Session+89

** Session 89 ** **4/29/16** **Sarshel, Godly Quest Dreams, and a Vampire Magic Shop Owner?!**

The heroic companions had sailed back to Sarshel after fighting their way through the underwater abyss to destroy The Mother. The four large island estates welcomed them into the harbor, though it took a little talking to reassure the paladins - The Knights Solar - when they showed up on an orc pirate ship.

Azarius's parents had endured various potions to force them into the start of an unholy physical change. Over the course of the voyage, Shri, Mali, and Wren were able to pour multiple remove curse, disease, and poison spells to undo the transformations. Behrun Marhanna had been taken as a sacrifice to Ghaundahaur since he was not of the Chaat line.

The large group took the cable car up to the Chaat estate where Amara immediately welcomed her family with several excited hugs. Aquainos, their butler, watched with admiration, dabbing his eyes. He sent the other servants off to prepare a feast and prepare the rooms.

Azarius's father went to clean up, but asked that his son and his companions meet him in the smoking room in an hour as he wanted to hear about his son's exploits. He spoke with Azarius about how their family has used the gold from the underwater city to offset the bad times in business. Azarius offered him his own gold, but his father told him that it would only help them for a time... "I would prefer that you use that money to ensure that you survive during this 'saving the world' quest... However, my son... in the long run... how are the noblewomen in Lyrabar?" "I've been too busy," Azarius shook his head, "Saving you guys... and the world... but I'll try to put in more effort."

Azarius and Erevin discussed a possible new embassy for the elves in Sarshel. The elven prince told him he would speak with his mother and the elves of his city to see if there was an interest.

The group all took hot baths and put on clean clothes before heading out into the city. Erevin, Shri, Posy, and Uther took a cable car to the Marhanna estate. Uther nodded to Posy, "We're going to see your family soon, right?" She nodded, "Yes." "Very soon," Erevin agreed. Lantan and the release of the elven souls from the mythal jewel was next on the agenda. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Uther nodded, seemingly pleased with the answer. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">The blonde woman with streaks of sea green in her hair welcomed them into her home, "You have returned from the sea! It is good to see you again... I do not see Lord Chaat with you... is everything all right?" <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Erevin nodded, "We've just returned from finding his parents. He's at his estate with them now." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"Ah! You were able to bring back his parents then," she nodded, and then added questioningly, "I haven't heard any other news..."

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"His parents are well and recovering from the ordeal," Erevin nodded, "However unfortunately, I bring you bad news." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"You were able to rescue and return my brother as well?" Alashar asked. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"That would have been good news," Erevin nodded. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"Depends on your point of view," the young noblewoman shrugged. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"Indeed," Erevin nodded, "In your case then, I bring you reason to rejoice... your brother did not survive the ordeal." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Alashar frowned, "Perhaps I judged him too harshly. We never got along... and I had some suspicions that I'll likely never now be able to confirm... but he was brother and all that was left of my family. Though there may be some Marhannas out there, I am a woman and will not carry on the Marhanna name... unless I marry below my station." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"Take your time making those decisions," Erevin nodded to her. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">She nodded, "Certainly I'll have less to worry about from my brother." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"You can undivide your home," Erevin nodded, looking around. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"It's all yours now," Posy agreed from beside him. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"There is a lot of work to do. We each had our own businesses... Now I'll have to figure out what he was in to and hope that it isn't something that I do not want to be involved with," she nodded.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Alashar retrieved an ornate mahogany box and presented it to Erevin. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">The elven ranger shook his head, "M'lady... I did not return for a reward. I merely wished to pass on the news." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"But you have done my family a great service, and I would feel remiss if I did not offer you something at least," she argued. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Erevin nodded, "Then I accept." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"They were my brothers," she opened the box to reveal several rows of fine cigars. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"Thank you," Erevin smiled, accepting the box. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">She nodded, "And, of course, you are always welcome back at my estate. Please let me know if you need anything." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Erevin and Posy nodded, saying their farewells before exiting the estate with Shri and Uther.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Azarius, Thorn, and Trieste took a car deeper into the topside market. The smell of grilling fish wafted through the air. The charismatic sorcerer escorted his friend to a local gambling establishment called Lady Luck. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">The young halfling raised a skeptical eyebrow at the sign on the way in that read //Where everyone is a winner!//, "We'll see about that..." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Inside there was excitement in the air. Several tables had people playing cards. There was a roulette table. And there was a lot of money changing hands. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"Lord Chaat... it's been a while since you've been here," a doorman welcomed them in, "Is this one of your new servants?"

