Session 23 - Chapter 4 - Pulling At Sticky Threads

Hello & Welcome!

Days passed, wheels churned, hooves & feet marched on. The Caravan continued North and the weather began to shift slightly. The mornings and evenings started to become slightly cooler but the days were still warm, but not hot. So the journey was pleasant, in so much as it could be. There was still a general solemn feeling over the troupe, but the journey had to continue.

The landscape also began to change as they moved North. The next main area they were heading towards was the Misty Forest. People were a bit on edge about the change in environment as it was easier for creatures to hide in the dense trees. They would need to be on their guard once they reached it. But, there was hope as just on the other side of the Misty Forest they would reach the Way Inn and this marked the return to civilisation. Beyond the Way Inn they would pass small villages and hamlets every day or two and that was far more welcome than the unforgiving, open wilderness.

On Day 25 they heard a low rumble heading towards them on the road. It was a similar sound, the sound of another Caravan heading in the other direction. Soon, the two Caravans crossed paths. As was customary, they paused briefly to exchange news. 

The other Caravan was different to theirs. This one seemed to be more focused on carrying passengers than it was with carrying Merchants and their goods. And the guards were more heavily armoured and seemed a professional lot, like proper hired mercenaries. And the horses as well were outfitted with proper armour.

They listened to the tales of what had happened in the South and thanked them for the information. They reciprocated by telling news of what they had heard. There were reports of Gnoll sightings further North. And they heard news of more raids focused on looting over in the Delimbiyr Vale. The news spoke of organised raiding parties of humanoids looking for whatever they could make off with. And there has been talk of Green Dragon sightings as well in conjunction with these raids. It seemed like many of the beasts and creatures in the area had become emboldened by all of this unrest and so travel was becoming more dangerous.

The exchange wasn't long but it was informative for both Caravans and then they parted ways. Dafnae, Pipp, and Torsion discussed in quiet tones as they continued North. It was likely that these raids in the Delimbiyr Vale were no doubt related to the same Cultists they were pursuing. In fact, they began to wonder if the cultists soldiers they saw in Baldur's Gate were the ones leading the raids. They may have left earlier and headed in that other direction while this Caravan was carrying the accumulated treasure. It may in fact be the case that no one here is directly affiliated with the Cultists and they were unwittingly carrying the goods that could ultimately lead to their demise (or worse). They would need to keep their eyes peeled.

The trees began to thicken on either side of the road as they entered into the Misty Forest in earnest. The first evening they had to adjust how they camped as they could not circle the wagons into protective hemispheres due to the dense trees coming up close to the side of the road. Instead, they pulled the wagons over to the side of the road and clumped 2 of them together to give some added protection while leaving the road free for others to pass by.

A quiet night gave way to another quiet day of travel. The next day would be the 28th day on the road and would be another day of rest. Hunting the previous days had not been fruitful so the travellers had to rely on their food stores of dried meats and other simpler rations. But this was beginning to wear on the stomachs of everyone. So on the day of rest, they were eager to go out for the hunt in the forest to see what they could find. 

On that morning, as the people prepared for the morning hunt, one of the guards who had gone out a bit earlier rushed back in a hurry to excitedly tell everyone that he had spotted a whole herd of deer in the trees and amongst them was this most magnificent Stag with hair the colour of gold, shimmering in the morning sunlight. 

This caused quite a bit of excitement for the hunt, different members boasting that they intended to fell the Stag and take its hide as it surely would fetch quite the price. 

Dafnae and Pipp looked at each other and whispered that surely such a creature would no doubt be magical so they felt it important to join the hunt to try to protect it. They were hoping the others would manage to catch one or two of the herd as some fresh meat would be good to have for dinner and even more so then, thanks would need to be given to the forest for its bounty and they suspected this magical beast could be some such spirit. 

So the three of them joined the hunting party and set off. The nine total members split up into groups of three and they head off  in hopes of flanking the herd in order to catch something.

The mist grew heavier as the three Heroes got deeper into the forest. The blanket of dried needles blunted the sounds of their feet to where even Torsion was nearly as stealthy as the other two. 

They continued the search and then they suddenly saw through the mist a giant Stag emerge into the clearing. Indeed its fur was golden and fine and shimmering in the dim light shining through the leaves and mist. Most astonishing though were the Stag's eyes - a deep emerald green, the colour of the deepest and darkest parts of the forest, yet bright and shining. The three silently agreed, this creature was indeed magical.

