Jeevika smiles gently, "I can only imagine how awesome this place is to you. When this is all said and done, I would love to show you the rest of our nation. If you two wish, I could most likely make arrangements for Lorthan to attend too."
Around noon the next day, after wrapping up whatever business her group has in Iadara, Jeevika uses Word of Recall to transport her group back to Magnimar. She and Etharial soon rejoin the others.
"The trip to Iadara was most productive. However, I suspect that our next trip will be even more so. Captain Silva, shall we go to Absalom?"
"I can teleport you all there, and then join you later. I need to do some work on my ship, but I would appreciate it if you could order these items for me upon your arrival. They will take some time to complete, and I do not wish to delay our task more than necessary." Eugeni hands Jeevika a list of items he needs bought or enhanced.
Ryli drops off several of her items to be enhanced in various shops in Magnimar, then spends some time in the nearby hinterlands communing with nature.
She uses transport via plants to bounce back and forth from Magnimar to Sandpoint and maintain her slowly-growing group of followers.
The trip to Absalom still interested her, so she rejoins Eugeni and Jeevika to be there for the teleport.
The teleportation to Absalom is without issue, and you arrive in a side street that is conveniently empty, so no alarms are raised at your sudden magical arrival. The main street connecting to your current location is bustling with activity, however.
"Of course. I was also able to get the gems you requested for your ice sculpting," Jeevika says as she turns said goods over to Eugeni. "With us being relatively close to the mines of the Five Kings Mountains, they were readily available. Before we leave, could you Veil Lorthan and whoever else might need it?"
After Eugeni teleports the group to Magnimar, Jeevika immediately sets to work and spends most of the day selling goods, purchasing items, and commissioning upgrades. While there is much to do, it certainly helps that the group has already lightened their loot load in three other cities. However, without assistance from someone such as the illustrious Argor Blakros, it still takes her an entire day to accomplish everything.
By the second day in Absalom, Jeevika feels the full scope of her new headband take effect and welcomes the extra spell slots. To keep her options open, she only prepares her usual dual Magic Vestments, Tears to Wine, and a Word of Recall set to Magnimar. She casts the Magic Vestments, Moment of Prescience, and Vindicator's Shield. The spells are boosted by her new Orange Prism Ioun Stone, which Jeevika promptly turns back over to Ryli.
"I just need it for buffing; it would make more sense if you carried it otherwise. Unlike Setsuna and yourself, I mostly use my magic for healing, utility, and augmentation."
After reviewing Sabrina's final letter, Jeevika is able to find a mentioning of a Verde Heights, which appears to be the residence of Argor Blakros.
I have been burying that poor man with Sendings, and my timing has been atrocious. Perhaps I should just see if a servant would be willing to let me in and collect Attica's stuff? I have enough written proof of our relationship.
With a hesitant nod of approval at her plan, Jeevika is able to get directions to Verde Heights.
This feels so surreal, the Holy Vindicator thinks as she simply waltzes up to the front door and knocks.
"Hello there! I am Sabrina's mother Jeevika, Holy Vindicator of Shelyn. I apologize if my timing is once again atrocious, but may I collect my deceased daughter's possessions? I have proof of our relationship; Sabrina wrote quite often. Alternatively, just imagine me with black hair!" she says to whoever opens it.
My Goddess, that last line was so corny. I should just turn around and leave.
A young woman with silken, raven-black hair, and eyes leaking violet energy hurries through the hall and into the grand foyer. She skids to a stop in front of the Elven woman, looking shocked and bewildered.
"What-- what did you say?!?!" she screeches, looking horrified.
"...'Hello there! I am Sabrina's mother Jeevika, Holy Vindicator of Shelyn. I apologize if my timing is once again atrocious, but may I [please] collect my deceased daughter's possessions? I have proof of our relationship; Sabrina wrote quite often. Alternatively, just imagine me with black hair!'" Jeevika (mostly) repeats herself, realizing that she neglected to say 'please' like a supposed professional diplomat should have.
The Herald Caller studies the woman before her and asks gently, "Is this a bad time? I can come back later. Lord Blakros did mention something about problems with a lich when I contacted him. Small world. I will be in town awhile, but I would... really, really appreciate it if I had something of hers to bury."
Sab-- Sabrina's dead?" she asks in a small voice. "No, she was going home, she was going to be a big sister, she was going to "
Looking lost, the young woman paces frantically as a midnight black cat poofs into existence next to her, mewing. Tears run down the woman's cheeks as she fights to keep from sobbing uncontrollably.
...Sabrina lied to them?
Seeing the woman's reaction seems to stir something in Jeevika.
...Ironic. She's crying more for Attica than I did.
