The elf almost collapses, leaning against the wall.
"Thank you for the help, I thought I'm gone. I am Talynen"
He takes a deep breath and pushes away from the wall
"A little less than an hour ago, there was a lull in the fighting. The orcs pulled back from assaulting the kitchen wall. Sir Darfin left the kitchen to speak to Shalendra and didn't return.
Dornuk, that's the half-orc, who has been helping to lead the defenses was last seen upstairs, leading a few elves to stop the orcs from grappling up to the upper floors. I was left in charge in the kitchen, but then the cloying fog started rolling in from somewhere in the cellars.
I've sent two men: one to report to Sir Darfin and another to inform you all and Dornuk. When they didn't come back, I left another elf in charge and took a third man with him to investigate and get the jobs done. We were attacked by our own shadows! This is where you came in.
I believe The Lord should be to the north. I went this way because I believe the fog is coming from down there. There is something dangerous down there, dangerous for everyone in the area. And Thayans want it, whatever it is.
If you explore that, I will go find Sir Darfin."