The Stag stood there looking at the three of them. It then lowered its head in a sort of gesture and as it rose its head back, stamped three times on the floor with its front hoof. 

The three of them stowed their bows on their backs and it was Dafnae that first approached the beast, her right hand outstretched, palm facing upwards, and she softly whispered in Elvish "Peace be upon you oh great forest creature, we mean you no harm." The Stag continued to gaze at her.

Dafnae took another 2 slow, non-threatening steps when suddenly the Stag’s form began to blur, the golden light condensing and shrinking. The antlers retracted, the fur receded into heavy woollen robes, and the hooves became worn leather sandals.

Standing before them now after this transformation was a Forest Gnome, barely three feet tall. She wore a cloak that appeared to be made from moss and leaves interwoven with bark, feathers and animal hides. Removing her hood, she revealed her wild, root-like hair sticking up in every direction, woven with actual twigs and berries, and skin the colour of silver birch bark. Leaning on a staff made of polished driftwood that twisted at the top, she continued to gaze intently at the party with the same piercing, emerald eyes.

After a moment, the Forest Gnome spoke in a voice that resembled an old, gnarled root, "The forest feels heavy today. It is not just the fog. It is the weight of a thread cut too soon. I am Fimble Nettlebed, Keeper of the Mulch and Tender of the Root. And I see you walk with a shadow that shouldn't be there yet." 

The three were taken aback at this surprise and how would such a creature know what happened. Pipp moved quickly up to be beside Dafnae and replied, "Chard? Do you mean Chard? How do you know about him?"

Fimble replied in her ancient voice, “Flora and Fauna are my eyes and ears. They bring me news from far away and deliver my messages to allies when the need is great. I know of the evil of which you speak and the land is a safer place now……..but I feel it will not be long before it returns……There is a taint……an essence of overwhelming evil uniting……a darkness that is coming to cover all the lands of Faerun if those with the power to stop it do not unite to fight before it is too late. The Gods can no longer act directly….…but they can still choose champions and bring them to their cause. I have seen it."

Torsion moved up to be beside Dafnae and Pipp as well and he added, "Yes, there was a difficult battle against a powerful evil and our friend succumbed and I was unable to save him." Torsion could feel the anger at himself beginning to well up inside him. But he pushed it back. He continued, "But our work is far from over and we were working together to stop an even greater threat to the world."

The Forest Gnome looked at each of them then said, ”IO the creator has remade the Tablets of Fate and the Second Sundering is concluded. No doubt you have all felt the return of Mystra and the Weave, yes?? I see the spark of magic in all of you - some more than others!" Her piercing gaze lingered longer on Torsion and Pipp.

She took Torsion hand in hers and began to hum a low, vibrating tune that sounded like bees in a hollow log. "The essence of your friend's spirit lingers on you………There is confusion and anger. I can open a door…….. perhaps………...but nature is... chaotic."

Torsion could feel the anger turn to shame which he found harder to supress. "Yes, he fought hard to protect us and I could not save him."

Fimble continued, "I have the oils. I have the power of the “Old Growth”. I can bring your friend back to walk the Misty Forest once more. However, the body they wore is broken. If I call them back, the forest will weave them a new one. They may return as a sturdy dwarf, a lithe elf, or perhaps a gnome like me—whatever the spirits decide fits their soul best."

Pipp, wide-eyed, exclaimed "Oh, yes, please help bring Chard back to us. But how can we repay you for your help?"

"I do not want your coins, Child; they are cold and dead. If I do this, you become indebted to the wood.," Fimble answered. ""The Green Breath—Chuth and his cultists—they take and they rot. But the forest... the forest recycles. When the time comes you will be called to fight this evil. Do this, and the debt is paid." 

Torsion vaguely recalled reading about Chuth in some ancient tome but he could not recall the details. He looked at his companions and Dafnae agreed, "Yes, oh great Forest Spirit, we will do as you ask. How will we know when or where to find Chuth?"

The gnarled voice explained, "You will know Child you will know. Then it is agreed, yes? I will now set on my part of the bargain." Her gaze paused, those emerald eyes staring off into the distance, past the three of them. After a moment her eyes returned to look at them and she continued, "You should be getting back to your rolling trees and cloth." Her green eyes intensifying as she added with a hissing rasp her in voice, "And hurry!"

