Thread 6266581

"Come," you command, beckoning for them to fall in behind you. Thoroughly exhausted, they struggle to comply, fighting to stay on their feet. "I want you to meet the council." Ilanis plops herself on the nearest stool, weakly fanning herself with her hand. "Whuh? Why do I have to go?" She asks, her face ruddy and coated in layers of briny perspirant. Considering the matter, you struggle to come up with an compelling answer. She does, after all, know the council quite well. It was she who first introduced them to you, in fact. You grunt. "Fine. You're done for today. You did did good, girl," you affirm.

Ilanis grins, laying her face across the cool surface of the bar and shutting her eyes.

As for Luaue, the half-breed musters her resolve and falls in behind you without complaint, demonstrating that there is hope for her yet. The girls exchange their farewells as you depart for the Hall of the Elders. As oppressive as ever, the light of mid-afternoon bears down upon you as you lead her through the streets, the way to your destination now familiar to you.

"If you are going to be the protector of our people in Everlund, then you will need to be ready to face the council," you explain as you cross over the bridge leading to the Bell Market at a leisurely pace. "You know the High Sorcerer, Lael Lathalas." She sucks in air through her teeth, searching for the appropriate response. "I do," she answers tersely, her expression ambivalent. "And I've met that Emitia woman as well. She is a good soul and a follower of Sune. Something the two of you have in common, it seems."

>>6266581 (OP)
Entering the Hall of the Elders, you guide Luaue along toward the council chamber, the echo of a heated argument resounding throughout the halls. "... and for the last time, Arfaern Lathalas, you will refrain from referring to me as 'granny.' You may instead call me by name, or address me as Aradoness or even Arael’Sha," admonishes the familiar voice of Arara, her inflection maternal though tested. The gods must be just, for Arara must now deal with Lael in a professional capacity for as long as she holds the office of High Priestess of Corellon and sits on the Council of Elders. You will be offering Sune a prayer for the half-breed boy's good health tonight.

"Whatever, granny. It's not my fault that you're ancient as- well, well, we have guests. The Champion of Everlund and Eilistraee's priestess honor us with a visit," announces the High Sorcerer, rising from his seat. "To what do we owe the pleasure?" Surveying the council chamber, you take attendance before introducing your protege. There is Lael of course, and the darthiir, who require no introductions. You make every effort to ignore the both of them.

Next there is Emitia, her eyes alight with joy as she beholds you. It is incredibly reassuring to have at least some allies on the Council of Elders. Predictably, the stony visage of Dulnur Darkshadow contorts into a scowl, his features as craggy as an Underdark ravine and half as welcoming. By contrast, the High Captain reclines in his seat, gingerly lighting a fresh cigarette with which he salutes you, leaving a trail of pallid blue smoke behind.

Last but not least, the most recent addition to the council, Willard Cawley. Mirthless and impossible to read, he appraises you with his one good eye, taking a drag from his long, thin cigar. You've surmised by now that he is a taciturn man, incredibly so, even as he plays his role in the verbal arena that is the Council of Elders.

>>6266585
"This," you begin, placing your hand on Luaue's back before shoving her, "Is Luaue, priestess of Eilistraee." She stumbles forward, still fatigued from your training session. "She is my student, and the one who leads our people. I have brought her here to meet you, for she will be seeing you often." The half-breed bows politely, clearing her throat. "It is... an honor. For a time, I had thought that the gods had forsaken us when we had been consigned to seeking refuge in a dwarven ruin. I know not why you've changed your stance, but from the bottom of my heart, I thank you on behalf of the fallen, the children, and Eilistraee herself."

It is Sten Silvershard who answers, looking up toward the window set in the ceiling of the council chamber pensively. "Ah, Hells. I still dunno what to think. Y'know, back in my day, the Drow were evil," he muses nostalgically, waggling his cigarette. "Fought plenty of Drow when I was young, usually raiders and mercs, darkblades all of 'em. But apparently you're peace-like and good, or whatever." He exhales, ejecting a cloud of tobacco smoke into the chamber. "Guess I'm behind the times now."

It occurs to you that 'his day' was mere decades ago, hardly any time at all by your metric.

