With heavy hearts...

The creature that was trapped under Serranrae's old temple, a demon by the bame of Xulthos I think, has been defeated.

But not without a cost. A terrible cost, as our comrade Penladan fell. I almost did as well, but I was able to get a timely healing spell from Connie. The demon fell to my blade instead, but the monster, a demonic version of a extremely large scorpion would without a doubt have killed me instead had I missed my strike.

So, with heavy hearts we carried our fallen friend out of the battleground. The city did honor him by commissioning a statue in his likeness. I sang at his funeral pyre a song of remembrance;

First in Elvish

A! Tollen gûr na Penladan Nu goll dhúath e nathron dhonn Onethelais panna i nôr Gelaidh gelaid go linnod an Nestad. Ai nae úamdir dâr.

Then in common

O! Come is death to Pemladan Under shadowy cloak of the dark weaver. Yavanna fills the place of the Trees of Light with a chant for Healing. Ah alas, no hope remains.

He is made a champion of the city, he who gave his life so that the city may be free. It was a fine tribute. We will miss him. May he find peace among the stars.

But now we, Connie, Spring and I will move on. Connie has assumed the role of the Captain of the cities patrol. Spring has immersed herself in studying the old texts and other bits of information that was uncovered from the monastery as well as in the city while we were cleansing the area in preparation of its resettlement. And I, well I have been studying my sword Tempest, and have discovered something amazing. Not only is the sword becoming more powerful the more I use it, but now I can manifest the blade out of nothing but mold dust. There are two limitations to this though. The first being that I can't be within 30' of the actual blade and the second, the manifested blade only lasts for 3 hours in any one day. But all in all, it is truly amazing!

And we have a wedding to take care of. Connie is performing the ceremony that will unite Spring and I forever more. Unbeknownst to my beloved, I have sent for a half hundred small pearls to have sewn into her dress. My bride will shimmer and shine as great as any Princess, ever!

My parents have been sent for and will arrive in plenty of time for the wedding. They are so going to love my Spring. I expect them to be just as enchanted with her as I!

And on a side note, I have finished the large waterwheel and have running water available not only to our home, but the manor house as well. I have also set up a business where others pay a monthly fee for the privilege of water being run into their homes as well.

Now I wonder what surprises the future holds for us, as I am sure more adventures, hardships and terrors await to offset the joy and happiness that Spring and I will find in each others arms.

o0o

Breaking the seal...

As he climbs the stairs, Kiril prays that Spring has recovered. Some scorpions are more venomous than others, and it was unfortunate that she had to run into one of the nasty ones. He himself, has endured many stings, but he has done so purposely. It's not a fun thing to do, but if one is to build up the ability to resist their toxins, there really isn't a better way. And as scorpions are a ever present problem here in the desert, he would much rather be ready to shrug off the effects, than being laid low at a inopportune time.

But not for his mela! She should not have to go through such. So when he enters their room, and sees her sitting on the bed, he takes long strides and scoops her up into his arms. "You look better... and beautiful!" he says as she laughs. Her laugh that so delights him to hear. He kisses her soundly, not wanting her to have any doubts as to whether she was missed or not.

He then relays to her the events that she missed.

Later, having Spring now caught up on what occurred during the previous day and evening, we meet up with our erstwhile companions. And now the four of us have decided to attend to the problem of the sealed room under the old church. The key that Almah gave into my keeping worked to open the massive sealed door, flaring into light upon contact. When the light died, most likely so did any magical wards that further helped seal whatever malevolent force that is contained within.

We found other magics still working here. Upon crossing the doors threshold, torches mounted on the wall of the corridor we had just entered burst into life.

We came to a way that was sealed, and the only mechanism that allow us to access it being a gong. So reluctantly, we used it. The note lasted a long, longer than it seems it should've sounded. Indeed, the sound released three fire elemental's. Engaging in combat, they were slain. Penladen and Connie taking wounds along the way, which Connie calling upon the Divine power of Iomedae quickly cured.

