Iris and the others ventured deeper into the forest, where the was virtually no light from the sun able to pierce the foliage of the dense wood, and the air smelled stale, like rotting leaves and stagnant water... and of smoke. 

Iris, always prepared, had a lantern which she removed from her pack and lit, lighting their way. The forest looked sinister and frightening. The red smoke had become trapped under the dense leafs and the air was tinged pink. The dew on the leafs even absorbed some of the red particulates, enough so that it looked as though the trees were covered in blood. As they drew deeper into the forest screams and crunching noises became audible and grew louder. The crunch of bones and gnash of teeth. Wild life being devoured by the undead. 

"This place is evil... Why ever would they build a palace near here?" Iris chuckled, trying to keep the mood light. 

Noticing the mood is rather tense, Iris decides to [url=http://orokos.com/roll/165912]tell some jokes[/url].

"A chicken and an egg are lying in bed. The chicken takes out a cigarette and begins to smoke. The egg, pissed off, takes one look at the chicken, rolls over and pulls the blanket over him and says, 'I guess we answered that question!'" 

"Three vampire bats live in a cave surrounded by three castles. One night, the bats bet on who can drink the most blood.

The first bat comes home with blood dripping off his fangs. He says, 'See that castle over there? I drank the blood of three people.'

The second bat returns with blood around his mouth. He says, 'See that castle over there? I drank the blood of five people.'

The third bat comes back covered in blood. He says, 'See that castle over there?' The other bats nod. 'Well,' says the third bat, 'I didn't.'"

"A man cheats on his girlfriend named Lorraine with a girl named Clearly.

Suddenly, Lorraine died.

At the funeral, the man stands up and sings, 'I can see Clearly now, Lorraine is gone.'"

The lightening of the mood is tangible and Iris smiles.