Session+32

**The Epic Battle in a Dark Future, The Power of Love, and The Return to Our Own Time**
 * 11-2-13 **

On the great ship Destiny, we spoke with Venchelay who had agreed to help us, by sacrificing himself... and while Shri was telling him that we would visit him often when we returned to the past... in mid-sentence, a pitch black blade came through her chest. Shri dropping to the floor in a puddle of blood at Erevin's feet, revealing the drow wielding the sword. Dominic calls out from the other side of Erevin, "Shri!!" Raven, accompanied by a tentacled earth elemental lands near Wren, Kale and Thorn. A 12 ft tall, scarred and matted white bear with a scar over one milky white eye and the other red and filled with madness appears in front of Posy and Uther. Uther standing behind her, whispers, "Father..." Yuki is shocked to see a woman covered in postulate boils and scars, dressed in rotting diaphanous silks. Her dark hair is writhing as snakes and her face is horribly scarred. Flinching and gasping out at the horrifically ugly woman, Yuki takes a step back. Amynta is frozen still and screams at the top of her lungs!

The drow woman stands ready with her pitch black blade. A hell hound stands at her side with flames rolling off of it. Erevin turns to Dominic, pointing at Destiny and Venchelay, "Protect them!" He nudges the large wolf at his side and fires two arrows at the drow woman before him. They seem to be slightly deflected off of her by wind and she smiles, "Leading with the arrows... as I thought. So predictable." She slashes him with her dark enchanted sword. Mari charges forth into the hellhound with a clash of teeth and fur and flames! Shri, barely breathing, lying in a growing pool of blood reaches out with the last of her strength, and sends healing over Erevin.

A ragged and hideous Helena, wearing a symbol of Talona, turns with a raspy voice, "Yuki!" Yuki's hands are over hears as she chants out in a sing-song voice, "Not listening! Not listening! So Gross!" *note: Talona is the goddess of disease and pestilence - Sune's most hated opposite* Helena reaches out with a greenish glow on her hand and touches Yuki, an agonizing pain ripping through the young priestess as her life is instantly drained to almost nothing! Amynta hides behind Yuki, sending healing over her, "She's so scary!! Is Axton your boyfriend?!" Gregori appears on deck, sending out a cone of cold over Helena, freezing her boil and scar covered skin, sending her stepping backward with a shriek! Yuki breathes with relief to have him join her and steps to the side, sending out a warm wave of healing over all that she can, able to bring Shri back to conscious.

The earth elemental slams into Kale who meets it head on with his blade drawn. Raven's voice slithers out to her daughter, "Traitor! You have forgotten your sisters. You should have come with me... it's still not too late." Magic rolls off of her fingers to cast over Wren who's eyes go wide as she sees tentacles sprout out of Kale's body as he turns to her in madness and wraps tentacles around her throat! Wren is screaming and struggling to fight it, shouting out, "Kale! It's me! It's me! Stop!" Kale fights the massive elemental back, carving out hunks of rock with all of his strength! Everyone else sees Wren struggling against nothing as wounds appear on her body! Thorn glances at Wren, recognizing that it's a spell and he moves up between Wren and the elemental, aiding Kale with tactical double teaming! Wren manages to shatter the spell on her, watching the illusion of the tentacled Kale fade away. Raven smiles at her, "You're getting stronger, my daughter, I'm so proud." Wren turns to her angrily, "Traitor! How dare you?!"

Uthgart lunges out with his great bear claws, slashing into Posy and then leans over her to bite into Uther! Posy growls out, raging, slashing, and biting savagely back into the bear who drips with blood, but in his own mad rage doesn't even seem to notice. Uther rages, clawing into the great bear with a frenzy of gore! The two tumble forward together, blood splashing out over the deck!

Dominic throws down a vial and a sphere forms around Destiny and Venchelay, and he moves to stand protectively beside them. Erevin recognizing that the drow's skill with a blade is better than his own, takes a step back and launches another two arrows into her, "Anytime now, Destiny!" This time they hit her solid, drawing blood. She smiles, "That's better. Now you're showing spirit! I think that will be your last shot." She spins behind him, slashing his back and then sweeps her leg out to knock Yuki's legs out from under her, spilling her to the floor. The drow taunts him as she stands between Erevin and the spilled priestess, "Do you care about this one more than the other? She'll be next!"

The elemental slams into Kale, striking him hard and shattering a hole in the deck as Kale manages to dodge the second swing. Raven casts out a link with Wren, the young witch now able to feel the life of her mother pulsing. Thorn turns around with a surprise sneak attack and sinks in to a vital spot on Raven who's only focus was on her daughter! Raven cries out from the pain, echoed out by Wren through the link Raven put on her. Thorn glances back as Wren cries out, realizing it was from his stab, "Really?!" Wren shakes her head, staggering back through the pain, "Don't worry about me! You hit her again!" She casts over herself, healing up some of her wounds.

Uther and Uthgart continue to roll across the deck in their savage brawl, blood spraying out! Uther seems to be losing, and Posy bull rushes both of them, shoving them up against the railing of the ship!

Outmatched by a group stronger and more skilled than we are, we continue to push on fighting a losing battle to try and give Destiny enough time. A magical POP sounds out and Kai, Alexia, Salem, and Boots appear on the deck! Yuki shouts out, "Feel the LOVE!" she sends out a powerful wave of healing! Keeping those close to her up and fighting and healing away some of the disease and scars to reveal an older Helena. Yuki's breath catches in her throat as she recognizes her. Helena screams out at her, "What are you doing?! You're making me ugly!" Yuki looks back at the young priestess behind her, "Amynta! Go heal Wren!" but the buxom priestess is horrified and clinging to Yuki's robes screaming as battles are being fought all around her. Yuki tries again, "Stop clinging! Just move a little over that way!" Amynta shakes her head, clinging closer, and crying, "I'm not leaving you!!"

Conscious, though still on the ground, Shri casts over herself, healing up her gaping wounds. Erevin draws his mother's moonblade and slashes deeply into the drow woman's chest, "Didn't expect this one, did you?!" She counters back, "Expect it? I was hoping! Eclipse, it is time..." her pitch black sword wavers with power. Behind her shadows start to coalesce... but focused on Erevin, the drow woman raises her blade with both hands and smashes down into Erevin who raises his mother's moonblade to parry, but the pitch black blade shatters the moonblade! 8 spirits come pouring out of the shattered pieces! "25 years I have waited and trained for this moment! ...and this is all you are?" Erevin looks at her, "You need a boyfriend." She glares at him angrily, "You already killed him!"

