Immersive Ink

Helmut peers somewhat sheepishly from behind the wilting Highbough as the verbal storm subsides. Seeing Josiane's eyes of grey fire and persona positively radiating raw energy of Thuul, he is once again humbled.

He turns his head to Armando and whispers, "The laboratory, you said?"

Will have to keep an eye on this exchange though - superb stuff!

Wen suppresses a smile as the tensions rise. "I would be my pleasure to translate your words." He would quickly dig out his writing materials and set about the task. "Yes, Yes anyone in the field of view of the mirror when the Ring is activated is transported. We had only Highbough's silver dagger to return which is why the others are still there."

"Perhaps Josiane wishes to accompany us to the laboratory, or anywhere else on the premises?

"And as Wen transcribes your appeal to the Elves, might we not also ask of them a supply of mirrors — or indeed divulge to them the presence of the Ring?"

"Such intelligence is perhaps best delivered in person, friend Armando," replies Josiane, who is now rummaging determinedly through Wen's backpack; "Let Dorgan and his companions deliver it to the Southwatch in person. Our woes might well be added to if a written message were to be intercepted."

She shoots a rueful glance in the direction of her beloved owl and whispers a prayer to the Saint for his safety.

Then back to the task in hand.

"Friend Wen: A walking stick carved with the enigma of Thuul: Do you still possess such a thing? I would examine it if I may, and swiftly.

"And once that is done friend Armando, I will most happily accompany you to the laboratory, and then hence with all speed to the Ring. Friend Helmut; do you accompany us? We have friends to rescue..."

"My blade is yours, my Lady," replies Helmut with a nod of his head, quietly pleased that he is not suffering the barrage seemingly reserved for the ancient elf.

Wen looks up long enough to absently point to the staff amongst his belongings, completely unconcerned that Josiane is rummaging through his pack.

When he nears the end of his ask he says. "I may be able make a cryptic reference to what we have found that only Galliane could understand. That is we told her what we saw when we journeyed to the forest spirit. No one else has that knowledge, a careful short message could convey that there is portal to Alcazar here."

"That is a fascinating tale," remarks Ulric, puffing on his pipe a moment. "Find your mirrors, but I must insist we keep the sorcerous Ring a secret. It won't do for a host of Elves to descend upon us and take stewardship of the thing before we've had a good go at it ourselves!"

FYI--Wen and Highbough need not get a night's rest. Their return journey seemed to pass in an instant, but was equivalent to a full day rest. From here they could study their books and replenish their spells within an hour. If you wish it, the next hour can be taken up studying and searching for mirror-surfaces.

In that case Wen and Highbough should post what spells they wish to memorise. Josiane could remind me which spells she has memorised this day also!

And meanwhile I will post a summary of Armando and Helmut's search.

"Aha!" exclaims Josiane decisively, snatching up the walking stick and proceeding to examine it most diligently for any sign that it might have powers previously overlooked...

Josiane has memorised:

1st LEVEL:
The Supplication of Medicant Requite,
The Righteous Evangelist.

2nd LEVEL:
Hold Person,
Speak with Animals. (Already used to communicate with her owl.)

Highbough glares at Josiane, decides the argument is pointless and beneath his dignity, and turns his back with a theatrical swish of his cloak. The nameless Pilgrims scatter in the path of the imperious old Elf as Highbough finds a quiet nook to study his spellbooks. He is supremely confident in his own experience and abilities: he alone discovered the secret of the Ring, he alone survived unscathed a round-trip to Alcazar-world (being kind enough to give his obedient servant Wen a ride on his coat-tails), and he alone will memorize the spells that will be the key to success.

In other words, everything is going exactly to his plan. If they would just follow my lead, they wouldn't get me into so much trouble, he sighs with immortal weariness.

ways, I don't have access any more to the hidden thread. I remember declaring a list of spells that would be tactically useful for the retrieval/extraction mission, with Sixth Sense at the top. Would you mind taking a look for me please?

I searched through the hidden thread.

I see that Wen intended to memorise Detect Magic and Read Magic.

And Highbough intended to memorise Choke, Detect Evil, Hold Person, and Sixth Sense

I will assume this is still the plan...