The party traveled for awhile until they came upon a ratty-looking stair path. After inspecting the map, they estimated that the route was slightly over a day's travel.
They decided to tie a rope around one another so that no one would fall into the deep chasm that the stairs wound around.
Un-enthused about the lengthy trek, they began climbing each step. Aarack lead the way again, with Varr, Doc, Cleo, Solstar, Ziona, and Rossal following behind.
The only stops that were made were for occasional sips from their waterskins. Once they reached the top of the path, they were faced with an intersection. Knowing they had to rest, and rest now, they set up a makeshift camp and used the same watches as last time.
Rossal curled up on Ziona's pack, Varr was already snoring, and Cleo snuggled up close to Doc. Ziona prayed to The Dark Maiden, and Solstar and Aarack talked quietly while setting up.
After Ziona's watch, she walked over to where Doc lay sleeping, his arm around Cleo. She nudged him with her booted foot, trying to wake him for his watch. They shared an awkward moment when Cleo reached out groggily for him. He stood up and took his place opposite Aarack and started his watch. Ziona walked to the opposite side of the campsite, took off her chain mail bikini, and fell asleep beside Rossal.
Doc, still exhausted from the long treacherous walk, still felt groggy. He tried to think of how he might stay awake for his watch, but the only thing that came to mind was a jig he learned long ago from a tavern wench. So, to keep himself awake, he began to dance. Aarack turned, thinking an enemy upon them, and was shocked to see Doc jumping and dancing about.
"What are you doing, your buffoon?"
"What? Oh, well, I was practicing my dance steps. The ladies love a good jig, you know."
Aarack's face contorted in anger.
"You DO realize we're in the Underdark, surrounded on all sides by the Drow, right?"
"Hmmm...yes, that's true," replied Doc, still clumsily dancing around.
"Then stop your shenanigans! We're on watch to guard the party as they sleep, not to attract every enemy in the area!" he hissed quietly."
"Right you are," said Doc, feeling more fatigued than he did before he began his jig.
A short while later, Doc sat down on the ground, and although he fought it well, he lost the battle and fell to sleep on his watch. When it was time to switch, Aarack was annoyed to find Doc asleep. Aarack woke Solstar, and went to sleep, while Solstar shook Doc and made him join the rest of the party in a slumbering circle.
On Varr's watch, Cleo woke up and began talking to him, asking him all about Doc Midnight. Rossal woke as well, and listened to their conversation. Varr told Cleo all about his adventures so far with Doc and how Doc nearly died twice, and how Ziona had saved him.
Soon it was time to wake the group and continue on their journey to find Zellian. After gathering their things, Solstar cast Darkvision, and the party carried on through the intersection, coming to a cavern. Waiting for them in the dark were Drow, gnolls, two trolls, and the mage who escaped from their last battle...
MORE TO COME...
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