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Azarius nodded, "My faithful man servant. We've just returned from a long sea voyage, and we came to try our luck." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"Oh, of course, sir," the doorman nodded and gestured to a couple of tables where people were cheering. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Winding their way among the crowd were a couple of elves, but mostly human women carrying trays of drinks. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">The doorman gestured toward the newcomers and nodded to the women, and one of them walked up to Azarius, "Lord Chaat, would you care for a drink? And something for your manservant?" She had a sparkling powder on her skin and smelled wonderful. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">The nobleman nodded, accepting a fine drink. She poured an ale in a mug for Thorn. The three of them walked over to one of the tables where wealthy merchants were playing cards.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">The halfling, a little nervous from the new place, slipped cards with his sleight of hand. He watched Azarius play... and the nobleman wasn't very good at gambling, but the dealer seemed to be helping him out. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Thorn smiled, no longer feeling bad about cheating, took the gloves off and used his mad skills to pull ahead of the competition. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">The drink girl did her best to distract the gentlemen, and eyed the halfling suspiciously. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Appetizers were brought to the table, and rumors came out in conversation as they played.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">The lovely lady bard, Cara, was to perform at the Foaming Pint. Nobles and merchants were excited to hear her talent. She normally performed in a shanty down on the docks where they wouldn't dare be seen.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">There was talk of Lord Chaat and his companions returning to the city. He traveled with a strange group of elves, halflings, and a gnome. There were questions about whether Lord Marhanna was recovered.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">The Grey Siren made port the day before. It was a pirate ship and there was talk about the elven pirates coming in recently... rumors of possible deals with noble families were flying around.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Many glares fell over Thorn as he won about 100 gold at the tables as they played. He tipped a small handful of gold to Trixie the drink maid who dealt him the cards. Azarius played to have fun and broke even at the end of the evening.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Mali, Ursus, Wren, and Kale took a cable car to the topside market to visit a local magic shop. Wren walked around distracted, sharing a bowl of lobster bites with Kale as Mali asked around for the best magic shop in town. It was called Smoke and Mirrors. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Magic lights and oddities were inside. A handsome mature human man was behind the counter. He had dark skin and jet black hair. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"Ah, customers... do be coming in," he welcomed them in, bowing gracefully before the witch and druidess, "How can I help you young ladies today? I can see that you are already well covered in magic items... What can this humble shop do for you?" <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Wren gestured at Mali, "My halfling friend here would like some spells made permanent." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">He nodded, "Very well. You look like adventurers." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Wren and Mali both nodded. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"Mmm an elf and a halfling adventurer... You must be Miss Wren Dreamspinner and Miss Maliumpkin," he addressed them with a charming smile. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"Our names get around, I see," Wren nodded. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"One keeps an ear open for possible customers," the man nodded. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"You have us at a disadvantage," Wren smiled, "Your name would be?" <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"Most folks around here just call me Cap'," he smiled, his reddish eyes glinting. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"Well it's a pleasure to meet you, Cap'," the young witch nodded. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">He smiled charmingly with reddish hypnotic eyes that wanted to draw her in, "The pleasure is all mine, believe me. I have heard many tales of your heroic exploits." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"Have you now? Word does get around," she nodded, watching him warily. She could feel a sinister deceitful vibe around him, untrusting of his hypnotic eyes. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">His dark skin and hair seemed to be a magical disguise effect.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">He offered Mali a discounted price, "For all of the heroics that you've done for the city." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Wren wove a spell around herself, enhancing her perception as he dealt with Mali. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">The shopkeep was definitely eyeing them up, trying to be subtle about his desires while Kale and Ursus stood close by. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">He turned to look at Wren as Mali browsed the items on the shelves, "You seem to be examining me quite closely... is something the matter?" <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Wren's honest words fell from her lips before she could think to stop them, "Yes, I don't trust you..." she smiled, adding, "No offense. Your magic disguise seems to makes me wary." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">He nodded, "I try to put on a show for my clients... dark and mysterious is what they expect a magic shop to be, so I give them dark and mysterious." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"Appropriate," she nodded, still watching him closely with a distrustful gaze. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Mali selected some feather tokens and a swan boat, and again Cap gave her a discount, "You are so beautiful and you've done so much for the city. Your gentleman are lucky to have caught your eye."

