As Irabeth and Anevia climb up after the demons demise you hear the strange voice come from Irabeth once again. You have cleansed the crypt and for that I thank you. My bones lie 6 feet below the earth in front of the crypt. Place me where I belong and the rest shall be yours.
Following the instructions you dig done and find both bones and a large water proof satchel. Opening the satchel you find a scroll of consecrate, 10 +1 cold iron evil outsider slaying arrows, a +2 cold iron holy scimitar, a horn of goodness/evil, 3 doses of incense of meditation, a rod of the python, a scroll of resurrection, and a ring of protection +3.
With the spirit's announcement that the crypt has been successfully and completely cleansed, the Dawnflower devotee starts the process of restoring strength and vitality to her friends. She does this while they are digging to locate the ancestor's bones.
Well and truly spent after channeling so much of her goddess' grace in such a short time, the cleric sits and watches as more muscular members of the party disinter and relocate the remains.
"I feel as if my very mind and soul have been leeched," Pakak says, to have his learning undone... it chills him.
Maelchar nods to Nasira and Morgrym. "Let me take care of that, Nasira" and he spends a couple of mp to cast restoration on each of them using 'inspired spell' ability.
"Thank you, my friend. I forget you are both talented warrior and talented healer. They so rarely are found in the same individual."
"My friends, your powers are truly amazing" - the monk bows before both Nasira and Maelchar - "I don't think we can ever fail with you watching over us"
Turning to Irabeth, he adds - "I am happy that we were able to bring peace to your ancestor Milady - do you wish his remains returned to the mausoleum?"
Irabeth chuckles slightly at Zeriax, No, I believe that would do us all a favor in placing the bones within. While he may have been a long lost relative I am not sure I want to invite him in to control me like that again. It is not the most pleasant of experiences let me assure you.
Would that we had more time and resources I would be interested in exploring this ghost town more to see what if anything I could find of the people who lived here and the connection they have to me. Unfortunately duty calls. Looking at you all she asks, Do you plan on staying here and continue exploring the area or returning to Drezen. The city is doing well enough right now if you wish to explore more. The council is not to meet again for 2 weeks should you wish to stay out here until then.
"My gratitude as always, Pakak clearly found the removal of his knowledge highly alarming.
Morgrym nods, "Thanks, Mal. Blast I hate that feelin'."
"Probably best we check out the whole place. If there are anymore of these blasted demons hangin' around, we can be sure ta put an end to 'em."
Following Morgrym's advice the party continues to explore the area around Seeker's Gully. They never do find the mysterious door that was told to them. In fact all that they find is a large lake to the north of them that cuts off most exploration in that direction. Coming back they stay on top of the plateau and explore on the way back to Drezen. The trip was made quicker by the use of some phantom steeds allowing everyone to travel together and search a longer area than normally would have been possible.
"Well it was a bit disappointing that we didn't find that door in the cliffside, but I'm glad we were able to purge the Tirablade crypt of evil... that was something very special as it hit close to home for one of our own. I guess we're heading back to base now and building more infrastructure for the town? .. I am supposing that we will be on the march again soon, either searching the countryside again or moving on with the army, so we might as well enjoy the time in town and relax a bit if we can. By the way, how are we doing on treasure value? I have something I'd like crafted but it will take a good bit of magical work, so may have to wait a while. Pakak, perhaps you and I could speak about it later?"
Everyone is able to return to Drezen and pick up where they left off before the sudden and swift exploration into the Marchlands. It seems the heroes have fallen into a routine where NAsira checks in on the hospital and works at a forge while Garith tends the troops. So'rien works on establishing his magic shoppes while nearby Pakak is bustling about in his library, down at the Purity forge, or off on other pursuits. Morgrym works to get his weapon enchanted which only takes about 2 days to accomplish and 1000gp in materials. Zeriax is in and around his dojo or off with his Scouts. Maelchar bounces around his shrine before heading off and then coming back still seeming to be searching for something. He does make sure the 2 bars are doing well and business is booming.
The same rumors are heard of a dragon flying around these parts, a small patrol of 10 has gone missing, a strange woman rescued an injured soldier before disappearing into the Marchlands, hordes of demons were heading this way, the war rot he south was going well, the war to the south took a devastating turn for the worse, etc. As your last venture proved nothing is exact in the Worldwound. A door in the cliff turned out to be nothing at all, just a mirage on the eyes.
