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[Mathew_Freeman]

Karl idly stepped closer to the jagged hole in the floor where once an elegant lattice-work of iron and glass had stood. Looking down, he said simply “I can’t see the bottom, it just fades into blackness. Unless she can fly…”

Aengus, more attuned to the feel of the place, had suddenly realized that the creepers and vines at the edge of the room were moving in the breeze – but moving against it. He called out, attracting the attention of the rest of the companions as the leaves and roots gathered, twisted together, and rose in the shape of a female form. Flowers and leaves clothed her as her body rose up. With a simple wave of her hand each member of the group felt the Drow poison leave their systems.

Smiling, the figure spoke in a pleasant voice. “Once, Enteritus was a favourite of mine, it must be said. But now, after his actions, I must confess that all of you are. The Feywild is in grave danger, and I ask you to help.”

Aengus replied, saying “Will you tell us your name before we agree to your request?”

“I have two names in your language. One is Hel, the other is Mistress Night and Day.” Flowing forwards, branches rustling together, the figure moved into the light cast by Sigurd’s magic. “The World Above and the Feywild are connected and joined, and what befalls one will affect the other. Ragnarok is to come, and come soon, and the surface world will not survive as it is. However, we here in the Feywild can be saved if the connection is broken.”

Thunder spoke up. “You say that Ragnarok is unavoidable, and that the world will be destroyed. I was created to avert that, and to be a Protector for Humanity.”

Sadly, Hel spoke in reply, saying “The Primordials have sworn that Ragnarok is to come. It cannot be stopped, not even by such as you, Warforged of Kord. You, Aengus, and your companions must make the Disjunction between World and Fey-world. The Leylines that flow through all things are linked with three seals, and if the bloodlines that hold these seals can be ended, then the seals will break and the worlds separated. In killing Kindrbode you have broken the first of the seals, but you must now kill the Witch and the Dragon if you wish to continue. Should you succeed in this quest, I will grant you a great boon in return.”

Sigurd said “I know a little of leylines, and the way they are bound, but to work a Disjoining as you mention will require assistance. Are there any you know of that can assist us?”

“Journey to Mickelgarth and Helsingfen,” replied Hel. “There you will find Aengus’ father. He has also agreed to help me and will be of great assistance. I hold the soul of his wife in my care, and he realized that above all things he wished for her return to him. It is strange, the actions of those that are descended from me – often, when I think I understand them, they surprise me. Including you, Aengus.”

Startled, the half-Drow replied “I am descended from you? So my abilities, my powers, they are sourced directly in you?”

“That is correct,” she said. “The lineage of the Infanti lives on through you. But now there are other Drow approaching, seeking to kill those that have killed. I leave you now to make your exit.” The mass of vines, branches, leaves and flowers sank back into the floor, disappearing back to the edges of the rooms. Karl cocked his head and listened for a second, before drily noting that there appeared to be several Drow attempting to break down the doors.

Iben recollected the room full of Lizards, and with undue haste the companions made their way there and mounted the beasts. Leaving behind a Blade Barrier from Thunder and a cloud of alchemical spores from Aengus to distract and delay the Drow following them, the companions made their way out of the wall exit and up the side of the city, seeking to return to the surface lands.

Note: This post marks a hiatus in the campaign as noted in the previous post. We're all hoping to pick up where we left off, and it's likely that randomling (playing Aldis) will also be back at that time.

crater has neatly signposted the next stage of the campaign here - battling the Witch, and the Dragon!