MAXIMILLION
"Ayla, welcome back. I suggest that we find a place to camp so that Ayla can recover some and tells us what she needs to."

TIMOR
"By Elanna's will," mumbles the priest. "Ayla has returned," he says softly as a way of letting those who aren't paying attention know.
"A wise idea.. let us first wait for those up above to return... perhaps they too will have good news..." Timor smiles, he is suddenly starting to feel a little better about all of this.. SILVAN Silvan stands slowly, a blank look on his face. As Ayla runs towards him, his bow slips from suddenly nerveless fingers, clattering to the ground along with the arrow. Her body slams into him, staggering him outwardly to match his inward shock, only her arms around him to keep him from falling. His look shows his feelings plainly, as his consciousness slowly returns to the surface, at the same speed the reality of his sister's presence sinks into the core of him. Abruptly, he looks down at her shaking form, wrapped tightly around him, finally truly believing she is here. Tears begin to flow across his cheeks, his arms come up to encircle his sister, cradling her first gently, then harder. His lips move, once, then twice, eventually producing a croaking sound...
"Ayl . . .!"
The sound cuts off suddenly as Silvan's face disappears into the mass of Ayla's hair. They both stand there for long timeless moments, neither moving, just accepting each others impossible existence once again ...

DM
Ayla gives Silvan a large hug and just stands there sobbing and holding onto her brother....At least for the moment. She does not answer anyone else's comments. SILVAN Silvan whispers over and over again: "I thought I'd lost you... I thought I'd lost you . . ."

DM
Ayla shakes her head, while it is buried into his chest armour: "No, you will never loose me. I just keep turning up like a bad copper."

BILADOC
I move back to the hall leading down and ask Legildur:
"What do you want to do? Check the doors and halls here or keep moving down there?"
I look at the others with me and say:
"There's enough of us here to check those doors... What do you think? Shall we open them?"
I wait to hear what they have to say about our next move.

LEGILDUR
The tension in Legildur's shoulders eases when he identifies the crying princess (he was thinking that the figure could easily have been a humanoid form of the wind dragon that Ayla was seeking - bad karma to jump that one!).
The elven warrior hears Biladoc calling from above and decides to leave Silvan with his sister, knowing full well that Ayla will only reveal what she wants to reveal in her own good time. He returns to the base of the rungs and calls softly up to the hobbit.
"The four of you may as well continue to explore while you are there. Perhaps though you should work together, or at least in teams, in case something happens even though it will slow things down." (It is Biladoc, Alof, Saggar and Mareena right?)
In the meantime, Legildur encourages the remaining party members to update their maps - perhaps Ayla can shed some light on this area?

TIMOR
A tear swells in the priest's eye as he witnesses this heart-warming display (well, what he can see of it in this dim light anyway....damn human eyes.. I swear, I'm going to research an infravision-like spell as soon as I have access to a good library.. -of course, knowing my luck, I will be no where near dark underground caverns after I go through the trouble of making such a spell... ;)
In a way, he is happy that Ayla is back and in one piece, in another way, he is happy that Silvan is reunited with his sister...but in sadness, he remembers his own sisters...wondering what they are doing now...and how he missed warm hugs from them as well...

SAGGAR
Saggar shakes his head, scratching.
"Never will understand the way these surface ones carry on...tsk tsk "

LEGILDUR
Legildur waits for Ayla and Silvan to finish their reunion welcomes. Once she moves away from the prince he approaches her.
"Thank the three moons and Laskanthar that you are safe princess. Now promise that we'll all stay together. This place is full of many dangers." Once he has finished with the greeting, Legildur now seeks any intelligence she may have gathered.
"Tell me Ayla." he says as he withdraws his map and places it before her "Where did you go and what happened? What did you see?"

DM
She nods wiping a tear from her cheek. She stands straight seeming to look regal again.
"Yes of course Noble Legildur. There are many dangers here I ran into a few humanoids down the south hallway there. They wounded me but I managed to slay them all. I hit my head on the wall back there and I realised how dumb I have been. I was acting arrogant and lofty as if nothing could hurt me because of who I am... I have thought of this and I have seen the errors of my ways... I have been hearing voices that have been confusing me... But I think I have this under control now."
She smiles a weak yet radiant smile at Legildur as she places her right hand on his. "Thank you."

TIMOR
Timor nods and approaches the princess. He gingerly places his hand on her shoulder (if she lets him). And in a soft and comforting tone:
"Elanna's healing hand must have blessed you during your time alone. Be thankful your mind is free of the evil spirits, for we are thankful to have you back."
He removes his hand and begins to move away a little, allowing brother and sister time to bond.
While the reunited Silvan and Ayla have their moment, his attention drifts around the cavern - wondering if the creatures Ayla slew have friends in the area; wondering what has become of Kyrie and Drew (they are still _somewhere_... they could be _anywhere_... and if they are fortunate, they are anywhere but here...); wondering why those up above haven't sent back a report recently; wondering if they will find their way out soon...
He runs his tanned fingers through his jet black hair as these thoughts swirl through his otherwise vacant mind.
"Say..." begins the brown eyed priest as he takes his gaze up the wall of metallic rungs, "Reena, you guys okay up there?" He just wants to make sure, after all, aside from his usual concern for people, he would feel responsible for any trouble befallen on Reena in particular since it is his fault that she is down here...

