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Ami is mostly reluctant to spend too much time in Kelmarane, but races excitedly when he sees Nefeshti. Yeen bounds closer while Ami rushes to take his veil of invisibility off so that Nefeshti might see him.
"Nefeshti! NEFESHTI!" Ami cries with more affection and loudness than he usually shows, as Yeen headbutts and rubs around her.
"It was Oooo-TAH! Ooo-tah slew Jhavul! Chopped off his head while my brother and I lay dying nearby! He saved us! It was Ooooo-TAH!!"
"Aye, it's true Nefeshti, Jhahvul is dead, taken down in the end by Otah and his skull kicked into the lava. We have returned with the remaining survivors after purging his 'palace'. The war is over."
He's grinning like a madman, the reality of the situation still not completely settling in, but beginning to...
Mahdi nods. "It was a hard-fought battle, but Otah struck the killing blow. Jhavhul is no more-- his plans put to an end before the final wishes that would have spelled doom for this world. And what will you do now, Nefeshti?"
Pent listens to his companions with pride, floating above on his Carpet, and respectfully maintaining a lower altitude than Nefeshti's eyeline. He hears everything that needs to be said, and is content that their meeting is concluded. He is quite interested in being elsewhere, for he has yet to confirm the whereabouts of his beloved. His attention is still focused on the djinni princess, but he waits to hear her dismiss them, so they may scatter to their individual thrusts.
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Nefeshti glows more brightly in her genie aura, a burden lifted, a task seen to completion, a worry stricken. "Well, it sounds like this has truly ended. Bring me to Xotani's remains. Let's unravel all that Jhavhul has knotted together."
When the gnome pardons himself from a return to Xotani's Grave, Nefeshti bows politely, and excuses any of the Scourge that wishes to remain behind, only needing one of you to return, also with the Key which breaches the entrance.
The return is swift, and unobstructed. Nefeshti is a creature of Air, so joins you in Wind Walking, and the skies are clear. There are occasional creatures roaming the desert below you, and some of you mark them for retribution in return passes.
Entering the Grave, you are familiar with the pathways that lead back to the Firebleeder's Bones.
Nefeshti approaches Jhavhul's headless corpse, her eyes drinking in the reality, the finality, before tearing herself away to address you. "The magic in this chamber is powerfully charged. You mentioned strange effects on your usual weaves, but this..." The Princess performs her own magics, and finds herself equally pained for having attempted them. She doesn't appear daunted, however.
"Alright. I need one of you to Wish this Ritual unraveled. This way, we will have completely undone his black work." She takes your words, and sees it through.
The Chamber immediately quiets to a dull roar, and any of you attempting a probing casting of magic find you are able to do so, without Wishwarping repercussions.
You are left with a nagging feeling, however, that Xotani the Firebleeder still inhabits this Chamber. When you attempt to test the tentacles of lava from the lake bed below, you find it quite alive, still.
Princess Nefeshti takes this all into account, and nods to you all that the task is over, and the return may begin.
This is when you are confronted by the four erinyes still occupying Xotani's Grave, and well aware of your presence. They probe each of you, by Telepathy, first.
Is it... you? My Knights Protector of Kelmarane? Please... he has changed us, and we were not of sound mind, but can you help? Do you remember me? Almah Rovshki? He made us... wish... to be like this. Devils which could endure his fires... Please do not abandon us to this fate. Can you undo what has been done to us?
Your confidence high, and your numbers greater than theirs, and you bid the four erinyes women step into view, so you may consult with the Princess about what to do.
"I only have two more wishes for the day, and I will need to use one for each of these devils, should they speak the truth." Assuming your consent, the Princess suggests that you all depart Xotani's Grave, including the four devils, in case their true nature is revealed, and the original human forms fail to fly above the lake of lava.
Returning to the House of the Beast, you watch as Nefeshti grants the leader erinyes a Wish. Now stands before you Almah Rovshki, once Leader of Kelmarane, who collapses in tears for her good fortune. Nefeshti proceeds to free another erinyes of her sad state, which leaves you with two more.
Returning to Kelmarane proves equally able, as Nefeshti grants all four remaining denizens of Xotani's Grave the gift of Wind Walking. The two humans return to Kelmarane directly with you, while the two women still trapped in devil form are instructed to fly straight ways to the Postern Gate, where they will be visited the next morning to see their Jhavhul Wishes overcome by Nefeshti's.
Upon their second return this day, Nefeshti once again asks for the Knights to return to her tent, this time with Almah Rovshki in attendance to listen to the continuing conversation. Food is brought in, and the afternoon heat is tempered by the tent, and a gentle breeze brought by the djinni. Hazim stands just outside the tent, his face upturned to the sun's light, eyes closed, and a deep smile creasing his cheeks.
"You asked what I will do now, ser Mahdi. I think that I will return to my home plane for awhile, and consider that very question. I have friends to see, and mentors to inform." She produces a Ring of Djinni Calling, and hands it to the fire mage. "When I depart, eventually, I want you to know that I will be in your debt for the deeds you have performed throughout this long campaign waged against Jhavhul."
The Princess looks Almah over for a short moment, before returning to address her heroes. "I will remain here for a week, and I would like you to consider my daily Wishes as my deep gratitude. But I would also like you to consider a proposition, during this week. I have lost my Templars, and I can think of no one greater than you all to become the new watchers of this land, this realm. Xotani still sleeps, and there are still dangers against which we must remain vigilant."
