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Things Heat Up - part 2

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Horock looked around, confused, seeing where he was. As he stepped out of the portal, he fell immediately to the ground, not used to transportation spells. All he could do was lay there, and try to figure out where he was and why. He had been transported back to the inn. However, he had no idea WHY he was back here once again. It had been a total surprise once again, and as he began to get up, if he wasn't pissed before, he sure was now. He had no idea what to do with himself. He sat up quietly, spotted Cogliostro, and began to get up, attempting to demand why he was once again here.

From her perch on a window ledge, Xull'rae heard the entire conversation clearly, hoping the others did as well. Being attune to magic as she was and graced with fine good hearing, a portal was set off, and Horock's voice was heard, which immediately made her jump soundlessly from the window and moved too quickly to be spotted by those in the warehouse at least. She scurried behind the next building, to get a better view of what was going on. It was there she saw Horock and the cloaked figure, being of one of extremely good memory she studied the "assailants" cloak to see if she could remember who wore it maybe the color, body language she was good at reading. It was a cloak of deepest blue hue, one she had viewed before, in the softly illuminated chamber which rested in the bowels of the Tower. She viewed it but once, however that was more than enough to remember the identity of the bearer.

His attention on Cogliostro at the moment, placing the new figure to his rear, Horock was as yet unaware of the figure, but should he turn, he too would recognize the figure, as he was attendant at said meeting as well.

Oh these two Rivven, the human and malaugrym are COMPLETE idiots! Underestimate drow would they? Well, hopefully they both get their asses kicked from this one, next time maybe they would listen to me more, She thought, but her only concern was Horock because she knew who the figure was and could guess what he was capable of and was not sure the Vhaeraunite could escape the danger he now faced.

Horock finally decides to take a look around. He turns his head takes an inventory of where is at.

The malaugrym was one with the shadows, and thus began to quietly stalk further within the warehouse, his staff hoisted up and over one shoulder, careful not to hit it against the various objects laying about, it would've been all too easy to leap out and start taking care of business. Though information was much juicer when they had an unnoticed audience.

"Fine time for you to slink off like a coward, Malaugrym," Cogliostro cursed softly under his breath as his thoughts raced upon a way out of the current predicament. The cloaked figure was now familiar to himself as well, and he knew better than to think he had a snowball's chance in hell of defeating the bearer right now. So, he'd have to play this by ear. "Horock, I'm going to assume you aren't here of your own volition. Just a little advice...stand down for the moment." His thoughts were given as to summoning his vaunted Moonblade, but he decided against it at the moment, as he would not initiate combat unless the cloaked one did so first.

Xull'rae on the other hand kept behind a building to keep her eye on the blue cloaked figure that was Malag’tel her mind racing on ways to get Horock out of harms way…just in case he couldn't on his own.

Horock heard a strange voice in his head, or thought it was in his head, though it sounded far away. Upon looking around, noticed that one of the drow from the meeting with the Shadow Sorcerer was behind him. He knew that he was in trouble at that exact moment. Instead of being stupid and shooting off his mouth, he slowly began to get up, making sure that the cloaked figure could see both of his hands, and that they were indeed empty. He did not want to appear threatening in any way, shape or form. He had no desire for his life to end. Once he reached his full height, he began to slowly and non-threateningly began to walk slowly away. He was looking around, trying to figure out if he had any allies here, and where here was exactly.

"No need to fret over my presence, human," a darkly humored chuckle emitted from beneath the cowl, "in fact, none of you, at this moment in time, a simple, off-handed wave was issued, both Drazoul and Alena appearing beside where Horock was now slowly walking in the aftermath, pulled from the once safe haven of the Inn without the slightest bit of effort, "have anything to fear me, at least not now. We are allies, are we not?" In a twisted way, he was correct. The cloaked one was an ally and ambassador of Shar, in relations with the Tower of the Masked Mage. That tied him to Xull'rae, Horock, and even the Malaugrym and Cogliostro through yet more relations. As for the other two, Alena and Drazoul, perhaps they had not caught on yet that he was the one who implemented them as "keyholders" some three centuries in the past. That was their tie to him. A bow was offered to all, the hood sliding back a tad as his head was lifted once again, the large, jagged scar which ran the width of his face evident for but a moment. It was soon concealed by virtue of the fact the skin upon that uncomely visage began to smolder when the sun's rays touched it. Quickly the hood was pulled back into its proper position.

A hint of smile graced the shadowy ones tiers as he saw the scene fold out, Szordrin didn't necessarily flee the scene, simply took a detour around it, but at the same time had a very nice vantage point as everything played out, though he didn't quite like what he heard, there was something going awfully astray, with that, his dull crimson orbs formed more of a squint, listening to what everyone else was to say in this situation.