Uthgart claws Uther deeply and grabs him in his powerful jaws, shaking him back and forth like a ragdoll as Uther continues to swipe him with his own claws! Uthgart throws him from his bite to crash through a grate on the deck of the boat! He growls out madly, "Where's my other son?!" Boots and Salem send out massive lightning bolts into the gigantic bear, pushing him back against the railing. Posy seizes her moment and charges forth to slam her axe into him, knocking him off of the boat to plummet, snarling and raging, into the lake below!

Raven casts out over Wren, festering boils over her skin as Wren screams out from the pain! Kai casts over Wren, severing the link between her and Raven just in time for Alexia to step behind Raven and stab dual daggers into her back! Thorn cringes slightly just knowing he's going to hurt Wren... but he listens to her encouraging him on and charges back in with both blades coordinating with Alexia to deal two vicious blows! Wren flinches and realizes the link is gone when the pain doesn't hit. She casts a grateful look over to Kai as she breathes with relief, but it's only momentary as she sees Kale, covered in wounds as he battles on with the earth elemental. She points her wand out and sends a powerful bolt of lightning into the elemental, shattering the last of it!

Helena sends out a massive wave of negative energy, ripping wounds open on Posy and Yuki and even herself! "Yes! I am pretty again!" Yuki moves over close to Kai and sends out her ribbon to cast out her sacred bond spell between the bracelets that she wears with Wren.

The shadows continued to coalesce like a blanket behind the drow who continues to taunt Erevin as he holds her full attention, "You have another, don't you? Draw it!" Erevin watches the shadows forming behind her, believing that surely Kinu is arriving and he just needs to buy her some time, he draws his own moonblade and as he raises it up, one of the elven spirits floating from his mother's blade goes into his own as he drives his moonblade into her! Surprised, the drow woman steps back as the shadows behind her surround her!

A shiver runs down Wren's spine as she watches the rage on her mother's face and hears the magic being cast. Deep power flows through the air as crackle of static starts to sound. Wren turns to the silver haired mage beside her, "Kai! Dispel! Dispel!" but it's too late... chain lightning rains across the deck, blackening the wood as Thorn barely manages to avoid a bolt and still taking massive damage! Kale leaps to take Wren to the ground, covering her with his own body as the bolt lights up his entire body, light shining out of his mouth! "KALE!!!" Wren screams in a rage beneath him, struggling to slip out from under him to go after Raven, "I'm going to KILL YOU myself!!!" Thorn looks warily back toward Wren, backing slowly away from Raven. Another bolt comes in toward Yuki and she cringes from the oh so familiar pain, closing her eyes tightly, but the pain doesn't come... she opens her eyes to see the black and purple cloak of the harbinger wrapped widely around her as Axton's body takes the lightning! He smiles down at her as she opens her eyes, "What is it with you and lightning?" So happy to see Axton, her heart swells and suddenly she feels that moment of love dying around her and she looks around the deck to see Alexia's body smoldering as she covers Kai to protect him. Her voice is weak as she gasps out her last breath, "I've been watching you for so long..." A bolt comes in piercing through Boots as she screams out! Salem pushes another bolt back with her staff, screaming out, "BOOTS!!"

Helena moves over to Posy, grasping her lightly, sending out that horrible negative energy that drains the strong gnome warrior's life to almost nothing! Pain roars through her body, but Posy ignores it through her rage! She carves two deep gashes into the disfigured priestess with her axe! Helena screams and laughs at the same time as she revels in the pain.

Kinu's voice echoes "You are the last... the last... and now my vengeance is complete." The shadows vanish with the drow woman with her... her own vengeance denied as Erevin still stands just out of her reach before she is fully consumed by the shadows.

Yuki wraps her arms around Axton's smoldering body and she continues to look around the deck at Alexia dying to protect Kai, Kale dying to protect Wren, Boots falling to the deck, Shri barely alive on the ground by Erevin... and Kinu giving the last of her life to exact revenge for her own lover. With a surge of powerful faith, she throws her ribbon out to wrap around the deck like a shield of love and prays to Sune for a Miracle, calling, "HEART! POWER! MAKE-UP! GODDESS! They are dying for LOVE! Intercede! Show them your POWER of LOVE!!" Pink hearts glitter around her and big white wings sprout out of her back... her dark hair turns to a deep red and her beauty grows to divine! A pink glow washes over the deck with deep, powerful, warm healing! Scars vanish and Helena becomes beautiful... she leaps off of the ship, screaming! Boots and Alexia breathe in deeply. Axton smiles down at Yuki, "I knew you had it in you, my Yuki!" His body starts to fade like someone is erasing him and a voice whispers out accusingly, "Lies and secrets, Priest! It was all a lie, wasn't it? You always loved her!" Yuki throws her hands up to grasp Axton's face as she leans up to kiss him passionately as he fades further... His voice slowly fades with him, "I love you, Yuki! Remember her! Remember Miyu!" Axton is gone, but memories come flooding back to Yuki of her twin sister, Miyu... so many memories at once, overwhelming her! The pink and goddess form fades from around her as she collapses exhausted to the deck, fading back to Yuki, naked with her ribbon falling over her to cover her strategically.

The distraught face of Kai lights up with a smile as Alexia breathes in deeply and smiles up at him, "You... can't get rid of me... that easily." He turns angrily toward Raven, "And you tried to take her from me before I ever even had the chance to tell her!" His body changes into a magnificent silver dragon that lunges forward to bite into Raven and fly off with her pierced in his jaws! Venchelay's body falls face first into the deck, his life essence now within Destiny. Erevin turns to run back to Shri, who gasps in new life, "I'm... still alive! You're still alive!" She wraps her arms around him as he leans down to scoop her up and look around the deck. Mari finishes the hellhound off, walking away victorious. The ship starts to shake and blink in and out.

