21th of Mirtul:

While the rest of my companions headed to the Inn, I went straight home to see my family. I used the spare key to let myself in, and called out, "It's me! I'm home!" I was pretty sure no one would hear me, but I didn't want to catch anyone and have them think a stranger had come into our home. I set my stuff down on a chair at the table and made my way to the back where I was sure Envon, Mom, and Dad were still at work, it was the middle of the day after all.

I knocked loudly on the door before opening it, "Hello…"

I didn't get more than a step into the room when Envon saw me, stopped what he was doing, and ran over to hug me, "Zira! I've missed you so much!" He had the biggest smile I've ever seen on his face, which I'm sure matched mine exactly.

"Oh, Envon, I've missed you so much too. When we realized we would be so close to Waterdeep, we decided to make a stopover so I could see you, Mom, and Dad."

By then both Mom and Dad had stopped working and come over to hug me as well. Dad held me at arm's length and looked me over. I knew I looked different, I've seen so much in the past two months.

"You look like you've been on the road for days," Dad said, "Where are you coming from? Luskan?"

"No. I never made it to Luskan."

"And you never wrote us, so we've had no idea where you've been," Mom scolded and hugged me again.

"I'm sorry. I've just been so busy."

"Yes. And the only news we've had of how busy you are is stories and rumors about a burn-scarred cleric of Kelemvor hunting undead," Mom shivered.

"Let the girl be, Lilla, she just got back and won't want to visit us if we nag her," Dad said and hugged me again. I was beginning to feel a bit smothered by their love.

"Tell us everything! And what happened with Val? Did he come with you?" Envon asked.

I told my family about the undead attack on the way to Thornhold and how I knew it was my destiny to rid the realm of the undead. I told them about the friends I've made and Swift, the fighting, and Eldora. I told them about Yukouth and how he counseled me to come home when I could. There were several times that my family held back their concerns and fears for my life.

"Well. It sounds like you're on quite the adventure. I would like to meet these friends of yours, and especially Val. Please invite them to dinner tomorrow night," Mom said, "Oh and you should stop by the church, the head priestess stopped by a few weeks ago to ask if we'd heard from you."

"I planned to go to the church next, but I wanted to see all of you first. I've really missed you all so much. Being away has been exciting, but much harder than I expected it would," I replied.

"May I walk with Zira to the Church," Envon asked. He didn't look like he was ready to let me out of his sight.

"Of course, Envon. I'll take care of the cleanup. You enjoy your time with your sister," Dad said.

We left for the church walking arm in arm. Envon asked so many questions about what it was like to fight. I told him about how I almost died from a dire wolf attack and promised to show him my scar. He looked impressed and scared for me.

"I can't believe you're out adventuring while I'm still home," Envon said.

"Would you leave home Envon?" I asked.

He thought for a minute, "No. Probably not. I like working with Mom and Dad, and I've always been a homebody."

"I don't think I would have left home if I hadn't been called to by Kelemvor. I miss you and Mom and Dad so much," I replied.

Once at the church, Envon told me he would wait for me and then we could walk home together.

Elanor wrapped me in a hug when she saw me and said, "Ah, Zira it's wonderful to have you back. But I know you won't be here for long. I stopped by your home, hoping your family would be able to get in touch with you, but they didn't know where you were either. I've heard about what you've done."

"I had to do it. I'm certain it's my calling from Kelemvor," I responded.

"I agree. He would not have saved you from that fire if you didn't have a divine purpose, my dear. Come sit down and you can tell me all about your adventures and plans," Elanor said and steered me towards the small couch in the room.

I talked with Elanor for what seemed like hours. I started with the first undead attack on the way to Thornhold and how I knew it was my destiny. I told her about Swift leaving me, finding me again, and this supernatural connection we have. I talked about all the battles I've fought in and told her my fears about this path I'm on for Kelemvor.

She told me she had heard about my fight with the undead hoard. Not by name, just that a burn-scarred cleric of Kelemvor and her companions had defeated a hoard of zombies north of Carnath Roadhouse. She had heard about the casualties and held me when I cried about the losses and confessed my feelings that I couldn't protect everyone.

In a kind and firm tone Elanor said, "Zira, they knew what could happen when they went with you."

"I know, but I feel responsible for them. And really everyone who is helping me," I responded.

"You met your responsibility when you performed The Passing for each of them. They walk in the next world now. I heard you did a wonderful job leading the ceremony," she kept her arm around me while I leaned on her shoulder.

"Elanor, how am I supposed to stop Velsharoon's agents and keep the people around me safe?" I asked.

She sat me up and looked me hard in the eyes, like she was searching for something, and nodded, "I think you're ready. I have something for you. I've been keeping it safe for five years now."

Elanor got up and went to a locked cabinet across the room. She pulled out a key from around her neck, unlocked and opened the doors. I couldn't see what was inside, but when she turned around Elanor was holding a golden mace, engraved with Kelemvor's symbol, a skeletal arm holding up scales in balance.

"This mace arrived at the church five years ago, with my name on it. The night before, I dreamed of you and I in this moment," she walked over and handed the mace to me. As soon as I touched it, the mace began to glow with bright light. Elanor's face glowed in the light and tears trickled down her cheeks, "It's just like my dream. Kelemvor is with us."

I didn't know what to think or say. Elanor had never even hinted that she had seen me before.

"Who sent it?" I asked.

"I never was able to find out. So I believe it came from Kelemvor himself, for you to carry and fight for his cause. Zira you've joined the ranks of the Doomguides now and I have a few things for you."

Elanor went back to the cabinet the mace was in and pulled out a muted blue robe and some silver items. "It's time for you to dress your part," she said handing me a new silver badge of Kelemvor along with the robe. Then Elanor placed a silver headband with Kelemvor's symbol on it on my brow, "I am so proud of you Zira. I know your path won't be easy, but Kelemvor will protect you." And she kissed my brow.

I set down the mace and clothes, stood up, and hugged Elanor. I was speechless. I never expected my life to take this turn.

It's all still a bit overwhelming.

Elanor sent me to the other room to change. When I returned she pinned my new silver badge of Kelemvor on my chest. And gave me one last item, a silver mask. She said she dreamed of me wearing it into battle, my eyes and mouth glowing.

"Come back to see me before you leave for Westbridge," Elanor said before sending me on my way.

I gave her another hug and met back up with Envon. He just stared at me in my new clothes and carrying a mace.

"You told me you fight now, but it's a whole other sight to see you holding a weapon. I mean other than our crossbows. Which by the way, Dad is going to be really upset when he finds out you can barely shoot now," Envon said.

I punched his arm with my free hand, "Don't you dare tell on me."

We both laughed and headed home walking arm in arm talking animatedly.

Z