The fact that all the Keyholders were now present did not escape her notice, but Xull’rae stayed where she was. She did not fear Malag'tel but she was smart and knew at this time she could do nothing to him, and wasn't even about to try. He was not like Cogliostro, She DID want to live a little longer, besides like it or not he was ally for now.

It took Drazoul a moment to digest the person who had a scar but he indeed realized who it was. This was the one who had destined his life to a quest that was not even his by choice. He would have attacked the scarred one but didn't for two reasons; if this was the one who had indirectly defeated the Malaugrym who was very powerful and second, Drazoul would most likely need him. He would die trying anyway, so he just stood alert.

As soon as Alena materialized, she looked around, disoriented. She spotted a scarred male drow, and looked at him in contempt. She did not know who he was, but her deep dislike for all males was definitely coming through. She looked all around the area, saw Drazoul standing next to her, and Horock, who she could kind of count as a friend, despite her feelings of superiority, she felt for him. She turned to the one that had spoken, and stood there, tapping her foot, waiting impatiently as to why she had been brought here.

Not caring that he intruded upon her thoughts, Cogliostro responded to Alena's unasked query. You are simply insurance, more or less. His gaze never left that of the blue-clad figure as he spoke to the cowled drow, "if you are not here to act against us, then why? Are you here simply to gloat?" It was also hypothesized that the vaunted Malag'tel was in need of information. Such as whether or not the "keys" were still in place, and whether or not the enchantments would still prove fruitful against the malaugrym.

Malag'tel replied smoothly, "no, actually, I have business to attend here. If you would all step aside, the one I seek is inside." Something akin to a cheerful smile flashed beneath the cowl's confines.

Xull'rae spoke up from her position, "I doubt it baldy. It's obvious why he's here…at least partially. Nice to see you again by the way blue eyes." She steps into full view, still swathed in her dark piwafwi cowled similar to him and her tone was courteous.

"Ah, Red, how pleasant to see you again," the smile was turned briefly in her direction, then he proceeded towards the entrance in which the malaugrym had disappeared, his stride casual.

Xull'rae continued speaking, "if you're looking for the group in there, one is left and if it's the orb you seek it's not here either."
She was being truthful in the hopes to distract him.

Malag'tel chuckled, he did like Xull'rae she was full of spirit. Who could not admire that? "Yes, I know. Thank you all the same."

Now that he could see he had some allies, Horock turned toward the others asking, "The the Hell are you talking about?"

The malaugrym was overconfident, yet not entirely foolish. However, he appeared at the very same doorway the cloaked figure was moving toward, the edge of the staff idly planting itself into the ground, his eyes were mere slits, truthfully, he could feel a certain power radiating from that one, something more fearsome then his own, which irritated him to no end.

"Ah, so they do speak...here I thought you had all become Mutes or cowards. That would never do." The smile faded as Cogliostro glanced first at Horock, then at Drazoul and Alena in turn as he walked by.

"Very well, only trying to help an ally. Xull'rae shrugs and steps away. Not in the least bit disappointed that it did not work, it was a halfhearted attempt on her part. She had no desire to work with him at all, but that did not say she would deliberately anger him.

Alena didn't really react to what was being said; she simply stood there, awestruck at Horock's apparent stupidity. While Drazoul kept calm and surveyed the whole scene more thinking of strategies in case the whole place went vicious.

For Cogliostro, there was silent frustration. A soft scowl settled upon his features for a moment once more, then he took it on faith that the venerable drow would have no real reason to kill the ones who held the enchantments, so his expression eased into a mere frown. When he caught sight of the malaugrym in the doorway, that frown actually curled into traces of a wry grin, thoughts of what may transpire creeping to the fore. As it stood, he could not see any reason to stand up for the malaugrym should worse come to worse. So, he would simply enjoy the show, if one were to be presented.

Despite the centuries of experience under his belt, and the fact he was one of the most powerful mortals in existence, there was an involuntary twitch which ran unnoticed through his form upon seeing the malaugrym. Even disguised in drowic form, Malag'tel could see the truth beneath, and all those years of tortured slavery at this malaugrym's hands had left their legacy. He quickly turned that twinge of loathing and momentary fear into the fuel for his anger and sense of vengeance. He came off as nothing but charming and friendly as he stopped but a few steps away from the malaugrym. Another involuntary movement had been made before he spoke, though, a light brushing of his fingers upon the scar which ran the breadth of his countenance. That too was part of the legacy, the wound received in the battle for freedom from the Malaugrym some eons back. Again, he allowed fear to pervert itself into something else, this time contempt. The Malaugrym should have made sure he was dead when that battle was over, "ah, so good to finally meet you Archmage Xarann. I have heard much praise of you at the Tower."