Passing some niches where dead were entombed, we, wisely, I believe, left any treasures to those that were laid to rest with them. This was a church sanctified to Serranrae. A force of good. I can only think that to despoil these graves would be an act that would come back to haunt us. We also found a niche that was empty. There was a name plate above it. It was for Halruun, a cleric that had been turned into an undead abomination and we had defeated days ago when we cleared the grounds of the church. I felt that he should be laid to rest in his allotted space, so I ran up above and brought his body down. When I put him in the niche, a sigh was heard. I think his spirit found peace. And I discovered a reddish orange colored gem in my pocket, where there had not previously been one. I believe I may have been thanked for my thoughtfulness. It wasn't needed, after all it is but what I would have wanted if I was in his place.

More items that while might have been valuable, we all easily left alone. We did take the time to replace the scattered items back where we believed they belonged. And all of feel like our spirits have been lifted up, so perhaps it was a wise choice that we made. None of us want to incur the possible, more like probable wrath of the Goddess.

We also found our way blocked by an old badly rusted iron portcullis. It's lifting mechanism was broken, and on the other side in any event. Connie and myself were able to manhandle (womanhandle I suppose in Connie's case) the impediment out of our way.

Later, we passed more niches, but this area was dank and moist. Here the dead were restless, and three attacked us. We defeated these coffer corpses, as both Spring and Connie announced them to be. Though we did need to wait for Connie to return to us, after being given a fright when one of the “slain” creatures rose back to its feet. But while it is something that she may get teased about, it was in fact a magical effect that it caused to her. Any of us could have succumbed to it, it just happened to be her her turn to have poor luck this rime, But no harm done.

Then another sealed door. Stopping to listen through the apparently heavy and solid door before opening it, I heard what sounded like the Djinni, Kardswaan. But Kardswaan is dead. I know this as it was my arrow that brought him down as he attempted to flee from our battle of just a couple of days ago. No, this must be, has to be an illusion. I would wager that the illusion instead disguises that which had taken control of the real, now quite deceased Djinni.

Using the key again once we were ready, the door flared the same as the first sealed door did. And as we enter, we indeed see Kardswaan. Of course er know that this can't be him, but still it is somewhat unnerving.

Now it is time to find out who or what this Xulthos is. At least I think that is the name. As the coffer corpses were saying it as we slew them.

To my comrades, and to my Love, Spring, I say to Arms!

o0o

24hr - Bug...

Awakening after twenty-four hours of slumber certainly has its disadvantages! 

Spring looks about the room. She is alone, although evidence that someone, Kiril, she assumes, has been in to check on her recently. A nearly fresh candle burns in the holder on the night table next to a still steaming cup of, tea, if the scent is faithful.

Sitting up she sips the liquid slowly, letting it moisten her parched throat. She finishes, set the mug on the rough wood and slips from the comfortable pallet, stretching her stiff muscles, hearing them pop as if she were an old lady.

"Well, I suppose I need some exercise!"

Deftly she shrugs and stretches more deeply, performing many of the exercises Kiril has shown her over the preceding days.

Making her way down the stairs and to the outhouse, she completes her business and returns to the upper room,, the makeshift curtain billowing in the slight breeze.

"I guess they are on patrol," she sighs, sitting at the end of the bed.

As she sits, she meditates, releasing her mind and shaking off the mild illness that caught her in its grip as they completed the task of dealing with Daski.

Well aware of the fright she probably gave Kiril when she simply fainted, it was good that the healer was familiar with the insect sting's poison and assured Kiril I would be fine, just needing to sleep the effects away after being forced to swallow a vile concoction that she would have very definitely preferred to still have been unconscious rather than taste.

She hears them returning as she finishes her meditation and decides to await Kiril to come to her; she is certain he will...

o0o

Burning Monks?...

