(Oh, right, silly me, I was forgetting about the Glaive. @Nim: what do you want to do with it? Are you leaving it behind or keeping it with you? And if keeping... Do you bring it in hand? Or are you casting mage hand repeatedly to transport it without actually touching it? Moving on the narration in the meantime...)

The young half-elf girl takes the lead of the group not even noticing the wind blowing between her blonde braids. It almost seems like the wind is trying to pull her back by her hair... but looking at the enthusiastic half-elf young girl, one might be tempted to believe that the angry, cold tastes are just a mere illusion!

As soon as you enter the mansion, once again Thya is leading you rapidly through the simple and elegant wooden hallways you remember, but something is different, this time: the people. Or, at least, the way they look at you: some are amazed, some curious... some, perhaps, even impressed? But no one has that air of condescension (when not of hostility) towards you that was so widespread before.

The half-elf wastes no time once again, forcing more than one surprised passerby to move hastily out of the way - but you soon realize that she is taking you on a different path and in fact, after descending a flight of stairs and having thrown open an elegant double oak door bearing the crest of the Sharnshield, Thya quickly leads you into a crypt.

You are not far below ground level; in fact, narrow windows allow a soft light to illuminate the sepulcher in which Dobbian's body has already been placed. His eyes are closed, his hands folded, and his dark blond hair is neatly combed ... He looks like a little boy who could wake up at any moment.

Martha is next to him, her hand on her hand. She is speaking to him naturally, as if he could hear her. She looks at him with her brown eyes so capable of expressing affection...

"Thya!" the pregnant woman exclaims, beaming "You brought them! Quick, quick!" she immediately makes room for you (she doesn't even ask you if you've been successful - she takes it for granted) "Come on, do what you have to do!"

"If you can do it" someone says, from behind. Shortly after you, an elf with copperish skin entered, dressed in mourning, in black. He looks at you with skepticism in his black eyes. His short straight hair is also black, which helps to give him the appearance of a crow waiting to feast on a carrion. It is Adran Liadon; he must have been notified of your arrival and decided to witness your 'prodigy' in person.

When he sees Zentromya, he frowns in perplexity and simply comments: "The company has grown, it seems". He crosses his arms and watches attentively.

"Our company will soon grow also, Adran!" Martha smiles at him "You'll see, the heroes won't disappoint us..." she then turns to the characters "Right?"

Clas, presenting himself with the regal air of a noble, spoke with grace and respect, "I am Clas of Argenest, a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lord Adran Liadon."

He positioned himself alongside Adran, maintaining a noble's sense of personal space, not offering his hand unless prompted. "This is indeed a momentous occasion,” he commented with a tone of reverence. "To witness the return of a noble being from the clutches of time itself is a rare privilege."

With a light-hearted chuckle, he added, "I'll maintain a respectful distance here as well, lord Liadon. My attire has just been freshly cleaned, and one never knows how messy these reunions can be. Hahahaha!"

Clas stands ready. The palm of his hand on the pommel of Ale. His smile and eyes fixed on Adran Liadon.

"A 'noble being', you say?" the elf just raises an eyebrow, persisting in his own expression of skeptical disapproval "Maybe it really will be, at least... since I'm no 'lord' at all. And... returned 'from the clutches of time itself'? I'm almost tempted to ask you to explain. Almost. But now it seems that you have deluded Miss Martha to such an extent, that it will be impossible to dissuade her from letting you try immediately... whatever you have planned" he wrinkles his nose for a moment, as if had smelled a bad smell.

"Proceed, then, if you are convinced of what you are doing" the Adran concedes. "But know that, although I am by no means a 'lord,' I still possess the nobility of having Miss Martha's happiness and well being very much at heart... Should you mock or deceive her, you will earn a reward probably very different from the one you are aspiring to".

(OOC: Just waiting to see if someone still wants to go on in pleasant conversation with Mr Adran Liadon - if not, after a while I'll have Zentromya doing her attempt and I'll advance narration)

Ardana gives a courteous nod, and introduces Lady Zentromya:  "Lady Martha, I am pleased to introduce you to Lady Zentromya, an inhabitant of Elysium imprisoned for hundreds of years, but thanks to your divination, now freed and ready to do what she can for Dobbian."