Thorn races over to Boots and Salem who run to meet him, Boots wrapping him in a warm hug and Salem ruffling his hair. He grins at both of them, happy to see them alive, "Get in here! Group hug!" All three of them embrace happily! Boots looks at him with big eyes, "So you're going to go undo all of this now?" He nods to her, "With all that we have!" She nods to him, "I guess this is goodbye then... We probably should get off of the ship." He nods, "I'm sure there would be issues if you came back with us..." They both lean down and kiss him on his cheeks, "You better come see us back in Lyrabar... and don't try anything, we're young!" He laughs and nods, "I'll see you soon... in a way."

Alexia stares off of the ship with little hearts in her eyes at the silver dragon in the sky crunching on the screaming witch. Alexia, Salem, and Boots disappear with a POP! The ship vanishes as we port out into the astral sea outside of our sphere... "Preparing for sphere impact!" We reenter the sphere to appear back near Myth Coramanth, pennants waving... towers standing... and everyone who had come to see us off when we left for the dungeon sphere was standing out, waving. They blink confused at our return. We were only gone for a moment to them. We all breathe with relief. Rue and Ori wake Yuki up. Wren looks around, "Ok... before we get off of this ship... Kale and I have a story to tell you, so sit down... we were going to tell you when we landed last time but with the world destroyed in a dark future, it sort of got put on hold... but it's important!" Kale moves up next to her, putting his arm around her, nodding. Everyone gathers up close to hear the story...

"We were discussing what to do with the orb at this point... and I suggested we put it back into the secret room in the dragon lair but disable the way to open it to protect it, so that its far less likely that anyone else will find it..." everyone was nodding their agreement as Wren continued on, "and Kale wanted to bring it to all of you to discuss what we should do first... because there's a lot more to the whole story than just the dragon in the orb." She reminds them of the green dragon inside the orb, Midori... who felt betrayed because the elven woman painted on the cavern walls had been banished. Yuki pipes up cheerfully, "Oh! The love story," she nods, "That was rather mean, Erevin." He looks less than amused, "Yes... because he was eating elves... they were way out of line." Wren breaks back in a little nervously before the argument can continue further, "Anyway... there's more to the story... the green dragon and the elven woman were Kale's parents. He grew up as an orphan very young after his mother died. He never knew his father until recently." She squeezed Kale's hand in hers. "Wait, wait!" Yuki waved her hand, "Go back to the beginning! Did you just say that the green dragon... and the pretty... elf... and ... and" she gestured to Kale, "and he..." Wren laughed softly and nodded, "Yes. They really were lovers, at least long enough that they had a child..." She gestured toward Kale. Yuki threw up calming hands to halt any movement that may be coming from the elven prince, "Now Erevin... Listen to the end...Erevin." Wren continued, "and... even more to the story... my grandmother was one of the elves who banished them from the old Myth Coramanth... so... umm we have some interesting family history that's tied to this orb. ...but Midori is still angry... he told Kale that if he was really his son that he would destroy me..." Everyone looks over to Kale and back at Wren as she continues, "But Kale is on my side. He loves me and defended me... but Midori is still angry. Now... in our 25 year leap into the future nothing seemed to be mentioned about him or any part of his story. I heard dragons were involved, but I don't know if he is a part of that or not. I don't know if there's anything we can do to resolve his story... but... that's the story." She leans her head on Kale's shoulder and sighs, feeling for sure that she hadn't done any of that right. Kale looks down at her and smiles, "Well done."

Yuki looked Kale over closer, "He doesn't look like a dragon..." Posy nodded to her and looked back to Kale, "Can you show us?" He shook his head, "I have dragon blood in me, but as far as I know... I can't turn into a dragon. I'm an elf... with some dragon blood. It has given me some gifts... I'm resistant to venom and poison." Thorn jots it down on a note, nodding, "Continue... increase your toughness?" Kale nods to him, "I am pretty tough... and I'm pretty strong. And I'm a good or at least decent warrior." Thorn nods and continues to jot things down. Kale walks up to Erevin, as everyone watches closely. Yuki and Wren hold their breath, not sure how well that's going to go... Kale nods to Erevin, "My mother raised me as a boy and she spoke bitterly of the banishment of her family from Myth Coramanth. Not in so many words... she never placed any direct blame, but even as a boy... up until her death, I could tell that she felt betrayed. It was difficult growing up... As I told Wren, I met my sister when I was around 8 and she was 5. Shes not my birth sister." He shifted his glance to Thorn briefly, "Don't get any ideas." and he turned back to continue to Erevin, "and we lived on the road for a long time until I was old enough and came to Myth Coramanth to see the place my mother spoke of." Erevin nodded, finally speaking, "By then it wasn't even in the same place really..." Kale nodded his agreement, "No... but I had heard that my father had come to this new place... though I didn't know he was my father at the time... but I had heard that he had come to guard it. So I was curious. Lord Eltrue took me under his wing... it was at that point that I came up with my plan." Wren moved up beside him and took his hand as he continued. "I wanted to prove to your mother and the other elves of Myth Coramanth that I was an elf... and I would die to defend this city like any other elf... that I would be the greatest warrior that Myth Coramanth ever produced... and my mother's name would be vindicated." Erevin nodded a little grimly, "I see."

Kale goes on tell him his real family name, his mother's last name. Wren casts a brief curious glance at him, not having heard this herself yet, but says nothing and continues to hold his hand in full support. Erevin has no recollection of the name because it's been about 100 years since that name has been in the city. Kale tells him that he understands if he wants him to wait aboard the ship. Erevin ponders a moment, "I'll do what I can... to plead your case." Yuki throws her arms up in the air, overcome with instant excitement, "YES!" Everyone turns to look at her and she blushes, still barely wearing ribbons as she puts her arms back down. Wren giggles. Kale nods to Erevin, "I thank you, my lord." Erevin nods to him, "It was a different place... I don't know that that banishment even still applies here." Kale nods to him, "I'm an elf... and I know that elves do not forget." Erevin nods in agreement, "And neither do dragons, apparently." Kale nods, "My father... is still a bitter dragon... the only thing I can say in his defense... is that when Myth Coramanth arrived here in Rawlinswood... he had come here to defend it, thinking that he might find his lost love again." Yuki melts, "Awww!" Erevin looks at him curiously, "How did she die?" Kale answers, "Sickness... a broken heart." Yuki whispers loudly, "We have a magic ship that goes back through time... not that we should probably go messing with that."

