Mendi winced several times while Aryus extracted the arrow from his shoulder and then dressed the wound. Pale and the face haggard, hair plastered with sweat, the elf stood painfully and attempted a feeble smile? "Who was the kank-brained idiot that conceived this attack?" he said in a sarcastic tone. "At least nobody else was wounded, but it appears we have to resume this running battle quickly!"

The elven trader goes about a more careful search of the strange room. He picks about the pods but most crumble away as he attempts to inspect them. The only ones that appeared "healthy" were the sponge-like organism and the strange worm-like creature inside the clear box. Upon a closer look, it appears that the clear box that holds the worm is filled with a thick clear liquid with the consistency of some sort of sap.

After a closer look, Mendi decides to use his bedroll to cushion the box with the worm, to protect it from shocks. He then makes arrangements to put it back in his bag, along with the strange sponge-like thing.

A couple of other items have escaped destruction and seem mummified and look "dead" as far the elven trader can tell. One of the items looks like a 3-feet long snake but instead of a regular head, it has a sort of claw similar to a bird of prey at the end. Another item that is curiously well maintained is a long stalk with some sort of tendrils in one end and what looks to be an eyeball at the other end. The elf has the strange feeling that this was what a human eye should look like if it wasn't for the foot-long stalk attached to the eye-ball. All of the other items are unrecognizable and crumble to ashes when they are touched or disturbed

Mendi carefully wraps the eye-like thing in a small piece of cloth, and then puts it in his bag for further inspection. Mendi nods, while putting the things away. He then asks Tak how to say 'graps' in his native tongue, and then tries to see if the claw-headed rope is still usable. The rope seems sturdy enough but the claw only "graps" if done manually. Mendi ties the rope around his waist clasping it as a second belt with the claw being some sort of buckle.

Anyway, do you have any idea of the use of these things, Tak? asked the elf, showing the porous thing and the box.

Tak’ shakes his head, "I know nothing of the liquids. And indeed the arts of life magic have been lost for longer than any halfling can remember - even through ancestors and oral history there is none, I have spoken to, who knows. However," Tak’ continues, pointing to the ‘snake’ with the ‘claw head’, "I have heard of something like this, a living rope, which grasps when commanded, and serves as long as it lives. Undoubtedly everything here served a purpose - but also was alive."

Tak’ takes on a serious tone, "Be careful Mendi, for life is not something to be taken easily, and never sold."

Aryus winces in pain and inspects his wound. Another nasty cut. The loss of blood and the constant pain was taking a toll on the already weak windmage.

Turning to his companions, "I'm afraid my healing powers have expired. Whatever we must do, I hope we do it quickly for I have a bad feeling that I may not live to see another sunrise." Sighing heavily, Aryus goes about the room inspecting the items and the fluid.

Gaigin hobbles up as the pack examines the odd treasures. Peering at the strangely living things with a confused expression, the big warrior grimaces slightly. As Mendi puts the objects in his bag, for later examination, Gaigin shrugs.

"Take them if you will, Mendi, but don't bring them things near me. Nothing here is right, this whole place doesn't belong in our world. This place could be Tak's lost heritage, but it's nothing to do with me, and I'll be none to glad to be gone from here." Gaigin looks about at the whole organic room, the pods, the living walls, and the strange and meaningless objects.

"Every tale I heard, tells of ancient, buried ruins filled with silver coins and iron blades...all we've found so far are crazy halflings, living walls, a mutant lizard, a rock, and a Gith-Spawned worm stuck in a glass box...and The Dragon only knows what these "Twins" will turn out to be. We should get this over and leave as soon as we can...By Kalak's claw, I'll not die in this place if I can help it."

"Here, here Gaigin. I couldn't have said it better meself. The sooner we are away from this place, the better I'll be feelin'" with that Rayne moves to the rear of the group and prepares to watch their backs as their leaders decide the next course of action.

The elf adds, "True spoken, Gaigin, but perhaps we will find some use out of these. Worms are disgusting, but in most oases, there are worms, and druids hold them in higher esteem than we do. Anyway, I'm curious about a thing that could survive the Dragon only knows how many years! Are there any druids among your people, Ptellac? By chance they'll be able to give us some hints. Some tales speak of a verdant Green Age when halflings mastered the nature, perhaps there is some truth in these, and though the contact with the door handles was disgusting, it certainly worked! Well, we will see in time. Do you have any ideas of the use of these two liquids, Tak?"

Ptellac steps closer to the elf, "Aye, there are many great druids in our village but I do not think they would recognize these plants or animals or whatever they are...you seem to think they are ancient?

"Since this place was hidden from the eye before the quake, and since what we witnessed so far tends to prove that this place was made by Tak's ancestors, I think they are ancient: how would they have come inside otherwise?" answers Mendi.

The saurian trader nears the two liquids that the strange sponge was found in. He smells the clear substance that was surrounding the object. He then puts a clawed finger inside and brings it to the tip of his forked tongue. "It smells and tastes like the purest water. There is a spring near our village that puts forth similar type of water." He then takes a whiff of the second substance that was found right next to the sponge and his nose cringes from the experience. "Whoa, that one smells terrible and I am not even going

to try and taste it." The pterran then inspects the plant closer and exclaims, "It appears dormant or dead, can any of you tell if it is alive?"

