Back in the Drow City, I made my pseudo-report to Pharie, the only truth to the report being that I had the Gnome's helm. Her assumption lulled me into a false sense of the ease to which my mission would be accomplished. As you will see, I was soon to change my state of mind. After a bit of verbal sparing with Solafien, Pharie told me to report to her quarters within the hour. Since everything else had been a few days here, a few days there, this should have warned me that something unusual was about to take place. As it was, I was caught by surprise when, in reporting to Pharie as ordered, she commissioned me to kill Solafien. Can you feel through my words here how I just about balked at this job? Solafien was so vocally against Pharie that I had started to feel as if there were a Drow in existence with something in common with me - it was Solafien. Pharie wanted me to kill him? She wanted his cloak within three days time. I vowed to myself that I would not kill him unless he turned hostile on me as I told him the truth. If I had to kill him, the rest of this City would soon join the dead, or I would be dead. If relating the truth to Solafien would spare him, I would spare the City from death or my own death in the attempt.
Upon coming face to face with Solafien, he guessed the purpose of my visit. I made my confession, steeling myself for a likely battle. It was not necessary. Solafien made the connection that we were not Drow at all and made a confession of his own: he was not loyal to the Spider Queen Deity, and knew in his heart that his people had made a bad turn. He gave us his cloak and wished us well as he left for the shadows to watch for like-minded Drow; he thought that there might be more like him and he would seek them out hoping one day on the surface to see the moon of his true Deity.
The tears I shed as I write this into my Journal must seem strange to the Elves I see passing me by. They would not appreciate my tears for the Drow, since they seem to be mortal enemies of the Elves. I write of sadness for the Drow; it was for me as well. To think that I was so wrong - wanting to strike at them all only to have my eyes opened by Solafien that there was hope for the Drow. Perhaps hope for me, as well. I must rest as I find that I cannot continue my Journal at the moment.
I was then taken by another unwanted surprise. Having given Solafien's cloak to Pharie, she took me to her bedchamber and wanted me to "service her". This could not be; I would not be with any woman unless it was Aerie. Thankfully, I came up with an excuse that she believed. Out of her bedchamber, Pharie spoke to both Imoen and I for some time about the ascendancy of house Despana. Then, in mid-sentence, she seemed to go into a trance. Snapping out of it, she then told me that I should report to the Temple; the Matron Mother commanded my presence. This is what I was waiting for. For good or bad, my mission was almost over. It was hard presenting a dour face to Pharie. Once I was on my way, my face would have given myself away had any Drow been looking. Twenty paces later, I got control of myself; Imoen squeezed my arm and winked at me. I felt as if a heavy weight had fallen from my heart. I then caught myself and concentrated fully on the mission. Finding the door to the temple, we entered where I dare say no surfacer had gone before.
Pharie presented me to her Mother, the Matron Mother of house Despana. They had a bit of a spat that Pharie lost and I heard her speak meekly - imagine that, if you will! It turns out that the Matron Mother wanted to sacrifice the Silver Dragon eggs to a Prince of Demons for its aid against the Elves. In order to do it, she needed the royal blood of Koa-Toa, Beholder, Or Illithid. It had to be royal blood: from Elder Orb, Prince of the Koa-Toa, or the Over-brain of the Illithids only. I cheered to myself as I commented that I had what the Matron Mother needed. She exclaimed that it is so - that she was attuned to the elder blood but she had not thought to seek it upon my person. I gave the Matron Mother the Prince of the Koa-Toa blood. If any Drow later seeks to obtain the aid of a Demon Prince, it would now be impossible for the Drow to complete such a task against the Elves since they would not get it from me. I now intend to destroy the rest of the blood. The Elves would be safe from such a powerful foe. Good work if you can get it.
The Matron praised me and told me to rest and that I had done a great service for house Despana. Pharie said she was not quite done with me - that I was to report to her chambers within the hour. On our way back, a Priestess directed us to destroy some cult members in the area where the smuggler Beholder had appeared. We reversed course and defeated the cult all the while I was thinking of the coming end of our mission. Oh, and some fool Drow wanted to sell me a rope! Biting my tongue, I declined the offer. Back in front of the quarters that Pharie stays at, I spoke with the Priestess, thanking her for the opportunity to serve. Back with Pharie once again, she outlined a plan she had to take the place of her Mother as Matron of house Despana. She gave me a set of false eggs which I was to swap with the real eggs and she said not to fight with the egg guards unless necessary. I saw what she wanted to do and was only too eager to comply - the Matron Mother would be killed by the Demon Prince and, contrary to what Pharie thought would happen, I would interrupt that little "deal" to snatch the real eggs from both Pharie and the Demon Prince. A tough assignment, but one I was most happy to contemplate.
