“Well at least we’re still alive, thank for the much needed healing. If I was prepared more I could have been more help.” Root going through the wagon looking for his rod and tackle box.

Fallan scans the debris. Noting the loss of the hardtack and other rations, her first comment is: "They should choke on those damned rations. It'd serve them right!".

Turning to Rose she asks: "How do we know they (or another set of the dark elves) won't be back here again? Might not this be a "favorite ambush spot" they might use again to capture whoever passes through here next, or who are "still here" if we don't skee-daddle? Or do we think they were *specifically* after US -- in which case are we now about to be hunted and have to be careful who is behind us forever more?" She stops to think about how that might ALREADY be her lot in life and a large part of how she fell in with this troupe. Ironic, huh?

Rose sits up and starts helping collect what's left of the camp. Odds are another set of dark elves will likely take their place or maybe the same ones in an attempt to redeem themselves, but not until nightfall at the earliest. Not sure if they'll use the same ambush spot but who knows, eitherway we should warn the guards at our next stop about what happened.

"I agree.  And then maybe we ambush them!" Bell suggests, punching one fist into the palm of her other hand.  "We definitely can't let them keep kidnapping people.  And if they've been doing this for a while, they may have even taken the merchant that had my heirloom."

Allowing RP to continue.

Rose pauses at the mention of potentially following the drow, a clear look of dread painted on her face. Y-you mean you want to go after them? Go to the underdark? 

Fallan takes a step closer to Rose to solidify the halfling bloc of the party. "Really? We didn't exactly handle them this time - and we want to go where there are MORE of them?" She shakes her head in disbelief but continues: "I know that heirloom is important, and want to help you get it. Do we have ANY reason to believe that it IS in the Underdark to begin with?"

The thought of the drows angers Root “That’s because they were cowards! If I had a proper rest before they had shown up it would have been a different story!” Root still angered by his horse death punches the disabled man wagon leaving a hole the size of his fist. “Damn them!”

Rose nods in agreement with Fallan and says I have no problem fighting Drow, but I'm not sure we are equipped to handle another raiding party. I'm sure the next one will be stronger and we aren't in any condition to follow these Drow. Besides we don't know where your heirloom is, it could be in the city for all we know. 

Calming down “As much as want to crush the skulls of these Drows, going to the city is the best decision...” Going to Bell Root will put a hand on her shoulder before ask Rose “Do you know if there’s a river or stream close by?”

"I think there was a swamp? ...but for the record I wasn't saying we go after them right now.  We need to get to the next town and rest and recover.  We can investigate around there for any sign of my heirloom first; you're right Fallan, the Drow may not even have it.  But someone has to stop them.  Maybe we can get some potions of poison resist or something to give us an edge.  I stole one of their crossbows and there should still be some poison on the bolt.  Maybe we can have it analyzed."

"Wow. Good move, Bell. Does the town we are going to HAVE someone able to analyze the poison? Or are we going to get into hot water for even HAVING poisoned crossbow bolts?" The possibilities swim around in Fallan's head and almost make her dizzy thinking about how to weigh the groups' options. Finally, she remembers that she joined this motley crew BECAUSE they usually know better than her what to "do next". 

"Whatever. If we're ready to walk - since wagon-riding is now out of the question - let's get to town. Hopefully, they also have someone who cooks well enough for US to "analyze" their food offerings!" A wisp of a smile crosses her lips as she winks at Root and then nods in the direction of the road to be traveled.

Root just stares angrily not in the mood as his faithful horse been killed, if the party begins to move he will take up the rear.

"Fallan, if you happen to be an expert on the inhabitants of the next town and their capabilities, I implore you to share such knowledge.  If not, then I suggest you save your attitude for later.  We're still sitting ducks right now."  After collecting what was salvageable of her things, bell hoists her pack onto her back.  "Anyways, I'm ready to move if you guys are."

Bell manages a smile as Fallan suggests 'analyzing' some food. "Now that, I can agree with."  Bell will take point.

Responding to Bell, Fallan says: "Are you kidding? I know NOTHING about where we are going. That's why I asked if it was the kind of place big enough to have a 'poison specialist' to do our analysis. I'm with you all, wherever we're headed. But if it's a "small town with small-minded folk, I just wondered what they would be thinking if they knew we were bringing poison weapons into their home. That wasn't 'attitude', just concern. Ok, about the food... guilty. That's an attitude I don't think I can break." She smiles.