Truth be told, after a decade of her eldest living life on its absolute edge, Jeevika had been... anticipating Sabrina's death for years. Jeevika hates herself for such a mindset, but it is much like, no, exactly the situation with Vince; Jeevika had ultimately been able to brace herself when her fears had come true. Neither death had been a surprise anvil to the head like Setsuna's.
And I did absolutely nothing to save them. Setsu's demise was a freak incident, but Sabrina and Vince? I could have saved them. I could have...
Jeevika finds herself suddenly trembling.
"It seems that Sabby was beloved by her peers. That is truly nice to know," Jeevika manages to squeak out. "I thought you knew... Are you... No, you're obviously not okay. Is there anything I can do to help, Miss...?"
She tries to compose herself, wiping the tears away from her eyes as best she can. "I'm Cladissa d-- I mean, Velorryan." She sniffles and looks up at her. "I'm so sorry for your loss."
Upon learning Cladissa's identity, Jeevika smiles lightly.
"...Atticus' daughter? Truly? Small world," Jeevika says, this time without the sass. "Thank you, Cladissa. Best I can gather, Sabrina perished in battle. The Divination said that she faced a dark reflection of herself and won. Sadly, the price of victory required the ultimate cost."
Jeevika leans against a nearby wall and has to suppress her own sniffle.
"Sabby was very fond of you. I never figured out how she managed it, but my eldest was able to write to me almost weekly. She practically sent me a book each time! ...And each time, Sabrina always said nothing but wonderful things about you, Cladissa."
Cladissa's smile shines on tear-streaked cheeks. "Yes, she told me about what my father did for your husband. My condolences. You've suffered too many losses of late. Nid yw geiriau'n ddigon i fynegi dyfnder fy ngristwch,"
"Words are not enough to express the depth of my sorrow."
"Please, come and see if there's anything of Sabrina's that you'd like. She didn't leave much. She was kind of a whirlwind. Oh, and please excuse the webs. A novel choice of decor, I know, but quite useful."
"Thank you. It's just me and Shion now. And my condolences to you too, Cladissa. Something tells me that Sabrina's passing is just the cherry on top of your recent troubles."
As Jeevika makes her way into the house, she pauses by a particular area.
"Would that be the 'Legendary Argorian Pantry' I've read so much about? My Goddess, Mr. Blakros was so generous to her."
After being escorted to Sabrina's room, Jeevika collects what she can find. True to Cladissa's words, there is not much left. Evidently, Sabrina took her most important and precious items when she left to face her dark reflection.
The Holy Vindicator considers something.
"Cladissa, please do not be too upset with Lord Blakros. I do not think he deliberately hid anything from you. The first time I attempted to contact him, I neglected to properly identify myself and assumed that he already knew of Sabrina's passing, which obviously confused him. The second time, it appears that I caught him in the middle of something very important. In short, I think that he has not had time to properly process what I told him.
"In her final letter to me, Sabrina expressed happiness that she seemed to help patch your relationship with him. It was the most positive thing she mentioned; most of it was her trying to make sense of her failing friendship with someone named Windy. I obviously do not know the full story in either instance, but regardless, Sabrina would not wish for 'Classy and Argoo' to fight over such a... minor miscommunication."
Jeevika pauses a moment before chuckling.
"If there is one thing I wish I fully understood about Sabrina, it would be: how did she think up those... interesting nicknames?"
"Sabrina's mind was one of eccentricities and novel humor," a voice says from behind and above. Argor descends from the upper level of the manor and his feet come to rest a bit behind the talking pair. "My pardon, but I do not believe I have had the privilege of an introduction. I am Lord Argor Constantine...formerly referred to as Lord Blakros, though it would seem such a title is not accurate given some recent data we have discovered. As such, I suppose it would be prudent to revert back to the name given to me by my Master."
A halfling sized angel alights beside Argor as he continues, "To whom do I have the pleasure of hosting?"
"That is an apt description!" Jeevika says with another chuckle.
She performs a curtsy.
"I am Setsuna and Sabrina's mother Jeevika, Holy Vindicator of Shelyn," Jeevika answers, presenting her holy symbol out of habit. "It is an honor to finally meet you, Lord Constantine. I came to Verde Heights to collect Sabrina's remaining possessions, but I am actually in the city on a continuation of Setsuna's business."
She takes a second to calm her nerves.
"I suppose you could say that I am taking over for her. Much like her big sister, Setsuna is sadly no longer with us. Nonetheless, I sincerely wish to thank you for helping her and the other Varisian Rangers, Lord Constantine. You really pulled through for them."
Cladissa can only nod in agreement to Jeevika's assessment that news of Sabrina's death was just the latest in a string of tragedies. She doesn't elaborate on her own troubles, but sits silently as the elven woman peruses the sparse belongings of her daughter.
