Aside from the occasional swamp critter, Dylph finds nothing else dangerous within the ruins.
***
It's nearly dark when the party returns to town to find festivities winding down as many have already retired for the night. It seems that, for the most part, the citizens of Rosehaven are unaware of Elm's passing and the danger just outside their limits. The mood is cheery as Bertinard, having returned since the attack on his home, leads those still in attendance in evening prayer.
"...and lastly, thank you Eternal Rose for blessing us with guests this Mercy light. Through their beauty, we better appreciate the world around us the lives in front of us." As the older man finishes his prayer, he gives the party a nod of recognition.
Armeline approaches once the prayer is finished and the remaining villagers disperse to their homes. "Bertinard told me what happened. What did you find out there?"
|
To the Leshy,
You are a fool if you think the threat is gone! The gnawing madness of the dark tapestry that spawns this sort of horror will never stop until all is nothingness! At best, we have earned this small village an ever-so-brief reprieve from the inevitable madness of existence!
Back at the town
Evil most foul! A local plant-person led us to the home of a druid from the area. He had been murdered and several flaming skeletons left in his home! We have defeated them however. You may rest easy - for tonight. Tomorrow will surely bring new horrors to confront!
|
Toral again shakes his head at the outburst of his nihilistic companion.
”Armeline, we saved some of the villagers and were able to stop a spreading evil! But that is our duty! To stand against evil in battle and business!“ he says beaming.
Then he sighs.
”But we came because of another matter. Armeline, you have to understand dear that the society is comprised of very different people and that we appreciate these different characters! And what you don’t know is that the Society is changing to become caring! The Society doesn’t drop people just because it is uncomfortable anymore! I do not know if you heard of the shadow lodge ... their members taught us that every member and every contact is as valuable as the society! Please accept our apology! Please let us cooperate again!“
Having become accustomed to Colin's brand of dramatics in the short time she's known the party, Armeline simply nods along with his doomsday portents.
Toral's heartfelt apology gets her attention. After a thoughtful pause, she clears her throat. "It's customary to bury old grudges at the end of Mercylight as Shelyn teaches that we can't appreciate the beauty around us without a clean canvas. After seeing all of you in action... you've convinced me that it is time to forgive the Pathfinder Society and rejoin the fray. Maybe I was wrong. Or maybe the Society has grown since I left."
"In any case, I'd like to accompany you back to the Woodsedge Lodge. Eliza Petulengro and I have some catching up to do."