Xull'rae watched the two powerful mages, one drow and one posing as one, lock gazes. She bit back a sigh, loosing her edge and wanting to leave now before things exploded in a wave of arcane energy. "Well human if I'm not needed here would you be kind to teleport me back the inn perhaps? I do have better things to do than watch on oncoming fight…"

Despite the difference in power, Szordrin still came off cocky and otherwise dominate. His crimson orbs, which now glinted a yellowish tint turned to stare right into his adversary’s eyes, tiers curling into what would appear to be a smile as he responded in silky tones, "yes, my greatest task so far has been to baby-sit." Of course, that was full of sarcasm, but he continued, this time casual, "though, I will continue to offer my services, till their end is taken care of." He took one step off to the side, then begin to move toward his group, casting one last glance over his shoulder saying almost absently, "Nasty scar..." He didn't know for sure at first, who he was dealing with, but there were certain signs. He figured provocation was a feasible way to find things out.

"All I really want to do is to go home and rest and continue to prepare for my mission," Alena said with the smallest traces of anger evident in her voice. She knew why she was here, but she didn't want to be here right now. She scowled at the man, who she still did not know, and looked over at the bald one, and demanded, "If you don't need me here, would you kindly teleport me back to the inn? Thanks, I appreciate it." With that, she crossed her arms and looked at Cogliostro impatiently, waiting for him to let her go back so that she could continue to plan and plot her revenge.

Drazoul found some of this comical but he also was worried if the malaugrym killed the scarred one, would he would lose a serious lead to many unanswered questions? He turned towards Alena and Horock he respected their methods for answers but it would just not do in this situation. "Now, now, you drow show a little patience if you still want to have heads on your necks." He knew Horock would not get offended as Drazoul often teased him but he was truly curious to see if Alena would actually act in this open area where one sudden motion could be the end of you. But more so the feared Xull'rae, he knew she might get angry and if she did, he was dead. But how far could he push them how far could he play with the drow. Perhaps only time would tell. But he knew that these small outbursts would serve its purpose for he did not know much about either drowess who he was allied with and if he wanted to survive it was best to know their moves and motives.

Yes," Horock said, all that sarcasm in his voice that usually accompanied his demeanor, "I would love to be excused, that is if I am no longer needed," he said, looking at Malag'tel. He now knew who he was, and why they were all here. A part of him wanted to stay, but for some reason, he felt very... uneasy. He supposed that is what the word would be. He did not know why, but he did. He had not felt like this in, oh ages. He thought, why would a simple drow man make me have this huge feeling of unease? Is it because of how we are connected, through the seals? Or is it something deeper, something much more difficult to fathom and understand? He still looked around, a trifle nervous now, expecting to be attacked any moment. Oh well, he decided, he would be ready if he was attacked. "Yes, I would like to leave. I am going. I will see you all back at the inn. Draz, if you would like, you are more then welcome to come along." And, with that, he began to walk away, into the shadows, attempting to get away from this feeling of anxiousness that was troubling him so much.

"Boy do I know how to create a trend..." Xull'rae commented dryly. She was waiting on Cogliostro's reply still. The snake man would have to delve deeper to know "the Xull'rae's" moves, she was of the complicated and unpredictable sort…even now her mood had shifted again.

"Mm, yes, there is no reason for you to be here now, I believe your usefulness to the good Saer Blue-cloak is at an end." Cogliostro did not take his gaze from the malaugrym even once. "Take the road east, out of the city. Someone will meet you soon enough to make an extraction." The reply was intended for any who wished to depart.

Drazoul grinned as no response came from the drowess. He was pleased that his ally's were no fools when it was important matters. With that he followed after Horock without a word. Alena actually made a hasty move to keep up with the other two males without a backward glance. She was on the verge of running.

For a moment, Malag'tel's anger had almost gotten the better of him, but then he fought it down. HE was the superior now, not the malaugrym, and he would not let said creature of shadow think otherwise.

"Thank you, ta ta gentlemen…Do try to be civil...and remember its not like drow to kill each other so bluntly, even though I know you're not drow, Malaugrym, I know both of you are more creative…yes?" Xull'rae said in amused departure.

"True enough, Red," Malag’tel offered her a friendly wave and finished with, "at least I have proven creative down the years. Quite the trap I concocted. Too bad the insignificant bitch Mystra had to go and get herself killed back in the day; else the trap would still be in effect." Malag'tel never took his eyes off the malaugrym. One had to indeed wander at the drowess' motives with what she had just spoken, perhaps it was to avoid them killing each other for later use, perhaps it was to kill them both off by provoking them further, or even an honest truth to remind him of his roots. Whatever her reason, she truly started to leave the scene. Oh how he loved her line of thinking, he loved figuring out puzzles. He hoped he wouldn't have to kill her later.