LEGILDUR
Legildur lets the princess's hand rest for only a short time on his gauntleted sword arm before withdrawing it gently to rest on the sword hilt; uncomfortable with both Ayla's close royal presence and her ready admission of fault.
"What sought of humanoids did you slay and how many?"
Once she answers this, Legildur quickly outlines their actions since she left (that was a while ago).
"Voriax, why don't you copy your map for Ayla in case she becomes separated from us again - by accident of course." he adds as Ayla prepares to challenge the assumption.
"Silvan, can you check on the others up the rungs to make sure they are not dawdling?"

VORIAX
"Of course. Just give me a minute to copy it onto a spare parchment." Voriax gets busy!

DM
Ayla nods her head and Legildur pulls his hand away.
"There was three of them. I killed them all. One female and two male. They where elf looking for the most part. However, the faces where kind of stretched and a strange greyish colour. I went down the south hallway here. Then I turned left and followed it when it turned right. I wandered down some other halls but do not remember much more about it to tell you the truth."
Up stairs Mareena is looking around. She goes through the exit in the north wall and follows it East. It goes twenty feet east and turns north. Where it turns west right away. however there is a door in the East wall here. She mumbles to herself, 'It's like a little maze down here."

LEGILDUR
"Dark Elves? It can't be. They are a thing of legend." Legildur mumbles under his breath.

DM
Ayla shakes her head.
"No, dark elves where suppose to have skin of ebony...But I have heard tales of Stone or Deep elves.....Perhaps the legends could be wrong and they are Dark Elves. I am unsure of the whole matter."

TIMOR
Upon hearing Legildur mumbling something, Timor begins to wonder if Ayla's mental malady had perhaps spread to the noble warrior ;). Just to make sure it hadn't, he asks him to repeat.
"What was that Legildur? Did you say something?"

LEGILDUR
"While you are human Timor, are you not of different stock to Voriax or Max? Similarly with elves, we are all the same, yet different. We (indicating Ayla, Silvan and himself) are known as High Elves - the most abundant branch of elves. Mareena, however, (pointing over his shoulder up the rungs in the wall) is a Grey Elf. Other branches include the Sylvan and Dark elves (who are thought to have been wiped out in the Elven wars thousands of years ago). Now, apparently from what Ayla has said, there are also Stone elves.

TIMOR
"Dark elves? what makes an elf 'dark'? I didn't realise there were different kinds - what would you (motioning towards the elves in the party) be classified as? is the physical appearance that Ayla just described characteristic of all of these 'dark elves' - I would assume so if by that appearance you (leg) have made your comment? And what is the difference between your kind of elf and the other kind - other than the physical appearance that Princess Ayla has just described?"
(after those questions have been answered)
Timor thinks about how elves (well the elves he knows of) are generally highly magical creatures - it is quite conceivable that they create a cavern system with magical portals leading to it...but would they work in conjunction with the humanoids faced earlier? or would they, like the other humanoids, simply be down here for some other reason...
He is struck by a highly disturbing thought that some highly superior power is simply collecting humanoid creatures and imprisoning them down here either as a collection for his own display or to see what would happen when they are left together... no... that idea is just too ridiculous...or is it?...

DM
Ayla shakes her head.
"Silvan and I are Grey Elves. Mareena I think is a High elf as you Noble Legildur. Not that it makes much difference mind you. I have heard tales of Stone or deep elves but never seen them. The Dark elves where evil when thy walked the surface of the planet... But not at first... They helped fight the Dragons during the Dragon wars. But later they became corrupt and waged war upon other elves. They where driven across the land and according to legend wiped out completely. "

MAXIMILLION
"First of all Dark Elves are not legend. Do you not remember the note I translated. Now, I am not familiar with Stone or deep elves. How would they react to dark elves and vice versa. Just wondering if the would ally. The Dark Elves are already allied with others. I didn't ever know that dark elves were once not evil. What made them change?
Regardless, now that we have found Ayla, what is our objective. There are a lot of people who act if the knew the contents of that note. I would say we have two objectives.
1) Find the artefact that Ayla is looking for and
2) Make the right people aware of what is in this note. Ayla's mother the Queen being one of these.
In either case is there any reason to stay in these caves anymore?"

