"A simple escort," she said ...

[Zanan]

Before she leaves with Xune, Naedragard looks seductively at Zhadristan.
"There sure are many of my ilk who miss out on a lot, but rest assured, I do not and drinking and singing are the least of the joys I like to taste."
Turning about, she assumes the form of a drow female and stalks after the scout-priestess.

The two debate quite a while with the caravan leader - being closely watched by Szordrin, who obviously dislikes being seperated from Xune - before returning to the rest of the group. Xune explains that the caravan does indeed go to Sschindylryn and that she has struck a deal with the leader. You are welcome to accompany the treck, for mutual causes, in other words protection.

[Zanan]

Once you join the caravan - which is rather smallish but well protected - they set off again, moving steadily towards Sschindylryn's market place cavern.
Surprisingly, the five pack lizards are not that heavily loaded, but guarded by half a dozen war trolls and twice as many well-armed drow. Zhadristan spots the odd House insignia and he knows instantly that this group comes from Guallidurth. He does not spot anyone known to him, but a couple of females walk along with the group heavily cloaked.

Nothing happens during the first two days of travel, nothing the trolls cannot deal with anyway.

[Phaerven]

Zhadristan looks after Naedragard but only briefly.

With the caravan, he wears the hood of his piwafwi most of the time and rather avoids getting too close to anyone from the caravan.

[Zanan]

Despite your best efforts, you cannot get any information on the cargo. Most of the guards simply do not know while those who might have only superficial knowledge - and part with that very sparsely.too. The cloaked females take no note of Zhadristan, who finally discerns that they come from House Mauryn, which is not related to his family at all - neither as allies nor foes.

While travelling, Naedragard mind-contacts Zhadristan every now and then, at one point (while nodding at Sheiriya) asking: "While we were at 'tasting', did she ever make the impression to you that she can taste all that this world has to offer?"

[Phaerven]

"I cannot say", Zhadristan answers. "but I did not pay particular attention to that, especially not when I was still thinking she was drow. We had a drink or two, but I think it is a wise habit not to cloud one's mind too much."

[Zanan]

Zhadristan hears Naedragard chuckling in his mind: "I was not speaking of vintage or the like, but more worldy pleasures."

On the travel, Szrodrin has assumed the role of Xune's bodyguard again, much to the chagrin of the female. She's obviously more comfortable alone, something that hardly comes as a surprise for a member of the Dark Path.

[Phaerven]

"Oh", Zhadristan replies and has to struggle not to laugh aloud. Then as he thinks about the question, he sounds sickenend but also puzzeled when he answers. "Ah.. well.. I suppose so. I mean, why not, but.."

[Zanan]

The caravan stops in a large cavern after leaving the trade route. The scouts say that a volcanic area lies ahead of you and the tunnels you have to move through are sometimes filled with poisonous gases. They will check the tunnels and will let you know when it is safe. If that happens to be the case, swift movement will be required.
Xune, Szordrin in her trail, walks along with the caravan scouts.

[Sheiriya]

Sheiriya is relatively silent during the travel. She had hoped Naedragard would leave the group for the ritual and stays as far away as possible from her. One rest she asks Zhadristan, speaking directly to his mind."What is that between Naedragard and you? She seems to be interested in you. Don't forget she is a devil.

[Phaerven]

"It is nothing", Zhadristan assures her. "We just had a little conversation. I am sorry if I upset you, I did not mean to."

[Zanan]

The waiting in these caverns is disturbed by slight tremors in the surrounding stone, something no Underdark dweller likes. Those who take this route more often amongst the caravan guards tell you (if asked) that this is a normal occurance though. Some volcanic activity deep below you.

When the scouts finally get you all going, the make you haste through a network of tunnels which become increasingly warmer. The air is dry and sometimes you think you can even see it waver, obscuring your seight in some of the caverns you are passing by. As are a number of Underdark creature, who suffocated while trying to find their way through this maze. The travelling takes its toll on your nerves, but after an hour or so, you safely get to the safe side of that particluar part of the route. Soon, the air cools to a normal level and after a few more hours of work, you enter a large carvern  bustling with life. After getting your way past the guards, the caravan leader bides her farewell leads his lizards and trolls away. Xune tells you that this is one of the trade bazaars of Sschindylryn, a short distance away from the city itself. The latter, as you know, has no direct exit to the Underdark.

[Zanan]

Naedragard takes in the scene, humming a tune of which the occasional word can be heard ...

...
Voices ringing clear
Farewell from my kindred
And friends I love so dear,
And friends I love so dear.
Journey's at an end,
Journey's at an end.

[Zanan]

As Xune turns about to ask where you will want to go ... or maybe bide her farewell, she notices that Farviaan is already gone.

"Well, that's it then. There is a large portal in the centre of the bazaar which leads all paying customers to Sschindylryn. You will get better money and deals for your loot here though. I'll stay in the chapter house of the Dark Path near the Hurandaar exit of this cavern, for the next tenday or so. Just in case you need my or a guild member's services. MAy the Dark Mother guide your steps!"
With that she bows a little and stalks off towards the centre of bazaar cavern.

[Zanan]

"Well now," Naedragard says turning to Zhadristan. "Am I right to assume that you will go off enjoying a few tussles with your pe.. now?" She sizes up Sheiriya, showing no emotion whatsoever though. "Hmm ... I would. Till later, maybe ..."
Not waiting for an answer, she stalks off after Xune and into the bustling marketplace.

[Paval Thune]

Paval adjourns to a tavern for something to eat and drink.