Adventure Log VII.II
MOMMY ISSUES
In the ensuing days, the members of the party immersed themselves in their respective routines, seeking solace and purpose amidst the tumultuous currents of Korvosa.
Nightingale, ever the enigmatic mage, delved deep into his arcane studies, meticulously transcribing spells into his grimoire with an intensity bordering on obsession. Each incantation etched onto parchment was a testament to his unwavering dedication to the arcane arts.
Meanwhile, Trevor found himself back working in the raucous atmosphere of The Cracked Weasel, where the clamour of patrons and the clang of tankards provided a stark contrast to the sombre realities of the outside world. Amidst the revelry, he sought solace in the company of his friend Otto, finding respite in the simple joys of camaraderie and companionship.
Byron, ever the warrior, sought redemption in the crucible of combat, honing his skills in the brutal arena of ‘The Pit’. With each clash of steel and roar of the crowd, he sought to transcend the limitations of flesh and steel, forging himself into a living weapon capable of facing any challenge that lay ahead.
As for Calli, her return home proved to be a bittersweet reunion, tainted by the palpable absence of her mother. Despite her attempts to reconnect with her, she found herself thwarted by her mother’s incessant obligations to the Royal Court, her presence a fleeting shadow in the tapestry of her daily life. She even attempted to speak with her father, but he too was too busy with Court life to see her. She kept herself busy by beginning the restorations on Zellara’s, starting with having the lock replaced and five keys made. She spent time with her birds, visited her friends, and practiced in her head the inevitable conversation she was going to have to try and explain why a Lady’s daughter is spending time with a notorious pit fighter.
As the days passed, the party members each found themselves caught in the web of fate, their paths converging once more in unexpected ways.
At the Cracked Weasel, Trevor found himself greeted by an unexpected visitor, the leader of the rescued prisoners from the Dead Warrens. Despite Trevor's protestations, Tiora insisted on presenting a gift to express her gratitude for their heroic rescue. With a humble gesture, she offered Trevor a rare treasure—a wand of cure moderate wounds, a precious boon that would prove invaluable in the trials that lay ahead.
Soon after that, each member of the party received a summons from an unexpected source: Calli's mother, Lady Eudicot. The message bore an invitation to her residence, ostensibly to discuss her daughter's welfare and the company she kept.
Byron's reaction was swift and visceral, his distrust of aristocratic authority boiling to the surface as he dismissed the messenger who delivered the invite with contemptuous disregard. His refusal to entertain the notion of attending Lady Eudicot's gathering spoke volumes of his disdain for the trappings of privilege and power. He told the messenger in no certain terms to "fuck off!" and he also made it clear that he should leave now for his own safety. After all this was Old Korvosa and anything could happen! The messenger promptly left.
When the invite was delivered to Trevor, the half orc, ever the diplomat, entertained the idea of attending but only if every other member of the party agreed. But then inspired by his surroundings, Trevor proposed an alternative: why not invite Lady Eudicot to the Cracked Weasel instead? It seemed a more agreeable compromise. The messenger replied he would convey this to Lady Eudicot.
When the messenger gave the invite to Nightingale, he, shrouded in silence, offered no protest, his stoic demeanour masking the tumult of emotions that raged within him. He simply nodded.
But it was Calli who bore the brunt of frustration, the irony of receiving a summons from her mother after 5 days of fruitless waiting in her mother’s house cutting deep. In a storm of indignation, she stormed out, her resolve unshaken by the veiled manipulations of high society.
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So party gathered together once more, their frustrations mingling in the dimly lit confines of the Cracked Weasel. Amidst their clamour, Trevor sought to quell the rising tensions, his measured words a balm to soothe the frayed nerves of his companions. Yet beneath the surface, the unspoken question lingered: what would be outcome of accepting or refusing Lady Eudicot's invitation?
As they pondered their uncertain futures, the party's conversation took an unexpected turn, delving into the whispers that echoed through the streets of Korvosa.
One particularly intriguing tidbit revolved around the Queen's plans to tear down the Great Tower where Sable Company resides with their majestic hippogriffs and use the materials to craft four statues of her around the city. The construction called for skilled engineers and tradesmen, sparking speculation and curiosity among the populace. Calli held concern for Daesha’s father and the other guards who would suddenly be without a home or vocation. Byron was more interested in what would become of the hippogriffs, expressing his desire for one of his own. Calli briefly thought of the novels Portia and her so enjoyed and said nothing.
