Well today is the day I almost died.  Worst of all I nearly got Melinda killed.  The day started out our normal run of bad luck, but I am afraid that I will hurt someone with my own personal problem with the force of balance.  I can't even seem to be able to keep my shirt on these days!  But that's neither here nor there, it's Melinda I am worried about.  We haven't even had a chance to sleep yet, and I have put her life in danger more times than this tired brain can count.  I don't know what it is about her, its this connection I have with her, but I just couldn't stand to let anything happen to her.  I need to talk to her, she needs to be safe and far away from me, or else it will me more than just the lava, the germans, and this damn war that she will need to be safe from....  The Covington Bad Luck!

Janice packs up the scrolls neatly in one sack, and her belongings in the other - she slings both rucksacks around her shoulders, "Hump!"
[Narrator]: The Noonday sun settles on our heroes shoulders...
[Melinda]: "So...are we going to head north now, Janice?"
Janice shifts the pack to look at Mel, "Yeah, North."
[Narrator]: A warm breeze blows through the leaves of the trees
Melinda stands up "Well lets get a goin then.", she looks around at everyone
Janice leads the party North, teetering a bit still under the weight.
Melinda hums to herself
Janice hacks at the overgrown foliage
[Narrator]: As Helena leans over to pick up her sack...she looks up and sees a pair of shoes sticking out from a shrub
Helena blinks. "Hey!"
[Melinda]: "I hope we don't have that far to go.  My feet are killing me, Janice.  I like my heels better."
Janice stops in her tracks and turns around
Helena motions frantically at a bush
Melinda turns to look at Helena, "What is it?"
Helena points at the shoes
Janice walks back down the path to Helena
[Janice]: "Stay behind me Mel."
Trent moves away quickly.
Melinda stares at the shoes "Ok Janice."
Helena backs away slightly
Janice pulls out her gun.
Melinda backs up a bit
[Janice]: "Right!  Come out!"
Trent trying desperately to sneak away.
Janice drops the rucksacks to the ground and dives into the bush
[Melinda]: "Who on heavens sakes is that?
Trent falls on his face. "Whoa!"
Melinda picks up the rucksacks "Oh my this IS heavy."
Helena pushes the leaves out of the way
Janice lands on top of the man, she cocks her hat back on her forehead
[Trent]: "Oof!"
[Melinda]: "Be careful Janice."
[Helena]: "Who is it??"
[Trent]: "Mmmrphhrmmm..."
Melinda slowly walks over to where Janice and the man is.
Helena follows Mel
[Narrator]: Everyone sees Janice sitting atop a similar dressed man
Janice straddles the man, trying to pun his arms to his sides. "Who are you?"
Trent spits out some grass and leaves... "Trent, my name is Trent!"
Helena takes a good look at the man
Janice Smiles, "Okay Trent, what are you doing here?"
Helena folds her arms
[Melinda]: "Why were you in the bushes Trent?"
[Trent]: "Nothing, I swear..."
Melinda arches a brow at the man
[Janice]: "Children swear Trent... the truth now."
[Helena]: "Mmm Hmm..."
Trent sighs heavily, perhaps more heavily because someone's sitting on him.
Janice cocks her gun and touches it to the mans neck.
Melinda puts down the sack and thinks "That thing is too heavy."
[Narrator]: Trent feels cold steel against his neck
Janice thinks she should have blown on it first
[Trent]: "Listen, I was in this bar last night, and I overheard some people talking about an artifact, so I trailed them, and they happened to be you, I think...look, no need to be harsh..."
[Janice]: "I wasn't in a bar last night Trent."
Melinda thinks, 'That's Janice alright, harsh.'
Janice shifts her weight a bit and lifts up so he can lay comfortable on his back. "I wish I was in a bar though." Janice holds the gun to his nose and gets comfortable on his stomach.
 [Trent]: "Look, maybe it was a couple a nights ago, look, could you put the...uh...gun down now?"  Trent looks obviously nervous...
 [Melinda]: "Oh... um... Janice" and taps her on the shoulder
Janice holsters her gun and crosses her arms and looks now at him, "You do look familiar, you remind me of someone though."
[Melinda]: "I remember seeing him at the bar."
[Trent]: "Yeah, I get that a lot..."
Janice looks back at Mel,  "Me too Mel, I also think I saw him somewhere else."
[Melinda]: "I think I even smiled at him.  He was the nicest one in there." Melinda smiles at Trent
[Helena]: "That's saying a lot.."
[Janice]: "That doesn't surprise me Mel."
[Trent]: "The confidence is reassuring, look, I've got this huge rock right about my kidney..."
[Melinda]: "Mmph." and turns away.
[Janice]: "Sorry!" Janice stands and helps him up. "So tell me Trent, why did you follow us?"
Melinda walks over to a log and sits down
Trent stands and dusts himself off a little, "Well, I'm a bit of a historian, you'd say..."
Helena stares at Trent..
Janice looks him over, "Do tell..." ...brown leather hat, matching jacket... he sure does remind her of someone
[Trent]: "Yeah, and when I heard that you were looking for an artifact, I thought I might be able to, um, help?"
Helena looks like she's deep in thought
[Janice]: "So what is it that you do Trent?  We plan on digging up this artifact.  We have enough workers for that."
Janice glances at Mel, and cocks an eyebrow at her
Melinda is watching the others then turns away when Janice looks at  her
[Trent]: "What is it that I do? Uh, well, heh, I dunno, I thought I might be able to, uh," glances around somewhat nervously, "help you identify it, place it historically..."  Trent nods confidently...
Helena snickers a little
Janice looks back at Mel, letting a thought linger then fade... "So Trent what you really want is.." - puts her arm around his shoulder and walked him back to the logs... "...is part of our pay right?" she giggles and smiles at him
Melinda stands up "Well Trent, welcome to the group." and looks at Janice, "Janice Covington!  I can't believe you just said that."
[Trent]: "Uh, well, the thought had crossed my mind, but I'm more interested in the historical value..."  Trent nods and smiles weakly.
Helena raises her eyebrows..
[Janice]: "So you want to lay claim to it then?" she offers him a cigar.
Melinda smiles at Trent "Now Janice you be nice to him." and raises a brow to Janice.
Janice smiles at Melinda
Trent takes the cigar, "Thank you, uh, no, by no means. I'm not looking for museum pieces or anything..."
 [Janice]: "What are you looking fro Trent?" she lights it for him
[Trent]: "Let's just say that I'm interested in ancient history, is all..."
Janice giggles at Mel, why does she look jealous? she thinks
 [Melinda]: "I say we get goin.  Trent you can tell us all bout yourself on the way."
Trent finds a seat somewhere, rubbing his aching back...
Janice pulls her pack on her shoulder and tucks its valuable contents behind her arm, "Really, a bit of a collector you might say?"
[Trent]: "Uh, yeah, sort of, I don't really collect much. As I said, it's a, uh, personal interest..."  Trent stands and stretches out his back...
Janice lights a cigar and rolls it around between her lips until she finds a comfortable spot in her mouth before continuing.  "Personal in what way?  Is it something near and dear to your heart?  Or just your wallet?"
Melinda glances at Janice then back at Trent
Janice looks at Melinda, "Mel looks like you have competition here."