Moving to complete our own plan, we got to the Temple entrance and Solafien got our attention. He had a third set of eggs - ones that Pharie would think are real - just like the Matron Mother would think hers were real. The Demon Prince would destroy them both! I thanked Solafien for his outstanding aid in our endeavor. I then remembered the surface slaves. Moving back towards the Tavern, I hoped I could bluff my way into purchasing them. It did work. I had them equipped with weapons and armor and told them that if they were questioned, to say that they were performing a service for me, but to get back to the surface. I then hastily penned a note I would leave in the Drow City regarding the death of the Matron Mother and her eldest Daughter, Pharie, while also concisely stating my name and actions against the Drow in support of the Silver Dragon. We arrived at the Temple and I snuck into where they had the Silver Dragon's eggs and replaced them with the eggs that Pharie had given me. A rod of smiting that I had purchased earlier in the Drow City came in handy, as a few Golem constructs became hostile when I took the eggs. The rod, which was specifically enchanted to destroy constructs, did so quite quickly. Invisible once again, I left the egg depository and found my way back to the Temple exit.
Reporting back to Pharie, I gave her Solafien's eggs that she took to be the real eggs, but were not - I still had the real eggs! She invited us to witness the Demon Prince summoning; we were to go in haste to the Temple. Once Pharie teleported out, an Imp who was an agent of the Silver Dragon teleported in to remind us to get out of the City as quickly as possible. Once at the Temple, Pharie ushered us into the summoning room. The Matron Mother cautioned us not to interrupt the summoning upon pain of eternal torment. Once the Demon Prince appeared, I silently thanked Solafien once again for the extra eggs - fighting that Demon Prince might have taken too long and the might of the Drow City would already be upon us before we could escape. Since the eggs that were offered were false, the Demon instantly destroyed the Matron Mother. Pharie then spoke up saying that she offered the real eggs for the Demon Prince's aid in their war on the Elves. That was also a mistake and the Demon took Pharie's life, as well. We remained silent when the Demon Prince asked if there was another offering. It then departed. Imoen and I made a fast search of the bodies; a few items were taken, then we quickly headed for the exit of the City. I left the note at the entrance to the Tavern right before we left the City letting the Drow know the Matron Mother and her eldest Daughter were dead and how I aided the Silver Dragon against them.
Arriving at the Silver Dragon's lair, I hugged Imoen, telling her "Job well done". I told Imoen no doubt the Dragon would take us directly to where we needed to go to get to the surface. Therefore, I told her to rest up and prepare herself for the possibility of the last battle before we made it back to the surface - and closer to catching up with Irenicus. She agreed, saying that "Old Dragon puss could now wait - why not? The Eggs are safe in her lair."
Journal entry 32
Back to the Surface of Faerun
Something to mention here: Imoen was instrumental in helping me not only in the Underdark and elsewhere - but she pulled a tooth of mine that caused me to miscast my magic. We took 3 days off so that I could heal then magically prepare ourselves for what was next. I then discussed plans for finding the surface with Imoen. Should the Dragon not go all the way with us to the surface, we would finish invisible and not get involved in any more battles until after we got to the surface.
Ready now to see the sun or moon once more, we approached the Silver Dragon and gave her back her eggs that were stolen from her. She was most grateful. A really nice crossbow was given to me for which I thanked Adalon for such a powerful gift. Although I could not use it, it is the thought that counts. Morphing into the form of a human, the dragon took us to the door that leads to the surface and unlocked it for us. Saying our goodbyes, we then watched the dragon teleport away; from what she said, there will be a few less Drow around that area very soon. Casting my invisibility spell on Imoen then myself, we took heart that we would soon be on the surface; we did not care where we ended up. Just to feel the warmth and see the light of the sun once again was such a pleasurable thought. Looking over my shoulder for a bit, Imoen pokes me in the side and wants me to mention food. I wonder if she is ready for a change in menu, or is it that she is trying to make me think of my lost tooth and how I complained to her about my stomach noises since I fasted at Imoen's suggestion to allow my mouth to heal. I believe my fall into the IRS was the cause of losing the tooth, which makes me all the more want to return the favor and "de-fang" Bodhi.