KINSON
Kinson pulls our a slip of paper, "Here is what the Dark Papers said:" He reads the following from his note:
"Congratulation Oh Mighty King of Asga. We are glad to see you upon the throne of that fair southern country. We send you the might of the Cult of Diabolicus. Their is strength is great and you will find them a useful ally. We look forward to joining forces with you on the assault on Los Vain. Our forces are even now gaining the support of some of the desdant Wood elves under the command of Eridani. His numbers grow stronger by the minute. If we may further aid your cause let us know."
Yours in love and war,
Edrave , Priestess of Loth,
Champion of the Sisterhood of the Black Widow

MAXIMILLION
OOC:
I believe that the spell I cast just made it possible for me to read it didn't change the writing. Therefore I assume you wrote what Max said on another note.
BIC:
Max looking startled:
"You didn't write what I read when I cast the spell to read the note, did you? Or is that a separate note from the original, I hope so. Ayla, you believe that we still need to investigate this area. Which way would suggest. Also do you need healing?"

KINSON
Yes. Kinson wrote what Max said on his own piece of paper. Kinson used to keep a journal, but we rest so infrequently that I forget to have him update it. I shall try and be more diligent.

DM
She shakes her head.
"My injuries are small. as for investigation... yes I think it should be but perhaps a less direct method could be used if we can figure out exactly where we are. This place seems to have been travelled by others who may have knowledge that can give us a hint of where to look. All I know is that I feel closer to the orb than I did a week ago."

MAXIMILLION
Max smiles admiringly back at Ayla:
"You make your mother proud. Do we have anyone who can cast a locate object spell. It might help us find the Orb. Or we could use one of those wishes to wish for a clear sphere that points to where the orb is. I do feel that time is critical, even for one as long lived as an elf. We should also somehow let Los Vain know the contents of this note."

KINSON
Kinson looks at Max:
"Wishes? Wishes are powerful magic, do you have access to such magic?"

MAXIMILLION
Max smiles at Kinson.
"No, brave Kinson I do not, but there are those here who do. But of course the use of a wish is a rare thing indeed and must be used wisely. My thoughts are that if we are in a race against time then the use of a wish may make the difference between success and failure. To be so careful as to not use it is to waste it."

KINSON
Kinson looks around at the other party members wonderingly.
"I had no idea we had such powerful friends."

VORIAX
Voriax mumbles:
"You don't have to be powerful to be lucky. I don't know which I'd rather be."

TIMOR
"Oh," begins the brown eyed priest in response, "I had not known that there were differences...secluded upbringing I suppose." (he says the last part in a softer tone and directed more at Legildur than at the group as a whole)
This all gives Timor some more to think about, he now realises he knows very little about other races or about history of the land itself - he has never needed such information before, but if he is going to continue travelling the lands, it would be best to read up so as to better understand and relate to those he is to meet.
He looks to Ayla, when she and Silvan have finished 'having their moment', Timor asks:
"Any signs of Kyrie, Drew, an exit, the Wind Dragon, the Orb which you seek, or... that big cat?"
He asks the last part in reference to 'stuff' - trying to see if there have been any signs that the potion didn't work.
"Perhaps we are looking too literally?" he says as though he thinks he is a brilliant scholar. "Perhaps the exit will not look like what we normally associate with the image of an exit(an opening/door with the illusion of the stone wall or at the bottom of on of the water bodies we saw), perhaps the wind dragon will not look like a great lizard of massive size (perhaps it is a fly-sized dragon that floats in the wind and was eaten by one of the toads we trapped near the privy..)..and maybe the Orb is the size of a small marble....(that last comment is made with an unmentioned reference to the orb Saggar had picked up from the orcs)"
(I'm stretching for ideas and just killing time until the others return from above - if they take any longer, I am about to suggest crawling up after them or going somewhere to come back here later leaving a trail for them to follow if they need to)

DM
Ayla, "Yes good priest, I saw no signs of an exit nor of our friends. I saw not the dragon nor the orb. But, I feel it is here but perhaps very far away. I feel closer now than before we entered these caves. And what I am sure of is that others have had reason to believe the orb could be found in this direction."

LEGILDUR
Legildur turns to Max:
"Aye Max, I'd not forgotten the note. But I had thought that Ayla had come face to face with our evil cousins - and things are more believable when seen in the flesh.
But you'd best ask Drew and Kyrie about whether or not there is any reason for us to stay in the caves." Legildur replies to Max's question as a way to remind everyone that there are still at least two of our party lost in this labyrinth (not including that dwarf either).

SAGGAR
Saggar nods:
"Yet it does give us guidance in that we are to seek it on the southern continent."

KINSON
Scratch his beard in thought, Kinson hears Saggar's words.
"Good friend, my knowledge of geography is sparse. Are the jungles that were mentioned on the southern continent?"

