Return to the Kingdom

The Banshee defeated, and her elven spirit out to rest, you return to the Elven city of Traity. Having worked so hard so fast to save the life of the Elven King, Yalph the Wizened, you all elect to take a more relaxes, leisurely pace getting back. Thankfully, the nightlong journey will be easier on horseback than the hurried march to return to the Rusted Dragon Tavern. In quiet contemplation, reflection, and exhaustion, hardly a word is said along the journey. James has to give Bruce a nudge once or twice to prevent him from nodding off while on his horse.

The sun had just started to rise by the time you arrived, brief rays of dawn breaking through the immense trees.
"Well, I guess this is where we find out if what we did mattered or not." Kraig said as you approached the wooden gate of the city.

"Of course it did. We fought of the Banshee, she can't hurt the king anymore" You reply.

Kraig was more morbid in his response "If he was too far gone, it might not make any difference."

"Take heart humans," Rohrim replied with stout confidence "Your bravery and dedication will be rewarded. King Yalph will find a new breath of life in him upon our return, and his Kingdom will likewise find itself reinvigorated with new hope and promise. The elves of the BronzeBark Forests, and the Gods themselves will look highly upon your deeds. You will be rewarded dearly and remembered fondly."

Although buoyed by his warm words, the city was still uncertainly quiet as you came in, with most elves still asleep, the few awake still kept to their homes. As you make your way through the heart of the city, the group of you are intercepted by Captain Verilas, who had tried to keep you out of the forests just a few days ago.

"Fiana! There you are!" He said in exhausted breath as he and his mean shoved themselves in your path.

"What is it Captain?" You ask quickly.

"I'm not sure, but the presence of you and your allies has been demanded in the castle. I'm to make sure that you head there without any delay or interruption." You and your friends exchange worried glances, gravitating especially on Rohrim, who had previously spoken with such optimism.

"Lead the way Captain" You say calmly. You were intending on heading there anyway, but being lead there by armed soldiers with no other alternative makes the mood feel considerably more grim. The castle guards recognize you and the humans easily enough, but remain completely quiet as you approach. Not the welcome you had been hoping for. You would think if you had saved the life of a King, that they would be overflowing with joy and glee. The five of you are led into the throne room. As before, hardly a soul is found here. Problematically, the King is the one soul who isn't here. The captain standing behind you gives a stern command. "Stand shoulder to shoulder and kneel, all of you."

Nervously, you comply with the orders, as do the others. James looks over at Rohrim "You still sure about what you said earlier there priest? This doesn't look good."

"My faith is unflinching, as ever. Just you wait, we will be recognized for our deeds."

"Not all of our deeds were so heroic..." James is quick to remind the elf before an imposing, regal figure enters the throne room. You recognize her well, Trilarse, the presiding judge over the Kingdom. As stern, serious, and loyal as elvish stereotypes would have one believe. She held an open scroll in her hands, and quickly addressed the small crowd with a practiced urgency and projection of her voice.

"There has been a recent outbreak of lawlessness, chaos, and disorder, following the entrance of a dissident citizen and her accomplices. I will proceed to read the charges, as levied by this Kingdom. This court has investigated into the acts of one Fiana Windblossom, one Bruce Clifton, One James Dowton, One Kraig Dowton, and one Rohrim Whisperwind. The charges are as follows.

Failure to depart Traity as previously instructed by the official edict. Conspiracy to commit theft. Four counts of theft, of holy relics, now present on personhood of the accused. Conspiracy to deceive armed soldiers to perpetrate said theft. Public indecency. Fraternization with armed guards while in official duties. Disturbing the Peace. Open **** against a group of elvish men in broad daylight, resulting in several injuries and complaints by the populace at large."

Trilarse wrapped up her scroll, holding it in her left hand as she spoke to you and your friends directly. "The multitude and severity of the charges against you are unprecedented. That you were able to wrangle so many otherwise law abiding members of the kingdom in such a short time will certainly be remembered, as how in trying to bring some joy to the King, you nearly killed him." The high judge speaks with even greater volume and weight, your body starts to wince, fearing what may yet happen "Given the weight of such events, and the transgressions you all have committed, it is the ruling of this court that your crimes are" She hangs the the sentence for a few seconds for tension, and when she speaks again, is far more calm and poised.

"Pardoned." She says with a coy smile. With that final word, King Yalph the Wizened himself comes through a door nearby. Still feebled, still old even by Elven standards, but almost fully recovered, his life and spirit having returned to him as the Banshee was defeated. The few guards in the throne room cheer at his entrance, and you can hear distant cheers outside as well. This had all been a trap, or some elaborate prank, to get you and your friends panicking. The stress fell off of you like a heavy weight, and you see your friends are just as relieved. The motions with his hands for you to stay down, as he comes closer to speak to you.

"How fortunate am I, to have such children among my Kingdom as this young woman, Fiana. Even more fortunate that she in turn, should associate with such caring and forthright allies as these, who risked everything, for a land and people that were not their own. Surely, you represent the bravery, the tenacity, and the good will that so often represents humanity. Qualities that we have grown blind to, and we pleased to have been shown the light. Your collective skills with the weapons you have absconded shows the true mettle of the world, and given circumstance, we forgive the acts you took to obtain them, knowing now that you had always sought to return these hallowed weapons to Hall of Kings where they belong. You all have defeated a great evil, and for that you will be remembered, rewarded, and celebrated. Fiana Windblossom, and friends, please stand be recognized as the eternal allies and protectors of the throne, and of the BronzeBark Elves."

There is much cheering as you rise, vaunted as hero's, beaming with pride. As the applause continues, The King draw closer.

"I must speak with this one alone" He says as he gingerly takes your hand "In my fitful state, I had wild visions that I would like to discuss, and I believe that in your adventures, there is something you feel necessary to share as well. Please, follow me."