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Watching the shop owner, Wren caught his eyes looking over her hungrily. She noticed as she looked around the shop and noticed that there were no reflective surfaces anywhere. She frowned, and pulled a mirror from her pack... adjusting her hair and re-glossing her lips as she turned toward Mali, trying to catch him in surface behind her. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">He subtly moved out of her sight a few times... very good at avoiding the mirror... but casually she adjusted her appearance until she was certain he was there... but he had no reflection. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"That really wasn't necessary," he turned to Wren with a smile, "You're quite beautiful already." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">She smiled charmingly, "Thank you. A girl has to work hard to look her best." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"Do you need anything else?" he asked her. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Wren nodded, "It seems I should pick up a couple of healing wands." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">He retrieved them from a case, and handed them to her, his hand brushed hers for just a moment... feeling like a spark. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"Thank you for shopping at the Smoke and Mirrors," he nodded to them. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"I'm sure we'll be back," she nodded. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"I hope to see both of you lovely young ladies again," he nodded with a subtle hint of hope that it would be without their men next time. He smiled as he imagined how Wren's delicious elven blood would taste with her hint of refreshingly cool white dragon blood...

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Wren shivered as they walked away from the shop, and leaned against Kale, "So... I'm pretty sure that guy was a vampire." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">He blinked in surprise at her, "Well I didn't like the way he was looking at you... and I got a weird vibe off of him." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Wren nodded, "Like he wanted to taste my blood... what kind of vibe did you get from him?" <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"Sort of like that silver haired woman... the singer," Kale nodded to her. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Wren frowned, "The dragon?" She couldn't imagine a dragon vampire... she shook her head.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"Have you thought of a god that you'd like to gain divine favor from?" Wren turned to Kale, "We need some sort of divine protection to survive the sphere... and I'd like for you to be with me. ...Unless you plan on not going?" <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"I've given it some thought," he nodded to her, "I'm torn. I really don't have a lot of allegiance to the elven gods... as I was never religious. The little bit I remember of my mother, she was never big into the observances or the prayers." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Wren nodded, understanding, "The gods didn't play much of a role in our coven either." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"But when I came to Myth Coramanth as a young man, that was something that I picked up," he continued, "It was something that Eltrue had introduced me to in our training. I just... don't feel like Erevin... I don't have that close connection with Correllion like he does... and I have even less affiliation with my father's gods... but I will give it more thought. I am going with you no matter what." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"Not without protection, you wont," Wren shook her head, "I wont have you go with me just to die." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"Of course," Kale feigned giving in. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Wren raised an eyebrow at him, "Have you forgotten who I am? I can see lies from a mile away." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">He smiled, "I'm well aware." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"And I'll know if you're lying if you don't have protection..." she folded her arms stubbornly, "Keep that in mind." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"Oh really?" he smiled. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"Go ahead... keep working on it," she grinned with a playful challenge, "Just try to lie to me." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">He swept her against the wall, pressing her body with his own as he gazed down at her, meeting her challenge, "Tell me if I'm lying... I love you, Wren." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"Don't distract me! That's cheating!" She pushed him back. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"We'll work on that..." Kale grinned at her, releasing her from the wall, "We'll come back to this later." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"Yeah..." she was a little breathless as they rejoined Mali and Ursus.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Everyone returned to the Chaat estate for dinner, changing into their fine clothes. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">There was fine music and the atmosphere was light and happy. There were two massive dining tables set up. Captain Throndier Whitenedwave, Maelin Sunrose, and Corsha Ocneia had joined them as well. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"We owe them a debt of gratitude for their aid in saving our lives," Azarius's father nodded with gratitude to the elven pirates, "It was the least I could do to invite them along." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Crab legs, butter, several seared fish and seafood dishes, potatoes, and vegetables... everything was delicious. Elven wine and pastries. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">The group indulged in the dinner and told many tales of their adventures, talking up Azarius's role in each fantastic story. His parents, sister, and Corsha were very interested and intrigued.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"> Azarius took note of her interest and made his way to sit next to the beautiful gold-skinned weather mage conversing with his charm. Elizabeth, Azarius's mother, came up to sit beside Mali, "You're a powerful priestess of the woodlands, are you not?" "One might say such things," the young red-haired druidess nodded. "I have to thank you again for watching over me while my son and his companions dealt the fatal blow to those evil evil... I don't even want to say my ancestors... as they gave up their humanity long ago... but I just wanted to thank you personally. You've traveled with my son for a long time?" "For some time," Mali nodded. "So... have there been any lovely young ladies that have caught his eye?" she asked hopefully. "Oh they kind of come and go... nightly... sometimes by the hour," Mali shrugged. The noblewoman looked stunned for a moment and her cheeks blushed crimson. She shook her head, "No... not those kind of women... proper women." "Well I'm pretty sure they were female," Mali nodded again, tapping her cheek, and then added, "Most of them." Elizabeth laughed a little nervously, and nodded... then quickly excused herself to move on.