[Melinda]: "Now I don't think Trent here is interesting in just money.  Are you Trent?" and looks at him
Trent walks around slowly, "Hmm? Oh, well, I'd be lying if I said the money didn't interest me, but, I really am interested in the history, ancient text, writings, etc..."
[Janice]: "So you can READ ancient text?" she smiles, not a pleasant smile.
Melinda eyes the sack
[Trent]: "Well, a little, yeah, not too well, but I get along..."
Janice smiles and pulls out a scroll, she opens it and glances at it trying to figure out the title
Trent peers over, interested.
Janice she shrugs and hands it to Trent
Helena eyes the scroll
Trent takes the scroll, "Thanks..." He sits back down...
[Janice]: "Go one, read that" Janice eyes Mel.
Melinda stares at Trent
Trent looks up for a moment, then studies the scroll.
Janice turns to Melinda "Oh you don't mind do you Mel?  I mean if both of you can read it, well then that just means I can find the cheapest one to translate it right?"
Helena barks out a laugh
Janice smiles warmly at Mel with a look about her suggesting to say, not to exclude you, of course.
Melinda shrugs  "I guess you have a point, Janice."
Janice squeezes Mel's hand and smiles, "Thanks I knew you would under..." she pauses and lowers her voice to a whisper forgetting Trent was right there, "...stand."  She turns her attention back to Trent who is studying the scroll.
[Helena]: "Got it yet, Trent?" Helena gives him a long look...
Melinda walks around and is now standing beside him
Smithers looks at the scroll too.
Janice jumps as Smithers walks up by her, "I didn't see you there"
[Melinda]: "Same with me Janice.  I had no idea he was there."
Janice taps her foot at Trent, "You can't read it can you?"
[Trent]: "Just a second, uh...I'm having a little trouble..."
Janice glances at Mel
Smithers pulling out some branches off of his close... "You like that... huh... "
[Trent]: "That and I'm feeling a little light headed after that fall I took..."
 [Helena]: "Mmmm Hmmm...."
Trent scans the scroll confidently...
Helena seems to be studying Trent's face....
[Trent]: "Alright, the title says 'The Quest...'"
Janice leans down to Trent's shoulder and lays her arm over it, putting some weight on his sore back "Now now Mr. Worthington what else does it say?"
Trent scans the rest of the scroll with interest... "Well, it, uh, seems to be a story..."
Janice rolls the cigar around her mouth and blows smoke to her right "It usually is"
Melinda looks at the scroll again
Janice leans on Trent some more, she glances at Mel, "Is that Right Mel?
[Narrator]: Are heroes sit and contemplate the scroll before them
Helena looks at Trent some more
[Trent]: "Well, uh, it seems that it's a story about uh, Gabrielle and Autolycus..."
[Melinda]: "Um...yes it is."
Janice eyes widen
[Helena]: "Autol-what?"
[Janice]: "Gabrielle?"
[Helena]: "How many people are in these scrolls?"
[Trent]: "Hey, I'm just reading here..."
Melinda nods "Oh I think that were many people.. Gods, warlords..."
[Trent]: "Autolycus, you know, king of thieves guy..."
Melinda smiles and reads the scroll more
[Helena]: "Hmm. Never heard of any of them.."
[Janice]: "No we don't know him, do we Mel?" she shrugs her shoulders, "Read more, I must know more about Gabrielle."
[Melinda]: "Oh dear." and holds her hand up to her bosoms.
Trent pauses, "Never mind, anyway, um..." continues scanning scroll...
Melinda looking at the scroll
[Janice]: "What is it Mel?"
[Melinda]: "Says here that Xena is dead."
[Janice]: "Where?  How did she die?"
[Trent]: "Uh, yeah, must have skipped that part...heh..."
Melinda looks up to Janice then back down to the scroll. "Um.."
[Janice]: "Mel, how?"
[Melinda]: "I really doesn't say, Janice.  It must be in other scroll."
[Janice]: "What does it say after it, why is Gabrielle writing about herself?"
[Trent]: "Anyway, it seems like Gabrielle's taking Xena to Amphipolous..."
[Melinda]: "Um... because she trying to get ambrosia to give to Xena?"
Janice looks puzzled, "The food of the gods?"
Melinda looks up at Trent, she nods "Yes I think that's it."
[Helena]: "I've never heard any of these legends before.."
Trent smiles slightly, shrugs, and goes back to the scroll...
[Melinda]: "Something about it will bring her back to life..."
[Janice]: "Well you wouldn't we only JUST found them, Helena."
[Helena]: "Well, except ambrosia of course.."
[Trent]: "Anyway, they're attacked by a group of amazons...and they take Xena's body to burn it..."
[Janice]: "Do they find it, Mel?"
[Trent]: "The amazons, that is..."
[Janice]: "Amazons attacked Gabrielle?" smiles, "She must have ticked them off."
Helena leans against a tree and listens
Melinda looks at Trent "Oh I'm sorry.... ya'll go right ahead and translate that. I'll be quiet." and smiles
Trent continues reading, "No wait, they're talking...", he looks back at Mel, "Yeah, uh, thanks..."
Melinda looking at the scroll and starts to giggle
[Janice]: "What are they saying?" she looks up at Melinda, he eyes a blazed with excitement, she would bounce around if it wouldn't look so silly."
Melinda shakes her head and covers her mouth with her hand and whispers "They didn't."
Janice stops and whispers, "Didn't what?"
Trent blinks and shakes his head, "The amazons decide that they want to burn Xena's body over a pyre, in honor. Gabrielle respects the request, and goes to the camp to think about it."
Melinda points to the scroll "Have you gotten to that part yet, Trent?", she sighs "I usually just skim through it."
[Trent]: "Would you people hush, I'm trying to read here?"
Janice wishes she could read the goddamned thing. "Okay, I know this might be a struggle for you, but could someone tell me.."
[Melinda]: "Now Janice calm down." and smiles to her
[Trent]: "Anyway, at the same time, Xena's spirit inhabits the body of Autolycus..."
Melinda giggles
Trent sighs and skims a bit...
Melinda looks back to the top of the scroll
Janice looks at Melinda to take over, she can't stand it anymore.
[Melinda]: "Oh Janice.  Gabriella becomes the Amazon Queen!! I must have missed that part."
Janice drops the cigar out of her mouth.
[Melinda]: "She's the queen of the Amazons!" Melinda looks back at the scroll "And.."
Trent glances over shoulder, looks back, "Here, take this..." and hands the scroll over...
Janice is speechless and can't breath too well
Melinda shakes her head to Trent "Oh I'm sorry Trent." and pushes the scroll back to him.
[Melinda]: "Ya'll go right ahead."
[Trent]: "Thanks..."
Janice takes the scroll "Would SOMEONE tell me how this happened!"
[Melinda]: "Seems as thou someone named Velasca was pretty mad about that too."
[Trent]: "Anyway, Gabrielle becomes the Amazon queen and then...hey..."
Janice is in shock and holds the scroll out
Melinda holds her hand to her mouth to help her be quiet
[Janice]: "Velasca?  Isn't that a pickle, Mel?
Trent sighs and leans back against a tree...
Janice hands the scroll to Mel and asks her silently to read it...
Melinda shrugs to Janice
Helena sits down against her tree and keeps listening
Janice looks around for her cigar on the grass
[Melinda]: "Well... it seems that Queen Melosa died.  And Gabrielle was next in line to became queen."