Arara's demeanor softens significantly as she inspects Luaue, who does her utmost to meet the Corellite's gaze. "You are no true dhaerow, but instead a girl of human blood," she says, her voice melodic and somber. "The tragedy of your birth is no easy burden to bear, but your human half may yet redeem you from the darkness of your cursed heritage," she says. An ignorant statement, were there ever one - it is obviously her Ilythiiri heritage that redeems her from the indignity of being a human. "I will be praying that under your leadership the dhaerow will follow a better course, guided by your better half, rather than reverting to their true nature as they are wont to do when left to their own devices."

>>6266588
"Tragedy?" Repeats Luaue, taken aback by the darthiir's words. "I beg your pardon, but I am the product of a loving union, and in no need of redemption," clarifies the half-breed. "I know that the rift between our peoples is far deeper than I could truly fathom, but if you would only give us the chance, I'm certain that we could-"

"It is indeed far deeper than you could truly fathom, girl," interjects Arara. "Whatever stories this sreea may have told you could not have even begun to describe the wickedness of her ilk. It is for good reason that her kind are known as 'dhaerow,' as the word means 'Face of Shadow, Heart of Night.' For in place of a heart, within the breast of each-"

"I. Have. Heard. Enough of your hatred!" Exclaims Emitia, slamming her palms against the table. "You should be ashamed of yourself, Arara! You should know better than any that Eilistraee chose exile in the hope that someday your peoples would reconcile! How dare you purport to be a priestess of Corellon Larethian when naught but such acrid bigotry flows from the rancid orifice you audaciously call a mouth!?"

>>6266589
"Can't change a dark elf. Doesn't matter if she's half, that's still half dark elf. Nothin' tae discuss. Still not too late tae toss the lot of 'em out afore they drag this city down with 'em," says Dulnur, whose belches out cinders like a foundry as he speaks, thrusting his pipe into the air angrily.

The High Captain bashes his plated gauntlet against the table, his cigarette seeming to evaporate as he inhales sharply. "Shaddap, dammit! I'm gonna protect those kids if I gotta do it myself. End of discussion. Sorry, La-wey, ya ain't seein' us at our best," he admits, scratching his beard. "Thank you, High Captain - and the aid we've already received is more than sufficient, you've nothing to apologize for. And, it's pronounced 'Lu-a-u-e. Luaue," she corrects gently. "La-wey," he attempts again, botching her name spectacularly.

"I, for one, welcome our new Ilythiiri neighbors," says Lael, putting his feet on the table as he reclines, a gesture that is at once overly-casual and supremely confident. "My apprentices are adjusting quite nicely, and my career as High Sorcerer is off to a rousing good start. I suppose that it's nice that everything is working out for them, too," he adds offhandedly.

>>6266590
The bickering of the council continues unabated, even after they seem to forget your presence, lost in their squabbles. Taking the opportunity to depart unnoticed, you lead Luaue out into the market. The very moment that the two of you escape the Hall of the Elders, the girl places her hands across her face, groaning to herself. "Dealing with them will not be so formidable as what I've faced so far. I can do it," she affirms to herself weakly.

You've accomplished a great deal today. No doubt the next tenday will be busy, what with the training you'll be conducting. It feels good to be a teacher again, and even better to have students that you don't want to kill. Now seems as good a time as any to move on to more personal matters.

What next?
>I will entertain Luaue at my mansion. The two of us can relax and chat together, and I can introduce her to Amaranth.
>For the moment, I shall visit the Eilistraeans at the old Tenpenny place, to see how they're holding up in Everlund.
>It is here that we part ways, for I shall be heading home to continue settling into my new estate.
>[Write-in.]

Previous Adventures:
https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?searchall=Forgotten+Realms+Adventures

The Rules™:
https://pastebin.com/VRQHDHSr

Abilities:
https://pastebin.com/FaJABuJs

And here's what I'm working on. Somewhat fittingly, I'm having trouble defining the borders of central and eastern Eurithia.

Welcome back, Greenwood! Saw you just before bed.