"If you decide to accept this responsibility, I will grant you each one Final Boon- become jannis yourselves, and enjoy greater lives as geniekind. Become the Winds. Only if it pleases you, of course."
Almah rests on several cushions, sipping simply water, and looks on in awe at what has transpired in Kelmarane this day.
"It's all so overwhelming. Thank you all for what you have done for me personally, and what will be done, moving forward. I will need to assess the gravity of our situation, and will also seek to contact the Pactmasters of Katapesh. I would say this, not to undermine the Princess mind you, that if you decline her invitation, I will have one of my own awaiting each of you." She smiles politely at Nefeshti, who returns her smile with one of her own. Both women smile genuinely.
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Otah stands stoic and offers Nefeshti a view of Zenzirad.
"After felling Jhavhul, the azer's weapon lost its purpose and changed. To what you see before you now. A mighty weapon forged from evil's demise."
Ami stops Yeen's running and jumping and joy to focus the cat on returning to dig and end Xotani lava-ish existence. He will even utter the words of wish, as needed.
"If you decide to accept this responsibility, I will grant you each one Final Boon- become jannis yourselves, and enjoy greater lives as geniekind. Become the Winds. Only if it pleases you, of course."
Ami's eyes open and he stops fidgeting on Yeen as Nefeshti makes her offer. He is so agog that he does not notice his facial scarf slip down off his face, revealing the boils and open, festering, & pustulent wounds that cover his face and neck. His mouth hangs open at the offer, he looks at Aldebert then back at Nefeshti.
"I don't know that I can go, Nefeshti, for what about Yeen? Yeen served Sarenrae and the map most boldly, and I cannot leave him. That would not be right," Ami starts, speaking with face uncovered, his eyes full of tears and emotion as he thinks over the offer. "And I still need to serve Sarenrae. She has always been kind to me. Shined on me. Brought me Yeen. I cannot turn my back on her." Ami pauses, wiping away a tear...and realizing that his face is uncovered, Ami quickly tightens the scarf again lest anyone see.
He stops speaking, terrified that others might have seen his shame.
Nefeshti raises an eyebrow. "Go where, Amiamble? If you become one of my Winds, one of my Templars, like Kardswann or Vardishal, you can remain right here, and keep watch over these lands of yours. You needn't leave your animals behind. And if keeping watch over the Pale Mountain loses its luster, I'm sure we can find someone to take your place in the future."
Pent hears the Princess out politely, but he's much more glad to see the return of Almah. His high fantasy life of genies and salamanders and bone beasts starts to look duller, as his thoughts return to more vibrant human connections among the people of Kelmarane.
"All due respect, Princess Nefeshti, but I think a more mundane vein is beginning to pulse between my ears, a still humane game to be played in my later years. I intend to breed, you see, and I needn't worry myself about producing half-janni litters, when pure breed gnomes are my bent. You are magnanimous to a fault, your majesty. And I would like to put myself at the head of the line in petitions for your Wishes tomorrow, as I have yet to lay eyes on my wife and harem."
"Go where, Amiamble? You needn't leave your animals behind."
Ami still looks worried about his face, but his curiosity about the answers from Nefeshti lead him to speak.
”No, it’s that Yeen needs to be djinni too because we are together. That’s what we do. If I’m special, he should be special too. And what about Sarenrae? I need to serve her. That’s how it works,” Ami replies shyly.
Aldebert is pleased, and enjoys the meeting. Though he’s not sure, exactly, what he’ll be doing in a year, he knows what he wants to do in the short term. ”I am what I am Nefeshti, and I wish, as it were, to remain so.” he grins, ”Though the offer is intriguing I must admit! I shall instead remain a halfling, and work here in the trades with my sister and, hopefully, my brother. Together we shall continue to watch and guard this place. I hope there is peace for many years, but if not, we shall be ready.”
”If Ami AND Yeen wish to be Janni, perhaps my boon could be applied to Yeen?” he wonders how that would look…
"Wouldn't that be a hoot. Go to the caverns of my family, and fly among them. Would make their jaws drop to the ground." He smirks thinking about it, and then shakes his head.
"Respectfully, I must decline though. I have yet to see one of the djinni with so magnificent a beard as mine. Plus, we dwarves are built for balance. I'd have to change all the notes taken to adjust for such a new form."
"Wouldn't mind being able to walk on air though. That's a trick I've gotten used to as of late. And jaws might still hit the ground." The dwarf shrugs.
"All due respect, Princess Nefeshti, but I think a more mundane vein is beginning to pulse between my ears, a still humane game to be played in my later years. I intend to breed, you see, and I needn't worry myself about producing half-janni litters, when pure breed gnomes are my bent. You are magnanimous to a fault, your majesty. And I would like to put myself at the head of the line in petitions for your Wishes tomorrow, as I have yet to lay eyes on my wife and harem."
Nefeshti nods respectfully. "I will help in any way that I can to reunite you with your wife."
"Wouldn't that be a hoot. Go to the caverns of my family, and fly among them. Would make their jaws drop to the ground. Respectfully, I must decline though. I have yet to see one of the djinni with so magnificent a beard as mine. Plus, we dwarves are built for balance. I'd have to change all the notes taken to adjust for such a new form. Wouldn't mind being able to walk on air though. That's a trick I've gotten used to as of late. And jaws might still hit the ground."