A week into the return though an announcement is made that surprises everyone. Apparently Pakak was holding out on everyone and not telling them the news. It seemed that during the last 3 months when he was not at the forge or the libraries or with the council or with you all he was secretly planning a wedding between himself and Gertrude IronShield. Each of you all received a formal letter of invitation to attend the union to be held in 3 days.
Nasira is taken aback because she missed the signs. She immediately begins to make plans for an outfit worthy of a representative of the Dawnflower. She has in mind a silk layered gown with yellows, oranges, and reds, such that it appears to be flickering when she walks - or at least a nice silk gown with an illusion of the same.
Maelchar congratulates Pakak then slips off to his second bar to consult with a few professional ladies there regarding some personal matter.
He orders a suitable new set of clothes made appropriate for a wedding. All in black with cobalt blue accents, and he remains for all things, including the wedding when it happens, equipped with Demonslayer at his side, and Braceheart in the form of a bastard sword on his back...
Pakak knew this was coming, but he seems rather nervous when confronted with it. When Maelchair congratulates him, he says "My thanks. She's a wonderful girl, high blooded, smart as a whip and beautiful."
"She sounds wonderful, and she'll keep you on your toes to be sure if she's all that... I'm sure you'll make a wonderful bridegroom, Pakak! You're smart, you'll figure it all out, I'm sure."
Caught up in the excitement of seeing a good friend make a life commitment with one he loves, Nasira fails to look any deeper in his responses to the many congratulatory messages she's witnessed.
Taken aback by the news, "What?! Yer ta be married?! What are ya daft?!" he asks, remaining quite serious for a moment before breaking into a grin. "Only kiddin'! And I'd be honored, me dwarven brother. Yer gettin' married!" he yells in excitement as he slaps him on the shoulder. "I gotta say, I never saw that one comin'. Yer a sly one ya are. No wonder I've barely seen ya these past days. So... when do I get ta meet this fantastic lass?" he asks, grinning.
Irabeth arrives with Anevia to find you talking to Pakak. I hear congratulations are in order. Please accept our heartfelt feelings in wishing you both the best for a long time. As our gift to you let us construct a villa for all of you to use for the future
I understand that father Jeskar is to do the ceremony. If there is anything that we can do for you Pakak just let us know.
Taken aback by the news, "What?! Yer ta be married?! What are ya daft?!" he asks, remaining quite serious for a moment before breaking into a grin. "Only kiddin'! And I'd be honored, me dwarven brother. Yer gettin' married!" he yells in excitement as he slaps him on the shoulder. "I gotta say, I never saw that one comin'. Yer a sly one ya are. No wonder I've barely seen ya these past days. So... when do I get ta meet this fantastic lass?" he asks, grinning.
"Meet her? Oh yes... I suppose folks need to meet her," As if the thought of encounters between his friends and his bride hadn't quite clicked into his normally brilliant mind. "I'll check with her, shall I? yes. yes I shall."
Irabeth arrives with Anevia to find you talking to Pakak. I hear congratulations are in order. Please accept our heartfelt feelings in wishing you both the best for a long time. As our gift to you let us construct a villa for all of you to use for the future
"Oh! I... A villa? I was hoping to build an academy but yes, she might prefer to live in ... I'm touched. Thank you. Might I help with the designs?"
I understand that father Jeskar is to do the ceremony. If there is anything that we can do for you Pakak just let us know.
"I'm a Toragian myself but ... well, you know..." In a whatever the bride likes
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Totally taken aback, but very please for his friend, Garith also offers his congratulations My Friend, in these trying times, finding love is truly beautiful. Is it not what we are fighting for at the end of the day? Keeping madness at bay to protect our families?
In a rare flash of insight, the guile-less paladin notes Pakak's concerns, and chuckles. She's also got excellent taste. If' she's a smart as you say, then of course she took a shine to you. She'd want someone to go toe to toe with, clever as she is. THe men have mentioned her, receiving treatment and they all speak very highly of her. Garith beams, considering he's been buried in militaristic work and nare coming up for air.
