As you approach the airship from your various comings and goings, you see a large bedsheet painted up to look like a banner. Across it is painted:As you approach the airship from your various comings and goings, you see a large bedsheet painted up to look like a banner. Across it is painted:

"HAPPY REMEMBRANCE DAY"

It hangs over the doorway slightly askew, and outside is a table full of treats; dried fruits, pickled snacks, some kind of herb cheese and hardtack crackers (likely all from our long term storage). It all appears arranged with care.  Even a barbecue area has been dug out nearby and smells of roasting elk. 

Ruby stumbles out the door with two large crates of mulberry wine from Dewar. "Oh!! Hey, um..." she cracks a cheeky grin, a bit flushed from running around all day. "We--well Mr. Rolland and I--thought it's been a sore 'ol time of things getting here where we are now, and now we finally have a safe moment's peace... We wanted to celebrate with a party. Thought it would be good for everyone, ya know?" 

She sets the crates down with a thud, the glasses jangling. "Plus," she adds, dusting off her dress, "We can celebrate the heroes we've learned about here, the real history--the slaying of Gideon--um... Just, remembering our friends and family. And wantin' to say thank you all so kindly for bein' part of this journey with us." She beams.  

"I even have somethin' special for everyone! I snuck em in your rooms." Her eyes twinkle, "So does Rolland. No worries gettin' anyone nothin', unless ya feel like it. We just wanted to do somethin' nice for y'all."

Hikaru looks dubious like he hasn't been done a party for a while but he comes in. "Why not. I could do with some wine."

***

In Armella's room is a small package, nearly wrapped in crisp brown paper and string. Inside is a little jar of high end polish from Elingrad, specially made for gearplate armor. It also includes a jar of apricot preserves from Wuxia, and a note that says, "You may not glow anymore, but this will make you shine! Happy you're my friend. -Ruby"

In Thorin's room, a small bundle is tied up with a silken cloth. Unwrapping it, a finely crafted compass inlaid with silver and ivory tumbles out. It comes with a shimmering chain, and a note that says, "To our kindly navigator. Thank you for always keeping us safe. I'm glad to  have known you. -Ruby" The cloth itself turns out to be a bandana, with a simple, hand-stitched replica of the tapestry of Dragonicos. 

In Hikaru's room, a little velvet satchel sits at the foot of the bed. Inside is a soft scarf, identical to the one he gave Ruby over a year ago...but a little smaller. Wrapped up inside is a moon-shaped, ivory comb for his fur. A note says, "I still love the scarf, so much I wanted to share. I unraveled it and made it into two. Now we can each have one. -Ruby"

In Mutiger's room, a large knapsack sets on the table. The smell of seasoned meats permeates everything. Inside are several pounds of dried and peppered elk jerky. On the bed is a rich fur of Klantar elk skin, sewn to be a cloak. A note pinned to it says, "Funny how we fell on you in the ocean, chasing this island of all places. Whether luck or fate we met, I'm glad. Thank you for journeying with us. -Ruby"

In Azandar's room, a small cloth is wrapped around a pair of finely-crafted, leather holsters for your revolvers. They look professionally made, probably by Ragnar, but have some hand-stitching that looks like Ruby's. The stitched cord is in gold, and accents the rich brown of the leather. A note reads, "Thank you for saving my neck when we left Elingrad. You're a wonderful friend, and a great shot. -Ruby"

In the hold, several parcels lay about the room for various... Individuals. On Rodrick's workbench, a fine set of freshly polished precision tools is wrapped up in a new leather apron from Elbion. The note reads, "Just in case you lose your other set again... I found them here in a workshop! They just took some elbow grease to get them back into shape. -Ruby"

In Rolland's room, a newly made cane sword of polished hardwood and finely smithed metal lays on his dresser beside his revolver. Tied with a bow, a note reads, "Thank you for helping with the party! I'm so excited. Ragnar and I worked on a new cane for you. It has wood from the forests here, I think a dark walnut? I know you loved your old one, but perhaps this one will be a fair substitute in time. -Ruby"

On Ragnar's anvil, a new hammer and tongs lay freshly polished. They seem to be made of a metal similar to the dragon outside, found somewhere in Dolor. "May these tools help forge many new, beautiful things. Thank you for your help! -Ruby"

On Rhys' leather chest lay two fine rabbit pelts, spotted and tawny-colored, along with a cleaned and bleached rabbit skull. A pair of the horns from the rabbits sit nearby on a card. "I went back to catch another, seeing as I ruined the first skull... Thanks for saving me from the wolves, and encouraging me to never back down. -Ruby"

A little crate for Ruck sits on a table nearby, full of jars stuffed with spices and herbs. Each one is labeled with a picture and name, many unique ones from Dolor specifically. On top is a note in larger text, "Thank you for teaching me to cook elk! Let's cook again sometime. -Ruby"

Lastly, an unassuming velvet bag sits in a dark corner of the room. It says, "To Rakk" on a little slip of paper. Inside the small parcel is a quarter-sized, polished gemstone; a red ruby.

