Lumen puts away his lute and says in a calm, deep, resonant voice, "I am Lumen, and these are my friends. Nym here called the light of the moon to bring you back to yourself, with Silver and Chrys' and Kess' help. Your family is safe, coming back here soon. The orcs never got here. The dragon is no more. Faen and Syllan were brave, and stayed out of harm's reach in the library. Lia was seriously injured but she lives, and is coming back to you. They think you dead. Fivin here, well... Fivin? Would you like to explain?"

For once, Lumen is not trying to commit details to memory for a song. 

Nym is glad that their favorite talkative party member was taking the lead as she certainly wouldn't know what to say in this situation. Instead she approaches Fivin. "I think your friend has proven he can be freed now, hm?" Gesturing for him to open the cage. Or if he seemed hesitant still or slow about it, Nym would attempt to take the key from his person to free Lucan herself. 

Lucan listens to Lumen as he offers his explanation, looking around at the rest of you. He then responds, clearly confused as he tries to piece together his jangled memories. "The orcs... I remember... the Red Claws... Autumn (Aelar), we went into battle with them, together, all of us... I remember getting knocked down. You must have pulled me out when I fell unconscious. How many of us survived?"

"And what dragon? I saw no dragon. I am puzzled by all of this. You tell me that Lia lives, but is injured, and that my children live, but where are they? Why are then not here? And why AM I here in this cage? Where are we?"

At Nym's prodding, Fivin steps forward, produces a key from his cloak pocket, and unlocks the cage. Aelar steps forward as well and offers Lucan a hand, helping him rise to his feet, and guiding him out from the cell. He speaks first, before Fivin, still with tears his eyes.

"Lucan, my brother... I don't know where to begin. You have been... brought back. Your memory is true, you fell to an orc axe, but we though you were dead. You were dead, but Fivin... I will let him explain."

"And yes, there was a dragon. A terrible black wyrm flew in from the north and laid siege to our keep, even as we were celebrating our hard fought victory against the Red Claws. Duskbringer she was called, and she tore through the rest of our ranks, leaving only myself, Lia and your two children alive. Fortunately, as Lumen here explained, Faen and Sylllin managed to find a hiding place and escape any harm. However, we were not so lucky. I lost an eye and Lia one of her arms, but otherwise, she is healthy and she has been reunited with the children."

"In our time of dire need, though, our merciful lady of the moon answered our prayers and brought us this group of exceedingly brave and noble adventurers. They journeyed to Ravensglade and defeated the dragon, and in the process, rescued the children. They have saved our home and our future, and on they way here, they even sent scattering the remains of the Red Claws after killing their chieftain."

"As for your other questions... Fivin will tell you the rest."

Fivin takes over and speaks. "Our leader Autumn speaks the truth, Lucan. You fell in battle with the orcs before their defeat. Your body was brought back to the keep and prepared for burial, but I... I intervened and resurrected your body before your soul traveled to go serve The Moonmaiden. Unfortunately, there were...complications, and you were stuck in our hybrid form, locked in a permanent frenzy."

"However, this capable elf, who comes from the land below the surface, used was able to use her magic to transform you back to your normal form once again. This place we are in right now is my laboratory below the keep... below the barracks, where I performed the resurrection."

"The rest of your family is outside. They do not know that you live, but when you are ready, we will take you to them so that you can be reunited."

Silver places a large hand on Nym's shoulder. Despite her polar visage and icy magic, the hand is warm, and comforting.

"Well done," she says with an equally warm smile, speaking quietly while the elves explain the situation to the newly restored Lucan. "To bring about good by causing pain... I'm sure it wasn't easy. But this is the best result we could have hoped for."

As soon as Lucan was freed, Nym retreated backwards to give the other elves their space, if not complete privacy. It felt like a private moment and definitively surreal to hear everything that had happened from a third party perspective. Blinking as Fivin called her a 'capable elf', Nym wasn't entirely sure how she felt about him doing so. She could certainly understand his motives for doing all of this, but not the means. She felt awkward about compliments in general, unused to them coming from anyone other than her clan. It felt...nice. 