She was about to ask about the possibility of a raise dead or greater spell, but Jeevika mentions Argor. Her mind dances around the idea of being mad at him for not telling her, but she ultimately discards the notion. She was simply too emotionally spent to summon any real anger toward him.
And then he floats into Sabrina's room. She swallows, then clears her throat.
"Get any sendings lately?" she asks with a hint of menace in her voice. Just because I'm not mad, doesn't mean I can't make him squirm. Sabby would appreciate that.
Argor looks to Cladissa at her chiding comment, before turning his own glowing blue eyes back to Jeevika.
"So you are the source of the sendings I received recently. And it is true then, without a doubt? I had intended to investigate the matter personally before making such an emotional announcement to my companions...but...being her mother, I trust that you would know for certain if anyone would," he says as he hovers over to stand alongside Cladissa.
"I must beg your pardon at the lax hospitality we have to offer, currently. We have ourselves are in the midst of a very important and confidential mission. We have only just returned to Absalom to tend to some of our own business before returning to our task at hand. Even so, we hopefully have a few days respite."
"I am indeed the source of the Sendings. As I informed Cladissa, I was under the impression that you already knew about Sabrina's passing and simply wished to personally express my gratitude for helping her and Setsuna. In hindsight, I have no idea how I reached that conclusion."
Jeevika sighs and shrugs at her cluelessness.
"It is quite alright, Lord Constantine. I understand. It appears that we are all in surprisingly both very and eerily similar situations."
Almost like dancing, Jeevika shifts slightly on her feet. She looks around to see if anyone else is listening and only speaks when she seems sure that is not the case.
"By any chance, did Sabrina tell either of you about her... 'history'? Her final letters hinted at something along those lines, but she was also somewhat vague."
Argor considers a moment. "Sabrina confided a bit about herself to me. Out of respect for her, I would not break that trust she gave me, even in her death. Especially since an attempt at returning her to this mortal coil is a possibility that could be pursued."
Cladissa's head whip's back and forth between Argor and Jeevika as they talk about a secret she shared. Her mind quickly catches up, though, and recalls her own encounter with Sabrina's doppelganger.
"If money's an issue, I can contribute," she says, hopeful that her friend could be brought back. "I might even have some favors I could pull with the Seventh Church. They'll remember her."
Jeevika studies Argor and Cladissa for a long moment.
"She once told me that you two were her heroes. I believe I now understand why."
The Holy Vindicator smiles slightly.
"Money is not an issue," says Jeevika as she produces her Resurrection diamond. "The odds are good that I could use this for her. If not, then I could secure the resources easily enough."
Jeevika carefully tucks away the gem.
"The issue is that I have no remains. Not even a drop of blood. Admittedly, Setsuna's death has left me a bit too distracted to use divination magic, but even with such spells, I feel like it would be trying to find a needle in a haystack. I- ...There's a buzzard, no, roc wearing a top hat and monocle roosting just outside your window, Lord Constantine. And it's staring at us."
As if to confirm Jeevika's crazy claim, there's a light tap on the window.
"One moment please!" Jeevika says she scurries over to the conveniently placed window and opens it. The roc moves around to allow her. "Olympus?! What are you doing here? Why did Grandmother stick you in a top hat and monocle?"
The dapper roc screeches at Jeevika.
"No, no, Olympus is bigger. You're... Wait, oh, I know this! Uh, you're dressed for something... Dinner?"
A screech.
"...Turkey? Olympia Turkey?"
Another screech. The roc reaches out with her beak and starts to pull on Jeevika's sleeve.
"You want me to follow you?"
As if to confirm Jeevika's question, Olympia flies off toward the entrance of Verde Heights.
"Well, if that isn't a sign of Sabrina speaking beyond the grave, I have no idea what is," Jeevika mutters to herself. She turns to her new acquaintances, "Cladissa, Lord Constantine, it was wonderful meeting you. Perhaps we can socialize more... formally when things have settled down?"
Jeevika starts running in place, but before she blasts out the front door at mach 27, the Holy Vindicator pauses and turns to the two, "...Oh, where are my manners?! Of course you could come along if you wish!"
Cladissa dithers a bit, and looks sheepishly at Argor. "I was going to, um, well, sure." She sticks out her hand and says "Dyson!" In a few moments, a broom comes rushing toward her and flies straight into her hand. She then sits gracefully side-saddle and flies after Jeevika.
Argor flies along quietly, uncertain as to Cladissa’s current mood and feeling towards him. However, he was curious as to this visitor and her claimed connection to Sabrina.