***

Ruby waves to Hikaru, "Hey there! Let me pour you a cup..." she fishes out some cups and dishes from another kitchen crate. Pouring a glass, she hands it to him. "How are you doing?" Hikaru was surprised by the thoughtfulness of her gift earlier; he'd taken it and carefully placed it in his satchel. "A little better than I have been." He takes a drink and tries not to guzzle it.

"It's like a big family, isn't it?" Azandar grins as he walks up, waving. He is shirtless and in a clean pair of slacks, carrying a sack of wet swimming clothes with a towel about his neck. "Swimming in the lake is refreshing! You all should give it a go sometime while you're here!" He drops the sack, and dabs his face with the towel.

"It is! It's like we are all family." She smiles at them both.

Balgor comes slowly, his steps measured and careful.  His right hand is bleeding profusely.  "Hail!"

Hikaru stares. "Lord Balgor what's going on with your hand?"

"Oooh, it's nothing, my good patron Hikaru!  I am fine."  He smiles, but his eyes belie a sadness to them.

Ruby stares, worried. It reminds her distinctly of the blood pacts they made in Osonor...

Hikaru takes another glass. He eats some and relaxes.

Balgor approaches, holding out his good hand.  "I'll take a glass of wine, Miss Ruby!"

She smiles, or tries to, not able to look at his eyes. They seem to remind her of something and she shivers. "S-sure Balgor! Here you are," she hands you a larger mug.

Balgor's eyes light up instantly.  "Just what I was looking for!"  And with that, he takes the large mug, tips it back, leaning back himself, and drains the whole glass with a loud sigh of contentment at the end of it.  He tosses the glass back to Ruby, and declares, "please, my dear, another!"

"Oop!!" She fumbles, catching it clumsily. "Sure thing! Oh! Before I forget," she pours another, the bubbles rising up to the top. She hands it to him, then reaches into her satchel."I'm not sure I know you well enough yet to get you a...proper present, but..." she glances at Hikaru. "I know you recently gained a...patron," she smiles. "Your symbol?" 
She pulls out a braided cord at the end of which hangs a small medallion of iron. Hammered into the metal is an image of the same smile on Hikaru's hands."Thank you for helpin' to...serve this world, and guide the old heroes." She smiles. "...And us."

Balgor's face lights up with a brilliant smile.  His countenance immediately changes from a somber one, to one of beaming delight.  His eyes flash red, and he gratefully accepts the medallion.  "Thank you, Miss Ruby.  Goddess of Kindness be with you forever!"

She smiles, then blinks, thinking. "Is..there a Goddess of Kindness in the old pantheon?" She looks eagerly interested, not sure if you're using some olden terms she's not familiar with.

A dark figure crests the hill, not sure if he should join the party or not. Slowly he makes his way down, stopping far enough away that he's not intruding but close enough he can be heard. He calls out to the group, "Is there room enough for the God of Shadows? I promise I won't steal anyone's soul..." A trickster smile creeps across his face.

A chill goes up Hikaru's spine.

Ruby turns quickly, hearing Nerezza. Light seems to shift around him in a strange way. For a moment she thinks of Rhys. Glancing at Hikaru and the others, she waves as friendly as she can, beckoning him. "B-but of course! You were there then, too. Between you and Balgor we can probably hear all the history of Terra, I'm sure."

Balgor takes another great swig from his mug, and finds a place to sit.  He decides to sit next to Hikaru.

Nerezza bows deeply, showing his courtly manners. He carefully tucks his wings in and walks toward the party, walking towards Balgor and Hikaru. "My friend, I see that they are giving gifts. I too, have a gift for you." He pulls a small piece of what appears to be cloth from his satchel. It is black and see through, and looks to be the finest cloth you've ever seen. "It belonged to her, Balgor..." Nerezza points in the direction of the throne room. "It belonged to our Byakomyun..."