She then turned and walked towards the closest tree and merged with it. Much to the astonishment of Dafnae, Pipp, and Torsion she emerged from another tree several yards away and then she merged with another tree. They looked at each othered with a mixture of bewilderment, hope, and determination and turned to return to the Caravan.

They quickly made their way back through the forest, the mist now mostly burnt off by the sun. But as they approached, they heard the now all to familiar clamour of shouting and screams. They briefly looked at each other, readying their ranged weapons, and rushed forward.

Emerging from the treeline onto the road, they saw the Caravan in turmoil. They could see their travel companions engaged in battle with a band of Ettercaps. Some were clawing at the people while they saw two others leading two frightened horses into the forest. Those horses would provide good feasting for the Ettercaps and their masters.

At the far end of the road, the Adventurers heard Tyjit call out, "The horses! Save those horses! We'll hold these off." and she engaged with one of the Ettercaps attacking them.

Dafnae rushed forward first. Long bow in hand, she could not get a clear shot of the two leading the horses into the forest due to the cover the trees were giving the Ettercaps so she took aim at the closest one engaged with the Guards. She loosed and her arrow landed true, piercing its gut deep. With a shriek, that Ettercap flopped to the ground, dead. It had already taken some damage from the Guards. Relieved, the Guards exchanged a quick glance with Dafnae and then the Guards turned to tend to the nearby fallen.

Pipp and Torsion advanced as well but their Short Bow and Crossbow shots went wide of the other one engaged with the Guards. 

Dafnae turned to rush back into the woods with the aim to intercept the other Ettercaps leading the Horses to their grizzly doom. She could hear their scared whinnying so she followed the sounds. She hid within the underbrush and loosed another arrow at one of them, hitting it in the flank. 

Pipp and Torsion turned sharply to head into the treeline as well. The one they targeted previously had also turned to head into the forest. The horses were the main focus now. They followed the noises of the horses. Poor beasts Pipp thought to herself - they must be terrified.

The three gave chase and advanced amongst the trees. Dafnae was able to hide from the other fleeing Ettercap and landed another good shot on its flank.

It was Torsion that heard it first. The distinctive chittering, clicking, and low hissing. He had moved deeper into the trees ahead of Pipp so he didn't have eyes on her or Dafnae so he called out as loudly as he could to give warning, "Spiders! Steady On!" Then with a loud thud two Giant Spiders dropped from the trees squarely in front of him, hissing, their fangs twitching, eager to be sunk into some fresh meat. Torsion stowed his crossbow and got his War Hammer out, ready to smash some Spider guts.

Pipp, hearing Torsion's outburst, stopped to look around her. She didn't notice the Spider that quietly descended from the tree behind her. It launched its web attack which she was not able to dodge and she found herself entangled its its sticky web. Holding her Short Bow in one hand, she grabbed her spell focus, her Flute and then uttered the incantation for Dissonant Whispers against the advancing Spider. She was successful at causing the Giant Spider to turn and scuttle away, up the tree, hissing from the psychic damage it sustained. "Gross," Pipp muttered under her breath. Not seeing Torsion, she would need to handle this on her own.

Dafnae continued to stalk the Ettercap. She hid and again managed to get a strong Sneak Attack and she dispatched one more Ettercap. Then she redoubled her focus on the two leading the horses away.

Torsion turned to face the two Giant Spiders. One tried to entangle him in the web but he was able to dodge out of the way but the other one bit him. He felt the burning sensation as the venom entered his body. But thanks to his Poison Resistance, he was able to avoid the effects. He swung his mighty War Hammer, landing blows and following up with his Sacred Flame he was able to give them some decent damage.

Pipp put her Short Bow away and got out her Fantastic Fiddle. She would need to turn them into their weapon form next round, but for now she had to focus on dodging out of the way of the fangs of the Spider that climbed back down the tree to try to go for its prey. But, reeling still from the psychic assault, it was unable to hit Pipp who was trying as hard as she could to avoid the fangs despite being Restrained.

