Chapter Twenty-three: Now you see her…

27th Mirtul, Year of Three Ships Sailing (1492 D.R.), one bell before highsun.

I had been brushing delighted fingers against some of the nodding blooms lining our path. Now, startled, I drop my hand, Turning in place, I try to decide where to direct my respectful bow.

“I am Lady Jeryth, Chosen of Mielikki. Eliana Cooper! The sister of my Dear Friend! Beloved of our Lady, I greet you!” The laughing voice fills the air. “Elodie Skyshard, Vaikner, welcome to you, my new friends! Thank you, all of you, for helping Eliana in her work!”

Elie is as moved as I have ever seen her; deep joy and solemnity blending in her shining eyes.  She steps forward. Lifting her face towards the green branches, she returns Lady Jeryth’s greeting. And then speaks in great depth and detail of our time at the Meadery and of the fungal contamination that we encountered there.

Relieved to have this interval to collect my thoughts, I look around the garden curiously.

In the time since I pledged myself to Aerdrie Faeyna as her Raptor, I have met several others in similar service to myself. Other guardians, fighters, and soldiers following a divinely ordained path. The most recent example of such a faithful knight was Saer Ambrosius Everrest. But I have never encountered a Chosen of Mielikki before. I am intrigued by this manifestation of the Nature goddess’ favored servant. Comforted by the floral scents gently permeating my breeze, I feel some of the shadow of the past night’s horrors ebb away.

Eliana finishes speaking and there is a short, peaceful silence.

“I grieve to hear of your concerns about Galerina. And I share them.” Lady Jeryth’s melodic voice dances through the tree branches above us. “She is an accomplished Healer of Eldath. Sadly, she encountered Darkness in the Dessarin Valley. She was changed by her time there and was in need of…centering.

“She was tasked with the reclamation and administration of the ancient Dwarven citadel of Thornhold. This abandoned keep, located as it is on the southern edge of the Mere of Dead Men, was deemed a favorable base from which Galerina would shepherd the spreading salt lands. And help to ensure balance as these lands were reclaimed from the sea’s grasp. 

“This was some time ago. I have not heard from Galerina in at least two years. This greatly troubles me.”

“Lady Jeryth,” Eliana begins eagerly. “In your work, in your plans to help the settlements in the Mere, have you come across any mention of the Lords of the Maw? We know next to nothing of this group but they seem to be connected both to Mielikki’s prophecy and to arms smuggling by some of the Deep’s gangs.”

“Alas, I do not know anything about them.” Lady Jeryth breathes through the nearby flowers.

“Did you say that Galerina was in the Dessarin Valley?” I ask.

It is striking: the symmetry in the fates of the figures whose footsteps we are following in. Ushien Stormbringer, Saer Savra, now Galerina. Their stories seem as interwoven, one with the other, as our tale is becoming with theirs.

“Was she there during the war? Did she serve in the noble fight against the Cults of the Elemental Eye?” I continue curiously.

“That is Galerina’s tale and I will not tell it for her.” Lady Jeryth answers gently.

Soft words and perfumed breezes notwithstanding, I recognize the implacability of the Chosen’s tone and ask no further questions. I will talk to Saer Savra and try to get more information about this missing Healer from the knight.

Lady Jeryth’s voice continues softly.

“Troubled as I am by Galerina’s disappearance, I am even more worried by this incursion of unusual growth that you describe in Undercliff. The out-of-season rot and the presence of a malevolent mind behind it…

“It seems most like Zuggtmoy. Have you no knowledge of her?”

A cool wind wafts over our blank faces.

“Well, she is known as the Queen of Fungus.” Lady Jeryth resumes. “She wishes to dwell in the natural world but does not seek to bring balance here. She wishes only to spread rot, decay, and fungal growth throughout our world. She calls the resulting contamination, the molds and poisonous mushrooms that you encountered, her children. The hand of such a one as that upon the world is never a good sign.” 

“There are many Evils that wish to disrupt the balance of our world.” I frown. “Does Zuggtmoy ever work with others? Has she been known to enter into plots with other malevolent beings to further her aims?”

