Arben Comes Out Of Retirement For One Last Mission
Arben is enjoying a leisurely morning, sipping tea, when Martialis comes flying in through the window. He changes into man shape and the two exchange pleasantries. Marty explains that they need a little sweet talking done, specifically to a Lich. Arben recalls that he and Eorl found some kind of Sunshine scroll or something, so he asks Eorl for it. Eorl grumbles and begrudgingly forks it over.
Eorl has been a little on edge ever since a new guest arrived at The Governor's Mansion Inn; a certain Lord Pembsleybottom, who claims to be a member of the Elven gentry. Arben keeps assuring him that "his gold is golden" and so he's welcome at the inn. Arben informs Pembsleybottom that he will be gone for a few days and that his major domo shall attend to all his needs.
Arben and Marty then he heads back to Aege in Charon's Cup. There is a happy reunion. Arben is, of course, pleased to see that no one has died. The little guy lost a couple digits and that unpleasant lady got beat to shit, but nobody is dead. Arben takes this opportunity to extend full membership to the probationary members of the Danger Gang, and gives them their gold membership rings. Huzzah! Huzzah!
He then smooths things over Hipsisorus and Aborbarria. Aborbarria seems little hesitant, but Hipsisorus is willing to let the grudge go. They let them out to go rejoin their woodland friends. As they follow them out, they are greeted by a large cadre of forest-dwelling mystical creatures. From out of the crowd emerges their old friends Maeta and Stana the dryads. It's time for Marty's leveling duel! Queen Vierga has sent to represent the Great Big Tree or whatever Danon the half-dryad plant druid. She and Marty agree to a transformation duel; no spells, just crazy shapes.
Their duel is for the ages. The whole crowd is on their feet. Danon changes into a big mushroom lady. Marty changes into a crocodile. Danon changes into a big moss lady. Marty changes in a falcon, then a lion. The lion TCB's it. Marty wins the day. There is the great cheer from the crowd for the bravery of the two druids. There is much glad handing in the crowd. They ask their old associate Maeta if they might have a lock of her unicorn's hair. She says that this is not something that can be given out willy-nilly, as it is truly sacred, but perhaps that could do it for a great boon. They say they plan on getting back Queen Vierga's shadow as soon as they take care of this Lich problem.
With that, Marty heads back to Chrysopolis to grab Charon's cup. He tells the guys he'll meet them at Kivot on the river delta.
