Age of Ashes Story Thread

[matthewkusza]

“Elephant Saviors” by Bromley Barrowdowns

Beneath blazing Sun and drenching rain
Amid petals, fronds, vines and leaves
Summer peace, Elephant people strove to attain
Refuge of joy and beauty against ugly, miserable thieves.

Lo, life giving solar heat felt cold that day
When Cinderclaws descended with flame, soot, ash
The brave fought hardy, the innocent screamed dismay
Weak fled, strong defended until all burned in a flash.

Mighty Pachyterm, jungle beast, tropical horse.
If not for you the tribe would have faltered.
You! Plied your bulk, sharp tusks, skin coarse.
Vermin trampled beneath, evil plans altered.

Protectors, ever vigilant and loyal friends.
Trumpet, stomp, rumble. Your presence good portends.

[dragonforgotten]

In our travels we come upon a temple of what appears to be Densa, surrounded by dynamite. a man with an incrediable mustache is setting up the black powder. We come to know this man as Gerhert, daring explorer of these jungles and highly publicized author has inspected the interior of the temple and have deemed it a fake and a safety hazard and aims to expertly blow it up. Both me and Romeu act in calm outrage, begging him not to destroy a temple even a fake one. It is in bad faith to do otherwise. Romely appears to give up as I continue my efforts to persuade him till the man lights the black powder. Thinking fast Romely breaks the line of powder as the entire group tackles the explorer and restrains him in rope as I apologize profusely, wholly out of my element as Romely charms him with his magic. I didn’t think we resort to tying him up but it appears he is suspicious and I can’t blame them. He begins to call all of us his thugs and I feel very insulted at the comparison as he explains his reasoning again for blowing up the temple. Me and Mac are at a lost on what to do. He raises some very good points. I have no reason to question his belief. He acts like a man who cares about people’s well being. Even as Romely approached the temple he continued to tell him not to go in since it is too dangerous and explains that the way he has set up the TNT will cleanly collapse the structure without anyone harmed in the process. In the end we concede that we will allow the destruction. When the building falls I speak to him, apologizing again for my companions rude actions against him. He thinks nothing of it and we begin to talk and share what we know. It seems I’ve won his respect when it’s time for us to part. I ask once he returns back north with his brother to please come visit once his affairs are done and to be careful of the cultists in the area. Once he leaves I feel their is more we are not aware of about him but I’ll have to put it aside for now until more evidence of his deception appears.
We depart and camp for the night, finding the next totem in the morning. We have a plan in place. Romely will make us invisible and we’ll push over or dispel the magic on the totem. Makes sense. But then everything starts to go wrong. Very very wrong.
We’re attacked by dragon like creatures. They savage Farooque and then maul me as they pin me from all sides. Unable to escape I try to calm them through magic but all my efforts fail. One deliverers a savage bit to my shoulder and I’m forced to stagger to my knees. I’m filled with despair as poison and agony fills my veins, it hurts watching my friends die. Please not yet. Just a little more. We can’t die here. I beg and plead but in the end I fade into darkness as I collapse to the ground.
——-

I wake to the aches and pains in my bones and Nadja by my side. Where back at camp? My eyes glide over to her heavy and weak.
“What happened? Is everyone alright?”
She rests her hand on my chest and pushes me back down into my bedroll.
“Everyone is ok back eye priest. We were saved by Gerehert. Me and Willam helped carry you and everyone back.”
“Willam?” At the mention of his name there he bloody is. Willam the titan barbarian has return. The barbarian who raided castle Alterians crypts walked away with half its treasures, nearly sinking our effort in repairing the castle. The one who likes to bait and test me over and over again. That one.
“Arun! How are you? Did you get a hair cut?” He looks me up and down as I sit up in bed with a scold scowl and a wince.
“I swear somethings different. Oh wait! Didn’t your eyes use to be grey?”
I say nothing.
“Willam. I kindly suggest you don’t press into my changes. They are a sore spot for me.”
Thankfully he relents. Slowly everyone is able to crawl out of our bed rolls and gather around the fire. A plan being made in what to do about the jungle drakes.

Arun

[Aileen]

I've always loved the jungle, and yet I grow tired of it. It took my Lazslo from me, it took Diana. And nearly every day we almost die. The honeymoon is over, I am to be married to Miklos, but I cannot bring myself to be happy. Not here.

My attitude is relevant in the camps I make. Some nights they are amazing, on good days. And then some nights we sleep with insects stinging and biting us all night. I feel bad, but I am just one woman, I make mistakes. Some days people get sick, but Arun fixes them up. At least nobody has had the malaria.

We find a massive fortress one day that has totem things on top much resembling the ones we keep finding. Bonfires blaze on top. I don't think anyone is ready to attack or explore it yet, but then the other crazy barbarian decides to rush it, running into the water surrounding it. All seems fine until I see something moving in the water.

"Something in the water!" I hiss, pointing. "He needs to get out of there!"

The others ready themselves, and I climb up nearest Mangrove tree. I brace myself against the trunk and ready my bow. My adoptive family taught me everything I know, and though I am not an elf like them I can move and shoot like them. I let loose as a giant crocodile jumps out of the water and attacks Willem. The others go to his aid as he is swallowed, and even Farooq gets swallowed! After a messy battle, one last arrow seems to kill it. We regroup, those who went in the water battered and knackered, and decide to leave. Mushroom Man warns us that we may have to destroy all of the pillars in the jungle before we can come back, else face certain death.

That night it's another bad camp. I sleep fitfully, and poor Miklos has bad stomach all night. I had it a few days ago and now I feel horrid for him. In morning, Arun heals Bill and Bromley who also have the dysentery. We don't do much this day, and again I make a bad camp. I am ashamed. Miklos is better in the morning thanks to Black Eyed Priest, and we spend another long day exploring.

As I make camp and the others make food, I start feeling unwell. It feels like the dysentery again, but then I get chills. Arun and Bromley complain of feeling sick as well, and the three of us spend more time in the bushes than any of us would like. I miss dinner, and retire to my and Miklos's tent early. Bruce dog lays next to me, and I curl up closer to him for his warmth.

A few hours later I wake up feeling hot, like I am on fire. Bruce leaves me, whining at the door of the tent. Miklos let's him out, and goes back to sleep.

Again I awaken to see Black Eyed Priest. I try to talk to him, but he look confused.

"What is wrong, Black Eyed Priest? Why are you here?"