"I made an agreement, and I will adhere to it, there will be no blood shed by me today, unless I am provoked to do so. My business lay elsewhere," with that said, Malag'tel turned towards them all and nodded his head, then spun back and entered the shadowy doorway. Before fully disappearing, he called back to the human. "You can keep the orb, by the way, study it or whatever. It is of little significance in and of itself. The purpose has been served." He had to chuckle at that, knowing the human would not be able to discern much of anything about it, as it was too infused with pure shadowstuff.

Pearly whites became visible as Szordrin began to make a fast stride in the opposite direction. He had held his pride for this very moment. His gaze swayed from the human, then around to the doorway awaiting. He wasn't totally without his devious plans, it only did take a matter of seconds, till he was fully satisfied that he was within the allowance. The set trap to spring to life, he didn't expect the demise of Malag'tel himself, aiming more along the lines of those within, or whatever he wanted in there, just to spite the more powerful foe. One attuned to magical properties would feel a tremendous surge of pure shadow-weave energy, yet there was also something overly vile about it, which made it all the more deadly. Now for the eye-candy, there was not only one, or two, but three delayed fireballs scattered throughout the inside, all blowing simultaneously for a rather potent explosion, ripples of purplish -- black energy cascading from the site, seemingly incinerating whatever was inside, and that was the least of it. Debris and rubble from the surrounding buildings began to crack and flew hazardously in the opposite direction, as the force behind the blast was just as powerful as the magic itself. When it was all said and done, there was little more then a smoldering crater left in his wake, and low and behold, the malaugrym himself had vanished, probably returning his home plane.

Xull'rae had stopped, seeing the malaugrym skitter off a few paces and that's all she saw next. Smoke filled the area now and a big crater size hole was in the ground. She sounded disappointed and, not in the least bit shaken that she nearly was blown up, "fireballs...always fireballs. Gods be damned fucking fireballs…what is creative about that? It's so over used you'd think lightening or acid would AT LEAST be different. Disappointed I am Malaugrym, totally disappointed..."

A scrutinizing gaze fell upon the malaugrym for a moment from Cogliostro, then he got the gist of the situation, that something big was about to happen. When it did happen, he barely had time to erect a barrier in front of himself and Xull'rae to stop any such debris and backlash from hitting them. He cursed softly whilst watching the scene unfold, and when naught was left but that smoldering crater, he glanced around, taking note that the malaugrym had slunk off yet again. "Mm, well, it is effective," he mentioned to Xull’rae. He too once had a penchant for fireballs in times not so long past. "At any rate, this is over with for now. I don't see Malag'tel either, but I'm sure he survived." He was a little off balance that she so calmly faced death just then without so much as a flicker of an eyelash. He faced death many times but never as still as what she just had displayed. He could tell she absolutely no fear when it came to death.

Xull'rae looked up at the force field, her face soft and lovely as she looked up. Her smile knew and that was all. "Thank you baldy I knew you would," she snickered and patted his arm, to say she found that funny but also possibly to say thanks but who really knew but her?

He gave her a look indicating that he indeed was not sure how to take it then he heaved a simple sigh outward, and turned to stride away after those who left already, heading eastward. "Yes he survived…to be sure he did...now shall we go?" Xull'rae asked as she kept pace with him when he moved.

It was then that Cogliostro took note that the blast crater was some three blocks in radius. A small "hmph" was issued, the only acknowledgment that he'd give to show he was impressed. Crunching through the still hot rubble and ash, he made sure to maintain the temperature beneath the drowess' feet to a comfortable and safe one. "Oh yes, that we shall. You and I have more business to discuss when you get the chance. Along the lines of what I mentioned earlier."

Xull'rae chuckled taking note the ground felt normal, when it should have been hot, but one thank you was enough as she said, "you mentioned many lines…I suppose I have time, I was just hoping to get a hot bath and some prayer in before I continue in my duties."

Cogliostro nodded and sounded almost wistful, "mm, a bath, that is a thought I'm not averse to right about now." He paused for a moment, wishing to purge worries and doubts about the future for now, allowing traces of a grin to etch themselves upon his features before continuing, "so, your place or mine?" He even nudged her suggestively.

"Yours of course, that way I can drain you of money." Xull'rae replied matter of factly. She did not seem the least bit concerned, in fact she seemed grimy, fussy and bored. She even let him nudge her, to which she elbowed him in the stomach.

"Ahh, an enterprising little one you are...." He grunted and huffed as she elbowed him none to gently, he was lucky he didn't get the dagger. He allowed a short chuckle to escape 'ere he summoned up the magic's to whisk them away.

Xull'rae's fading words were, "of course I can't believe you expected less!" Her snickering carried on the morning breeze as they disappeared.
Log 20 complete.
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