No one is quite sure how long it takes to get there, nor is the path to their destination quite certain, but Olympia ultimately leads the trio to the remnants of a relatively fresh battleground. Generally speaking, the terrain is as desolate as Absalom was following the Onyx Order's brutal invasion. Despite the scars of war, the area is surprisingly well hidden; it would be difficult to find without an idea of its location in the first place; in a sense, it is probably the last place anyone would think to look.
In the center of all the chaos is a very familiar individual. She appears to be unmutated.
"...Sabrina?" Jeevika asks hopefully after she catches her breath.
"...Huh? Someone's here? Turkey finally understood my instructions?! Wait, Mom?"
A concerned frown appears on Jeevika's pretty face.
"Sabrina, you're a..."
Sabrina suddenly materializes before her mother.
"Ghost," Yig's Champion finishes nonchalantly. "Yeah, I'm a ghost. I know. Hey, hey, hey! Easy, Mom! I'm not Evil! Ghosts are, like, the one type of undead that aren't necessarily Evil!"
"Sabrina, I would never-" Jeevika says before getting cut off.
"I saw your sword arm twitch, Mom," her eldest daughter mumbles dryly as she starts to float upside down.
"You surprised me!" counters Jeevika. "Please understand, sweetie; I just endured what is most likely the second hardest week of my life. It has left me very... tense."
A pause.
"...Setsuna's really dead, huh? I was starting to wonder if that sudden hole in my heart was just undeath finally starting to drive me insane," sighs Sabrina. She finally seems to notice who else is present. She practically squeals with glee, "Classy? Still a spider, huh? Argor? No longer gold I see."
"I was meeting with them to collect your possessions," explains Jeevika, "when we saw your bird companion roosting in Argor's yard."
"Through a conveniently placed window I bet?" asks Sabrina.
A confused Jeevika nods in affirmation.
"Took her long enough," grumbles Sabrina dryly. "I've been trying to get her to fetch someone for like... what's it been? A few weeks? Several months? I've lost count. You know, I've been wondering if my amazing timing died with me. It looks like it was just waiting for a really good, dramatic moment."
"Your timing is impeccable," Jeevika concedes, having dealt with this fact for over thirty years. "If you're a ghost, then I believe that means you left some remains?"
"Yeah. I think I'm that bloodsmeer on that wall over there," remarks Sabrina as she lazily points out said bloodsmeer. "That final explosion was really intense."
"Is there any particular reason you still linger here?" Jeevika asks, her voice heavy with concern.
There is a long pause.
"...I'm terrified of facing Pharasma," Sabrina admits softly, suddenly very somber. "We all know what's going to happen. I'm going to be sent to some awful place, and my soul is just going to further fuel the Evil machine. Given my record, the twisted parody of my former self that I become is probably just going to make things much worse for everyone. Like founding my own new evil outsider species and evil plane of existence worse. The same old song and dance!"
"And yet I don't want to live again either! What's the point? I'll never do enough good to earn a nice afterlife, and you can't even live a normal life without a surprise army of giants or heavily equipped goons, dragons, and nightshades falling on top of your house! I tried, and look what happened! I literally tried to rope myself back into my old life! If I don't become... Her again at some point, I'm just going to die again and eventually fuel this awful cycle of evil and abuse!"
Sabrina pauses a moment to clear her tears.
"And even if I somehow get the better of Pharasma like Urgathoa or Sun Wukong, I'm kind of terrified that I'll never see Setsuna again. This hole... This feeling... The look on your face, Mom! I just know that our Sunset's gone! Gone forever!"
Sabrina shudders.
"Setsuna did everything right. She was generous. She was righteous. She was kind. She was compassionate. She almost certainly died a hero. She... succeeded where I failed... And yet she got the fate I deserve. Oblivion. How is that justice? How is that right? How is that Good?!"
She flies over to Jeevika and looks her mother dead in the eyes.
"That's why I linger, and that's why I... did what I did."
Her gaze briefly turns to Cladissa and Argor, and Sabrina actually manages to smile.
"However, hopefully, my life was at least a little well lived."
Cladissa's eyes moisten at the reunion, as well as seeing proof of her friend's death. She swallows a lump in her throat and stays silent as she talks with her mother.
When Sabrina looks at her with a smile, Cladissa nods. "Well, you were a friend. You were my friend."
She wipes her eyes as her lip trembles. "But if you decide to stay like this, you'll stay like this. In-between. Unsure. Afraid. Filled with regret. Move on, and you'll get your answer about your life, and I think it won't be as bad as you think."
She glances at Jeevika. "But if you come back, you can live. It would be filled with more trials, true, but also filled with chances to do more good. The world needs that. I need that, now more than ever. When this mess with the Pathfinders is done, I'm going back to Galt.