Dafnae, seeing one of the Horses in front of her through the trees, she stepped on some exposed roots to give her some leverage and leapt, attempting to land on the Horses back in order to get a clean shot on the one Ettercap leading it. She overshot her mark and the scared Horse's skittish movement caused her to  land on the ground next to the Ettercap. She lunged for it with her Rapier that she had previously exchanged from her Long Bow. Her Rapier struck true and she landed her Hand Crossbow Bolt squarely in the Ettercap's throat, killing it. It slumped to the ground in a heap, letting go of the reins on the horse it was leading. Sensing its freedom, the horse turned to flee the forest to head back to the camp where it came from.

Torsion and the spiders continued to exchange blows. He was able to fight off the effect of the Venom with his Poison Resistance but he was taking considerable damage. He cast Cure Wounds on himself to keep from getting into trouble and then continued to swing away with his hammer, two handed, opting to keep trying to defeat them faster rather than donning his shield. He manage to get a strong hit with Sacred Flame on one of the Spiders and it died with a shriek of pain as it succumbed to the holy fire, Dead, it flipped on its back, legs curling up.

Pipp now having transformed her Fantastical Fiddle was able to continue to dodge out of the way of Giant Spider engaged with her and despite the Disadvantage of the webbing manage to land a strong strike against it. 

The remaining Ettercap move in to engage with Torsion in order to protect its master, the Giant Spider, still towing the other Horse by the reins. He was able to land a good hard blow on the second Spider, squashing it firmly into the ground, allowing him to focus on the Ettercap. Torsion was quite satisfied with the loud, gratifying splat the Giant Spider made.

On his next turn, with a loud roar he took his War Hammer with two hands and swung with all his might at the remaining Ettercap. He hit it squarely in the jaw, sending parts of its mouth flying. It crashed to the floor. Dafnae freed the reins from its claws and started to lead the Horse back to camp. 

Heaving, Torsion turned to the noises of battle he heard behind him. That must be poor Pipp. 

Now with a weapon in hand, she was able to fight back. Still somehow able to dodge out of the way of its attacks, Pipp was able to finally stab the last remaining Giant Spider through its skull. With a shudder, it too curled up on its back on the ground. And with her foe defeated, she used her Short Sword to deftly cut through the webbing encircling her just as Torsion arrived to help her.

The attackers defeated, the three turned to return to the Caravan to assess the damage. They emerged from the forest back onto the road and saw the Guards tending to the wounded. The three Heroes returned and heard the bad news. Three of the members had sadly perished in the attack. The others explained to them that initially they were beset upon by the Giant Spiders in a surprise assault. As they fought back, the horrible creatures retreated to the forest and that is when the Ettercaps emerged to engage. And that is when they saw the three of them return to join the fight. And it was fortunate they did at that time as they were not sure how many more would have perished. 

The three that had fallen were: 

• Millicent Truegust - one of the walking travellers
• Endel Flintcrown - one of the Guards with the Serelim brothers
• Aldor Umplolehurst - the lawyer fleeing Baldur's Gate

Pipp was sad of course for any loss, but she was especially sad about Aldor. They had originally met him back in Baldur's Gate (it felt like an eternity ago she thought to herself) and he was clearly troubled then. But as they got further and further away from there he seemed to ease and they even had various conversations. It just seemed so tragic to her. But how many more tragedies would they witness before they saw this through. 

They buried the bodies, Torsion saying a few prayers, and then they settled down for the evening. They would resume travel in the morning. 

Dafnae attempted to harvest some of the venom from the Giant Spiders but they were either so burned or so splatted that she was unable to find the venom sac. She did however manage to harvest one bottle of venom from one of the dead Ettercaps. It would likely prove helpful as a poison in the future. Every little bit helps and they would need all the help they could get.

---

Fimble used her Tree Stride to quickly move to the edge of the Misty Forest. She was getting information from the various creatures in the woods as she travelled about the encounter back where she left the three Heroes. They seemed to have it all in hand. 

At the edge of the forest, she transformed into a Bird of Prey, taking flight with her golden feathers and flew high into the sky, soaring deftly among the thermals.

She quickly reached the area where their Companion was buried. She swooped in low and as she was coming in for the landing turned back into her Forest Gnome form and easily transitioned from the air back to the ground.

She moved up close to the burial site, emerald eyes keenly set upon the gravestone, reading the engraving. 

