“Well, well… the prodigal daughter returns,” Yrlissa greeted Taenya with a warm smile, embracing her like a long lost sister. The companions had reached the Velarswood after three days of constant travel, by-passing Velarsburg shortly after high sun, to delve into the northern reaches of the forest; now, in early evening, the drow ranger had suddenly appeared on the trail in front of them. “I haven’t been gone all that long,” Taenya teased back, with an exaggerated pout. The two dark elves lead them along a barely discernable path for nearly an hour, until they entered a large clearing flanked by a tall, rocky hill. Near the center of the clearing was a circular area where the grass was obviously worn in the middle of which a was burnt patch that had apparently housed boon fires in the past. In one remote corner was an open air smithy, little more than a timber roof supported by stout pillars, cluttered with anvils, forges and an odd assortment of swords and armors. Opposite that was what looked like a summer kitchen, a similar open air structure with hearths and large tables, which looked to be the only furniture at the entire site. Barely visible in the foot of the hillside was a cave, whose mouth had been augmented by rough hued timbers hung with fur hides like curtains. Scattered about were a dozen or so drow women, some wearing armor while others in fairly common attire, but nothing about the entire place indicated it was a temple… it looked more like a permanent barbarian campsite. “Look whose finally returned,” Yrlissa called in a taunting tone as she and Taenya lead the others toward a pair of drow, one of whom was unusually tall and muscular for a dark elf, wearing armor and seemed to be presenting a remarkable looking bastard sword to the other, who appeared a little older than the rest, with extremely long, pale silvery hair, dressed in simple sheer white robe. Turning their attention to the approaching group, both of their faces lit with a honestly warm smile as they laid eyes on Taenya, the older woman throwing her arms out wide in welcome as she greeted her; “Taenya… we were all worried for your safety.” “There was no need… I’m quite well Myrymma,” Taenya replied almost sheepishly as she embraced the high priestess, while she looked affectionately toward the taller dark elf, then added, as she stepped back; “Although it could’ve easily been otherwise, if it hadn’t been Coran’s intervention,” gesturing to indicate the monk. “Myrymma Mithalvarin, high priestess of Eilistraee, and Deryth Straeth, master smith, allow me to present Coran Dundragon, monk of the Sun Soul school, Mistale Nightsong, bard of Harrowdale Town, and Rowan Tallstag, ranger of Mielikki, whom you may know from Velarsburg,” Taenya introduced her companions, motioning to each in turn. “Please… you must tell us of your journey,” the high priestess entreated, as she settled down on the grassy ground, Deryth, Yrlissa and Taenya following suit with out hesitation, so Coran, Mistale and Rowan did as well, and within seconds, nearly everyone in sight, who had been gathering around them since they reached the temple, had formed a semi-circle around them. Taking a deep breath, Taenya began to recount her adventures, finding herself amazed by all that had happened in less than two ten-days as she recalled each event; “As you know, despite the distance, I intended to see the Standing Stone on my Run, but I stumbled into a trap laid by a male drow and his dire wolf near the Halfaxe Trail while on my High Hunt… and would probably be either dead or his slave if Coran hadn’t rescued me. He chose to accompanied me, so we started down the Moonsea Run where we encountered a patrol from Mistledale lead by a paladin of Chauntea and captain of the Riders named Willow Amblecrown, who insisted on escorting us on our way to the Standing Stone, and then on to Ashabenford to meet with the High Councilor. When we reached the Standing Stone, we found it being vandalized by male drow. We were able to defeat them, capturing their leader a wizard named Adamar Yhendorn, and took him to Ashabenford after stopping at the militia post in Treesedge for the night.”