In reply to Zuriel Silendril (msg # 616):

...I wonder if Lady Peleanor could teleport in through those wards...

Keef scratches some runs in the dirt and thinks hard.

Chubbs continues to snooze.

In reply to Keef (msg # 617):

"Such a trifling thing is easily within my power," the rumbling voice of the staff says slowly. "Or it would be, but for the confines of my prison. Free me, and I will be happy to transport you wherever you like."

The voice seems much more focused now than it has been before.

"I can be of much greater help than I've been up to this point, given the opportunity."

A tempting offer, but it still wouldn't be polite to drop in on Choso unannounced.  Let's inform them of our return.

Zuriel rubs his temples, concealing his alarm.

This day just keeps getting better and better.

"What form is that, then? Have you remembered who you once were?"

"To be fair, we *do* apparently need to transport an entire Sylvan army.  That may be beyond Keef's and Lyriel's abilities."

In reply to Zuriel Silendril (msg # 620):

"Partially. There are a great many memories, and it will take time to experience each in turn. The most recent ones are easier to access, and among those I have found the source of my imprisonment, if not the perpetrators."

The voice continues after a moment's consideration.

"There is a certain place I now recall that is nestled deep within the deserts of Gaelia. The key to my freedom is entombed within, as are untold treasures and artifacts of immense power. When this business with the Vorites, the Dominion, and the Flame is at an end, I would appreciate being taken there."

The voice grows hopeful.

"Though I could help with those things if we made the trip sooner."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:22, Fri 10 Oct 2014.

In reply to The Everstaff (msg # 622):

"Not to interrupt where I'm not wanted," Cassie interjects. "But couldn't we all just return the way I came, through the feyic waygate? It can handle any number of people, so far as I know."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 15:03, Fri 10 Oct 2014.

In reply to Cassie (msg # 623):

We could free you?  Keef asks with wonder.  Where... I mean, what would you do then?  If you were free?

That sounds like a good plan, Cassie.  That way the Sylvan can come through too.

In reply to Boreas Highwind (msg # 625):

"We don't even all have to go together," Cassie says with a shrug. "I can handle the journey from here to there myself. I mean, I'll have an army with me. And I know where we stashed Blaine. You can teleport out of here and leave the details to me."

Fluffums mews something at her, and she gives him a friendly pat on the head.

"Yes, I know, you're a mighty army all on your own. But I meant the Sylvan one."

The panther snorts, but seems mollified.

Boreas nods.  That works for me.  He turns to the Sylvan army, seeing that they have apparently selected a leader, as one of them is standing in front of the rest of the host.  Congratulations...

"Gwynnewig" the Sylvan female replied.

Gwynnewig.  If you've chosen who will remain and who will go, then please accompany Cassie here safely to the waygate.  I will contact you when we reach the other side.

"Aye, Fairtheora," she responds.

Turning back to the others, Who is taking us home?

Zuriel frowns. "Are we forgetting about the angry trees that tried to ensorcel and then kill us? We have a plan for those, right?" he asks Cassie. "We won't be there this time..."

[Private to Cassie: "Also...were you able to hear the whole conversation with Wildheart? Or...just the part about Veilspire?"]
This message was last edited by the player at 16:06, Fri 10 Oct 2014.

They did that before I made my wish.  Now, I expect they'll leave well enough alone.  If they don't Cassie will have an army with her.

Boreas turns to Cassie.

Be safe.  We'll see you on the other side.

In reply to Boreas Highwind (msg # 629):

"You forget that Nature is once again my ally," Cassie says with a self-confident grin. "The trees will pose no barrier, regardless their intentions."

She tucks a stray strand of blonde hair behind an ear and smiles at the paladin.

"But it's cute of you to worry."

[Private to Zuriel Silendril: She lowers her voice and nods at Zuriel.

"I heard, but much of it seemed to be about family matters. What do you feel the take-home points were?"]
This message was last edited by the player at 16:16, Fri 10 Oct 2014.

Unsure as to whether or not Lyriel is still in possession of a death cookie, Maeve hastily decides to change the subject.

"What's this about a place of power in the desert, Longshank?  I've never heard of such a thing before."

[Or have I?]

Zuriel grins faintly. "That's right, I didn't consider that. Well, regardless, be safe. If you can, brief the wild elven council on the coming threat. Even if they don't feel the need to help...they ought to be aware."

[Private to Cassie: "Oh, mostly the usual. Don't be bound by society when doing the right thing. Trust your gut. But Cassie, I would appreciate it if you kept the bit about...my mother, and the whole angel bit...to yourself. It presents some major complications...let's just say that it was an very unexpected revelation since we parted ways in the Astrenian Forest. It has...changed much." Zuriel's eyes drift involuntarily over to Lyriel's departing form and back. He sighs. "Thank you again, Cassie. For everything. For my part, I am so very glad you were able to restore your connection to nature. And I'm glad to count you an ally and friend. Until next time, be safe."]
This message was last edited by the player at 16:28, Fri 10 Oct 2014.