Feeling a large warm hand on her shoulder, the drow looks at it and then up at the larger woman. This compliment though....it felt different. A slow happy and proud smile began to spread across Nym's face and she reached her right hand over to rest it on Silver's, leaning into the touch and appreciating that the firbolg didn't seem to have any qualms in approaching her like some had in the past. Lumen too had made her feel truly part of the group. 
Shaking her head, Nym said to silver, "Sometimes pain is needed to heal. I'm just glad that it worked truth be told. If it hadn't..." She shook her head again, looking at the reunited comrades. She hoped that the family that thought him dead would receive this news well.

Lumen looks at Nym again. "Yes. If it hadn't.... well that would have been an entirely different story. I'm glad no one has to tell that one. Should we go and see if Lia and the kids are here yet?"

Fivin indicates that Lia and the children are still at the designated meeting place near the base of the butte, where they are waiting for Aelar to return with confirmation that the keep is secure. Nodding, Aelar turns to lead you all back down the stairs, with Lucan right behind. As he passes Fivin, you can hear the copper haired elf say in a low voice to his chronicler, "We are not finished here. I am glad that Lucan lives, but there are things about this I do not agree with."

You follow Aelar and Lucan down the narrow staircase between the citrine-flecked rock walls that glitter with light that looks like starlight. With her knowledge of stonecutting, Chrys knows that, given enough time, it would be possible to mine a considerable amount of the precious stone, perhaps 100gp worth per day. At any rate, it's still a magnificent visual sight.

Exiting the passage behind the waterfall, you work your way around and walk a couple hundred yards to a small stand of trees, where Lia and the two children are waiting. When Lia catches sight of Lucan, she stand up, obviously bewildered, but as you get closer, they both rush towards each other and meet with a long embrace that's quickly joined by both Faen and Syllin. You watch the reunited family holds each other for what seems like many long minutes. It's a very emotional and heart warming reunion, and even the most hearty of souls would have trouble holding back tears as they watch this.

At one point, Lia asks Aelar how this is possible that Lucan is still alive, and Aelar responds simply that his body was brought back to his rightful form by Nym and her magic. Hearing this, Lia moves over to give Nym a long, tearful embrace.

Then Lia turns to the rest of you, momentarily grabbing each of you by the hand and says, "I cannot begin to thank you enough for saving my two children, and for slaying that horrid beast who nearly killed us all. That alone has earned you my eternal gratitude, but the fact that you have saved my husband as well... No words could ever be written or sung that define the goodness of your deeds and the true bravery that you have shown in saving my family and our home. I will pray to the Moonmaiden tonight and thank you for leading us to you in our desperate time of need."

Overhearing the words between Fivin and Aelar, Nym couldn't help but wonder what would happen to the delusional elf. She couldn't imagine losing trust in one of her own clan or what they would do with them. Her eyes couldn't help but catch the light from the beautiful glittering stones, wishing that such a phenomenon was present in the caves of where her clan was so that they might enjoy the sight of stars without having to fear. 

As beautiful as it was, it couldn't compare to the sight of seeing the touching reunion of Lucan to his family. Seeing the couple embrace and then the children joining in... Nym couldn't swallow past the lump in her throat, her eyes wet as she blinked rapidly and looked away, her face stoic. Perhaps that was why she didn't really see Lia's hug coming, the drow freezing for a moment in surprise before smiling as the tears finally spilt over, the two elven women holding each other tightly, crying into each others shoulders. "I'm just glad that your children have both of their parents back." 

As the one armed warrior pulls away to speak to them, Nym wipes away the moisture from her eyes and scarred face, trying to collect herself. The way that Lia summarized events was so much tidier and heroic than it had felt at the time. She couldn't help but touch the holy symbol dangling from her neck, the shape of a small silver sword, with a small proud smile. The drow wondered if the Dark Maiden danced with the Moonmaiden. 
"I can't help but feel rewarded in seeing your family brought together. We do have a favor to ask however." Lavender eyes flick over to their half-elf sorceress. "We had brought it up to Aelar earlier but want to make sure that it was alright with you as well Lia. Vesper is interested in staying here and learning more from you all I believe. Would that be alright?" 