As we moved around a few more Drow and spiders with the Elves that were in conflict with them, we soon found ourselves blinking back tears in the welcome sunlight of the surface. The sad part was that the Elves were unsure of our motives coming as we had from the Underdark. We now await a meeting with the Elven General. I close my Journal entry unsure of the state of our reception by the Elves. I think of Aerie, and in her name, will strive to tolerate any ignorance on their part in regards to our search for Irenicus and Bodhi.
Journal entry 33
Elven Captivity
The Elven General has grilled me while in the presence of his sages. The sages can detect falsehood or the truth of a statement. I was tempted to give a false answer to the first question that I was asked, but remained solidly in the blanket of truth in giving the General my answers. Would that he answer a few of my questions, since he seemed to know more than he let on about both Bodhi and Irenicus.
Anyway, he desires our help in obtaining an artifact of the Elves recently missing and presumed stolen called the Rhynn Lanthorn. I would wager Irenicus and Bodhi are at the root of the Elves not being able to find their City called Suldinessalar. Only with the Lanthorn can they now find this Elven City. I had guessed that Bodhi was keeping it to deny the Elves access to their City. Irenicus, I felt, was already within the City, doing whatever his evil plan called for. Having discussed these thoughts with Imoen and being released from Elven captivity, I thought to visit each area near the City of Coins. We would then return to the City itself as a last resort to find the location of Bodhi.
Journal entry 34
Search for Bodhi and the Rhynn Lanthorn
As we began our journey to our first stop, we bumped into Drizzit and his companions. I knew little of him. We met once in Baldur's Gate defeating a group of Gnolls. I thought, perhaps, to enlist his aid to help find and destroy Bodhi once and for all. However, I simply wished him good journey and we went our different ways. Bodhi will fall to my magic then to a stake in the heart; Imoen's soul will be returned. I finish this Journal entry from the Copper Coronet Inn. Every area has turned up empty of any trace of Bodhi. I should have already surmised that she would return to the City graveyard. Perhaps I delayed finding her due to the stinging questions of the Elves. I should, as well, mention their holding back of information regarding Irenicus and Bodhi. The Elven General would not speak of them; I am less than pleased by the lack of mutual information exchange. Unless Bodhi is found within the crypts of the City graveyard, then I know not where to look. I hope we shall be ready for her should we encounter her there.
Journal entry 35
The Death of Bodhi and Imoen's Restoration
Imoen's soul has been restored! Bodhi did what she could to deny us the Rhynn Lanthorn. It was not enough. I took all the right steps to give us the best chance against her and her minions including tainting their blood supply with Elven Holy Water. Bodhi went ballistic when she surmised I was in league with the Elves. I now have a good idea of the origin of both Bodhi and Irenicus. When Bodhi had been defeated, she had returned to her coffin. I gave Imoen a stake so that she could re-claim her soul from Bodhi. Imoen used the stake to end Bodhi's unnatural undead life. With great relief, I saw the color return to Imoen's cheeks.
Should I now survive the coming conflict with Bodhi's brother Irenicus, I may know more definitely if I am correct in my guess as to their conflict with the Elves. It is speculation at the moment; present moment willing, I will reveal their true story in my Journal at a later time. Despite any protests from the Elves. In my own instance, I know that the truth sometimes hurts. That truth should still be documented. Since I now had the Rhynn Lanthorn, the battle with Irenicus could shortly be fought. I wanted to savor life for a time; Imoen and I have had so many close calls that, seeing Imoen restored, I set her loose at the Copper Coronet to celebrate. I do have more on my mind than Irenicus and what may be my last few days of life. I have given Bernard, the barkeep of the Copper Coronet, a list of equipment I wish to give and whom to give it to in case of my death. As for Yoshimo, I had learned that his betrayal against me had been geas induced; I have carried both his sword and his heart since my time at Spellhold. The temple took his heart and did release Yoshimo's soul from the geas of Irenicus. I pray his spirit gets the rest it lacked in life. I retain Yoshimo's katana sword and will use it to mark the grave of Irenicus should anything be left of the body after I am done with him! When successful against Irenicus, I shall look to sunrise or sunset - whichever comes first - and use my voice as loud as I can - "I AM READY...I THINK!" And laugh - to think of what seemed to be Yoshimo's favorite saying. I can only hope his spirit will be laughing with me where ever it resides.
Journal entry 36
Remaining Steadfast
Even now, I hesitate. I have been thinking of Aerie. I resolved to ask her here and now to accompany me in my efforts against Irenicus. Then, I think to find Imoen and ask her if she wants to travel with me to the other side of the world away from anything to do with him. It would be so easy to do. Even now this calls to me; this, then, would be the last entry into my Journal. But, I have worked so hard in so little time to get where I am today. It would, itself, be a tragedy now to leave the conflict unfinished. It is also both my pleasure and honor to aid the Elves. I go now to Aerie.
