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Message: <blockquote data-quote="GladiusNP" data-source="post: 2212980" data-attributes="member: 10574">Aervir and Caedren ascend the final steps of the winding staircase.  Their footfalls change from the ringing noises of boots on iron to the dull clack of soles on stone.  A faint breeze blows through here, from all directions - it is open to the sky.  The faint warmth of the morning sun is a pleasant change from the miasma of refuse below.  Caedren moves to the center of the room, which is dominated by a siege crossbow, which is facing the woods to the north.  It appears to have been recently turned at the base - a heavy and laborious task.  There is also a rack of rusted iron against one wall, holding several spears, which jut up into the view of the forest like so many jagged teeth.  Aervir crosses to south side, and looks out and down over the keep.  Caedren also looks around, and sees three intact towers, and the crumbled remains of a fourth.  To the south, a large courtyard runs up to the remnant of the southern wall.  An outer, recently cleared area runs away to the forest.  A palisade of sharpened wooden stakes rears up about halfway to the trees.  Aervir turns to go back down.  ""I think I should deal with the chalice, Caedren, if there's nothing else you want me for up here." Aerlyn moves the side of the curtain gingerly aside with her spear.  A small garret lies beyond the curtain, with a narrow, squat bed, and a small, cramped writing desk.  The bedclothes are matted and untidy.  At the foot of the bed rests a small chest.  Dravis examines the writing desk as Aerlyn goes to the chest.  Upon it rests a small brazier.  Carefully, Dravis looks inside.  A layer of fine, grey ash coats the bottom.  A few larger pieces remain (Intelligence Check 18 - 1 = 17.) and Dravis realises that these are the remnants of burnt parchments.  He examines the rest of the desk, and sees a small drawer below the main writing desk.  He reaches for it, then pauses, unsure of whether he should open it.  Aerlyn looks closely at the chest.  It appears to be made of pine, and has slightly rusty iron fittings.  The latch on the front hangs casually open.  Undecided, Aerlyn looks up at Dravis, curious as to what he's going to do.</blockquote>

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