Balefire was up and about at the first pale hint of dawn, wasting no movement and no time as he and the others made a quick breakfast and prepared for their departure. With no more barriers to using the Art, a few minor spells sufficed to gather their mounts and gear. The big warmage looked happier than any could remember, but his dusky face showed fierce determination as well, as he led off toward the erstwhile location of the citadel, now a greenery-lined lake. The aroma of growing things was in the air, and birds sang merrily in the moist breeze. It was as if the world had sought overnight to repair the desolation of centuries. Twilight voiced the others' question as she asked, "Do you really expect to find anyof the Werre, Milord? 'Tis hard to believe they could have survived." He marched on, not breaking his ground-eating strides as they climbed a small grassy rise. "The Werre are made of very tough material, swordsister, and I have a feeling about this. Not only do I think some have survived, but I think they are not over far from...Ho! Look there!" As they topped the rise, they saw the small group of survivors, tending their wounds, look up as the party approached. Battered and disheveled, there was no doubt that they had had a hard time of it, but also no doubt that they lived, and that without crippling wounds or injuries. "Cromm, K'tarin, Joran...and Loriella! Hail, comrades! Well met by dawnlight! 'Tis right pleased I am to find you hale and hearty, or as much so as can be expected. The others...?" Cromm spoke not, his headshake and expression serving him for words he cared not to utter. "You have my condolences, my friend," the scarred warmage rumbled, "they have become legends, and died to finish an ancient evil, and to save our world. All the Werre can be proud. I would hear the tale, when you would tell it." Looking around at the group of adventurers, the warmage raised his voice. "Now, comrades, I propose that we return to the Angry Porcupine, to regroup, refresh ourselves, and plan the end of our quest, the rescue of J'layah's sister. Darkflame...Tenaka..." Balefire chuckled, "Perhaps you would help with the teleportation? Can you open one of your Windows into the Procupine, or at least nearby? Or shall I attempt a mass teleport?" He looked at the gathered heroes and asked, "Will you all be joining us? I would value the chance to exchange tales, have a few ales, and enjoy your company for a few peaceful hours before we set out to return the stolen soul..." "Aye," Twilight snarled, "and depopulate the Assassins' Guild that held her soulless body."