"I..."  Balgor takes the cloth gently and looks it over.  "I don't know what to say my friend.  I don't..."  He absently swipes at tears threatening to seep out of his eyes, not wanting to appear weak and foolish in front of his own patron!  "Erm, yes!  This is a fine thing indeed."  He handles it with a gentleness that belies his brutish nature.  "Our Byakkomyun..."

"God of Shadows, I cannot give anymore than what I have already given:  my oath to you."  Balgor stands up, and while the age and weight of his years shows in his shoulders and face, stands regally before Nerezza.

He bows deeply to Nerezza.

Hikaru seems surprised by the show of respect from his Lord to Nerezza whom he's always shown contempt.

Nerezza bows back. "Balgor, I am as old as the first light itself. Your friendship is the best gift you can offer, and I accept it greatly."

Ruby hangs back, thinking. Thinking about Tarj, about the conclave. Slowly, she sets down her things and silently leaves. 

She takes some time to go through the fields toward the temple. Picking mountain poppies along the way, she arrives at the hall of heroes. When she leaves, a small bouquet sits on each alter. She visits Byakomyun and Veon's tomb last, and bows her head reverently in gratitude.

Balgor sits back down, and takes another pull from his mug.  "Do you drink, Hikaru, my Spear?""I used to drink more. Now I'm more cautious. Although not so much lately. At one point I was constantly drunk."

Balgor winks at Hikaru.  "Can you hold your ale against the God of Slaughter himself?"

"We'll see won't we slaughter god!"

Nerezza throws back his head in a genuine, wholehearted laugh."My dear Balgor... No one can."

Thus it was that Balgor, God of Slaughter, and Hikaru Kenta, Spear of Slaughter dove wholeheartedly into a drinking game to rival anything this world had every seen!  Mugs stacked and piled up.  Belches filled the afternoon air.  Balgor and Hikaru became more and more plastered as the hour drew on.

***

Inside each of your rooms, there is a cargo crate with your name on it. Upon closer inspection, you see it also says “From your friend with the multiple personalities.” Inside you find:

Ruby: A hand made, leather stitched book with the title “Children’s Stories from The Old World” written down the spine. Inside the front cover is a note from Rhys, saying “These are some of my fondest stories from my childhood, told to me by my father. I hope you enjoy them.” A cookbook containing Ruck’s poor grammar and drawings but impeccable recipes, along with a sack of spices nearly identical to his own, and a small canvas bag of jerky. A note says, “Thanks for being friend. We cook more sometime. Ruck.”A finely crafted wooden box contains decorative silver haircomb, but upon closer inspection you see it has small metallic points that protrude toward your scalp. There’s a note with it that says, “Miss Ruby, I think this device will stop things from messin’ with yer’ ‘ead. Thanks fir bein’ friendly-like ta’ me! All tha’ best, Ragnar.”A small pouch of Emerald Shimmerleaf, a flask of fine brandy, and a beautiful hand card pipe made of cherry wood, all wrapped up in a teal silk piece of fabric. An attached piece of parchment says, “Hello, Miss Ruby. I hope you find the brandy enjoyable and the pipe and pipeweed pleasant. Best regards, Rolland.”A somewhat dirty engineer’s tube is capped at both ends. Upon opening it, you find a rough blueprint for a mech wielding what appear to be retractable batons, along with a note scrawled in the corner. “Miss Ruby, I have blueprinted a mech for you. This is just a rough idea, please come discuss your ideas with me sometime as to weaponry and such. Thank you for being such a great friend, Rodrick.”

Armella: A hand made, leather stitched book with the title “The Origins of Tarj” written down the spine. Inside the front cover is a note from Rhys, saying, “Armella, this is the tale of Tarj, as told to me by my father. I found it quite enjoyable, I hope you do as well. Rhys.” A wildberry tart and a canvas sack of jerky, along with a note. It says “I make tasty treat for armor lady. Hope you like. Ruck.” A finely crafted wooden box contains blacksmithing blueprints for modifications to a morningstar. There is also a note, saying “Miss Armella, I ‘ave come up wit’ an idea ta’ give yer’ morninstar some reach! Come talk tah’ me an’ we can see wha’ we can do! Ragnar.” A variety of freshly made fruit juices sealed in bottles, a couple small sacks of hard candies, and an incense burner are all wrapped in a piece of red silk. An attached note says, “Miss Armella, I hope you find these juices somewhat enjoyable. They are wine starts, but I bottled them before allowing them to ferment. The hard candies are flavored with fruits I found on the island, and the incense sticks are some from my collection. I hope you like them. Best regards, Rolland.” A somewhat dirty engineer’s tube is capped at both ends. Upon opening it, you find a rough blueprint for a mech wielding what appears to be a massive shield and a multi-headed flail, along with a note scrawled in the corner. “Miss Armella, I have blueprinted a mech for you. This is just a rough idea, please come discuss your ideas with me sometime as to weaponry and such. Thank you for being patient and trying to be understanding with what I am, Rodrick.”