Nefeshti smiles in amusement, as the dwarf paints a colorful picture of reunion. "Well, you certainly needn't be a janni to gain the ability to walk on the air. We'll see you permanently gifted by the end of the week. And it is a magnificent beard, ser Otah."
"No, it’s that Yeen needs to be djinni too because we are together. That’s what we do. If I’m special, he should be special too. And what about Sarenrae? I need to serve her. That’s how it works.”
"I am what I am, Nefeshti, and I wish, as it were, to remain so. Though the offer is intriguing I must admit! I shall instead remain a halfling, and work here in the trades with my sister and, hopefully, my brother. Together we shall continue to watch and guard this place. I hope there is peace for many years, but if not, we shall be ready. If Ami AND Yeen wish to be Janni, perhaps my boon could be applied to Yeen?”
Nefeshti regards the halfling brothers as their own diplomatic envoy.
"I did say the gift was yours, if it pleased you. You don't sound pleased, ser Amiamble. I can not speak for your personal relationship with your goddess, only that by granting you this transformation, I would expect you to remain vigilant in these surrounding lands. Xotani's Heart still beats in that mountain, and Jhavhul will likely not be the last power hungry agent seeking to harness it." She considers for a moment the petition regarding Yeenoghu.
"I know of many Elemental Dragons, and many creatures of the Air, that I would gladly transform your Yeen into something greater, something representative of the Plane of Air. Would that please you?"
The Princess and Almah both turn to Mahdi, who has yet to speak his desires, his intentions moving forward.
"And what have you decided, ser Mahdi? How will you proceed, now that you've seen this long mission to its end?"
Mahdi clasps his hands behind his back and offers a shadow of his old cocky smile to Nefeshti. "Honored lady, all my sympathies lie with fire, not air. And likely none of us should wish me to be an efreet.
"Still..." he looks back, in the direction where the Pale Mountain waits, and burns down at its heart with Xotani's throbbing heat. "I also would not wish fire to consume this world. In my lifetime, or any other. There is much here that is worth preserving.
"I have sworn certain oaths to my brother. To show him things. To travel with him. If I may discharge these oaths before I take up this responsbility, it would be well with me. Or..." he clears his throat, and looks to Hazim, "...or, perhaps, there is room for one who also sacrificed and endured much in fighting Jhavhul, to join me in this responsbility? We are all the family each of us has left in the world, great Nefeshti. I would not wish my brother to grow old and die on his own while I remained one of your eternal templars."
Nefeshti returns Mahdi's cockiness with a kind consideration. "My Templars were brothers, as well. I would welcome you both, were it your and his desire." Nefeshti turns to address Hazim, who has shifted within the tent to appear behind Otah, where he had been looking over the halflings' heads. When the djinni's face reveals that she had lost track of his position in the close quarters, Hazim bears a catbird smile which mirrors Mahdi's.
"Janni aren't immortal. At least the zealous ones aren't." Hazim smiles at his brother. "Still, the offer is grand. Could help but respect their ability to turn invisible at the worst possible moments..."
Nefeshti seems to hearten from what she hears. "If you require time to travel, I will post my contingents to remain here, until you return. With your friends hopefully remaining as well, Kelmarane should enjoy a period of peace, for as long as that might be."
The djinni princess looks over Yeen, before turning back to Mahdi. "The Janni are a proud people, so I think you two will fit right in. And their nature is primarily Material, though they may freely visit the Elemental Planes for a day or two at a time. I might have to reconsider Yeen's transformation, then..."
Pent walks from one side of his Carpet to the other, regarding the repositioning taking place below. "You offering to neuter him, too? I hear they're much easier to live with, when you separate them from their marbles." Pent is now rolling his two Beads of Force between his fingers, symbolically.
"You don't sound pleased, ser Amiamble. I can not speak for your personal relationship with your goddess, only that by granting you this transformation, I would expect you to remain vigilant in these surrounding lands. Xotani's Heart still beats in that mountain, and Jhavhul will likely not be the last power hungry agent seeking to harness it. I know of many Elemental Dragons, and many creatures of the Air, that I would gladly transform your Yeen into something greater, something representative of the Plane of Air. Would that please you?"
Ami ponders, looking at the ground, then at Aldebert. His face, that which can be seen, is a mask of mixed feelings.
"Brother? What...what do I do?"
"Follow your heart brother, as with all things. What does your heart want?" Aldebert tries to comfort his brother, guiding him through this tough decision. "I plan to remain here, vigilant, and also trying my hand at a little trade if I can manage it. Though I chose to remain in my current form with Gretiem, you may do as you wish, and it will not lessen my love for you."
"I am surprised Pent, that you would give up unending passing wind jokes for procreation."
Ami ponders, waiting to see what others do. He doesn’t have an idea of what to do, nor what Yeen would want.
He knows he enjoys running over the sunlit desert on Yeen, hunting and chasing, sleeping and jumping. That was pure joy.
He pads back and forth, his head down.
"I am surprised Pent, that you would give up unending passing wind jokes for procreation."
Pent chuckles. "Oh, I imagine I'll procreate just fine. I also expect that my wife will figure out the most delicious diet that doesn't incur gastric guffaws. Or maybe I will." The gnome grows a little quieter than usual, as he remembers that he's being hopeful, when maybe he shouldn't.