"And I'd love to have you with me."
Argor remains silent, but gives Cladissa a concerned look when she mentions returning to Galt once their current mission was over.
Eventually, however, he does speak up. "It is indeed your choice whether or not to return to the mortal coil. You stand just as much of a chance of doing works of good as works of evil...the same chance that any of us have. In the end, it isn't the weight of a deity or outsider that will make those choices for you. Only you can choose the type of life to live. But you know as well as I that to persist in undeath will eventually lead to a distinct type of madness that could lead you to do things your rational mortal mind may regret. As such, I think you need to conclude for yourself in the near future how you would like your soul to endure..."
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Sabrina floats silently as she intently listens to her friends' words.
"Sabrina, I... agree with you," Jeevika finally answers. "In my opinion, you are probably the first individual to really see the flaws with how our... existence works. I mean, truly see those faults. I would not be surprised if others have said something or believed something similar, but I doubt it has ever been to the same degree. To the same understanding."
Jeevika closes her eyes and takes a deep breath.
"May I call you...?"
Sabrina pauses a moment before nodding.
"Atty, you are being much too hard on yourself. If we look at the objective facts of what actions you committed versus your ultimately intentions or all of these maybes and what ifs, you were... never a monster like Karzoug or the members of this Onyx Order. You never spilled the blood of innocents to achieve your goals. You only used violence as a last resort. Until we fought, the only focus of your aggression were a few wicked creatures like fiends; if slaying them is a sin, then we are all doomed for Hell, Abaddon, or the Abyss. I know that you sometimes struggle to remember everything that happened, but you even used your powers to help others in need. Even if I was not your mother, I feel like... many would have struggled to stop you."
Jeevika looks away in shame.
"I know I did. When you told me your dream, all those years ago, I very nearly joined you and your cause. It was the greatest temptation of my life. If I had not known that it was rigged, no, doomed from the start... If He had never been a factor..."
Jeevika turns to look back at Argor and Cladissa.
"If your letters are true, then I think you helped your friends here. I obviously do not know the full story, but it sounds, looks, feels like your time with them was mutually beneficial for all parties."
"...Yeah. When I met him, Argor had a stinky imp. Now he has a lovely angel," Sabrina agrees with a smirk. She looks over at Cladissa, "And even if life still gives her grief, at least Classy can chuck sixth level spells right back at it. I guess I did help her with Sir Preston. I think? Well, I certainly didn't make things worse."
Jeevika pulls her resurrection diamond from her pocket and presents it, "I can bring you back right now. You'd be a little drained, but I could fix that too."
Sabrina seems to heavily consider it.
"...Isn't that meant for Mr. Tortellini?" she asks hesitantly.
"Tileani," Jeevika corrects. "Did Setsu...?"
"Yeah. Setsuna kept calling him Mr. Tortellini," Sabrina answers with a genuine laugh.
"To answer your question, it is, but Zoli seems on the fence. She thinks that Setsuna made the offer out of... guilt," answers Jeevika with a sigh. "I truly wish I knew what to say to correct that idea."
"...You're gonna be fighting a godsforsaken Runelord soon, right? Well, in that case, even if Zoli ultimate decides to let her father rest forever, keep that diamond until you're done. Setsuna was so modest about how much and how often she saved their rears, but without her, they would have never made it past Hook Mountain. Knowing those other Rangers, they will need a Kailani keeping them on their feet," declares Sabrina before pausing, "Except maybe Grandma Rilee."
"Ryli," again corrects Jeevika.
"See? That's exactly what I mean!" exclaims Sabrina.
The ghostly druid turns her attention to Cladissa and Argor.
"Even if I returned right now, I don't think I'd be much help against the Onyx Order. The serum was exhausted during the fight, and even with it, I was always second fiddle to Handsome Honey. Turkey also tells me that you have ol' Thrassk helping you out now and that Sonny is proving to be a machine with his sword... Even if Mom had a second diamond in her other pocket..." Sabrina abruptly pauses to make sure that is not the case. Upon getting confirmation as such, she continues, "I'm just... so burned out right now.
"Argor, I... know that we've had our disagreements. Still, like Classy, you've really made something of yourself in such little time. That's what I amazed me when I first learned of you! Working with Argor Constantine... I was so excited! When we first met, I know that you thought I belonged in an asylum, so I tried really hard not to antagonize you. (Except eating from your pantry. It would have been an insult your hospitality not to show my appreciation!) I was... worried about where you would end up, but you were always fair and generous to me. I appreciate that. Even when you learned the truth about me, you... accepted me. Warts and all. You're a smart, wonderful man, Argor. A true hero. A great friend. I'll never forget how you helped Setsuna. And me..."