As the words fall from the priestess's lips... a 12' tall figure appears curiously ageless with an older man's face... his cloaked robe appears like a starred night sky. Yuki looks at him warily, moving closer to the prince of Myth Coramanth, "Erevin..." The figure looks at Yuki, "I will not allow this." He looks around the group and suddenly we all appear in the city, including everyone except for the hero spirits attached to the ship... and the ship is gone! Yuki looks around at everyone and whispers quietly, "Oops?" Wren looks up into the sky as the realization hits her, "No... LOCH!!" She falls to her knees, sobbing. Yuki flails, "No one takes me seriously! What is he talking about?!" Erevin nods to her, "Apparently the ship took you seriously." She shakes her head, "That was not Destiny... that was... something else... entirely not Destiny!" Thirteen is standing there, his hands held as though he had been in the middle of wiping a glass. All of our stuff that was on the ship is gone with Destiny...

Mina approaches us, "Erevin? Weren't you going to rescue..." Erevin walks directly to her at the sound of her voice and throws his arms around her, embracing her tightly, burying his face in her hair. Startled, she hugs him back, "You just left this morning..." He pulls back slightly to be able to look in her face, "You... are the greatest ranger Myth Coramanth has ever seen." She grins, "It took you long enough to admit it." He smiles, "When I am king... You will be my captain." She looks at him confused, "Alright... What happened? You just left..." He puts an arm around her, walking toward the palace with everyone following behind them, "Come with me... it's a long story." Kale picks up Wren who is lost to her tears and carries her among the others. The elves look at Thirteen and Sir Restin oddly, but everyone is welcomed in and there is plenty of room in the palace.

Erevin calls a meeting with Lady Lionspaw, Attalicus, Eltrue, Mina and us... Lady Lionspaw walks in with Eltrue at her side, her moonblade hangs on her hip. "You called for me, my son? Weren't you just leaving?" One of the runes on her moonblade matches the new rune on Erevin's own moonblade. Closed doors meeting. They all listen as Erevin tells the story... there is quite a bit of skepticism, but coming from Erevin they trust in his word. We make arrangements to be sure that Raven is not allowed into the city, just in case we're too late... and Falco pipes up, looking at all of us, "Did you say Mindbreaker?! Oh.... that's... that's bad!" He sort of shudders a little, and adds quickly,"I don't know anything!" Thorn turns to him, warning in his voice, "Grandpa..." Wren pleads with him, "We need your information to stop her... she went off to go and stop it herself..." Wren and Yuki add in unison, "Alone!" Falco nods, "That sounds so much like her... wow she had a great rack..." He looks at Wren's and nods to her, "You'll grow into them." She blinks at him surprised, no one had complained about them before! She glances back at Kale. Falco sighs, "Well... she might've went to the place where we originally defeated it... it had been living in a dark temple of Ghaunadaur." Several maps are put on the table in front of him and as he's scrolling over them Yuki stands near the table, "Mr Falco Sir... this might not be the best time... but ... was my daddy a cross-dresser?" Wren laughs and shakes her head. Falco looks over at her, "What?! Do I know you? Who's your daddy again?" She smiles sweetly, "Avidon Ashdown." "Ohhh," Falco nods, "The bookworm! He wasn't a cross-dresser! Why would you think that? He was a bit of a per..." he glances at her again, finishing a little quieter, "vert." "So that's why he had women's clothing in his room!" She shows him the mantle that she's wearing.

Thorn nods, "See! Mystery solved!" "My dad's a pervert!" Yuki cries! Thorn tries to comfort her, "There's nothing wrong with that..." "Yes there is! He's my dad!" Falco points out an area on the map to the northeast up in the mountains to an old deserted temple. Erevin recalls Horitsu's spirit pointing to the northeast. He nods, "That makes sense... that takes precedent... and we need to figure out what happens between Renata and my sister..." he turns to Yuki, "And we need to get your Axton back." She nods emphatically, "Whatever he is working on right now is not going to end well." Erevin directs her to write to him. When she opens her journal, all of the messages Axton had written her are gone, but hers is still there. She writes to him, My dearest Quill... I know you're Axton. I've been to the future. Return Immediately! NO MATTER WHAT!!! Time is of the essence! What you're doing is very dangerous! Show Alain! Love, Yuki! she adds little hearts and x's and o's. Wren asks if Attalicus could create a portal to the embassy in Lyrabar to send them through. Erevin suggests that we go through the portal to Lyrabar because of the skepticism that would surely be met with from a letter. Yuki and Wren kneel on the floor with a banner of paper, writing out a time line. Yuki suggests gathering the others from the original Guardians of the Tome to help... Posy can speak with Jerome, Esme is lost, but Magarite from Lyrabar and Avidon from Waterdeep. Thoughts cross her mind about her parents knowing about Miyu and never telling her... she wipes away tears, refusing to cry.

Axton and Helena are first on the timeline. Unsure of what's been set in motion, Yuki thinks there is some possible political game in play with the temples of Shar and Talona. Axton being sent out on a secret mission by Alain. She tells the tale of him being disguised as Quill when she went to the secret place with Harbinger. Amynta holds her head, "I'm so confused!" Posy and Uther slip out of the room together.

1 year later on the timeline is Renata and Annaisaru. 2 or 3 years after that... Raven shuts down the mythal and drow and dragons invade Myth Coramanth. a few years later, timing is uncertain... the barbarian clan falls to Melar. 16 years from now, Lyrabar was destroyed with the eye of Ghaunadaur in the tear in the sky. Some time after that, the red fungus vine begins taking over the lands.

And somewhere in the timeline... the dungeon starts to the east of Myth Coramanth. The ruby that came off of Yuki's rod from the dungeon sphere has started a new dungeon here on our sphere.

Plans are set into motion for Attalicus to send us to Lyrabar first to stop Axton and do what we can to prepare Silvermane and the others in Lyrabar. Dominic and Mali start working out plans together on the red fungus.