>>6266592
>I will entertain Luaue at my mansion. The two of us can relax and chat together, and I can introduce her to Amaranth.
>"Arara fits all the stereotypes I was taught regarding surface elves back in Menzoberranzan, that is true. However, the singular good thing I can say about her is that she raised Ilanis like a daughter. Since Ilanis was the very first to welcome me to Everlund, I can at least respect that."
>Talk about your Eilistraean dance class idea on the way home, perhaps even consider teaching swordsmanship classes to help drum up funds for them.

>>6266592
>>I will entertain Luaue at my mansion. The two of us can relax and chat together, and I can introduce her to Amaranth.

>>6266592
>I will entertain Luaue at my mansion. The two of us can relax and chat together, and I can introduce her to Amaranth.
>Talk about your Eilistraean dance class idea on the way home, perhaps even consider teaching swordsmanship classes to help drum up funds for them.

Welcome back, QM!

>>6266592
>>For the moment, I shall visit the Eilistraeans at the old Tenpenny place, to see how they're holding up in Everlund.

Vote closed.

>>6266609
>>6266806
>>6266914
>>6266994
"Time to rest. Follow me," you say, leading Luaue to your estate. How peculiar it is, that you are entertaining a guest for the very first time, at a home you own no less. The fact is, the Ilythiiri are adept at a great many things, and hospitality does not number among them. There is a first time for everything, you suppose. Bringing today's excursion into the town to a close, you close in on your property, drinking in the sight of your claim on this world in the afternoon sun.

On the approach, the striking color of red hair amidst the wooded surroundings of the mansion informs that your other half has returned recently as well. Taking a detour, the two of you traverse the forest path leading to the shrine of the macabre bone god. The half-breed relaxes her posture and smiles sentimentally, the sylvan backdrop familiar and comfortable to her.

Engrossed in thought, the sound of your footsteps alerts Amaranth to your presence as you draw near. Tearing his attention away from the shrine's open doors, he pivots, regarding the two of you with a polite nod. "Oh, hello. Who is this?" He asks, gesturing toward Luaue. The half-breed opens her mouth to speak before you courteously introduce her.

>>6269933
"This is Luaue, the priestess of Eilistraee. I am teaching her the way of our people," you explain, taking her by the shoulders and presenting her to him. The girl seems utterly baffled by you actions - why? You are merely showing her off. She should be grateful, honored even. Amaranth blinks several times in quick succession, clearing his throat. "Well, Luaue, it is lovely to finally see you in person. I am Amaranth Cywir, former High Sorcerer. Lael's predecessor."

The girl steps forward bowing deeply. "I've heard quite a lot about you. Lael tells me that you were the only one of the council members on our side, at first. You are a true friend of my heart, and we owe you a debt that can never be repaid," she says deferentially. The magician raises his hands defensively, shaking his head. "No, no... advocating for you was the right thing to do. I only did as much as my position allowed."

Picking up on his discomfort, she tries to change the subject, peering into the shrine. "What... is this?" She asks, her eyes widening as she catches sight of the skulls. Capitalizing on the opportunity to discuss something else, he beams and looks over the malignant interior with the spark of scholarly enthusiasm. "A chapel for Myrkul, Old Lord Skull, the former god of death. He inherited his precept from the ancient god Jergal, before it was usurped by Cyric, the Dark Sun, prior to becoming the Mad God. Cyric eventually lost the title to Kelemvor Lyonsbane, who is the current Lord of the Dead today," he explains.

"You know, I actually met the fellow. Myrkul, I mean, before he was deposed as the god of death. An interesting fellow - he used to be a wizard, although he was a necromancer and I am a diviner, so there was little common ground between us. We made a wager about which of us would outlive the other. I was the victor, as you can see, hoho!" He waxes nostalgic, his smirk fading as he comes to realize that neither you nor the girl fully comprehend what he's talking about. "Aaand I'm boring you with my old adventurer stories. Excuse me."

>>6269935
"Myrkul was not a popular god, but he was well-respected throughout the Realms. Usually humans would build shrines like this in the hope of appeasing him before they died, although that seldom saved them," he continues. "Apparently it's been decided that this will become a temple for Eilistraee now, and its power will belong to the goddess. What do you think?" He asks, turning to Luaue.