Princess Nefeshti sips from her honeyed tea, sets it upon a porcelain white saucer, then sets it upon a serving tray before her. "This day has had enough excitement, wouldn't you say? Why don't we meet to break our fasts tomorrow morning, before dawn's rising. We will accomplish two things at that time- those of you who wish to become janni will be transformed, and we'll discuss your first day's Wishes for the week."
She doesn't seem to really ask the Scourge its thoughts on the matter, but encourages the valiant force to enjoy the rest of the day in Kelmarane. She excuses herself from the tent, leaving you in the company of Almah Rovshki.
"I am usually well versed in diplomatic meetings, but I am quite at a loss for recent events. She is a beautiful genie, isn't she. That our town has been host to such wonders, and horrors..." Almah grows quiet for the briefest of moments, before continuing.
"Please, don't let me influence your decision for the Princess's gift, but for those of you, Aldebert, Pent, Otah, at least, know that I will be contacting the Pactmasters tomorrow, as well. I expect them to be... grateful... for your heroism. If you choose to remain in Kelmarane, you will be taken care of, have no doubt. Katapesh values its stability, and you have seen to that in epic proportions. I have seen it with my own eyes, and will witness to them personally."
...
When you eventually take leave of the tent, you are greeted by dozens of citizens, whose voices are great despite their weakened condition. There is much pawing and hugging, many tears and cries of thanks. It takes you awhile to take your leave gracefully. Some chickens and goats are offered up immediately, while other offers of lesser means are declared, once they're able to get back on their feet, financially.
...
Returning to your Manor, you find Frederick already engaging in the hard labor of cleaning. Furniture destroyed, walls smeared with blood... quite the vandalism. But he is not alone. Several citizens have joined in the restoration of Bayt al-Umniyya, its name never more appropriate.
"Thank you Almah, you are most kind." Aldebert smiles, knowing the Pactmasters to be, if not generous at least fair in their rewards. He imagines he'll be very pleased.
When the townspeople offer up their gifts, he accepts them graciously, and with pleasure. However, he detours to the poorest, most run down district, if he can identify it in all the mess, and re-gifts the things people can use. Chickens, goats, supplies. He knows he does not yet need such things, and there are those in greater need at the moment.
But return to the Manor he does, and is pleased to see Frederick and a work crew. "Quite a mess." he mumbles, though he's still grinning. It'll take time to see things put right here, and in the town proper, but they have that time now. And more.
He rides Gretiem to a shady spot, dismounts, and carefully removes Gretiem's saddle and harness. Rubbing him down a moment to help him shed a few scaly areas, he says quietly, "Life will be easier now I think my friend. Though we will still range the desert and be watchful."
Leaving him with some fruit, he walks up to Frederick, "How may I lend a hand. I have few craft-skills, but I can lift heavy things." He laughs, carefully takes off his armor, rolls up his sleeves, and gets to work.
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Ami paces and paws in front of Nefeshti, thinking hard about the options. Finally, he shakes his head.
”No, I cannot do this. It’s too much. I cannot leave my brother and my sister, now that I have just found them. I must be free to hunt servants of the Rough Beast in the desert, helping Yeenoghu drink from their neck’s blood,” Ami smashes his tiny fist into his tiny palm. ”That is what is important in life.”
Ami looks and thinks about what his brother will do and build, and what Haleen will be. And Ami would guard them. He would guard them from the dangers of desert. He would make sure she was safe, and his brother could get fat and rich and sleep on a bed of gold, if that’s what he wishes.
And Yeen and Ami will run through the desert, sun and wind. That is their destiny.
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The Morning After is without breeze, without cloud cover, allowing the sunrise to feather the skies with deep maroons and purples, promising an intensely bright day in the following hours. An occasional rooster crows, but the town is otherwise on the verge of awakening.
The Knights Protector of Kelmarane are gathered on the roof of Bayt al-Umniyya, as well as several janni captains, Princess Nefeshti, and Almah Rovshki as personal guest. Stripped to the waist are the brothers al- Jabira. Where once marks of torture deepened Hazim's back, now remain light trace lines of discoloration. Both men stand in exemplary posture, chins raised to listen to the djinni princess.
"You honor me, and those who supported our efforts here on the Material Plane, our Templars of the Five Winds. In your transformation, the Templars will be born again, and the bond between mankind and geniekind will be reforged, strengthened through our vigilance, keeping watch, and protecting those who cannot protect themselves." Nefeshti plucks a blue bowl out of thin air, and proceeds to trace a pale blue pattern along the men's noses and foreheads. It comes to resemble a mixture of clouds and winds.
"Hazim, I ask you to become my West Wind. Your scouting will be second to none, your swiftness unequaled. Mahdi, I ask you to become my East Wind, my Reason, for your depth of understanding, and your mastery of the arcane."
Nefeshti utters words of Ancient Osiriani which echo strangely on your ears, as the words are received familiarly, then fragment into alien utterances, as the djinni pulls from eldritch magical incantations. This is hoary wishcraft, and the atmosphere begins to thrum of its power.
Hazim and Mahdi begin to glow from within. Their nervous systems begin the Transformation, glowing gold. Their blood vessels burn brightly of fiery reds and oranges. Their muscles swell slightly, the flesh radiating an intense peach-black. Their bones finish the Transformation, as their stone trees shimmer in pearlescence, before extinguishing of all internal light.
