34 Erathisway, 4520: Preparations to Leave

Arkomir writes...   We woke refreshed this morning, the weight of the last few days eased by a good night’s sleep. Heading downstairs to the taproom of the Bull & Cockatrice, we found Moulton already there, looking somewhat haggard but determined. He was engaged with the townsfolk, quietly gathering information about Elsa Valtervold Landry and the strange events that have gripped the town.   Essa moved among the tables, checking in on everyone with Obek close behind, assisting where he could. We found a table just as Thaniel and his father arrived, their arms loaded with pastries, which we shared amongst ourselves and the room. Both looked far healthier now—Thaniel especially seemed restored, freed from the hag’s lingering grasp. He shared his plan to return to Belhaim to speak with Aleif about the ring. We all agreed it was a wise course, especially if it leads to ridding himself of that burden. There’s a quiet hum of hope in the town this morning. A sense that things are beginning to heal.   Later, we assisted with a solemn ceremony in the town square, honoring the fallen—Benjamin Landry and Edwin Crowthorne, the village priest. Their bodies were placed upon ceremonial biers, awaiting proper interment. Moulton offered words, and Essa officiated the rites. It was simple, heartfelt, and necessary.   We spoke with Moulton afterward to let him know we’d be heading next to Battervold, and then on to Steinwark. He suggested we speak to Commander Welling of the Middenvold Cavaliers and perhaps to Hanirash if we can find him. He penned a letter of introduction for us to present.   Later in the day, we took a closer look at the statue in the square—Elsa’s grandfather, Kethen Valtervold, a former Lord Advocate who helped build Dunkelgrun East into what it is today. The town is smaller than Oxenhalt, and despite some searching, we found no trace of The Cleansing Wave’s presence here.   We learned that Kugulex, Ursula, and Thaniel will be returning to Belhaim together. We sent word to Holly to expect them and to let Thaniel stay at the house as long as he needs. Moulton clearly had words with Kugulex to get him to agree to the journey. He intends to follow later and stay connected between Belhaim and Dunkelgrun East, watching over both.   Dharra assisted in their travel preparations. She sang the song from Melody’s tomb and conjured an image beneath the Triways. With spellwork and song, she opened a path through stone at the base of the Landry house. They stepped through, Kugulex welcoming them to Belhaim as the image faded behind. We also contacted Hanirash—he’s on his way back to Battervold and told us to find him at his temple. We shared news of recent events and will reconnect with him once we arrive.   Toward evening, we made our way back to the Whisper Wood to check in with Quercaya. We struggled to find the clearing at first, but I called out, and Rhubarb appeared, guiding us to the right place. Quercaya stood at the ruins of the cottage, quiet and solemn. The wood, they said, had been mired in her magic for decades. It will take time, but it will recover.   Dharra searched the wreckage and found jars holding the bodies of faeries. We asked Rhubarb what she would have us do. She removed them gently, placed them with wings folded, and kissed their foreheads. The forest would take them back in time. Among the debris, we also recovered trinkets and bits of jewelry that belonged to the townsfolk. We gathered them up for return.   When we told Quercaya we were finished, they waved a hand, and the trees moved—planting themselves into the ruins, nature reclaiming the space. We took time to speak with them about history: They remember dragons and giants and feuds that played out across the skies and underground. They called this region the Warm Circle—once home to ancient elves who lived below the surface. Though he senses old spaces beneath his roots, Quercaya doesn’t know how to reach them. These underground realms were hidden from dragons and giants. The Hall of Shrines we saw near Darin’s Fall may be one of these forgotten places.   The people of Dunkelgrun East, Quercaya said, are welcome in the wood again—but they must be patient and respectful. We asked about other fae in the region. Quercaya knew of none nearby but gave us a phrase of greeting. Rhubarb did the same, and asked that if we meet any faeries, we tell them that Rhubarb Proudwing lives.   We returned to the village, delivering the recovered belongings to their rightful owners. Spirits were high—there’s a tab in our name at the tavern, and the drinks flowed freely. We’ve been offered passage on the Shiffler’s boat, which will get us to Battervold quickly.   Before we retired, Moulton asked us to speak to the Cavaliers and request that an adjudicator be sent to oversee matters in town. He feels too close to the events to offer impartial judgment and wants justice to be handled properly. He gave us a letter to deliver to that effect.   Dharra spent the evening working in her book, while I tended to our gear. Another long rest awaits us, and for the first time in a while, it feels earned.