I guess it's starting to sink in... Yesterday was probably one of the worst days of my life. So far, I guess. The day mum died still haunts me. I'm guessing my dad was already dead by then... And I'm also guessing he might have cared at least a little bit had he still been alive. Instead he has become an abomination and likely by choice. Seems as much as I've hated him, I should have hated him more but partially for different reasons.
I need him destroyed. I can't let him exist as a cleric of the Raven Queen, and I feel that he's my responsibility. I might die trying, but if that can at least weaken him it will have been worth it. The others are hesitant, which I understand. And I can't ask them to risk their lives for what's my responsibility, but I need to do this. Alone if I have to.
Dworik tucked me in last night, I think. Didn't know he cares that much, and I'm afraid I haven't been able to express my gratitude. Maybe there's hope for making them see my point of view, but I don't think they trust me. Maybe they shouldn't.
Getting a ship for Mahry wasn't that hard. Especially with Dworik managing to reduce the price significantly through an impressive game of dice. And there's no reason to give the witch any comfort on her trip - she's lucky she'll get out of here alive. And she'll sleep better than gagged in a closet.
Which reminds me: Garl, thank you. Your people are good and I shall forever remember the strengths of the gnomes.
Turns out this day also came with an interesting evening. as a contact of Dworik's, Ryany Wavesilver, shared with us an invitation to the villa of the merchant family El Niam, thought the family home and business have been taken over by... Barksos and Kerala(person). A chance for us to spy and to case the house, but also a risk of being caught. And we really don't want to have to deal with them unprepared. And certainly not both of them at once.
Fortunately, our new friend Natter knows how to make potions that make it less likely that one of us be charmed. He just needed some elven blood to complete enough of them. Easy enough, there are always people in need of money. Walking the Dock Ward for a while, Dworik came across n elven prostitute. Which should have made things simple. Just proposition her for some blood play, extract the blood while pretending to be turned on by it and then leave. Instead, what I could get a glimpse of was the most awkward exchange between streetwalker and john I've ever seen. I kept close enough to be around if anything went wrong and a small bribe made sure no one cared about me seeking the woman out and healing her as a thank you.
With that out of the way, time for the ball. And wearing the Hat of Disguise, I could pass for the blond elf I've looked like before. And as such, I could get a feel for the people while Ellywick and Dworik scouted the building. Also: how I've missed dancing. That feeling of just letting the music guide me. I wish I could have focused more on that and less on the task at hand.
I've now seen Kerala with my own eyes. This bitch was worth leaving my mum for? A monster under a gilded surface of superficial beauty? He had a daughter who adored him and a wife who was the kindest creature ever - there was nothing she wouldn't do to keep me safe. But for some reason, he prefered this whore? But, looking around with the sight granted me, I could see they had been busy. I counted four more undead. Likely vampire spawn.