Erevin looks at Eltrue, "Who is the greatest warrior that you have ever trained?" Eltrue looks at him curiously, "That I've personally trained?" Erevin nods. Eltrue glances at Kale, "Kale is my prodigy." Yuki melts. Erevin turns to his mother, "Lady Lionspaw... as a member of the rangers of the elven forest, I would ask that Kale's performances and duties be recognized and that his family line and name of (insert new elven last name here) be cleared of past oversights." Horitsu gasps at the name and looks to Kale a little accusingly, "Is this true?" Wren squeezes his hand, standing beside him. He nods to Lady Lionspaw, "Yes, my queen." Horitsu looks him over, "Then I ask... will you serve Myth Coramanth and her people with your life?" "Always." He nods to her. "Then that is all I can ask," she nods, "The events of your mother and father have long since passed in another Myth Coramanth. YOU will always be welcome here... though your father was most upset when we drove him from the city." Kale nods, "Thank you." Erevin bows, "Thank you, my lady."

Kale approaches Horitsu, "May I make a request, my queen?" She looks at him curiously and nods before he continues, "I would humbly request that you would grant me the hand in marriage to one of your most loyal subjects... Lady Wren Dreamspinner." Wren's eyes grew wide and she started to blush. Yuki gasped, bouncing excitedly in place, planning the wedding in her head! Rue, Ori, and Amynta clutching on to Yuki, holding their breath as they watched excitedly. Kale pulled out a ring from his pocket covered in green dragon scales and set with diamonds and he knelt on one knee in front of the trembling witch with tears running down her face. Horitsu smiles, "If the lady Dreamspinner is agreeable, you have my blessing." Kale turned his face up to Wren, "Are you agreeable?" "I would be deeply honored," she nodded quickly through her tears. He slid the ring onto her finger as Yuki jumped up and down, "Yes! Yes! Yes!" among the other priestesses awwing over the proposal. Unable to contain herself further Yuki rushes over, pushing Kale out of the way, "Wren!!!" as all of the priestesses quickly surround the witch, jumping up and down excitedly and hugging her and fawning over her new ring. Erevin offers a hand to Kale, "Welcome to Myth Coramanth, brother." Kale nods appreciatively taking Erevin's hand, "Thank you." Thorn watches the group of young, beautiful, and scantily clad women bouncing up and down and he makes his way into the center of the group, joining them, bouncing, "Yay! We're all so happy!" Wren giggles with him, "Aww! Thorn! You're happy for me too?" "I am SOOO happy for you! Lets keep jumping in happy pleasure!" All of the girls keep bouncing around with him in a big circle. Marigold looks over at Thorn disapprovingly and then turns to look back at Falco "Obviously he takes after YOU!" but Falco is already gone, joined Thorn and the girls in their happy bouncing circle.

Wren slips up beside Erevin, "Thank you for that..." Yuki echoes her, "Erevin... that was amazing!" He smiles at both of them and nods, "He earned it."

Erevin asks Attalicus to do some research on a black sword called Eclipse. He is still working on Erevin's requested bow. He sends us through a portal to Lyrabar. We all appear in the elven embassy. Head to Annaisaru. Greet her warmly. She looks at the crowd of people with us... and Erevin assures her that we wont be staying long. He gives her a small cliff notes version of what we've seen, cities destroyed... she's very skeptical and then he asks her what she knows about Renata Winterrowd. She ponders for a long moment, "Well... she's a noble woman here in town... hero of the city... fancies herself pretty good with the sword." She shrugs. Erevin peers at her, "Could you beat her?" Without even thinking, Anna nods confidently, "Well yeah." Erevin shakes his head, saying matter-of-factly, "You don't." She turns to look at him, "What?!" He tells her that there was a duel between her and Renata where Anna is killed. "Do I at least take her with me?" "No." Everyone watches, a little surprised that Erevin would lie to his sister so easily, but no one says anything. He tells her that her death makes a rift between the two cities... so that when Myth Coramanth is attacked, Lyrabar does not go to their aid. Annaisaru nods, "For as obnoxious as she can be... Mother loves us, and that sounds like something she would do." He adds that the duel was something over a man... Anna shakes her head, "A long time ago... You were fairly young... Mother was being difficult and I ran away..." Erevin shakes his head in disbelief, "No! You were rebellious?" She smiles, "As hard as that is to believe... but yes... I traveled into the lands where the Rottingman once was... I got into a bit of trouble, but I was found by Bishop who got me back to Myth Coramanth... and Mother made him an elf friend." Erevin nods and she continues, "I... may have developed sort of a... crush... on this Bishop." Erevin frowns, "And now this Renata has married him." She nods, "Yes... and we had words about this, but... I thought we had reached a peace on it. I certainly wouldn't fight over Bishop. That battle has been lost." Erevin nods, "The drow have been indicated in a certain number of events... and perhaps one of them disguises themselves as her." She nods, "They are magic users... I can send a message to Lady Medici to fill her in or you can tell her yourself. I'm sure she'd be delighted with your visit. You've met her before." Erevin nods agreeing that we'd pay her a visit, and to be careful... but we needed to get Axton first. She assures him that she has no enemies here and the relationship is great with the city. He looks back at her, "Increase your guard." "Aww! You love me, don't you?" "Yeah... I do."

We head toward the temple, leaving several behind in the embassy while we travel across the city. Thirteen goes to work happily in one of the elven bars. Yuki muttering a to-do list and mentions getting Kale and Wren married while we're there... Wren blinks, "Hey! Let me just enjoy the engagement for a little while first." Yuki sighs, "Fine, fine." Kale sets his hand on Yuki's shoulder, "I appreciate the offer, Miss Ashdown, but I would like to be married in the temple of Corellian." Erevin looks over at him, pride glowing. Yuki stares up at him, huge eyes welling up with tears. He looks at Wren, nudging her to do something! Wren goes over to try and comfort her, "Um well the place hasn't been decided yet... we haven't talked at all about it actually... ummm it doesn't have to be in a temple... and you'll still be there!" Yuki was still teary-eyed, drops dangerously ready to spill over the edge. Wren continued, "And you'll probably perform it..." The tears started to spill as Yuki gasped out her words, "P..pro... probably?" Wren hugs onto her, "Okay, okay... you will perform it." Yuki brightens happily, "To the temple!" Wren adds quickly, "Not today!" but it didn't dampen the young priestess's spirits as walked on to the Temple of Sune. Erevin looked at Wren as she followed behind, defeated... "You cave so easily... Here you are washed in the beauty of the elven goddess... and yet you cave for this?" Her shoulders sagged a little heavier. She would fix it all... somehow... hopefully without tears... no wonder witches don't get married...