Ah yes an academae. While it is a grand notion it is beyond our abilities at this time. Perhaps in a few months once Drezenis more established we can merge your work and the city's into a grander accomplishment. In the meantime though we thought it only fitting the heroes have a place to stay.
Totally taken aback, but very please for his friend, Garith also offers his congratulations My Friend, in these trying times, finding love is truly beautiful. Is it not what we are fighting for at the end of the day? Keeping madness at bay to protect our families?
In a rare flash of insight, the guile-less paladin notes Pakak's concerns, and chuckles. She's also got excellent taste. If' she's a smart as you say, then of course she took a shine to you. She'd want someone to go toe to toe with, clever as she is. THe men have mentioned her, receiving treatment and they all speak very highly of her. Garith beams, considering he's been buried in militaristic work and nare coming up for air.
"Thank you, Garith," Both relieved and a bit embarrassed at how the good paladin has read to his concerns, "With so many dwarves dead, our status has elevated, pressure to marry among the stonefolk arose.... but while titles do not apply, I feel like I'm marrying a princess. It is...intimidating. But she does seem to fancy me, and I'm grateful...I'm just a bit overwhelmed. I have these... well, I want to make her smile, and make her things she likes, and when she's angry with me, I feel TERRIBLE... and it's all very undwarvish." " *Gulp*
Ah yes an academae. While it is a grand notion it is beyond our abilities at this time. Perhaps in a few months once Drezenis more established we can merge your work and the city's into a grander accomplishment. In the meantime though we thought it only fitting the heroes have a place to stay.
"I meant could I help touch up the villa? I want it to be a joy to my bride, though I'm sure it will be. Regardless, my thanks." He doesn't want to sound ungrateful.
Irabeth chuckles at the misunderstanding. Of course. Each of you can customize your rooms as you see fit. The villa shold be big enough to house all of you comfortably.
Maelchar gives Pakak a little smile... "I'd like an aerie room, something high up with large windows that look in all directions... can that be accommodated maybe in your planning? Let me know if there's anything I can do to help, of course."
The cleric bows, "How very generous. I need nothing special as I am here to serve those that saved my life. A simple cell is sufficient to my needs so long as I can venerate the Dawnflower appropriately."
Perhaps then a room that is facing the sunrise should suit your tastes then Nasira? AS for you Maelchar, we can make sure the building has at least 4 floors and you are in the top.
The young cleric is dumbfounded for a moment as the image settles into her mind. Finally, "You are most wise, Lady Irabeth. I believe that would please my goddess very much."
The day of the wedding arrives and it seems as if the gods above are warring for the right to be heard and seen that day. Mighty thunderclouds build up overhead and threaten to send a downpour of rain or worse upon everyone. (This is the Worldwound after all and it has been known to rain acid, blood, bile or a hundred other things as well.)
As the clouds gather though a stiff wind picks up from the south as if to drive away the clouds. OR if not to disperse them entirely at least keep them at bay to prevent the ruin of the wedding.
The town commons area was transformed overnight from a county market to a celebratory gala complete with pavilions, tents, drink, games and revelry of all sorts. IT seems that the city has turned out in droves for this event even if it was only to be held with a few select people. Business is booming though and Maelchar's taverns get a lucrative influx of money as people drink to celebrate the occasion.
The actual ceremony itself is to be held in the Erastil shrine at 12:00. Father Jeskar would oversee the actual ceremony and then the bride and groom would leave and travel to the villa passing through the town commons for everyone to see.
At 11:00 Pakak and Gertrude arrive at the shrine to make the final preparations. Morgrym accompanies them to ensure the proper dwarven rituals are taking place. When they arrive they see Father Jeskar looking restless and scruffy. He waves it away saying that he will be ready at 12 for the ceremony. He also seemed slightly taken at the notion but this is after all a dwarven wedding and he agrees to incorporate the necessary elements. When all things are decided upon Father Jeskar indicates Pakak, Gertrude and Morgrym to take their respective places till the guests arrive.
The rest of you file in appropriately dressed in finery specially made for the occasion. Taking your seats Father Jeskar steps out and brings for the couple. Reading from a book Jeskar faces first the groom and then the bride and has them repeat vows to each. At the end of each vow Father Jeskar turns to a set of overlapping metal bands placed on a stone pedestal. Looking at his book he concentrates hard and says a few short words but nothing happens. Finally after the last vow is made Jeskar recites the words from the book again and the rings glow red hot.