The girl fidgets in place and shifts her gaze between the chapel and the magician. "I... think that would be a fine idea?" She states hesitantly, clearly unaccustomed to making such decisions. Glaring at her expectantly, she buckles under the formidable weight of your gaze, finding her resolve. "Yes, that would be wonderful. If we're to live here, it is best that we create a place for Eilistraee in Everlund. As before, I thank you, Amaranth Cywir."

Patting her shoulder, he turns to you his radiant smile returning. "Splendid. I will take the time to clear away the skulls for you. They are a popular commodity in the magical community, surprisingly, and I think I know someone from Westgate who may be interested. The money can be put toward converting this to a place for the Dark Dancer. Why don't the two of you head inside? Lunch is already on the table, and I paid a visit to Neverwinter purchase some furniture and provisions, so you can get comfortable."

"Oh, no thank you! I don't mean to intrude. Both of you have already been so good to me, I-" she starts, though you cut her off by locking arms with her. Pecking the magician on the cheek, you haul Luaue off, winking at him as you go. This girl will be nourished, and you will tolerate no argument.

>>6269937
The interior has been completely redone with a ruby and rose color palette and fine, cushioned furniture. Amaranth must be in tune with your Sunite inclinations, for the choice certainly agrees with you. How much did all of this cost? It seems that the two of you are now a 'wealthy old couple,' or something of the sort.

Entering the dining hall, the scent of aromatics wafts through the air, inviting the two of you to sit at the new dinner table, expansive enough for a feast of a dozen or more when set properly, though it will be just the two of you for today. At the head of the table there is a skillet filled with what seems to be crispy, starchy chunks of a plant you can't identify, and utensils for two. Not quite a decadent supper, though adequate for a midday meal. You'll have to sit down for a proper supper with your magician later.

Seating her, you occupy a chair adjacent to her and sigh, elated to finally sit after the day's events. Despite her initial reluctance, the girl sinks into her seat, similarly relieved. "Sindiira," she starts, pursing her lips. "I'm... not sure if I'm up to the task. Of being Eilistraee's priestess and leading our people. I've done my best to get us this far, though I feel inadequate. I can hardly fight, as you've seen, and the Council of Elders, making decisions about temples... perhaps I can't handle them. I said that I was confident, but in truth..."

She pauses, ambivalent.
>Write-in.

>>6269935
Oh man, is our husbando secretly a genuine, bonafide High Level Adventurer?

>>6269937
>This girl will be nourished, and you will tolerate no argument.
You've come a long way, Jezyrene Delyl.

>>6269938
>All young women feel inadequate, at first. It is not permitted to show it, in the Underdark. It is weakness, after all... But it is a universal one. Only by striving, ever onwards, feigning confidence, that one develops the competence to back it up and make it real. At first, you must fake it, until the day you finally make it.
>Look at me: my foolish family thought little of my talents, and now I am Champion of Everlund, with a prized mate, the blessings of Sune, and good allies and pupils like yourself and the Ilanis girl.
>I did this. So can you.

>>6269938
"...When I first arrived here, from the Underdark escaping my sisters plot to have me executed, I thought that I was resigned to the life of a mercenary, or perhaps a traveling dancer, carrying naught but my sword, armor, and the few supplies I had stolen away in my flight. And after what feels like months later, through the trials and triumphs, I'm here."
>"I never would have thought that I'd make friends with Ilanis, much less consider her to be... closer than that. Having a romantic relationship with Amaranth? I would have been considered stark raving mad, and quickly taken to the alter so as to not poison the rest of Menzoberranzan's society. And yet, here I am... thanks to others being willing to give me a chance. People like Ilanis, my darling khal'abbil Amaranth, Willow, and Emitia."
>"What I am saying is that you have at least one abbil in this strange land you find yourself in: me. And that, with some more people willing to take a chance on you, willing to look beyond what the rumors and falsehoods say, you'll have no ceiling above your head to stop you."

>>6269944
>Oh man, is our husbando secretly a genuine, bonafide High Level Adventurer?
Drop the secret bit and you've got it.