What remains are two well-tanned, well-muscled men, with eyes of molten bronze. Hazim turns to his brother, eyes wide, before blinking consciously. This returns him to his natural eye color.
Nefeshti looks down upon the brothers, pleased. "When the time comes, I will seek your counsel for those we hope will join the Templars as well."
Pent soaks up every instance of this ceremony atop al-Umniyya, like herbed butter in every corner of a poorly-kilned pottery saucer with a dried piece of bread.
When Nefeshti appears done with her work, the gnome bounds up to the brothers, and gives them a direct looking over, patting each on the thigh, approvingly. "I've never seen anything like that, and am thrilled to have done so. You were magnificent specimens of your humankind prior, now look at you!" Pent turns to Nefeshti.
"So, you didn't make them the kind of genie that can grant Wishes, right? You keep that stuff to yourself? No matter, these two are gonna go grand places in any form they take." The gnome clicks his tongue at both brothers al-Jabira, before bounding back below Nefeshti, to address her up close and personal.
"Now, I know you're probably spent granting that last Wish, but would you be so kind as to locate my wife? Her name is Hyami, and it's been far too long, not knowing if I'll find her this side of the Gates to the Boneyard."
Nefeshti looks from Mahdi and Hazim to Pent, and nods. "Your words are your Wish, and you will know what I can provide to you."
Hyami is located within the Shrine of Nethys.
Pent hoots loudly, despite the early morning. Halfway through his hoot, he does his best to convert a gnome hoot into a rooster hoot, so as to minimize the auditory alarm he might raise nearby. He turns to his mates, and cajoles robustly.
"I would be greatly indebted to any and all of you, if you'd join me in traveling to the Shrine of Nethys, so I might safely secure my wily wife. She must have squirreled away when the siege of Kelmarane set off, Sarah knows how long. Just, give me some time to meditate, so I can establish more of Sarah's windwalking." With that, the gnome scurries off to find a quiet room with a balcony, where he can close his eyes, and let the light of Sarah's sun shine through his lids, while he lists all the things he'll need for the recovery.
Ami and Yeenoghu bow their heads to the first newly created Winds that did not come from a gnome’s backside.
”Hazim, Maaah-Dee! It might be that we race along the desert some evening! I bet Yeen will run very fast and beat you!” Ami says, hoping that the Amirs still have enjoy and humanity in their new selves to enjoy losing to Yeen in a race. ”If you ever need me, I will come and help you...especially if there are servants of the Rough Beast to be slain.” He moves to hug Mahdi’s leg, as he has always done.
”I will miss you, Maaah-DEE.”
* * *
"I would be greatly indebted to any and all of you, if you'd join me in traveling to the Shrine of Nethys, so I might safely secure my wily wife. She must have squirreled away when the siege of Kelmarane set off, Sarah knows how long. Just, give me some time to meditate, so I can establish more of Sarah's windwalking."
Ami nods, having completely forgot that Pent had a wife and would see what kind of creature she might be. Noseless, probably. And earless. Because I have been downwind of the gnome, and I cannot imagine sleeping next to it for very long.
”I will go with you,” Ami says, padding on Yeen. ”It is important that you find your loved ones, Gnome.” Ami says though he longs to go streaking into the desert, to run in the sun and wind and to chase rabbits. But this is important, and might even involve going into a town or near people. Ami would do this for Pent, because it is important.
"Guarding Kelmarane isn't done while it's citizens are still scattered. I am at your service, noble gnome."
He looks at the brothers. "Looking good, Fire Mage. How does it feel?"
Aldebert bows to Mahdi and his brother. ”You’re resplendent!” he says smiling.
"I would be greatly indebted to any and all of you, if you'd join me in traveling to the Shrine of Nethys, so I might safely secure my wily wife. She must have squirreled away when the siege of Kelmarane set off, Sarah knows how long. Just, give me some time to meditate, so I can establish more of Sarah's windwalking." With that, the gnome scurries off to find a quiet room with a balcony, where he can close his eyes, and let the light of Sarah's sun shine through his lids, while he lists all the things he'll need for the recovery.
”I’d be most happy to accompany you sir Pent. Will we be leaving today or first thing in the morning?” He nods when his brother and Otah say the same thing.
Mahdi admires his new form with, for once, a near minute of speechlessness, giving the others time to remark. He flexes his fingers, he laughs, he grins at Hazim, white and dazzling against newly-bronzed skin.
"Ah! Hazim, how handsome we are! Let the ladies of Katapesh-- and more exotic climes-- be warned, the brothers al-Jabira are arrived!"
Mahdi takes to the air and spins slowly in place, reveling in his newfound sense of the air around him, the hot desert wind. Again he laughs, bright and triumphant... until he gets a small set of arms round his leg.
"I don't think I'll be terribly far, Ami," he snorts. "We are going to continue guarding this area, after all. It isn't goodbye."
Mahdi rolls his head to side to side, blasts a few bolts of flame into the air for the sheer joy of it, and grins broadly up at the hot sky overhead.
"Let us go and retrieve your lady, Pent. I'll teleport us there if you wish it!"