You are pretty sure that he just used a scroll of heat metal on the rings. Pretty cool considering it is a druid spell. Must have ranks in use magic device.
Morgrym then steps up and hands a heavy hammer to first Pakak and then Gertrude. While the bands are still glowing each of them take turns striking them fusing them together into the symbol for infinity. Satisfied that the dwarven element is achieved Morgrym steps back for the ceremony to be completed.
Father Jeskar takes the center again and holds up the 2 fused bands. He says a few words over them again reading from the book and a light rests upon the bands.
Handing them to Pakak and Gertrude they are cool to the touch. Welded just so it is possible for both Gertrude and Pakak to wear the bands as rings only if they hold hands.
Pronouncing them husband and wife Jeskar lets them walk down the asiel as he completes a final incantation from the book filling everyone with hope and wonder.
Following the ceremony, Nasira moves up to the couple and reaches for their joined hands and the unusual (to her) double ring. "A beautiful ceremony with wonderful symbolism of your joining as one. If I may, I would like to add another as a gift." With their assent, she touches the ring, using her daylight ability. As the ring flares with the light of a sunbeam, she offers an impish grin, "May your union always benefit from the light and heat - and forgiveness - of the Dawnflower."
She gives them each a big hug (unless they pull away, of course) and steps back to allow another well-wisher to visit with them.
Maelchar approaches the couple who are now encompassed in light and smiles at them both.
"I have a couple of gifts for you two to help you begin your married life in style. Please don't open them until you get 'home'. You'll understand when you do so. May the gods bless your union."
So Pakak... do I have permission to kiss the bride and welcome her into our little tightknit family?" If Pakak allows, he will lean forward and give the bride a little kiss on the cheek, and advise both of them.. "Take care of each other... you are a handsome couple and you look radiant today."
Inside the package when the wrappings are removed, you find a very fancy waterproof case for your traveling spellbook with your name engraved on it in Dwarven. And for both of you to use in your new home, a matched pair of beer steins with engraved ivory panels with scenes from the party's adventures.
Underneath these items, separately wrapped, you find a velvet pouch. The pouch is lined in silk and inside you find a small collection of dwarven sex toys, (nothing too perverted, just for your mutual enjoyment and fun).
Zeriax is completely taken by surprise when hearing about his friend's commitment - not given to much ostentation, and not used to ceremonies, he still decides this is worth a new garment for himself, in honor of Pakak.
So he commissions such clothing, which even though simple, are much above and beyond what the monk usually would wear. He also takes his bow with him.
"Master Pakak, you have earned my respect since the very first days when we met under Kenabras - you have always been a solid advisor and companion. I am happy that you have found someone to share life and love with - Lady Gertrude is fortunate to have you, as you are most fortunate to have her" - he smiles - "I wish you both all the world's happiness"
At Irabeth's offer of a villa, the monk bows again - "I do not have any specific request regarding the accommodations - anywhere that allows me a clear view of the surroundings and plenty of light would be suitable. Thank you for your offer Milady"
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Zeriax steps forward to greet the newly wed - "I am not good with words, and thus I do not know what more to say to you. Master Pakak, you are a friend, and I have no other gift but to say I will always be there if you need. Milady Gertrude, you are now a friend also, and as such I extend the exact same offer to you" - he smiles at them both - "May your life be long, filled with happiness, light, and offspring"
The monk bows deeply, and steps aside.
Morgrym gives the couple a smile and throws a wink at Pakak and a congratulatory nod. As they walk away, "Ah these kids nowadays gettin' married so young," he says with a grin and a shake of his head.
"Master Pakak, you have earned my respect since the very first days when we met under Kenabras - you have always been a solid advisor and companion. I am happy that you have found someone to share life and love with - Lady Gertrude is fortunate to have you, as you are most fortunate to have her" - he smiles - "I wish you both all the world's happiness"
At Irabeth's offer of a villa, the monk bows again - "I do not have any specific request regarding the accommodations - anywhere that allows me a clear view of the surroundings and plenty of light would be suitable. Thank you for your offer Milady"
"Thank you for your blessing, Zeriax. I have walked with heroes such as yourself, and now I will be wed to a woman of honor. It is the things young dwarves dream of, and I am pleased to be seen of worth by companions and bride alike."