"Nadja, he can't understand you." Says my betrothed. "You're speaking elven."

I go back to sleep, too sick to deal with the boys. I dream of pillars, and Mokole Mbembe. Giant elephants and crocodiles. My home. Lazslo comes to me, but when I reach for him he disappears. I call to him, but he is too far gone.

In the morning I feel worse. I hoist myself out of bed, but barely make it to the campfire before Arun brings me back in the tent. I feel like I've been roasted alive in a desert sun, my throat dry and all the moisture gone from my body.

"Nadja, you have Malaria. I need to heal you."

"No, Black Eyed Priest. Heal yourself."

"I will."

My boy does his healing magic, and I feel the fever go away. My stomach still aches terribly, but I no longer feel I will die. I owe my life to the Black Eyed Priest once more.

We spend the day exploring, finding nothing of interest, and make camp. This time, even with lingering dysentery, I make a good ass camp. Everyone is much happier. In the morning, I feel well again.

We cross the river, and come to a clearing with an orange pillar. As we walk in, little crocodile faced things come out and attack! I stay back shooting as the others move in. I take a couple out, and Farooq drops the pillar. There is a long, desperate battle with much magic happening and the barbarians and Farooq fighting valiantly and reckless. I move in just as the last ones begin to be killed, and soon it is over.

This has not been a good time in the jungle, at all. I just hope it is all worth our losses and struggles.

~ Nadja

[Aileen]

We, the stupidest people in all the lands, had to backtrack to all the dragon totems we had previously knocked down. Every single one was up again, and we spent many days destroying them and roaming around. Finally we return to scary rainbow fort, and find that the dome is now black and blue instead of many colors. It doesn't take more than a second to realize we are missing a couple totems.

Nasty frog men come out on the ramparts, shooting spells at us. I quickly kill one with only two arrows, and proceed to continue hunting them down one by one. Things get bad quick. My friends keep getting hit by spells from both the frogs and the dome. Miklos goes blind, others go blind... retreating is mentioned. I am so focused on picking off frogs, I do not wish to leave.

"Nadja, we're leaving!" Arun calls to me.

"I know!" I take another shot, killing one more.

I'm reluctant to go, but poor Mac is standing by me looking confused and unable to see. I put my bow away, and grab him just as I'm hit by a wave of cold. I shake it off, spells being fired at us rapidly, and get him moving. We all get to safety, and stand discussing what to do. Other crazy barbarian, Willem, asks me to escort him back to try something. Against all my party's advice, I go.

Willem rushes one of the totems while I stay hidden in the mangroves. There are more frog men now, and they savagely hit him over and over. He grows big, raging, but his axe does not damage the totem.

"Nadja- run!"

We made deal that I would do what he says, and I do. I run, leaping over roots and dodging vines, until I finally reach camp. After a while it is clear Willem is not joining us.

"I think they have Willem. There are at least ten frog men. He could not harm totem!"

"Willem made his choice, Nadja," Arun says, his hand on my shoulder. "There was nothing you could have done."

We rest in a nice camp that night, sleeping with difficulty due to knowledge that an army is after us. I am scared, nearly out of arrows, and don't know how we can assault the fort.

Next morning we eat breakfast and ready ourselves to return to Fort Black and Blue. Everyone but Farooq has their vision back. He is hard hitter, so all are worried. We have no other option, we must fight to the very end.

We return, and the assault commences. I shoot arrow after arrow. The little man Bromley turns to stone. My friends and betrothed rush the dome, turning to stone. My heart breaks as the one I love dies before my eyes, and I can do nothing.

"Let us go out in a blaze of glory, comrades! Black Eyed Priest- I am proud of you!"

I take one more shot, and see a spell coming at me.

"Nadja- I love you!"

I smile as the world fades.

🏹🐕🦕 Nadja Kozlov

[dragonforgotten]

The jungle has left me tired and low as me and my group of heroes have attempted to stop the cinder claws who’s powers seem to be tied to these dragon totems of Dahak. To my great displeasure and annoyance William has returned though he has gain a somewhat better standing in his efforts to draw the jungle drakes away from us while Farooque knocks over the green pillar. We find some treasure in the trees and move in to come along the river. We once again have a run in with our brave entreped explorer surrounded by statues with a tarp over a cart. Apparently he and his associates took down the pillar at a devastating costs. I look at the fallen hero’s and find a cleric of Pharasma amongst them and I’m filled with sorrow. We must free them. This is a terrible fate for anyone. I will demand we take them back to the castle once our mission is done here. We warn him about the possibility that It could still be active but he ignores our advice. We shrug and help him move it to his boat. There are many thing we don’t understand about these pillars. Maybe it’s best if we let him take it away. Perhaps once it leaves the expansion it will lose its power. These are very questionable hypothesis but we owe our lives to him. If he had not scared the jungle drakes last time we all would have been lost. We escort him to his brother boat. There’s was abit if a scuffle with Bromely who in his wariness of Garhaert acted rashes but we sort it out in the end. The text few days drag painfully along. The month of my goddess has arrived and I’m mourned that we have trudged through this jungle for so long. I hope my pups are alright. They are Proably worried. It was a touch and go between camps. Sickness has ravaged us and it falls in Nadja to ensure the camp is secure. I well but too much on her but she muscles along. Each day I banish the sickness from their bodies, believing that this must be a test from my goddess. If I can survive this jungle then I surely could one day become a better servant to her. The next day after using my goddess blessings to cross the river. we find that not even the elephant people, who it turns out only worship and care for elephants not that there elephants-men themselves. The cinder claws have devastated their village. By the time we arrived only three of the nightly pacaderms remained, defending their fallen friend who was trapped under the rubble of the collapsed house. We then find the heart of all the evil. A fortress surrounded by the similar stone dragon pillars as a magic barrier, a rainbow of colors rippling across its surface. We back off, with new understanding. This pace and the pillars are connected but how? We travel in to the next pillar as disease follows and hounds us day by day. I’ve never wished for Chis help more then the day when almost everyone become sick but through Sarenraes divine grace I’m able to purge the sickness from them as her hand aids them in the healing process. This is her month, she walks by our side even now, testing my ability to heal just like my master had taught me.
After days of travel I’m given a fright when Nadja not only comes down with Dysentry but also Malaria. She tells me to heal the others first but I focus my attention to her. I can see her palor regain its color as I can sigh in relief.
We reach the pillar and with the combined might of my goddess and the group we topple it to the ground. It’s then I get a sense as Farooque shatters the wood to pieces. Have we’ve been doing this wrong? We have simply been pushing them over, hoping that they remain deactivated. The more I think the more dread I’m filled with and I can see it in the faces of my friends that there thinking the same thing. There faces are annoyed and I huff the same as we go back and chop the blasted things to tinder wood. One night as I am praying I being to break out into a cold sweat as my eyes widen. We had let Garheart take one of the pillars intact. The most dangerous one of them all. We have truly screwed up.