"Should we not fear to face opponents again, I would try, but since there are renegades left, I'll postpone any attempt till we are out of this place! And we should discuss with your druids whatever happens. Between us and them, perhaps we'll pierce some of the secrets of these things!"

Perhaps we should take these with us, for further study?, said the elf, who then put the porous thing and the box in his bag for further examination.

Hearing, Ptellac's remarks about the clear water, Aryus curiously tastes a drop on his tongue. Since the taste is of pure clear water that the air cleric hasn't tasted since coming to the Tyr region, he drinks a few sips before putting down the container.

Aryus then turns to the two strange organic items. "You know, I once met a strange halfling in the north. He was not like the halflings of this land, strangely calm and intelligent. He had with him curious objects that resemble these items I see here. When asked, he said something about 'life...', ah I forgot. But something to do with using life to create objects."

Aryus then retrieves his arrows and bandages his wounds. Gripping tightly to his bow, he glances nervously around the room.

Another battle, it seemed to Chit-Zik, was still to be fought today. Hopefully it will finish this at long last. The Thri-Kreen knew he could survive little more. Chit-Zik bandages his new wound and then focuses on anyone else he can. He moves to the fallen halfling and retrieves his chatkchas. He cleans them again of a sentient being's blood. Something he never enjoys and knows he may have to do again.

Just when the group is wondering at these two findings and still checking the rest of the room, the strange primitive halfling image fades into view again. He looks at Tak in shock and awe and also surveys the dead halflings in the room. The image is not as vibrant as before and the quality of its movements seems hampered as if the halfling were sick or dying. It addresses Tak while ignoring everyone else, "Hurry Master, they have gotten into my brain and do not have good intentions. I am weak and will not be able to hold off much longer. You will have to complete the task and finish off the twins before they get away and cause more harm; they can be really dangerous to halflings all over if they are set free. I can answer a few questions before it is time for me to pass on…."

When the spectral halfling reappeared, Mendi looked at it with awe, and then listened carefully, restraining his desire to ask questions and waiting for Tak to deal with the thing.

Elric moves about the room with Mendi examining the remaining items. Pulling out a small pouch he gathers some of the powdered remains of the objects. Startled from his research by the appearance of the elder halfling Elric moves to stand by Tak. Gaigin stands by impassively as The Halfling spirit reappears, letting Tak' deal with his ancestor.

Tak’ respectfully bows to the halfling images fades into view, and concern is reflected on his face as he views the sick and slow nature of his fellow halflings movements.

"Tak’Nak’Raq will help you as he can. Tell me;" Tak’ starts speaking rapidly, concerned at the need for haste, "Where can we find the twins? And how do we defeat them? How do we regain the use of these long-lost life items? How can we help you? Are there others like you?"

The ancient halfling cringes as if in pain and slowly speaks, "The twins are…dormant and held captive…in the eastern wing of the building." The image doubles over in pain and covers his face with his hands. He faces Tak again lowering his hands and a trickle of blood shines on his chin. "The Twins must be killed, Master…use your life-dagger…." The halfling coughs up some more blood and continues, "As for me, I fear I have been dormant for…too long…you will have to… heal me…or …." The ancient master seems to have more energy and his image is bright again, "The living items are simple creatures, a detoxifier sponge-plant and a glow worm, I am afraid, they won't help you against the Twins."

Watching the exchange between Tak and the Elder closely, Elric steps forward with respect "How will we fight the twins? As was spoken in the past, Tak's dagger has the power to slay these twins. Though we are to be his shield that he may approach the twins we are sorely wounded. Is there a way to gain healing in this great structure?"

The ancient halfling does not seem to acknowledge Elric but continues speaking to Tak, "You must…" The image almost dissipates as a scream is heard from the walls themselves. The image fades away leaving the companions with the sight of the ancient halfling in dying pain.

Tak’ throws himself forward as the image disappears, clutching nothing but air as the strangled cry of the primitive halfling fades from the living chamber. Picking himself up off the ground, Tak’ turned to his companions, quickly outlining his plan.

"We now know where we are headed. It is likely all the remaining four halflings will be there, along with these ‘twins’. At least we will not be surprised, and may be able to surprise them."

"Hmmm... the ambush of the two archers proved that we could still be surprised...", the elf added.

Mendi continues, "At least our warriors are relatively unscathed, so we should be able to face the last renegades! Alas, I am weak now, I hope we'll meet them in a room where I can use this (patting his crossbow), for I wouldn't dare fight them physically in this state!"

The halfling continued, "Koreth, Elric, Rayne. Take the front rank. You three are capable of holding your own in hand to hand combat, and are the least wounded of us all. If you are pressed, those behind will move up to aid you. The rest of us will remain behind - either to strike from range, or to assist those in front."