Hikaru: A hand made, leather stitched book with the title “The Defeat of Gideon” written down the spine. Inside the front cover is a note from Rhys, saying “Hikaru, this is the tale of how Gideon was destroyed by your anscestor, Saar. This was told to me by Nerezza and Balgor. I hope you find it enjoyable. Rhys.” A spiced pumpkin loaf and a canvas sack of sweet and spicy jerky, and a note. It reads “Hey drink friend. I make you favorite sweet thing and burny dry meat. Hope you like. Ruck.”A finely crafted set of leather marksman’s gloves. A note says, “Hey Storm Fox, been a long while since we made tha’ rifle, eh? I bet yer’ a better shot than me by now, but these’ll help some ‘ore! Ragnar”A bottle of Coarunn gin, a nickel and iron cigarette case filled with hand rolled cigarettes, each containing a different type of tobacco from Rolland’s collection, all tied up neatly in a blue silk handkerchief. A note says “I know we don’t always see eye to eye, but I hope you’ll enjoy some of the finer things in life without too much fight. Best Regards, Rolland.”A somewhat dirty engineer’s tube is capped at both ends. Upon opening it, you find a rough blueprint for a mech wielding what appear to be large caliber revolvers. A note is scrawled in the corner. “Hikaru, I have a rough idea for a mech for you. Please come discuss weaponry and such with me sometime. Thanks for saving my life all those years ago, even though I didn’t know it til now. Rodrick”

Azandar: A hand made, leather stitched book with the title “The House of Vayakir” written down the spine. Inside the front cover is a note from Rhys, saying “Azandar, this is a story of an elf my father knew well. I hope you find some enjoyment from it. Rhys” A light and fluffy cake layered with strawberries, sweet cream, and a sticky lemon sauce, as well as a canvas sack of jerky accompanied by a note saying, “I make elf fancy cake. I hope you like. Ruck” Oddly enough, your own rifle is in the crate, but it doesn’t look the same anymore. The barrel has been threaded and ported, the wood has a fresh coat of stain on it, and all the metal has been polished. What catches your eye most of all, though, is the fine metal inlay of gold and silver into the metal around the receiver and the engraving in the stock. Tied to the trigger frame is a note that says, “Ehy Mister Zandhar, I hope ye don’ mind, but I took th’ liberty o’ fixin’ up yer rifle. I hope you like it. Ragnar.” A small wooden box of fine chocolates, a copper lighter, and a homemade polishing kit are all wrapped up neatly in a green silk neckerchief. An attached note reads, Azandar, I know you don’t drink or smoke, so please enjoy these wonderful chocolates. This polishing kit is better than any I’ve found for purchase, as it will put a mirror finish on any metal. I hope you enjoy. Best Regards, Rolland.” A somewhat dirty engineer’s tube is capped at both ends. Upon opening it, you find a rough blueprint for a mech wielding what appear to be a large caliber cannon. A note is scrawled in the margin, saying “Zander, I have come up with a rough idea for a mech for you. Please come talk with me so we can discuss your ideas for weaponry and whatnot. Thank you for helping me keep the airship running. You are an invaluable mechanic and a good friend. Rodrick.”

Thorin: A hand made, leather stitched book with the title “Voidscales” written down the spine. Inside the front cover is a note from Rhys, saying “Thorin, this book is my father’s own word on your anscestor, Dragonicos Voidscales. They are his observations of him. I hope you find it enjoyable. Rhys.” A small iron box filled with Dwarven shortbread and a canvas sack of jerky. A note says, “I make you Dwarf shortbread. No make fun for size. It yummy. I hope you like. Ruck.” A finely crafted wooden box containing three large gems, each of a different color. A note inside says, “Thorin, I made these ta’ work wit’ yer’ staff. I hope they do wha’ they’re s’posed to! Ragnar.” A small barrel of Dwarven ale, a bronze tankard, and a hand carved wooden dragon pendant are wrapped in a purple silk scarf. An accompanied note says, “Thorin, I hope you enjoy this fine Dwarven ale. This bronze tankard is believed to be cast before the time of the Rend, and may very well belong to your ancestors. Best Regards, Rolland.” A somewhat dirty engineer’s tube is capped at both ends. Upon opening it, you find a rough blueprint for a mech wielding what appear to be a large scale version of Thorin’s omnitech staff. A note in the corner says, Thorin, I blueprinted a mech for you. Please come talk to me sometime about what you’d like for weaponry and such. I’m open to Ideas. These take a while to build, but I’m confident we can get it built. Rodrick.”