"Lady elf," Azarius's mother walked up next to Wren about a half an hour later. "Lady Chaat," Wren greeted her with a warm smile. "I can't thank you enough for aiding my son in all of these dangerous adventures," Elizabeth nodded to her. Wren smiled, waving a casually dismissive hand, "Oh I assure you that he has protected me as much as I have protected him." "It is good to see my son grow in strength and power. I always thought his magic was just a dabbling... but to see him throw such powerful magic... like an archmage... it makes my heart so proud," the noblewoman beamed. Wren nodded in agreement, "He has come a long long way in a short time. We all have." "He does seem perhaps a little brash though," Elizabeth laid her hand over the elven woman's, "I don't suppose you've noticed an interest into any young noblewomen? Someone to calm him down a bit?" Wren smiled and nodded, "He has danced with several notable women at many of the balls we've attended in different cities... but... that woman over there..." Wren nodded her head toward the lovely gold elf Azarius was talking up, "She's the only one who continues to catch his eye." "The gold elf?" his mother asked with surprise as she looked Corsha over, "Do the elves have nobility?" "Of course," Wren laughed softly, "Erevin there is a prince."

"He is?" she blinked in surprise, "I mean... I've heard the rumors... but he looks just like a simple woodsman though." "Oh," Wren smiled, glancing at her elven ranger friend, "He likes to play it off... I mean you wouldn't want everyone to see you and just know that you're a prince... it would paint quite the target on his back." Elizabeth nodded, "Elven nobles..." She seemed much more interested in Corsha, having discounted the gold-skinned elf before. "The elves are an interesting bunch... we do live a long time," Wren nodded to her. "Thank you, Wren, you have been most helpful," the noblewoman nodded happily at the elven witch. "It was my pleasure," the golden-eyed elven woman smiled, "Your hospitality has been so generous."

Wren stepped closer to the circle of her companions that had gathered in the room, "By the way... if any of you go shopping at the Smoke and Mirrors magic shop... don't go alone and try not to look too tasty. The shop keep there is a vampire." "What?!" Azarius blinked at her incredulously, "I've shopped there... It always seemed like an upstanding establishment." "He was certainly charming and generous with discounts, but I assure he wanted to suck our blood," Wren nodded. The charismatic mage thought for a moment, recalling the dark and mysterious decor of the shop, "Are you sure it wasn't just an act?" Wren shrugged, "Entirely possible. I've been wrong before... but the man didn't have a reflection." "Surely the paladins or someone would have noticed," Azarius shook his head, "I mean people would be missing." Wren shrugged, "Maybe he's not taking anyone of note... or maybe he's just been sipping a little here and there and not actually killing anyone." "I have noticed a lack of street urchins in this city," Thorn added thoughtfully. "The paladins like to keep the streets clean here," Trieste replied. "Right..." Thorn nodded.