"Aryus, Chit-Zik. You both have missile weapons, and are solely wounded. Stay clear if you can, but do not hesitate to act in the manner you see fit." Mendi," Tak’ turns to the elf, "I still have some of my strength remaining in the Will, but not enough to defeat any opponent by myself. We have bested a Tarek by joining forces, and perhaps we can once again; by joint efforts we can succeed."

"I will help you as much as I can, friend Tak, but I'm afraid my forces, either mental or physical, are sorely depleted! I'll throw my last reserves of Will into a fight if need be, but I wonder if we'd rather keep our strength for defense. This (showing his crossbow to Tak) should prove enough of a trouble for somebody willing to use the Way, however, I'll use what my teachers of the School of Thought taught me about Will contest to help us."

Tak then turns to the saurian, "Ptellac. You have traveled with us for a long way, and now once more we face danger. You and I, while wounded in body, are not as bad as our companions and we should both be ready to move forward if the need arises." The pterran nods silently as he grips Koreth's spear in his thin, clawed hands.

Mendi then looked among the other items if some of them could be salvaged and took those which could be used, and then checked his crossbow and prepared to follow the party in search of those mysterious twins and of the remaining renegades.

As they move along, Rayne attempts to avoid contact with the strange walls and even wishes there was a way to avoid the strange floors. <it's not right . . . get me out of this weirdness . . . I hope we help Tak complete his mission soon so we can leave this place far behind us . . . what I wouldn't give for the familiar surroundings of the Athas I know . . >

In preparation for the coming battle, Elric once move reaches out to the power about him. Drawing the mystic energies into a complex weave. The weave falls gently over Elric. As the weave pulses slightly, Elric begins to shrink, growing smaller with each passing second. The matrix of power fades leaving a Elric standing 4 foot 6 inches tall. Looking up with a grin, "Tired of hitting my head on these short ceilings. Also if we have to battle in the hall again I will be able to move in closer without having to elbow out someone else. If we get into a larger room, I can pop out in full size." Very pleased with himself, Elric heads to the door with a grin on his face.

FINAL BATTLE?

The companions head towards the eastern wing of the building curiously enough almost where they started from, right next to where they came in the building. The strange procession does not meet with any trouble and soon find themselves in a crowded, 5-feet wide hallway. They come upon the door that leads to the room with the miniature city inside. A quick look reveals that everything is in place, the large fist-sized sapphire still hanging in mid air acting as the strange sun. All of the sudden, the frightful cries that were heard when the halfling image last faded, are heard again but much stronger now. The wailing screams trail off into silence just as the unnatural lighting in the place flickers a few times. Everything turns pitch dark for a few moments and even the throbbing sounds issued forth from the walls grow steadily silent. Another cry is heard, this one much more humanoid as the lighting on the wall once again reappears…but much dimmer than before. The illumination is just enough to see by leaving everything in dark shadows; even the beating from the walls has restarted but uneven and irregular as if from a frightened bird.

The companions regard the double doors leading to the eastern wing of the living building. This portal, made of stronger thicker material than any other door they have passed by, stands open. The chamber beyond is gloomy dark and deathly quiet. It appears, however, that something is moving within its depths. The companions carefully enter the room ready for the worst. Large spheres of about 5-feet diameter fill this chamber that measures roughly 50 feet in diameter while still having the low roof that cursed the taller companions. Two of the large spheres seemed damaged; while the heroes peer cautiously into the shadows, the room is suddenly filled with a mad cackle imitating laughter.

Two amorphous blobs of gray matter rise into a vaguely humanoid shape before the heroes. For a moment, the shape of the halfling renegade leader within its depths can be seen, then it begins to shift and change shape before the heroes' eyes. Always fluid and moving, the blob forms one massive hammer-like fist that swings powerfully in empty air; its second appendage wields what seems to be a steel short sword, its steel blade softly glowing in the shadows. At the same time, the other blob-halfling forms one of its appendages into a hollow tube that crackles with electric energy. More mad laughter pours forth from both amorphous creatures as they close in towards the party…

Your actions…

OUT OF CHARACTER

HEALTH STATUS

Remember the scale:

Healthy (H) 100% hitpoints remaining

Slightly Wounded (SiW) 75% to 100% hitpoints remaining

Wounded (W) 50% to 75% hitpoints remaining

Seriously Wounded (SeW) 25% to 50% hitpoints remaining

Mortally Wounded (MW) 0% to 25% hitpoints remaining

Ptellac (W)

Ayrus (SeW)

Tak (W), (SeW) PSPs

Chit (SeW)

Koreth (SiW), (SeW) PSPs

Mendi (SeW), (SeW) PSPs

Elric (SiW)

Rayne (SiW), 0 PSPs

Gaigin (MW)

Gaigin will recover full hitpoints gradually in 5 days time notwithstanding any magical healing

Let's make this a good one. I will not hold back here but I promise to get you out into open air as soon as this is over.

Two rounds please and try and give some contingencies in case someone is down. Up to three characters may fight at close range with each blob.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KRISTA, I wish you the best.

Questions, comments, and suggestions please.

L8r,

Fabian