Also, +1 for the write in.

>>6269944
Supporting

>>6269949
>Drop the secret bit and you've got it.
I didn't realize he was "casual chat with the grim reaper" level.

>>6269949
+1

Vote closed.

>>6270183
You'd think that the former god of death would be elusive, disinterested, and scoff at mere mortals, but Myrkul was quite the character just like the other gods in the Realms. He would frequently show up at funerals to "meet people before they met him," so to speak, and he could even be kind and caring at times just to throw people off. One of his favorite activities was chatting with random mortals, usually just to scare them, which he found funny. He also had a cold intelligence and never angered or raised his voice - in fact, he found it entertaining when mortals defied death or deviated from the plans he had set out for them.

I imagine that the conversation between the two was Myrkul appearing in front of Amaranth after a long adventure and saying something along the lines of, "Tell me, seer, with your powers of precognition, whom do you wager will perish first between the two of us?" And having a rare laugh when Amaranth predicted that he could outlive the god.

>>6270429
Seems like a cool dude!

>>6269944
>>6269949
Too late to shift the vote, but I’d like a mix of these two.

QM...?

Dangit, you raised my hopes up only to dash them...

>>6280804
Sorry, anon.

>>6280767
>>6280804
>>6282566
Our regularly scheduled programming will resume tomorrow.

>>6282866
I believe in OP.

>>6283013
>Friday

"There is a word in our language, 'xundus.' The crude rivvil tongue that we now speak has no word that is the same," you say. "It is to complete something after much work and to have something to show the world for it. That is like xundus." Holding her gaze as you recline in your chair, you continue. "I too was weak as a girl, just as you are now - all are. Strength and courage are not received at birth. They are the battle of a lifetime, won in blood and death."

"In my first battle, faced up against an orc warrior at your age, I felt fear. Against my sister, a powerful and favored priestess of Lolth - ulathtallar, as we say - I felt weakness. And when I realized that I did not have the talent to become a priestess of the Spider Queen, I felt shame. Many times was I defeated and tortured and made to look foolish in front of others." The girl purses her lips, searching your features for any hint of insincerity. Though silent, her visage tells all; she can hardly believe that the warrior who defeated Malar's champion had ever experienced fear, weakness, shame. Were you not a peerless swordfighter, fearless and unbested?

"The woman you see now was not born Champion of Everlund, master of Orb Alur. My mother called me a waste and punished me hundreds of times. My sister thought me worthless, and tried to see me dead. What you see is a xundus of more than two hundred years. I have no favor from Lolth, and yet I am here."

>>6283126
"And when you feel that you cannot do it," you continue, "I will be here. However much this world hates us people of Ilythiir, there are still those who would stand by your side - myself, Amaranth my mal'rak ssinjin, Emitia, Ilanis, Willow... even the High Sorcerer," you affirm. "When I arrived from the Underdark, with nothing but a weapon, they welcomed me to the Realms of sunlight, and they will welcome you just the same."

Reaching across the table, you take her hand and squeeze it firmly, speaking with an intensity that you were unaware of prior. "I know that you can be the protector of our people. And all of us together will raise you up to show you the truth that I was shown not so long ago - that there is no roof to this world."

Luaue's eyes glisten with unshed tears, the back of her free hand clumsily dragging across the surface of her face. "I- I don't know what say, Sindiira. That was very beautiful." The girl inclines her head, searching for the appropriate words, although they never arrive. The two of you sit in silence for what feels like the entire afternoon before commencing the meal. Not a word is spoken between the two of you before she departs.

>>6283127
As the Eilistraean departs, Amaranth returns, looking ever-so-slightly worn. He must have been busy indeed to have completely redecorated the house in the span of a morning, and no doubt it must have been tedious to deal with the skulls in the old chapel on such short notice. Approaching gingerly with a stack of parchment in his hands, each page fraying at the edges, he offers it up to you with both hands.

"Here you are. I did mention that I had something for you before we moved in. Do try to take care of it... it's the only one of its kind," he says, beaming. You accept it, raising an eyebrow as you skim the pages. "What is this?" You ask, briefly reading over what appears to be excerpts of a novel.