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The swiftness of the Scourge is inspiring to those who stand with it, terrifying to those who would oppose it. Across the desert, like bloodhounds with unerring nares, you find the Shrine of Nethys in the blink of the fire mage's eye, teleporting directly one mile east of Kelmarane.
You arrive in the Sanctuary of Inner Darkness. The vast chamber is familiar to everyone, save Otah. Frescos upon the walls and dozens of columns depict the terrifying power of magic, as radiant figures destroy entire worlds. Massive pillars support the chamber’s lofty ceiling, each covered with complex glyphs and designs. Between each column, glass lamps hang from chains of green copper, radiating pallid, bluish lights that pulse and flicker in unison. At the room’s southern end, the temple’s alabaster altar gleams in the erratic blue light, its pedestal carved in the shape of winged, scale-covered bulls.
Memory serves you well, and you remain carefully distant of the altar, which tends to prefer clerics of Nethys...
From the northern room, steps a redheaded gnome, a little bedraggled, but certainly healthy in light of the circumstances. Hyami and the rest of Pent's 'harem' are quite wide-eyed for the arrivals. It's only a matter of time before the two lovebirds finish their reunion, before everyone recognizes the ease of which returning to Kelmarane should now be, given teleportation, Carpets, or Wind Walking.
The Gauntlet which contains the Breath of Nethys is certainly right there, should someone consider experiencing it for themselves...
The return to Kelmarane is uneventful.
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Otah returns to his room inside the Kelmarane manor. He takes the time to carefully unstow and clean his gear before setting it in an organized and aesthetically pleasing place within the room.
Zenzirad hangs beside his bed, nestled snugly in a hook that extends a few inches away from the wall. His journal sits upon his desk, as well as a few empty books that will eventually contain instruction manuals on how best to wield the horsechopper and how best to wield a glaive.
His strength in writing lies in direct wording. He has set aside another empty tome for an epic tale based on the events of the recent past... but fears his prose is unlikely to inspire readers. Thus he plans on making it a group effort, and each of the party members names already appear on the bottom of the cover, though the title itself remains blank.
He has plans to return homeland and visit on occasion, aided by the help of a magic carpet or perhaps a friend's swifter magic. But his home will be here, drawn to continue aiding in the areas more martial defenses. He will train other warriors to take up the mantle of Kelmarane's defenders.
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Pent looks about the upper district of Kelmarane, and debates his options, now that he has been better blessed by Sarah, with the return of Hyami, and the other gnomettes. There is the Church of Sarah, decimated, but a definite fixer-upper. Then there is the Battle Market, which he's pretty sure will be rebuilt in the reflection of the Kelmarane which once was. Then there are the familiar offices of Almah Rovshki, Administrator par excellence of Kelmarane, which becomes Pent's primary focus.
The gnome turns to his wife. "I think we're going to be at the epicenter of great change in Kelmarane, my love. There are going to be monumental happenings, once we consult our djinni princess regarding the destruction heretofore of the invading forces. There will be great demand for organization, and I aim for us, our crinkled-together family, to be there for Almah, as long as she requires our services."
With a wink and a nod from Hyami, Pent moves off to secure several things within the walls of Kelmarane. First, a domicile within which he'll host his 'harem' of gnomes. Second, a workspace outside his home, within which he'll be able to grow the stores of information regarding the comings and goings of the town soon to become a city. He plans for some of his personal wealth to become the seed monies of the town, to see to the restoration of the people's faith in the security and safety of the region, now that Jhahvul et al have been summarily dismissed from any threat ongoing. With all of this well within his ability to enforce, at least by his thinks, Pent returns to the others, and addresses them as thankfully as possible.
"Odie, you are always welcome here, and when you return from your return to your clan and stone city, let me be the first to see you well-fed and drank. Given your permanent place in Bayt al-Umniyya, just make sure Frederick knows your comings and goings, so he'll have everything stocked that you'll enjoy when you get back. Heck, I'd even escort you myself to the Shrine of Nethys, just to supervise your inhalations of that special smoke. It's not as good as pesh, mind you, but where in Golarion are you going to find an experience like that?" The gnome pats the dwarf's lower back in friendship.
"Aldi, I'm glad to know you're staying. Kelmarane will grow strong in your light, and I'm sure Abadar is quite proud of the half, uh, halfling you've become. You almost sacrificed yourself to the cause, and I won't forget that, and I hope that Kelmarane Herself doesn't, as well. Many a prayer in Sarah's name will be said, in your honor."
"Amiamble, uh, you just, uh, do your thing, out there in the desert. Just, try and clean Yeen up a bit before walking him back into the town all bloody about his maw. He'll scare the wee folk. I suppose that as long as your brother is about, you'll root yourself locally. I've never thought about you two ever separate from the other, so if one of you dies, I imagine the other won't be long for Pharasma's Fields. Your selfless act of healing your brother at the feet of Jhahvul, well, that was pretty amazing, and I'm sure Kelmarane will sing songs of your exploits, or at least Yeen's, as you seem to shy away from pretty much everything other than bloodlust for Rovagug's minion massacres..." The gnome bucks up, and strides towards the brothers al-Jabira.