Another rumour hinted at a shift in the city's defenses, with whispers of a new all-female Queen’s guard being recruited under Her Majesty's command—a testament to the ever-changing landscape of power within Korvosa's walls. Byron had passed the information on to Gina. If she was interested it could be fun for her, or potentially useful to have someone on the inside.
Nightingale shared that he learned about a series of old murders by a “Key-Lock Killer.” People of influence were found murdered in their homes, and it’s whispered it was a judge taking out opponents who was still in position to this day. The group remembered the strange key blades found at Gaedren and Rolth’s and wondered how they were connected.
However, it was Calli who dropped the proverbial bombshell, revealing Lady Arkona's clandestine request for their assistance in unmasking imposters posing as members of the Cerulean Society. They asked Calli why Lady Arkona would ask for their help, and Calli summarized her mission with Taylan to find the Dusters after they stole from the Society and “fucking their day up.” Byron grinned at her choice of words, but he, Trevor, nor Gale volunteered their own experiences that benefited the Society recently. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on the party, torn between the dangers of refusing the powerful crime syndicate and the risks of delving into their murky world. They decided they’d keep their ears out, but maybe not make that search their main focus. Gale did not let on that he already knew the answer.
In an attempt to lighten the mood, Trevor interjected with news of another invitation, this time from Vencarlo Orisini, the renowned master swordsman. His offer to train them in the art of combat brought a glimmer of hope and excitement to the group, particularly eliciting a rare smile from Nightingale, a fleeting moment of respite amidst the uncertainty.
Yet their brief reprieve was shattered as the door to the Cracked Weasel swung open, revealing an unexpected arrival: a middle-aged woman clad in armour accompanied by a beautiful noblewoman.
The armoured figure, revealed to be Nightingale's mother Captain Clara Nightingale, assumed a vigilant stance by the tavern's entrance, mirroring Trevor's nightly position at the Cracked Weasel. Meanwhile, Lady Mimosoideae Eudicot settled among the party, her unexpected presence sending shockwaves through Calli. The rest of the group had the extra shock of learning Nightingale was his surname, and that they had no idea what his first name was.
Lady Eudicot explained to the party that she wanted to get to know and understand them - after all they had been hanging around with her daughter and she was concerned for her safety. She then asked Nightingale where her daughter was to be located. Trevor, quick to grasp the situation, intervened, concocting a story about Calli being occupied elsewhere. Nightingale, too, played along, reminding the disguised Calli of an impending errand. Calli nodded a quick bow, saying that it was nice to see her again, and that she’d let Calliandra know her mother was waiting.
Seizing the moment, Calli rushed to the backroom, where Sirius, the landlord, assisted her in assuming her true identity as Calliandra Eudicot-Kalissreavil. He was briefly shocked as the physical and cosmetic change came over the girl. Calli handed off her parasol until her mother had left and begged him not to let on that it was her. With a composed facade, she returned to the gathering, feigning surprise at her mother's unexpected visit.
Calli was taken aback by her mother's unexpected appearance, the shock evident in her eyes as she tried to convince her mother to leave with her for a more private conversation. Lady Eudicot, refused, and addressed the party. She wanted to hear from their own mouths. Byron took obvious offence at what seemed like an interrogation. She asked the party if any of them had children, to which they all shook their heads. She then asked them to put themselves in a mother’s position. Byron erupted in anger, swearing at Lady Eudicot not to talk to him about mothers. Something had snapped inside him and he stormed out, his frustrations boiling over. Gale’s own face become a marble mask, hiding a similar emotional reaction within him. Trevor's attempts to soothe the situation fell short as Byron vanished into the alleys of Old Korvosa, his departure casting a shadow over the gathering.