"You must have forgotten by now, though the first time we met, you mentioned being after a 'song of friendship,' or something of the sort. It sounded familiar at the time, though I couldn't quite place the origin. While there's certainly no magical phenomenon such as that, I happened to chance upon this while pruning my collection. The author never finished it, though I managed to get my hands on the manuscript while I was in Calimport several years ago," he explains.

>>6283130
Like water seeping through a porous stone barrier into an underground lake, it steadily comes back to you. You had heard that the sequel to 'The Pretty Princess of Myth Drannor' was never completed, its manuscript in the possession of a wealthy book collector in the city of Calimport. That was Amaranth Cywir, however long ago, prior to his arrival in Everlund. While the magician certainly does fit the broad description you were given, this development is certainly unexpected, though in no way unwelcome.

You shut your eyes, forcing the tears to remain where they are. You don't want to damage the text, after all. Opening them again, you lean in, giving Amaranth a peck on the cheek, a gesture which makes him ever so slightly flush. "Ka usstan gumash vith dos natha szithrel draevalen natha szithrel i'dollen maristo..."

He leans back, running a hand through his hair. "I've also restored the bath if you'd like to wash up. Lovely piece from Waterdeep, fine human magic that self-cleans and even adjusts the temperature..." he goes on, glancing off to the side dubiously. It's plainly obvious that he means to ask something from you. "Tell me what you want, vallabha. Name it, and it is yours."

>>6283131
"Well... I was wondering if I could have some friends over to play cards tonight. Just a few fellows from the council that you are already acquainted with, of course. It has been quite a while. We have not had the opportunity to play again since before the Tenpenny affair, and Sten has been inquiring about a rematch to recover his losses. Apparently his wife refused to speak to him for a tenday afterwards," he says, trying to stifle a laugh. "We'll stay in the study, I promise."

Truth be told, it would be ungenerous of you to deny Amaranth his 'male bonding time' after everything he's done for you, and you have an entire mansion to yourself besides. How do you intend to spend the night?
>I will retire early, and read through the manuscript. This has been a long time coming, I feel.
>After such a vigorous day of training the girls, I have earned a nice, hot bath. Every other concern is subordinate at this time.
>He had best reserve chair for me at the table - I intend to play with him and the males. How difficult could it possibly be?
>[Write-in.]

>>6283123
It's still Thursday in this time zone, believe it or not.

And I'd like to apologize for the delay - I've been through quite a lot recently, and working 10 hour shifts certainly doesn't help. Regardless of how much life fights against me, either this quest will be finished as long as I draw breath.

>>6283135
>I will retire early, and read through the manuscript. This has been a long time coming, I feel.
>"He didn't wager her, did he? I thought that was frowned upon here?"

I wonder how Luaue would respond if we asked her if she considers us an aunt? And if Amaranth would be interested in being an uncle?

>>6283137
It's all good Ed, it's all good. Plus, it's the summer anyway. Boards even slower than usual.
Also, 10 hour work days? The election's over, Ed!

>>6283135
D'aww. Nice moment with Luaue.

Oh shit, as the guy who originally wrote the prompt about the song of friendship sounding like powerful magic indeed. Damn, that was a while ago.
A manuscript. How lovely.

>I will retire early, and read through the manuscript. This has been a long time coming, I feel.
Do not worry, Vallabha. I am not some cowardly Matron who fears the conspiracies of males gathered in larger groups than two (Amaranth might pick up on the humor). Enjoy.

>>6283135
>>After such a vigorous day of training the girls, I have earned a nice, hot bath. Every other concern is subordinate at this time.

Hopefully Lael brings his apprentices along so we can read to them. Can you imagine if Dulnur's tries to find the bathroom and opens the door to learn how Thiala Summerbreeze finally made Gimgen Grumpybeard smile?

>>6283135
If males are capable of it, then ti will be as child's play... But males need some time with their own kind, too. We will be a distraction. And anyway....

>I will retire early, and read through the manuscript. This has been a long time coming, I feel.
It's pretty princess time!

