The Lumber Deal (Date 2/2/24)

“We have to learn to work together,” Marty told the Prince. “That’s what Strom wants us to learn.” Euwyn agreed, and in that spirit the party headed into the woods once more. This time to prepare the way for Malwan to absorb the lumber consortium, sending Winter ahead to announce their approach. Things went relatively smoothly with a few hiccups along the way. Drova was pregnant, but it was discovered to be Lothar’s baby and that the two had married recently. Lothar was now leader of the consortium, but he was still kindly disposed to Malwan. Antionne was in attendance, and although he attempted to manipulate the proceedings, his ruse was discovered by Ilyana. In the end, Malwan agreed to a price freeze – absent exigent circumstances. It was a good deal, one in which no one was completely happy.

Ilyana, Winter and Hedge did their part to normalize relations by partying with locals, enjoying their rich, syrupy mead and reveling around the drum circle until the wee hours of the morning. Winter had her first sexual experience with a local named, Garova. Ilyana had fun, but couldn’t escape the feel of eyes on her from somewhere deep in the woods.

On the morning of their return, Euwyn and Marty dreamt of a shining countenance looking down upon them. They sensed it was pleased. When they opened their eyes, they found the bodies were their own.

Upon their return, the party gathered in Narlock’s secret chamber. A brief search of the doll found a tiny, concealed compartment at the base of her neck. The odd stone from Narlock’s underground lab fit it perfectly. Euwyn settled her head back to the pillow and stepped back as magic power washed over the doll uniting seams and softening curves as it passed. As the glowing cocoon faded, what remained appeared to be nothing other than a sleeping, young woman. A sharp intake filled her lungs and her eyes burst open with a start!