Tarysaa walks over and faces Adran Liadon.  Addressing him in Elvish, she asks,

 
She walks away and stands close to Martha, Thya, and Zentromya.

Clas stands beside Adran, listening intently to the exchange in Elvish. When Tarysaa waves a dismissive hand at them, he raises an eyebrow, not understanding the words but sensing the dismissal. With a cheerful shrug, he offers a friendly nod to Adran, acknowledging the moment, and turns his attention back to the proceedings at hand, his palm still on the pommel of Ale, watchful for any sudden moves or change of position by Adran. Hahahaha!

Ardana knows Elvish, and nods her head in support of Tarysaa's words.

Clas chuckles, giving a friendly shrug.

While the pleasant conversation between Adran and some of the characters takes place, Martha, who is currently focused only on Dobbian's salvation, is very happy with what Ardana reveals to her and, opening her eyes wide with enthusiasm, encourages the winged miniature she-elephant: "Good! How lucky we all have been! You won back your freedom... and I am about to get back my Dobbian! The father of my child! Come on, Zentromya! Bring him back to me, please! I can't wait to get lost in his eyes again..."

Zentromya immediately sets to work, flying over poor Dobbian's corpse and landing next to his head. The miniature elephant begins to murmur a sweet psalmody, the words of which you do not understand, but which nevertheless arouses sensations of peace, of sweetness, of llove...

Even Adran's frown softens visibly.

The sacred miniature elephant continues singing to him for an indefinite time, at times gently stroking the boy's eyes, temples or cheeks with his trunk. You are not sure whether it is reality or suggestion, but you would swear that small stars or sparks of light occasionally spring from nowhere and are absorbed on the young man's skin, making that section of skin glow softly - and look more alive - for a moment. Enraptured by sensations, you lose track of time... and when Zentromya finally falls silent after a last verse of vibrant joy, which makes you think of life as much as a song of birds in spring (and which also makes you feel for a moment a suffused scent like freshly blossomed wild flowers), you find it difficult to understand whether a minute, an hour or a day has passed.

But you don't even care too much, taken as you are by the miracle you are witnessing: Dobbian Stamkris's green eyes slowly open, while his chest swells at his first breath of his newfound life.

Martha lunges in front of him, almost knocking over poor Zentromya (who was flying towards her and instead has to turn sharply to avoid an inadvertent collision) and takes his hands in hers.

For the boy's eyes, which were still getting used to the light of life, the radiant face of the woman is the first thing they can see distinctly.

"M-Martha?" he murmurs, incredulous "What an infernal dinner! I thought I was dead..." then he looks around, he realizes he is in a tomb... "And... I was?" he asks, uncertain "What happened, Tamer of my Heart?"

"Nothing important, I'll tell you later..." the woman finds a way to hug him despite her pregnancy "I brought you back here, that's what counts! You'll be the father of my child!"

"You can bet!" exclaims the revived, with a conviction that sounds so real that you'd probably bump into it, if you wanted to get close to that couple.

Adran's gaze becomes less hostile, simply perplexed, in the face of Martha's evident joy. The elf's black eyes move over the characters: "I really can't believe it. And no, I'm not talking about she being able to bring back the man she wanted from the world of the dead... That's also almost unbelievable, but if there's one woman who could have been determined enough to succeed, that is Martha Sharnshield. I am speaking of the favor she bestows on that individual. Yet she seems... so happy... What do you think? Is that immature suckling, which in a creature of the opposite sex must never have sought anything else than an ephemeral enjoyment or a well-stocked purse, really bent on making a serious effort?"

"In truth, Ardan, that is something only the Gods may know at this juncture." 

Tarysaa turns to look at the two lovers, reunited.  "I thought I had seen miracles in the burrow where we stumbled upon Zentromya and yet, here... now, I have seen the dead come back to life thanks to Celestial magic and a mortal's intense love.  This world continues to bring forth tales to astonish."

"Maybe even an elf blessed with long life and quick intelligence can be surprised by the power of love?" Thia also tries to provide an answer to Adran, while also trying not to lose sight of Clas as he walks away "After all, Mr Liadon, who are we poor mortals, to doubt the power of a goddes like Lady Goldheart? Isn't it better... to just believe and accept it?"