>>6283151 +1 to
>"He didn't wager her, did he? I thought that was frowned upon here?"

>>6283137
Welcome back, QM! Very good scene.

Vote closed.

>>6283207
I actually work for an internet company now. I am a good corpo-rat.

>>6283135
>After such a vigorous day of training the girls, I have earned a nice, hot bath. Every other concern is subordinate at this time.

After being roped into a family conflict that I had nothing to do with, losing 3,000 USD, falling ill and getting a reprimand at work for taking sick days, we are back. Update later today.

And they say that the curse isn't real!

>>6296943
...Jesus. That sucks. I'm very glad you're back, though.

>>6296943
...Holy shit. Welcome back, at least.

>>6296943
We'll I'm glad you beat the curse

"Of course, llarh," you affirm, holding the manuscript to your chest. Brushing your hand against his shoulder, you smile knowingly. "I trust that you are not plotting against me - the last lover foolish enough to cross me was stabbed. By me, of course." The two of you share a hearty chuckle. It seems that he's picked up on your Ilythiiri humor, a promising indicator of the future longevity of this arrangement. "Enjoy your game, llarh. Did the High Captain bet his wife to cover his losses from the last game?" You ask.

Amaranth shuts his eyes and shakes his head vigorously, chuckling to himself. "No, thankfully, though I did win his daughter in the game prior, after we returned to look at the cards. He insisted that the result was illegitimate and demanded a rematch. Truth be told, for a paladin of Helm he's incredibly audacious. He and Dulnur were heroes along the Sword Coast and in the Western Heartlands in their day, some thirty years ago - I imagine the sedentary life makes him restless," he explains, clearing his throat as he realizes that he's rambling. "You could ask them about it some time, if you are curious."

"In any case, I will be stepping out to get some provisions before the game begins. I took the liberty of furnishing the room where you left your things as well - I do hope that you like it." You peck his cheek, seeing him off. The very instant he steps through the entrance and closes it behind him, you rush upstairs, manuscript in hand, eager to delve into the sequel of the book that changed everything.

The silken drapes over the windows of your personal retreat are twice as thick as any other in the estate, and the magical lights suspended in the air dimmed to a mere flicker, recreating the low lighting conditions similar to that of the Underdark wonderfully to accommodate your physiology. Around the tasteful circular rug at the room's center is a long chair for relaxing, a writing table and chair, as well as a wardrobe and a weapon rack, where your belongings have been stored. You lay yourself across the long chair and sigh, releasing the day's exertions as you immerse yourself in the manuscript.

>>6297500
One upon a time, there were two kingdoms, Veylana and Korveth. Veylana was an idyllic land, picturesque and envied for its dense verdant woodlands and fertile river valleys. Its people were of noble character, known for their integrity and valor. By contrast, Korveth was a bleak nation. Spanning plateaus and craggy hills that provided only enough sustenance to survive, its people were austere and disciplined, feared for their martial tradition.

For over a hundred years, the Veylana and Korveth waged relentless war against one another, each determined to punish the other for a crime which neither could recall any longer. But bitterness was enough, and the two nations fought bitterly indeed. Time and again, the valiant white destriers of Veylana met the impenetrable iron wall of Korveth's heavy infantry in skirmish, raid, and pitched battle, yet the outcome was never decisive.

Distinguished for her martial skill and strategic vision, the noble Lady Dravel was appointed commander of Korveth's armies by the royal family in a bid to change the war's pace. Striking in her beauty and peerless with a blade, she was charged with invading Veylana's heartland and ending the war once and for all, by any means necessary.

>>6297501
Alas, skill alone was not enough to turn the tide. Lady Dravel fought bravely and led her forces with distinction, but her victories could not win the war. During a very fierce battle, the company she led was encircled, and driven off of a cliff into a ravine by the white destrier cavalry of Veylana. Through some miracle, she alone survived, falling into a river.

Washed downstream, the current carried Lady Dravel into the heart of Veylana's forests. By fate or by chance, Veylana's very own young crown prince Silvarin, a bright soul with an appreciation for the living things of the world, was out an excursion beholding the natural wonders of his home country with his retinue. Finding Lady Dravel adrift and half-dead, he ordered his servants to retrieve her from the waters and attend to the injuries of the commander, a declaration received as both merciful and controversial.