—————

After days of correcting our mistake we prepare for our return to the massive fortress with new knowledge gained from divination magic. We have made a grave mistake in letting the explorer take that pillar and now we must face the consequences. We march into the marsh at the doorstep of the fortress and are attacked form the fortresses rafters by Boggards slinging magic. Nadja is an expert markswoman, shooting them down with deadly accuracy but the tides of the battle soon changes. The black stone pillar shoots at Miklos and he screams out he can’t see anymore. Farooque runs to the pillar trying to cut through the glowing energy barrier but the moment he sets a toe in line he is stricken blind as well. This is not good. Not good at all. I’m helpless to do anything. I try to dispel the black pillar but it simply tries to shoot at me as I deflect the blast off my buckler. Bromely’s mantis fairy man flys at the barrier, successfully passing through it but not before suddenly turning to stone and plummeting from the sky. All our eyes widen in fear as we watch in horror.
“I think it’s time to leave!” Cries out Bromely as I can only nod in agreement as the tower shoots at Mac, blinding her.
“Nadja! We’re leaving!”
“Just a second!” She shoots and kills one Boggard before grabbing Macand Miklos by the arms, carrying them off with me at her heels. We retreat far away, despair plaguing our minds. I gather near Bromely as we attempt to cobble together a plan, something that can protect us from our doom. William won’t wait. He shouts me down, drowning out my words, yelling about going to knock over the pillars before storming off back to the fortress. I do not stop him. I am tired of rudeness and I can not change the mind of someone who will not listen or practice patiences. Nadja goes after him, saying she’ll keep an eye on him and return if anything happens.
With the rest of the party we come together a plan, a weak one. I’m extremely nervous. I don’t even think it will work but it is better then nothing at all. Mrs Nadja returns without Willam. It’s easy to conclude his fate as our small group grows silent.
"I think they have Willem. There are at least ten frog men. He could not harm totem!"

"Willem made his choice, Nadja," I can only sigh, his hand on my shoulder. Tired of all the lose I’ve faced.
"There was nothing you could have done."
Our front line fighters are still blind, It falls on me to restore their sight but I can’t today. I did not ask my goddess to bestow that power to do so this day. So we make camp and eventually fall into an uneasy sleep
————-

We stand once again before the fortress, our situation dire but our hearts filled with determination. There is no retreat, we either get inside or we become cold stone together just like those explorers. This could be the finial battle for our band of heroes. I couldn’t remove the blindness from brother Farooque eyes but he simply tells us. Bill looks about the area and do not see the stone remains of William. I can only conclude that my spell wore off and he sank to the bottom of the swamps depths. Bromely makes us all invisible and I get into position, casting the globe of invulnerability, begging internally for this to work. We being the assault anew. Mac tries to dispel the black totem and just like last time she is blinded. I try after her but am rebuked but not attacked. A hobgoblin comes out of the woods but simply watches us as we pay them no mind. The Boggards are doing no good but the blue totem has activated and our fears are realized. It Pierces through the globe, barely even slowing it down. It strikes Bromely and we are left in raging sadness as he turns to stone. The tears won’t stop. A look comes to Miklos eyes.
“I’m going through the barrier.” Nadja simply bows her head in acknowledgment of our fate as she fire arrow after arrow at the Boggers. The powerful dragon barbarian steps forward and becomes stone. Then brother Farooque goes suffering the same fate. I can’t stop the flow of dark tears as I feel the catasym in my heart grow. If only I was more powerful. The I wouldn’t have to experience the wrenching of my soul. Only name and Nadja stand against our fate. She looks at me with fire in her eyes.
"Let us go out in a blaze of glory, comrades! Black Eyed Priest- I am proud of you!"
I don’t want to say goodbye yet but it seems we will. I nod my head in agreement.
She takes one more shot as the spell come towards her. It rips through the globe and strikes her and I watch the stone slowly encompass her body. I cry out in despair.
"Nadja- I love you!"
She simply smiles before she’s gone forever.
“You got everyone killed.” Ah, there still here. I don’t give a damn about her, about a hypocrite who did nothing. I don’t care about them.
“Think what you want.” I look up again at the wall, wanting to look at my friends one last time when something happens. The stone surrounding Mac begins to break away. She breaks free gasping for air, her eyes darting about wildly as mine widen. Hope fills my soul. I know what I must do. Thank you my friends, my goddess. I march forward passing the barrier as the world slowly grows cold and dark....

Arun

[Aileen]

I thought I died, turned to stone forever. And then I woke up. In a kitchen of sorts, warmed by the heat of a fire, next to Black Eyed Priest! I do not see Miklos or Bruce dog, so I get to my feet and search.

"Hello, doggie!" I say to the flaming hell hound watching over us. He growls, but let's me pass.

"Miklos! My love!" I run to my soon to be husband, and he pulls me into his strong manly arms.

"Nadja! I thought you were dead!"

"I thought you was too! Where is Bruce?"

"I don't think they kept him alive," says previously dead Willem."

"Willem, you're not dead!"

"No. They took me after I turned to stone. They brought you all in the next day."

I am deeply angry that my dog is probably dead. They don't know whose dog they killed... I am Nadja Kozlov, Marksman Very Good! They will pay for taking my boy from me!

Black Eyed Priest speaks to fire doggy in scary devil language, and reports that we are going to rest so he can get some spell that will let us talk to her. So, we take a nap and Miklos holds me as I mourn my Bruce doggo. After some time, my only living son Arun casts spell and the fire dog can speak!

I feed her meat, and she tells us her story. She is prisoner here of a different kind, a pet made to guard the place. She does not want to work for her master anymore, so asks us to kill them. Also, our gear is in next room, but there are frog men and cher... chow... cheraulka? So tiny man makes us look like them! Me and husband look like chemalkas.

We sneak in, and find them all playing mancala and cards. There is pur stuff, right on table in middle of them! Our disguises don't fool them long, and suddenly they attack as Willem does not fool them! I jump on table and grab my sword, only to be attacked by a chimenea. Then Black Eyed Priest casts a spell, and...