Out past the glittering walls again. Silver could almost make out constellations within the rock, though she knew it was her imagination. She saw Chrysobel studying the walls too, and wondered what the Dwarven mind made of it. Had Chrys ever been to Citadel Adbar? Silver never had, though it stood guard over the western way into Hartsvale. But she had passed it on her way south, and had been deeply impressed at its size and defenses, though she knew it would only have been the tip of a far greater settlement deep into the mountains.

The reunion of Lucan with his family was beautiful. Silver smiles at the love between them, but the smiles fades as she thinks of her own family. So far away now, and likely to get farther still. What would the tribe do with Fivin? Would they expel him, despite being so depleted in numbers, could they afford to? Or would they forgive him? Could she be forgiven? She did not think it was likely. And she was not needed there, not really. Her blood kin still lived in the Vale, and a new Silver would be born eventually.

She wraps her arms around herself, and stays silent.

Aelar answers Nym’s inquiry about Vesper, who instead of coming with you to investigate the lab, had remained ip by the keep to spend time alone, wandering in the serene, green landscape by the Loch.

“Why of course! Absolutely! We’d love to have Vesper remain with us for as long as she wishes! She has earned that, at least, and from what I hear, she’s quite fond of the children.”

After the tearful reunion, Aelar says that it’s time to return to the keep. He sends Lia, Lucan and the two children up on the backs of the two giant eagles, while the rest of you climb The Sky’s Acend once again, watching the magnificent birds fly high above you.

When you reach the top and make your way to the entrance of the keep, you find Vesper inside. She’s apparently done sone work cleaning and straightening up the kitchen and dining room. While the pickings are slim, a there’s enough left in the pantry to make a decent meal, and you all spend the rest of the afternoon enjoying some well earned peace, goodwill and satisfying nourishment with each other. 

Aelar says that you’re all welcome to stay and rest as long as you wish here at the keep, before you depart and begin your journey back to Dauric’s tree. At one point, he disappears with Lucan for a few long minutes, before the two return with a wooden chest.

“While we can never repay in full you all for what you have done for us, we world like to offer you some gifts that may help you in future adventures. Please accept these at least as tokens of our friendship, which will endure, and will be written about in our historical chronicles.”

”To you, Nym, I would give you an amulet that I have used for good luck. It bears the symbol of The Goddess of Moonlight, which seems fitting, given that it was your moon spell that brought Lucan back to us. It is magic, I believe, although I’m not able to make use of its true capabilities. I have a feeling that you will.”

Aelar reaches inside his tunic, removes the necklace and presents it to Nym. It is an Amulet of the Devout +1.

“To you, Silver, I offer you a ring that was crafted by elven smiths of old, and it should offer you some protection out in the wilds against the many dangers you are sure to face. 

It is a Ring of Protection.

“Kessdara, you are true Tel’Quessir, and one worthy of wielding the sword you now carry. I formally pass to you the elvish blade Moonpetal, for you have already earned it with your deeds of valor.”

”Chrysoberyl, you are of true heart, strong arm and valiant deeds, but I can always hear you coming from a mile away. You may never learn to walk like an elf, but perhaps this will at least soften your steps and help you blend a bit more into the landscape. It was made for a young elf who has since grown out of it.”

Aelar smiles and pulls forth a grayish green cloak from the chest, indicating that it once belonged to Lucan. It is a Cloak of Elvenkind.

“Finally Lumen… I must say, you are a very intriguing fellow. Sometimes full of voice and music, and other times very silent. I have known very few of your kind, and none of them even so remotely as talented and noble as you. You will go far in this world with your spirit and talents. May this gift help ensure that you stay safe and out of reach of your enemies.”

Aelar reaches into the chest and pulls out a deep, burgundy red cape that he gives to Lumen, indicating that it was once owned by a traveling elvish bard that once was a guest at Ravensglade decades ago. It is a Cape of the Mountebank.

He also pulls a wand from his pocket. “Oh, sbd I found this upstairs on the dead kobold up in the Raven’s Council. Maybe one of you will have use for it.”

It is the Wand of Web that the kobold used on Nym.

——————-

((And, it’s time to level up: Welcome to Level 5!! Merry Christmas and happy holidays, everyone!!!))

Kessdarra, for a moment, is rendered utterly speechless as she processes this revelation.

