In which things get odd fast.
A series of very strange coincidences has begun. It seems to begin in the rain, etched into the hide of the Dragon carcass. "Give my regards to the king." I think that's what it said. It's hard to remember such small details. I was the only one that could read it, though I can't imagine the message was for me. The rain made it difficult to see them: two ominous silhouettes were making their way away from us to a strange outcropping. Our curiosity overcame our want for safety and we followed them as silently as we could (why are men so cumbersome? I swear they are as noisy as dragons) straight into the shadows of a large entrance. Rather, my idiot companions did. I stayed outside, heard the clear sounds of a skirmish ending, and watched as they waltzed right in. Minutes passed with the rainfall drowning out any clues to their wellbeing. I couldn't see anything in the shadows, either, but I did have the feeling that Something must be going on. Knowing them, I thought they were getting themselves cooked or mauled or caught in the crossfire of some curse... I left my hiding spot quite reluctantly and walked in to the mouth of the cavern. The interior was huge, but somewhat plain from this perspective. By the time I reached the stairs, they had engaged some bald human in battle. He looked strong, completely unfazed by my companions. There was a scruffy man tied up behind him, hands splayed and begging for help. He appeared quite desperate, but I had the sense that he understood what was going on better than we did. For once, I decided to let the men have their own battle. I made my way to the prisoner and began working on the ropes. Odd things were happening as they fought. Lava formed on the ground, shimmering cages fell upon us... And the bald one mentioned her. Ariandre... What have you to do with this man? He said he thought she'd sent us after him. So then, what had he done to her? Perhaps one day I will know what their connection is. He said other things, too, perhaps significant to other ears. That wasn't all, though. He asked us about a challenge. He seemed surprised when we didn't know to what he was referring. Apparently, he is often sought for a challenge to the death. He asked whether WE meant to defeat him. Rope, the foolish child, said that he did. I may have argued. The bald man clearly knows his way around dark spells and power, and I have the definite sense that we're no match for him as we are. I decided to hold my tongue, though. It was a good decision, I think, as an armory of treasures appeared before us. Enchanted things, all of them. I saw bows, armor, belts, rings, and little colored marbles among the treasures. He let us each choose an item and said that the next time we met, there would be death. A chill ran down my spine. If we should happen to meet soon, I know whose death it will be. Perhaps some serious training is in order. I need to strengthen my mind, do some research... My companions made their choices :weapons and accessories. A marble sized stone caught my eye. It was a dusty pink color, and once I'd selected it, it began to hover around my head. I felt.. Protected by it, somehow. When I look back up, the magician has disappeared. With this settled, I notice that the rain still hasn't ended.