"Ooh! Mancala!" I follow the frog man to join him I'm playing, but something hits me right in the butt! I scream as the trident tears into my cheek, and suddenly I don't want to play mancala anymore! I rush back, and get into a duel.

Soon the enemies die, and we get all our stuff back on. It is so good to have my bow again, but I have only three arrows. This jungle is no good anymore! After catching our breaths, we proceed on. Next room has big, scary statue that comes alive as we move toward it. I run in, hitting it hard with my sword, but it is really really hard! Then it punches me, so hard I nearly become one with the floor. I stand up, dazed and head pounding, continuing the fight. It gets me again, and I think I may be done for until someone finish it off!

We rest, sweet Arun patching up my achey head, and move into door to center of building. This room is filled with giant dragon bones! They look like some weird hipster architecture. Mac rants about De Hawk, but I don't really know much about this hawk god. I go to door, and grab handle. Suddenly my mind is filled with vision of scary dragon thing wrecking destruction and death. Is this de hawk?!?! I scream. I do not like this door.

🦕🏹 Nadja

[dragonforgotten]

I blink awake to feel the glow of a fire against my skin... I’m, alive!? I shuffling from the hard ground to be face to face with a imposing flaming black dog. My eyes narrow as I glare into the intelligent eyes of the beast.
“Are you a prisoner as well?” I hiss to them in inferno, the harsh language rubbing uncomfortable. It tilts its head to the side, ears perked forward.
“Can you understand me?” It nods. So it can!. It must be a fiend or tied to evil forces. It’s then I notice everyone around me! My friends! I just want to weep with joy knowing I did not lose my friends but my heart sinks as i don’t see Bruce. The poor sweet pup. There will be time for greif, that will come later. I turn my attention back to the dog.
“Do you happen to know where our belongs are being kept.” The massive hound pads to the far door, nodding its great head, then pads to the other door as we shuffle out of the way with a shake of its head before returning to their spot in the heather.
“I can allow you to speak our language. Just give me time to pray.” The dog nods as I can give a sigh of relief. Get comfortable and begin my pray, sending my belief to my goddess. The hound sniffs at my curiously as I enthrall myself into my devotion.
When the divine energy returns to my body and bestow the ability to allow them to speak. We come to learn that she is a Nissan warhound named Izolith. She’s tells us how she is tried of being here and wants to leave. She wants us to kill her master Belmazog, in return she will let us go and hold of any that try to follow in our direction. I don’t know how to feel about this but we have no choice. We need our gear back if we are to continue to fight. We accept and before we move on to the next room Bromely disguises is as a group of the beastly Charukas and Boggards. I keep my head low as we pass through the door into a room filled with the same creatures playing games and unarmored. My eyes immediately land on our gear, Willam seems to think the same. He stumbles on by but is immediately discovered. A fight breaks out as Nadja rushes in and cuts deep furrows into the ape man. I get in position behind Miklos and cast my calm emotions. Some of the frogmen immediately stop attacking and so does Nadja. Oh no! I feel incredibly guilt as she wonders away to try and resume the frogs Makala game and is immediately struck in the back, snaps her out of it. She resumes the attack as I go over to her and heal her wounds muttering fast apologies. Finally the numbers begin to thin and I’m able to grab my sword. I rush in to help Mac but in the end with Farooque finally free to fight off her attackers it becomes a quick fight considering the ape man snapped his spear in half. I’m really worried. Barely an hour has gone by and I really have burned through two of my goddesses healing magic. I need to be careful, the fights only going to grow more dangerous as we go. Not a moment I ponder this do we come across a massive statue sandwich between the two doors. Everyone approaches the statue and my heart nearly jumps from my chest when it begins to move. Golem! It attacks Farooque and Nadja with detestation power. I haven’t wished for Diana and her shield now more the ever. I heal Farooque and grace his fists with some of my goddess divine power. Eventually we’re able to destroy the golem thanks to the Bromelys unicorn and our barbarians might. I spend the time patching up wounds. We move onto the next room, dread sitting in my stomach as Nadja reaches to open the next door before hesitating.

Arun

[Aileen]

This place is no good. Luckily the visions of the evil dragon stop me from touching the door, and I see magic at work just in time. I'm able to disable it with my thiefy tricks I learned from dad. Never thought they would come in handy!

We go in and I am assaulted by a charaulkas and two crocodile head guys. I dash to the dragon priest and proceed to beat his ass. The others join in and I am nearly taken down by the crocodile head guy until they kill him. I kill the dragon priest! Everything hurts, and we still have further to go.

So, we rest a moment before moving on. I open door to next room, and there are two three headed creatures. I rush in and start fighting the dragongoatlion. It goes not well. Poor Faarooq almost die. Lots of us get burned. Not a good time. But, we kill them. We try to rest, and more dragon things come in and attack us. Lots of people almost die, and I am burnt to a crispy Nadja.

I do not think we will survive this place, and Black Eyed Priest has no more healings after almost dying. I hope these jungle elves will pay us good if we get out. This honeymoon has turned into a nightmare of most epic proportions.

Maybe I will retire and become dog trainer. That sounds happy.

~ Nadja

[dragonforgotten]

Nadja was just about to open the door before she stopped squinting her eyes.
“Ths doors trapped.” Back to us she begins to Work on the door and the now visible ripples of energy fades from the door.
“Great work mrs Nadja!”
She opens the doors and runs in as the auditable sounds of battle echoes through the room as everyone rushes in after her with Bromelys beautiful voice behind us. I cast a bless spell and begin taking aim with divine lances at the same crocodile head creatures. Imagin my shock when one grew in size suddenly while Nadja is beating up a evil ape priest. With the battle over I heal again and we move on. My heart stopped when I saw no one but two of these horrid flying creatures with three heads, one a lion, one a goat and one a dragon. Nadja has once again run in along with Brother Farooque but no sooner had they entered the room did the beasts partner baths us in fire. I grit my teeth and bare it. The rest swarm the creature as I retreat to the back of the line summoning a spiritual scimitar. I can’t risk getting caught in another blast like that. It was a long hard battle. Everyone is looking worn and tired and we haven’t even reach the end of this massive building. I bro bag patching up Mikolas with a knot in my throat. But as I expend my last heal spell the worst happens. More enemies have intruded on us. More of those apes but these two are just as draconic as one with faced a long time ago at a pillar. This is bad, this is very bad. I look at my companions and then at our two barbarians. I had wanted to save this but I have no choice. Now is the time. I grasp both Willam and Mikolas shoulder.
“You are both protected from fire now. Use it well.” I step back as they charge in on one. The worst comes to past. Fire washes over me and my vision greys and falls to back as I burn.
....
.......
I cough and wheeze as I come to in Nadja arms, tears in her eyes.

