides her face behind her hands. They laugh, with Hallamir once again pulling Anahn, telling him that now that she was going, he had better make sure she comes back. She thuds Hallamir at his chest, pushing at him without any weight behind it. "You just make sure we can make it back safely."

They disperse to allow Van and Amandil to collect potions, which Reynmera sets the gold for aside. She shakes her head at Anahn. "No-can-do. This is a great opportunity, but it's also really dangerous, not knowing what might try to come through there. I'm going to be in charge of the defensive camp. I think it's enough that Eleana goes with you three." Falos agrees with Reynmera. "There's no way Anbul is going out there. Which means I'm not going."

Hallamir shrugs. "Sure, you want me to come along? I think they can make due without me. Don't expect a whole lot, though!"

Danniell cocks his head and points at himself when Anahn asks him. "You... want me to go? Well, okay. I'll try not to slow you down."

Pyrim shakes his head quickly. "No. Really, Jeanette wouldn't let me even if I promised a huge diamond." Jeanette grabs his hand possessively, silently affirming it.

   After talking to Eleana, the other willing villagers, and buying potions Anahn will also seek Ms. Greenwinter. He will tell her every single detail he can about their trip, in particular noting the strange beasts they fought, his suspicions of Razgerah, his vision of Aelar, and even the concept of Heroics that he feels is key information to salvage. Anahn mostly shares out of worry at the strange forces at work, and will seek advice from the wise woman. 
   
   Anahn will also, at some point, ask both Van and Amandil about how they feel about having Danniell or/and Hallamir also joining us. He leaves it mostly up to them on whether the two men should join, but he is supportive about Eleana joining.

While you explain the events, Eleana, Hallamir, and Danniell leave to get ready. Ms. Greenwinter listens to all that the three have to say about the experiences so far. She looks to the portal, seeing Ron on the other side.

"We'll present ourselves as allies, then. We will have to keep Razgerah away from the portal- hopefully he hasn't seen it yet. We'll pitch up a tent and conceal it. I'd like to help as many people as we can leave, but I'm not sure we can trust them to integrate themselves here. It sounds as if he'd try to assert himself here."

Eleana returns minutes later. Now in scale armor, she carries the beautiful staff she's used before. Secured in numerous bandoliers, belts, and pouches, she brings more than two dozen potions, some in vials, others in rounded bottles, the stoppers upon them colored rather than the liquid within the hazy glass. She keeps a crossbow as well, along with complete adventuring gear, minus a rope. "I'm ready to go. Good luck everyone." With little more than a deep breath, she holds it and steps through the portal. You see her immediately stagger, hold a hand out, and double over just as Van had.

She uses a handkerchief to clean herself up. "Ugh... who makes worlds do that?"

Van, following Amandil, shakes his head. "The unsettling waves only come once that way. Thankfully."

Ron looks to the gathered crew. "Is everyone going? We only have four horses."

Van gestures to Eleana. "This is Eleana, and she'll ride with me."

((From here, I'm seeing the party take the horses in a roundabout path around the edge of town, north on the path, around the mountains, to Fort Riachy. With horses, you're expecting about 1.5 hours to get there. I'm under the impression that Hallamir and Danniell won't be coming along. If you do want them to, the journey will be just under 2 hours.))

   Anahn travels along with the party at a walking pace to accommodate his the party’s new allies, Hallamir and Danniell. As they proceed he will fully update both men on the goings on of this new land, informing them of everything from Lillaeas to Aelar. He will eventually land on the topic of Heroics and just muse this concept with them as they travel along. Every once in awhile he will make eye contact with Eleana and give her a smile, but he will attempt to stay alert with his eyes peeled for any potential threats. 

   General Perception (just keeping watch as we travel):14

   Anahn is quite distracted talking to all of his friends from back home, just really excited and glad to have them with him on this adventure!

Hallamir and Danniel join you. Hallamir is armed with a maul, war bow, and ring mail. Danniel is in scale mail and shield, armed with a mace, hand axe and javelins.

A young male blue-skinned stable hand watches your group curiously while you take the horses, and your vision increases to 90 feet in proximity to him. Using the horses to carry your gear, you follow Ron along the path, skirting around the town. He repeatedly looks in toward the town, slowing from time to time. The path is well beaten, dry, buildings made of stone base and wooden second floors. About twelve minutes into your travel, you nearly reach the main road north out of the town. Ron shushes Anahn suddenly, and moves toward the last building before the main road, peering around it. He motions for the rest of you to approach quietly. Taking turns, you peer around the corner of the stone wall of the building, under the shade of its second floor overhang.

Just to the south, standing outside one of the buildings, a half dozen humans with dark yellowish brown skin, armed with various martial bone weapons and armor, mill about. A pair of blue-skinned corpses lay in the street near them, blood soaked into the ground around them. At this distance, you can easily hear them talking, only occasionally making out a word. One of them leaves the building they are closest to, dumping a pile of things into the street, which three of them kneel over to start sorting through, pulling an object at a time into separate packs. One on guard looks about, Amandil narrowly avoiding his notice as he looks north.

Behind the cover of the building, Ron speaks in a hush. "Those cannot be Lillaeas' soldiers. They're far too disorganized and poorly equipped."

The road is 25' wide, buildings about 50' long and 30' wide. The threat is about 60' down the road into town. The street angles slightly to the east. There are no fences. You could easily avoid them altogether by proceeding north off the road.

Eleana, Hallamir and Danniel seem concerned, unable to see what you see. Ron seems uncaring. All of them are ready to follow your lead.

     Anahn will whisper to his companions, “They look to be collecting items, too bad that’s also our job.” He gives a wink to the group then continues, “While it would likely end in combat I can’t help but feel that while these fellas would rather kill us and loot our corpses, we’ll have no problem handling them.” He will then gesture to the dead blue skinned bodies, “And they don’t seem to have a problem cutting down unarmed folk, we could put a stop to them now and complete our mission of collection all the same!” Anahn finishes, almost breaking his whisper, but remaining as quiet as he can. He will then just wait for the group’s response as he pulls Living Link into his grip, then will just watch the apparent bandit/looters standing near the building, ready for action.

Amandil pursed his lips as he thought. They really ought not waste any more time - they were supposed to be going to the fort and they've made a detour already. And if the fight turned out to be harder than Anahn thought, they'd waste valuable resources as well. The corpses laying in their own blood, on the other hand, made him want to fight. He finally gave in.

"OK, let's try to get them down at range though. Or maybe we could drive them off." He spoke the words and gestured and a simple illusion of a 5 foot crate appeared. Squatting behind it he readied his crossbow and took aim.

   Anahn looks to Amandil, “Driving them off sounds perfect, what specifically do you think we should do?” He says with curiosity, but also with inherent trust shared in his companion.

Van whispers "I'm not sure I have anything to distract them with but I can try to immobilize them all or damage them all at once"

"Well, I was thinking of a barrage of bolts and magic to scare them off, but now I have a better idea. I'll cast minor illusion... Ron do you know that cantrip? If we make it sound like many armed men coming, especially from different sides, that might panic them. A few crossbow bolts and fire bolts might reinforce the illusion. What do you think?"