LEGILDUR
"Nay friend, that was the orb of enlightenment spoken of there." says Legildur. "Then again, you may have the right of it. They could be one and the same. And who knows where we are at this moment." he postulates.

TIMOR
Timor listens intently to the princess' words. He takes a moment to wonder if Ayla's mental maladies have truly passed or if this is some ruse of her 'alter-evil-self' to lure us somewhere... no, he chides himself for even thinking such a ridiculous thought. Elanna has surely found a way to heal her by now. But onto other things - if only Elanna's realm of influence extended into divinations, then perhaps he would more simply know the answers to some things - then again, Elanna perhaps does not grant such abilities to her disciples so as to make them more self-reliant. He lets out a deep sigh - obviously no one will know why since he hasn't spoke anything aloud -. He looks in the various directions available from the group's current local.
"Well, if you came from that direction (pointing in the direction Ayla came from), and feel closer now than before, that leaves that direction (he says pointing in the opposite direction) .... or that direction (he says pointing upwards) ... Voriax, Max...do either of you have a way of detecting items of magic at distances and of unknown directions? the orb is said in legend to be of great magical power, and perhaps there is a way to search for strong emanations of magic."
Timor ponders for a moment.
"You know. If I were to make a random guess - I would say upwards is the direction we want to go. Alof spoke of it being an area apparently build in the dwarven tradition, and wouldn't an item of such great importance be hidden near the heart of a complex rather than in an outlying corner? And besides, if others have come looking for it, if they didn't find it, then it must be hidden some what. The door at the top of the rungs was concealed from view, so others may have not looked up there and simply passed it by...Obviously it is more than just a simple storage area - for the others spoke of hallways and doorways."
But that's just the crazy old priest's idea... he rarely ever knows what he is talking about ;)
"Reena?" he calls back up - "you guys never said whether you were alright or not - what's going on?"
If no one responds this time, Timor will (perhaps foolishly) follow (trying to strap his walking staff into one of the loops of his backpack allowing him both hands free to climb the rungs); as mentioned before, he feels very responsible for Reena being trapped down here in the first place - he didn't have to grab her hand and escort her through...he should have left her behind for her own safety - after all, she at least should have needed time to recover from her 'spider incident'..
OOC:
Did we ever determine who was the last person(s) known to have the orb? if it was dwarves, then we are definitely getting closer. (of course, it could have exchanged any number of hands after the 'last known person to have it')

SAGGAR
"I doubt any magic we could conjure would be great enough to find an ancient artefact of such power, if so, the great alliance of dark ones would already have it in their possession"
Saggar speaks as he watches the others.

VORIAX
"I agree. I have yet to acquire such a spell myself."

LEGILDUR
"No doubt you speak the truth there Saggar." says Legildur as he nods in agreement to the dwarf's sagely words.
"I know not the way of mages or priests, but surely they would have located the orb by now if it was within their power."

MAXIMILLION
"It depends on how they do it. First a wish is a very rare thing. It takes an arch mage to cast one. I have never met or heard of anyone who is in arch mage and I was in a position to know. Of course the orb could have some sort of magic to keep it from being detected. Still a wish might work, even if it did. The secret is not to make the wish too powerful, for the more powerful you make this wish, the least likely it was to happen or the more likely that the wish would be contaminated, in other words you get what you wished for but variables are thrown in that one did not consider in the wish. Sorry, all this is from studies that I did with my master, I think I am remembering most of it right.

ALOF
Looking at Saggar and Biladoc I say:
"Why don't we open up those two doors in the next hallway before moving on. That way we'll have more options in case we find another hallway."
If they agree I'll quickly get Mareena and let her know what we're going to do.

SAGGAR
Saggar nods:
"I find that suggestion agreeable "

DM
Mareena looks at the two doors in the north wall.
"One of those opens into the hallway I just looked down. The one furthest East I am unsure of. Plus there is another door down the hall through the opening in the north. "

BILADOC
Since most of us are interested in opening the doors, I'll approach the leftmost one in the east bound hall and after listening to any sounds from the inside and take a quick look for traps, I'll open it and take a look inside.

DM
Opening the door you see it opens into a elbow of a hallway going west and north. North it goes ten feet and turns west. however at this point there is a door in the East. You see Mareena standing at this intersection. She smiles at you.
"Told you it would only open into this hallway."

ALOF
I'll do the same thing as Biladoc (i.e. search for traps, locks etc.) and then open the other door (the one he's not working on).

DM
The door opens into a hallway going north. It goes only twenty feet before ending in a door. there is also a door in the west wall at this point. This room like the others in this area as a low cieling. There is a shattered wooden shield on the floor along with a short sword with a large clear gem in its pommel.