"Mahdi, you are a wonder. I am grateful for all the stories that will fall from my mouth, uttering your name at times to complete them. The love of a brother, the ascension into Janni hoodlumdom, there are so many moments I could recall that would color you epic, but here is neither the time nor the place. We'll have to gather in the restaurants soon to populate our popular growing city, and recount all the deeds you did in support of our inevitable victory over that boastful efreeti prince. Just, you know, don't come to town and not pop your head in to say hullo, alright? I'll be plenty busy, between Kelmarane and Katapesh, but I'll always make time for you and Hazim, when you visit."
Pent feels like he's said enough words to express his heart, so pats his belly, and returns to his purpose about town. When Nefeshti calls them to each morning meeting through the week, Pent will garb himself differently by his Sleeves of Many Garments, so as to bring the gravity of a gnome's participation in expending several Wishes in the hopes of restoring Kelmarane to its former glory, as well as seeing his companions made stronger for their continued good health and travels.
The gnome sighs deeply, smells the scent of Kelmarane as it is now, and pictures in his mind's eye what Kelmarane will fast become, and he smiles. Sarah, You have truly blessed me, and I will forever be in Your debt. I just hope the rest of my life pleases You, even as my bones become brittle, and my mind dulls with time. I expect that my moppets will continue to please You, well beyond my little life.
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"Amiamble, uh, you just, uh, do your thing, out there in the desert. Just, try and clean Yeen up a bit before walking him back into the town all bloody about his maw...”
Amiamble seems very protective of Yeen at Pent’s attack as if suggesting that Yeen wasn’t one to lick his lips and chin completely clean or unwilling to give himself a tongue almost every night, but Yeen did. Heck, he gave what parts of Ami that were uncovered a bath too. But Ami realizes that Pent is just looking out for the civilians, of which Ami would never.
No, he had never liked cities, even while younger. Even when his brother and sister and parents were with him. Maybe because he was small. But more likely because of the looks he got from people because of his face. No one wanted to look at him, and no one wanted him near with...that oozy, pussy, cysty face. No, Ami learned long ago that there was no warmth nor joy nor friends in any City.
”And just you remember, Gnome, that Sarenrae is always outdoors, in the sky, and not in your building. Remind your people to look to the skies for mercy, for prayer, for absolution, for forgiveness, not to the walls of the Temple,” Ami opines. ”And remind them that their safety, their City, and their chance to pray to Sarenrae is only possible through Sarenrae’s power and might, as evinced through you, Gnome, and this blesst cat, Yeenoghu,” Ami strokes Yeen’s fur.
”And yes, I will be around, because my brother is here. And my sister. And you. And because there might be more servants of the Rough Beast around, and I would slaughter them more. There is no mercy for them.”
Ami turns away from Pent, having little more to say...but then hops off Yeen and moves to hug Pent. It is a long and strong hug, both of fondness and goodbye and not-goodbye, but a heartfelt hug.
And he move back to climb upon Yeen. There may or may not be tears in his eyes, hard to tell with the facial scarf.
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As for the brothers al-Jabira....
Mahdi's brows arch above his now-golden eyes at Pent's eloquent farewell. "We won't stay away too long, between visits," he agrees. "After all, our primary work will be watching the Pale Mountain, and that isn't so far... in the grand scheme of things. It is, say, much closer than the Plane of Air, or Kakishon.
"And perhaps, when I am not learning new magics or sailing through the planes-- given my now expanded lifespan-- I shall have time to add to your doggerel, Pent."
The smirk fades off the wizard-jann's face after a few seconds. "And I shall always recall you healing Hazim. And also, the many times on our long, strange journey that Sarah's succor kept me from an untimely death, and, ultimately, made our victory possible. I wish you much joy of your life in Kelmarene, Pent Arotha, and a long life in Sarah's service."
He turns to Otah, eyeing him critically a moment before favoring the dwarf with a smile. "You have been a stalwart companion, Otah... your one mistake aside. This matter of genies and fire was one you came to later than the rest of us, and had you ever said, 'This is not my fight,' and gone to your own pursuits, who of us could have blamed you? But you stayed, well past any debt you might have owed us... I trust it was worth it, in the end," he adds drily, with a wave of one smoldering hand at the king's ransom in ensorcelled items that Otah now bears into battle. "Should I need a warrior again, to aid myself and Hazim, I shall look to you, Otah Cragsmith. Perhaps I'll call on you at your clan-- wouldn't that raise eyebrows!"
And last, the brothers. Mahdi places his hands on his hips as he regards the twins, and their mounts. "The two of you," he remarks after some scrutiny, "shall have to find someone else to conjure armor for your faithful steeds!
"Aldebert-- you have been no less stalwart than Otah. The evenest head in our little group, I suppose. You have put yourself and your blade between my person and danger a score of times, and I shall remember it. May Abadar grant you all the riches and prosperity you could ever desire.
"Ami.... as often as we've butted heads... we have also worked well together. I can say that above all you are true to yourself, and you never waver in your convictions. Or your loyalties. Without you, and Yeen, we never might have seen this day as well. May your goddess guide and guard you both."
And with that, Mahdi bows low to Nefeshti. "I shall return and take up my post in due time, lady. For now-- I have promises to fulfill, to my brother! Hazim, let me show you the worlds beyond!"
A flash of fire, heat lightning across the desert.... and the brothers are gone.
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The first goodbye is lightning quick. The brothers al-Jabira depart, their shared journey beginning anew, so confident are they in their brother Knights to see to the Restoration of Kelmarane in their absence.