Rose was having a hard time thinking through the exhaustion she was feeling and so wasn't paying attention to the conversation until voices started getting raised. Both of you calm down, let's just get back on the road. Next stop is Silverymoon, I'm sure there's someone who can look at the poison there. Now please, let's just go.

"Works for me!" Fallan says as she tightens up her gear and steps out onto the road, awaiting someone else to lead, since she knows nothing about getting to Silverymoon beyond following this road.

Apologies, had to study up atleast a little on Silverymoon.

You all walk along the path to Silverymoon after the ambush, tired, and exhausted from lack of rest, though Bell was the only one suffering any Ill effects of Exhaustion (lvl1) as they hadn't gotten any proper rest before the sun rose up to replace Selune in the sky, though the sky itself remained overcast. Another twelve hours of trudging through the world with the dreary sky, with the only food in your bellies the three fish Root had managed to fish up before you all moved out.

Hungry, tired, and relatively beaten up, some more than others, you eventually find yourselves at the Gates of the city known as Silverymoon, where Rose slowly led you to. Even the most ignorant of folks would know that Silverymoons leader was Alustriel Silverhand, one of the seven Chosen by Mystra, and one of the most powerful 'mortals' to walk the earth.

All of you coming in from the south-western gate, a farm far off in the distance partially hidden by some rocky formation. The city walls were wondrous, and looked elven in make, though it simply emulated the lost city of Myth-Drannor. Known as the 'Gem of the North' to most. A few spires sprouting up from the wall, obviously archers perches, though some buildings could just barely be seen over the walls, even from ground level. If not for the dreary weather, the city would likely shine and sparkle under the sun, or at-least your imagination would play at your thoughts as such.

In the distance, a peal of thunder breaks any thoughts or distractions from your mind, warning of rain, though none was immediately present, its threat loomed over your heads like the sword of Damocles.

Approaching the gate, however, was a very strange sight. Though normally one would expect at-least a small line under normal circumstances, the fact of the ambushes remained clear in your minds - dismissing thoughts of it being strange. However, in it's place was a sight your battered bodies and minds would least expect.... The gate itself was ajar, and one guard, a male elf, had his spear propped against the wall, even as he ****ed the human woman, who herself was bare to the nipple against the wall, in the throes of bliss, just as much as her elven lover, who was half naked himself, oddly enough still wearing his helmet. 

A few yards away, a human man say on a stool, watching the spectacle with delight, even coaxing them on even as he pleased himself to the show. His other hand holding a bottle of wine, and drinking with near-mechanical timing, every few moments. Scattered around his feet, were several similar bottles, and the mans belly was bulging just a bit.

Rose tried her best to ignore the pain, exhaustion and hunger that she felt the entire trip. She tried being the key word as every step seemed to come with some sort of pain, be it from her stomach demanding food or her wounds just being sore in general. Still, not one to let others see her upset for long Rose tried to put on a smile and encourage the others by telling tales of Silverymoon and its beauty. When Silverymoon finally came into view it filled her with renewed vigor and Rose picked up pace, eager to be home. Once they got close enough to see the spectacle however Rose had to do a double take to ensure she wasn't seeing things. Once she confirmed she wasn't she immediately covered her eyes, though more for their own dignity than anything though it seemed that wasn't a worry for the trio. By our Lady what in the world...Sorry guys I'll take care of this. Rose uncovers her eyes and approaches, trying to stand tall (for a halfling anyway) and with the authority of a cleric. Clearing her throat loudly enough to get their attention she calls out,

I've only been gone maybe a year so I can't the guard has gotten so lax as to allow for fornication while on duty. By the authority of the church or Selûne, stop this nonsense right now and make yourselves presentable dammit! 

Intimidation if needed. 19

Seeing the spectral Root can help but nod his head thinking to himself “Not bad...” As Rose goes to break up the show, Root can’t help but laugh; despite the situation they escaped “Rose what kind of city have you brought us too? This was... not what I expected that is for sure. Are all these people like this?”