TIMOR
Upon hearing from Biladoc and Alof, a partial sense of relief comes over the priest - though, he still anxiously awaits to hear word from the quiet Reena.
Timor still wants to follow upwards though (unless he hears that that above is a dead end AND he hears from Reena, then he will remain down below, but he will go up unless and until those two conditions are met)

DM
Mareena yells back:
"Oh, we are fine, just looking through these doors. Kinda of like a small maze up hear. Did you find anything Alof?"
Ayla leans against the wall:
"Does anyone have some drink and food I can have? And as best I recall the dragons had the orb last when it disappeared."
Timor begins climbing the rungs to go to the chambers above. SILVAN Silvan, having taken a few moments to recover himself and listen to Ayla's story, now seems to be his old self again - though perhaps a bit lighter, maybe wiser but not sadder for a change. Interjecting into the conversation, he asks:
"Ayla, is the place you encountered the strange elvenoids (?) nearby? Perhaps we could learn something by examining them."
After her reply, he adds to all:
"The orb is still important enough to delay exit. If we can direct ourselves to it now, perhaps we can exit these terrible caverns once and for all. Though once the human intrusion above is dealt with, it may be worthwhile to return with force to clear the evil from this place and bring light to the depths."

DM
Ayla nods.
"I don't think it is far. But I may have a hard time finding my way back to them. WE can search that way if you wish. There seemed to be many tunnels. "

KINSON
OOC:
I think we may need Charles to shed some light on the Dark Papers so that we are all at a consensus. Kinson has been present twice when the papers were translated, I will include both translations that Charles wrote below. The basic content of the Papers did not change, but there is some mystery about the person that did the original translation, she called herself Edrave, which is apparently the same person who wrote the papers. Charles wrote these a year-and-a-half apart, so that might be explanation enough.
1) Edrave Reads the document quietly to herself at first. her face seems calm and then shock can be seen in her eyes. Her voice a little tremble she begins to speak to you no longer looking at the parchment.
"This is grave news indeed Humphrey. According to this the High Priest of Diabolicus has joined an alliance with two other factions. One is the Druids of the Father, whoever they may be. The other is the Davenesti or Dark Elves. The Davenesti are working in Los Vain to form a rebel force there and have agreements with Gorodar to bring those hordes down upon Los Vain. Somehow the Temple of Diabolicus is going to get the Kingdom of Asga to march on Los Vain at the same time.
They plan to spoil the riches from Los Vain after it is all over with. And it also mentions the three factions will send a band South to the Jungles to Recover the Green Orb of Enchantment. An artefact that has been lost for many years and that has immense powers."
2)"Congratulations Oh Mighty King of Asga. We are glad to see you upon the throne of that fair southern country. We send you the might of the Cult of Diabolicus. Their is strength is great and you will find them a useful ally. We look forward to joining forces with you on the assault of Los Vain. Our forces are even now gaining the support of some of the desdant Wood elves under the command of Eridani. His numbers grow stronger by the minute. If we may further aid your cause let us know."
Yours in love and war,
Edrave , Priestess of Loth,
Champion of the Sisterhood of the Black Widow

(Sorry for not role playing this, but as I've stated I've been real busy lately, and I'm not feeling very creative right now.)

DM
The answer is a little of both. There are two Edrave's the first one who read the note to you apparently could read this tongue and as you can tell after having translated and finally brought them together...She adlibbed some to it.
Apparently she likes to lie or knows more of what is going on than in indicated in the note.....Regardless bringing these two together after such a long time is quite a feat....

KINSON
A small look of surprise comes to Kinson's face.
"You know... The fact that there are two Edraves may be significant. There is definitely something mysterious in all this, and perhaps Edrave is one of the keys to solving it. I will have to ponder this further."

TIMOR
Upon reaching the top of the rungs, Timor gets this urge and sensation to eagle-spread his arms and yell out, "I'm the king of the world" - but, he restrains himself and merely turns to follow after the others. The cieling is perhaps low for him (being 6 feet tall and this being assumed to be a dwarven constructed hall/area) If it isn't tooooo uncomfortable (if he only has to slouch), Timor will try and make his way to where Reena is, though, if he has to crawl on hands and knees (as opposed to just slouching) then he will return back down below.

DM
The cieling is 4 foot high in here so Timor is crawling in. He goes down the north passage and turns east where he sees a crouched Mareena. She looks towards him, "Yes?"

ALOF
I'll pick up the sword and then go and get Biladoc, Mareena and Timor and show them my finding.

DM
As you reach for the sword it floats in the air and swings at you. You barely manage to roll out of the way. It prepares for another attack.

ALOF
Eyes wide with surprise I'll grab my short swords and swing at the mist backing up as I do. As I swing I'll Yell:
"Biladoc!!!!!!!!"

BILADOC
When I hear Alof's scream, I take out one of my short swords and rush for the other door, saying at the same time:
"Alof, get out from there. Move back to the larger hall!"
If he can back up without being attacked, I'll back up with him. If not, I'll try to parry any attack from the sword with my own sword and pull back at the same time.