"Wren..." Azarius looked seriously at the witch, "Should I contact the paladin's guild?" The young witch thought for a moment, "Well... he didn't attack us at all... and he's obviously built himself an established business here... so... I don't think he's really doing any harm." She shook her head. "But if he's a vampire!" Azarius shook his head, disagreeing that that was harmless. Wren shrugged, "Well like I said... maybe he's just sipping off of the tap now and again... and he was definitely more interested in the women... If it would make you feel better, we can go shopping there together and you can see the gentleman for yourself." "No, I've shopped there before... I know of whom you speak," Azarius shook his head. The shop had been there for a number of years. "Maybe I'll just tell the paladins to check the place out." "It's your town," Wren smiled, "I'll leave it in your perfectly capable hands." The young nobleman sorcerer nodded, "I don't like the idea of a vampire setting up shop in my town... but if he's just keeping the riff raff down, maybe it's a civil service... but I think I'll still suggest that the paladins just subtly check the place out. Rumors that he's possibly living impaired."

Azarius spent some quality time socializing with Corsha asking more about her. Over a glass of wine, she spun a tale of an elven outcast who was part of a prominent family who worked with the elven fleet. Her family was part of the defense of Evermeet from the sea. She told him a story of how she fell into disfavor with the queen after one of the queen's bodyguards had fallen overboard on the ship that she was in charge of... he drowned and the queen banished her for dereliction of duty. She went on to tell of her journey across the west where she met Throndier Whitenedwave who gave her a chance as his weather mage.

Azarius listened with interest, most of the story seeming to be the truth. Clearly parts of it were entirely made up... especially about the disfavor of the queen and the drowned heart warden ...but he understood that everyone had secrets. Her interest in him seemed genuine. He continued to be very charming and enjoyed her company. He pressed her further for more of her story, looking for the truth. As he asked for more details, the two of them walked upstairs. Most of it seemed well rehearsed, but as they got more in depth it became more made up on the fly... until silhouetted by the moonlight from the window, she turned to look into his eyes, "Do you really want to keep asking me questions?" Her dress pooled on the floor around her feet, revealing her beautiful gold skin in the moonlight. Azarius shook his head, "No... I don't." He swept her into his room. She pushed him back onto his bed, making him forget all about his inquiries.

Erevin asked Throndier if he knew of any elves that would want to settle in this area. He shook his head, "We would certainly welcome a port to make call occasionally... but I don't think any of my associates are looking to settle down. They're more the wind in your face kind of person... but a friendly port that welcomed us would be appreciated by the people who work under my watchful eye." "I'll see what I can do," Erevin nodded. "You have already helped us so much," Throndier shook his head, "You are a true credit to your mother. Long may she reign... and thus you remain free." The elven prince grinned and handed the pirate captain a fine cigar.

Maelin made her way to Erevin to thank him for using the dagger for it's intended use. He reveled her with a gruesomely detailed tale of the event and handed her the scalped souvenir he took from Elfskinner. The first mate seemed a bit smitten with the elven prince, but she treaded lightly. Throndier noticed... and cast a dark glance of jealousy at his competition.

The companions retired to their guest rooms. The wind sailed in the windows and the waves crashed onto the island below. During the evening as everyone drifted off to sleep...

