To the Githyanki creche

The party decided by majority vote to press on to the Githyanki creche where Lae-zel was certain they would find answers, and hopefully a cure for the parasites that plagued each and every one of them. She had assured them that they would receive a warm welcome and likely be treated to a feast upon their arrival, lies that surely helped to sway their decision. In truth, Lae-zel's standing among her own kind was not high, but with a full party in tow and a new **** to boot, she was confident that she could regain some favour among her kin. Besides, if all went to plan and her followers fell victim to her grand designs she might even end up in a position of power. Gith with multiple thralls carried a certain level of authority and those able to bestow them upon others, even more so. With a little luck she could be in command of her own Githyanki unit complete with a retinue of obedient thralls within the week.

When the party set off, Lae-zel took the lead with you eagerly following at her side, the effects of the collar keeping you close. It felt terrible to suffer too much distance from your mistress and you soon found yourself having to watch your step lest you tangle your feet with hers and anger your new queen. Lae-zel was mostly silent, seemingly intent on reaching the creche as quickly as possible although you did notice the occasional sideways glance as if she were sizing you up for something. You remained silent however, confident in the knowledge that she would tell you what she wanted from you when the time came.

The journey was mostly uneventful save for a couple of packs of hungry wolves who went down easily, the well trodden path to the creche clear of bandits and other undesirables. When the party reached the creche a foreboding silence fell and the pace slowed, Lae-zel having to speak words of encouragement for them to step into the shadow cast by the ominous structure. Once the heavy doors had swung open and the party stepped inside the sense of danger only increased, with several members reaching for their weapons, Lae-zel having to hiss instructions to stand down as a small group of tall, armoured Gith approached to greet them. With a glance and the most subtle of nods, Lae-zel ordered you to to show your reverance and you fell to your knees obediently, lowering your gaze to the floor. The rest of the party stood several feet back, shifting nervously as they watched on.

Lae-zel cleared her throat before addressing the welcoming committee in their language, nervousness coursing through her as she considered exactly how to begin implementing her plan. Her clear unease rubbed off on the others such that an audible, collective sigh of relief could be heard when the party leader finally embraced each of the Gith warriors in turn, before one strode past her to address the rest of the group.

"Welcome travellers." the Gith boomed in the common tongue, their attempt to sound hospitable falling somewhat flat. "As colleagues of the esteemed Lae-zel you are our most welcome guests... please, follow me to your rooms where you may rest while we prepare a feast in your honour."

The party members shared hopeful glances as the Gith bowed deeply before them, half of them returning the gesture awkwardly before falling into line to follow them to their rooms. One by one they took a guest room, each lavishly furnished and impeccably clean despite the half collapsed hallway that connected them. Every party member couldn't help but feel a flicker of hope at their change of fortune. Soft beds and clean sheets, and the promise of a hot meal to come. It sure beat camping out in the wilderness.

Yet as her followers rested, Lae-zel plotted. If things went her way, her party was already doomed and she was well on her way to greatness.