KINSON
Upon hearing the shouts from above Kinson says:
"Clear the ladder it sounds like they are retreating from something. We don't need to be in their way when they come down."

DM
Alof swings and misses the sword as it nicks his side drawing some blood. (-3hp). Biladoc arrives and engages the sword as both of them backup into the larger hall. Mareena draws her long sword and waits for them to get to her.
Actions please...Oh, take Reena off your list as she has officially dropped out due to workload at work and school.

LEGILDUR
Legildur listens intently to the battle above, frustrated that the ceiling height would severely hamper his fighting should he enter the fray (especially in plate mail and kite shield). Taking Kinson's advice and making sure that he is clear of the rungs, in case a rapid descent takes place from the embattled characters, Legildur moves off to watch the corridor in case the noise attracts some unwanted attention.

BILADOC
Seeing that Alof is not to injured, and seeing Mareena getting ready to help, I say to them:
"I'll try to get a hold of that &%#&% flying sword. Get ready to cover me. If any of you has a better idea, go ahead and tell me." I'll then take out my cloak and try to entangle the magic sword in it, so I can grab it without having my fingers chopped off (not a good thing, specially when you're a th... redistributer of wealth).
(Biladoc, the halfwyt halfling with the idiotic plans that sometimes somehow work for the best...)

DM
Mareena speaks quietly as she watches the sword intently:
"Why don't we just whack that crystal on the end of it."

BILADOC
I listen to Mareena's suggestion:
"Yes, it might work, but we may break it and it looks valuable. I'll try to grab it once, if I fail, we go along with your plan, ok?"
I then move closer to get a hold of the sword, pulling back if I fail and going for the gem as Mareena suggested.
(Biladoc, the quarterwyt halfling that disregards the obvious clues of the DM and his about to be known as Three-fingers...;-)

KINSON
OOC:
You've already given your action, but it might help to remember who is playing Mareena... :-)
Seems like a dangerous thing grabbing an animated sword.

BILADOC
OOC:
I know that, but I've got to role-play Biladoc...he's kinda stubborn, you know...
Didn't you read the last part of my message, Art?...about the three fingers?...
Charles, I'm using my cloak to entangle the sword and then grab it, not my bare hands. I said before this was my plan, but just want to emphasise it. Don't want you to misunderstand me like Art did...

DM
Biladoc swirls his cloak around as the sword dances towards him. With a large swoop and a scream the flurry of cloak of sword in a mess that Alof and Mareena only can stare at.
"AHA!" yells Biladoc and he emerges with a sword in his hand. Biladoc's cloak is shredded into fine gerbil flooring. Suddenly Alof scream as he sees the gem sword fly into the air hovering behind Biladoc.
Alof looks down and sees one of his swords missing. "Hey!" He yells at his halfling companion. Biladoc notices Mareena's eyes enlarge as she stares past Biladoc. he turns to see the sword hovering getting ready to strike. One of Biladoc's sleeves falls off at this point.

BILADOC
As I see what sword I'm holding and the magic sword ready to strike, I jump down between Alof and Mareena, saying to her as I do so:
"Ok, lets try your suggestion, Mareena..."
As soon as I can, I'll take out a couple of daggers and throw them at the gem. I'll use my black dagger and the one we found in the coffin (more chance to hit the gem...)

TIMOR
Timor, noting the commotion, does his best to stay out of the way (though, he does still remain up above since 'the healing hand of Elanna' may be needed.
Crawling around on all fours is hard enough (due to the low cieling),he just tries to find a corridor that's out of the way of the rukass...

ALOF
Now I'm mad!!!
As I give a look of disapproval to Biladoc I'll grab a pair of daggers and launch them at the gem. If I am to close I'll attack with a short sword and dagger. (which short sword is gone?)

DM
The non magic one.

LEGILDUR
Legildur only catches part of the conversation as he focuses on the 'battle' upstairs. The cry of success from Biladoc carries to his ears and he relaxes slightly until Mareena's warning shatters the moment. He privately wonders if the hobbit will make it through, but confident still that Alof and Mareena will assist.

TIMOR
Timor still does his best to stay out of the way - this is a situation in which he has no experience... not to mention, he is partially awed by the fact that the sword flies on its own - perhaps it is being held by a creature that his human eyes can not see...but the grace a motion of the blade lead Timor to believe otherwise. To test this theory, Timor tries to scrape up from loose dust/dirt from the rocky ground (if he can manage to find and collect some that is), and then tosses it in the direction of the sword. He is looking to see if the dirt/dust he throws seems to hit any unseen being that might be holding the blade, or if the only thing the dirt/dust hits in the sword itself.
This isn't a test of accuracy, it only needs to be thrown in the sword's general direction, so, although his aim is typically not very good, this should prove a less daunting task than usual.
As he does so, he will undoubtedly take a moment to curse the low cieling which he has bumped his head on once or twice by now...
Timor the brown eyed priest of Elanna who is currently on his hands and knees scooping up rock dust and dirt.... SILVAN Listening to the conversation, while attempting to keep at least half an ear on the commotion above (good thing he's pointed ones) (ears, that is), Silvan speaks:
"Ayla, can you determine in which direction the orb lies? If we move, can you tell if were getting closer or moving further away?" Then addressing the group, "Should we not also determine the nature of the creatures she defeated recently? An examination may possibly shed some light on this entire situation. And, finally, should we see what's keeping brave Timor, charming Mareena, and the two rapscallions?"