She hadn't just wielded Moonpetal in battle as a borrowed gift, she was apparently being allowed to keep the blade... an heirloom of the Warriors of Sehanine, one that was far older and more storied than she. The sword that had slain Duskbringer, ultimately.

To say it was an enormously generous gift was an understatement. 

"I.... I'll make sure it's guarded well, and wielded with honor," Kess finally began, smiling at Aelar. "Thank you. I'm sorry, it's just... this sword surely has a rich legacy for you and your people. Now that we're all not running for our lives from a dragon, that fact is dawning on me. Are you sure that you want to give this to me?"

For a moment, Kess wondered, it might dawn on her kinfolk in the room just how young she was in comparison to them, as her semi-childish humility no doubt revealed.

As she pulls away from Lia and looks back over her companions, Nym's lavender eyes can't help but be drawn to the outlier, Silver, who had a familiar looking expression. Saving that for another time, the drow follows the rest as they return to the Keep. The food was interesting, and Nym couldn't help but ask the elves, including Kess, what were some of their favorite foods or childhood favorites before eventually asking the rest of the Dawnbreakers the same. 

Attention drawn upon Lucan and Aelar's return with a wooden chest, it almost didn't feel real that their names and deeds would be chronicled as a part of this great Keep's history. But she couldn't help but feel a little proud and wondered if others reading it in the future might have their opinions changed on drow. 

Looking up with a blink from her personal musings upon hearing her name, Nym stares as Aelar removes a pendant from his neck, presenting it to her, which she accepts with reverent hands. "Thank you Quessir Tys Aelar." She responds automatically, still somewhat in shock at the personal gift before looking down at the necklace, turning it over in her hands. She wondered what sort of magic it had within and whether the Amulet would feel alright being used by a Cleric of Eilistraee despite having the symbol of Sehanine Moonbow on it. Moving her long white hair away from the back of her neck, Nym's hands deftly secure the necklace, a hand resting on the amulet as it rests just below her collar bone. "I'll be sure to use this with respect to bring people healing and peace with Eilistraee's twilight. I hope Sehanine Moonbow won't find this disagreeable." 
She bows in gratitude to the Warriors of Sehanine. 

The woman's grin was uncontainable as she watched her companions be given gifts of their own, but it was widest at Kess'. 

Aelar answer both Kess and Nym. 

To Kess, he replies, "I am positive. Moonpetal has served me well over the time I have wielded it, and for that I am grateful to have had the opportunity to feel it's magic in my grasp during my battles. It has helped protect me and my kinfolk. However, you are deserving of this blade, younger Tel'Quessir, and although I still have many years left, I sense that during the next chapters of our life here at Ravenglade, I will have little use for it. You, on the other hand, show the kind of promise, virtue and spirit for which the sword was made. Perhaps in time, you will even learn the true significance of this weapon that was crafted into it by the elves of Askavar in the 5th Century DR."

"As I may have told you, before my people arrived in Askavar, that city once served as a refuge for the forging of alliances and treaties between the elves, and as a retreat. After the Dark Disaster, the elves abandoned the keep. Over time, the keep was called home by many foul creatures, until we reclaimed it. The true significance, authority and symbolic value that the sword Moonpetal carries was lost to time, even before I found it; maybe someday you will discover its shrouded heritage."

To Nym, Aelar replies

"I have faith that Sehanine Moonbow will not find it at all disagreeable that a devout follower of Eilistraee wears this amulet. The Lunar Lady and Lady Silverhair, as she is sometimes called, are indeed allies against the Spider Queen and her dark followers and those who would carry their torches of evil. And even though Eilistraee is herself a daughter of Lolth, Sehanine Moonbow considers her an adopted daughter of sorts, and she has the goodness in her that was given to her by her father, Corellon Larathain, the father of all elves."

"Being a protector and guide for the few like yourself who long to return the surface and life lives of peace with other races, Eilistraee is certainly in the good graces of our Goddess of the Moonlight, as you are in mine, sister. Many of my kind would consider you a traitor... I might have carried those same thoughts in my younger years, but as an outcast myself, I have learned to judge others by their deeds above all. You and I may come from different worlds, Nym, but you and I both know the what it means to try and bring joy where there is sorrow, and find the simple happiness where it exists, even in times of darkness, and I think that those are common qualities in all true elves, and ones that both Sahanine Moonbow and Eilistraee would expect of their devoted followers."

