The Adventure

Gevin heads to the nearby stream to grab some fresh water to clean Etta's wound. He bends over to put some in his waterskin. Startled by his reflection he drops his waterskin and it flows down the stream. A red eye.... I've got a red eye. He thinks, his mind now racing. Am I a monster? A million things go through his head. Suddenly it makes sense. He knew Reina's name suddenly. Does that mean she has power over him?

He needs time to think this through. With too many questions, he just sits down, not returning to camp.

Etta has no objection to setting up camp, but they have to finalize their agreement with Reina before letting her go. So while Gevin does his own tasks, she helps patch the witch's wounds...reluctantly, and letting Reina do most of the work, as Etta can't quite bring herself to behave nobly and altruistically to her former foe.

Etta: "There. We've done the best we can. Time must do the rest. Now: this so-called Malkath's Vestige."

A heavy sigh from Reina. Perhaps having seconds thoughts? But then: "You're right. It is time for your...tutoring. Listen carefully...."

Reina details about twenty chants that aid in utilizing the gem's power. Everything from controlling other beings to firing magical bolts to implanting corrupting magic in others. But she stresses that the chants only trigger and focus the gem.

Etta practices as Reina teaches, until she's certain the witch has fulfilled her end of the bargain.Reina: "An expert could, I believe, use the Vestige's power without any chants, and without suffering fatigue. But I only reached the intermediate stage."

Etta: "What is this Vestige, exactly? How did you acquire it? And what were your goals? And the mask? You've told us nothing about yourself."

Reina: "And I plan to keep it that way. Our deal did not include my life story. You must be content with unanswered questions."

Etta: "Tell me something. It seems you were ill-treated. If there's a greater evil out there, I need to know. Protecting Rackon's Bluff is our responsibility."

Reina chuckles: "And do the citizens of the Bluff respect your contribution, or see you as a non-Thalken outsider? You see, my quarrel was with the Bluff itself...like you. Yes, while I wielded the gem I could read the surface thoughts of you and Gevin. I know your hidden rage and frustration; I felt the same. The Bluff broke me...though others will argue I broke myself...."

She shakes her head: "It matters not. My path has changed, and I will say no more. Let me go, as promised."

Etta opens her mouth to argue, then mimics Reina's sigh. It wasn't the ending she'd hoped for...but on the other hand, she felt it was time to end this.

Etta: "Fine. You're free to go. I would say good luck, but such words would probably sound insincere."

Reina: "I understand, Etta. But you've spared my life, when you could've slain me with a single thrust of your dagger. That's certainly the equivalent of good luck. And rest easy: I have no intentions of forsaking my vow. If I do, you should know, if you still wield the Vestige. My fate will be terrible if that happens, believe me."

After a last look at the staff and gem, Reina hobbles away. She gets on a game trail heading southwest, and is soon lost to sight.

Reina has been defeated, and has sworn to change her ways. Etta and Gevin have possession of Malkath's Vestige, hopefully allowing them to undo Reina's mischief. And once they (or someone more experienced with magic) master the Vestige, Rackon's Bluff will be even better protected.

Etta still has plenty of questions, but the answers will have to linger for now. Tonight, they can bask in their success, and then head back home.

But where was Gevin? He'd been gone a long time....

Using her newfound knowledge, Etta tries to use the Vestige to cleanse herself of any ill effects.

After what seems like an age, it feels like something is draining out of her. A few seconds later, she feels normal again; no more troublesome magic within.

If it weren't for my leg, I'd be able to prance about like a pony. But this took forever. Reina was right; the chants help, but practice is still needed. And Gevin is still out there somewhere....

Gevin returns after what seems like ages. He had gone to get water and some more herbs, but is empty handed when he gets back. When questioned about what happened all he says is "I'm tired. I need sleep." And so he begins to set up camp.

One of the first things he notices is that Reina is no longer there. It didn't surprise him. The witch didn't strike him as the social type. Heck he wasn't interested in talking to her anyway. Let alone the fact that she did this to him. This red eye. Part of him had considered killing her at night in hopes of undoing this curse now bestowed upon him.

Was it his own mind thinking? Or was it the gem's influence? He didn't know, but something inside him kept him from blaming the vestige. Possibly that was also the vestige protecting itself. No matter right now. He decided to deal with it later.

"Good night." He simply told Etta as he turned on his side and tried his best to sleep at least some.

In the morning Gevin feels a bit better. "Sorry about last night, Etta." He tells her as they pack their things. "I went to the river and saw the red glow in my eye. It frightened me. Still does actually. I don't know what it means. Am I cursed? We won't get another chance to kill that witch." He sighs, uncertain about his fate.

In any case, they decide to return to the bluff now that the threat was dealt with... sort of. The mood is not as festive as it should be after completing such a vow. For Gevin it has brought on new kinds of worries. But an Ironsworn perseveres.