Meanwhile, in the Westwoods...

 "Tomorrow I will report their deaths to Castle Whisper, and I am sure their friends and families will join together to retrieve the bodies. For now...I think we all need to rest before anything else," says Sir Amnarel sadly. "I led three brave warriors to their deaths, and we were not even facing the enemy we believed awaited us.  Still, we did wipe out at least forty blights before we were defeated. The fens will be safer for their sacrifice. And the Lady of Whispers will be grateful that you and your friends helped eliminate the blighted tree and the hag coven."

"It was a pleasure to take out those hags," Mindartis smiles. "They give Fey a bad name."

Elwin mulls over Del's suggestion. "Perhaps we can eventually do something more permanent? If someone teleports here, its because they know where they're going; I don't think a barred door would stop them for long.

"I don't think we need to bother at the moment, but I'll help if anyone else thinks its a good idea."

Looks like we are leaving. On the flight back, Del wants to plan as usual. We are working towards the next level of magic, eh Lord Quentin. You mentioned in your way that the spell the hag hit you with was very unpleasant. That is one of the ones I could work on. Or something to make opponents act randomly, or turn Sister Raven invisible even while attacking, or Lord Mindartis into a giant ape while battling. Those are all competition for concentration though. I did like how your ability to push stuff around worked with the thorn spell Ziia can do - wish it was more than once per day. Maybe just advanced teleportation. I am so torn. What does everyone think?

Quentin thinks for a moment before saying, "I'm going to try and learn my own spell that is similar to your thorns. Something that sticks around that I can constantly push enemies into. I was actually also looking at another spell that would allow us to transport smaller goods to people we know. It requires a small fee as I'd have to pay an air elemental to do the delivery. For yourself I think teleportation would be good, or maybe a spell that'll help us locate enemies." 

Elwin's ears perked up as Del began discussing magical options. He listened intently to the conversation, but didn't really contribute--his patron had pretty much told him "no new magic" for a while, which he had found a bit disappointing. However, he'd been reassured that the payoff would be the ability to choose his own spells, after learning magic--really learning magic--to a deeper degree.

Still listening, he made mental notes as to the sorts of spells he might choose to help the party... whenever he would be allowed to do so.

"The one to change people into beasts sounds broadly useful," he finally added, "especially if you can also target opponents."

Del summons the owls and you head back to the Blackblade manor. The servants are relieved to see Sir Amnarel home safe, and make you all welcome for the night. The Lomalos farmers who have been restored bed down in the barn and stable, and Hogthimble insists on sleeping on guard outside the Prince's room, immediately falling into a deep sleep, snoring loudly.

In the morning, you all meet again at the breakfast table.

"I need to ride to Castle Whisper and make my reports to the Lady," Amnarel says. "Unfortunately, my warhorse, Destine, fell in battle with the tree blight. I could always ride one of the plow horses to the castle, but...er...it's spring, and the farmers need them.  Could I possibly borrow someone's horse for the day?:

"She is not much like what you are use to, but you can borrow Rose if you wish."  Raven will say.

"Thank you, my dear," her father says. "I did think it would be nice if you came with me, but with all these guests, I suppose it is best if a member of the family stays here. I should be back by this evening, and we can talk more then."

"Stay safe."  Raven says, giving her father a hug prior to him leaving.  She stands, patting the two foals as her father rides off on Rose.

When are we meant to head to the Council? and how far along is the restoration effort for the farmers? Del would not mind trying a Greater Restoration

also, I kind of need to get a performance in - is there a pub or something nearby?

Elwin rubbed his eyes from sleep as he ate. He looked as if he missed an hour or two of rest, but seemed physically capable enough.

(( Elwin's dreamscape contact from last night:

 ))

"If you find one," he said at Del's request, "I wouldn't mind joining to watch." His grin betrayed an unusual eagerness to watch the performance.

"I expect it will take two or three more days to get everybody restored," says the High Druid. "Of course, there is no real need for you to wait. You have done your part of saving them, and the rest is just spellwork."

"The people of the fens tend to be...reclusive," Sir Amnarel tells Del. "There really aren't many gathering places such as pubs. However, you can probably find a place to perform in the village outside the castle, or even within the walls.  They will let you in if you are with me."

"I ought to go as well," says Prince Lintelér. "It would be the height of rudeness to enter another kingdom's lands without so much as announcing my presence, and I am sure Lomalos has no intention of offending the lords of the Fens. Perhaps I could borrow a horse as well.  Or, perhaps, if Del is going, he could summon horses.  Unless you have a wagon or carriage we could make use of, Sir Amnarel?"

Sir Amnarel admits grudgingly that there is a wagon that could carry as many as would like to go, with only two horses needed to pull it. "Though I am accustomed to appearing on horseback."

((I am not trying to railroad you to the castle, it's just an option. :D  Similarly, you can either take a few days break at Raven's Dad's place, or move right along.))

I can only summon for an hour at a time, 3 times a day. If Sister Raven is giving up her Rose, then we either wait for Sir Amnarel to return, or get on to the Council of Courts with no horses or one horse down. Or two down if Prince Linteler needs one as well. So all going to Castle Whisper might be the least disruptive.

Whatever happens, Del wants to join the High Druid for restoration duty and do one using Ziia

When breakfast is over, Master Talos gladly takes Del to the stack of unrestored farmers as an assistant.

Sir Amnarel is looks surprised and concerned when he enters the stable and sees the foals, and asks where they came from.

"I carried them away from Owlbears that killed their mother," Mindartis says proudly

Sir Amnarel nods and tells you, "Three weeks ago, Lady Resarra's favorite mare was stolen, just before she was due to foal. Her knights have been searching the fens for any sign of the thieves, with no luck.  The mare was marked just as these foals are, with the white crescent on her chest."

Mindartis raises his eyebrows, "Well then... I don't recall seeing any men when we found the fouls... perhaps the owlbears ate them already. Or perhaps the mare escaped the men... what shall we do with them?"

"If you and your companions would agree to it, I could take them to the castle with me and see them returned to the Lady." He adds in a lower voice. "If you would prefer I forgot that I had seen them, you probably ought to take them out of the fens quickly, and disguise those marks."

"I'm sure the Lady would be delighted to have the fouls... even if she lost her favorite mare. I don't suppose if we return them we'll be accused of stealing them?"