Lumen lowers his head and thanks Aelar for the gift. "A generous thing, this. Much appreciated. I tend to get myself into trouble, and from what this looks like, it'll help me get out. Or get someone else out." He tries it on and spends some time with it, marveling at its aesthetic and certain this will help him beyond simple teleportation. 

Later on he asks if Aelar and the others wish the outside world to know more of their Keep, and their small community. "Given all you're been through, I would understand if you wanted to remain hidden from the world, to heal, and sort yourselves out. But if you wished the world to know more of you, and perhaps begin to welcome some visitors or even curiosity seekers, I have a song that would be a perfect way to tell your story. I'd be happy to sing it wherever we find ourselves, but only if you wish. I'll give everyone a performance tonight, I'm still working out the details, and maybe you can help me fill in some blanks."

And even later on he talks with the rest of the Dawnbringers, asking when they'd like to continue their journey. He's happy to stay a few days to help stabilize this tiny community and rest himself. But eventually he'd like to move along back to town. He benefits greatly from the summation of all that remains on their to do list.

Nym's eyes are wide in rapt amazement at the history Aelar was imparting upon her on the two deities and their relationship. "I...I had no idea. This..." Words escaped her as she simply clutched onto the holy symbol with both hands pressing it into her chest as if it were the most precious thing on their entire plane. 
But the other elf still had more to say and as he continued, the drow's eyes begin to fill with tears even as she clenched her jaw with emotion, trying to hold them back. Nodding, the first one fell and Nym brushes it away before giving a wide teary smile. "Your kind words mean more to me than you can ever know Aelar." She truly looked to be the happiest anyone in this current group had ever seen her. 

Admiring Lumen's cape, she commented, "It will certainly make you look more dramatic and dashing. And I can't wait to hear your song." 

As topic came up of what they would do next, Nym states, "I still need to continue my Run. I've barely even begun truly. It doesn't matter to me how soon we leave. Just that we do eventually. I'm eager to help with the lengthy To Do list that you all have." 

Silver turns the ring over in her fingers. It feels small and delicate, the intricate shield design on top seeming like an expression of hope rather than assurance. But Silver had heard of the smithing magic of elves, and did not question it. Instead she says "Thank you, very much. I truly did not expect anything like this." She moves the ring towards the smallest finger on her right hand. It looks far too small, and Silver prepares to for the embarrassment of this generous gift not fitting. But as it touches her skin the ring grows gently as she pushes it up, until it settles in place. It is perfectly comfortable. She admires it on her hand, so different to any jewellery she has worn before. It isn't made of wood or bone for a start. "Wonderful," she mutters, before saying again "Thank you."

As the others receive and discuss their gifts, Silver speaks briefly with Vesper. "I am sorry that I have not been able to get to know you better. Your friends clearly have great affection for you, and your presence will be missed. But if you were to rest and recuperate anywhere, I think you could not find a finer place."

After Nym's comment Silver looks confused and concerned. "Your run? Are you running from something?"

Answering Lumen, Aelar thinks for a few moments before speaking. "I'm afraid the answer to your question does not come right away to my mind. We have always been secluded, at least since we have been inflicted with our curse. Most folk in the outside world would not understand or have tolerance for our condition, so we have always kept ourself hidden, or at least we have not reached out to those outside of our world here in this part of the forest. To be truthful, it has been a very long time since I have set foot outside of The High Forest. I have forgotten what the world is like beyond the trees."

"However, if you would like to speak of us in story or song, I would not be averse to you doing so. I don't know how many visitors we would get here, but I would welcome anyone with a good heart who came here, as we have done with you... although the circumstances are of course very different with you. At any rate, I would very much love to hear your song and I would be happy to help you with the lyrics."

When Silver speaks to Vesper, she answers warmly, "And I have great affection for my friends, although I was never a fan of our name The Pie Pals. I think the Dawnbringers has a much better sound to it, and it is befitting to the talents and good hearts that you all have."