Mutiger: A hand made, leather stitched book with the title “History of Tieflings” written down the spine. Inside the front cover is a note from Rhys saying, “Mutiger, this is the history of Tieflings from what I could find in my father’s library. I hope you find it enjoyable. Rhys.” A roast leg of stag and a canvas sack of jerky. A note next to it says, “I no know if you like sweets. I make you meat. I hope you like. Ruck.” A long cloak of gray, sturdy material. Pinned to it is a note that says, “Mutiger, I know ye’ already be pretty hearty when it comes te’ fire, but wit’ this cloak, ye’ should be pert near invulnerable! Ragnar” A bottle of spiced rum, a hand carved necklace of wood and bone beads, each engraved with different animals, and a small sack of spiced nuts all wrapped in a fire-orange silk sash. A note reads, “Mutiger, I hope you enjoy these items from a different part of the world. The necklace I made so that you could keep in touch with your animal spirits, as you seem to have given out nearly all your axes. I hope you enjoy them. Best Regards, Rolland.” A somewhat dirty engineer’s tube is capped at both ends. Upon opening it, you find a rough blueprint for a mech wielding what appear to be a massive two handed axe. In the corner, a note reads, “Mutiger, I’ve got a rough design for a mech for you. Please come talk to me at some point so we can figure out what ideas you have and what sort of weapons or gadgets you want to try and add. You are an awesome force, and I am glad you are my friend. Thank you. Rodrick.”

***

Mutiger calls the party closer. "Gather everyone. I have something to say."He then reaches behind his head and removes the rings holding his ponytail.

Rolland walks over and brushes the nonexistent dirt off a crate before sitting down to listen.

Balgor is drunk, but shakes it off almost as quickly as it came on.  He watches the tiefling undo his ponytail.He holds up a buffalo ring. "This is the symbol of the buffalo. It's strength among others is great. I have seen one of similar strength. She has shown judgement and strength when dealing with both friends and enemies. I call her to take the ring, as a symbol of her skill and knowledge. Any who think she should not deserve this honor. Speak now."He holds the buffalo ring out to Ruby.

Ruby, having just barely returned to hear the kind words, stops in midstep. She seems at a loss for words. Slowly approaching and feeling dwarfed beside you, she takes the ring carefully from his hands. "T-Thank you, Mutiger." She looks up and smiles. "I'll treasure it just as fondly as the axe; they shall be inseparable from me."

He nods as she takes the ring.He then speaks holding the wolf now. "This is the symbol of the wolf. It's strength among others is great. I have seen another of such strength. He has shown ability in defending his friends and honoring their strength with his own. I call on him to take the ring, as a symbol of his skill and knowledge. Any who think he should not deserve this honor. Speak now.

He holds it out to Rolland. Rolland stands up from his crate, a look of astonishment on his face. "Mutiger... I... I don't know what to say, pal. " He shoots a glare at Hikaru, knowing he's thinking something about rendering Rolland speechless. "Thank you. I'll keep it with me always. Even if it won't fit on the finger at the time, I'll get a piece of chain and wear it around my neck."

Mutiger nods as he takes the ring.He then speaks holding the elk now. "This is the symbol of the elk. It's strength holding fast, and firm in the face of danger is great. I have seen another of such strength. She has shown ability in standing firm against any who come to destroy her, or her comrades. I call on her to take the ring, as a symbol of her skill and knowledge. Any who think she should not deserve this honor. Speak now.He holds this ring out to Armella.

He then speaks holding the cougar now. "This is the symbol of the cougar. It's strength in battle and ferocity are nearly unmatched. I have seen another of such strength. He has shown ability in the strength of his arm, and the sturdiness of his strike. I call on him to take the ring, as a symbol of his skill and knowledge. Any who think he should not deserve this honor. Speak now. He holds it out to Thorin.

