Day Four (?), Herr Bourn's Tower, The Reaches of Man (probably)
"Ah! Yes indeed. We were sent to contact you, but it turns out the Steward was in need of help and then sent us to help you. Strange things are afoot in the netherworld sir. I am sure you already noticed that."
Herr Born nods. "I was wondering. My library is quite ... private, and few are permitted there. Even fewer ever visit the last room."
... the warrior stood heavily, grimacing a little at the effort, and pulled the scroll case and letter for his belt.
Offering it to the prone Herr Bourne with blood still drying on his hands, Bayar simply said "A letter for Herr Bourne's eyes. We be tasked to deliver this to you. No reply be expected."
Herr Bourn ignores the warrior for a moment while he struggles to get to his feet.
"There, thats better. "Thank you," he says, taking the scroll case. "Any hints as to who it it from?" he adds, with a slight smile as he opens the case and slides out the scroll and the engraved metallic rod contained inside. "Ahhhh ..." he exhales slowly as he inspects the rod, "A Urial key. I was wondering ...". Sliding it back into the case, he proceeds to read the letter. He snorts with laughter, "Well,
well enough I suppose. A least still breathing ..." he mutters.
Libros waits for Herr Bourn to finish reading his letter before saying "I'm not an expert on the Neverworld but I have read a lot about it and there is something definitely wrong, although I don't know how to fix it. Have you any ideas? More importantly, do you know how we can get back without been scratched to death?"
Herr Bourn shakes his head. "What I experienced, and you too by the sounds of it, is unprecedented as far as I am know. And I know a bit, if umm," he coughs politely, "If I do say so myself. It is of course my life's work, so hopefully I should know a thing or two by now."
"As for how to get back, I am afraid that off the top of my head, I have nothing." He shakes his head. As if reminded of it by the conversation, he shuffles over to the wand lying on the floor and picks it up. He waves it briefly as he continues. "I was able to to keep the ... trees for want of a better word, although I would suggest that they were manifestations of something else rather than real trees, back for a brief period. But I lost my footing a few times and that infernal chorus just kept trying to get into my head ... and well, you know the outcome."
At Libros' question, Ullara nods heartily. "Indeed, we were sore hurt as you coming through the thorns, and they only became more vicious as we drew closer to you. Your Steward too, was hurt in returning to your manse. A return trip... it could prove fatal without a better plan, or a different route. If there is no other path, we'd best put our heads together as to how to survive the return trip!"
"Well, the only other way I know would be overland ... or possibly under. But its not a journey I would take. The tower is very isolated, deliberately so I believe."
"Herr Bourn, A moment to help, if I may." Jan moves his hand while humming a tuneless ditty. the blood covering the injured man all disappears. He continues to those who have been damaged and are bloody.
"Friends, we need to rest. We have all been hurt and there is only so much we can do as healers." He indicates Ullara and himself. Herr Bourne, Sir, You still need more healing as well. It was noticed that there is adverse affects to spell casting in the netherworld So if it is possible, would we be able to stay a bit?".
Herr Bourn waves off Jan politely. "Please, I thank you for any healing, but prefer to mend my clothes, and clean up the old fashioned way.
"You are of course more than welcome to stay and rest, if you wish. I have a little in the way of food," he nods in the direction of the cupboards on the wall, "and can only offer you the ground floor. But with a bit of time, I might, with the help of this," he gestures with the scrol-lcase, "know a little more.
"In fact," he adds after am moment to think about it, if possible, I would like to ask you to remain here for awhile while I look into a few things. It may help us get back safely."
[sblock=OOC]I am assuming a Mending spell here, rather than Healing?
Just a side note, it is not uncommon for people to be wary of being on the end of touch spells (or any kind of spell really). Its one thing if cast by people you know and trust, but another if cast people you do not know, or know if you can trust. Given the existence of compulsion spells and the like, its not unreasonable.[/sblock]
Eban ... starts off with some easy magic, to get a feel for what this place does. He also takes stock of all the furnishings of this new location, trying to take stock of what is available to use...
As the mention of staying here to rest comes up, Eban shakes his head. Staying here is not something he was intent on doing. Instead, a plan forms in his mind, wondering if it would work. He begins scribbling on his chalkboard, wiping notes with his sleeve, then rewriting. Eventually, he finishes and moves to Bayar. "We should test attacking the bushes. I can attack them from afar, and then you can attack them from close. See if there is a difference. Otherwise, we won't know if attacking them after a rest will work against us. I can heal us if it comes to that, but we should know our foes, even if they are plants with shadows..."
Herr Bourn watches with interest as Eban writes on his board. After reading it he nods. "It certainly seemed like the trees withdrew somewhat, at least initially. I would guess," he continues addressing everyone, "that this is not your first dance, so to speak. Perhaps, between us, we might be more successful."
Herr Bourn keeps an eye on both Jan and Eban as they casts their mending spells, but says nothing. After Eban casts the first of his other spells, Herr Bourn speaks up.
"Please, if you would be so kind as to refrain from doing that."
[sblock=Eban]You cast one spell before being being asked to desist. If you choose Detect Poison, can you tell me upon whom or what? You may ignore his request of course, and keep casting. Let me know.
Arora is naturally somewhat distressed by what Eban has been though (given her purpose).[/sblock]