Tears being to run down from the corners of her eyes, which is something you seldom see from Vesper, except for yesterday, of course. During your time together, she is often quiet, occasionally speaking up only when the rest of you seem to be struggling with some decision, and other times, she shows her happy, good natured youthful and playful attitude, like when she won first place in the arcane contest during Shieldmeet in Yartar on that first day you all met.

"I will miss all of you dearly. In a way, I wish I could be a Dawnbringer myself, but I suppose I am one already, even if I let you you go off without me. I know you'll do the name proud and I know that you'll do great things in the world. I know that I will be happy resting here for awhile, and I may even decide do stay longer. Who knows. I'm sure that the road will call me once again, but maybe not as adventurer."

"I come from a family of performers, so maybe I'll go back and follow that life again. I often remember that day in Yartar... that was me being my best. I think I'm more suited to bringing a smile to people's faces with my magic, rather than using it to fight nasty goblins, trolls and dragons. Truth be told, I left my troupe, because I was scared that I couldn't control my magic; I was afraid I would end up hurting the ones I love. I still have a lot to learn about my magic and where it comes from, but I think I can figure all that stuff out so I can harness my powers in such a way that I won't ever hurt anyone with them."

"And I look forward to caring for Faen and Sylllin. I can be an aunt of sorts to them while I'm here."

She gives each of you a long hug, and then says, "I don't want to get all sad again when you leave, whenever that is, so I'll just say all this right now and be done with it."

To Chrys, "Chrys... Oh Chrys... I never met anyone like you before, and I don't think I every will again. You've always looked after me and kept me safe during our travels together, and I can never ever ever thank you enough for saving me from Duskbringer. I thought for sure that I was going to die... when she had me in her mouth, I thought that was the end, but then I heard you yell my name, and the next thing I knew, we were falling. I'll never know exactly what it was you did, but somehow I knew it was you that kept her from flying away with me. You saved me, Chris. You gave me my life back and for that I will be eternally grateful."

"You're so tough on the outside, tougher than anyone I've known, but on the inside, you really do have a caring way about you... even though you try and hide it most of the time. Don't worry, I won't tell anyone. Your secret is safe with me. Promise me you'll continue to keep everyone else safe when you guys leave."

To Nym, "Nym... I'm so glad that we were able to rescue you from that wicked hag, and that you ended up joining us. You are so talented and you have such a warm, kind spirit, and yet nobody should ever mess with you! I never know anything about drow elves before I met you. I can't even imagine what it would be like to live below ground in a world like that, but it's obviously not as bad as it sounds, because whatever that place is like, it made you, and you're as good as they come. I'm glad that Kess will have you along. She needs another elf in her life."

"Please look after everyone and I hope that you're able to help the rest of your clan find peace and a safe place to live. I wish I could have met more of your family and friends, but I guess I can already see them in you."

To Lumen, "Lumen... Oh Lumen. I'll just go ahead and say it... I've always been attracted to you, ever since that first day. Well, maybe not the first time I saw you... that was when Kess had to kick you out of that tavern, you were a little rough around the edges back then. I was there when that happened."

"But now... You're so dashing and handsome and talented, and you always do your best to help everyone. I think I'm going to miss you most. I'm really going to miss hearing you play and sing. All those times you sang gently to us in camp, or when we were resting after some tiresome fight... It always warmed me soul to listen to your music. You're going to be a famous bard someday, and I'll get to say that I knew you when you were first starting out. I'll definitely think of you."

"Please keep writing songs and playing music, and pleeeeease keep yourself safe! Stay away from any giant rats or bow wielding goblins. I'd hate if anything every happened to you. Maybe your new cape will help you stay out of danger." With that, she moves over and gives Lumen a nice, heartfelt, lingering kiss on his cheek.

To Kess, "Kess... I'm SOOOO happy that we met up with you in Yartar, I can't tell you how special it was for me to go adventuring with you. I know you've always looked after me, but you're more than that. You've always been such a good friend, probably the best friend I've ever had. You have no idea how much I look up to you, and even though I'll never be as tough as you, I'll always think of you and imagine that I can be at least be a tiny bit as tough as my dear friend, Kess the Dragon Slayer. Take care and give 'em hell out there with your new sword!"

