Good work, Cat! How about a warm meal now?

Despite the cold, Cat wipes sweat from her brows with her paw.
I'm glad we didn't get poisoned or blown up Nyaa. I will make a meal when we're done Nya!

Yulya summons Alice and Cat.
Alice please deliver our coinage and treasures! I suggest we get rid of large and small change first keeping mainly silver and gold.

Coming Nyaa!
Cat looks at the crystal with curiosity, her ears perk forward



Ohh, you can talk to the Catgod with this Nya?
Cat adds her coinage to the stash and soon the equivalent of 3000 sp are collected.

Cat looks at the items from the chest
Nyaa that's a treasure Nya especially the cooking oil Nya and flour Nya we can stay here for quite a while now Nya!

{Ashley} notes everyone is ready and takes the shard out of her pack. Its unnatural glow, a hauntingly beautiful mix of terror and awe fills you as you stare into it. She raises it up and sets it free to float and it becomes impossibly still.

Alice suspiciously eyes the orb from all sides. This form is obviously more evolved, its diamond shape protects it from objects being placed on top.

{Ashley} stares at Alice and Alice instantly becomes paralyzed as Alice, along with everyone else, gets a transmission directly into their mind.

Alice is taken by surprise, her plan (if there ever was one) foiled.

A large crescent shaped ship comes into focus, to Alice's horror, this is just before the incident that led to the crash, there is a sense she's running from something and there is a slight nudge that causes the ship to momentarily falter and begin its deorbit, the sense is this was somehow {Ashley}'s doing.

Alice slowly turns her head towards Ashley and her eyes widen, though her face remains expressionless.

The memory plays out as the ship enters the atmosphere, falling but not quite powerless against gravity, it descends in a semi-controlled way and was on a trajectory to land in a remote field, in an inaccessible part of Icespire Peak among trees and rocks where it could have remained undetected for ages, but another creature took notice. Something about a third its size but equally solid and willful, noting the trajectory, he wasn't about to allow the intrusion. He wanted to intercept this thing before it landed on his mountain, so from his icy peak he took off. A beastly Green/White dragon, wanton to deflect the descent of this ship from its trajectory, brazen and without any notion of the mismatch of physics or strength of the craft, rammed it full speed. The process was devastating to both ship and dragon, but the result was as desired, the ship landed among trees and rocks a few miles further West than desired and within the view and notice of several other beings not to mention half of the denizens of Phandalin, and of course Yulya.

*Angry Alice noises and expletives about dragons*

The next image you all recognize, you gain a knowing that he witnessed this event from the porch of his home among his prized apple trees. Even if he wasn't watching, he would have been alerted of the crash by the sound and smoke, but he saw it all, the glint of metal and the foolish dragon. His adventurous nature led him to discovering the wreckage a few days later and staking a claim soon after Yulya got her divine vision to rescue Alice. If not for her, Edermath may have taken Alice and her fate would have been far different and far less free. Not because Daran has any evil intent, but because his curiosity and ignorance of Alice as an independent being would have led him to attempt to subjugate her as the animatronic servant he believes her to be.

Alice shudders at the perspective of having been found by Daran and is even more grateful to her savior Yulya. But she reminds herself that none of this would have happened without the interference of the dragon and a certain demigoddess.

Another figure next comes into view, one you don't recognize but have another knowing that you will cross his path soon. A being of great importance, a being of great knowledge, and a being that holds the key to solving the issues plaguing the region, but your sense is not that he is an antagonist in this, in fact, this creature has an odd feeling of similarity to someone else you know, a familial essence.

Alice bursts into laughter
Haha, a bird in a suit! He reminds me of that frog guy. They should do comedy together! I'd pay to watch that!

Though you can tell {Ashley} has insight into his identity, the feeling you get from her is only that you will know soon enough but there is a pressing need in this mine first and foremost. For in the clearing of this mine you will gain the respect and favors of these powerful men. A final sense is, this man will be Alice's only hope in getting her ship.[/i]

No wait, THAT is this Andras guy? I thought he was also a drow elf or at least a demon not a - bird... With arms!
Alice is visibly disappointed.

I mean, the Winged Creature is technically also a bird with arms, like a vulture in a sorcerer's robe. But it looks cool and flashy and is huge, its form and colors constantly changing. This guy - yeah he matches with Groet.

The image is almost whimsical, dream-like and not an accurate representation as {Ashley} as never personally seen him, but in the cold stare of this powerful being you understand that tact and civility is of utmost importance, you will need to play your cards carefully with this man, if not befriend, serve to cooperate without any hint of hubris, deception or antagonism. You see him as rivaling the power of the queen of Neverwinter herself, a being of might and magic that likely surpasses Brutus or even the guild master Johanna. Though his dealings are now among the nobility, you gain the insight that his origin was an adventurer just like you.

Disinterested in dealing with whimsical images, Alice picks her nose and hopes this guy recklessly experiments with the Living Metal so the problem will solve itself.

The last image changes from the crash site Yulya experienced to a snowy tempest emanating from the location of the crash and expanding in an unnatural way. Powerful runes were placed to cause this shift, a necessity based on what was discovered near the craft.
In the divine council of these men and their gods, it was discovered that this flora would spread out of control, and containment was well planned, not a whim of a solitary dragon.

Alice rubs her face with her hands, comically deforming it like a rubber mask



You goddamn fools, do you have any idea what you have done? First you pull my ship out of orbit, then you seal it and take it away in pieces? You haven't solved anything, you created the problem in the first place, and then by trying to fix it created even more additional problems! You should just have let it be and all would be fine by now. Probably.

The images go dark and Alice feels an energy enter her, she's invigorated and feels stronger, to the extent of her current form.[/i]
Knowing Alice's mind now, she regretfully apologizes for her uninvited control, and in an effort of amends, she gives this gift and promises not to interfere or control her again. In exchange, she asks only that Alice respects her boundaries and Ashley's things. In that you all get a sense that Ashley's mind has unavoidably swayed {Ashley}, whether she fully comprehends it or not is a mystery. Furthermore she reaches in her pack and hands Alice three pieces of candy, one for each of the incidents.

Alice is overwhelmed by this honest apology (and 3 pieces of candy) - to the point of tears. Especially after having to deal with Ashley's stubbornness and utter inability to apologize for anything.
She gladly accepts the candy, shoving one in her mouth and saving the other two like a treasure. The mechatherial demigoddess is crossed from Alice's extensive Death List.
Haa, you sure are something! I'm not mad, it's a prank I'd play too if I had the powers. But we are on the same side, no? You know, you can just - talk to me? Yulya told you, right? We have no idea what you even want. You have not even introduced yourself. We all want to get along with you and I get you gotta be mysterious as a goddess and stuff. But we have work to do here so talk to us!

{Ashley} makes it clear that there will be no interference with the shard from Alice. Alice will have to save her shenanigans for poor Freya's orb. Though she will not interfere mentally with Alice's actions, she may still physically block them, as a physical oracle shard, this is not the same as an orb and may be affected by tampering. In addition, it's damage would not sit will with the dwarves, as Yulya so adeptly pointed out, {Ashley} additionally suspects this is the "heart of the mountain" Tharden mentioned and thus rightfully belongs to the dwarves and must remain unmolested.]

Alice shakes her head with a sad smile.
What do you all take me for? Why does everyone hate me so? I mean I would have tried to push a sizzled bugbear ear through that orb to see if it ends on the other side but come on! I'm not the bad guy here, the bad guys are over there!
Alice points at the orb.

{Ashley} listens to Alice's acceptance and chatter with a regal smile.



Then turns to Yulya and listens to her plea. She returns a contemplative look and responds in Celestial in her usual elegant way, "It has always been Ashley's choice to return, she need only act. I understood her wish for me to help with the bugbear commander, but it is not my place to ask her to return. Contrary to this mind's belief, no spell or time must elapse, save a few minutes, as long as there is even one living cell, she is free to return to her place as the possessor of this body. As per our agreement, the body was repaired and revived and processed awaiting her return. Only after no living part remains will this body be my avatar for an age."

[The demigoddess has spoken. According to her, Ashley is the one who needs convincing.]

{Ashley} begins her Godsight immediately afterwards and Yulya is blinded by white divine light. Instead of dark cavernous mine is a beautiful scene of peace and tranquility amid a garden of flowers. Ashley and SheShe are sitting at a table, having what looks like tea, and eating what looks like biscuits, cookies and small cakes. They smile and beacon Yulya to sit with them and this realm's Ashley speaks with a pleasant smile, "Join us Yulya, you'll like it here."



[Yulya is to once again negotiate.]

Before Yulya can do anything, she feels hands on her shoulders, she turns to see someone that warms her heart and sooths her mind.



"Greetings Yulya my faithful Acolyte, I've been watching your actions and heard your prayers." With a regal glance that put's {Ashley}'s to shame, she smirks at Yulya, "gone are the doubts I've had, your actions, amid the horrid and pathetic fates that have befallen you, speak for themselves."

She's come a long way to your side, and she can tell you're worthy to spread her name and her peace, "I am proud of what you've accomplished, and proud to ordain the title of hero of Eldath upon you. Your strength of will and peace under pressure is just what this world so desperately needs."

Ashley and SheShe both clap happily at Yulya's accomplishment as a rush of relief befalls Yulya, washing away any negative thoughts and affects.

Eldath continues, "Though... I am disheartened by certain ends to our means." She speaks to you directly, not down to you as she had before, "He was such a foolish man, caught up in his own schemes to accomplish good himself, though careless in his means." She sighs, "Be ever vigilant you are not so careless, nor so foolish as powers beyond your knowledge play games with your fate. Stay in the light, your fate is placed on a knife's edge."

Yulya feels natures energy strengthen her and surround her as Eldath evaporates into a wisp of cool mist.

500AP was converted to EXP
Yulya has gained the following:

- Through her stealthy practices and watching others, Yulya is now proficient in Stealth
- Yulya has learned Word of Radiance as a cantrip
- Yulya has learned the feat Metamagic Adept with 4 metamagic points to use, she may choose two metamagic options from the sorcerer class.
- Yulya has learned the warcaster feat
- Yulya has gained +1 CON and is now 16(+3)
- Yulya now has 10MP with 3 2nd-tier spell slots
- Yulya now has increased HP 24+3+1d8+3(7 rolled)=37HP
- Yulya is now rightfully a hero of Eldath, this will be denoted on her silver plate.

"Time for tea? I didn't know I'd like it until SheShe made me try it." Ashley pours a cup and offers a chair.



[Yulya's interaction required, choose your metamagic options, Cat and Alice have optional interactions.]

{Ashley} begins her Godsight immediately afterwards and Yulya is blinded by white divine light. Instead of dark cavernous mine is a beautiful scene of peace and tranquility amid a garden of flowers. Ashley and SheShe are sitting at a table, having what looks like tea, and eating what looks like biscuits, cookies and small cakes. They smile and beacon Yulya to sit with them and this realm's Ashley speaks with a pleasant smile, "Join us Yulya, you'll like it here."
Before Yulya can do anything, she feels hands on her shoulders, she turns to see someone that warms her heart and sooths her mind.
"Greetings Yulya my faithful Acolyte, I've been watching your actions and heard your prayers." With a regal glance that put's {Ashley}'s to shame, she smirks at Yulya, "gone are the doubts I've had, your actions, amid the horrid and pathetic fates that have befallen you, speak for themselves."
She's come a long way to your side, and she can tell you're worthy to spread her name and her peace, "I am proud of what you've accomplished, and proud to ordain the title of hero of Eldath upon you. Your strength of will and peace under pressure is just what this world so desperately needs."
Ashley and SheShe both clap happily at Yulya's accomplishment as a rush of relief befalls Yulya, washing away any negative thoughts and affects.

Yulya bows
I am unworthy of such praise! For nothing was yet resolved and I could not even prevent the death of my comrade. We were foolish and reckless. I vow to advance with greater care as we clear this mine. Yet I humbly accept the title of hero and shall do my best to live up to it.

Eldath continues, "Though... I am disheartened by certain ends to our means." She speaks to you directly, not down to you as she had before, "He was such a foolish man, caught up in his own schemes to accomplish good himself, though careless in his means." She sighs, "Be ever vigilant you are not so careless, nor so foolish as powers beyond your knowledge play games with your fate. Stay in the light, your fate is placed on a knife's edge."

Sir Alric - yes!
A tragedy he seemed such a capable druid. How could he side with bandits? He attacked us with the intent to kill. Had we known his identity, maybe we could have subdued him alive.  By the way...

Yulya nestles with the rings she took from Alric rings.
He carried these rings though I am unaware of their powers and hesitant to use them. Are they safe or is their magic part of what led this man astray?

Yulya sighs.
The cloaked wolves - I am not fond of fighting people. I set out to rid the world of monsters yet we appear to face an organization made up of humans. I am glad we managed to avoid more bloodshed but I fear we will not have this luxury deeper in the mine. What can we do? There is no way to detain a larger number of prisoners and take them with us back to Phandalin. If we are to rid the mine of these men, the result will be death. So far our attempts to negotiate with those bandits were not exactly successful and even those who claimed to cooperate apparently deceived us. Their loyalty to who they call the Black Spider is strong. I wish there was a way to make them repent and change their ways instead of killing them.

[The demigoddess has spoken. According to her, Ashley is the one who needs convincing.]
"Time for tea? I didn't know I'd like it until SheShe made me try it." Ashley pours a cup and offers a chair.

Yulya sits down at Ashley and musters her with  smile.
I am glad you are ding well it is not common even for a cleric to meet up with the Dead. I wanted to say I am sorry I could not prevent this tragedy but it appears you are quite enjoying this! I must say I am a little jealous...



Yulya takes a sip of the tea.
I am the last person to not understand you would like to take a break from the harsh adventurers life -but!
I do not want to wast the time of gods so let us get to the point. How long do you intend to stay here? Serene and peaceful it might be here, but is this really how you want to spend - eternity? Frankly I would but the Ashley I know? As far as I recall you wanted to gather as much money as possible get a a posh carriage find out what happened to you - and maybe even return to your original world?

To be honest we need you back! I cannot negotiate prices and organize things like you do. Even Alice wants you to return! I believe there will be plenty of time in the afterlife when our final day arrives. But you still got most of your life ahead of you. The ability to return to life isnt something to cast aside carelessly. I am not saying you must return immediately but please come back to us soon!

Yulya leans forward and whispers to Ashley - her face is slightly desparate.
Also I cannot deal with that mechatherial goddess too well. She barely speaks and does even more unpredictable things than you! I feel I am constantly running after her not knowing what she will do next. Its very stressful!

In a flash of light they're back in the cave, Ashley takes a huge gasp and her expression is somewhat confused, "What happened? Did we win?"
She's shocked by the shard in front of her and it drops to the ground with a clink. "What the heck? Is that an orb or like..." Her stomach growls, "It feels like I've been asleep a long time."
She drinks from her waterskin and seeing everyone looking at her she pieces everything together, "Oh... the mecha-chick was using my body right? How was she? Was she a badass? Did she at least help?"

Cat is abruptly shaken out of her cooking considerations...
Ashley Nya?

...and there is no stopping her!


Ashley Nyaa!
You really came back Nya! I wasn't sure if I'd ever see you again Nya well seeing yes Nya but you weren't you Nya Yulya said it was some goddess Nya possessing you I don't really understand Nya but she was strong Nya you fought the Bugbear commander Nya with your bare fists Nya holding stones Nya it was impressive Nya even without a shield Nya. We manage to take him down Nya then you disabled that elevator Nya but we found a giant ooze Nya with acid Nya you I mean Nya the goddess again fought it bare handed Nya and with last powers we defeated it Nya  Yulya was beat Nya then we rested Nya but you turned into a panther Nya and ran away Nya!
Cat nods as if this story totally made sense.

Nyaa you were gone for half a day Nya then we found you outside in the snow Nya sleeping Nya and you had the corpse f a bear cub you caught Nya and that crystal Nya! The panther prevented us from taking the whistle Nya and the thieves tools Nya with some magic Nya we just wanted to borrow them Nya then you turned into Ashley again Nya I mean your body Nya and then we leveled up Nya cost us almost all of our money Nya...

Cat pauses and looks down.
...everyone but me Nya...

{Ashley} listens to Alice's acceptance and chatter with a regal smile.

Alice again does not feel being taken seriously, but the candy is more important right now

Ashley takes a huge gasp and her expression is somewhat confused, "What happened? Did we win?"

Alice immediately recognizes this is Ashley and not M3gan.
Whoa that was sooner than I thought! Just when I started to get along with her..

She's shocked by the shard in front of her and it drops to the ground with a clink. "What the heck? Is that an orb or like..." Her stomach growls, "It feels like I've been asleep a long time."

Yes, apparently it's called 'being dead'. But I don't know much about it.
Alice skips the part about being responsible for Ashley's death. It doesn't sit well with her anyway.

She drinks from her waterskin and seeing everyone looking at her she pieces everything together, "Oh... the mecha-chick was using my body right? How was she? Was she a badass? Did she at least help?"

Oh yes, she was awesome! Actually apologized to me and gave me 3 candy!!

Ashley allows Cat's hug and listens carefully

Alice watches the scene with slight jealousy, having been denied to hug Ashley previously. She looks at her own pudgy doll-like body in dismay. While it has significantly improved, it's still a disgrace.
Haa, I can't wait to get my old shape back. If only that damn owl hadn't stolen my ship...

She looks at the shard, "Yeah it kinda looks like an orb, hey where did I get that I wonder?

Yeah, I wonder! It's a tamper-proof orb, I'm not allowed to mess with it...
Alice responds with a pout.

After a few minutes of Ashley staring into the shard she drops it and falls back asleep. Ashley has advanced to level 4.[/i]
The shard fades and drops out of her hand, in this form it appears as a focus of amethyst.

Having witnessed the orb in Neverwinter almost kill Ashley, Alice watches with anticipation, chewing on her candy.
Is she dead again?



Learning that Ashley is merely asleep, Alice relaxes.
Well, guess she won't be eating with us. I thought she was hungry? Antisocial as always! Let's drag her back to the tent.
Caaat I wanna eat that bear she caught! Can you cook it? I'll help!

Cat can sense the presence of the Cat god and before her eyes Ashley half-transforms into a large black panther but this one is even larger than Ashley Panther and doesn't shed her clothes. [/i]
In a deep growling voice, Cat is addressed, "You have done well and defeated many foes, for this you will be rewarded, hero.
Cat feels energy surround her and she feels stronger.

Cat bows
Nyaa I am honored Nya but I still must become much stronger Nya

The large panther seems to smile in satisfaction at her growth and Ashley transforms back to herself again.
"That was weird, I half transformed into a panther I think. Hey, you look stronger Cat!"

Nya that was awesome Nya! I was afraid I couldn't level up but you did it Nya Thank You Nya! Are you like Freya now Nya? Today is full of surprises Nya!

Yulya is slightly embarrassed
The gods ways are mysterious.

Cat nods.
Nyaa I am not fully satisfied either Nya I mostly ran away in my last fights Nya. If someone asks me how I became a hero Nya I wouldn't know what to say Nya. I was a hero to my village Nya but now this was given to me from the Catgod Nya! Gotta live up to that Nya!

Well, guess she won't be eating with us. I thought she was hungry? Antisocial as always! Let's drag her back to the tent.
Caaat I wanna eat that bear she caught! Can you cook it? I'll help!

Cat carries Ashley back to the tent, places her inside and covers her with a blanket.
Nyaa I was thinking about making bear Nya but it will take a while Nya can you wait that long Nya? Maybe Ashley will wake up when it's done Nya! Help me get the bear meat Nya it's probably frozen now Nya!



Cat prepares: Pulled Bear in flatbread (essentially Kebap)
She thaws and simmers the bear meat in her pot with salt and her last spices for a considerable time. Cat prepares a simple dough of flour, water and salt and lets it rest. When the meat is almost done, Cat instructs Alice to shred it to pieces while she bakes thin flatbread in her pan with cooking oil. The bread is used as wrapping for the pulled bear meat, pickles are served as a side dish.