The Forest Gnome knelt and began the Ritual to cast Reincarnation:

Earth to bone, rain to blood, wind to breath.
The vessel is broken, but the wine remains.
Come back, traveller. The roots act as your ladder.
Wear the skin the forest gives you!

Fimble put all of her strength into the ritual, reaching out towards Chard buried under the rocks, pulling him back.

---

Chard wandered around the Forge in Avernus, still in his ethereal form. It was all very strange to him - it seemed like his form was not like the forms of the others in the area. He could not interact with anything and the scurrying Lemures didn't seem to take notice of him and one went right through him.

He did not know how much time had passed. It must work differently in this place as compared to the Mortal Plane he thought to himself. And so he wandered around and thought how he would return to his friends to finish their quest.

Suddenly Chard felt a Force. He felt like he was grabbed, from the inside almost. And he felt this force, pulling, dragging him. It started off small at first but then it grew in strength, tugging hard at him. He could not sense the source of it, but to him the force didn't feel malevolent. 

As the Force grew in strength, and as he felt himself nearly be shifted out of place, Bel appeared in front of him in a flash of fire that left the stench of sulphur in the air.

"Chard Morthos," he bellowed, with what seemed like sinister laughter. "Your friends are intrepid and are trying to bring you back. For their determination I give them credit. But what they don't know is that you cannot go back like this." And with that, Bel force his Greatsowrd deep into the ground in front of Chard.

With that motion, Chard felt a sudden snap and the Force that was pulling suddenly snapped, as if cut off abruptly.

"No, Chard Morthos, " Bel continued. He raised his hand and clenched his fist tightly. A glow started to appear around the fist followed by smoke and more flames appearing all around Bel's body. "Your soul belongs to ME! It is not free to return yet." and with that there was a great flash from Bel's fist and he suddenly plunged that fist deep into Chard's chest. 

As the fist approached, Chard saw that his hand now contained a smooth black disc. The fist went into his chest and he felt the burning sensation. And he felt another sensation. He felt like he was slowly becoming solid again, whole. 

This experience lasted only a brief moment. Bel removed his hand from Chard's chest, now without the disc. The flames subsided and the expression of exertion left Bel's face. "Chard Morthos, you may only leave when I allow you to leave. I have given you a corporeal form here in Avernus with my own essence. For now, you can work and prepare. For when I am ready to return you to the Mortal Plane to uphold the Pact, you must be finished with your new Armour as you will surely require it. So for now Chard Morthos, get to work."

And with that, Bel vanished again in a flash of fire and the smell of sulphur.

Chard then looked around himself and found a large flat piece of metal. He motioned to one of the Lemure's scurrying around for some raw material, The Lemure now seemed to take notice of him. Chard then picked up hammer and he too began to pound metal on metal, his pounding joining the clanging orchestra around him.

But he was reassured that his friends were still alive and had not yet given up on him. This fueled Chard's strength as he continued to pound.

---

Fimble could feel the spell working. She had grabbed hold of something and began to pull. Lightly at first, and then stronger and stronger. Souls have to sometimes be coaxed back and if she pulled to hard it could be lost forever. 

Once she was sure she had a tight enough grip on the soul she pulled hard. 

Suddenly Fimble felt a snap at the grasp she had on the Soul was cut. The force with which she was pulling sent her stumbling back and she fell to the ground, the ritual disrupted. 

Panting, she stared at the gravesite with her emerald eyes wondering what had just happened. What powerful force had such a strong grasp on this poor Adventurer's soul?

---

The Caravan travelled. The weather worsened. The clouds started to billow and look more and more menacing. A storm was in the air. They would need to travel hard if they were to reach the Way Inn before they would get drenched. 

The weather front seemed to know it had to hasten if it were to win and much to the dismay of the travellers, the rain started. It didn't start with a light drizzle. No, it started with large droplets landing with a loud plop on the Wagon canvas tops. First only a few and then very rapidly it turned into a huge downpour. The rain fell straight down, and heavy. Everyone was wet and it would be a few more hours until they would reach the Way Inn. 

After a few more hours of soggy, arduous travel, the weary group made it to the Way Inn. 

This was a standard waypoint for Caravans making this journey. So everyone was relieved to have arrived as there would be nice hot meals, clean comfortable beds, and at least one night of not having to worry about dangerous monsters and creatures.

