As the ogre falls, Lodric can only stand in surprise. His sense of gratitude quickly turns to rage as Kaela falls under the oruk's axe. Denying the pain that seeks to overtake him, Lodric lashes out with his fist. His fierce blow crashes into the oruk, momentarily staggering the creature. Turning to face its new threat, the oruk smiles wickedly as Lodric teeters on unstead legs. Raising its axe, the oruk is pummelled once again by Ladriel's unseen wind, its body thrown to the ground. Lodged awkwardly in the stone and leaves of the forest floor, the body lies still.
OOC: Lodric hammered the oruk, but it was not stunned. Ladriel's spells finished the oruk.
Starhl strides forward, raising his sword. Standing over the fallen ogre, the pent up rage in Starhl's heart is unleashed. Stabbing downward with incredible force, Starhl's sword punches through the ogre's armor deep into its heart. Sitting up with a start and wide eyes, it clutches feebly at Starhl before sinking back to the ground.
OOC: Starhl killed the sleeping ogre.
Slipping nimbly down the tree, Mardo darts amongst the carnage, making his way to Herger's side. Behind Mardo, the orc that vanquished Valurel looms, its vardatch glinting wickedly. In front of Mardo, Herger swings his axe, shearing through his orc foe. Mardo ducks as the momentum of Herger's axe carries the heavy weapon above his head and into the ribs of the orc behind Mardo. Screaming in surprise and frustration, the orc drops in a pool of crimson.
OOC: Herger finished off both of the weakend orcs.
With the aid of the Elves, the Heroes make short work of the still remaining sleeping foes. Several Elves start to adminster aid to the wounded. Ladriel also helps to administer aid to the Heroes' wounds. Those most grievously injured, Lodric, Kaela, and Valurel, are assisted to the soft leaf beds near the foot of the giant maudrial.
Cullenwe joins the Heroes after returning from a short foray into the forest.
We are indebted to you. We have suffered grievous wounds. Cullenwe's eyes are drawn to the great wound on the maudrial and the crack in the ground. Two Elves gather near the base of the tree, seeking to staunch the flow of sap from the tree. Tears well in the eyes of the Elves as they help the forest giant.
This place is a nexus, a place of power that we draw on for strength and healing. Our ministrations may not be enough to save it. Regardless, it is no coincidence that the Shadow strike force was here as you arrived. If they had destroyed this place before you arrived, you would have been trapped along the hidden path. Cullenwe shakes his head.
Regardless, take time to heal. Word should reach us soon of the Elven hunters sent to intercept the group you track.
As night descends on the forest, a faint luminous glow surrounds the maudrial and stone ring where the Heroes rest. Even the Heroes are amazed by the rapidity that their own wounds heal. Cullenwe urges Ladriel and the Heroes to rest. They are well guarded in the night.
When morning arrives, a faint mist hangs in the air, obscuring vision around the stone vale, but adding to the emerald green of the forest. Everyone is relieved to see Kaela smile as she awakes in the morning. They are also glad to see the Ghost awaken, although his sullen mood is cheerful as ever. Kaela's, Lodric's, and Valurel's wounds are still sore, but managable. Cyz still does not smile at Kaela and stays apart from her female companion. The Elves provide food in the form of nuts, berries, fruit, and fresh water. As the day passes, Ladriel begins to get more agitated, even getting into an argument with Cullenwe out of earshot of the Heroes.
In the afternoon, Ladriel finally reveals her fears.
My friends, the Old Ways brought us close to our quarry. No more than two days travel south of here, our quarry was last felt by the Whisper, just on the northern edge of the Darkening Wood. They had been there for days, obviously waiting for something. This morning, they were gone. The Whisper will not tell me where. I fear they finally entered the Darkening Wood. Even more disturbing, the Elven hunters sent to intercept them have disappeared. The Whisper cannot, or will not, find them. I fear something terrible has happened. Cullenwe's force will be needed here - just to the east, the war for Erethor is being fought along the Burning Line. This is our time now.
We must move tonight and we must move quickly.
OOC: If the Heroes want to ask Cullenwe or Ladriel questions, please post. If they want to interrogate sleeping orcs, etc. I will amend my previous post and assume not all sleeping enemies were killed.
The Heroes have rested for 1 day. The Heroes all gain 20 hp back (if they lost any). Valurel is at 17 hp. If they have any charms, herbs, or whatever to help with healing, they might want to do it now because they need to make a serious run toward the Darkening Wood.