Calli’s heart sunk watching him go, and she reprimanded her mother of her actions, pointing out she’d acted against all diplomatic training by entering an unfamiliar territory without understanding the local customs and ended up doing all the wrong things. Lady Eudicot assured her that her intentions were not to upset in fact quite the opposite. She apologized to those remaining. As Lady Eudicot continued, her words carried a weight of maternal concern and understanding. She spoke of Byron's dual nature, recognizing his valour and protective instincts beneath his gruff exterior. She said the women at Ruby’s Rest spoke highly of him and were safe there. Trevor's steadfastness and commitment to peace were lauded, his role in maintaining the sanctity of the Cracked Weasel acknowledged with respect. Taylan was a mystery, but one that had charmed everyone who spoke with him at the birthday party, and she pointed out children are often great judges of character. Nightingale received a heartfelt apology, her maternal instincts have driven division between them causing misunderstandings.
Addressing Calli, Lady Eudicot's tone softened, revealing the inner conflict of a mother torn between worry and pride. Her words conveyed a sense of longing, a desire to shield her daughter from the harsh realities of the world while acknowledging her need for independence. Calli's heart swelled with a mixture of gratitude and guilt, her mother's unwavering love a balm to her soul.
With each assessment, Lady Eudicot peeled back the layers of their personalities, offering insights tinged with compassion and understanding. Her observations cut through the tension, revealing the depth of her empathy and concern for each member of the party.
Turning to Calli, Lady Eudicot extended her apologies for grappling with the difficulty of letting go as her daughter embarked on her own path. She respected Calli's choices and aspirations, despite her maternal worries. “But I’m not a fool. I know.”
Calli wanted to avoid having the deeper conversation about her true activities in front of her friends, she didn’t know how much her mother actually knew beyond her being on a bardic tour, but didn’t trust she’d be so generous if she heard all the things they’d actually done, so instead she shared her admiration for her friends' altruistic endeavours, claiming she was ‘documenting’ their heroic deeds for the history books of Korvosa.
Calli used the mention of their good deeds to segue into the group needing more reliable funding, tentatively broached the subject of patronage, but Trevor's intervened saying no patronage was necessary and Calli spoke out of turn. Lady Eudicot nodded and graciously understood. Knowing she wouldn’t get any further with Trevor there she instead asked her mother who she’d need to talk to about taking over a building. She explained Zellara had left her building to the group, but unfortunately died before finalizing the paperwork. All technically true. Her mother said this was something she may be able to help with, and she’d look into it.
She rose and apologized once again for any ‘harm’ she may have caused. But Trevor commended her for her genuine concern and emphasized that misunderstandings often stemmed from differing perspectives, emphasizing the shared concern they all had for Calli's well-being. Lady Eudicot then bid them all adieu whilst also making it clear that they were always welcome at her house, and that Renly would always have the family health potion available to them like before. Calli briefly needled again at Trevor about this mysterious outing that he refused to explain, then asked mother to ensure their butler Renly would be on his best behaviour with them. Her mother mentioned that it was Byron who had done the threatening, prompting confused looks from the party. She explained how Byron had growled it was better to have him as a friend than an enemy, it dawned on everyone exactly the misunderstanding that had occurred. Even Clara at the door raised a hand to her forehead in realization. Suddenly her mother’s urgency over investigating The Bear made more sense.
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After Lady Eudicot's departure, Nightingale was engulfed in a storm of conflicting emotions. Anger roiled within him, fueled by a sense of indignation at the intrusion into their lives. He stormed through Old Korvosa, people moving out of his way when they saw his murderous expression. Taylan followed along, not wanting him to be alone in such a mood. They made their way to Orisini's fighting academy, Gale seeking solace in the familiar rhythm of combat.
Entering the academy, they were met by the imposing figure of the master swordsman himself. Vencarlo asked where the rest of the group was, and Gale admitted he just needed to blow off some steam. Orisini said he would wait for everyone else to arrive before explaining why he called them, and offered a sparring match to help pass the time. It was met with a silent nod of agreement, and soon they were locked in a dance of steel and fury, their blades flashing in the dim light of the arena.
Meanwhile, Calli's concern for Byron led her and Trevor to find him. Their search took initially took them to Ruby’s Rest, but he was not to be found. “Probably at the 'Yard," one of the girls suggested, "breaking blokes of stone again.”
As Trevor and Calli (changed back into bardic visage) approached the Yard, the rhythmic clang of metal against stone reverberated through the air, a testament to Byron's relentless determination. As they rounded the corner, they were met with the sight of Byron, shirtless and drenched in sweat, his muscles rippling with each powerful swing of the sledgehammer.
