As Admiral and Regan weave their way back through the cavern network away from the hag's tunnels, the sound of raucous laughter, cheerful applause, and the lively strains of a violin grows louder with each step.
The sounds lead them to a breathtaking cavern space, housing a garden of glowing vines and berry bushes that blanket the walls and floor. A sparkling pool sits at one end of the large cave, its crystal-clear waters shimmering under stalactites above. Fey children splash and play in the water, their laughter punctuated by a cascade of droplets as one leaps from a mossy rock into the pool below.
In the heart of the cavern, Admiral and Regan witness a spectacle unfolding that is comical and bordering on absurdity. Cordey, the hulking half-sea-elf, sits uncomfortably on a "throne" of moss, flowers, and vines, his broad shoulders making the delicate seat look even more precarious. A woven crown of seaweed and shells perches on his head, slightly askew, as fey children flutter around him with offerings of glowing berries and tiny enchanted trinkets. The more Cordey attempts to politely decline their gifts, the more they cheer and chant titles like "Cordey the Brave!" and "Savior of the Brook!" with infectious glee, drowning out his protests entirely.
The fossergrim, standing nearby with an elegant violin in hand, plays a spirited tune that only encourages their antics further.
Tasya, unable to contain her laughter at the sight of Cordey being fawned over like a hero-king, joins in the celebration with a grin. She grabs Jin by the wrist and pulls him into a growing circle of fey children who have taken to dancing, their steps quick and whimsical as they twirl in time with the fossergrim’s melody. Jin, though initially reluctant, finds himself laughing alongside her as the two move among the tiny fey children.
Mischa and Caspian observe the scene from the edge of the garden, leaning casually against the cavern walls. Mischa wears a faint smile, the faintest glimmer of amusement in her usually composed demeanor, while Caspian watches the festivities with calm interest, his arms folded as if weighing the absurdity of the scene against its charm.
Taresh sits cross-legged on a mossy rock near the sparkling pool, his calm meditation a stark contrast to the lively splashing and dancing of the fey children around him. A bold fey child darts up to him and drapes a glowing garland of vines around his shoulders, prompting a faint smile as he quietly accepts the playful gesture, though he remains still.
...
As Admiral and Regan step into the cavern, the fey children turn their attention to them with all the energy of a mischievous swarm. A sudden hail of soft berries greets the newcomers, forcing them to dodge and weave as the tiny projectiles pelt them with harmless enthusiasm. A few braver children rush forward, their forms bouncing with excitement, and attempt to pet Admiral’s fur, their tiny fingers fascinated by its texture. Others circle Regan, tugging playfully at his armor and offering him fistfuls of berries as though trying to draft him into their game. The sheer chaos of the welcome is enough to overwhelm even the most hardened adventurer, though there is an undeniable charm to their exuberance.
Meanwhile, a group of curious fey notices the large mirror Admiral carries. Some fey gather around it, their wide, curious eyes reflecting its surface. One daring fey reaches out to touch its edge, and the dark mirror surface shimmers faintly in response, drawing soft gasps and whispers of awe from the group. Their attention shifts back and forth between the artifact and Admiral, their questions unspoken but clear in their gazes.
