The next day dawns cold and gray outside the misshapen windows of the Old Bargewright. As the group gathers for breakfast in a sparsely populated common room, Bruldenthar approaches.

After some brief greetings, Bruldenthar says "I've secured you passage on a keelboat heading up river from Womford. It's a grain barge bound for Yartar, and they've agreed to let you disembark in the Sumber Hills. The boat's captain is familiar with the Sacred Stone monastery, or at least its location. He and his fellows appear to have heard something or other about it as a 'Haunted Keep' or some other nonsense."

"In any case," the dwarf continues, "the captain and his crew don't resemble men and women of high society nor are they adept at philosophical conversation, yet their ship seems river-worthy enough to get you quickly back to rescuing cult-held prisoners. I hope this small favor in some way helps with addressing the debt I will forever owe you." He bows slightly, and winks at Faith.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:45, Fri 29 Dec 2023.

Ehrendil stands, "You've provided us with much assistance since we left the monastery. It's appreciated. I do hope you can either complete your trip to Goldenfields, or at least send a message to the Abbot to let him know what has transpired, and perhaps advise him that Zeb and I are returning to deal with the cultists." The ranger reaches out and shakes the dwarf's hand.

Makari hadn't been seen much the night before. He was up and about early in the morning, washing up and getting ready to move out. He was clearly itching to get going once more, and trying not to be an annoying ass about it, though.

He smiled and said, "Thanks for your help."

Faith had a night reminiscent of her old days. The first few hours she was cleaning herself up - a bath and some food and she was back downstairs in the main hall of the inn.

While there, she shone as she did, telling stories of the deadly monastery, and singing songs. By all accounts she was drinking, but in truth, she had little - despite her high energy, she did retire a little before high moon.

The next morning, she was one of the last to wake. The difference in the woman was noticeable - gone was the dirt and grime, and torn clothes. She now wore linen shirt of white, with a dark grey skirt. Boots of black were polished, and she wore a set of armor of grey, a stark contrast to her red skin.

She saw the dwarf and spun, then nodded. "I believe your influence has replaced some of my damaged clothes and gear - thanks Bruldenthar." She hugged and kissed the dwarf on the cheek as she sat down next to him.

As he spoke, she had a serious look, but let the others finish before speaking. Of these people, i've known you the longest - we traveled together when we were captured. We have seen joy and heartache my friend." She looked at the group, then back. "But, i feel that this is where we part ways. I believe i can help these people, and i want in no small way to find these bastards and kick their asses."

She looked at the group. "I know you helped me, a mutual beneficial suituation....but now we are free, i would ask that if you will have me, i would join your task."

"One day, Tyar-Besil will be free of slavers and other evils, and dwarven songs will again fill its halls. I can then teach you some of our working songs, and would like to hear your interpretations." Morg says to Faith. "Those who help clear it will be honored guests or comrades." he says, trying to find something he thinks Gorm would enjoy eating.

---

DM, is the genasi pirate Shoalar Quanderil still alive as far as the party knows?

Ehrendil's eyebrow rises in surprise, "I didn't realise you had not already joined with us! Of course you are welcome."

"Welcome indeed," Zeb agreed, visibly astonished by the woman's transformation. Impressive as it was, he was not one for clean hair or fancy dress and felt something had been lost in the transformation. Understanding it would be rude to say so or even let the disappointment show on his face, he made a great show of welcoming the woman to the group - a group of which he was not himself an original member, though nothing in his comportment suggested he remembered this.

Faith nodded and smiled at each as they welcomed her to the group. Well, if that is all, i suggest we make some plans about getting ourselves dirty anain and kicking some cultist butt!"