#baronyofthesilverwolf

Citrine chimes scoldingly!

That was a sizzlingly naughty word!

"So that's Nocker for 'oh my god, it's full of stars'"

"No, the stars are in the ceiling, Gladiola." Art offers helpfully.

"Honestly, you're closer to them than any of us..."

"They're in here. Holy caterwauls."

"Yes, I was just saying, it's rather clever how he picked out the constellations within the underground chamber. I wonder if they move with the real movements of the heavens..." He peers up again.

In his defense, it is very pretty.

Gwen maintains her troll like demeanor

She reads!

Thistle can now decode the runes that are on the walls, and on his workspaces. She doesn't understand Caelan's entire script - some combinations are more esoteric or he made logical stretches she can't follow - it promises a glorious riddle for each one.

And if she understands them... how long until she can use them in her own alchemical experiments?

This is fascinating.

"Awww..." Art sighs as his cantrip fades. "He was just discussing how he linked the star patterns to the stone chps in the ceiling. "Well, what's behind the mystery door?"

"We can look!"

"Good going on finding that, Gwen." Art admires.

He peers curiously at Thistle, who is practically vibrating with her discovery, but waits for her to relate on her own time, clearly recognizing the overwhelming excitement as a rather exciteable sort himself.

Gwen says "Well, actually I ... well, you're welcome" Not sure what to say about the brainiacs of the group all abuz

"Onwards!"

"Onward it is" Gwen follows

They tromp down the pathway, which twists and turns.

It gets colder with each step, and soon Art's teeth are chattering, still wet from his dunking.

"Sorry, Art. Want my jacket?" Warm as it is this season, her 'jacket' is thin as hell but it's dry

"Y..y...yes please." He accepts it and strips off his sodden T-shirt, putting on the jacket instead. Oh, a glimpse of his perfect alabaster chest! Swoon!

Damn impressed despite herself

It does help though, and soon he is only shivering a little and not shaking with cold. A grateful smile to the troll.

"Anytime" She assures "you been working out?"

Thistle missed it!

She's forging ahead, watching for runes - if she sees the "light" sigil again, she'll activate it.

Gwen follows, squeezing if she needs to

A sharp corner is turned, and abruptly they are in a much wider, natural underground chamber.

When Thistle touches the sigil for light, light up it does...