The cleric gave one last look to Alietra, then stood up slowly.

"My brothers and sisters in arms, both old and new...those of us who remember, the Baron sent us on a quest to save Lady Starshell from the minotaur that destroyed the castle of her betrothed's family."

He nods sadly to the paladin in memory of the family she's lost.

"We were lucky to intercept her before we encountered the minotaur. Surely, it was divine guidance. Having completed our intended mission...I..."

He struggles for a moment, finding the words.

Alietra pops up to interrupt.

"What he's trying to say is...Brodd and I are in love now. And after what happened in the catacombs we realize that it's gonna create a sticky lock for all of us if we stay in this merry band. So..."

"Thank you Alie. So we are going to retire from adventuring. We'll stay in the town nearby for a while. It seems they don't have any clerics at all. All they have is the trappings of this shattered idol we stand in the shadows of!"

"I mean we can't really go back to Masondain, can we? Brodd would probably get demoted or something and I might get in trouble with the constables again..."

She rubs her wrists pondering unpleasant memories.

"But before we go? Brother Paxton, we ask one favor of you..."

He hold Alietra's hand tightly and looks to him with a nod.

The Dwarf nods and watches waiting for the request.

"I had a feeling," Paxton nodded.  He sighed and said, "I've had way more practice with funerals than weddings.  But I'll give the blessings of the Light to you both."

"Well, gonna miss you fer sure. Make sure you lok after 'im, Aletra, cos 'e sure can't do it fer himself," gruffs  Durek, smiling at the cleric to ensure he sees it's humour.

Aye friends, thank ye for all the support in hard times.

Dwarghar says

And congratulations. Now stay happy somehow.

Carefully taking the wand from Dwarghar, Vanorin turned it over in his hands, running his fingers across the mystical sigils inscribed upon it and determining just what it was and how it operated. He felt sure he could use it, but did not wish to be disrespectful.

"Invocation magic, a seemingly minor enchantment but one with considerable power, depending upon the strength of the wizard wielding it. Other folk can use it too, of course, but wands were made for magic wielders, as I'm sure you know.

On the other hand, it may just be a stick."

He handed the wand back to Dwarghar as Brother Brodd spoke. This would have been something of a revelation, if Vanorin had actually become acquainted with the pair, but it was hard to miss people you had met only in passing. The rest certainly appeared sorry to see them go, so the elf wished them both well in their wedded bliss.

Naaah, you keep it.
Dwarghar tells the elf. I’ll find other curiosities as we go. I was hoping to understand it but I think it best to focus on what I know.

Pock was definitely crying, although he tried to hide it. He walked up to Brodd, and said: "You're not so bad for a tall one." The gnome reached out a hand to shake, as he knew tall people enjoyed doing this.

Thinking 'but that's what people do', Amalrik shows little reaction but just watches the goings on.

"Congratulations" Travis offered his well wishes to the newly married pair "may your love bring you happiness" for Travis there was no choices in life, he must strive to be free of fate. Perhaps one day he would retire too, but death was more likely.

"Right, goodnight, you pair," says Durek. "I gota go; me crevices are getting scratchy an' they won't wait." His rolling gait takes him off to be about his ablutions.

Manaku carefully places an unfinished bowl of soup on the ground and stands up. He smiles to Brodd and Alietra: "I wish both of you all the best in life, may Mother Moon shine of your path where ever you go together. Thanks you both, for all what you have done for this company."

The elf finishes his meal and retires to meditate in solitude for the rest of the day (evening?).

After a whileAlmarik goes off to sharpen a sick, possibly for a rat, and soon after says, "Who's taking what watches?"

In reply to Amalrik (msg # 94):

"I'll take second watch, my eyes are good for the dark."

In reply to Pock Oneshoe (msg # 95):

"You folks have travelled today and some will be tired. I'll take first watch while there is still a little light," offers Amalrik

"I'm not fussy," Paxton said.  He'd stand whatever watch needed.

"Neither am I, I shall take whichever watch is required to be filled."

Vanomir was eager to please, if only to prove his value.

"Any watch" Travis offered, willing to aid the others whenever possible.

The watch goes without incident. In the morning, the adventurers first gather in a circle as Paxton officiates the vows of matrimony between Brother Brodd and Alietra. The two stay to watch and wave goodbye as the chosen party members ascend the steps of the ruin to descend back into the catacombs below.

Amalrik asks, "Anyone got a picture map of this place? Where you've already explored I mean."

[DM]

"I think I can draft one up. Give me a parchment and ink and I can sketch it out in an hour or two."