-Arun

[Aileen]

We all do our best to treat wounds and gather our wits, and then press on. I check the door, and then the boys open it. There is no going back, not with scary growls coming from front of building! I join the group, and step into the room.

It is hot in here, that is what I notice first. Then I see the huge dragon skull taking up most of room, and a pool of molten gold. On an alter in the molten gold there is small red dragon, chained up. My heart breaks for the little thing, I must help the baby dragon!

My son Arun and sweet Faarooq go to baby dragon's aid, chopping at chains, as handsome soon-to-be husband and the others go to fight the cheraulkas and half dragon beast. I think she is the bad lady fire-dog sent us to kill! I dash past Black Eyed Priest, and leap onto the dragon. The poor creature groans, although I do not weigh much. His poor chest is wounded, and strangely gold in the gash.

"I am sorry little baby dragon!" I apologize. "I will free you!"

"Must you stand on me for this?" He groans.

Almost as soon as I start going at the chains, Farooq is shot with eye beam from scary dragon skull, and then I am blasted with the fire as well. I focus on trying to break the chains, first with hands and then more successfully with my sword. One breaks, but as I work on another one I am hit again and again by evil dragon eye beam. I nearly fall in the molten gold, swaying on my feet as I balance on poor baby dragon.

"Nadja, get down!" Arun begs.

"No, I must free him!"

"You're too hurt! If you go down, you're going to fall in!"

He is right. I am no used to anyone dead. I apologize to my sweet dragon child and leap off the altar, joining Arun and Faarooq. Faarooq goes to the other chains closer to the dragon skull after these ones break, and I soon join him. He is hit by eye beam, and falls. I keep hacking away at the chains until I am consumed by fire. As I go unconscious, the last thing I see is my Miklos fighting the half-dragon lady. I wish I could tell him I love him just one last time, but it is my time to go.

----

I awaken to the glorious sounds of Mac ranting about De Hawk. Crazy woman, blessed hater of evil dragon bird! She grabs my arm, and I clamber to my feet. I'm alive, thanks to Mac! I run for the dragon skull, where others are hiding underneath. The half-dragon is dead, and now Miklos and others are hitting the skull to kill it. It fires at Faarooq even though he is behind it, very scary!

At last it breaks, and we free the dragon. His name is Kyrion, and he is very good boy. He has horrible injury in chest, where some thing was stabbed into him to complete ritual to turn him into vessel for De Hawk. How a dragon can become a raptor bird makes no sense to me, but I do not know of these things. I have never encountered dragon before, this sweet baby is my first.

We speak to him and he allows us to have some of his treasure. I take a beautiful longbow. The real treasure I have received is in my friendships and family with these strange people. Arun, my new son, Miklos my new husband, Mokole Mbembe who I may never see again. I have lost my first love and my loyal dog Bruce the Beast, but I feel the sacrifices have been worth destroying these evil creatures and freeing sweet Kyrion from becoming an evil hawk.

We leave the temple, Miklos holding my hand, and set out to return to the elves my Arun has told me so much about. I was raised by elves at home in Varisia, after father died in fire. Before then I had traveled with him and my old people, in band of wagons going place to place. The elves were his friends, and taught me their ways of nature and hunting evil beasts. I hope that these jungle elves are as kind and knowledgeable as my own family.

This was all supposed to be honeymoon for Laszlo and I, but fate had other plans. My heart is broken, but I know soon it will be whole again. Miklos and I shall soon be married, and that makes me happy. If only Mokole Mbembe could come for wedding...

🏹🦕 Nadja Kozlov

[dragonforgotten]

Nadja opens the doors as I wait full of anxiety and dread as I tie off a bandage tight, staunching the flow of blood from my shoulder.
two monkey priests in the corner of the room, a strange half dragon creature in the far corner.
Our barbarians rush in seeing a opening as I take in more of the room
There standing before us hanging high is a great dragon skull with burning jewel eyes. Gold pools from its eyes and into a massive stone basin ontop of the alter were a large red dragon lays looking at us pitifully. My heart breaks seeing him suffer. I approach him nervous and unsure of myself. Oh goddess such a terrible wound he has! How is he still alive with that sticking out of his chest!?
“Umm, mr dragon. Are you ok?”
“Help.... me...”
“How!?”
“Break... my bonds.. and I will help you fight.”
“Ok!”
I unsheathe my blade and bring it down but it doesn’t look like I even put a nick into them. These are stronger then they look! Nadja rushes by me and jumps onto the dragon and begins to hack at his chains. Making far better progress then I ever could but she’s standing so close to the edge of the pool of molten gold! Suddenly the skulls eyes blasts scorching Farooque and Nadja.
I try to disable it but it does nothing! I see her sway on the dragon and my heart nearly stops.
“Nadja, get down!" I beg.
"No, I must free him!"
"You're too hurt! If you go down, you're going to fall in!"
She takes my advice and manages to get off the poor dragon just as Mikolas cuts down two more chains as I help. Willam falls to my horror as he’s struck by a beam and is the focus of the half dragons violent assaults. Mikolas and Farooque manage to dispatch the ape priests as I finally give up my attempts at destroying the chains. I don’t know what I can do for willam. I only have one spell left but I I’m out of options. I just hope it’s enough. I heal my friends, pulling willam from the jaws of death but still Farooque and Nadja collapse close to the skull as the intense heat of the rays strike them! Mikolas engages the half dragon and with his combined might, takes her down but the skull is still shooting at us. I take cover under the skull, out of sight of its intense gaze while I stabilize willam and drag his body inside. Looks like this is where the half dragon lived, I don’t have time to go through it all. Not until that blasted skull stops shooting. Mikolas unleashes one of his icy breath attacks and I can see the cracks forming in the skull! Everyone begins to catch on what to do and together we gore out the skulls eyes and the skull crumbles to dust along with the chains of the young dragon. I go to him, concern as he rises from his stone.
He groans looking among us shaking his great head. This is amazing. I’ve never been this close to a real dragon before.
He introduces himself as Kyrion. He’s surprisingly well mannered and kind dispute being raised by cultists. I’m even more taken aback that he turned away from Dahkai despite his upbringing. Brings me hope that maybe some evil dragons can be redeemed. I’m so happy he’s alive though I’m curious what kind object the cultist leader had embedded into his chest. A violation of personal autonomy indeed! Least he doesn’t seem to him too much but I hate to see him in pain. He allows me to take a closer look as we gather around trying to sort it out but none of us make any sense of it. Only that it is a powerful object. If only I could see the entire shard but doing that would kill poor Kyrion and none of us wish to harm him in satisfying our curiosity. To even more of my amazement he even allows us to take his treasure hoard. As all our questions are answered about himself departs asking where we live. I inform him of our home much to the groups concern and ask if he needs healing. He says he will manage and takes off towards the sky. Wow. What a sight. Now to inform the elves of our victory.