Connie, Penledan and myself (Spring not feeling  as she was on the receiving end of a particularly poisonous scorpion's stinger, so she was left back  to recover), started making rounds. Nothing if major importance with the exception of a report that someone was vandalizing the old church of Serranrae. Upon investigation, there was signs that someone or something had been trying to enter the sealed room. Almah wants us to try and clear this problem out as soon as possible she informed us when this was reported to her.

Later, something about a boarded up home, quiet and dark when everything around it was a hive of activity, bothered Connie enough to cause her to have us check it out. And added to this was Penladan remembering that the home had been claimed by persons that claimed to be the Order of Burning Monks, Something none of us has ever heard of. So we knocked.

After repeated requests to meet and greet the newcomers, we found ourselves face to face with four heavily cloaked individuals. Well face to face was not really accurate. The hooded cloaks made seeing their faces impossible and not a bit of flesh was visible through the cloaks or robes. Anyway, something was “off”. We warned them away from the area of the old church on safety concerns.

That evening, the three of us then went to hide ourselves within the church basement to watch for any further break-in attempts. So imagine our surprise when someone was seen to enter the basement, the same four someones we has recently warned away.

Now we had told them to avoid this area, and their presence here with the earlier warning confirmed their culpability , so we attempted to stop them. This resulted in combat where three of them were slain, and the remaining one led us on a merry chase, eventually eluding us. We also, upon examining the bodies, found them to be some sort of humanoid insect, bee-like in overall appearance.

So now we will get some rest. Spring, my lovely bride to be is feeling better, or just as likely was bored out of her mind, and will accompany us when we are all roused and ready to use the key, and meet whatever menace is sealed within the chamber beneath the church.

o0o

Patrol Duty...

I thought fighting the Djinni was hard. Patrolling the city is a job we take very seriously. As there are only four of us, we do need to be everywhere at once. It is possible we will need to train some of the eager young men from among Almah’s crew to contain the whole city, why only this evening a trader’s caravan arrived on an invitation from Almah.

             

We questioned the driver and, a friendly fellow he appears to be, sharing a fine bottle of desert spirits with us. A very strong spirit is was, too. The hangovers will be remembered.

             

I feel for Almah. She certainly seemed upset about Daski. I don’t understand why – a fouler fellow there could not be. Now I worry he may not be deceased as we originally suspect. It’s always possible that silver-tongued devil wormed his way out, coercing the Gnolls, and their leader, Gronk, into believing it is we who have deceived them. I for one intend to keep an eye out for trouble from that quarter.

             

And, married! Kiril hinted a few weeks ago and now, now it has come to fruition – he has asked me to marry him! Such a quaint custom among humans. I cannot wait to call Kiril my husband, a finer, more noble, more trustworthy man I could not hope to find. I do anticipate some of the incoming merchants will carry cloth, silks and laces; it would be nice to have a gown to wear for the wedding, still, I don’t suppose the clothes will matter, it is our love that’s important. The cloth will come in handy to cover the window openings with as well, until a Glaser comes to town, at any rate.

             

And, how wonderful to have a home as a gift, I must thank Almah for her generosity properly. Still, they did take a lot of work to clean, and still more to do. It is tedious, the wood seems to be rotten, crawling with termites. I guess that’s why things are made of compacted sand and dirt.

             

I am tired. I suppose a night’s rest and then a trip back to see those gnolls is in order. Or, rather, a trip to NOT see those gnolls. I guess we will need to divide our patrols as well. Possibly two of us taking night duty and two day. One more question to run passed the group.

             

I certainly am thankful there are four of us, I wish Haleen could have stayed longer, still, I am delighted I found her and she is okay. I can stop worrying about her.

             

Okay, time to sleep, this candle is gutting now as it is. I peer over at my melamin, lying on the pallets of soft blankets we have obtained from Almah as we begin to organise articles for our new home. He is snoring softly, his face at peace. I am glad. It was hard for him when face-to-face with Daski. I could feel the hatred pouring from him, souring his stomach.