Trent rolls his eyes and starts rummaging through his pockets, listening at the same time.
[Janice]: "Wait how can Gabrielle be next in line, she isn't an amazon, Mel."
[Helena]: "Umm, not to spoil this, but don't we have a job to do here?"
Janice looks menacingly at Helena
[Melinda]: "Janice.  I'm just reading what I see in front of me, dear."
[Janice]: "Yeah and we are doing it.  Go on Mel."
Helena shrinks down at that look
Trent looks up and listens...
[Helena]: "Good grief.." she murmurs
[Melinda]: "Well anyway..... Xena possesses Autolycus body to help her get her body back before they burn it. Which he... er... she does."
Janice starts to pace at all the new found information, Gabrielle outlives Xena and becomes the Queen of the Amazons...
Trent listens closer at the mention of Autolycus...
Melinda looks at the scroll again, and scrolls down the scroll
Janice paces and starts smiling
Melinda and starts to giggle again
Helena plays with a leaf
Janice looks up at Mel, "What now?"
[Narrator]: The noon day sun passes slowly overhead
[Melinda]: "I'm trying to figure out who kissed who."
Janice stops
Trent raises an eyebrow...
Melinda giggles again
[Helena]: "Huh?"
[Smithers]: "Huh?"
[Janice]: "Autolycus and Gabrielle?"
[Melinda]: "Sort of... but I think it was really Xena.  Well see here." and points to the scroll.
Janice rolls her eyes, "I cant read that Mel."
[Melinda]: "Oh that's right."
[Janice]: "Autolycus kissed Xena?  Xena's alive?"
[Melinda]: "No no... Xena in Autolycus' body kissed Gabrielle."
Helena smirks
Janice lost her cigar again
[Melinda]: "Oh.. sorry.  I skipped ahead again."
Janice eyebrows disappeared under her hat
[Melinda]: "I need to sit down."
[Janice]: "W..w..why...why w.." she can't seem find her voice.
Melinda walks over the a log
Janice falls down on her butt
Trent looks at everyone individually...
Helena looks back at Trent
Melinda holding up the scroll "Trent... you read the rest."
Janice crawls over to Mel and the scroll, "What's going on Mel?"
Trent looks at Mel, "Oh no, you were doing fine..."
[Melinda]: "Janice.  That scroll is just too much for me to read."
[Janice]: "What's happening, why would they... what happened..."
[Melinda]: "I mean Gabrielle being a queen.  Xena being dead.  Autolycus possessed with Xena in him."
[Janice]: "I got that much" she looks at the scroll, "What did you skip?"
Melinda shakes her head "What on heavens sake was going on back then?"
Janice puts a hand on Melinda's wrist to steady it, "Mel it's okay, maybe you misunderstood."
Melinda looks at the scroll again. "I think I got all the most interesting parts."
Trent walks over and looks at the scroll over Mel's shoulder...
Melinda fans herself.
Janice thinks a minute, "Do you remember that scroll we just read earlier, Mel?  The one where they are reincarnated or something?"
[Narrator]: Shadows creep across the forest floor, as small birds chirp above you all
[Melinda]: "Um, yes." and looks at Janice
Helena looks up... "Were wasting time here.."
Trent looks up at Helena, then at Janice...
Janice can not believe she is about to say this... she draws in a breath and tries not to sigh, forgive me conscience she thinks to herself.  "Maybe they know they are past lovers and their souls are reunited or something."
Melinda looks like she is about to faint
Trent does a double take...
[Melinda]: "What?" and fans herself
Helena smirks again
Janice shrugs, "It's an idea."
[Trent]: "I'll say it is..."
[Melinda]: "Oh my Janice.  That's a bit much don't you think?  But... Xena and Gabrielle?" and raises a brow to Janice.
[Janice]: "I know you have lived a sheltered life Melinda, but sometimes people find love where they can."  Janice bites her lip for fear of saying more.
Melinda fans herself some more "Maybe Trent should have just read that and not me."
[Janice]: "You still would have heard it Mel."  Janice eyebrows have yet to come down from out of her hat, she pulls her hat back and rubs her temples, "They're my ancestors too Mel."
Melinda looks around at everyone "Well now... that was a story, wasn't it?"
Trent raises an eyebrow, "Your ancestors?"
Janice giggles knowing that Melinda is probably thinking more about her reputation than anything.
Melinda looks up at Trent "Um, well, yes they are."
Helena looks up. "But these are _obviously_ just legends."
[Trent]: "Hmm, now, that's interesting..."
Janice smiles at Trent, "Yes, I am descended... " she stands up proud, "Of Gabrielle, Queen of the Amazons."
Melinda smiles at Janice's comment
Helena bursts out laughing at that
Trent nods slowly, "Uh yeah, alright..."
Janice puts her hand out to Mel to help her up, "Come on Mel, lets go."
[Melinda]: "See Janice?  I told you, you would be proud to be her descendant of hers."
Helena is helplessly still laughing
Janice stops and looks at Mel sad, "But now you're not proud anymore, are you Mel?"
[Melinda]: "Told ya all we had to do was read some more scrolls."
Melinda tries to smile "Of course I am Janice."
Janice squints at Mel, "No you're not, cause now the grand Pappa's name has a skeleton in their closet."
Melinda tries to hold her head up "That's not true."
Trent slips away from the two of them quietly...
[Helena]: "heheheh... alright, are we...heheheh... done yet?" she gasps for breath
Janice packs up the scroll and pulls both packs back up on her strong shoulders, "Yes it is Mel, I can tell in your eyes it is." she says without looking at her.
[Melinda]: "I'm very proud to say that I'm a descendant to Xena's"
[Helena]: That just starts Helena laughing again
Janice ignore Helena some more
Melinda pushes up her glasses and eyes Helena
Helena is doubled over
Trent walks away thinking, 'What have I just gotten myself into?'
Janice can't ignore Helena now, she walks over to her, "So what's so funny?"
Melinda squints her eyes "And just what are you laughin at?"
[Helena]: "Oh no, your majesty... hehehehehe.." Helena covers her mouth and attempts to stop laughing
Melinda turns her head "Janice... lets just head north."
Trent blinks and looks at Helena, "Hey, there's nothing wrong with being proud of your heritage, now, come on, let's get going..."
Janice grabs Helena's arm and 'helps' her up, "You know I never invited you to come along, and as far as I am concerned you can stay here!"
[Helena]: "I, hey, watch it!"
[Melinda]: "Janice, please."
[Trent]: "Whoa, hey, ladies..."
Janice sighs, "Okay, for once I will leave it alone.." she turns to walk away releasing Helena...
[Janice]: "But JUST this once!" she looks back
Helena rubs her arm
[Melinda]: "Thank ya." and smiles at Janice
Janice teeters with the packs and heads North
Melinda follows behind her
[Janice]: "Forget it Melinda, I'm in a good mood - and even Jack back there can't spoil it."
[Helena]: "Good grief.." she mutters.. "They ARE crazy!"
Melinda turns around "I heard that."
Trent looks around for a moment, and walks off north.
[Helena]: "Queen of the Amazons indeed.."