-Arun

[Aileen]

As we leave evil dragon bone lair, I hear sad whining noise come from the marsh. I know that sound...

"Nadja, where are you going?" Arun hisses as I run off.

"That is a dog crying!"

Arun takes off after me, and it is not long before I find a lump of muddy, golden fur.

"Bruce! You're alive!"

I drop to my knees in the gross, marshy grass and lift my Bruce dog's head. He is weak, but licks my hand in greeting.

"Oh, sweet Bruce! Brave, brave Bruce!"

Arun helps me carry my injured dog as we leave the area, making camp as far away from the temple as we can travel with all of us wounded. Bruce is all clawed up from the horrible frogmen, but Arun is able to heal him. I think it is best I not bring the sweet pup into battle anymore.

It take us a few days to get to the Hunter's Gate, and that is when the group remember that they have special Hunter's Mark this whole time that could have helped me... like, a lot. We go through, and the Ekujae Elves are already expecting us. I smell food the moment we arrive, and they cheer for our arrival.

We are given a special star knife for helping them, which Mac takes, that will open another portal. The elves ask what else they can do for us. I grab my Miklos's hand and step forward.

"Hello, I am Nadja, you do not know me yet- I accidentally join this group in jungle. I come from elf tribe in Varisia, but I am just human..."

I realize I am rambling, but I am just so excited to be around elves again! And these ones so different than my own family. The nice lady smiles at me.

"Welcome, Nadja. We know of you. I am Nketiah."

"Nice meet you, Nketiah. Um... do you have someone that can officiate a wedding?"

"You wish to marry?"

Miklos and I nod. Turns out, they do! And so we marry in the jungle, at a feast with the Ekujae. We hold our hands as they speak a bond for us, all of our friends watching, and then bring forth what looks like strange green vegetable.

"And now, you must consume the marriage fruit!"

Arun warns us not to eat it, but fruit cannot possibly hurt us! Unless is poison, but I do not think these elves want to hurt us. I bite into the fruit, and it is... spicy. So, very spicy.

"Is good!" I announce. "But why can I not feel my mouth?"

It gets really, really hot, but thankfully new husband has cold breath, and numbs the burning. After our ceremony, the feasting begins. Everything is plant based, but delicious, and the company is good. Miklos and I are so happy to be married, and honor the sacrifice of first husband Laszlo.

The next day we leave Ekujae elves and go through portal to Breachhill. The fortress I have been told so much about is a mess, but a workable mess. Everyone starts discussing plan for rebuilding and all the work that has to be done. I realize, I have something I wish to learn, fighting with two swords at once... but, there is no ranger that can train me. Sweet Black Eyed Priest sends a message back to the Ekujae, and Nketiah agrees to host me for a week and train me!

"Sweet Miklos, I must go!" I kiss him. "The jungle calls me!"

"What? Nadja, we just married... we need to..."

"Is only a week! We don't even have doors on bedroom yet!"

Poor Arun is turning red and pretending he does not hear us.

"Fine. Be safe, my love."

"And you stay out of trouble, Miklos! I love you!"

I turn to Arun before I step through portal. He pats Bruce doggo goodbye.

"Take care of my husband, Black Eyed Priest!"

I step through, and am welcomed again by my new elf friends. My week is spent in heavy training, but spending the nights learning of their culture and sharing my own. All elves are so different, and yet the same. It is a wonderful time, but bittersweet when I leave my Bruce dog with them. They promised to take care of my sweet Mokole Mbembe, and I know they will give Bruce the best life.

🦕🏹 Nadja Kozlov

[dragonforgotten]

It’s a miracle. In our travels back to the elves in deliverance of the end of the cinderclaws terror of the jungle we hear a whine. Bruce has survived despite all odds if weakened, tired and injured. We arrive to a hero’s welcome amongst the elves in the next few days. Another feast is held, this time as with the jungle once again free of terror and dahak.
Another beautiful wedding is held that day, officiated by the elves and tied together by a bowl of those devil fruit much to my worry. Strangely as I’m enjoying the fruit salad it feels slightly hot not does not hurt like last time.
As the celebrations comes to an end Nikatia gives to us the next port key to dream gate. Eclipse, the star knife adorn with a silver dragon. Another step in our journey lays ahead of us but for now it’s time to return home to bury the dead, celebrate their memory, and work to restore the castle to its former glory. There is much to be done.
In the morning we return to hunters gate and with goodbyes we finally leave the jungle.
The light is blinding and the snap of cold air is such a great feeling, leaving the oppressive heat behind us. It is late by the time we reach the castle, just as we left it months ago. Nadja and Miklos don’t look very impressed, guess my words don’t live up to expectations.
I search about looking for them as I introduce my new friend to my warg children.
“Pup! Pups I’m home!” I call out into the court yard opening my arms and I see them charge, tipping happily as they bound towards me! Oh I missed them so! Oh... oh wow. They’ve gotten bigger. I’m so proud! They crash into me, knocking me to the floor as I laugh and hug them.
“I missed you both so much!” They certainly are huge, there almost as big as their mother, they practically up to my shoulders now while on fours! It was only a few months ago that I could have hold them in my arms!
When they finish greeting me they sniff Nadja and Mikolas.
“Pups these are new friends.”
“Food?” Growls Skoll in his thick accent.
“No not good. Friends.”
“Friends?” Growls Hati in her soft cool voice. There still working on there common I see. Hati caught on quicker then her brother who seems to like being active more then learning but she keeps her brother in line when he gets sassy. She only knows one or two words but it fills my heart with joy
Nadja bends down and greets Hati. Soon she warms up to her as Skoll knocks over Mikolas licking his face.
“cold.”
“Excellent Skoll! Your improving!
I can’t help but smile as Nadja fund over my pups. This shall be a good month.
———-

