Lev's Reflection of Session 21 and 22

16th of Zepter, 3022 (Year of the Shifting Shadows) (*Session 21)
 
The mortal realm continues to challenge me in ways I never anticipated. Today, I found myself in a most undignified position - caged like a common beast alongside a human named Dorian. My capture came about during a scouting mission near a temple, investigating rumors of dragons being born in this area had reached the ears of the Twilight Covenant. I offered to investigate it by myself. Which lead me here, caged like an animal.
I must admit, a part of me was tempted to simply use my fey step ability to escape, but something held me back. Perhaps it was curiosity, or maybe a growing sense of connection to these mortals I now find myself allied with. Regardless, our captivity was short-lived thanks to the intervention of a group of adventurers.
A kind halfling soul named Lilly provided us with rations, a gesture that touched me more than I expected. Our gear, thankfully, was within reach. Before resting, I engaged in a ritual familiar yet strange in this foreign land - weaving an intricate pattern with colored thread, a practice that always preceded my fey reverie back in the land of Faerie. These hours of trance-like rest were a bittersweet reminder of home, until being jolted from my reverie.
Our respite was rudely interrupted by an attack from eight gargoyles. The battle was fierce, and while we managed to fall seven of the stone beasts, one escaped. The skirmish left me exhilarated and troubled, as I rub my fingers over a smooth small crystal, capturing this emotion. It's clear that danger lurks around every corner in this realm. Thinking more on the subject and rubbing the crystal, I slowly drift back into my reverie.
 
 
 
 
17th of Zepter, 3022 (Year of the Shifting Shadows) (*Session 22)
 
Our rest broke with an unsettling discovery - Mattaeu had vanished during the night. The ever-exotic Nebula had briefly woken up during the night to see him up and about but thought nothing of it. Who would leave their companions at a time like this? Either that explains a lot about his character, or something is off. We refilled our wineskins from a nearby fountain of slightly sulfuric water, its water an extremely awful substitute for the crystal streams of the land of Faerie. Cathllynn, displaying an impressive shapeshifting ability, transformed into a spider to scout ahead. Her report was grim - the missing children were found, but under some malevolent influence.
Steeling ourselves, we ventured forth to confront a two-headed Ettin. Our ambush was swift and effective. I called upon the power granted to me by both Freyja and Titania, unleashing a guiding bolt that struck true. However, in a moment of carelessness, I managed to injure myself in the fray more so than the Ettin did - an oh so humbling reminder that I'm, in fact, not infallible.
Victory was short-lived as two hill giants lumbered into the room. The ensuing battle was chaotic and brutal. I found myself on the brink of unconsciousness, forced to use my fey step to retreat behind the Hill Giant that was focused on me. The support of my companions was invaluable. Lilly's transformation into an elk drew attention away from me, while Cathllynn's healing touch brought me back from the brink. Dorian's precise arrows found their mark time and again, while Bennith's arcane energies crackled through the air. Ikiri, Ironcast, and Tigeth formed a formidable front line, their martial prowess keeping the giants at bay. Orianna's fiery magic and Nebula's swift strikes added to the onslaught.
Throughout the melee, I witnessed impressive displays of skill and bravery from all my newfound allies. It was our unity, our ability to work as one despite our diverse backgrounds, that ultimately led to our triumph over the giants. Each of us played a crucial role, our individual strengths combining to overcome a seemingly insurmountable foe.
As the dust settled, we tended to our wounds and gathered what spoils we could. I claimed a battleaxe, a weapon that might prove useful in this strange land. Despite the victory, I find myself drained, both physically and magically.
This experience has been enlightening, and I feel my connection to my dual deities growing stronger. The challenges of Nehwon are vastly different from those I faced in the Twilight Wardens, yet there's a familiar thrill in facing adversity alongside comrades. As I have these thoughts, I can't help but wonder what Zephyr would make of all this. His wit and wisdom are sorely missed.
I can't help but consider how the Twilight Covenant would view this experience. Our encounter with the Ettin and Hill Giants, while formidable, pales in comparison to the prophesied coming of dragons. Yet perhaps there's a lesson here. The diversity of this group, our ability to adapt and overcome together, mirrors the very strengths the Covenant seeks to cultivate. If we are to face dragons, it will require not just the unity of fey, but an alliance that transcends racial and planar boundaries. This mission, initially seeming like a punishment, may be providing crucial insights into the challenges that lie ahead. Zephyr would surely see the irony in finding such valuable lessons in exile. (A small and extremely brief smirk forms on his ever-solemn face at the thought)
New challenges await, but for now, we must save the children. The path ahead is uncertain, but I am beginning to see that my exile might be more than just punishment - it could be an opportunity for growth and discovery. The bonds forged in battle with these diverse individuals remind me of the strength found in unity, a lesson both Freyja and Titania have long taught. This same feeling that I have ever grown fawn of within the Twilight Wardens and Twilight Covenant. Perhaps this is part of my journey, to learn to bridge worlds and bring together disparate forces, just as I balance the teachings of two divine patrons.
I believe I am precisely where I am meant to be, and that is truly why I did not simply fey step out of the cage. This is all connected, I just do not understand the role that little young me…I mean I’m only 80, well almost 81 in an about a month, is to paint on this canvas. Perhaps these people are to play a major role and are all connected in an even larger picture to be painted on the great canvas of the world? Grit, adaptability, and time will tell, but for now, let’s save some poor innocent children.