Posy was surrounded by the sound of battle... the clang of swords and armor... to her left, she could see Uther in the bear form that she had only seen once, so long ago when his clan had him in a cage and only she could see his spirit... but this time, it was a more physical form... but still she knew the eyes of the bear to be Uther. Another bear was to her right that she did not recognize and several barbarians everywhere... some in armor and some in the leathers and fur that she was more familiar with... and there was an army of horrors... creatures writhing with tentacles. Others were covered in eyeballs... One of the barbarians in armor was old and grizzled, much like Uthgarte... and he shouted with his axe raised high, "For Tempus! For the Lord of Battle! And for the Littlest Bear!" The men and bears charged forth to meet the screams and cries of the damned coming from the horrors that now charged toward them as well. Posy went into a rage and charged with her barbarian brethren, the red blade "Serithtial" was in her hands. A strange power flowed with her as she made the first strike, cleaving the head off of one of the tentacled creatures! Her kin shouted and cheered, and clashed into battle behind her! She couldn't tell how much time passed in her strange dreamlike state as her arm grew heavy and she was covered in black ichor... She continued to move forward, crawling up a mountain of corpses of the horrors to scream a victorious battle cry that was echoed by her kin! Finally she lurched forward, exhausted to join the others... only to jerk awake with sunlight streaming in through the windows. The young barbarian gnome put a hand to her head, rubbing her face and Uther's chest. It was only a dream? Thorn had a pile of gold around him in his bed... and as he drifted into sleep... He was in a small room... some sort of tentacled chamber. He reflexively looked for traps, but found a diamond laying on the floor instead. Distrusting, he kicked it along the floor to skitter up to where another diamond layed on the floor. He slowly scooped up the diamonds and followed the trail. As he made his way through the hallway, there was a successive waves of nightmarish traps... chain lightning, implosion, disintegrate... all of them well concealed... these were not set by mortal hands... and some of them he just scraped by, deftly dodging from the green beam that shot forth... but his skill was masterful to be able to survive them at all! As he moved forward, he could almost sense eyes watching him. Finally as he reached the super vault at the end, he listened carefully to the tumblers as he deft hands turn the dials... and opened the massive adamantite door to see a wealth of treasure even beyond his wildest fantasies... rivers of coin tumbling through massive piles of gems and gold. A pedestal of jet black obsidian floated in the center of the corridor with a black mask turning slowly on top of it. The gold slithered like the finest silk along his skin as he moved forward to the mask that finally came to a halt to face him. A familiar whispered voice came to him, "Very clever little halfling... I have chosen well. You have done well in your dreams... but if you want my favor, come to the Masked Halls... and try it for real." "Where is that?!" Thorn blinked at the mask... suddenly realizing that he was indeed dreaming... and as he tried to quickly grab as much treasure as he could... the gold turned to liquid, slipping through his hands... "Nooooo!" He jerked awake, clutching his pillow... he sighed with great disappointment, "I couldn't take ANY of it?" He shook the pillow and a single coin fell into his lap with a mask embossed on it. He clutched it, "You tease!" Maliumpkin snuggled in with Ursus... drifting into sleep... She could feel the warm sun on her skin, and a beautiful butterfly twitched on her nose. She got up to see the most enchanting of glades... a pool of water that reflected all of the beautiful flowers around it... Great ancient trees... and butterflies fluttered like a colorful cloud... She started skipping through the glade merrily to skip some stones across the water. A perfect and majestic female unicorn trotted up to her. Mali recognized her, brushing fingers absently over the pendant she wore around her neck... Mielikki. The graceful unicorn nodded to the druidess, motioning for her to hop on her back. The little red-haired druidess climbed onto the unicorn's back, and clutched on tightly as Mielikki raced through the glade with incredible speed! It was exhilarting as she used everything she had to hang on... having to duck under branches, and shift sides as the unicorn raced through the glade like no other. Finally they arrived at a massive chasm... 