[Narrator]: Janice as always ..takes the lead ahead of the others...clearing a path with her machete
Helena follows them, keeping a good distance from Janice
Melinda turns around again and stop "Look here missy.  If I hear you say one more thing bout Gabrielle being a queen.... I... I just might have to.... to... " and just stares at her
Janice can't contain her smile, its all too good to be true.
Trent stops and sighs...
Jack who was just standing about taking it all in stands at the back
Helena raises and eyebrow, and says nothing
Melinda turns around again and starts to walk after Janice.
Janice smiles hearing Melinda, "Nice to hear you defending Gabrielle, even if she's a, you know..."
[Jack]: "I'm uh going to wait back here for that BigRod guy...uh...we'll catch up with the porters!"
Janice smiles, her luck has finally changed, "FINE!" she calls back top Jack
Trent waves to Jack, "It was nice meeting you, uh, well, sorta!"
Melinda shrugs
Helena ignores him
Melinda sighs and seems to be thinking.
Jack makes a face at Janice....then turns to head back to the makeshift stop over
Janice smiles at Melinda's sigh, 'good that's got her thinking' she says to herself
[Smithers]: "I'll stay here with Jack...."
Jack waves behind his back "See you guys soon!"
Melinda doesn't hear Jack
Janice thinks 'Melinda doesn't hear Jack... she MUST be upset'
Trent mumbles to himself...
Smithers turns and heads down the trail with Jack
Janice is starting to boil in her jacket, and the two packs, while cutting a path for the rest.
Helena rolls her eyes and quietly mumbles something about lunatics for a while
Melinda seems to still be think to herself
Janice stops and drops the sacks to the ground
Trent stops, "Need help with those?"
Melinda keeps walking and doesn't see Janice stop
Helena stops, keeping her distance
Melinda looks up "Where?" and turns around
Janice bends over to pick up the sack after taking off her jacket
Melinda stops walking
Janice picks up the sacks and slings the scrolls over her should and throws the supply pack to Trent, "Yeah take this one"Trent catches it somewhat clumsily, "Oof..."
Janice rolls up her sleeve, letting her muscular forearms breath a little, she continues north
Trent wrestles with the sack for a moment before slinging it over his shoulder and trudging onward.
Melinda watches Janice pass her and mutters something to herself
Helena continues after them
Janice stops and looks back at Mel, "What?"
[Melinda]: "Um Janice." and tries to catch up with her.  "Could I see that scroll again? I can translate it while we walk." and smiles
Janice sighs holding in a smile trying to look upset with her, "Which one?"
Trent sighs and holds up, "This thing isn't getting any lighter..."
[Melinda]: "The one I just read back there."
Helena picks up a big stick to use as a staff
Janice rolls her eyes at Mel, still holding back that grin, "I will have to find out which one it is, Mel."
[Melinda]: "Oh... then I can just wait till we get there then." and sighs
Trent drops the sack and stands with his hands on his hips.
Janice stops and digs through the sack, taking that moment to take off her shirt and tie it around her waist (still wearing that tank top)
[Melinda]: "It's ok... I was just wondering something." Melinda looks down at Janice
[Janice]: "Here Mel, it's here" (on top where she left it just in case)
Melinda takes the scroll "Thank ya." and smiles.Melinda starts to walk and unroll the scroll at the same time
Janice continues North, feeling cooler than before
Helena swings her staff around
Trent heaves up the sack and continues walking, eyeing both Mel and Janice...
Helena follows them
 [Narrator]: A slight breeze blows from the north causing leaves to rustle
Helena eyes Trent
Janice sighs felling the light breeze on her tanned skin
Melinda mumbles something to herself
Trent starts unconsciously whistling.
Janice tries to move as much out of Mel's way so she doesn't trip and rip the scroll
Melinda smiles then shakes her head
Helena wipes her forehead with the back of her hand
Janice eyes Melinda from time to time grinning, "So Mel, what have you found?"
Melinda rolls up the scroll and mumbles "That's what I thought."
[Melinda]: "Uh?  Oh.. um... just checking something." and hands the scroll back to Janice.
[Janice]: "And that would be?"
Helena slows...she turns behind her
Trent sighs.
[Melinda]: "Um... well... Can we talk about it later?" and smiles "It's nothing really."
Helena shushes Trent
Janice puts the scroll back in the pack and moves more shrubbery away down the path
[Trent]: "What?"
[Janice]: "Only if you promise we can talk later."
Melinda nods to Janice
[Helena]: "Thought I heard something.."
Trent looks around...
Melinda doesn't hear Helena and keeps walking
[Trent]: "Think it might be amazons looking for their queen?"
Janice leads North
Helena covers her mouth to keep from laughing
[Janice]: "So Mel, did Xena ever get her body back?"
[Helena]: "Hmm, don't see anything now.."
[Melinda]: "Yes she did Janice.  With the help of Gabrielle."
Trent looks about warily.
Helena shrugs her shoulders
[Trent]: "You sure?"
Janice smiles at that comment, "Really how so?" she tries to hide the humour in her voice
Melinda notices that the others aren't behind them.
Trent "hmms" softly and continues on...
Janice chops more branches down and continues on
[Narrator]: Mel and Janice have pulled ahead of Helena and Trent somewhat
[Melinda]: "Well Janice.  Gabrielle did get the Ambrosia for her."
Helena shrugs again and jogs to catch up with the others
[Trent]: "Yeah, great, jog..."
Trent Moves as fast as he can with the sack..."
[Janice]: "How'd she manage that?" she ducks under a tree branch and helps Mel through it.
Melinda turns from hearing the sound of someone running up to them.
[Narrator]: Trent's pack sways side to side awkwardly
[Helena]: "Hah! You volunteered to carry it."
Trent calls forward, "Why, you want to carry it?" he slows down so he doesn't trip.
Helena slows down a bit, "Sheesh, ya wimp." she smirks
[Trent]: "Wow, the blind faith of this group simply overwhelms me..." Trent hefts the sack and keeps moving. Trent catches up, huffing and puffing, but still moving.
Melinda is waiting for everyone "What are ya'll doin?  Come on."
[Helena]: "I hear water.."
[Melinda]: "Water?  I don't hear anything."
Helena walks up to Mel, "I heard it."
Janice grabs Mel's hand, "Come on Mel let's go get wet!" and she runs to the clearing
Trent cocks his head to one side, and listens closely.
Helena she points ahead
[Trent]: "Hey, wait, it could be...oh forget it..." Trent walks forward...
[Melinda]: "Umm Janice.. what... where are we goin?  What water?" and looks around
Helena tries to keep up
[Melinda]: "Janice..." and tries to keep up with her.
Janice holding a firm grip on Mel's hand
Trent follows as best as he can.
[Narrator]: A short jaunt brings our group out of the woods onto a small stretch of beach...
[Melinda]: "What has gotten into you Janice Covington?  I don't hear any water."
Trent looks around, "My, this is odd..."
[Melinda]: "Oh. Well look at that."
Helena stretches in the sun
Trent blinks and looks around.
Melinda raises her eyebrow
[Narrator]: A rocky stream lays a head of them...further to the right a waterfall can be seen pouring crystal water into a large pond below it
Helena grins at the sight
Janice runs to the edge closest to the waterfall and drops her pack on the grass and starts to remove her boots "Come on Mel lets go swimming!"
Trent raises an eyebrow...