And what a Restoration it becomes. The combined intelligence of the Knights Protector, Interim Burgomaster Rovshki, and Princess Nefeshti proves a powerful engine for change. Nefeshti delights in the company of the djinni Iavesk, who joins in the Wishcrafting. The town’s population is accounted for fully, the dead and the living. The town’s structures are inspected from roofs to foundations. The town’s resources and food stores are tallied, however meager they may be.
The Brazen Tower is no more. Witnesses relate to you that the Tower collapsed into the shape of a small metal cube, then disappeared. The remaining citizens divide themselves into two factions- those who tolerate the ongoing presence of geniekind, and those who do not. The Monastery becomes a haven for those traumatized by the daunting power of the cruel efreeti and janni of Jhavhul. Those more stalwart citizens who remain begin to busy themselves in burials.
When the Grand Orchestration is finished, the real work begins. The first order of business- the creation of permanent Teleportation Circles. One of these Circles is established at the Northern Postern Gate. The princess encourages ser Otah to make the first Wish. A giant circular pattern woven of deep golden dwarven runes is set into the ground within a small copse of desert willows to the south of the Gate. Pent whispers the Wish to see it made permanent, and Iavesk happily complies. There is now a direct link between Kelmarane and Highhelm. In time, a sister Circle is established for two-way travel. Otah is gifted permanent flight, before his return to Highhelm.
It takes some time to establish the next Circle. Almah facilitates the arrangement to acquire Father Jackal’s warehouse within the city of Katapesh, while she also sets a meeting between the Knights and the Pactmasters. Small tracts of land surrounding Kelmarane are titled to you, an overt measure to encourage you to settle down and pacify the region with your continued presence. Permissions are granted at the same time to allow a Teleportation Circle within the walls of your new warehouse, from Katapesh to Kelmarane, and vice versa.
The Wishcrafting continues through the week. The Battle Market is rebuilt swiftly, and to greater heights. Aldebert makes sure it is a complex structure, easily defensible, which sinks deep into the mountain below, floors of storage space, vaults to make Abadar Himself proud. It is here, in the private section of the Piddlespot business that the sister Circle is etched into a grand multi-purpose chamber. There is now a direct link between Kelmarane and Katapesh.
The Church of Sarenrae is brought back to its former glory. The fortifications of the town are strengthened, and the upper section and lower section of Kelmarane are recrafted so well as to look indistinguishable from each other. The face of the town begins to smile so genuinely on its citizens, they begin to return in patches. Despite the continued presence of djinn and jann, hope begins to dawn in their hearts.
By week’s end, the work of the djinn to erase the scars of Jhavhul’s army is largely complete. Princess Nefeshti gives Aldebert a Ring of Djinn Calling, should the need arise once more to come to the aid of the Material Plane. The next morning, the djinn and her janni captains are gone.
By month’s end, Otah returns with an envoy from Highhelm, warriors personally selected by the dwarven Knight himself, to see to the training of Kelmarane’s militia. With them, craftsmen with the aim to work with the local guild to strengthen skills. It is quite the sight, observing Highhelm dwarves working alongside Azer Mamluks expertly skilled in working with fire.
The surrounding deserts become more civilized by the week, as word travels of the Prowling Death which only visits beasts of Rovagug and roaming gnoll raiding parties. Trade caravans along the road to Katapesh breathe more easily, and smaller waypoints along the road begin to bloom in the safety of the patrolling Amiamble and Yeen.
Haleen proves invaluable as the Piddlespot anchor in Katapesh. Her managerial skills grow, and soon the family warehouse is in full gear, intertwined with the Kelmarane extensions. With the Church of Sarenrae becoming a cultural center within the walls of the town, the Monastery of St. Vardishal is converted into a hall dedicated to Abadar, an oasis for caravans seeking to travel beyond Kelmarane, as well as visiting delegations who wish to avoid the hustle and bustle of the town proper.
Another month passes, and not uneventfully. Hyami Arotha is showing signs of motherhood, and new sightings of colorful, winged kobolds roaming the desert roughly a mile to the east of Kelmarane suggests that the previous Wishcrafting might have included more whimsical wordings.
It seems auspicious in the lead up to a more alarming development.
Amiamble and Yeen race through the streets of Kelmarane in the early dawn hours, their intent clear. They manage to locate the others, Otah from his deep slumber, Pent from his morning meditation, and Aldebert polishing his armor in ritual preparations. Hushed halfling words are exchanged, and Aldebert announces the return of the Brazen Tower, across the river to the east.
The reformed Scourge takes to the air, and soars towards the free standing edifice, crowned by the light of the rising sun. In minutes, they stand in front of the doors, looking upwards and around, waiting for them to open. When they do, all eyes begin to adjust to the dark interior, and who emerges. Two pairs of bronze eyes, which return the stares, gleefully.
Hazim leans against the doorway, a grand smirk gleaming, while his brother steps forward to regard his friends, hands on hips. ”Oooohhhh, it’s good to be back. I hope you haven’t let yourselves go, in our absence. We’ll need you in tip-top shape, for what we propose.” Mahdi pulls a scroll from his sleeve, tapping on his temple. ”What if I told you we’ve learned how to permanently destroy what still remains of Xotani the Firebleeder? Now that I’ve told you, what say you? Shall we have ourselves a little adventure, for old time’s sake..?”