19th Erastus, 4721 AR
Dragon people in a ship from beyond the stars? By Pharasma's throne, I've never even heard of such a thing before. That is a troubling development. I wonder where the other ships this Shipmind mentioned are. It might be something you wish to alert the Pathfinder Society about. I am sorry you didn't end up coming away with any treasure or relics. Others might not believe your tale, but I do, without question. I'm glad you're all alive and well. I know you did everything you could to succeed in spite of the odds. You were always like that in the Wound.
(She wonders if perhaps this is too supportive. She then pauses to wonder if there is such a thing as too supportive.)
For my part, the villagers worried about their elder being replaced by a spirit were just having a prank played on them by a rather flighty half elf with access to a lot of white paint and old clothes. He found the entire business to be great fun until he was tarred and feathered and run out of town. A nice change of pace from life threatening battles, I suppose.
We're going to be heading north, near the border, tomorrow. A series of battles was fought there during the Succession Wars that put that accursed House Thrune in charge of Cheliax. Father Oberius says it's the site of the largest mass graves in Ravounel. If any location will be ripe for the trade of a necromancer, it will be there. Hopefully, it will be nothing more than placing some protective wards and moving on.
-Violetta
20th Erastus, 4721 AR
(He smiles at how supportive Violetta is being.)
I guess I hadn't thought about how unbelievable this story would be until you laid it out like that. The Society will be finding out one way or another. Halo won't be able to resist talking about this one, I'm sure.
I would ask how they were dumb enough to be fooled by a guy in face paint and old clothes, but I've been accused of stealing babies from towns I've never been to before. It's usually even odds on whether I'm stealing them because I'm a tiefling or a Varisian. Sometimes both.
Please be careful, whatever you're doing next. Our business in Kintargo made it clear that you've only gotten stronger since I last saw you, but still, I worry about you. I'm looking forward to getting to see you again, and hopefully soon.
-Tem
20th Erastus, 4721
(She hugs her journal to her chest upon reading the last paragraph and lets out a wistful sigh. Several iterations of "just say it, Vivi!" are said aloud.)
Not everyone is as well-traveled as we are, Tem. A narrow worldview makes ignorance inevitable, and ignorance is easily exploited by anyone from grifters to tyrants. Often, the grifter and tyrant are the same person. Hopefully, they'll take this as a learning experience.
And, I can assure you, that if you ever come through Noviste, you will be welcomed with open arms rather than getting run out. I've told my parents all about you and they have long hoped that you, Arashi, and Dergir would come and visit. I'm hoping to go home for a visit myself once I'm done here in Ravounel, though I'm not sure exactly how long that would be?
That was a rather roundabout way of saying that, since you're also somewhat nearby, maybe you can stop in Noviste?
-Violetta
(She sets the Far Pen down with a shaky and and takes several calming breaths as she sends the invitation.)
21st Erastus, 4721
(His eyes widen at the unexpected invitation. Which, it really should have been expected. Violetta had invited their group to her home more than once.)
I still have to return Arjyk's belongings to his family in Vylkavik, but once that's done, I'll suggest we turn our course towards Ustalav. Will be pretty simple to take ship from the Lands of the Linnorm Kings to southern Varisia, then pass through Nirmathas and southern Belkzen. Ever since the White-Hair came to power in Belkzen, it's my understanding it's a much safer place now. Well, relatively, anyway.
The point is, yes, I would like to come visit Noviste. I'll run it past Halo and the others. Can't give you any kind of timeframe either, unfortunately; Ragathiel knows what we'll run into along the way doing all this.
I'll keep you posted. Which…doesn't really change anything since I was already doing that, mostly.
(He sighs at himself.)
Looking forward to it.
-Tem
(Neither of them are able to sleep for quite a bit that night as they look ahead to this reunion).
[A WEEK PASSES]
28th Erastus, 4721 AR
A reanimated giant is not something I've ever had to deal with, and if I did have to deal with one, a cart full of fish would definitely not be the weapon I chose first. Lucky you the thing was downhill, I suppose. But, I would never doubt that you'd win. I expect the Whispering Tyrant would have to second guess taking you on.
I have some good news. We ran into my clan today. They're in camp with a couple of others in New Thassilon. I saw my mother for the first time since I left for the Crusade. We both cried a lot, but it was good. I missed her a lot more than I realized. She want to meet you. (He realizes how that sounds). I told her about all three of you. She wants to meet the people who 'kept my backside out of the fire.' I hope you get the chance sometime.
Looking forward to relaxing with the clan. I hope you get a chance to take a breather soon. Sounds like Father Oberius is putting you through your paces.
-Tem
29th Erastus, 4721 AR
Father Oberius is merely a servant of Pharasma guiding me to my duty. Not for nothing do I carry the mantle of a Mortal Usher. I am glad to do it.
That said, I can't deny that I wouldn't mind a week or two of doing nothing, haha. I've got so much reading to catch up on!
I am overjoyed that you got to see your clan again. You always spoke so highly of them, especially Charani. It's good that she is well.
Father Oberius informed me today that he thinks the situation in Ravounel will be mostly under control in a month or so. I'll be sending a missive to my family to expect me soon afterward. I will also be informing them of your intent to come and visit, if you'd like.
(She realizes how awkward that conversation might end up being. Her parents saw right through her when it came to her feelings in general.)
There is much to enjoy about Noviste. I hope you get to see it soon. If we are very lucky, it will coincide with Ustalav's Grand Tourney. My parents were selected to be the hosts this year.
-Violetta
29th Erastus, 4721 AR
As I said before, your dedication to your duty is admirable, and I mean that. I know full well it's not an easy thing to stick with, especially when other people are taking it easy.
So…hope you aren't judging me for taking it easy here with my clan, haha.
(He chuckles, but also hopes she isn't insulted)
Grand Tourney? I've never had the chance to see anything like that. That would be great. Hells, I might even compete. So, here's hoping that we are very lucky.
(An idea takes root in his mind. It was, after all, a common practice for knightly types participating in tourneys to dedicate their performance to someone they had affections for…)
On a completely unrelated note, Dhrak fought a trial by combat today. It was one of the most stressful duels I've ever watched, but if there was any doubt about him being a true Swordlord, it's gone now. It was over some dumbass lordling laying hands on one of my clan-kin. She took the little bastard's hand for his trouble. Good on her, I say.
We'll probably be staying with the clans here for a day or two more, then head on to Vylkavik. Looking forward to seeing it. I'm hoping to see Pulura's Borealis during the night. Those Stargazers we met in Sarkoris made it sound like something else.
-Tem
(Violetta is not insulted, but when she sees him mention participating in the tourney, all the chivalric romances she has read come flooding into her mind along with a vivid image of a certain tiefling Templar boldly declaring a dedication to her. It quickly has Violetta blushing furiously and hiding her face in her hands. Surely Temperance wouldn't be that sort of person…right? Hopefully so…or not!...but…maybe…?)