His is so peaceful, preferring diplomatic reasoning over killing. I smile down at him as I slide next to him on the pallet, his arms opening, even in his sleep, welcoming me in close. I brush his lips with mine, ‘No, he will not lose control without reason,’ I sigh, snuggling close and resting my head on his chest, his even breathing lulling me to sleep easily. My last thoughts are those of the pleasure I will get out of moving into our own home. We have decided not to move in until we have it in order and are married. My arms tighten about Kiril. Then it will be truly ours. I hope Connie won’t mind us using the top floor until then, although, she seems pretty-well set up on the second level...

o0o

A contract fulfilled...

“So, the contract is fulfilled. I am so relieved, yet nervous as well” I think to myself as I listen to Almah tell us to see the paymaster to receive our contracted pay. “Of course, the sealed crypt is still waiting its turn, but Almah doesn't feel we are seasoned enough. It seems she knows more about what awaits than she is telling.”

But then another thought enters my mind, one that both exhilarates and terrifies me. “Now that the contract is done, I can ask Spring to marry me. But what if she says no? I don't think she will, but until the question is put to her, there is no way to be sure.” Then I realize it was easier facing the Demon that slew Valeros or fighting Kardswann the Djinni, than facing the uncertainty of her answer. Much, much easier.

But I do, dropping to my knees in front of her, with Connie there to bear witness. “Spring, will you do me the honor of being my wife? Ni *mestathog? (Will you marry me?)” I ask her, and the immediate stream of tears, the look of joy tells him her answer before the words, “Yes, Kiril, yes melamin! Uma, Gi *mestathon! (Yes, I will marry you!)” are said. A passer by heard and went running through the people, spreading the word. Soon Almah was back, congratulating us. I didn't know she cared, but it was nice to hear just the same.

But more importantly, Spring said yes! I am going to get married! To the most beautiful, warm-hearted, sensual, and wonderful woman in the world. Not sure just when, but the sooner the better. I think she mentioned something about having a dress made. I'll take her to Katepesh itself if that's what she wants.

But in the meantime, we, the four of us, have been granted the old 3-story manor building that sits beside the river that runs through the city, the very one that I thought would be nice for us when we came across it several days ago. And we also have been told to choose a home from among the numerous abandoned ones, which we have done. Spring and I now have a very nice 4 room home, very close to the Manor and the river. I am also determined to have water piped in to the home, possibly the manor as well. It won't be difficult, with the exception of getting the clay pipes. Building a waterwheel, sluice gates and water runs is simple enough. After all, I've done it before, first helping my father, then on my own.There is plenty of wood to be found in homes too ruined to be worth rebuilding.

We, the four of us, have accepted jobs as the city's guardians. And as such we went out to patrol the hills a day's walk, or less than a half-day by camel. Which is what we used. But as we exited, an out of breath Daski came running up to stop us. He went so far as to grab the bridle of the camel I was riding, never knowing how close he came to losing his hand in the process. He said to just send them away. While he wasn't really forthcoming with just who “they” were, it wasn't hard to discern that he meant Gnolls. I, besides my personal disgust of him, have never really trusted him. Yes, I defended him on the first day we entered Almah's encampment, not due to any fondness of the dirty, slovenly man, but because the charges were not proven, and it soon became apparent that he had not been responsible for the death and burning of the fortune teller and his wagon.

Hours later, during our patrol, Gnolls were found, and then, by a ruse of using Daski's name, we discovered that Daski, (or Hairless, as the Gnolls referred to him) was actually supposed to be getting rid of Almah and her people. We knew at last of his perfidy. And when the leader of this band of Gnolls, Gronk, found out that Daski had not done anything to drive Almah away, he made us a bargain. We bring Daski back to him, and they would leave, no more deaths need occur.

