As Babette flies over the lush green forests and rolling hills of the valley, she ponders her (and the adventurers) predicament. A smile spreads across her face as she imagines the looks of astonishment from the group when she wings into action. She was so happy with her newfound self, she nearly giggled like the old Babette. Torner would be the most surprised of all. But her broad smile faded into bittersweet melancholy. He had been her first love. Well... She certainly thought that she had loved him. That was back when Torner was still the paladin in shining armour. He had been happy, proud, and full of youthful innocence - and now she understood - also full of idealistic vision. Like all youth. Somewhere, somehow, he had lost that vision, lost his happiness. Babette suspected it had something to do with losing his paladinhood but he had never spoken to her about this. He had become quieter over the months. More sombre. He stayed for longer and longer periods of time in the mountains fighting the goblins and orcs. Till one day - he stopped coming into the village completely.
When Babette saw him the other day (it seemed like weeks ago to her now), it had been three years since she had seen her old friend. She wondered if he had not taken this mission to somehow atone for whatever wrongdoings that had stripped him of his paladinhood. She shrugged. That was his personal quest. She would help him if she could. The important thing now was to rid the mountains of 'M' and his minions.
She swung west now, running parallel to the mountain range. Since she didn't know the exact location of Mt. Bottom's Up (she had never paid any attention to her geography teacher), she'd have to fly low over the evergreen treetops to find the hidden ravine Pavik had mentioned back at the inn. (Barmaids did hear a lot of gossip!)
Several mountain jays squawked alarmingly as she streaked passed. It was all she could do not to laugh at their silly surprise. With a bit of difficulty, she pushed the giddy thoughts of her new power away and concentrated on the mission 'Purp' sent her on.
"Hmmm, what else did that fighter say? Something about gargoyles in the area of the ravine? They should be no problem to spot from up here. Maybe I can divert them."
After several hours she spotted what looked like a well-worn path weaving deep into the mountain proper. As she looked around, she noticed the prominently heart-shaped top of the mountain peak straight in front of her. Mt. Bottom's Up. She'd found it!
Carefully easing her way over the trees, she slowly flew to a narrow gap that opened into a deep ravine. No sense in announcing her presence. She had never done anything so adventurous in her life. Her heart was nearly pounding out of her chest. Unnatural screeching confirmed her suspicions - the tips of a pair of gargoyle wings shot up just above the treetops. But they didn't raise any further up in the air - they seemed to be intent on chasing something. Probably a poor sparrow. Babette crept forward as far as she dared and nestled down in the treetops to get a better view. Ahead was the ravine. At the far end (she could hardly believe how far she was able to see - Thank you 'purps') she glimpsed a flash of metal. She squinted harder trying to make out the images. The party! They hadn't entered 'M's' lair yet! She still had time. Now, To take care of those pesky gargoyles. She smiled wickedly.