30 feet across... and Mielikki leapt without any hesitation! As she reached the highest point of the jump... just as Mali was sure they weren't going to make it... the world flickered for a moment as they crossed into another glade where she continued to gallop with super speed, tearing through the flowers along the ground. It was difficult to tell how long they rode in her dreamlike state, but it seemed like hours passed until finally the unicorn slowed, deep in the heart of the magical forest... where Mali couldn't identify the trees or plants that grew here... they shouldn't be together, and yet it seemed like they all went together... Mielikki let Mali slide down to the ground and she shimmered into a beautifully pale woman with a twisted horn on her forehead... a single tear slid down the goddess's cheek filling the young druidess with a grieving sadness. The goddess swept her arm to gesture to the area of the forest where the trees had been cut down and ripped out of the ground... corpses of shredded tentacled horrors lied among them along with torn and ripped apart unicorn bodies. Mielikki crouched down to Mali's level, "I know, Maliumpkin, that I've already asked so much of you... You've saved many of my worshippers and dealt with the Red Fungus." Mali nodded proudly, "I did that." The beautiful goddess nodded, "My grove is threatened... and I need your help." "I will certainly do what I can," Mali nodded to her, glancing again to the war ravaged forest, wondering what it was that 1 little halfling could do to help. Mielikki nodded, "Come to my grove." She kissed her forehead. "Okay," Mali nodded... as she started to tingle all over... She woke up with her forehead still tingling, nestled in Ursus's arms... and sighed softly, looking at his sleeping face, "It looks like we have a lot of work to do." Erevin drifted deep into sleep, entangled with Shri lying over him. He looked around, suddenly in a great forest... the massive trees were too perfect... everything fine and new... A white stag flashed in between some of the trees in the distance. His bow in his hands, he took off after the perfect beast, dashing with his smooth elven grace through the woods. The wise stag led him through a merry chase... finally leading him into a dead end to leap past a tree where 3 of Erevin's arrows pierce solidly into the trunk... He let one final arrow fly that pierced into the great stag's heart! It bowed to the elven ranger before it buckled and fell to the ground. He pulled the arrow from it's body, feeling a presence behind him. He turned around to see the most perfect of elves... Corellion stood before him, "Well hunted, my son." "It was a fine chase," Erevin bowed before him. "Your skills as a huntsman is worthy as one of the People," the elven god nodded in approval. "Thank you," the elven prince bowed graciously at the compliment. "And, of course, your bravery is without question," Corellion smiled. "Thank you again," Erevin nodded, a slight blush on his cheeks. "However... if you wish my aid... in your upcoming task... I require one more act of bravery from you, my son," the Father of the Elves nodded to him. "You have only to name it," Erevin bowed with respect before standing confidently to meet the eyes of the elven god, "What would you have me do?" "Come and join me, Erevin Lionspaw, in the fight," he gestured into the forest where a crash came through the woods of a great armored orc with one eye, "Draw your moonblade, Erevin." Without hesitation, the moonblade sang in the ranger's hand as it's metal edge drew along the sheath upon it's release. The enormous orc's single eye focused on Erevin before him and his voice was like a bellowing grumble... and Erevin awoke to Shri's long white hair draped across his face. Brushing it aside, Erevin sat up... he had to kill Grumesh... that could only mean one thing... Grumesh was going to die. Wren drifted off to sleep, her head on Kale's shoulder. The familiar rush of the river in Myth Coramanth called her to it's shoreline. Hovering above the river was a circle of different colored fairies... like sparkling fireflies. They fluttered over to her singing something about the rejoicing of the Queen of Rivers being born. They hovered around her, "Blessed of the Water, to find the Queen of Rivers... find the Three." "The three what?" Wren tilted her head. "The Three like us," they nodded to her excitedly. "Fairies..." Wren nodded, "I have to find the three fairies." One of them swept in to lay her tiny little hands on Wren's cheeks and gently kissed the witch's lips. Wren giggled at the glittery feel of the tiny hands and kiss only to wake to Kale stealing a kiss in her sleep. "You woke me too early," Wren laughed, shaking her head, "We have to go to Myth Coramanth, I think... just so you know." "Alright," he nodded, "You know I always like to return home, but I thought you were avoiding it because of your..." "Oh I didn't say we had to go to the coven," Wren shook her head with a laugh, interrupting him. He chuckled, wrapping his arms around her, "Alright..." Azarius slept soundly, waking up to Corsha slipping into a robe beside the bed. "Good morning, lord Chaat," she smiled back at him, tying a wide silk ribbon around her slender