DM
Ayla shakes her head.
"I can just tell that we are closer that is all. And I am afraid I would have a hard time telling where I left three bodies except it was down the south hallway... I was not quite feeling well at the time."

SAGGAR
Saggar looks at them "Indeed that would be wise, but first we should see if we can aid our comrades, they seem to have a bit of a problem from the sounds of it and my healing may be needed."

DM
One of Alof's daggers sails past the sword harmlessly. The second however hits the crystal and puts a chip in it as it bounces off. Biladoc jumps clear and throws one dagger at the pesky sword. This dagger hits and puts a crack in it.
Mareena swings with Long Sword and dagger but misses the fast moving sword. The Sword cuts a gash in Biladoc's back (-3hp). Meanwhile Timor scrapes up as much dust as he can. The Sword is now in close quarters and Alof goes for sword and dagger combat. But is unable to hit the pesky thing. Biladoc rolls to his feet and swings at it with the short sword in his hand.
However the sword darts to the side and seems to giggle. Mareena swings at the sword again. Her blades both find there mark and the crystal shatters. The short sword drops to the ground.

ALOF
As I see the sword drop I let out a sigh of relief and go to pick up my daggers. I go to the sword and look at it cautiously (keeping daggers in hand). If nothing happens I'll pick up the sword and say to Timor:
"Is there any chance this sword itself could have magical properties?"
Then turning to the group I say:
"Perhaps one of us should tell the group what has just happened, I'm sure they are worried. Timor, you seem the least comfortable why don't you do it? When you're there please ask Saggar to come we may need his help and he's probably one of the few who could actually bear this tight space."
I now ask Biladoc for my sword back and wait for a group decision on what to do next.

BILADOC
I'll recover my dagger and look at my sleeve. I turn to Mareena:
"Nice hunch, should have followed it...Huh, do you know how to sew? Seems one of my sleeves is loose..."
I smile hopefully at her. When Alof tips my shoulder and asks for the sword I turn to him and say:
"Oh, sorry, almost forgot it. There you go."
I pick up the rests of the crystal. Maybe I can find someone who can put it back together again...
I turn to the others:
"Do you want to see where these halls lead, before going down? Maybe we find another sword or something more interesting..."

DM
Mareena shakes her head.
"No I don't sew nor do I do windows....There can't be much else to these hallways. Perhaps I should walk around them quickly."

BILADOC
I listen to Mareena and sadly look at my sleeve again. When she suggests taking a quick look around I say:
"I'll go with you...just in case."
I turn to Alof and everyone else around:
"This won't take long, I hope. Wait for us here."
I'll then follow Mareena and all of her suggestions...;-)

ALOF
"Fine but if you see any rooms, let us know of them, You may need us. If you aren't back in 5 minutes I'm coming after you." (Why should I miss out on all the fun.)

LEGILDUR
Legildur turns back to watching the approaches when the sound of battle stops above him and some voices drift down the shaft. He rests his mighty kite shield against the near wall and patiently waits for some news from those searching above.

TIMOR
As per the suggestion, Timor begins crawling back to the rungs leading down. Once he gets there, he smiles and steadily makes his way back to those waiting below. Upon touching ground without a low cieling, he stretches, and arches his back a few times...
After that, he pauses then calmly says to the others (who are probably impatiently awaiting news by now):
"Everything is fine... there was just a small situation that was taken care of. Saggar, they wish your company above since you can probably manage the low ceilings better than the rest of us taller folk."

LEGILDUR
"Welcome back my verbose friend." says Legildur, "It seems the small spaces have dulled your tongue for a time." he adds with a smile. "I hope you didn't strain anything." ;-P

DM
Searching the rest of the halls reveals empty hallways as shown on Biladoc's map. Please refer to it as I etched the rest of this little area out for him.
There is one item of note that the four of you run across. A stone coffin with the lid pushed aside. Sitting on top of the stone lid is a steel spear that glows with a dull blue radiance. The inside of the coffin is empty.
Saggar can not find any secret compartments in the coffin. Biladoc and Mareena search walls for secret doors and find none.