"Classy, I'll... think about it. Your offer. However, for now, I think that Setsuna needs some company in the Boneyard until she returns. Knowing her, she is hiding from Pharasma until Mom can bring her back. Until then, I'll be that little squirrel in her backpack! Speaking of sisters, I really hope things work out with Auronee. I was... getting somewhere with her. I think, I really do, she was starting to see the error of her ways. Maybe. Just a little? If there is one thing lingering here helped me sort out, it's that she probably isn't a traitor. Despite everything, Windy always accepted me. I wish I could tell her... how much I appreciate that...
"And Classy, I... When we met, I saw you - a good person - hurting, and I just wanted to do something to help. I know that I made a total fool of myself, but I just... seeing you suffer was so painful! I just... I think I saw myself in you, and I didn't want you to go down the same wrong road I did. Perhaps I saw a bit of Setsuna too. I thought the world of her, and I think the world of you too. Like her, Classy, you've proven to be much more resilient that I ever was. Even if things don't work out with Sir Preston, I'm glad that you found comfort in Iomedae's service. If nothing else, she appears to be on your side! I mean, she literally dumped Sir Preston in Absalom to help us! You've... come such a long way in so little time! I would... be happy to see where you end up. And assist you on that journey... You're so... wonderful, Classy. You were... are an awesome friend."
The ghostly druid starts breaking apart into several particles of light.
"...Mom, I..." Sabrina chokes, before breaking into tears.
Despite her daughter being incorporeal, Jeevika somehow holds Attica Kailani until she fades away.
After collecting some of Sabrina's cleaner remains and having a fire elemental burn the rest, Jeevika approaches Argor and Cladissa.
"You have my sincerest thanks and gratitude. As I informed Lord Constantine, you all succeeded where I failed. Even as soon as just before she joined your team, Atty was very... apathetic about life. Besides maybe when she interacted with Setsuna, she just seemed to be going through the motions. Well, I suppose she also ping-ponged between apathy and hedonism."
Jeevika sighs.
"I am aware that my eldest daughter was... an acquired taste. When she met two of the other Rangers, she did not leave the best impression; only her great-grandmother truly embraced Sabrina to any degree, and going by Setsuna's account, even that interaction was... tentative? If it was not clear, her mind was a bit of a scrambled egg after... what happened. I tried my best to help her, but it proved to be like the nursery rhyme; all the Queen's horses and all the Queen's men... For the longest time, I thought it was because she resented me. However, it is now clear that she actually felt guilty for putting me through all the... difficulties I endured. That likely complicated my efforts."
The Holy Vindicator smiles.
"However, thanks to you, it appears that Atty finally started to heal. She was able to make some peace with her past; she once told me that her time with you caused her sense of empathy to 'crawl out of the shallow grave once called my heart.' It was truly, to borrow a word she loved, wonderful to see that empathy become compassion. Again, Argor, Cladissa, you have my thanks. As for me, I will do my best to bring her back to us. At first, I felt that her farewell would be forever, but now I am optimistic that this is merely the end of a chapter in her life, not the end of her story. Without you, I do not think that would be possible."
Jeevika bows to the two Pathfinders.
"Perhaps when our lives calm down, we can... socialize more properly? ...You know, hang out. I would love to get to know you all better."
Cladissa nods tearfully as Sabrina says her goodbyes. There was so much to tell her, about Auronee, about Sir Preston, and everything else. But there was simply no time. She smiles and waves goodbye, trusting that she'll learn all about it at some point in her journeys into the next life, of if she ever decides to return.
Cladissa gives Jeevika a hug after it was all over. "I agree wholeheartedly. Yes, we should. I also understand you've been keeping some packages on my behalf? I don't need them yet, but I will. So, yes, let's stay in touch. It was wonderful to meet you, Sabby's Mom."
Argor bows his head slightly, ”Certainly, Miss Kailani. Provide me some advance notice of your arrival and I shall insure that your accomadations are arranged.”
Jeevika happily returns Cladissa's hug.
"That would be correct, dear. If you need those items, just let me know. I will admittedly be quite busy for the next couple of months or so; I believe that you all have some inkling of recent events in Varisia. However, should you ask, I will do what I can to get them to you in a timely manner. Even if something were to happen to me, there are contingencies in place; rather fittingly for a merchant and a lawyer, Vince and Atticus were very thorough with their plans."
Jeevika turns to Argor and smiles, "Such a delightful gentleman! I appreciate your hospitality, Lord Constantine. And again, I cannot thank you enough for all the kindness you showed my family."
Eventually, probably after many more reluctant goodbyes, Jeevika manages to force herself to go her separate way from the Pathfinders. As much as she would love to further socialize with Argor and Cladissa, it is obvious that they have (like her) have very important matters to attend.
