"Don't be scared." I murmured to Immy. She frowned at me, and rolled her eyes, as if to say 'what was scarier than Irenicus?'. I smiled listlessly.
"Alora!" Immy jumped up. "You're here!"
Alora looked very confused, then shrugged and the spectral host parted for the little halfling as she made her way over to Imoen. I didn't even have to say anything. I ignored Jaheira's look and Aerie's small smile. Inwardly, I drew a breath.
"Adalon, Firkraag, I summon you."
The massive red wyrm appeared on my left, and the majestic silver to my right.
"Your eggs." I called forth her murdered young.
"Well, this is a surprise." Firkraag rumbled. "I didn't expect to see you again, little manling."
"You didn't think I'd let you just stay dead, did you?" Immy punched me lightly for my coy grin. Firkraag chuckled. Adalon was less than amused, but when I met her eyes, I saw respect.
"Phaere, Solaufein, Matron Ardulace, welcome to my hall."
The drow blinked, and anger gripped the two women. Aerie cringed, and Jaheira's gaze was flat. I nodded to Solaufein.
"Good to see you again, my friend."
"I died…"
"By Phaere's order, at my blade. Just as she died in the teeth of that pit fiend." I shrugged. "The demon said you were 'murdered by the Bhaalchild', and that was me, so here you are." My tone gentled. "I've something for you."
Phaere's stare was nothing if not hostile.
"Oh stop. Go on." I waved them through the portal door, to an antechamber with pools fed by springs. The pools of healing tears, I decided, noting Bhaal's symbol and the tears he took from his victims. Tears of pain, fear and hate, trophies. It seemed only fitting to extend the imagery to encompass other feelings. After all, if I had given Joneleth and Bodhi back their souls, the least I could do was restore Phaere from the torments of the handmaidens of the Spider Queen. I felt Matron Adrdulace's hatred and dismissed her to a cell beside Bodhi without a further thought. Adalon nodded to herself.
"That was sweet." Immy whispered, and Aerie nodded, tears forming in her eyes. Even Jaheira's disapproval softened and Khalid offered a tentative smile. Yoshimo looked stricken, unable to take his eyes off the portal. I glanced at Tamoko. She looked back, her expression never changing.
"Sil of the Sirines."