The next day Im approached by Nadja. She feels it is time to expand her studies but she needs a teacher. There is no one to teach her here in breach hill. I rattle my brain and come upon an idea. I can think of no one else besides the elves. With my powers expanded I am able to send a message to Nikatai who responds with a excited yes. With bags packed she is off back to the jungle again while I return to my work.
I discover a hitch the very next day as I look over the supplies of the castle. The numbers are off and there is a smiley face on the document. Oh dear. I discover the next day that Mikolas is sitting in the head office of the castle looking overwhelmed and confused.
Quickly I contact mrs Wimble and she comes to our aid in lightening speed. Willam convinces everyone to pay for her services which I think is a grand idea but I don’t know about the length of time. Least we have secured the functioning of the castle. It’s a much harder job then I could have imagined.
Weeks go by as I spend my time in the forge transferring runes with the pups curled near my feet. At the day I work and at night I teach and play with my pups.
I spend the remaining of my goddess moth offering praise and blessing in the court yard beginning the burning blade dance rite. I am not good at dancing but I’m sure the offering is appreciated.
Once the cypts are cleaned out I purchase a run for Diana’s ashes and place her within the many spots among other warriors. Once construction is complete I shall return her to the earth we’re she may not be disturbed.
During this time I think to myself. I must expand my clerical studies. We are facing more and more demon spawns. I must change the way I use my magic if I wish to no longer lose anyone else I hold dear. When the runes are done I return to the clerics of Shylen to learn. There was many I could have gone to but learning under the guidance of Shylen or Desna seems appropriate considering my ties to her brother and my goddess friendship with the other. It is back breaking training, returning home every night with a collapse onto my bed and the pups crawling into bed with me. I discover that night that I need a bigger bed if I don’t want to scofficate under first and muscles.
I passed by Nadja room once and quickly shuffled away bright red as I hear things, I’m sure they’d like a larger bed as well.
The next week I do to town to but and sell treasure. I have these gold nuggets I washed clean and the other starknife no one wants. I could spend that time studying the runes but I can’t. Our budget is extremely close. I fear we are going to get crushed by the fees soon even with the pay we received from the town.
I approach the teller hoping to at least get 50 or 70 gold pieces as I slide the knife to them.
I get the expected price but then I slide the gold nuggets. I’m thinking 10 maybe 20 gold for them but the tell closesly inspects all 20 gold nuggets.
“I’ll give you 1000.”
I choke on my black coffee flabber gast as Hati whines in concern.
“Silver!?”
“No, gold.”
“Oh mother of angels!”
———————-

Well, we certainly aren’t in hard times anymore now. Finishing my supplies I return to the inner chapel of the castle blessing the small container of water in a reglious devotion as I kneel before them in communion with my goddess to bless these vails with her power. By the end of the process the castle is complete. Giddy from lack of sleep I throw a bottle of wine at the battlements and pass out in the grass with the pups dragging me to bed with Nadja’s helps. By the end of the month we finally have a home thanks to everyone’s efforts.
The next few days go peacefully till we receive a note. The wainwright’s are in trouble. The ransom note does not say its terms besides to come alone... but it’s addresses to all of us? Well, I’m not sure what to make of this but we are all set on going.
We arrive at the small shop, me and Nadja go first. A shady looking man stands in the corner with a even shifter eye fellow. To invites us in and informs us he has cast a detect lies upon us all so well know he is honest and we can not lie to him. Not that it matters to much to me, though I wish Bromely could have gone first. I am no good in this type of discussion. My words are truth and I feel we can not trust such a man who threatens innorcent shop keepers. This requires careful wording.
“Where is Voz larains journal.” Nadja is confused one what he is talking about.
My eyes narrow immediately.
“It is safe.” I tell him. He cannot have those notes. Under any circumstance. It is dangerous in the wrong hands. The ring can not be abused again.
He probs deeper and I have to keep quiet. Thankfully Farooque steps in and it soon becomes obvious that if we want our hostage to get out alive we must show him the documents. We all stand tense against the wall of the cabin for a unbearably long time till Farooque returns with a stack of familiar papers. Brilliant!
Farooque hands then over but the thug is in convinced.
“Are these the paper?”
“No.” Drat! Farooque then hands him the real papers as Bromely uses his famous silver tongue. He starts talking about us wanting to join his organization and I glare under my brows at him. Bromely what are you getting at!? This seems to be what he wanted to hear. He begins speak to us about a job he’d like us to do to prove ourselves and the more he talks the more I don’t like it. Then he meantions that one word. The one word I can’t stand. Slaves.
I lurch forward, grinding my teeth. More angry then I’ve been in a long time but I manage to pull myself back digging my nails into my palms. I have to control myself, lives are at stake. I must not act carelessly but the more the man talks the more I hate it and the more I feel the peices start to slide into place in my mind as I remember what Kyrion told us.
“Are you the scarlet tirade!?” I don’t receive an answer but the group has already made up their mind regardless. They will not leave this building without retribution.

Arun

[Aileen]

An offer of a job goes bad when we find out it involves bringing this fancy man slaves. I see Arun about to cast a spell, making an angry face, so I draw my bow and aim at the guy.

“I will kill him, you know.” He says.

“Hand him over!” I order.

“No.”

I let loose, and my arrow strikes true.

“Very well, you have chosen death. And OW!” The man snaps, running into the room. The door slams shut.

The lathe in the middle of the room comes on of its own accord, and we are pelted by sharp metal shards. I get hit after trying to disable it, and give up. It’s killing time! I run in other room and join the fray. After fierce battle all lie dead except the leader, who I merely knocked out. We save the wainwright and Mac talks to the dead bodies, getting very unhelpful information.

After questioning leader man, we bring him to jail. He tells us he was supposed to meet some man named Laszlin in Kintargo in a couple days. They are a mercantile group based on slavery and were solely trying to draw us into a trap.

Next couple days we spend getting the castle taken care of and dealing with weapons. I replace my swords with some new found rapiers courtesy of dead men. They are very pretty and so me! I also spend lots of time with new husband Miklos, and am completely exhausted. And also I get to play with Arun’s sweet pups, which makes me miss my Bruce Dog. I hope he is happy with the elves!