Initially confused, the commander from Korveth's heart thawed as she was shown kindness by Veylana's prince, coming to recognize that their peoples are not so different. The prince, too, confessed that he is perplexed, having believed that Korveth's people were cruel and warlike prior to meeting Dravel. The growing attraction between the two is undeniable as they spend the next several days admiring the beauty of the wilderness untamed.

With her injuries healed, Lady Dravel explains that she must report to her sovereign, and resume her duties - Veylana's people would never accept her regardless, being an enemy commander. The prince is quietly devastated, but understanding, and entrusts with her the magic of his royal line, the Song of Friendship, before bidding her farewell.

>>6297502
The manuscript ends there. That it is an unfinished work is evident from its emaciated narrative and absent conclusion. Regretfully, the author passed before this story could be completed, or so you've heard. Ultimately, what became Lady Dravel, Prince Silvarin, and their kingdoms will never be told to the Realms.

But perhaps ambiguity is not so bad. After all, you yourself can decide how this story ends, if you'd like.
>Lady Dravel and Prince Silvarin fall in love, and proclaim that they are to be wed. Armed with the Song of Friendship, their sincerity is sufficient to move the hearts of all and bring the war to its conclusion - love conquers over all.
>Lady Dravel and Prince Silvarin are dear to one another, but they know that their relationship will never be accepted by either kingdom. With the help of sympathetic friends, the two elope, escaping to a distant land and leaving their status and the war behind - a love more precious than any crown or treasure.
>Lady Dravel and Prince Silvarin have a passionate affair, though know that it is doomed. Returning to their respective kingdoms, the two meet on the field of battle years later, both perishing tragically after a ferocious duel. The bards recall the tale of this doomed romance for centuries to come - a love never meant to be.
>I would prefer to leave the story as-is. Perhaps I will decide on an ending another time, or perhaps not.
>[Write-in.]

>>6297503
>Lady Dravel and Prince Silvarin fall in love, and proclaim that they are to be wed. Armed with the Song of Friendship, their sincerity is sufficient to move the hearts of all and bring the war to its conclusion - love conquers over all.
Hey, if Jez could score her life-loving hippie prince, why can't Dravel?

>>6297503
>>Lady Dravel and Prince Silvarin have a passionate affair, though know that it is doomed. Returning to their respective kingdoms, the two meet on the field of battle years later, both perishing tragically after a ferocious duel. The bards recall the tale of this doomed romance for centuries to come - a love never meant to be.

>>6297503
>Lady Dravel and Prince Silvarin fall in love, and proclaim that they are to be wed. Armed with the Song of Friendship, their sincerity is sufficient to move the hearts of all and bring the war to its conclusion - love conquers over all.

Hey Greenwood, since you're back: whichbof your characters would you most like to get fanart of?

>>6297503
>>Lady Dravel and Prince Silvarin fall in love, and proclaim that they are to be wed. Armed with the Song of Friendship, their sincerity is sufficient to move the hearts of all and bring the war to its conclusion - love conquers over all.

Vote closed.

>>6297692
I would never request readers that readers make this sort of contribution, of course. Voting is always enough for me. But to answer the question, it would be our girl Ilanis. We never got the opportunity to delve deep into the Lathalas line as the quest focuses on Jezyrene, the chosen heroine. But Jezyrene's family dynamic is simple by compare, and I think navigating it would have been some fun content.

>>6298086
Maybe we could do a one shot either before or around when the quest wraps up, focused on Ilanis or Lathalas or something to delve into some unexplored/interesting parts like that, before the next campaign? Just a thought.

>>6299442
Heck, I'd be up for Ilanis as a choice for the next protag when Greenwood returns to this setting.

>>6298086
I'll see about getting that started in a few days, then.

Done! Courtesy of the artist Zoel.

>>6302686
...she cute. Does the artist have a twitter or blusky?

>>6302686
That looks really good! I bet they would do a cool take on Jez. Or dnd adventurers in general.