Journal entry 37
Aerie Leaves the Circus
I have spoken at length with Aerie, who has agreed to travel with me. Having related to her my exploits of late and the struggle against Irenicus - that which is in my current moment, she seems to be interested, although I know not the length or depth of that interest. She seemed relieved when I related the story of how Pharie was intent on coupling with me and the lack of time spent with Pharie in her bedchamber; that I made false statements is not being held against me. I checked in with Imoen while also introducing her to Aerie. They seem to get along well, for which I am both relieved and thankful. I asked Imoen if she could wait a few more days, to which she responded heartily that sure she could soooo use an extended time off. Which reminds me that Imoen has gone through a lot, as well. She is a true friend as I am hers.
Journal entry 38
Aerie becomes Archmage and High Cleric
I took some time to find a quiet place near Watcher's Keep and showed Aerie the strategies and tactics I use in battle with my magic. We discussed magic unknown to me as well - Aerie's clerical spells. I wanted to see what she could do in that area, as well. Seeing a few gaps that I wanted her to fill, we left Watcher's Keep going back to the slums. There, we went through the scrolls I had accumulated and filled those gaps and added some more for later use. We also took a tour through the City.
Despite her natural aversion to the crowds, it had to be a better feeling - the freedom she lacked when she was an exhibit in the Circus. Some of the time was spent in looking for further spells. Aerie was able to get her mind off her dark past and the problems I discussed with her - that which might be in her present moment should she stay with me. She could not get enough of the Gnomish air device nor the device that runs under the water. The air device seems simple: she relates to anything to do with the sky. The under the water device I would venture to say since she is now tethered to the ground, the water is a new element I am sure she would like to explore. This perhaps also gets her mind off the loss of her wings. While we were in the City, I introduced Aerie to the few places that had books including my own.
After what ended up finishing off two weeks, I reminded myself that I should keep my promise that I would fulfill Aerie's dreams to the best of my ability. One of those was travel. Not the travel of a caged being, but the travel of one who is free. I had originally thought of taking but a few days time, but this all took on the length of around 3 months; maybe a bit more. Quite a few battles were won; Aerie did extremely well. It is such a great indication of Aerie's potential - our teamwork is set as if we had been working together forever. Aerie is also quite the natural with animals. Once, I thought a conflict with a grisly bear was unavoidable - Aerie got my attention and we crossed a stream away from the bear and continued in the same direction a bit. To my amazement, the bear did not follow us and attack. Aerie said the bear probably wanted its privacy while it 'fished' for food. I would assume the nature affinity is more a trait of Averial Elves than her potential for the Druid or Ranger class, although I am quite certain she would excel in either one.
All good things come to an end; I have heard this phrase and all I want to do is deny it. Why do people say that? One would think to promote such a saying as "All bad things come to an end." would be preferred, instead. Anyway, both Aerie and I feel it is time to go collect Imoen and continue on our journey and that which is most imperative: the saving of an Elven City no doubt being despoiled by Irenicus. After tonight, Aerie and I travel back to the City of Coins.
Journal entry 39
Impossible may be Possible
I can scarce believe what happened. Last night, Aerie wanted to show me her body and lay with me as Man and Woman; she wanted me to make love to her. I tried haltingly, if I remember correctly, to make her understand that the physical is not all there is to love. This morning, Aerie had done some thinking and thanked me for not taking advantage of her. I am glad she thought it was the right decision; I know it was, as well. It makes my heart soar like a falcon, this possibility of a true mutual love between Aerie and I. She may let it bloom; as it does, she can test it all she wants to her satisfaction. As I mentioned before, I would and will wait forever for her true love if that is to be. For now, not only is it untested, it is degraded as well by the dangerous task the three of us will be performing in defense of an entire Elven City.
When we got back to see Imoen, she was ready. I talked to them of my concern about human eyes possibly touching an Elven City for the first time. Again I spoke to stress the need to be sensitive to the needs of the Elves and to show them our best possible side - to be extremely careful. We may need to fight around innocents; our area effect spells may not be a good idea. We probably will not be able to use them, or perhaps only on a limited basis. With that in mind, we prepared our spell casting for the greatest possible efficiency. This battle may go far from our plan. I cautioned them both that flexibility may be the word for this battle.