Everyone is indeed shiny with beauty as we're returned to our own time, back in the presence of our gods... except for Thorn who looks a little rougher and smells a lot worse... even Uther kind of gives him a wide birth. We make it to the Temple of Sune where Rue and Ori are very happy to be home. Amynta takes them off to their rooms. Yuki apologizes to Sune as she shines up a quick tarnished spot on one of the statues... we go to a meeting with Helena and Alain. Yuki hugs them both tightly, speaking to Helena, "I like you so much better this way! Talona is a terrible goddess! Don't ever change! EVER EVER EVER!" Helena glances over at Erevin, "Did something happen to our Yuki?" He smiles and shakes his head, "Not to Yuki, no..." Alain and Helena are surprised to see our quick return, but are both pleased to have Rue and Ori back. Yuki starts out telling the whole story in only the way that the cheerful priestess can, but then she hands it over to Erevin who tells them the long, dark story of where we've been and what we seen. Yuki echoing some of the parts beside him in her own way, "Tentacles! Bleah ah ah!" She sticks out her tongue and raises her hands to emphasize.

Alain gestures softly at Helena, "My love was targeted by the clergy of Talona at a young age because she was so beautiful and corrupting beauty is the Talonian way. She was rescued and brought to the temple of Sune, but still they have not given up on her." Erevin tilts his head, "That's quite the quest on their part to still be trying... because of her beauty?" Alain smiles, "Her beauty is certainly part of it..." He glances at her, "Being the most beautiful woman in the world..." Erevin gives him a knowing nod and little hearts swirl around Yuki. Alain continues, "But I think there is something more to it... she is important to them. I've heard rumors that some agents of Talona were here in town so I have been working with Axton.... sending him ... what's that word ... under the covers...no, no... undercover... to try and ferret out the agents. He came up with some plan to get himself kicked out of the temple." Yuki interrupts him, "No! He can't do that! It means he has an affair with Helena and she gets kicked out of the temple too! No! He can't do that." Alain glances at her and then continues, "He is hoping to find out who the agents are without having to do anything that drastic... I'm not sure where he is right now, but I'm sure he'll check in at some point." Yuki whips out her journal to find no reply and she writes another message, Where are you? You spy! Come back!! NOW! under the covers... Helena looks over at Yuki, "Why are you writing in one of the holy priestess books?" Yuki nods, "It's my journal. I always write in it." She nods, recognizing one of the fabled books of the Goddess. Yuki explains that they all got one when they graduated. Helena is impressed telling her that it was a very grand gift from her high priestess. "Doesn't everyone get one when they graduate?" Yuki looks at her confused. Helena smiles, "Only the most blessed of priestesses." Yuki stands a little taller, "Really? Most blessed priestesses!" She shines a little more, glancing at Shri, but then pauses, "Wait... only priestesses? No priests?" She cries, "My boyfriend is a pervert! ...or a girl!" Alain assures us that when Axton returns to check in that he wont let him leave the temple.

Yuki asks about Harbinger, but Alain tells her that he's more the type that "finds you"... she thinks back with her new memories and sees Harbinger, looking the same as he does now... but he was walking with her and her sister who were young and he ruffles their hair, "I think we'll be great friends."

After we leave, Yuki suggests getting masks and going to the Den of Sin to look for Axton. We can't all go... it needs to be covert... so it's decided it will be easiest for Erevin to get a mask as a noble with his contact Lady Vivian, the scarlet mask. Yuki smiles cheerfully, "Yeah, let's go to the Den of Sin, Erevin!" Shri glowers, "Must you?" He apologizes to her and Yuki continues on, "Oh... I promise I'm not going take him into any alcoves or anything..." Shri says something in drow, and Yuki continues, "I mean it's not like you're not pretty or something." "Okay..." Wren slips an arm quickly around Shri's shoulders, "Shri... why don't you come with me... we'll go to the magic shop." Shri is growling, "I need spiders." Wren looks at her uncertainly about to let some crawl out of her mouth to her hand when Shri stops her, "No, not like that!" Wren giggles, grateful to reduce at least some of the drow priestess's aggression. Posy, Uther, and Kale join Wren and Shri and head to The House of Wonders.

Lyrabar is bustling with fall turning into winter with brisk cool air. A little rainy with some fog coming in. The adamantine golemn still stands guarding the magic shop. Shandra welcomes us into the shop, waving her wand to shake the water off of us, drying us off. Wren looks Shandra over carefully, making sure she was a real person and then lets Posy have her full attention while she goes to the back room to find Argent training Salem, a much younger version of the woman who she had seen in the dark future on the boat. "Keep your fingers straight!" "They were straight!" Crack with a ruler! "Not straight enough!" Argent puts the ruler behind her back and turns around to greet the elven witch, "Wren!" "Oh! Argent! It's you! It's really you... and you remember me... and it's SO good to see you not as a magical construct!" Wren rushes over and hugs onto her! Argent nods, "Yes... I bet that would be kind of sad..." she adds cheerfully, "and I'm not going to die a horrific death!" Wren stops and looks at her, shocked, "What?! You remember?" Argent smiles, "Well... I sort of have this gift... I can sometimes see into the future." "Really?! So you seen what happened?!" "Well sort of... I seen two potential paths. One not so good... one better." Wren nodded, "Well let's hope we're on the better path then!" Argent nods smiling, "Well you came back! So I'm sure we are!" Wren laughs, "So you know what happened... You're saving me a lot of story time here." Argent laughs, "Well my visions are a bit sketchy on the details if you want to tell me the story." Wren glances at Salem, but Argent assures her she'll be fine for a bit on her own, she cracks her fingers with the ruler again, telling her she's watching her and her light fingers too. Argent pours out tea and they sit down with cinnamon rolls, Wren fills her in on the whole long, and dark story... including Rosche, and Kai, and the stories of what happened to Myth Coramanth and Lyrabar... Argent gasped as Wren finished, "And he proposed to you right there in the throne room?!" Wren laughed, nodding, as Argent continued, "That's so romantic! My boyfriend would never be that romantic..." "What? You have a boyfriend!" "Hmm? We were talking about you!" Wren looked at her, "You can't hold back a secret like that... not after all of this... spill it!" Argent smiled knowingly, "I think you know who my boyfriend is..." Wren grinned, "Really? You're a brave and patient woman! So... he's your son? and... he's your grandson?" Argent nodded cheerfully, "Uh huh. Oh, and I have something for you... from a friend of mine in case you returned..." She handed Wren a scroll. Wren peered at it curiously, and opened it up, a rune flashing on it... making her let out the longest, most unfeminine belch that sort of blows Argent's hair back slightly. Wren clasped a hand over her mouth, blushing a deep red, "Oh my gosh! I'm sorry! I thought this was from a friend of yours!?" she glances back down at the scroll to see the writing under the rune... I, Penny Coppertop, request your presence at the Temple of Selune. Wren laughs, "Oh! The prankster! You did say she was a friend of yours..." Wren nodded to Argent as she rolled up the scroll and put it away. Argent nodded to her, "You had some good volume there."