“I cannot answer that I am afraid.” Lady Jeryth whispers back in a rustle of leaves. “I have gained much through my role as Chosen of the Goddess. But, as a result of my position, I cannot walk forth into the world as I once did. Cannot directly collect information and intervene in events as they happen.

“Eliana and the sister of my Dear Friend, you are followers of Mielikki and I have witnessed your deeds in Her service. You have shown the dedication and skill that the Emerald Enclave needs. Would you agree to join us? To play the direct role in protecting Mielikki’s realm that I am no longer able to?”

“Lady Jeryth, I am honored by your trust. What you are asking me to do – well – it is a continuation of the work that I have already pledged my life to. I will join.” Eliana says, unruffled.

“Yes!” Sister answers, with a rapidity of speech that I have not yet heard from the stoic Firbolg.

“My Dear Friend, would you kindly welcome our new initiates?” Lady Jeryth asks.

Brother hands Eliana and Sister each an bronze-colored badge, skillfully wrought to resemble a bounding stag. They each receive a fine cloak, light but warm, woven through with shifting woodland colors. Then, Brother intones the oath of the Emerald Enclave, and Eliana recites in response.

“Order in All Things and All Things in order.

The Wilds will order themselves and I must order my life around the Wilds.

Let civilization’s growth be tended and pruned gently, like a sapling, allowing it and the Wilds to flourish side by side, neither blotting out the other.

Let those who would seek to harm or limit the Wilds be stopped.

I, Eliana Cooper of Quaervaar, speak for the Wilds and I pledge my oath to Mielikki to bring order in All Things and to keep All Things in order.”

Sister too repeats the oath and their initiation is complete. 

The fragrant breeze coalesces around Eliana and Sister in a flutter of petals. Glowing a gentle spring-green, a butterfly alights momentarily on each of their brows. Vaikner and I watch, moved and delighted, as verdant crowns of leaves and blooms appear and spread over Elie and Sister’s foreheads. We both step forward to embrace them in congratulation.

But there is little time for celebration.

“Eliana Cooper, I charge you, as the newest member of the Emerald Enclave, to set out on a journey to seek out the missing Healer, Galerina. As you search for her, you will investigate the Lords of the Maw. And you will remain on watch for a possible connection between the Mere of Dead Men and the Fungus Queen, Zuggtmoy.” Lady Jeryth’s voice rings out once again.

Elie nods, freckled brows furrowing slightly under her fragrant crown.

“It is likely that all of these matters tie into Mielikki’s purpose in calling you South from your home in the first place, Eliana.” Lady Jeryth continues. “I would urge you to investigate these questions soon. Zuggtmoy, in choosing to act so close to the Deep, concerns me. Time may be running out…”

A flurry of spring blossoms showers down from a nearby apple tree, as the Chosen shakes off her dark musings.

“Well, my friends,” she continues in lighter tones. “Is there anything else that I can help you with while you are here with me? Is there anything that you would ask of me?”

“Lady, do you know anything about Gristlegums, a cannibal Hag that ran an orphanage in Trollskull Alley some decades ago?” Vaikner asks. “We have come into possession of the home that it once inhabited and have found that there is still an evil there. We mean to destroy the Hag fully and any information that you can give us would be of use.”

He quickly shares the gruesome history of the manor with Lady Jeryth.

“Alas, no.” She responds. “The horrible events that you describe happened before my Choosing, seventy-five years ago. I was not in Waterdeep at that time.”

Vaikner bows, courteously hiding his disappointment.

“Lady Jeryth, we have been advised that blessed weapons will be most useful against the Hag in its dark domain.” Eliana takes up the questioning. “Would you be able to provide such a blessing? Before we battle the Hag?”

Wind ripples through the garden in a sigh.

“I can bless your yew bow Eliana.” Lady Jeryth responds. “Such a gift will draw a lot out of me so I will not be of much help to you for some time afterwards. But come to me when you are ready for the blessing and I will provide it.”

Eliana thanks the Chosen profusely and then, once again, a deep stillness falls over the garden.