So back we went. The information and deal was laid out before Almah. She was saddened, though I don't know if it was more because of Daski's treachery, or because she was duped by him. But, while not happy, she agreed that we could take him back to the Gnolls, but she wanted him unharmed, by us at least. We tried, but Daski pulled weapons and tried to flee when confronted. He was subdued, trundled up, and delivered to Gronk.

Now, Almah is still unhappy, but Daski, the treacherous dog, is gone from among us. I doubt that he survived his reunion with his adoptive “family”, and, truth be told, I care not. Now, on the morrow, we intend to return to the hills to verify that the Gnolls did indeed honor their bargain, and have left the area. If they did, well and good, but if they didn't, then more Gnoll blood will be shed.

o0o

To shed some light...

Waking early, as is my habit, I find Spring nestled snugly in my arms. Not wanting to disturb her, I relax and enjoy holding on to this most precious of people, the woman I love. Whispering in her ear, I say, “Mela 'en coiamin, Lle naa vanima. Esta, melamin, esta. Kaima eithel! (Love of my life, you are beautiful. Rest, my love, rest. Sleep well!) I gently, softly kiss her head, reveling in the feel of her hair as my lips brush over it.

I take time to ponder our actions. I am pretty sure that we saw everything in the ruined city, but it's always possible that someone or something slipped in behind us, so a last sweep sounds like a good idea. But I wonder if Almah would be content to wait another day? Doubtful, as impatient as she has become with us, but it would be a sound plan to propose. 

Then we can find out if we have finished here or not. If we have, then I will see if this beautiful, wondrous young woman will consent to being my wife. What we will do after, well, I suppose time will tell. We are young, and we have the world to see. Who knows, perhaps what we have done here will cause us to be known, and thus bring us more opportunities. 

And our companions, will they want to go their own way when the contract has been fulfilled, or will they want to stay together? We have been effective as a team. Perhaps this day will shed some light, chasing away the questions.

o0o

Jinn? Djinn? Genie? - is toast...

Watching this genie I knew I wanted to try to capture him, it. Trickery was the only thought that entered my brain and, though forced to attack by his own words, I still held out hope I could end the day without more bloodshed.

Alas, whatever controls the scampish genie, must have sensed my motives and refused to

bend – the evil glare he seared me with nearly made me stumble backward in its hatred. Staring back, I nodded a salute, canting softly, “Cranky shifty poised in flight, gouging swiftly from great height,” a shot of crackling bluish-violet energy bursts from my fingertips, snapping into three needle-like shards, piercing his soft fleshy, sagging, jowls, spurting foul blood. A tear glistens at the corner of my eye as we, in turn, destroy this creature much to the shock and gripping fear of those who have stayed to wager on the outcome.

My heart leapt into my throat as the genie breathed his last and I heard Kiril’s sobs, deep and heavy. I could not reach him fast enough, my fear so great.

I fell at his side wrapping my arms around his frame, holding him. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I rocked him, sensing intuitively, he was not injured. No injury would cause him this much anguish – this was grief something that I didn’t understand the source, but I knew the signs. “Boe di leithiad, melamin. Hush, odulen an.” (It was necessary, my love. Hush, I am here.)

Over as fast as it erupted he hugged me as I wiped his tears oblivious to the world around us, save the chatter of a certain hawk.

We had done it! We defeated the Jinn? Djinn? Genie? (Jinn, jann, djinn, jinnī, djinni, genie, al-jinn, al-jinnī???) Our names were etched in the minds of those below and it struck me that we now had the full two thousand gold coins to give to Haleen! A bitter sweet day indeed. A restful night well earned.

Now, as I lay, my head down, Kiril’s arms snugging me close to him, my back pressing his chest, my eyes heavy, I recall that Alma has still to open the door under the church, and I wonder if this is part of the original contract, or if we should negotiate a higher fee for continuing their cleanse...? I also recall a certain young man’s promise when we finished this task... I smile into the dim moonlight as I slowly drift into a deep slumber my hand squeezing his loosely...

o0o