Return the Treasure

Departing The Three Brothers with everything you left with, you and your comrades head off to honor the agreement made. Joan, for her part, seemed noticeably cross, her arms crossed tightly across her chest. Clodagh, for her part, seemed much more content. You know what this is about already, but she seems like the person that's not going to let this go until she feels she's won, so you push the issue; if only to get it over with.

"You seem unusually tense there Joan. Something on your mind"

"Ya, I shouldn't have let a rookie like you make decisions?"

"What did I do that was so wrong?"

"I hate leaving money on the table Silve, and you're leaving dozens, if not a couple hundred of coins behind. You're going to hand off that treasure and get a handshake and a pat on the back for it, and that's not even the worst part of it"

"Ya? What's the worst of it?"

"That you're so much of a people pleaser that you'll be grinning like an idiot the whole time, thinking that you actually got a good deal."

"You don't know that" You reply calmly "Okambo seems to be a good man, I'm sure he'll make things right."

"Gods, do you hear how gullible you sound? You couldn't be any more of a mark if you tried. Just forget it for now, and get ready for an earful when this is all over and I get to say I told you so."

Traveling through the City of Cooperation to arrive at the Magic Guild takes some time, but you are quite pleased when you arrive. Entering the coutryard, you see Trevolia being personally tutored. Although behind her, her figure is unmistakable. Spellbook in one hand, a borrowed staff in the other, she reads through the text in a voice that is bold, declarative, and beautiful. As the last syllable ends, the tip of the staff brightens immensely, even in the mid day sun. Four bright shapes of pure light leap out, in the shape of large butterflies, flapping through the air. You make a loud, pronounced clap, pulling her attention. Her face is beaming in happiness and pride as if she were a whole new person

"Silve! I did it! I can cast spells!"

"I see!" You head closer "You'll outsmart us all before too long"

"The young lady is a natural" Okambo said proudly, gently patting her shoulders "Joan certainly has keen insight into talent. And passion. I had to pry her from the library last night. Have you two been successful?"

"We retrieved something from the mausoleum, as you asked. It was filled with Draugr, thats a little strange for this climate, isn't it?"

"The Crisis that brought about the First Age is thought to have changed the very landscape of T'sara. Drez could have been a coastal or riverfront society at that point. It was also the Crisis that is thought to have brought about your kind Master Orc. Now, may I see what you retrieved?"

You queitly and gently retrieve the necklace, placing it outward for his inspection. The wizard is even more ginger, taking it carefully in his own hands, lifting it up into the air for closer inspection.

"A remarkable find, truly. The cursed item that finally brought down the dread warlord Kazzak"

You can't help but show your surprise on your face, turning to Joan as well. "I'm sorry, you said cursed? That looks like treasure, like some sort of magical item."

"Yes, yes it does" Okambo is still marveling at the item "Kazzak was a mighty warrior, one's tastes for more could never be stopped. Ancient wizards fearing there would be no end to his reign of terror tricked him. Making this to look like a magical item, it was in fact laid with a terrible curse. He was laid low and buried with this, so that none would take the curse by accident."

"Fascinating" You reply, genuinely intrigued by the tale. Clodagh springs up, "What's the curse do?"

"I have no idea" Okambo smiles strangely on asking "it will be a great mystery to find out. The guild will take it to task while I complete this enchanting creatures training." His oddly flowery words through you off for a second, even as you recognize he spoke of Trevolia.

"You're going to continue her training?"

"Yes, of course. Walking away after she took the first of many steps would be cruel. Dangerous even. It would be worse than if I had simply taught her nothing. She will leave my tutelage a fully informed and equipped wizard, however long that may take."

Awash in a sense of smugness, you turn to Joan, smiling. She rolls her eyes, quietly allowing your victory. You shake Okambo's hand "Than she is in good hands. We'll leave you both to the training. Let us know if you need anything else."

"Most surely, friends. Best wishes to you all"

The three of you walk away from the guild, you trailing behind Clodagh and Joan. The redhead turns to her friend and asks inquisitively "Well, that was fun. Now what?"

"I've got an idea" Joan replies as she spanked her own ass. They both turned towards you and giggle.

"No" You respond flatly "We agreed. Enough. That was the last time."

"Whatever you say stud..."