“Lady Jeryth, have you heard the term Soul Larvae before?” I ask, shivering as my words break the peaceful silence.

My discomfort spreads like a ripple in a quiet pond; around me, the plants stir uneasily.

“No, Saer Elodie, I have not.” Lady Jeryth replies.

I follow Vaikner’s example, concealing my disappointment with a deep bow.

“Well, this was wonderful.” Sister says gravely. “But I should get back to the goats now”

Our company means to part for a time as we each have our own errands to attend to. Still, reluctant to leave this idyllic place, we linger and converse for a little longer.

“Lady Jeryth, is the house that stands in your garden entirely abandoned?” Vai asks.

“It is mostly unused now, yes.” She replies. “It is the manor of my family, the Phaulkonmeres.”

“And did your family have a library, perhaps?” Vaikner continues curiously. “If so, and if it is not too much of an imposition, I would very much like to see it.”

Lady Jeryth graciously accedes to his request.

“Sister and I are going back to the Shrines of Nature.” Elie speaks up. “Elodie, are you staying here with Vai?”

“I mean to return to the Halls of Justice. To speak to Saer Savra.” I shake my head. “I will walk north with you. Our way is together, at least as far as the central market.

“Oh, and Elie? When you are back at your Temple and see Brother Helmsing again, would you please ask him if he knows of any places in the Deep where a young Hin, perhaps one who is trying to get away from his family and make a fresh start, may seek shelter? I hope to find guidance in my search for the missing Dashiel.”

“Right.” Elie nods. “Vai, we’ll see you at the Opera tonight!”

Bidding our host a respectful farewell, we finally turn to leave her blossom-filled sanctuary. Following a calm goodbye between the siblings, Brother leads Vaikner through the courtyard and into the long-abandoned manor house. Eliana, Sister, and I walk in the opposite direction, towards the outer gate.

“Goodbye Lady Jeryth!” Eliana calls once more. “May the Lady guide your steps – oh wait – your…leaves?”

The garden ripples with amusement and Lady Jeryth’s merry voice is still chuckling in our ears as we step outside of the gate.

Meeting the Chosen of Mielikki was fascinating. And uplifting. And humbling. All of those things at once. And watching Elie and Sister be blessed during their induction into the Emerald Enclave has refreshed my spirit. Even though we have already come far today, I do not feel tired as we walk north. 

Pleased to be back in Waterdeep, I look around with interest at the crowds about us; it is like gazing through a busily shifting kaleidoscope. I breathe in the intriguing, restless tangle of aromas in the air. I note how the nature of the Deep changes as we move from one Ward to another. Each is peculiar in its own delightful way, with meandering roof-lines and twisted alleyways. I am proud of my growing familiarity with the landscape and with my budding ability to quickly recognize where I am in the sprawling Deep.

Soon however, my cheerful musings grow tinged with concern. I cannot help but notice that the same Human woman walks behind us as we pass street after street, move from Ward to Ward. Middle-aged and Demaran in appearance, she is dressed in a simple manner. A dark dress of the kind that those of the Deep’s citizens in service to others – those working in the wealthy large houses – often wear. Is she following us?

Pushing away the sting that comes with the memory of the last time that we were followed by a strange Human woman, turning away from Kaylin’s frightened face in my mind, I lean in towards Eliana.

“There is a woman who has been following behind us for much of our way so far. I keep seeing her. The older woman there, in the black servant’s garb. She is standing just in front of that cabbage cart” I whisper.

Elie is slow and deliberate, concealing a careful glance behind her as part of her casual inspection of the particularly fine chamber pots that are on display in a shop nearby.

“I see her.” She mumbles, beckoning Sister over to join our huddle.

Gesturing with animation at the chamber pots, we confer. We are very close to the market now. We decide to separate when we get there. Sister and Eliana will go one way and I will walk another.

“Let’s all keep watching for this mystery woman.” Elie murmurs. “Maybe she’s entirely harmless. Heading to the market stalls for some afternoon shopping…”

“But, if she is tracking us, she will have to choose which part of our group to focus on. We will at least gain some insight about her goals by who she decides to follow.” I agree quietly. 