To Silver, "I've never met a firbolg, but I've learned more about them in the past day than I ever knew before, and honestly, I can't think of a better companion for my friends than you. You are strong, but so humble, gentle and kind, and I'm totally inspired and impressed by your magic. You have sorcery powers that I never even knew existed... it's amazing what you can do with your spells. Anyway, I only met you yesterday, but I'll never forget you, Silver. Please look after my friends for me."

Chrys receives Lucan's cloak with a bit of misgiving at first -- it is an elven cloak, after all -- but after his straightforward explanation, she nods in agreement.  "I ain't the stealthy type... always dealt with m'problems head-on, ya know.  This'll be a first fer me," she replies, slinging the cloak over her shoulders.  To her surprise, it almost seems to mold to fit her broad shoulders and squat stature, as if it was made for her.  "... Ah thank ye... this be some fine workmanship if I e'er saw some," she says, real gratitude in her voice.

Later, when Vesper is taking her leave, Chrys watches her with a sense of both sadness and relief -- regret at the parting of a trusted companion, yet relief that Vesper, always so distracted, had finally found a place to settle down and grow her roots.  Or so she hoped, at the least -- but that was Vesper's province: a girl who could always bring a spark of joy and belonging anywhere she went.  Chrys was certain she'd make Ravensglade Keep her home in record time.

Blinking away the tears in her eyes, Chrys wraps Vesper up in a large hug.  "Oi, girl... yer a ray o' sunshine where'er ya go.  I'm sure yer gonna make this place sprout with life if ya stay here.  Erase all them bad memories an' replace 'em with good ones, that's what I say.  I know ya can do it."  Her eyes narrow a bit and her hug tightens, unable to help but impart a last stern, but well-meaning warning to her friend.  "An' don't go on pickin' up lycanthropy jus' on account o' bein' curious.  I know ya.  Consider yer choices carefully first, I know ye like adventure, that's a big ol' one right there."  After a few moments more, she releases Vesper, giving her a solid pat on the shoulder.  "An' don't be a stranger.  Ye can use them magics ta call on us Dawnbringers any time ya need it.  We'll always be here fer ya, ya know it." 

Before the party took their leave from the keep, Chrys would be sure to share the information she had about the value of the citrine minable from the tunnels below with the residents there.  "I know rebuildin' is mostly 'bout the heart.  But us dwarves know, it's also 'bout the materials, and those cost money.  This is what I reckon ye have down there, so don't let no traders bilk ya outta a fair price if ya need some cash," she tells the elves.

Vesper's words to Nym made her feel a spark of hope. It was working. She was making a difference. Though she almost wanted to educate the young half-elf that perhaps not all drow should be trusted... At mention of Kess, she couldn't help but look over at the other elf and nod with a smile. "I'm more than happy to keep her company." 

Regardless, she let the rest of the group have their moment with the sorceress to say their goodbyes. They needed it more than her or Silver. And at the Firbolg's query, Nym chuckles with a shake of her head, "No, not exactly. The Run is... Something that we do, I mean Eilistraee's followers do. Go out into the world and....try and help. It's about experiencing the world as Eilistraee wants us to, free and above ground under the moon and sun and stars. Sharing food, music, dances, sword styles with strangers. But it's also about...showing people that not all drow are evil just because they are drow. It's about the journey, the Run, not a destination. Not everyone comes back." Her smile is sad and for a moment pained, but forces it back before insisting, "But it's worth it." 

((I can't help but picture Vesper trying to become a werewolf and shouting at Chrys, "It's not a PHASE mom~!"  xD))

The skin under the thin fur on Silver's face blushes grey. "I do not feel worthy of your words, but I will take them to heart, and try to live up to them. I am certain your friends can look after themselves, but I will do my part."

She raises her hand over her cup and using Shape Water, molds the contents into two thin strands, which interlace and form a helix, which rotates within the vessel. With a clenched fist the helix freezes, a faint mist coming off the sudden ice.

"My abilities came with responsibilities. But there is a great deal of joy that can be found with them. I hope you find the same joy in your powers."

Silver eyes open wide as Nym describes her Run. "I see! A fascinating practice, and an honourable endeavour. It seems that this group has much to do, but however your Run fits into those plans, I look forward to supporting you in it."