Pakak arrived in his best, his beard finely braided with ornate jewelry holding each braid in place, and a robe of shimmering slate blue with fine gold runic etchings. He shoots his bride a look of utter wonder for a moment, the same sort of look one might give a sunrise, but does not lose pace with the ceremony.
His vow
When Morgrym offers the hammer, he claps the man once on the shoulder as is custom, nods and turns his attention to the task at hand.
The hammering goes in slow steady beats, louder, and louder, picking up tempo. Yet in unison, as practiced (Perhaps more so) than a human couple dancing.
When done, they are placed, and he stands by his bride Gertrude, and links hands with her so the rings might indeed be joined, and a kiss, a respectable one, of course, is exchanged. Though the dwarf is not immune to his new wife's charms at the touch of her lips, and finds himself thinking of something other than study of books when he gets home for once.
Following the ceremony, Nasira moves up to the couple and reaches for their joined hands and the unusual (to her) double ring. "A beautiful ceremony with wonderful symbolism of your joining as one. If I may, I would like to add another as a gift." With their assent, she touches the ring, using her daylight ability. As the ring flares with the light of a sunbeam, she offers an impish grin, "May your union always benefit from the light and heat - and forgiveness - of the Dawnflower."
She gives them each a big hug (unless they pull away, of course) and steps back to allow another well-wisher to visit with them.
He of course, allows it, and shoots Gertrude and encouraging nod and if she be as well, he then thanks the priestesss"You are most kind, Narisa, thank you. It is said that a dwarven union gathers blessings like gold coins, as treasure that shines the greater the number."
"I have a couple of gifts for you two to help you begin your married life in style. Please don't open them until you get 'home'. You'll understand when you do so. May the gods bless your union."
Truly touched, Pakak takes the gifts, "I am sure we shall treasure them for a friend has granted them."
So Pakak... do I have permission to kiss the bride and welcome her into our little tightknit family?" If Pakak allows, he will lean forward and give the bride a little kiss on the cheek, and advise both of them.. "Take care of each other... you are a handsome couple and you look radiant today."
"Forgive them, Getrude, humans are a sentimental people," He says in 'humans, what can you do?' shrug but it is gentled by a smile.
Another clap on Morgrym's shoulder, and off he goes side by side with his bride, not hearing Morgrym's comment on youth, far too caught in his bride's eyes....
"Perhaps, my wife...." It feels odd to say that, wonderful too, "Perhaps my wife, I have been among non-dwarves too long. I find myself wanting to blab on and on about how lovely you look today, you always are beautiful, but today you are transcendent." And off they go to keep this conversation more private and... well, you know, honorable.
Everyone is enjoying the festive air of the celebration. Men look upon Pakak with hope for themselves in finding a suitable bride. After all, that is what they are fighting for: the hope of freedom to live their lives as they wish away from the Worldwound and the threat of the demon incursion. To have a chance at life and love once the fighting is over, if it is ever over.
During the fanfare you look up and notice 2 figures flying high above you. The figures are a pair of drake riders on drakes . Coming through the clouds it was almost impossible to notice till now. You see one point to the other and then down at the bride and groom.[/ooc]
As the happy couple take their leave, Morgrym walks over to Nasira and whoever else may be near her, "Nice touch with the light, lass," he says as he keeps his attention toward the glowing pair. Once they're finally out of sight, he looks to the cleric, "Did you know about these two? By Torag I sure didn't, and he typically tells me everythin'," he confesses as he scratches his chin. "I just thought he was keepin' himself busy with all the work we've got goin' on. He's a sly one he is," he says, grinning wryly.
Eyes fixed on where the glow disappeared, she shakes her head slowly. "But in truth, I am a warrior. Details off the field of battle escape me." Wistfully and quietly, she adds, "I don't believe my fate includes such joy. I am very hopeful this is everything they expect it to be, to be forever, even if that means our friend is no longer able to join us."
She turns away. "Excuse me, Morgrym, I should mingle and enjoy this rare happy occasion." She seems to be headed away from the crowd, however.
"My friends" - Zeriax speaks to his companions around him, without screaming - "Stand fast. We may be under attack. Drake Riders up there!" - he points to the riders, drawing his bow.