Shandra cheerfully worked with Posy, "How can I help you today? Instruments of death, destruction... blood?" Posy looked up quizzically from the shelves to Shandra, "Blood?" The sorceress nodded to her, "You're a barbarian, right? Well I've got this fine eviscerator..." she holds up a sword covered in thorns, "You stick it in them and pull it out and their guts come right off." "Hmm" Posy looked her over, her interest piqued, "How much is that?" "For you? 4,000 gold." Posy considers it into her cost and buys a ring of protection from fire. Shandra nods, "Oh that's easy... we have that in stock. We get a lot of would be dragon slayers coming in here." Argent's voice comes from the back room, "Hey!" "Bad dragons!" Shandra assures her, "Bad dragons." Posy asks her for a pair of simple gold bracelets and Shandra nods happily, throwing the bracelets in for free. Posy beams, "I'll take that eviscerator sword too then!" Shandra gets everything prepared for Posy while singing a little song to herself, "Granddaughter's going to the university!" She talks about a belt of stoneskin as a possible future option and Shandra winks at her, "Maybe we can work out a deal."

Thorn asks around town and heads to the Sokolov Bakery to find Samira. He wears the human mask and steps into the pleasant aroma of baking breads and pastries and danishes. He finds the pink haired young woman with similar features to the young student, Alexia, who was with Kai in the future. Samira smiles at him, glowing, and hands him a complimentary pastry, "How can I help you today?" He asks to speak with her privately and the older woman, Samira says is her mother, heads upstairs. He says his name is Mr. Ronald and asks about Salem and Boots and she nods, "I'm familiar with both of them. Salem is at the magic shop getting her daily instruction. Boots is likely at home... unless she's out on the streets up to no good." Thorn smiles and nods, "Well that's part of why I'm here then..." Samira nods, "She has magical aptitude as well, but unfortunately me and the other girls are already training two apprentices... but maybe when they're done." Thorn nods, "I can't explain exactly why... but it is imperative that they get the training that you can provide... their magical aptitude is rather untapped at the moment and needs to be developed." Samira looks at him curiously, "Alright..." He continues, "As part of making sure this takes place, I'd like to help in any way that I can... I understand it's rather difficult and ... costly... to get into the magical school..." Samira nods, "It is difficult, especially for a non-noble. I know a few people at the arcane university. They might be willing to take her in." Thorn smiles and nods, "Well it must be both." "Hey!" Samira puts her hands on her hips, "Our training is pretty good. I did just fine without training in the university... of course I was trained by a pervert... but we're not perverts and we're training her just fine." "I'm sure that you are," Thorn nodded to her, "And they're going to require your assistance before they can get into the arcane university." "Alright," she nodded to him again, "We could do that... Maybe give them a little pre-training so that when they take their taste at the arcane university they'd be able to pass very easily." She laughs a little mockingly at the noble school, "That'll show 'em." "Excellent," Thorn nods, "If you wouldn't take offense to it... Can I perhaps help assist financially?" Samira smiles brightly, "I wouldn't even think of not taking your money." He nods, "Well I would like to help finance their training and help them get into the arcane university... say 5000?" She ponders a second and before she can respond, he adds, "Each." "We're already training Salem... so I can't really think of charging you to train her, but 5000 for Boots seems quite acceptable." Thorn shakes his head, "No, no, I insist." Samira nods, "Alright... if you insist. You're a good guy." Thorn smiles, "I just look out for those I care for." He sets multiple small bags of gems and gold down on the table. Samira nods, "I'll see to it that Boots gets the training that she deserves." Thorn nods, "You will not be disappointed with her." Samira smiles, "I know it. She's a very smart young woman... and sticky fingers." He nods to her, "You might want to watch out for those sticky fingers." Samira smiles, "I'm afraid I'm not very good at taming rogues..." He grins and nods, "They are a wily bunch." She gives him a huge basket with various baked items, "I know it's not much compared to what you're offering us... but take these, share them with your friends, or... eat them all yourself. whatever." He thanks her and accepts the basket as she goes over and flips the sign to closed on the doorway. "One more thing..." he smiles at her, "Can we keep this just between us? An anonymous donation?" "Oh... a mystery patron... that's going to be pretty tough. Boots is pretty inquisitive, but I'm sure we can keep "Mr. Ronald" out of it... sounds made up anyway." She winks at him. He thanks her again and heads out of the bakery, hearing her call to the back, "Honey, we can close for the day!"