[Melinda]: "Umm... swimmin? Now?  In that water?" and points to the pond
[Janice]: "Oh Mel look at it, its so clear!" she takes off her hat and then unties her hair, letting her long red hair down
Trent walks forward and sets the sack on the ground.
Helena removes her outer clothing
[Melinda]: "Janice.  Do we really have time for this?"
[Narrator]: The water shines like fine china as the sun glints off its surface
[Helena]: "Come on, it's hot!" she says to Trent
Trent thinks, 'I think they showed this movie at that gogo place down the street from where I live...'
[Melinda]: "Janice Covington.  What on heavens sakes has gotten into you?"
Janice Pulls off her tanktop and stands in her bra... Come on Mel!"
Helena laughs and runs to the pond
Janice drops her gunbelt and whip to the ground and unzips her pants
Melinda is just staring at Janice and doesn't know what to say or do.
Trent cocks his head to the side and shrugs, pulling off his shirt...
Melinda turns to Trent and arches an eyebrow at him
[Trent]: "When in Rome..."
Melinda walks to the edge of the pond and still thinks everyone is crazy.
Trent shrugs again...
Janice smiles up at Mel, "Come on Mel you know you want to!" her pants drop to the grass and she steps  out of them
Melinda stares wide eyed at Janice
Helena wades into the pond
[Janice]: "Come on Mel!" she dives in only her underwear
[Narrator]: The cool water feels so welcoming to Helena
Melinda sighs and starts to take off her boots
Melinda is still sitting at the edge of the pond
[Helena]: "Ahhh........" she sinks below the surface slowly..
[Narrator]: Small fish play about the bottom...
Melinda looks up in to see Helena disappear.
Trent kicks off his boots and dips his foot in the water...
Melinda takes off her glasses
Janice surfaces and swims back to Mel, her hair slicks back, she leans on a rock... "You can swim can't you?"
Melinda pulls out her hair pins and shakes her head
[Helena]: "Good GOD!!!"
[Melinda]: "Yes Janice, but I've never swam in a pond before."
Trent turns to Helena quickly.
[Narrator]: The water is that nice Helena Lets you all know
Janice stares at Mel, "You look like Xena..." she mutters
[Melinda]: "Yeah sure I do Janice."
[Trent]: I'm thinking hideous sea creature, here...;)
Melinda walks up to the pond and sticks in her toes
Helena cups her hands and tries to catch the little fish
[Janice]: "The way your bangs fall down like that, it looks so natural."
[Melinda]: "Oh...." and smiles
Trent smirks and wades in.
Melinda slowly wades into the water
Janice springs back from the rock and swims to the waterfall
[Melinda]: "I can't believe ya'll talked me into this."
Janice can't believe Mel stripped!
Trent starts swimming with long, reasonably graceful strokes... Trent can't believe anyone stripped...
Melinda swims around
Helena explores the bottom of the pond
[Melinda]: "Well now, this is nice." and dives under the water
Janice swims to the farthest point at the edge of the waterfall, taking a breath she goes under it
Trent swims cautiously to the waterfall, his curiosity wondering what's behind it.
Melinda comes up a little closer to the waterfall, she looks around "Where did Janice go? Trent!"  Where did they go?"
Helena wades up by the waterfall
[Melinda]: "Oh there's Helena." and looks around for Janice
Trent looks around, "I dunno, behind the waterfall?"
[Narrator]: Janice surfaces for a moment then dives down again
Helena climbs up around the waterfall, then dives under
Melinda looks up "Oh my."
Trent swims cautiously beneath the waterfall, knowing he doesn't swim well, and reluctant of the current... "It's not that bad, come on!"
Melinda turns around to make sure their stuff is ok on shore, she squints to see.  Melinda dives down under the water
[Narrator]: She surfaces into a dimly lit Cavern...and swims to the edge of the pool
Janice gets out and looks around
[Narrator]: At the very same instance she hears something behind her gasp for breath
<Janice feels like Janet from Rocky Horror>
Janice turns around
Helena pants
[Narrator]: Helena surfaces
Janice reaches for Helena
 [Helena]: "I hope you're not reaching to kill me.."
Janice sighs and pulls her to the edge.
Helena climbs out of the pool, she looks around
[Janice]: "You okay?"
[Helena]: "Fine...the others are going to think we drown.."
[Janice]: "Sorry sometimes my curiosity gets the better of me"
[Helena]: "Well, I followed you.." she smirks
[Janice]: "Yeah why is that?" she smirks back
[Helena]: "Couldn't let get all the treasure.. heh"
[Narrator]: Light dances about the cavern from the reflections from the pool of water
Janice smiles and stands up "Treasure eh? I doubt that in here."  Janice makes sure her underwear is covering all the bare necessities
[Helena]: "Is this place on the map?"
Janice looks up from her arranging... "Nope." She smoothes back her hair from her face
Helena looks around the cavern
[Janice]: "The trail ended at the waterfall."
[Narrator]: The Cavern opens to a fairly decent size. Off the far end you spot a tunnel entranc.but its very dark in here. The air is very cold and stale...
Helena shivers
[Narrator]: The camera shows Mel and Trent lounging in the water...
Trent is lounging in the water.
Melinda is at the very edge of the waterfall, with the water running down her back. "Oh my, this is bliss." and smiles while running her fingers through her hair.
Trent continues swimming in circles, enjoying the cool water, and the break from the hot sun.
[Melinda]: "Trent?  Where did they go now?" and looks around for the others
[Narrator]: A few seconds pass,.. then a few more... finally a whole minute goes by...and Janice and Helena haven't surfaced
[Trent]: "Hmm? Oh, I think they may have gone behind the waterfall..."
[Melinda]: "Trent!! Did ya hear me?" she sighs, "Well let's go see if they're ok." She dives under the water
Trent nods slightly, "Alright..."
Melinda comes up on the other side of the waterfall
Trent dives down below the waterfall...
[Narrator]: Mel swims and finds no trace of them
[Melinda]: "Where are they?" Melinda looks around for Trent "And where did he go?"
[Narrator]: But As Trent dives he spots a cave entrance below the falling water
Janice adjusts her breasts in her bra
Trent resurfaces and says, "There's a cave entrances below the water..."
Melinda turns quickly in the water to see Trent "Now don't do that to me. A entrance?"
[Trent]: "Yeah, down below, follow me..." Trent dives back down toward the entrance.
Melinda nods and dives again, she swims to the entrance and into it
[Narrator]: Mel swims past Trent and into the entrance to surface in a cavern
Trent struggles a bit against the current...
[Narrator]: TRENT.. however swims into the cave and get s his skivvies caught on a rock
Helena is shivering and goosebumpy
Trent thinks, "That's not good for modesty..." and tries to untangle himself without ripping his clothing...
[Narrator]: Trent surfaces in the cave...minus underwear
Melinda looks around and shakes her head to get her hair out of her face again.
Helena folds her arms over her, er, cold parts
Melinda looks at Trent and smiles
 [Narrator]: As Helena and Janice look about two shapes emerge from the water
Trent stays decidedly under the waterline...
Janice looks down at Mel in the water and helps her up "Wondered when you were going to join us sweetheart."
[Trent]: "Uh, I kinda dropped something...
[Narrator]: Pieces of fabric float to the surface
Melinda gets out of the water and turns to look at Trent
Trent looks over at the remnants of his dignity.