elven waist. "Good morning, my lady," he smiled back at her. "I believe I smell your cooks preparing a delicious breakfast," she nodded toward the door, "What are your plans for the day?" "As of now, I have no plans... maybe you have something in mind?" he asked with a raised brow. "It's been a while since Captain Whitenedwave has made port... and I haven't spent much time in Sarshel... I wouldn't mind being shown around," she smiled. "Well... then let us take in the sights," he nodded. "I'll see you down at breakfast then," she nodded, peeking out into the hall before slipping out the door. Everyone joined at the large breakfast table... it was laden with more delicious food than they could all possibly eat. Wren started them off, talking about the Queen of Rivers and the dream that she had over night. Everyone followed suit, talking about their dreams... it seemed only Azarius who didn't have any peculiar dream, and he failed to mention any nightly gold-skinned accompaniment. It sounded like they had to visit planes in the heavens... so they opted to find some books in the magic shop... A low ranking paladin stopped by in the morning, "We checked out the shop... we didn't detect any evil or undead in the shop. The owner seemed to be fine as long as we could tell." Erevin raised a skeptical eyebrow. The full group headed to the Smoke and Mirrors shop. Flickering mage lights welcomed them in. The shop keep looked the same... but perhaps his eyes weren't quite as hypnotic... and he seemed colder to Wren than the last visit. "Forgive the shop's disaray... I had a visit from the delightful Solar Knights this morning... Apparently someone had some misgivings upon my shop and made some accusations," his eyes glanced at Wren. "Slanderous," Azarius shook his head. "I know," the shop owner nodded his head, "My shop has been here for years... I don't know why anyone would suspect anything." His eyes fell again on the elven witch. Wren raised an eyebrow at his less than subtle accusation. "Are you prepared to do business?" Erevin asked, "Or should we come back?" "Oh, I'm always prepared to make money... can't do business without it," he nodded to Erevin. "Our good lady Wren had nothing but good things to say about you... so we thought we would come to browse your wares," Erevin nodded. "I can imagine she said many things," the shop keep nodded to Erevin, his eyes falling again on the elven witch as he asked her directly, "You only had good things to say about me, correct?" Wren smiled, carefully selecting her honest words, "I told them all about the wonderful spells you put on Mali." He nodded, "Well... how can I help you?" "We're looking for tomes on the planes," Azarius nodded. "While I certainly don't have the collection that the arcane university library holds, I do have a few tomes on the planes and the spheres that are useful to those who are new to plane traveling," he nodded, retrieving some dusty books from a shelf. They had information on the planes of the heavens and the abyss... and basic helpful information on things to avoid and whatnot. "Will you need these permanently or to borrow them for a time?" "I'll only need to borrow them for a time," Azarius nodded. "Well for a member of the Chaat family... I ask only that he send a good word to those that you meet that I am a reputable and upstanding shop," he smiled charmingly. The dagger like stares that still accused the witch drew her up to the counter. "You know I didn't speak with any paladins..." she shrugged her shoulders. "I didn't say anything paladins," he spoke defensively. "Sure you did," she nodded calmly, "You said they came to visit your shop this morning." "Were they looking for a particular item?" Azarius asked. "No they came in casting spells on some of my items, but were mainly looking at me," the shopkeep shook his head. "Well... better safe than sorry," Azarius shrugged his shoulders. "Of course," the shop owner nodded, "The light of Lathander shine on us." "Well... I have nothing but good things to say about you and your shop, and I'll certainly pass that on," the charismatic mage nodded, attempting to keep his attention while Wren renewed her lip gloss in her mirror... seeing the man's reflection this time. Posy bought a handy haversack from the shop owner. Erevin restocked his +2 holy arrows... the shop owner brought them out carefully in a box. As they went to leave, the shop owner turned to the witch, "It's been a pleasure seeing you again, Wren... I hope to run into you again." She smiled and nodded, "You as well." "If you see her again... give your mother my regards," he nodded to her. She scowled, "I'll be sure to do so." *Loot Note* Warden of the Woods +3 armor - Mali Mali's +2 leathers went to Ursus. Rod of Sickening Spell - Wren Belt of +2 str/+2con/+2 dex - Posy Posy's belt of giant str +2 went to Uther. Slippers of the triton - Posy is holding these in her new handy haversack The horrific axe of undeath was given to the paladins to dismantle