Meanwhile, Martha calls Clas back: "Hey, wait! At least let me introduce you to Dobbian..." and as she approaches, she makes introductions.

Dobbian seems like a boy compared to the warrior, both for his much smaller stature and build, and for his dreamy green eyes... but it is with a sincere voice that he shakes the hero's hand and declares: "I am indebted to you, as much as it seems! I... thank you... And I will be able to thank you and your fellow adventurers better soon..."

"...Indeed!" exclaims Martha "You and the others will be our guests here at the mansion, for today! So tomorrow morning you all can be rewarded as you deserve!"

Tarysaa smiles and nods as introductions are made.  Once a lull happens in the gathering, she politely asks Lady Sharnshield her pardon, as Tarysaa (and any that wish to accompany her)  has an important set of messages that must be delivered to the Harpells concerning their family and the safety of Longsaddle.

If she could get directions, she will go forth immediately with promises to return in time for the celebratory meal in Sharnshield Mansion.

     Upon arriving to the homestead, Daisy finds a corner in the stables to keep Barakor, asking Thya if the kitchen has a bone or some other tasty morsel for the wolf to gnaw on. As she waits to make sure her new companion is taken care of, the druid uses her magic to speak with him once again.

     "Now, you just wait here for a few and we'll be hitting the road again soon. I hope you're up for saving more folks after this, because we're going after my Gare next!" She vigorously scratches Barakor behind the ears. "You're a good one to have at my side. I'm glad you made it safe out of that bad place we found you in. "

     Daisy slips into the crypt after seeing to Barakor just as the Zentromya begins her ritual, giving the stuffy elf a bump with her elbow as she squeezes past. The dwarf hangs to the side keeping quiet. She finds herself wiping tears from her eyes hearing the beautiful song sung by the funny looking celestial creature. She continues to weep through the reunion and allows everyone to get newly and reacquainted. Once she recomposes herself she steps over to Martha.

     "I'm happy we were able to help you out here!" she says to Martha through still glassy eyes. "Dobbian, I sure hope you were worth all the trouble," she adds giving the halfling a wink. "I really would like to stay for what I'm sure will be a grand ol' time. You see, when we were scrubbin' that place of the Zents one of their prisoners said that my other half was there not too long ago. Some slavers - snakefolks, I think - took him south. They've got a headstart on me and it took everything I had to see this through. I'll really need to get on the road though." 

While you talk to Martha, many more family members are joining, as the incredible news spreads through the mansion. They all want to congratulate her, some even with Dobbian, many understand how the miracle of the resurrection was possible...

Meanwhile, the most attentive of the group notice Zentromya and Ardan, close together, who are looking into each other's eyes, as if a telepathic conversation were taking place... and the elf seems impressed.

But as soon as Martha hears about Daisy's situation, her attitude suddenly changes: "Members of the family! Forces of the house!" she raises her voice, urgently "A grave crime has been committed in our city - and as we all know, we are the force of justice in these lands. An innocent has been enslaved and is being led to a fate that cries out vengeance to heaven. This must not be allowed! Prepare a cavalry squad!"

"Yes, I know," her tone softens slightly "you have come to congratulate us, to make us feel your closeness - and you will have the opportunity, I assure you. But first, let's remedy this injustice before the evildoers can take too much advantage! Daisy" she places a hand on the dwarf's shoulder "is in charge of the operation. There will be a horse for you too. Our horses are the best in the region. If you know where those slavers are, it's as if you've already reached them!"

"You," she looks at all you heroes with sweetness "join me and Dobbian in the dining hall now... We will reward you now, rather than tomorrow, given the urgency of the situation. But remember, in the future, that you will always be welcome guests at Sharnshield Mansion... When you come to Longsaddle again, always be sure to stop by and visit me and Dobbian, you will always be well received. And you are of course invited to our wedding! It will be here, a month from today!"

As you reach the dining hall, Adran approaches you, a hint of a smile smoothes his lips: "Gentlemen, it seems that this time I may have been wrong. If indeed a celestial creature has seen fit to bring Dobbian back to life.. And if this celestial creature harbors feelings of gratitude towards you... I must admit that it is fitting of me to suspend my reservations about Dobbian. And about you too. Please, forget the idea I had of you; it certainly needs to be questioned".

