The Reclamation of Zahvroma (Inactive)

Game Master Signore di Fortuna

"I guess you're the self-appointed cook of the group, huh?" Sienna says, going to the sink and washing her hands.

Shrugging slightly he says, "I guess so, not that I mind. I mean...I like cooking, so I don't mind helping out. If you ever want me to step back and let you try to do more, I can. I just thought we'd make some stew and bread tonight since it's so cold out. Do you want to season and brown the meat, or handle the vegetables? Sorry....I guess I'm still getting used to having other people around. Usually I just eat rations, since it seems silly to cook for just myself." He says, unsure as to why he's talking so much.

"I'll take care of the vegetables," Sienna says. "You don't have to cook for us, you know. It's not like you owe us anything."

Roshan nods as he seasons and sears the meat, "I know, I like to cook though, so I really don't mind." Once the meat is sufficiently browned, he sets it aside to rest as he prepares the dough for the naan.

Sienna cuts the vegetables as she hums to herself and passes them to Roshan after she finishes.

Once the meat is browned, Roshan cuts the lean cut of beef into bite sized pieces and tosses it in the pot along with some seasoning, and the vegetables that Sienna had cleaned and chopped up.

Putting a lid on the pot, he leaves it to show Sienna how he makes the bread.

In roughly an hour, dinner is ready. After setting a pitcher of lemonade and one of tea on the table, Roshan puts the bread and bowls of rich and aromatic stew on the table for everyone.

After all the places have been set, Roshan calls everyone to come eat.

He waits for everyone else to sit at the table before sitting down himself.

Setting her gear down, Sadhana removes her armor, changing into her dark breeches and deep blue tunic, and buckling her sword-belt back on out of habit, before heading back into the, living area, taking a deep breath of the fragrant stew and fresh-baked bread. ”Wow, that smells amazing.”

"Roshan has the skills to pay the bills," Sienna says with a laugh. "Though I don't know why we're charging him if we're just going on suicide missions."

Roshan looks up from where he sits, "Suicide missions?"

"We're dealing with powerful threats," Sienna answers. "There's a chance we might not survive. A small, small, itty bitty, tiny chance, but it's still there."

Roshan nods, "Ah, I see."

Shrugging slightly he adds, "When you live the kind of life we do, risk is to be expected. That's why I enjoy cooking for other people so much. It's the little moments like this, that make....it's a little hard to explain, but as long as there are times like this to share with other people, I'm okay with all the other stuff."

Giving them a smile, he takes some bread and dips it in his stew.

"The little things make the risks worthwhile." Celia says with a smile as she comes to the table.

Giving the healer a nod, Roshan smiles, "Yes, that's it exactly."

Sienna gives Cyna a smile. "Hopefully, there will be one less risk tomorrow."

It's been 10 days, so I'll move this forward.

After a satisfying dinner and a peaceful night's rest, you awaken ready to deal with whatever you may come across. The weather is still cold and the clouds threaten to drop more snow upon you, but it is clear for the moment.

After breakfast Roshan gathers his belongings and joins the others, "Well, guess we should get moving. Bad guys aren't going to kill themselves." He says with a slight smirk as they prepare to leave the magical mansion.

Ieyasu lets out a yawn as he looks out among the gathered crowd in his restaurant. "Let's see...where was I?"

"About Anyka and Vaeri," one person calls out.

"Rajni was reading a book!" another exclaims.

"Tesia and the others were going to free the nymphs," a third states.

"Whatever happened to Gerard and whatsername?" yet another asks.

The wizened man rubs his forehead. People who found their way to Valwick always sought him out to hear the tale of its founding and the many mysteries of Zahvroma. "Perhaps I ought to get to the end."

He sits back against his chair and pours himself another sake. "Indeed, Tesia, Rhadaya, Magestreia and Mirrin freed the nymphs and destroyed Wyvaire in a vicious battle. Magestreia found her mother and decided to stay in the Rimespire Mountains for the rest of her days. Mirrin fell at the battle against Malfeliax and Aroden's soul was finally freed. Once armed with both the mantra and the Elder Sign, the group faced Vonder, guarding the gates of R'lyeh..."

"What about Tichran and the drow?" another person in the crowd asks.

Ieyasu gives the person a glare that demanded silence. "They had found the door to R'lyeh and confronted the Great Old One. Sienna read the mantra and banished the cosmic horror back to whence it came, untethering Vesaria from the other worlds. And that was that..."

"What about Toni?"

Ieyasu sighs. "She and the others found their answers in Lysse, but journeyed to deal with N'kosi, the Necromancer with the power to seal the mana well. Of course, after such a trial, the dragons of Blackcrown were little challenge. The mana well was sealed and the dragons begrudgingly departed. After some time, Toni went on to become Queen of Blackcrown, where her descendants still rule today."

"And the rest of them?"

Ieyasu clears his throat. "After Barclay passed on, Arista served Valwick as its mayor for several hundred years. Her children became adventurers, renowned in many lands. Sadhana and Ylrhea went on to gather the scattered Anizari. They fought Ju'ok Kalokh and claimed his land for Aroden. Today, the Anizari are a freer people and share Zahvroma with us. Cyna and her sisters settled into a quiet life like most of the others."

A man raises his hand. "What of Solomon?"

Ieyasu shakes his head. "After the Inquisitors of Blackcrown were dealt with, he was not seen again. No one knows whether he still lives or not."

"What happened to their weapons?"

Ieyasu raises a hand indifferently. "The gods reclaimed them. Such magic has not been seen on Vesaria since."

The old man stands. "Well, that's the end of it. The glowing tree stands as a beacon of those who seek a new life here and the blood of those heroes still flows through those who walk these streets. And, now, I'd like a nap..."

The crowd groans as they shuffle out the door. A young woman with metallic skin leans against the door as the restaurant empties out. Once alone, she approaches Ieyasu. "I see why my great-great-great-grandmother spoke so highly of you. You are an excellent storyteller."

Ieyasu smirks. "It fell apart a bit at the end. But it was a long story after all."

"I've always been curious, Ieyasu," the woman asks. "How long have you been around?"

"I've watched more centuries pass than most dragons," the old man answers. "But that is another long story."

"May you live to tell it," the woman chuckles.

"I shall," Ieyasu says, pouring a cup of sake for the woman. "To your ancestors and her friends."

"To the glory of Valwick and its endless wonder."

The End.

Well....now I'm depressed.

That was beautiful. There'll be other stories and other games.

I know. It's more of an emotional thing for me. I had an emotional investment in some of these characters, and these games/characters in a way, helped me deal with a lot of....past issues. I don't know if I can even really explain it, but it's almost like just ending something without any closure.

It's just gonna take me some time to deal with the loss. I know it sounds ridiculous, and logically speaking, everything Henry said made sense, and even I was feeling a little burned out....but, there's that other part of me that just feels....lost.

I get it. There's a huge difference between where you were when you joined these games and where you are now, and it got you through a hell of a lot.

I understand.

Yeah....I think that's where my attachment is coming from.