Greyhame Mountain Dungeon 12.5

During the same week that Kord ventured forth alone to the Howling Tower, Blackleaf sought out Lailith, high-level cleric of St. Ursula, and the two were seen rising from the grounds of the Shrine of St. Ursula on the back of a flying broomstick and set out toward the east where looms the silhouette of the Greyhame Mountain ... but even as they set out, the sky darkened ominously with the beginnings of a summer storm ...


28 November's Roster:
Blackleaf (Elf 3)
Lailith (cleric 8)


A number of people in town, especially fellow adventurers at the Black Dragon's Meed regaled by Mizer with the tale of his adventure with Blackleaf, have heard that Blackleaf was confused and somewhat distressed by the reactions of others to the news that she had beaten and robbed the philosopher turtle; and moreover, for several days, she was seen speaking at length with Lailith at the Shrine of St. Ursula, especially concerning the nature of goodness, and how an Elf might acquire a soul.

So it was generally presumed that this setting-out of Lailith and Blackleaf together had something to do with seeking restitution for the turtle.

As they flew off, people noted the ominously storm-yellow skies which gradually darkened until the afternoon seemed evening, and the evening was pregnant with darkness until ultimately lightning flashed, thunder rolled, and heavy summer rains were unleashed below. This seemed to bode ill for a pair riding the back of a broomstick, but nothing was seen of the twain straggling back to town--where they killed by a stray thunderbolt? Pressing on regardless?

The rains continued for the rest of the week--and four days after first setting out, Lailith, wild-haired and weather-beaten returned to Brakeridge, supporting a badly drained and injured Blackleaf on the back of her broomstick. The twain descended to the grounds of the Shrine of St. Ursula; a few of the devoted congregants who have been won over by Lailith's constant ministrations of healing and curing of diseases saw the pair enter into the shrine, and Lailith make room for Blackleaf to rest in Lailith's own humble cell.

Some few rumors were learned by these devoted at this time, which of course spread through town after being spread to the local watering holes (though nothing like the boisterous regalings of adventurers returning to town flush and ready to spend and drink and boast all night long).

The pair did indeed seek the turtle-philosopher in the pool of the Brokenbrand Falls, and they found him, and Lailith cured him of his last hurts. They learned that his name is Khelonius, and that he was brought to the falls by Caliburn, third of the five Bronding Kings, and bedizened in recompense for his excellent learning and playing of chess with Caliburn and his sons.

Moreover, they seem to have won a truce at least, and perhaps a chance at forgiveness for Blackleaf, if she can bedizen him with new jewels ("Not that I'm vain," Lailith quotes Khelonius, rolling her eyes slightly, "but they were gifts of some sentimental value ...")

No, Blackleaf was not slain by the turtle; rather, she and Lailith disturbed the crown of the skeleton throned above the pool, and a party of misty-ghostly knights rose up and challenged for possession of the crown. Blackleaf was slain by their cold misty swords, but fortunately, Lailith was able to raise her. Now Blackleaf requires one full week of rest before she can do any further adventuring, and so she will likely miss the next expedition to the Greyhame Mountain Dungeon.

That's all the devotees can gather before they're shooed away. Blackleaf needs her rest, Lailith admonishes them, and shuts the door behind her to let Blackleaf rest while she herself goes forth to lead the evening round of prayers in her shrine.

------

Remembrance for the Fallen
Hot Dog (mastiff), Cross (mastiff), Orion II (lion dog), Bacon (boar hound), Tore (half-orc fighter 1/cleric 1), Jimmy the Snitch (dog), Orion (lion dog), Harambe (man-ape 1)

And for those Enchanted Away
Dol (fyrdman hireling)