Erevin heads to the Dulsaer estate to see Vivian. A beautiful home with decorative wine. Vivian glides down the stairs, twirling a glass of wine in her hands, "Well... Mr... Lionspaw, now... moving up in the world since I last seen you. It's good to see you again." She feigns tripping on the bottom stair, falling into his arms, and stays there, holding onto him. Erevin grins at her, "You should have your man check into that staircase." "Darn carpeting is so slippery." She smiles, gliding her hand along his muscled arm holding her up. He leads her over to a chair where she sits down, fluttering a silk fan, "What can I do for you today?" "As much as I hate to ask for favors..." he started off hesitantly, but she interrupted him smiling brightly, "Oh, you can ask me anything... I think I would like for you to owe me something." "That's very good of you," He smiles, "I was hoping... and I hope I'm not being too forward..." She looks up at him, more interested and smiles, "Mmmm... sounds interesting." She sips her wine and pours Erevin a glass. He continues, "I'm rather embarrassed to even ask.. but I'm told you have certain contacts in this area... I need to avail upon your... social circles." "Mmm... social circles... I know some people. What can I do for you then?" She smiles over her glass of wine. "I need a mask..." "A mask? What kind of mask? There are many here in the city..." "A mask that can get me into... what do they call it... the Den of Sin?" She stops swirling her wine for a moment and looks up at him, "And where would you hear of such a place? ...it sounds naughty." He smiles, "In only the most whispered of dark corners. I hope I am not too forward." "Such a place is not particularly common knowledge..." She looks at him quizzically, "None of your elves have ever been there as far as I know." "And if I have my way," he smiles at her, "None will hear of us being there still." She nods, "Certainly I'd be willing to get you a mask... if you'd be willing to accompany me." "Perhaps," he smiles at her. "I would hate to throw even a lion ... to the wolves." She sips her wine and smiles up at him, "I'm experienced." "I would not have presumed that you have been there..." He shook his head at her. She smiles, "It is a place where the rich and powerful go... of course I have been there. It's a fun place to play..." "Having not been there, I'll have to take your word for it. I seek... dangerous people." He looked at her a little more seriously. "There are many dangerous people in the Den of Sin," she shrugged, "I would say all of them... predators and prey." "So you'll show me?" He raises an eyebrow at her. "I would love to show you... it may take me a day to make you the mask." "It will be worth the wait." She smiles, looking him over, "Hmm who would you be..." "I will leave that in your capable hands." He nods to her, "This is your playground, not mine." She smolders as she smiles at him, her silky nightrobe drifting open slightly, "Mmm we'll see what we can do to change that... I'll see you tomorrow evening then." "I'm not rushing you, am I?" He smiles at her. "Oh no," she shook her head, "I've been waiting for an opportunity like this for a lifetime." "I wouldn't want you to have to hurry things along..." She turns to him, "I like a man who takes it slow" "Tomorrow then?" She nods. "I am indebted to you."

Yuki plans her outfit and writes in her journal, I'm going to the Den of Sin. You better be there!

She heads to the magic shop, but runs into Harbinger on her way, "Miss Ashdown... I didn't expect to see you back so soon in Lyrabar... I take it you were able to rescue all of your companions?" "Mr. Harbinger!" she hugs him, "Yes, we did! It's so good to see you! I like you much better like this... being dead is a terrible thing! You really need to protect yourself, you know that?" He looks at her curiously, "I'm not sure what you're talking about, but it sounds like you have some delicious secrets that maybe you should share." "Oh I do!" She looped her arm into his, "But... what did you do to me? I remember everything. What did you do to me... when we played on the shore... with Miyu." He looks at her surprised! She tightens her arm around his, "Shall we walk, Mr. Harbinger?" "I'm afraid you have me at a bit of a loss..." He looked at her a little blankly, still in shock. "I don't think I've ever seen that look on your face before, Mr. Harbinger... not once in all the times I've met with you have you looked this surprised... what did you do to me? ...you die for it, you know?" He nods, "...not unexpected." "I wont be mad," she offers sweetly, encouraging him to tell her. "Oh I think you will!" He nods to her. "I wont," she looks up at him earnestly, "We're friends, right? You're my friend. I wont be mad. Just tell me what happened." Another voice comes from his mouth, "She'll find out eventually." He tries to speak, but nothing comes out, and he turns to Yuki, "I... can't reveal that secret to you... you'll have to ask your parents." "Why not? You were there!" He glances down at his shadow, "She has forbidden me." "Can't you just write it in the dirt with your toe?" He laughs, "I think Shar is a little more clever than that." She frowns for a moment and then looks back up at him, "Mmm You were nice to me... we laughed a lot... you, and Miyu, and me... we laughed a lot. I remember. You were our family friend... though you still look the same... which I don't understand... and if i could bottle it and use it, I would." "The Harbinger of Loss has its privileges... I can't tell you all you want to know, Miss Ashdown, and I'm afraid you'll be rather cross with me when you find it all out." She looks at him seriously, "We're friends, right? Mr. Harbinger?" "I'd like to think so..." "Regardless we're friends. Pinky swear on whatever you find swearable... on the life of your goddess if that's what it takes. ...because I forgive anything for my friends." He holds out his pinky for her, "I'd like to think of us as friends. You ...and Miyu... are very dear to me" "She's dead, isn't she? Mr. Harbinger? My sister." "Not p..." and before he can say anything else, he disappears. "HEY! I really hate this goddess!! I mean... I don't hate... I just..." Yuki sighs and continues to the magic shop. Thorn heads to the House of Wonders in hopes of finding Knives, knowing that Salem was there training. He finds him in the alleyway, watching and waiting for Salem to come out... Thorn sneaks from the shadows up behind Knives. Almost reaching him, the young boy whips around with two knives in his hands. Thorn nods approvingly, "Hey! You're getting better!" Recognizing Thorn, he sheathes his two knives and sort of shrugs. Thorn tilts his head, "Whatcha doin?" Knives looks out past the alleyway and motions toward Salem. Thorn nods, "Good. Well... I've got something for you." Knives tilts his head at Thorn who pulls out the magical scabbard and hands it to him... Knives looks it over and looks quizzically back up at Thorn who nods to him, "It's magical." Knives puts one of his daggers into it and pulls it back out. Thorn nods approvingly, "Quick learner." He explains how it all works and what to do. Knives nods to him, "Cool." Thorn smiles, "I'm giving this to you, but I want you to do something in return for me... something simple. You're kind of doing it already." Knives nods, waiting for the rest. Thorn continues, "I want you to look out for your sisters... I want you to be their protective brother." Knives nods with a quiet voice, "I'd give my life for either of them." Thorn nods to him, "There may come a day when they're in danger and you have to step up to protect them... if that day comes, I hope this will serve you well." Knives nods, "Thank you. I knew you were coming back." "Oh," Thorn nods to him, "And one more thing." he tosses him a small bag of 500 gold in gems, "Go buy yourself a good blade... and learn how to use it well... I'll let you get back to what you were doing." Knives nods, sinking into the shadows fairly well. Thorn nods approvingly, and slips into the shadows. Posy, Uther, and Ursus head to go and speak with Uthgart and the clan who welcome them warmly.