Chapter 23

The party made their way quickly to the Temple of Selune, and were warmly greeted by Priestess Seireri, whom an acolyte had rushed off to inform when he had seen the party approaching the temple entrance.

“Welcome back, adventurers,” Seireri said. “Were you successful in finding a diamond?”

Vennoa retrieved the diamond from her pack, and held it out to Seireri.

“Great, this will do,” Seireri said. “Come, have a good rest, and we will cast the spell in the morning.”

“Why not do it right now?” Vennoa asked.

“Such rituals are best performed in the rising sun,” Seireri replied. “Also, from the looks of it, all of you need some rest. Tempest can do with another day.”

“But—” Vennoa started, and noticed the rest of the party had already scattered off, following acolytes towards their assigned rooms.

“Don’t worry,” Seireri said. “We’ll cast the spell once everyone is up tomorrow.”

Vennoa sighed, and followed the acolyte that had been dutifully waiting by her side. She went towards her room, laid on the soft bed, and fell instantly asleep.

The next day, Vennoa awoke with a start. She hadn’t heard any whispers in her mind that night, or maybe she had but was too tired to pay any attention to it. In any case, that was the best night of rest she had had in a while. She quickly sat up, and looked at herself. She was still dressed in her rather-soiled clothes from the adventure. There was dirt in various places, and splotches of dried blood. She grimaced, and noticed that she had also stained the bed she had been sleeping in. Shrugging, she made her way out of the room. As before, an acolyte was waiting for her.