Then, we go through Dream Gate. First thing we see is creepy dead gray skinned woman with horns, nailed to wall, with strange writing above her. Under it I can see in elvish: “praise to Desna for sweet dreams”. Bromely does magic to let us read the writing over it, defacing my beautiful mother tongue.

Praise to Abeltia for Blessed Nightmares

I take the ring off the night hag, which we soon realize this is, and Bromely talk to her after Mac casts creepy talk to dead spell. This is Abeltia! We proceed on down a hallway, and come into a big chamber with a statue of a willow tree. The branches begin waving.

🦕 Nadja

[dragonforgotten]

Nadja strikes the first blow as I stand In front of the door. He’s not going anywhere. Not with those notes and not away from us.
Farooque and Mikolas chase him into the room But just as Farooque rips the door off its hinges the ring leader of thing sinister band triggers a trap. A machine one used for the crafting has become a spinning instrument of death. It swings about cutting us to ribbons as the sneaks stab at us from inside. Seeing they are cornered I peer into the chaos. To my horror those villains cut mr wight! I have many things to say about this. Many horrible things. I send out my healing energy to him and he comes back from the brink of death only to be cut down again!! How dare they! I stabilize him, rolling up my sleeve, bleeding everywhere from the shrapnel pericing my flesh. Diving behind the counter with Bill, pulling the bits from my flesh I think and plan in my head but there’s not much I can do so I charge in ready, sword and shield. By the time I get there the fighting is over. I have side strep the unconscious leader of thugs as Nadja and everyone has cleaned up.
I go rush to Mr Vusker immediately and close the grievous wound to his throat. He groans as he starts to come around.
“Mr Vusker. Your safe now. We took care of the crooks.”
His eyes flutter open as I help sit up.
“Oh, is everyone alright!?”
“Your family isn’t here sir. There safe.”
“Oh, oh good. That’s good. I was so worried.”
“I think I can understand sir.”
“Oh, do you have children yourself?”
I chuckle.
“Well, sort of though they are furry.”
I can here a strange rasping groaning voice coming from beyond the door.
“One moment sir.” I perk my head out to see the leader tied and gaged in the corner of the room but that doesn’t have my attention. Mac animate one of the corpses as it slumps forward speaking.
“Mac! You better not be animating the dead.” I mutter annoyed.
“Naw. This is speak with dead.” I groan shaking my head. There’s no getting through to her
“Don’t let Mr Vusker hear! The poor man has been though enough in one day.”
I close the door quietly, pressing my back against the door.
“Patiences. Patiences is a virtue.”
“What was that?”
“Just the prayers of an exacerbated priest.”
Once I settle Mr Vusker we interrogate the leader as I lean against the wall watching to see he’s treated right. I may not like him, I may even despise him for what he’s done but I can not forget the light. I’ve come to far to regress into pain and hatred. I don’t know what Mac did but he tells all he knows and it all leads back to one place I’d didn’t imagine I’d return to. Kintargo. Me and Farooque glance at each other. I don’t know how he feels about his birth place but it’s not completely one I had wish not to come back to so soon. The memories are just too painful but it appears fate has called us both back to our birthplace. I just hope I’m ready for whatever comes next.
——-
My eyes peer through the darkness of the corridors, still no one.
Chains rattle, I drag my small limbs down my sides from the weight of the shackles. It’s so dark and cold in this cell. I rush to her side as I hear her Coughing and wheezing, her delicate arms pull me into her embrace as I help her lay onto the straw palette.
She’s looking better atleast.
She tries to get up much to my horror.
“Ma please! You can’t get up just yet.”
She gives me wavering smile, one that could lighten the room.
“My little sun. Pain is apart of us son, it will make us stronger in the end.” Her hand brushes along my bloodied scared wrists as I sob, wrapping my arms around her.
“But It feels like it never ends though.” She runs her fingers through my hair.
“It will. All wounds heal with time, even wounds to the heart.”
She lifts my head to peer into her eyes.
“You must listen carefully. Our people may have promised the shadow lord our service but we did not promise him our souls. Our spirits may have been touched by his power but we can choose to turn from the darkness.”
She wipes the tears for my eyes.
“Just please don’t forget who you are.” Suddenly in an instant I’m starring into his evil shadow filled eyes!

I jump up from bed with a shout. The pups yip startled and are all over me. Not again. I thought I was done with night terrors.
I stroke their silky fur.
“Sorry pups. Dads ok.” I stroke their heads, feel uneasy. I don’t know what spells I should ask my goddess tomorrow. There’s so many unknowns going through these portals and the Desnas portal is just confusing. With Hunters gate it seemed so obvious that it would be a jungle thanks to our spider friend. I hope she’s doing alright. Now I havent a clue. Wait...
That’s it!
I close my eyes and feel the divine energy course through me as I consort wight eh powers that be with a question.
“What is beyond the portal?”
A whisper echoes into my ear as the hair stands at the back of my neck.
“You will see that not all trees are wood, and then will learn not all dreams are good.”
I open my eyes even more confused.
“Sooo... no fire tomorrow?”
I don’t get an answer.
“Darn.”
“Darn?”
“What’s darn?”
I pet both their heads.
“Nothing pups. Just try and get some shut eye.”
——-

It’s certainly easy to get to the ring now that the stairs are not broken. I had to break the news to the Kobolds about Diana’s untimely demise. The poor little guys were heartbroken but they certainly were interested when I told them about Kyrion. Using Eclipse we open the portal and step into parts unknown. Immediately a feel a sense of dread sink into my stomach. Entering into a dimly lit chamber the iconography if Desna but the alter in the far corner has been destroyed and desacrated. The statue that once stood in the alter only has a pair of feet remaining and vailed to the wall behind it is a hideous woman with horns jutting from her head. Written the original message has been scratched out with a new message which Bromely translate through his magic on the wall
“Praise to Abelstia, for Succulent Nightmares.”
Nadja squints, Looking past the message.
“It’s suppose to be Praise to Desna, for Sweet Dreams.” She informs us as she takes the ring of the corpses finger. I look at it closer as memories of learning about creatures with Mrs Juno surface back.
“This is a Night Hag.” I touch the stone hung around her neck.
“This is her hearthstone. It’s suppose to make them more powerful. This one looks like it died with her.”
I take it off her while Nadja is trying to figure out her new ring. We only have two directions to go ahead. Left or right.

Arun