Tyjit joined Dafnae, Pipp, and Torsion and a few others as they made their way inside, shaking water off of themselves once they crossed the entry. The inside of the Way Inn was a warm and welcoming place, many tables set about, a roaring fire on the back wall. 

Oddly the room was empty of people save for one table with four Nobles sitting and the barkeep behind the bar.

 

Tyjit went up to the barkeep and started to discuss the usual arrangement for the rooms for their group.

The barkeep introduced herself as Luna and she very sheepishly said that the entire Inn was rented out for a private function. It had all been paid for and everything. Tyjit looked around and asked where everyone was. Luna motioned over to the four Nobles sitting at the table and said it was just them.

The Nobles were eyeing everyone that came in with disdain. Tyjit explained to those with her the situation. Torsion grumbled, furrowed his eyebrows, and said, "No, this will not do."

He went up to table of Nobles and said "Sirs, we are long on our journey up North and have need for a handful of rooms. Seeing as how there are only a few of you here, surely we can agree on a way to pay you for the rooms we need and allow you still to have your gathering."

One of the Nobles turned to him and said "You, Dwarf, you are dripping all over my cheese. Begone with you - we've paid for this place for the evening and that does not leave any room for the likes of you and the rest of your kind."

"Our kind?" Torsion asked. "What does that mean? Its just the four of you and we need to get some rest and get in from this rain. We are happy to even stay in the barn with the horses."

The first Noble pulled his tray of cheese away from Torsion to keep it from getting wet. Another Noble turned to Torsion and laughed, "Oh, no way. We have prised stallions and we wouldn't want our dear horses from getting nits or fleas from you. Take the whole lot of you and move on - the door is that way."

Torsion was getting incensed. Dafnae called out from near the bar and said, "Good sirs, we do not want to disturb you, but we are happy to pay and leave you be while we just get some hot food quickly and then retire for rest."

The first Noble again replied "Oh, I don't for a second even believe you have two copper pieces to rub together and anything you did have was likely pilfered."

This exchange carried on. The rest of the Caravan crew there could see these Nobles were going to be unreasonable.

Pipp took the opportunity to pull a nearby chair close to her and she climbed up on the table, got her Fiddle out and started to play saying, "We are happy to even be your entertainment to really liven up this party." And Pipp then broke into a light-hearted song that everyone immediately recognised (even the Nobles) as “The Crown Sits Heavy (On an Empty Head)”. As she played, the rest of the Caravan crew joined in. And as each verse was sung, the Nobles got more and more angry. Pipp sung louder and faster as each verse was sung and urged the rest of the Caravan troupe to join her during the chorus:

Oh the duke wears velvet twice his size,
With a feathered plume to hide his eyes,
He bows so low to his silver spoon,
He’d curtsy to the sun and the moon.

Pipp calls: “Who bows lowest?”
Crowd responds: “The man on the tallest chair!”

So raise your mugs to muddy boots instead,
And toast the crown on an empty head,
For gold may jingle and titles ring —
But they can’t buy cheer when the halflings sing!

Pipp calls: “What can’t gold buy?”
Crowd responds: “A tavern’s cheer!”

The lady speaks in a honeyed tone,
Yet never walks where the grain is sown,
She faints at mud and country air,
But faints not once at a taxman’s share.

Pipp calls: “What makes her swoon?”
Crowd responds: “A speck of dirt!”
Pipp calls: “What makes her strong?”
Crowd responds: “Our hard-earned work!”

So drink to hands that are calloused and red,
Not lace-gloved fingers perfumed and fed,
For silk may shimmer and jewels may gleam —
But honest bread beats a noble’s dream!

Pipp calls: “What beats a noble’s dream?”
Crowd responds: “Honest bread!”

A lord once challenged me: “Know your place!”
So I poured his wine in his startled face,
“For my place,” said I, “is the tavern floor —
Where your coin spends same as the poor!”

Bard calls: “Where spends coin the same?”
Crowd responds: “On the tavern floor!”

So stamp your feet till the rafters shake,
For rank’s just icing on stale old cake,
Let dukes have crowns and thrones that cling —
We’ve fuller hearts when the halflings sing!

Pipp calls: “Who sings tonight?”
Crowd responds: “WE DO!”
Pipp calls: “And who pays the bard?”
Crowd responds: “…THE DUKE!”

The Travellers cheered as Pipp played. 

