In Trogdor Tavern, early morning, just after Mara's defeat...

What a morning, I'm just trying to catch a boat home and some crazy lady tries to kill me over something that happened ten years ago. Granted it was my biggest mistake that likely cost the lives of tens, if not hundreds of thousands of civilians and soldiers. But I've moved on from that, the world hasn't ended yet, and I don't plan to let it. Gah! that woman though, soured the whole mood of the trip. I can't even pay my respects to my comrades without someone dragging up the past.

Grynn approaches Trogdor Tavern, slightly favoring the foot she kicked the anchor with.

I hope the bath is still warm...

She opens the door and looks about the tavern, many patrons are strewn about, unconscious from over-imbibing. One woman at the bar makes Grynn's blood run cold, an elf with blonde hair and a blindfold.

There's no way... I saw her get devoured by the rift... eaten by the nothingness between planes. But there's only one way to be sure

E-eredil?

At the sound of her name, Erredil whips her head around. She's obviously hungover, and the motion causes her no small amount of nausea.

Who's calling me? That woman over there? She looks like she's been in a fight, does she need help?

Wait... I know that face! Older and more world weary to be sure, but there is no mistaking it!

Grynn?! By Eldath's grace, you're alive! Ni gellweg an gin cened! If I could stand, I'd hug you.

Translation:

*Rubs temples with hands*

Come, sit. Where have you been? How did you get here?

Seeing a friend she'd thought gone forever, Grynn runs up for a quick hug. When she pulls back, a long forgotten smile adorns her visage. Grynn then sits and asks for a glass of water for each.

HOW are your ALIVE!? I saw you get sucked in the void! Why haven't we heard from you?  


No wait, I need to answer her questions before I ask my own.


I ran into a little trouble trying to catch my ship home this morning. I was returning from my annual fishing trip back at Elventree. No one else ever showed up.

I know Hattori is busy running the Cabbage Corp. ninja empire, and Bright Eyes, I mean Magister Alkath is busy piecing together the Weave. I haven't seen Suri since she took off, nor Battleshifter since Waterdeep. I was certain everyone else died in the accident.

I've been training and gathering information in preparation for an opportunity to clean my mess. I infiltrated The Library looking for clues about the strange tattoos I'm sure you've seen, actually Hattori lent me a small troupe of ninjas as an escort. Actually the unconscious winged-one there sports the markings on his tail.

Tell, do you know of anyone working to break this spell? My parents fell to it, and I'd like to see them well again. I can't help but feel this is connected to my mess.

A loud "wump," slowly awakens Soekk from his stupor. He squints in an attempt to steady the booze soaked kaleidoscope in his eyes.

Whuh..? Who are you?

Oh! Hey! Your Grynn, aren't you? Gnomish Saint of Fishing!

Um... You best keep your head down. One of our companions is after your head.

Soekk's eyes drop down to his empty glass as he realizes what must have transpired.

Um... Yeah... That'd be her...

Oh... I see... Excuse me.

Soekk, then rises and quickly leaves the tavern.

Grynn shakes her head, knowing that the tiefling's efforts will be fruitless. His enthusiasm aside, she turns back to Eredil.
Honestly, it was live or die, the woman was mad and wielded rare magic in a way that made her dangerous to herself and others. Namely me...

Like Soekk, Erredil is saddened at the news.

Of course, I understand. The woman's name is... was Mara. A life of betrayal led her to seek power, power to rid the world of traitors. I couldn't tell you much more. Forgive me, I'd prefer not to speak ill of the dead.

She glances away for a moment, and under her breath whispers:

Merin sa haryalyë rainë.

Translation:

Elventree was such a beautiful place. I would so love to spend a few nights nestled high among the trees again. Has it remained untouched by the war? The conflict seems to know no borders. As for the tattoos, you may know more than we do. Each seems to represent a person or organization. The Fire-Knives, Zhents, and even a cult of Bane are involved. Finding a way to remove the markings is what brought us here. If that too is your goal, we could use your help.

I would have joined you for the fishing trip, Had I been able. It hurts to imagine you going alone year after year. We shall go together next year. I promise. Surely we could steal Hattori away from his business for an adventure. Battleshifter too! He's done well for himself after Waterdeep. He is traveling with us, though he seems to have stepped out for a moment. And of course we could not forget *beaming with pride* Magister Alkath. Did you ever think our little Brighteyes would become so strong? *regretful sigh* I wish I could have seen her grow.

But Suri...

Her voice begins to crack. Ever so slowly, she removes the enchanted cloth from her face. The palpable anguish in her eyes tells the rest of the story.

I couldn't tell you how long I fell through the void, only that I eventually found myself in Baator. In the heart of the Blood War. Order found me. There was no choice. I was forced to fight.

It was horrifying. The battlefields were endless plains of cracked rock. Armies of fiends more vast than you can imagine crash into each other again and again. There is no end to the senseless death and destruction. And I fought in the middle of it all. Until my mind went numb from the slaughter.

When I was offered freedom, I jumped at the chance. It was a simple thing. All I would have to do is win a duel.

She... she must have come searching for me. Chaos had taken her, warped her mind. There wasn't anything left of who she used to be. I had no choice.  

*crying* Suri is dead, Grynn. I killed her.

oh...
Is all Grynn can manage to say. Her posture and smile fall as the full meaning of the tale sinks in. Not knowing any words to calm the storm, Grynn pulls the sobbing Eredil to her shoulder.
I cannot bring her back, but I can share the burden. One more comrade, be it an obnoxiously angry one, has fallen.
*Tears roll silently down her cheek.*
A minute or so passes, and Grynn feels the moment pass as well.
This has been nice and all, but I need a bath...