OoOoO
At some point during her stay in Absalom, Jeevika finds herself staring at one of her Candles of Invocation. Such a simple item, and yet...
Deep in thought, the Holy Vindicator finds herself pacing, trying to decipher the best words. She knows that Setsuna once tried to contact the person on her mind, but there had been no reply. The elf found the entire situation rather tragic. For whatever reason, the other Rangers have seemed to just have... moved on from what happened after their battle at Fort Rennick. Admittedly, Karzoug is a big distraction. Moreover, Eugeni and Ryli are essentially different people than they were back on Hook Mountain. A strong case could be made for Zoli too.
Jeevika finds herself studying Setsuna's will and sighs. Recalling that she is no alone, the Herald Caller begins to pray.
"Eternal Rose, Lady of Chrysanthemums, I humbly ask for your assistance in this endeavor. Like many others, Setsuna wanted to help Shalelu. She sought to bring a lost soul home to her loved ones. With Setsuna gone, that wish now falls to me to fulfill. I just... This entire tragedy has left a rainbow of blood in its wake. So many lives lost. So much needless suffering.
"Setsuna loved this world so much. That love gave her an intense desire to right the wrongs she saw. Even when she was powerless to realized her wishes, Setsuna never gave up hope that it was possible. Shalelu's situation is familiar to me. I suspect that it is to you as well. Together, we could make my daughter's hope a reality. At this time, I would love nothing more. I just... pray that I am given this chance to make something right."
Ryli wanders around the streets of Absalom with Lorthan and Kallie, gawking at the size of the place and the throngs of people. It was at once wonderful and terrible. Beautiful and ugly. A monument to both ingenuity and excess.
She is fascinated, but glad her stay will be short. She tries to recall if she'd ever lived here, but draws a blank.
She and Lorthan spend a great deal of time in the marketplace, trying all manner of treats and goodies and stuffing themselves until they are positively waddling for being so full.
In the magic shops, she finds a powerful rod to greatly enhance her spellcasting, and buys several objects to better improve Lorthan's defense.
Finally taking a break, they find a nice garden where they give their hooves and talons a rest. Ryli begins nursing Kallie discretely.
"Thank you for coming with me. This city is quite overwhelming for me. I'm sure for you, too. But together, we conquered Absalom." She issues a satisfied burp. "And its markets."
Everywhere you go, the pair of you have a crowd of onlookers. Some seem to try and avoid you, others seem enthralled and enameled and whisper excitedly to one another.
While you recover from your most recent indulgences, a young couple approaches, the mother carrying a small child in a wrap in her arms. The father bows humbly as the mother curtsies. [b]”P-pardon me Ser, M’Lady. W-would ye...would ye...”
The mother nearly hurls herself and her child onto Lorthan! ”Please, M’Lord! Give my child yer blessin’!!! You all do such great things for us, I just want my baby girl ta grow up an’ do the same!!!”
Lorthan, absolutely shell shocked and confused, looks to Ryli for help in how to handle the situation.
Ryli blinks in surprise, but provides the blessings of the Wheel and of nature. "Wow, you are very well-informed here!" she remarks.
She tugs at Lorthan to get him to move. "Smile and wave. I can't help but have the feeling that we're being mistaken for someone else."
Jeevika is relieved that Shalelu is alive. However, she finds herself worrying about the mental health of her fellow elf.
Tribes? ...Ogre tribes? ...Were there other ogre tribes around Hook Mountain besides the Kreegs?
That was the most likely answer. From what Setsuna had said, Shalelu had sounded incredibly kind and heroic. Jeevika cannot imagine her suddenly resolving to slaughter a bunch of human tribes. With a sigh, the Holy Vindicator decides to gather more information.
The response you receive is a repeated mantra of “I am the Beast.”
Jeevika groans in frustration. After thinking over her options, she decides to seek out Ryli. If nothing else, her Grandmother could transport her to the Hook Mountain area.
Once they are relatively alone, Jeevika explains the situation.
"I contacted Shalelu. She's alive, but her mindset is 'I am the Beast.' Going by her words, I got the impression that she is... systematically eliminating the local ogre tribes. Otherwise, all she kept saying was 'I am the Beast.' Emphasising that I could change her back in a few seconds tomorrow morning with no catches or complications, I made the offer twice, and it was always 'I am the Beast.'"
Jeevika groans and massages her temples in frustration.
"I might as well just burn Setsuna's will right now. Here I am, offering literal Miracles to fix everyone's problems, and they're all too stubborn to let me help!"
Jeevika again groans and buries her face in her hands.