Helena starts laughing
[Melinda]: "Thank ya Janice."
Trent looks around almost desperately for, well, something, large rock, palm leaf...
Melinda is still smiling at Trent
Trent finds some suitable rocks and swims over to them, grabbing them before getting out....
Melinda has a blush raising to her face "Now ya'll be nice to Trent."
Janice looks over Trent's assets and smiles w.i.d.e.
Helena is biting her lip trying not to laugh anymore
Trent hides himself behind a rock and stands against a wall...
Janice walks next to Trent and grins up at him, "Loose something there buddy?" she swats his behind and laughs heading down the dark tunnel
[Trent]: "Umm, maybe I should go back for clothing..."
Melinda takes off her shirt and hands it to Trent, "Hey. Ya'll can use that more then I can."
Janice stops and looks at Melinda
Melinda raises a brow "What?"
Helena raises her eyebrows
Trent takes the shirt gratefully, "Thanks," and eyes Janice warily.
Janice watches Trent for a second
Janice unintentionally plays with her hair
Trent looks up..."Well, you could turn around..."
[Melinda]: "Oh... um... of course." and turns around smiling
Helena giggles a bit and turns
[Janice]: "You're right, I 'could' turn around!"
Trent nods, "Geeze, at least a little dignity here? Most have to buy me a drink before they get this far!"
Janice watches Trent, tapping her lips with her fingers and smiling "Go ahead"
Melinda wraps her arms around herself, "It's a little cold in here."
[Helena]: "A LITTLE cold?" she shivers
Janice is warm enough
Melinda looks over to Helena
[Janice]: "Mel turn around this might warm you up."
Trent turns around, giving a nice shot of the other side, and ties the shirt haphazardly around himself...
[Melinda]: "Um?" and turns around to see Trent
Janice s.m.i.l.e.s.
Melinda giggles and turns back around
[Janice]: "Thank you Mr. Worthington."
[Trent]: <Was this in my contract? Ah well, after doing the Evil Dead movies, I have no shame...>
[Trent]: "Yeah, thanks, two shows nightly..."
Janice would throw him a dollar but left her wallet in her OTHER pants
Helena turns around.  "Done yet?"
[Trent]: "Look, can we get this awful portion of my life over with?"
Janice taps Mel's arm, "Come on cutie we got some spelunking ta do!"
Melinda sighs "I hope he is." She turns around and eyes Trent again "Oh ok."  Melinda runs her finger through her hair to get it out of her face
Janice looks at Mel, and tugs her arm, "Mel the cave, come on"
Trent sighs, and wanders off thinking, 'Fuck dignity...'
Helena hops from some foot to the other, rubbing her arms her teeth chattering
Janice feels VERY warm
Melinda feels like she's going to faint
[Narrator]: As you reach the end of the Cavern...you see the tunnel entrance...but not enough light carries down it
Melinda fans herself and turns around "Lets go Janice."
 [Janice]: "Stay here, I'll be right back"
Melinda nods "Ya'll be careful."
[Trent]: "And I hope it involves getting me clothing..." Trent looks up at where Janice is...
[Narrator]: Oh...you feel it.. and it seems to come out...2 of them
[Trent]: <<Look, Renee's hot, but I got more control than that, man...>>
Melinda still has her arms wrapped around her and is cold
Helena s teeth are chattering
Janice walks back with something in her hand
[Narrator]: Janice emerges from the dark tunnel holding something
Janice hands Trent a long object and Mel a long object "here"
Trent looks at the object, "Well, I know it ain't much, but..."
[Janice]: "I'll be right back"  Janice hands them the torches and dives into the water
[Helena]: "Now where's she going?"
[Narrator]: OK...As Janice resurfaces on the water she hears a commotion on the bank
[Trent]: "And what're these for?"
Janice grabs her breasts
[Narrator]: And Janice surfaces ...too see Big Rod on the banks
Janice gets out of the lake, (not caring at all)
Melinda looks at her torch
Janice breasts are clearly visible to Rod and his posse
[Narrator]: Big Rod suddenly sees Janice emerge from the water
[Melinda]: "And just how am I suppose to lite this?"
[Narrator]: Half naked...
[Trent]: "If anyone suggests rubbing sticks together, I'm hitting them..."
Big Rod laughing, "You're wet.."
Janice gathers a few things out of her bag and grabs something for the gang putting it in her backpack (too bad plastic has YET to be invented)
[Helena]: *teeth chattering* "What about hitting two rocks together?"
Janice looks at Rod "Oh you made it."
[Trent]: "That's just as bad, thank you..."
[Helena]: "Hehe, sorry.."
Big Rod admiring, "You're looking very...... perky today, Janice"
Janice is still naked from the waist up and looks at rod.... "I have reason to be, I found out today that Gabrielle was the amazon Queen!"
[Big Rod]: "You really should put some suntan lotion on those things... I could of course help you with that...."
Trent sits on the floor shivering slightly, and covering himself the best he can...
[Janice]: "Oh By the way Rod we found the entrance... you coming?"
[Big Rod]: "I don't know.. You getting dressed today?"
Janice chuckles at rod
Big Rod ducks.
[Janice]: "In a minute, does it bother you?"  Janice stuffing things into the sack
Big Rod thankful his comment flew over her head, "No no.. I'll be ok"
Janice walks back to the scroll and hides them in the bushes
Big Rod looks up.
Janice puts everything in one pack and walk s to the edge of the fall letting the water hit her
[Narrator]: Big Rod sees Janice walk off
Janice puts her back against the rocks and squeezes past the mist behind the waterfall
Big Rod limps after her beckoning the Greeks to follow...
[Narrator]: The Greeks look at Rod odd....and follow warily
Melinda looks at Trent "Are ya'll cold?" Melinda looks down
[Trent]: "Stop staring..."
Janice trying to keep the pack above water
Helena is running in place
[Melinda]: "Oh... I'm sorry.  I don't know what got into me." and giggles
[Narrator]: Rod sees Janice hit the water and dive under the waterfall
[Trent]: "No, I bet you don't..." He goes back to his musings, whispering softly to himself.
Big Rod sighs, "Now how the hell am I supposed to get crates through that!"
Melinda swings the torch around
Big Rod tells the Greeks to leave the crates hidden and follow him in when they finish hiding them, "Here goes". He dives into the water following Janice's path.
Janice wonders if she will ever get back
 [Melinda]: "Well now we have ta find a way to light these things." and looks at the torch
Trent stares at the torch.  "Didn't Janice have a lighter?"
Janice surfaces and gasps for breath, she  throws a backpack on the rocks to Mel's feet
[Helena]: "About t-t-t-ttime.."
Melinda bents down to move the pack
[Melinda]: "Whoops" and grabs her bosoms and stands up
Trent refrains from comment...
Helena doesn't even notice at this point
[Narrator]: Suddenly rod Sputters to the surface behind Janice
Helena walks over and digs frantically through the pack, looking for dry clothes
Antos The Greek<What is this??>
Trent sits shivering in a corner...
Antos looks around the cavern
[Melinda]: "Where did he come from?"
Antos in Greek <Big Rod...where are we??>
[Big Rod]: <How the hell should I know?>
 Antos hops out of the pool and gives rod a hand
Trent watches the pack with interest, but is quite afraid of moving at the moment.