LEGILDUR
Geez you guys, I know that elves are supposed to be patient as a race, but only when necessary. You've got one very bored elf here who is likely to do something stupid soon unless one of you grabs that blasted spear (go on, you know you want to) and gets back down here to the rest of us. Charles has given you all the leads you need. Now either grab the spear (and take whatever consequences may arise) or not, and get down the rungs so we can move on.

SAGGAR
Saggar looks at it:
"I have no need for such a weapon."
He moves to descend the ladder once more.

BILADOC
I'll join everyone else down and move to the front, scouting the halls Legildur chooses to follow.

LEGILDUR
Knowing the direction that Ayla came from is probably clear, Legildur decides to move slowly towards the t-intersection west of the rungs leading to the tomb above. Looking carefully down both corridors and listening for a short time, he decides the avenue is clear and turns northward towards the blocked staircase.

DM
North it goes twenty feet where a hallway leads off to the west. It continues to the north towards the blocked stairwell.
Saggar leaves the spear behind and descends the ladder. Mareena shrugs and follows behind him leaving the two halflings there.

ALOF
I turn and Follow Mareena saying:
"I took the sword you can have this."

LEGILDUR
Remembering that some of the party have already been to the blocked stairwell, Legildur turns his attention to the west corridor. He spends a moment looking and listening before moving slowly westwards, plate mail creaking slightly as the dim blue light from Vinguard highlights the elven warrior.

DM
Looking West you can see that it goes forty feet and turns southward.

LEGILDUR
Legildur moves slowly to the west, senses alert straining to hear any noises not created by his creaking armour or the party still at the rungs, and looks around the corner.

DM
Alof goes down the steps as well leaving Biladoc alone. Meanwhile Legildur has gone down the hallway alone.

ALOF
When I see that the group is there but Legildur isn't, I'll begin to head in whatever direction he went (asking the group where he went).

SAGGAR
Saggar moves up beside Legildur and watches the hall ahead, his axe and shield at the ready, quietly watching the walls around him and studying the stonework.

TIMOR
Once everyone is back down from above, Timor suggests that everyone come along and join Legildur as he continues to explore.
(if everyone comes to follow Legildur, Timor will also. If someone for whatever reason doesn't, Timor will take a few moments to try and convince him/her - and if he/she still refuses, Timor will accompany them and continue trying to persuade him/her)

ALOF
When I see Saggar leaving I quickly jog to catch up to him and begin to look for Legildur. (Avoiding the path to the blocked stairwell)

LEGILDUR
Remembering that some of the party have already been to the blocked stairwell, Legildur turns his attention to the west corridor. He spends a moment looking and listening before moving slowly westwards, plate mail creaking slightly as the dim blue light from Vinguard highlights the elven warrior.

DM
Looking West you can see that it goes forty feet and turns southward.

LEGILDUR
Legildur moves slowly to the west, senses alert straining to hear any noises not created by his creaking armor or the party still at the rungs, and looks around the corner.

DM
Legildur begins heading west down the hallway. Saggar is just starting to go north to join him...When Legildur hears grinding stone from in front and behind him...Actions Legildur quick?

LEGILDUR
Legildur's sensitive elven ears hear the click of the trigger somewhere beneath his right foot. Reacting instinctively to the trigger and the moving stone, Legildur curses loudly as he leaps rearward (to the east) and tucks himself into somewhat of a combat roll, using the momentum of the intitial leap to increase his distance covered in an attempt to clear the falling stone.

DM
You twist and dive backwards but the floor comes up from the ground....Oh my gosh...It is some sort of creature. You almost making past the falling block but are not quite quick enough. You are quick enough however to back pedal a foot to miss being crushed... A flat fleshy creture with a large mall peels itself off the floo and attempts to engulf you in its folds.

LEGILDUR
Legildur checks his forward movement just in time to prevent being crushed by the falling stone block. He then realises his predicament and maneuvers quickly to avoid being caught in the trapper's initial reaction. Finding stable footing on the stone floor, Legildur swings Vinguard in a low slashing attack at the nearest part of the trapper, attempting (if possible) to keep away from the creature's obviously large maw.

DM
Legildur's sword cuts the creature as it flaps towards him. The creature attempts in vain to engulf you but flails against your shield. You slash the beast once more as this time it covers you with its thick muscular body. You are now in the trapper what actions will you take as the sword in unuseable in these tight quarters.

DM
A stone block comes crashing down blocking the hallway going West. Legildur is on the other side of the block. You can hear him moving frantically as well as some sort of flapping noise from the other side. Saggar was almost crushed by the block but managed to step back as the large ten by ten foot block came down.

----------------
Oh no! Is this the end of the brave elf knight? Is he squashed to a pulp? Is he going to be known as Shorty from now on? Can I have his boots? Huh... I mean, I hope he's fine. Follow me to the next chapter to make sure... (And remember, I mentioned his boots first...)