Stone chips flew in all directions, scattering like confetti as Byron's blows rained down upon the unyielding surface. Each strike was fuelled by a primal energy, a release of pent-up frustration and anger that had simmered within him since Lady Eudicot's departure.
His brow furrowed in concentration, Byron seemed lost in a trance-like state, the repetitive motion of his actions a form of catharsis amidst the chaos of his emotions. With each swing, he sought to expel the tumultuous storm brewing within him, channelling his inner turmoil into the unyielding stone beneath his feet.
Trevor's perceptive gaze met Calli's, silently conveying his understanding of Byron's emotions. “Might be here for a while.” said Trevor. So, the two of them sat down watching the barbarian strike the stones, over and over and over again.
Calli took the rare moment alone with the gentle half-orc to thank him for how understanding he’d been with her mother. He modestly deflected, as always, and they settled in to wait out Byron’s fury. Calli had no trouble at all watching the display patiently.
An hour passed, and exhaustion finally kicked into Byron’s powerful frame. He laid the sledgehammer down, wiped the sweat off his brow and looked over at Calli and Trevor.
As the pair tentatively approached Byron, they could see the tension etched in his features, his muscles taut with exertion and his brow furrowed in frustration. Calli apologized for what had happened. Her mother had been out of line. But it was Trevor's words that cut through the tension like a beacon of clarity in the darkness.
"Byron," Trevor began, his voice gentle yet firm, "I know what you're feeling right now. I felt it too, when Lady Eudicot said those words. It's like a fire burning inside you, fuelled by anger and hurt."
He paused, choosing his words carefully as he met Byron's gaze with unwavering sincerity. "But listen, mate, I reckon Lady Eudicot didn't mean any harm by what she said. She's just a mother worried about her daughter, like any of us would be. She sees Calli running around with a bunch of roughnecks like us, and she's bound to be concerned."
Trevor's voice softened, carrying a depth of understanding born from his own experiences. "We may not come from the same background as her, Byron, but that doesn't mean we don't care for Calli just as much. We've been through thick and thin together, faced dangers that most wouldn't dare to imagine. And through it all, we've had each other's backs."
He placed a reassuring hand on Byron's shoulder, his gaze steady and unwavering. "So, when Lady Eudicot said those words, it wasn't about disrespect. It was just a misunderstanding, plain and simple. She didn't know the full story, mate. But now that you do, perhaps you could find it in yourself to show her a bit of understanding. After all, she's Calli's mum, and that counts for something."
Trevor's words hung in the air, the weight of their meaning sinking in as Byron processed his friend's heartfelt plea. In that moment, amidst the debris of shattered stone and the echoes of their shared struggles, a sense of clarity began to dawn within him. Byron pulled Trevor into a manly embrace, acknowledging Trevor's wisdom, a silent vow to temper his anger with compassion and understanding.
Calli explained that her mother had actually come to compliment the lot of them, and said very appreciative things about him after he left, and that they all were welcome in her home any time. Byron looked to Trevor in surprise, who confirmed it.
Trevor then turned his wisdom on Calli, chiding her for not coming clean to her mother about what she’d really been up to. He was certain it had been the perfect moment to come clean of any lies, her mother would have understood. Letting his hypocrisy on the topic of total honestly slide for once, she instead pointed out it had been the first time in her life her mother had been honest with her, and it was only because Lady Arkona had forced her hand. She was going to need more time to trust that her mother was truly going to support all her choices, but that she was already considering how to best approach the topic with her.
As the tension eased and a newfound sense of peace settled over them, Trevor and Calli exchanged a knowing glance. They may have weathered many storms together, but it was in moments like these, forged in the crucible of adversity, that their bonds grew stronger than ever before.
With that in mind they resolved to find Nightingale and Taylan, and so set off to find the two in the unforgiving streets of Old Korvosa.
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Calli, Byron, and Trevor wandered the streets of Old Korvosa searching for Nightingale; but the most logical place to find him was at Orisini's academy. After all, the party had received an invite and Nightingale was always seeking a way to improve his fighting prowess. They arrived at the academy and knocked on its large imposing wooden doors. After a few moments the doors opened, and they were escorted in.
As Calli, Byron, and Trevor entered Orisini's academy, they were met with the sounds of clashing steel echoing through the hallways. Guided by the sound, they made their way to the fighting arena, where they beheld a mesmerizing sight.