Big Rod struggles but eventually get outta the water, "Ok.. now what?"
Melinda slips back in the water "It's warmer in here."
Janice looks at Mel "Mel I need something from that pack."
 Antos turns and looks at 2 freezing semi clad women and a half naked Trent
Janice is still treading water
Helena is still looking for clothes
[Melinda]: "Helena has it, Janice."
Janice raises enough out of the water for Mel to get a "good" look at her "I had a problem Mel."
Antos <Uh...Rod...friends of yours?>
Melinda looks over to Janice "What wrong?"
[Big Rod]: <The chick in the pool is.. We used to date.. I had to cut her loose though>
Trent raises an eyebrow, "Yeah, not so fun on the other end, now, is it?!"
Big Rod ducks again.
Melinda swims back over to where Janice is.
Antos walks to Trent and Helena
[Melinda]: "Janice can ya get me a hand here?"
[Narrator]: Pulls his pack off and rummages about
[Janice]: "Uhhh Mel, I could... do you WANT me too?"
Big Rod trying to ring the water out of his pants while still wearing them, "So does this go anywhere, or is this a pit stop?"
[Melinda]: "Um Janice.  Can ya help me here?" and smiles at her
[Trent]: "I think there might be a tunnel entrance around here somewhere." Eyes Antos warily.
 Antos pulls out a blanket for Helena and a shirt for Trent
Janice goes to Mel (she is STILL topless)
Trent blinks and takes the shirt gratefully, thanking him in Greek.
Antos<Here ..let me light that torch>
[Helena]: "Oh, thank god.." she grabs the blanket and wraps herself in it
Melinda puts her hand up
Big Rod pulling out a soaking wet sandwich from his pocket, "Oh maaannnnn!"
Melinda clears her throat.
Janice is STILL in the water - went through ALL THAT TROUBLE and is - STILL - in the water awaiting her stuff
[Melinda]: "Janice Covington, what is goin on in that head of yours?"
Trent quickly puts the shirt on, and stands, moving to put some warmth back in him. He holds the torch out for Antos.
 Antos pulls a container from his pack and gets out some matches and lights Trent's torch
Big Rod forms the sandwich into a tight ball squeezing most of the water out and takes a bite, "Hmmm.. You cant mess up a good tuna fish.."
Trent takes the lit torch and goes to sit beside the water. "It's a bit drafty in here, eh, Janice?"
Helena wraps herself tighter in the blanket and grins
Melinda shakes her head clear and tries to get outta the water
Big Rod sits on a rock in his wet pants *squish, "Now where exactly are we going, Janice?"
Big Rod taking off his shoes and wringing out his socks.
Janice feels the narrators warm and fuzzy
 Antos turns and lights Helena's torch
Helena grins at him
Janice gets frustrated and just STANDS UP and pulls herself out of the water.
[Narrator]: A warm light erupts in the cavern as the torches glow revealing a topless Janice.
[Trent]: <I can no longer roleplay until Renee gets some clothing...>
Janice walks Very proud to her rucksack and pulls out all of her belongings
Melinda looks at Janice and thinks "Xena kissed Gabrielle, huh?" and looks away
Antos stares
Big Rod seems more interested in salvaging what's left of his sandwich.
Janice raises an eyebrow to Mel
Trent raises an eyebrow, and just sits and enjoys the view for a moment or two.
Antos <By all that is Holy> and crosses himself
Melinda grabs a shirt out of the pack and puts it on.
Janice takes all the time in the world to dress -saving the top for last, she even laces her boots first
Big Rod steps in front of Trent holding a wet sock, "You have to keep yer feet dry."
Trent simply leans to one side, looking around Rod. "Yeah, whatever..."
Melinda buttons up the front of her shirt
Janice is taking her own special sweet time about it
[Narrator]: Trent gets the most interesting scent.
Big Rod has seen enough of Janice in the past to last a lifetime... Or maybe it was that time she threatened to cut off his *cough* well, you know.. if she ever caught him staring at him again.
Janice FINALLY puts on a shirt, and smiles to herself.
Trent whose brain slowly comes back online, finally stands, "Right, uh, let's keep going, shall we?"
Helena walks around the cavern, finally getting a good look about
Antos Takes the torch from Helena
Big Rod continues, "Now if you fold the sock over and then twist.. you get a good wringing that way"
[Helena]: "Hey!"
Antos <Let me miss>
Helena scowls and tries to take it back
Janice picks up the empty rucksack and smiles at Mel throwing it over her shoulder.
Antos looks at her then hands it back
Trent walks forward, and scouts around with his torch.
Antos <I wanted to carry a torch for you>
[Helena]: (Oh GOD)
Melinda shakes her head to clear her thoughts and looks around at everyone
Janice looks at Melinda
[Trent]: *ahem* Investigating cavern...
Helena has a look around by torch light
Janice smiles allot at Mel at her new found expression.
Melinda sighs "Well now.... " clears her throat again
[Narrator]: The tunnel is illuminated by the torches...revealing carvings on its "Inner walls"...
Trent moves closer to the writings, and tries to decipher them...
Helena examines the carvings
[Narrator]: Helena seems lost on the carvings but Mel and Trent makes them out easy.
Melinda looks at the carvings
[Narrator]: "The path Of the Guardian...for those who dare...is filled with danger and despair..."
[Trent]: "Hmm, there once was a man from Nantucket..."
[Narrator]: That's all that it reads
[Trent]: "Hmm, no wait, that's another inscription... Lessee..."
Janice walks up dripping wet missing most of it and look at a wet Mel
[Helena]: "What does it say?"
[Trent]: "This says, 'is filled with danger and despair...'"
Melinda stares at it again.
[Helena]: "Great.."
[Janice]: "Oh I like danger and despair, it reminds me of a normal day, eh Mel?"
[Trent]: "What's that say?" *pointing*
Melinda nods "Ain't that the true."
Janice pulls out a remarkably dry cigar and lights it
Big Rod wonders where she was hiding that thing.
Trent "hmms" softly and scans the wall.
Janice walks up behind Trent "So what do you see?"
Trent jumps very slightly...
[Melinda]: "That's all that it says."
[Trent]: "Uh, that's about it, nothing else here...
Antos looks at everyone<What are we doing?>
Helena coughs and waves the smoke away
Melinda turns to Janice "Ya'll have any idea what that means? Path of the Guardian?"
Antos looks down the tunnel
[Trent]: "Yeah, I met a little danger and despair on my way through that waterfall... Anyway, I have no clue what this means..."
Big Rod thinks, "Hmmmm Guardian... Like Sphinx or something maybe?"
[Trent]: "Could be. More likely a metaphor for something..."
Janice looks at Mel "Nope I don't but this little coin might."
Melinda remembers the coin now
Antos looks down the tunnel...<Should we go...If there's danger ..I mean..>
[Big Rod]: "Hmph, I'm not much of a believer in hokey mythical creatures anyway... I say bring on the lion-headed poodles.. or whatever the hell they're supposed to be"
Janice walk brazenly down the tunnel
[Trent]: "Janice, wait..." He sighs heavily...
Helena follows her
Trent looks at the nearest person, "Is she always like this?"
Janice turns to Trent
Big Rod limps after Janice signaling for Antos.
[Janice]: "Yes darling?"
