“Say Pip, how far are we from our destination?”

"Should be there before evenfeast." Pip informs Ekmong. "Though I suggest when we get near just sticking those manacles back on for appearance sake. I think the Chosen Guard would be pretty peeved if a devilkin is wandering around so close to the capital."

Ekmong sighs “Ahhh... alright, if it makes it easier on all of us... but, if it is just for appearances, I’d like to keep the keys myself.” He looks directly at Fjorgin with a smile and an open hand.

Fjorgin puts the manacles on Ekmong's wrist, then puts the key in one of the tiefling's pocket, without saying anything.

With Fjorgin carrying the container now, the group continues along the trail back towards Allhaven.

As the sun has gone overhead and is beginning its descent in the sky, the magnificent pearly white walls of the grand city come into view. The glistening light of day shimmers and reflects off of the large adamantine doors engraved with the crest of Pelor the Sun God, plated in gold.

"Ah, home sweet home." Pip says with a cheerful tone as he skips a little ahead along the long grassy path towards the city. "Can't wait to get back in and grab a Sunbake Pie."

Thea nods and sighs in relief. "Almost there." She once again scans their surroundings to make sure they won't be ambushed by anything so close to finishing the mission.

Perception: 15

Ekmong thinks for a bit and says: "Hey everyone, I know I'm supposed to be playing the prisoner to facilitate our entry and all, but please don't let them take me away, alright? Perhaps their view on me and my horns will change a bit if this 'Luminary' person gets to know that I helped out, right?"

"I'm not promising to die for you but I will protest should they try to separate you from us. Even with my short time around you I can tell there is a difference between you and the other devilkin I've fought."

“Thank you... Urten, was it? I’ll take any kindness where I can.”

The party gets within a close distance of Allhaven as the gates open with a small group of guards (12 of them) coming to meet the party. They are lead by Kurrif, a huge goliath in heavily plated armour (linked a char description to remind people who he is). Kurrif stops the retinue about a hundred feet away, giving a salute to the party. "The luminaries have been waiting your return." He tell the group. "What is this one doing with you?" He looks to Ekmong.

"This one should be met with just the same respect. He's been helping with our quest and he is not an enemy. The luminaries will understand once they hear our report."

Ekmong nods to Thea in appreciation but stays silent otherwise, afraid that any words he might say will worsen the situation.

Kurrif doesn't seem to state his question as hostile as the others have so far; it seems like he is just doing his job. "Very well, follow me." The huge goliath says, gesturing for the party to follow.

I think it is safe to say that we all follow.

Ekmong finds himself being led with the group into Allhaven for the first time. Unlike the patchwork style of Sun's Last Light, this large city is made of beautiful white stone, with grand statues and glistening water fountains. As the group are escorted through the town, there are several gasps of shock from seeing certain members in the party.

At the centre of the city, The Palace of Pelor stands tall, the alabaster pillars etched with golden laid sunbursts that glimmer within the daylight. Being led to the temple beside the palace, the party find themselves being left to their devices within an antechamber, seeing a huge statue dedicated to the sun god, who appears as a human in a robe and with long hair and beard, standing tall, as they walk past.

Taking his pack off, Pip takes a seat within the antechamber. "Well, this seems a little familiar." He says, stretching a little as he gets comfortable. "It's only been about a week, but it feels like it's been months."

"You're right...I still remembering you sitting there, right on that chair." Feeling the Déja Vu as well, Thea slowly walks through the roum until finally leaning back on the same spot on the wall she had occupied a week before. The room had been so busy then. "Anyway, we did it. We succeeded. And i am tremendously curious to find out what we were risking our life for."

Waiting at the antechamber, Ekmong will remove the shackles using the key Fjorgin placed in his pocket, and say: "So far the reception here has been more agreeable with my complexion than in the previous town. If it is all the same to you, I'd rather meet these luminaries with no prisoner guise."

(Ekmong has the key, he can release himself whenever he feels like it.)

After a few minutes of waiting, Pip gives Ekmong a quick catch-up on who the luminaries are. They are the chosen of Barrizhein, a Solar who is a direct conduit of Pelor's might in this land. Each of them is a powerful caster in their own right, using their granted powers to protect and serve the people of Allhaven. They sometimes request adventurers to assist in things of high importance to Allhaven, which includes this mission they have just been on.

Once Pip is finished explaining, the double doors at the end of the antechamber open. Entering the room is a human woman with long silver hair garbed in a white and gold robe. She still has her youthful appearance, despite her hair's colour appeared to have drained some time ago. Those who went out on the mission recognise the woman as Luminary Arle.

"We thank you for waiting so patiently." The Luminary says, her tone soothing. She seems unsurprised at Ekmong's presence so it is most likely she was informed beforehand. "If you would please, follow me into the archive." She gestures to the room behind her.

(@poke: yeah, I meant Ekmong’s pocket when I wrote “his pocket” in the post above.)

Ekmong will not be the first one to follow, but will go in.

Fjorgin follows the Luminary, puffing out his chest in expectation of praise for a mission completed.