Confirming that we shall all meet again in front of the Font of Wisdom, we enact our plan without delay. I head towards a collection of stalls that specializes in fine fabrics. Colorful swathes of cloth billow out in my air as I stray through this rainbow labyrinth. I have lost sight of the Demaran woman. Peeking through a diaphanous screen of scarves, thinking fondly of Aubray as I brush past beautiful embroidery, I see no one behind me. Thoughtfully, allowing myself only a short moment to admire the scarves, I leave the market.

Weaving through the crowds, I continue to search for the mysterious woman. I see no sign of her but, looking ahead, I realize that my path has brought me to the ornate frontage of the Lightsinger Theater. Remembering our meeting with Mirt this evening, and still a little dazed by the finery on display at the market, I find myself suddenly curious. Turning to the sweeping marble steps, I approach the theater.

Inside, the cheerful noises of the Deep fade away, to be replaced by the ponderous tones of an orchestra and singers in rehearsal. I wince, my hair bunching protectively around my pointed ears as, once again, I experience Opera. Shaking my head, I plod grimly through the lobby.

There is a slight, balding Human man sitting behind a counter, looking unaccountably content with his position in life. His eyes bulge, frog-like, as I approach. He grimaces in what, I believe, is intended as a smile signaling uninvitingly tepid interest.

“How can I help you today?”

“I just have a very quick question.” I dredge up a smile in return. “It is a minor matter but I could not pass by without enquiring. My friends and I have a meeting with Mirt tonight. In his box. We are only here for the meeting, you see. And not for the – stage show. So my question is whether we can just quickly come in as we are? Or does the formal dress requirement still apply to us?”

“Is this meeting happening during the evening hours? During the performance?”

At the mention of Mirt’s name, the little man’s manner changes. Previously, he was struggling to muster up a semblance of polite attention. Now he strains, caught between obsequiousness and offended dignity. 

“Yes.” I answer dismally.

“Then, yes.”

The man’s amphibian stare flits over my shirt and breeches, undoubtedly stained with a variety of interesting rot-creature secretions. His gaze stumbles for a barely perceptible moment over my swords. 

“I am afraid that you will need to be more…appropriately dressed.”

“Thank you for the information.” 

With a grim bow, I leave to break the news to Eliana.

I actually like fine clothes very much. Most especially, I adore beautiful shoes. And, naturally, being clean, ensuring that my air swirls with fresh and sweet smells, is extremely important to me. I realize that my current peevishness is childish. And yet I feel a ridiculous level of resentment at the idea of making any sort of effort for the sake of this particular venue. I decide that I will shift my focus. I will regard any special preparations this evening as a gesture of respect for Mirt. He has offered his valuable assistance and wisdom to our company. I will dwell only on his generosity.  And not on the prospect of another evening ensnared by the horrid tales of Dragons and Giants.

Eliana is waiting for me in the square outside the temple to Oghma, perched on the wide stone rim of a decorative fountain.

“What – um – what is happening Elodie? Are you alright?” She stares at me with concern.

Despite my best efforts, my irritated state is reflected in my hair. Which, I realize with a start, is now standing out nearly straight. Tiny silver sparks flare at the snapping tips. I hastily take a calming breath and smooth my wayward tendrils down.

“It is nothing. On rare occasions, I do not control my feelings as well as befits an…as befits one of my kind. And my hair it…in a way it is a faithful mirror of my emotions. It is fine, it will go away. Just ignore it please!” I grump.

“Oh. Alright then.” 

Eliana’s face is carefully neutral. Her hair, neatly braided, lies sleek and unmoving against her head. I sigh.

“Where is Sister? She has not been harmed?” I ask, worry bringing fresh tumult to my curls.

“No, no.” Elie grins. “It’s just that she met someone in the market. A very, hmm, persuasive seller of hats.”