Orisini and Nightingale were locked in a graceful dance of blades, their movements a blur of speed and precision. Nightingale, with his fluid grace, was a formidable opponent, but Vencarlo's mastery was evident in every calculated strike.
With each clash of their rapiers, sparks flew, illuminating the intensity of their duel. Orisini moved with the effortless grace of a seasoned warrior, his footwork as precise as his strikes. Despite his age, there was a vitality to his movements that belied his years.
Nightingale, undeterred by Orisini's skill, fought with determination and focus. His strikes were swift and calculated, each one aimed with deadly accuracy. Yet, try as he might, he found himself out maneuvered by the master swordsman's cunning tactics.
As the duel reached its climax, Orisini executed a masterful manoeuvre, disarming Nightingale with a swift flick of his wrist. With his sword held at Nightingale's throat, Orisini paused, a smile gracing his lips as he acknowledged his opponent's skill.
With a nod of respect, Orisini sheathed his blade, signalling the end of their duel. Both men stood, their chests heaving with exertion, sweat glistening on their brow. Despite the intensity of their battle, there was a mutual respect between them, forged through the crucible of combat.
As they left the arena, Vencarlo greeted each one of the companions. However, he asked to be excused so he could clean up and fetch some drinks, but would return shortly
As Orisini excused himself to fetch drinks, the group settled into the comfortable surroundings of the academy, the lingering adrenaline from the duel still coursing through their veins. Trevor, Taylan, and Byron stood back, taking in the sights of the academe, while Calli quietly checked on Nightingale.
When Orisini returned, he was accompanied by a woman whose presence sparked a murmur of recognition among the companions. Trinia Sabor, the accused murderer at the heart of a scandal that had rocked Korvosa to its core. Her presence here was unexpected, to say the least, and the companions exchanged puzzled glances as Orisini explained the situation.
Vencarlo explained that Blackjack had brought Trinia here five hours ago, seeking sanctuary from the relentless pursuit of the authorities. Orisini, sympathetic to her plight and harbouring no love for the Queen, had agreed to shelter her. However, with the authorities closing in, it was no longer safe for her to remain here.
He had a plan. Approximately 12 miles outside the city was Trots Inn. If he could get Trinia there, safe passage had been arranged with a contact named Jasan Adriel to escape the clutches of the Queen. But Orisini explained he wouldn’t be able to smuggle her out the city. He was too well known, and the authorities were looking too keenly at him. Therefore, he was hoping they could do this.
Orisini's statement hung in the air, a weighty proposition that would require careful consideration. The companions exchanged silent glances, each grappling with the implications of aiding a fugitive. Yet, as they looked into Trinia's eyes, they saw the desperation of a woman unjustly accused, and their resolve hardened.
With an earnest nod, Calli spoke for the group, affirming their commitment to helping Trinia. They would escort her to the inn outside the city, ensuring her safe passage to freedom. It was a risky endeavor, fraught with danger, but it was the right thing to do. As long as she was actually innocent.
Finally getting the chance she’d been hoping for the past week, Calli stepped forward, her determination burning bright in her eyes. She explained to Trinia that she possessed the ability to cast a spell and peer into a person's memories. Trinia, a bard herself, understood the spell well and readily consented to its casting.
With a solemn nod, Calli focused her magic, delving into the recesses of Trinia's mind. The artist used her own understanding of the spell to aid and enhance the magic. What she encountered there was a tapestry of memories, presented as a museum of elaborate paintings. Among them, one memory stood out like a beacon of truth.
Calli's gaze alighted upon the particular painting, depicting Trinia in the presence of the late King, his regal visage etched with warmth and benevolence. Calli touched the painting and she dived into the memory.
She found herself looking through Trinia’s eyes. Calli felt that Trinia’s experiences of the king to have been kind, and not lecherous at all. There was a brief memory of the queen staring daggers at her as she worked. In the final moment she witnessed, she had just completed the portrait of the monarch, and he, in turn, was delighted with it. He was smiling and even rewarded her with a bag of money. The King then left the room in good humor.
As the memory unfolded before her, Calli's heart swelled with certainty. There, in the serene tableau of the King's final moments with the painter, lay the irrefutable proof of Trinia's innocence. The memory faded, bringing Calli back in the passageway, leaving no room for doubt or ambiguity. Trinia had not slain the King; she was blameless.
