Finally we arrived at the source of the magical distortions in the local area: a shattered orb of darkness. It seems to have had chance to multiply and surround itself with dark minions. As soon as I foolishly touched the shattered remains of the original relic, the child orbs sent out their minions: fierce draconic things that steal the magic of others. . .to be fair, I don't remember much of that fight. I was struggling to stay awake despite blood loss. But, I think we won?
Even now as I write this in the early morning of the day after, I think back to how I crossed the river of death and passed onto the next life, I emerged . . .changed. My flesh now shifts between the living and dead. I've had a phylactery delivered to me by, what I can only assume is Death themselves. As I stare into the embers of the fire, getting ready to stoke the flames to start prepping breakfast, I think about the journey home. It took us 2 days in, but we're not in a rush, so hopefully we can go a touch slower and watch out for the fluff beast on the way back. (I'm cooking an extra pancake just for them!) Hopefully I'll see my friends who went on this quest with me again, but if not I'll prep a parting gift for each of them by the time we get back to civilization. Nothing too big, perhaps a braided grass bracelet or pressed flowers, we'll see what the journey ahead brings.
May you remember the faces and joy to the end.
-ST