Eliana explains that, dizzy with the possibilities granted by her new-found wealth, Sister briefly entertained the charming idea of commissioning hundreds of tiny hats for all of her mouse-swarm. Her more cautious nature prevailed, however. And she ultimately decided on a more prudent purchase. A dozen fanciful hats with which to adorn all of her goats. Thrilled with her purchase, Sister is even now hurrying off to the Shrines of Nature for a fitting session with the herd.

“She bought hats for all of her goats?” I ask slowly, sinking down onto the marble ledge next to Eliana. “And she is going to make each of them wear one?”

“Yes.” Eliana answers. 

She is, once again, carefully expressionless.

“That is something that I would very much like to see.” I say, awestruck. 

I feel my annoyance drain away, displaced by marvelous visions of a harried Sister, corralling a dozen bleating, bucking goats. All fetchingly attired in matching headgear.

“Yes.” Eliana is no longer trying to keep a straight face.

After our ringing peals of laughter fade and we can catch our breath to talk again. Eliana tells me that she kept sight of the Demaran woman once we separated.

“I caught a glimpse of her behind us as we walked to Hriat’s pastry stall. She moved behind a bunched-up group of people and I thought I had lost her. But then I saw another woman wearing the exact same clothes come out of that same crowd. She was older and her face was entirely different. But her garb was identical. It was uncanny! Sister suggested that it may be somebody casting an illusion. Or perhaps that this person was a Shape Shifter.”

Stunned by this information, I quickly review what I know about Shape Shifters. Lamentably little. I am equally at a loss about whether any of our foes may have such a creature in their service. There are, of course, an uncounted number of users of the Art who could be employing illusions to achieve their goal. But who in particular would want to follow us? And why?

“What did you do next? Where did this new woman go?” I ask eagerly.

“Well, she walked away from us, headed into the center of the market. I didn’t follow. I didn’t want her to know that I had seen through her disguise. Also, she turned and went in the opposite direction to where we were headed. So, I still do not know for certain if she was following us.” Elie explains.

I am frustrated by our failure to solve this troubling puzzle but I cannot fault Elie’s caution. She witnessed a power that she could not identify. And that none of us understands. If the stranger wielding this power thinks that they successfully evaded our attempt to confront them through mysteriously altering their appearance well…perhaps it is better that they believe they have us at a disadvantage. I nod thoughtfully 

 Then we went and bought pastries. ” Eliana continues.

“You bought pastries?” I ask.

“Yes.” Eliana confirms with satisfaction. “The good ones, from Hriat’s.”

“Mm. That sounds very pleasant.” I shrug. “I stopped in at the Lightsinger Theater.”

Still disturbed by the encounter with the shape-changing woman, I distractedly tell Eliana about the requirement to wear formal clothing for tonight’s meeting. She remains unperturbed. I recall her disappointment at having to leave the performance half-way through during our last visit. And her intention to watch the entire Opera performed this evening.

“I’ll need a repeat trip to the Temple of Sune to get ready!” Elie announces.

“I hope…I am sure that you will have a pleasant time.” I say warmly.

Returning my smile with a jaunty grin, Elie bids me goodbye while she hurries back to the Shrines of Nature to check on Sister.

And I, chortling anew at the thought of caprine mayhem and slightly envious that Elie will get to see the goats in their finery, turn and cross the square towards the Halls of Justice.

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I hope that you enjoyed this account our company’s first meeting with Brother and with Lady Jeryth. This was a very special moment for Eliana: she received recognition for her good work, she chose to continue on her selfless path, and she agreed to face new challenges with resolve and fortitude. A poignant affirmation of her purpose which she, quite rightly, celebrated by buying the best pastries in the Deep. Also, why is another creepy lady following us? And, of course, Elodie continues to grapple with her distaste for Opera – more on that very soon!

For the very persuasive hat-seller (his name is JB Nevercott and he is a delight), who happily accepts the challenge of finding stylish head-gear for Sister’s goats:

Salesman The Monkees, 

For our mysterious, shape-shifting stalker:

Paparazzi, Lady Gaga 

I will possess your Heart, Death Cab for Cutie

Please also visit my playlist on Spotify. I will be populating this with all of our campaign tunes as we adventure onwards: