Chapter 5: Return to the Surface

Hunter rises from her seat. "Yes, I believe so," she says, and looks to the group to gauge their readiness.

Nodding to Hunter, Elfog will stand from his seat as well.

Mai'ngor also rises and nods.

I shrug. Sure, why not.

Ma'ngor hesitates, but hands over the sword-hilt that is Sinag.

Hunter's eyes take in the city as they travel the new route. Like yesterday, her wandering eyes do not take in the sights as a tourist, but rather determine access points and passageways. She may be older now, but the little urchin inside her still remembers how important it is to know where you're going.

When they reach the palace, Hunter unslings her crossbow and bolts, unsheathes the two daggers from within her robes, and hands all of them over to the guard. She tries to keep her staff, given to her by the kuo-toa.

Hardly paying attention to the route being taken as he takes in all of the sights that the city has to offer Elfog is almost disappointed when the group reaches its destination.

Not terribly happy with the idea of giving up his weapons he nonetheless hands Tolvihar and his throwing dagger over to the guards.

"Sorry 'bout the blood" he says, realizing he hasn't cleaned his weapons in some time.

I hand over my weapons easily. It's not like I need them. I can defend myself just fine.

Hunter samples the tea, waiting patiently. She savors one of the few opportunities where there is nothing immediate requiring their attention, happy to have a peaceful moment. "I think, for the first time, I'm quite happy to not look over my shoulder every five feet," she says aloud. "This city undoubtedly has its dangers, but compared to the constant threat of the Underdark even without the abyssal..."

She looks to Sarith and Xeliss. "I have to compliment you two for surviving in such a harsh and unforgiving environment. And with such a positive outlook."

"I am Hunter," she says, standing to greet the Magister. "Thank you for your time, m'lord. Myself and my companions," here she indicates the others in the room with and open hand, "have recently arrived from an... involuntary stay in the Underdark. What we have witnessed during our escape may pose a danger to everyone, including those on the surface."

"Demons. She's talking about demons. Name's Xeliss. I lived down there my whole life and never saw demons like that before. Can't be good. "

Hunter holds her hand out, palm up. "We have seen a few of the minor creatures from the Abyss," she begins, conjuring up a small, still image of a vrock that stands on her palm. "It was fortunate for us that they were more interested in our captors, which facilitated our escape. Our friend here was imprisoned with us, and working together we fled from that place." She gives a nod to Sarith, hoping the gesture is enough to signify to Danforth the drow's contributions to the group's survival.

"But while escaping through the Underdark, we happened upon a kuo-toa city when the Prince of Demons appeared." The vrock changes into the form of Demogorgon rising from the lake, the memory of such causing visible shudders through Hunter's body.

"We fled, and found temporary respite with the svirfneblin. There we learned of the appearance of the Lord of Slimes and the Queen of Fungi, though we did not bear witness to their physical forms. We battled against the Faceless Lord's representative in order to help the svirfneblin and came away victorious, but I know not whether that has diminished its influence." Now the image of Demogorgon is replaced by the last visage of the Pudding King, along with his oozes.

Hunter waves away the small images. "We found our way to the surface, and discovered we were near your city. We felt you ought to know."

"Yes," nods Hunter, giving a curtsey. "I at the very least will be more than happy to lend whatever assistance I can afford. We are staying at the Silver Flagon... um, so long as our funds manage to last, that is. But, I'm sure if we have to relocate we will make every effort to let you know."