[Narrator]: the torches flicker in the tunnel walls
[Melinda]: "Yep it seems like it." and smiles at Janice.
Janice smiles at Mel and stops
Big Rod slams into Janice.
Helena slams into Rod
Trent walks slowly down the tunnel, "Just a little worried about traps is all..." Slam  "Ooof..."
Antos slam into Trent
[Big Rod]: "ooooh a Big Rod sandwich."
[Helena]: "Mumph, move!"
[Janice]: "Would you like to come up here and be in front of me?"
Melinda follows in after everyone
Antos <Do not stop like that>
[Trent]: "And the fact that you might want to have a torch up there somewhere..."
 [Big Rod]: (in English) "That's what Antos is for."  <Antos, come here.>
Antos <What is it Rod?>
[Trent]: "With the way you were looking at my rear earlier, I don't know..."
Janice thanks the gods she can understand every language
[Big Rod]: <We need your expertise up here>
Helena chuckles
Antos looks pleased..<Yes of course!>
Trent moves to the side to let Antos through.
Janice smiles as Trent walks by "Don't worry cutie I look at everyone like that."
[Trent]: "Now there's a comforting thought, if ever I've heard one..."
[Big Rod]: <Ok now.. Take this stick and walk in front of us whacking the ground to scare off any snakes or scorpions or stuff like that.. ok?>
Antos walks up to Rod
Janice turns to see where Melinda is
[Antos]: Takes the stick...and looks at Rod
Melinda is walking behind everyone else
[Big Rod]: <right.. now start whacking the ground>
Antos: <And My pay goes up HOW MUCH???>
Janice waits for Melinda
[Big Rod]: <double... just don't tell the others>
Helena wonders what they're talking about
Big Rod gives the thumbs up, <You're my go to guy, Antos... Dont let me down>
Janice lets people pass her by
[Antos]: Looks at rod...<Triple!>
[Melinda]: "What cha doing Janice?  You know you want to be up there in the front. You don't have to wait for little ol me."
[Big Rod]: <Done>
Trent stands and shakes his head, watching Antos...
Antos looks pleased and starts whacking
Big Rod turns to the other and grins.
Helena jumps a bit when he starts "What's he doing?" she look at him
Melinda tries to look ahead of her "What are they doin up there anyway?"
Janice grabs Mel's hand "Oh I don't mind waiting for you Mel."
Antos moves along slowly whacking his stick around
Melinda smiles and feels a blush raising to her face
Helena looks confused
[Big Rod]: <Now Antos if I get bit by a snake or something you're only getting double.. so whack that ground every step of the way>
Antos looks back<I'm whacking as much as possible Rod!!>
Trent whispers to Rod, "He have any clue what he's doing?"
Big Rod falls back to Janice, "You know if he lives I'm gonna need you to chip in some cash"
Antos moves ahead slowly still whacking
[Melinda]: "Thanks Janice..."
Janice tugs Mel along
Trent sighs and watches Antos...
[Narrator]: A little further on Antos stops...and looks puzzled.
 [Trent]: <What is it?>
Big Rod to Janice, "I'll take care of this..."   He slowly approaching Antos, <"What's the prob Antos..?  Snake?">
[Antos]: <There are funny looking rocks here...let me just whack one to see if there's a snake under it!> ..and Antos pulls back the stick...
[Big Rod]: <that's a good idea>
[Trent]: <Antos, wait!>
Big Rod limps back to Janice quickly
[Narrator]: Antos stops short of the stone<What?>
Janice looks at rod
[Trent]: "You know, uh, we could just avoid those rocks..."
[Big Rod]: <Hit it!>
[Helena]: "What's going on?"
[Antos]: <let me get back to my whacking!>
[Trent]: <Just a second, Antos...>
[Big Rod]: <Yes.. Triple Pay Antos!!!  Whack>
Janice gets out her gun
[Trent]: "If he hasn't gotten killed yet, maybe it's not set to go off without hitting those rocks..."
(Melinda whispered to Janice): Just checking..
Janice walks to the edge
Antos shrugs and whacks the stones...
[Helena]: "What's wrong with the rocks any ways?"
[Big Rod]: <How's it going up there Antos?>
[Antos]: ...moves on and keeps whacking <No snakes!>
[Trent]: "Oh great, lord knows what that set off..."
[Big Rod]: "Oh settle down Trent.. It's a rock
Trent continues creeping cautiously down the tunnel.
Big Rod looks to Janice with a big *phew* look on his face.
Janice glares at Rod
Antos is farther down...but as you get closer you see that the stones are really tiling in the tunnel floor
[Trent]: "If it's just a rock, friend, why aren't you out there with a stick?"
Janice gets frustrated and walks up to the Greek
[Big Rod]: "That's what I hired him for.. And the 5 more behind us"
Helena is totally confused about the rock issue
Trent sighs, and continues on...
Janice is STILL tugging Mel with her
[Narrator]: The tiling turns into a beautiful mosaic floor ...and the tunnel walls look more even ...almost carved
Trent checks the walls for any writings or symbols, making sure not to miss anything.
[Narrator]: They just form brilliant patterns..
Helena looks around. "Oh my....."
[Big Rod]: <Keep whacking Antos>
Melinda looks at Helena "Hey!  That's my line."
[Narrator]: Sending bight colours everywhere from the torches glow
[Melinda]: "Oh my..."
Melinda looks down at the patterns
[Narrator]: Farther ahead you see Antos stop at what seems to be the end of the tunnel..
[Trent]: <Antos! What is it?>
[Antos]: <I cant whack no more!>
[Trent]: <Hand tired? I get that sometimes...>
 [Melinda]: (shakes her head>
[Antos]: <No....Its.. its huge!!>
Big Rod limps up behind Antos <Ok... good man... now start poking that stick into any holes or cracks in the walls.. Scorpions can hide anywhere you know>
Janice walks to the front of the line with Mel in tow
[Trent]: <Man, you don't need to gloat with us...>
Trent walks up behind Antos.
Helena searches around the room
[Narrator]: Rod looks over Antos shoulder and sees an Enormous carved Cavern
[Melinda]: "Janice...I think ya'll can let go of my hand now." and smiles at her "You're killin my arm."
[Big Rod]: "Uh.... Janice, you may want to look at this"
[Trent]: "Whoa... Definitely not-so-wee..."
[Narrator]: A 50 foot ceiling is covered with intricate paintings...marble statues and Pillars adorn the walls an floor
Janice smiles at Mel, "Oh Mel I am so sorry."
Big Rod to Janice, "Looks pretty big.. were gonna need some more Greeks.. I suggest we wait for the others to catch up."
Janice detaches herself from Mel and walks up to Rod "What?"
Melinda stares at the paintings wide eyed
Antos looks at Rod <I don't think they will..>
[Melinda]: "My goodness... now look at that."
Trent walks slowly into the room.
Janice head snaps to Mel, "What is what Mel?"
[Narrator]: The "room" is like a small sports plex..
[Helena]: "wow..." she look around
[Big Rod]: <They will if paid well enough Antos>
[Melinda]: "Well ya just look at all of this Janice. It's amazing."
Janice understands that Rod
[Antos]: <If they learn to swim first...yes>
Trent starts examining the walls.
Janice walks to Melinda, and looks up "Whatcha got there sweetheart?"
[Narrat