The prize that Martha had set aside for you is brought into the dining hall:
12pp
24gp
4 Sharnshield riding horses, with bit, bridle and saddle. Raised by the
Sharnshield, these horses are exceptionally well-trained: practically fearless, they remain sensitive to the rider's commands even in the most critical situations and respond to the rider's slightest stimuli (these obviously await you outside, they are not brought into the hall).
"Amazon's Guardian", a shield created by the Fey for the Amazon heroine Hippolyta Sharnshield. The item is exquisitely crafted from a light, flexible metal, that glows with a pale radiance in moonlight. If the bearer is mounted, the shield grants them supernatural instincts, making it very unlikely that they will be caught off guard.
(OOC: You can divide it among you as you see fit)

Also, Dobbian, finally realizing the enormity of what has happened, can't stop thanking you, sometimes shaking your hands vigorously, other times giving you a hug, anyway always with a dazzling smile... Plus, every time he looks at Martha, he has such adoring disbelief in his gaze of her ...

"I really don't know how to thank you all..." he says "You, Martha," his green eyes inevitably return to her "Tamer of my Heart, I don't know how you managed, in your state, to find the strength to conceive and do... what you did. Negotiate with the Sharnshields and the Harpells, find the information, find the right people..."

"And you 'right people'," he addresses you "I still don't know how you did the right things... You were incredible! I am eternally in your debt... Only," he winks "don't ask me too to be the father of your children, okay? I'm no longer available for that role..."

Martha is the first to laugh at that joke and gives Dobbian a playful punch on her arm.

(OOC: You too, finally, fully realize what you have accomplished! You have saved a celestial creature who otherwise would have remained a prisoner for who knows how much longer and you have brought a man back from the dead! Not many heroes can boast of have managed to do the same. Gratz! Welcome to level 4. The actual quest is about to end, so upgrading the character won't have great effects, but do it anyway, just in case you still want to role-play the last few things, like freeing Daisy's husband and notifying the Harpells of what you discovered in the dungeon)

Hahahaha! Clas takes two platinum and twice that in gold from the offerings. Turning to Tarysaa he says, “Looks like you’ll have your own horse. Hahahaha!” Clas heads off for the stables to ready Thunderhoof. “I’ll be waiting your command Daisy!”

Unsure of what to do with the cumbersome thing, leaves the Glaive perched up against the wall surrounding the manor.

When Daisy raises the issue of her abducted husband Nim steps forward and says to her,

"My dear friend Daisy, I regret that you have had to wait this long to set out after your beloved, however what we have faced in this short adventure has steeled us beyond belief. Rest assured you have my full support in the matter. We will retrieve your husband." 

Nim turns to Clas and whispers, "And who knows, may haps another song will come of it"

During the feast Nim takes 2 PP & 4 GP, indulges in the fine food and approaches the newly reunited couple.

"Miss Martha, I am enlightened beyond belief that we were able to reunite you with your beloved. And Dobbian, it is a pleasure to meet you finally. I hear you can write quite the song? I would be honored to play it and many others at your marriage ceremony if you will have me."

Quote from Quid2Facis73406 >>

Hahahaha! Clas takes two platinum and twice that in gold from the offerings. Turning to Tarysaa he says, “Looks like you’ll have your own horse. Hahahaha!” Clas heads off for the stables to ready Thunderhoof. “I’ll be waiting your command Daisy!”

Thia comes running, her eyes shining with emotion. She jumps to hug Clas, but, given Thunderhoof's height, she can't reach it... and settles for hugging his leg: "Clas! You saw how wonderful! Everything went well! Zentromya made it really! It was so... incredibly wonderful! I..." she raises her eyes to the warrior's "I am convinced, I want to come with you and help you do wonderful things like this! When you come back, we will talk to Mistress Martha. She has just found Dobbian , so she'll feel less sorry about losing me... and then she'll be calmer if she knows I'm going with you! Is that okay? Will you come back here to get me, after you've saved Daisy's husband too?"

No, the snarling wind and the dark sky do not stand a chance... There is the spring sun laughing in the eyes of the young half-elf girl...