"I have the capabilities to warp reality and resurrect the dead, but ultimately, none of it matters; what I want to change refuses to be altered, and everyone, especially anyone I love, stays dead. If I better allocated my resources, I could probably end all our present problems in a day, but I'm too uncertain, careful, or cowardly to take the risk! When she lacked the ability to accomplish something through power, Setsuna could still carve out victory after victory through sheer personality and will. Meanwhile, I have all the power she needed, and yet none of it matters! ...I'm truly a special kind of pathetic, aren't I, Grandmother?"
Jeevika eventually recovers from her angst-induced coma.
"Grandmother, would you kindly Transport me and Elthariel via Plants to Hook Mountain? ...Actually, would you and Lorthan be willing to accompany me and Elthariel to Hook Mountain? I want to see, in person, if this endeavour is as fruitless as it seems."
Ryli recalls her storm-addled memories of the incident, bringing back Shalelu into the body of a primordial crocodile. Her hooves paw at the ground urgently. "Oh, by the Wheel; we shouldn't have ever left her. She was so beautiful. But clearly was too much for her mind. And we had a dam that was about to burst, killing a whole town and sending their souls to Karzoug -- though we didn't know that part at the time."
She nods, composing herself. She felt marginally better; knowing that they made what was likely the better choice. Hopefully they'll be able to rectify what she did to Shalelu.
"Jeevika, I've lived for millennia, yet I still make mistakes, and cannot stop those I care about from harm. Don't lose hope. Your powers are exactly what we need right now."
With that, she casts transport via plants once she finds a suitable oak tree that can link them between the two distant lands.
Shortly after arrival, Elthariel reaches into her pocket and pulls out a small stone statue of a wolf. She gently places it on the ground and utters a soft word. Much like Olympus, the object rapidly expands into a real, breathing creature.
"It's been too long, Fenrir," Elthariel whispers as she hugs the wolf's giant head. She turns to the others and explains, "I didn't want him scaring the locals. A giant wolf would probably be the final straw..."
After uttering a lazy yawn, Fenrir promptly trots over to Lorthan and affectionately licks the draconic man's cheek.
"...Elthariel, I apologize for so frequently misspeaking your name. It runs in my family. Mom's awful about it, and both my girls had trouble keeping names straight. I believe that's why Sabrina often resorted to nicknames. Anyway, I promise that I will get it right from now on," Jeevika says with an embarrassed blush.
Jeevika briefly borrows her and Ryli's Orange Prism Ioun Stone and casts Extended Tears to Wine. After passing it around the group, she asks, "Elthariel, do you think you can track down Shalelu? I know that it sounds daunting, but I imagine there are only so many places an Awakened Dire Crocodile can hide..."
Before the group departs, Jeevika takes fifteen minutes to prepare three Heals, two Communal Air Walks, two Good Hopes, and another Tears to Wine.
After having his new ship hauled into a dry dock, and the having the special landing gear installed by a work crew, Eugeni has them row it to the nearest beach outside Magnimar's harbor, and beach the vessel. He gives them some poppycock about it being a unique home for him, wanting to live in a ship after his former life of sailing. They treat him like he is insane, but get the work done.
Eugeni makes sure the vessel is safe, and then veils it as a patch of beach while he teleports to the nearest mountain peak. He uses fabricate on the snow to make a sculpture of a great wyrm golden dragon, and three nymphs.
The sculptures are rather ugly, but will serve the arcanist's needs. He then retrieves the rubies Jeevika supplied him with, and begins the long rituals associated with bringing his creations to life.
A day and a half later , he places the final bit of ruby and chants the last line of the ritual, while three abnormally ugly nymphs stand at his back. As the sound fades from the mountain top, the massive dragon's eyes pop open and Eugeni smiles. "Good morning, Titanticus. I am your father."
***
Over the next few days, Eugeni has the new crew take to the skies in their flying dragon-carriage. They work out the kinks of this new and strange form of transportation. Then he leaves a message with the Inn where the group was staying to come see him outside the city when they return from Absalom.
Elthariel spends quite some time scouting the area. After a few hours, she returns. ”I see no signs of a crocodilian in this area. It is far too inhospitable to a creature of their kind. Are you certain she is here?”
"I can attempt a scrying on her," Ryli offers after turning into an air elemental and scouting a bit.
"And in a day, I could prepare the magics that will let me know everything about these lands."
"It was worth a shot. She has had time to travel, but she was also a giant cold-blooded creature traveling in the winter. I was not sure how far she could get," the Holy Vindicator explains to Elthariel.
Jeevika turns to Ryli and advices, "I would use the Greater version if possible. The regular one takes forever to cast and requires a silver mirror, which I do not believe that we have."