With a sense of profound relief, Calli emerged from the depths of Trinia's mind, her expression suffused with conviction. Turning to her companions, she relayed the incontrovertible truth revealed by her magic. Trinia was innocent—a victim of circumstance and betrayal.
The weight of their discovery settled upon them, and the party was resolved to action, steeled by the newfound clarity. With proof of Trinia's innocence in hand, they were now more determined than ever to see justice served and her name cleared.
First though, they needed to get her out of the city. Calli hit upon an inspired idea. Taylan and Trinia had a similar build, and Calli possessed a disguise kit. They would leave Taylan with Orisini, and take Trinia posing as the young sorcerer. That way it would look like all the Flowers were together. No-one would suspect anything else.
Nightingale said he could summon horses for them to travel, but after the last encounter with a steed, Trevor was more keen on the idea of travelling in a cart.
The only thing they needed now was a reason for leaving the city. Something that most of the party had never done before and caused both unease and excitement in their ranks. Nightingale said it was simple. They were taking Calli to her next gig! They would load instruments in the cart and Trevor and Byron would act as her bodyguards. “Taylan” would be providing magic at the event.
Calli took Trinia and Taylan into another room so they could swap clothes and utilize the disguise kit, Vencarlo followed to lend an extra eye. Once they were gone, Nightingale pulled Byron and Trevor into a hushed conversation.
The group returned and the change was uncanny. At a glance they couldn’t tell at all that it wasn’t the Dragon Boy himself. With the plan set the companions rose to their feet, ready to embark on this new adventure. Orisini thanked them for their bravery and resolve to secure Trinia's freedom and expose the dark forces that sought to ensnare her, and provided them with some gold to cover their travel and stay at the inn.
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The party discussed hiring a carriage, but Calli made an uncomfortable protestation and Gale quickly suggested they hire a sturdy cart instead. Trevor, Calli, and Trinia—disguised as a Taylan—rode inside. Byron and Nightingale rode alongside on separate horses, Byron's excitement palpable, a childlike giddiness rarely seen in the gruff barbarian. They decided to leave Korvosa via North Bridge, the closer of the two bridges that connected the city to the mainland.
As they neared the bridge, Nightingale loudly mentioned that Calli-E was leaving for her first gig outside the city. This caused some confusion among the party members as to why he was volunteering up that information, but Nightingale believed the best lies were shrouded in truth.
When they arrived at North Bridge, they were met with an imposing sight. A troop of guards conducted thorough checks on everyone entering and leaving the city, presumably searching for Trinia. The party felt confident in her disguise, but their confidence wavered when they saw a female warrior clad in sculpted plate mail. Her face was hidden beneath a featureless, reflective helm. A dynamic red plume adorned the top of her helmet, and a red cloak swirled around her. They recalled seeing the queen’s right hand Sabina wearing something similar in the throne room. This was presumably one of the new Queensguards.
As they approached, the faceless warrior's gaze locked onto them, her stance rigid and unwavering. Her presence was unnerving, as if she could see right through Trinia's disguise. The air seemed to thicken with tension, and a chill ran down their spines.
Nightingale, unable to resist, asked if the guards would be working all night. "Hope not," replied one of the soldiers. But the Queensguard cut him off sharply. "They will be working all night," she declared, her voice cold and commanding. Her words carried a weight that silenced any further conversation.
The Queensguard’s helmet turned slightly, reflecting the light, and although her face was hidden, it felt as if her eyes were piercing each member of the party, one by one. They could almost feel her scrutinizing their every move, her presence a palpable force of authority and intimidation.
As they passed through the checkpoint, the Queensguard's gaze lingered on Trinia for a moment longer than anyone else. The disguised bard kept her head down, her heart pounding. The party held their breath, fearing their ruse might be uncovered.
With the city walls behind them the party ventured into the countryside. For the first time in all but Nightingale’s lives, they experienced the vastness and serenity of nature. The green fields stretched out before them, the sounds of city life replaced by the calls of a birds and the buzzing of insects. The sky was a brilliant blue, and a sense of awe and tranquility flowed over them. In that moment, the party felt that all their troubles were behind them.
Little did they know that they were just about to begin!