The exchange between the Nobles and Torsion and Dafnae become more and more heated. The Nobles were not relenting. One stood, splashed the wine from his goblet in Torsion's face as he yelled "Get that pipsqueak wench to shut up and off the table, NOW!".

Enraged Torsion grabbed the end of the table and flipped it over. Plates, goblets food, and the Nobles' equipment crashing to the floor. "Don't talk to my friend that way!" Torsion yelled.

The Nobles all stood up and a good old fashioned Tavern Brawl broke out.

One Noble each for Torsion, Dafnae, and Tyjit. Pipp hurriedly put her Fiddle on the table and leapt to the ground, fists ready to engage with the fourth Noble.

They all took turns exchanging punches. 

Torsion landed two blows before his Noble was able to hit him back twice. Then with a third blow he knocked him out.

Tyjit and her Noble exchanged blows punch for punch and knocked each other out at the same time.

Pipp was able to easily dodge out of the way of hers and land a good few punches before Torsion joined in. He and the Noble exchange blows and knocked each other out.

Dafnae was easily able to land two blows such that the Noble had no clue what hit him. Pipp swooped in and both she and Dafnae knocked out the last one together with simultaneous blows. 

They got Torsion and Tyjit up and then took the dazed Nobles out of the Way Inn and dropped them into the mud outside to the cheers of everyone. They then returned to the warmth and dryness of the Way Inn and to dry themselves and forget the tribulations of the road for at least one evening.

As Torsion went back to warm himself by the fire, he felt a sudden, "compression." And then, in the space between two heartbeats... silence.

Not the silence of an empty room, but a sudden, absolute void of sound. The barmaid’s tray hung suspended in mid-air, the ale spilling from the mugs frozen like amber glass. The fire in the hearth stopped flickering, the flames caught in a jagged, motionless dance. Dust motes stood still. The only thing that breathed within this painted scene was Torsion.

Then, the light changed. The warm orange of the hearth faded, replaced by a cool, pearlescent blue. The heavy smell of stale beer and blood was scrubbed away, replaced by the scent of night-blooming jasmine and sea salt.

From the shadows near the staircase, Torsion saw someone step forward. She didn't walk, but rather drifted into view, her feet bare against the dirty floorboards, yet remained pristine.

Torsion saw the Barkeeper Luna, her skin glowing like milk glass, her hair a cascade of white-gold that seemed to defy gravity. The fabric of her simple Barkeeper’s garb shimmering like moonlight on dark water. Above her brow floating was a faint, spectral symbol - two eyes surrounded by seven stars.

She looked at the scene around Torsion, then at the area where the Nobles had been, and then finally, her eyes locked onto Torsion's eyes. They are ancient, kind, and terrifyingly deep.

"Peace, Torsion," she says. Her voice not coming from her throat; it more resonated in his chest, sounding like the tide coming in. "The heavy work is done. Take a breath."

"You wield your hammer well, my starlight. These men sought to darken the road, and you have cleared the way. My Sister's shadow grows long in these parts, but you burn bright enough to push them back." 

Torsion knew the Sister she spoke of. Shar, the Goddess of Darkness. He was awestruck to be within the presence of his patron Deity, Selune. The mark above her brow was unmistakable as were the rest of the signs. Why was he blessed so he thought to himself. He was speechless in his moment.

"I have stopped the river of time briefly because the tides are changing. What lies ahead for you, this Dragon Cult and its Evil Queen cannot be fought with steel alone. You must navigate by the stars, not just the road," Selune said to him.

She stepped forward and touched Torsion’s forehead. "Walk in my light, Torsion. And when the night is darkest, remember: the moon is always watching, even when she turns her face away."

She smiled, a sad but hopeful expression, and stepped backward, dissolving into a mist of silver motes.

'Wake,' she whispers, the voice echoing in Torsion's mind.

CRASH.

Reality slammed back into existence with the force of a physical blow. The tray of mugs hits the floor, shattering instantly. The roar of the fire and the screams of the bar maids return at full volume. The clamour of the Way Inn returns to full life, everyone and everything moving.

To everyone else, not a second had passed. But Torsion stood there, the scent of jasmine still lingering in his nose, his holy symbol feeling warm, hot, even, against his chest. He did not know what to make of all of this, but he knew he was somehow blessed by his Patron and for this he was grateful.