In reply to Maeve Hassan (msg # 631):

"I do not know, Master," the staff says to Keef. "It would depend on whether freeing me also ended the unendurable hunger that pains my every waking moment."

To Maeve's question, the staff has a much more specific answer.

"The bones of last emperor to rule over the fallen Shogunate were laid to rest in an ornate mausoleum tucked into the Eastern Wastes. A tourist town sprung up around it as people came far and wide to pay their respects and view the exquisite architecture, but it has long since fallen to rubble and dust, scourged away by the relentless sands of time."

"The location for the tomb was selected based on the presence of an ancient altar that was found within it -- indeed, the ruins first belonged to a temple that was already old when the Shogunate was born and ruled over all of Gaelia."

"This staff contains in its core a cylinder of stone taken from the center of that altar. Returned to its rightful place, the power of the staff shall fade... and I shall at long last be free."

[Private to Zuriel Silendril: Cassie nods at Zuriel.

"Your secret is safe with me. Be safe, but this isn't goodbye. We'll see each other again."]
This message was last edited by the player at 16:41, Fri 10 Oct 2014.

"This temple wouldn't be to Kà, would it?" Zuriel asks curiously.

In reply to Zuriel Silendril (msg # 634):

"The location has gone by many names. I have not yet deciphered all of them."

"Well, please let me know if you do. I'm rather curious. It would seem that the old gods are still influencing the world today in unusual ways..."

Just what secrets are you hiding in your psyche, I wonder...who were you? Who *are* you?

Seeing his comrades making ready to leave, Zuriel notes the absence of their ride back. "We should go get Lyriel..."

The looks he receive in response make it clear that it is entirely up to him to do so.

Zuriel sighs.

He trudges out towards the gate, where Lyriel's form can be seen in the distance.

[Private to Lyriel Vesper: Zuriel approaches you slowly. He nods to a small hillock nearby the gate, just out of sight of the rest of the PARTY. "Care to join me?" he asks softly. (Provided Lyriel allows) He takes her by the hand, leading her around the hillside. As soon as they are out of sight, he wraps Lyriel in a fierce embrace, allowing his own grief to show. Tears course down his face quietly, and he caresses Lyriel's face, gently smoothing back a lock of hair matted to her cheek by dried tears. "We will make this right, Lyriel. I promise. If you'll have me...I'll be by your side the whole time. You know that."]
This message was last edited by the player at 19:33, Fri 10 Oct 2014.

In reply to Zuriel Silendril (msg # 637):

Cassie lounges about near the Sylvan Remnant as they decide who will be going where, leaving the P.A.R.T.Y. with nothing to do but depart.

After a short while, Lyriel returns down the path from the gate, red-rimmed eyes downcast but appearing much calmer.
[Private to Zuriel Silendril: Lyriel flinches at first, but allows Zuriel to lead her to privacy. She stares at him defiantly for a moment. When he embraces her, she stiffens against him for a moment, but then collapses into his arms, crying into his chest as she holds the embrace tightly. I'm..suh...sorry, she sobs. I didn't mean to buh...bite everybody's heads off. I just...I needed you, and when I saw you joking with Cassie, I... it was just too much. Lyriel leans into Zuriel, breathing deeply and taking comfort of his nearness, and his scent. I need you now, more than ever, she whispers. I don't think I can face this alone. After spending an entirely too short amount of time in his arms, Lyriel detaches herself. Taking him gently by the hand, she gestures back to the waiting PARTY. Let's not keep them waiting.]

She looks to the rest of the PARTY. If everybody is ready, she says softly, then lets go home.

[Private to Cassie: As the PARTY makes final preparations to leave, Lyriel approaches Cassie quietly. She opens her mouth to say something, but can't quite seem to find the words. She looks down at the ground. Cassie... she begins.

Take care of yourself.]

In reply to Lyriel Vesper (msg # 639):

Home... Keef repeats with a faraway stare. No.. I mean... best not.  But let's go back to our plane.

In reply to Keef (msg # 640):

After a few choice words from Lyriel, the P.A.R.T.Y. reassembles, locks hands, and vanishes -- leaving the Sylvan Remnant, Cassie, and Fluffums behind in the blood-red hue of the Basin of Wishes.

Ding! Boreas, Lyriel, Maeve, Keef, and Zuriel have reached Level 12!  Please update your sheets accordingly.

~~ End Chapter 11 ~~