He then speaks holding the deer now. "This is the symbol of the deer. It's swiftness and speed are wondrous. I have seen another of such strength. He has shown ability in the speed of his step, and the swiftness of his strike. I call on him to take the ring, as a symbol of his skill and knowledge. Any who think he should not deserve this honor. Speak now." He holds this one out to Azandar.

He then speaks holding the bear now. "This is the symbol of the bear. It's swift strike and speed are wondrous to behold. I have seen another of such strength. He has shown ability in the speed of his strike is swift, and his foot sure. I call on him to take the ring, as a symbol of his skill and knowledge. Any who think he should not deserve this honor. Speak now." He holds this out to Hikaru. He bows. "Why thank you Mutiger for this gift."

Balgor stands up now, and calls out in a loud voice.  "Let it be here known that from this day forward Mutiger, the Powerful, the Judge, shall forever be to each one of us..."

Balgor turns his head and looks Mutiger in the eye, "a friend."Any," he echoes Mutiger's words, "who think he should not deserve this Honor, Speak now."With that, Balgor approaches Mutiger, and with his still-bleeding hand drips a few drops of blood on his head.  "I make an oath to you, Mutiger teifling, that should need drive you, you may call on my name, and I will be there." 

Balgor then approaches Azandar, does and says the self-same thing.  He performs this oath with Rolland and Thorin.  He does the same with Hikaru, his Slaughtering Spear.  Then he approaches Ruby.

Her eyes widen a bit, and she fiddles with her buffalo ring nervously on her hand. She looks up at Balgor--sees his eyes again watching her. A chill washes over her, having been a party to his scrying power but a few days before. Conflict rages in her heart, but she doesn't break eye contact. She steels her determination.

"I make an oath to you, Miss Ruby Pennington, that in a time where need drives you, you can call upon me, and I will be there."  Balgor backs away, and stands in the midst of everyone.  "That, my friends, is my gift to you."

***

Azandar smiles at his compatriots, and enters the ship headed to his quarters where he changes into dry, clean clothes. He sees something peculiar on his dresser where his revolver holsters are. He picks up the cloth, reads the inscription, and smiles. 

"You're welcome," he says aloud. 

He then turns to a parcel placed on his bed. He reads the notes on each of the gifts from their changeling friend. He grins as he looks through the various gifts from each of his personalities, and appreciates three gesture. His eyes, however, widen at the mech design. 

"Ah! This will be a fun undertaking! I'll have to go talk to him then!"

Then his visage turns slightly to regret as his brow furrows. 

"I really need to speak up more. I've been so...withdrawn," he says to himself. Azandar instructs one of the automatons to take the perishable items to the kitchen, and takes the plans, and makes his way out. He stops for a moment, though, and turns back inside. Taking up the recent sword he had acquired and one of the books of history from Osonor's library, he makes his way back to the temple, a reverence overcoming him as he enters the hall of heroes.He sees someone in there already, kneeling before one of the tapestries.

He moves quietly, so as not to disturb them, and gently places the sword upon the altar in front of the tapestry depicting Arello, the God of Dragons and Justice. He kneels and bows his head in reverence for a few moments, pledging his obeisance to him, before rising and placing the history book upon the altar before the tapestry depicting Arakas, his ancestor. He kneels before it, and bows his head, pledging his allegiance to the ancient God of Fate.

Ruby tarries over, hanging back until he's completely finished. Looking at both of the elven tapestries, she nods to him. "Quite amazing people from the stories we've heard, weren't they?" He turns to face her, smiling as he does. "Indeed. I'd be interested in reading more about them in the library. Cafe to join me, if you're not otherwise occupied."

He pauses a moment. "By the way, thank you for the gift. Very thoughtful."

"That sounds nice. This place seems to hold many secrets. I'd like to peruse the library further." She gives a sly smile, "Speaking of secrets... Look what I found when I was in here earlier."

"Hmmm?"She leads the way over to Saar the Whirlwind's tapestry, gives you a look, then grabs the edge of the woven visage and pulls it back. Behind it, another full tapestry hangs. Nerezza's shadowy form stares down at the two of us with his piercing golden eyes."I... figure it was on that blank wall over at the far end, some time ago. But it was moved here..."((For anyone who wants to click it XD It's behind Saar: https://conclaveoftarj.yolasite.com/hall-of-heroes.php ))

"Aaaah, so the God of Shadows shows his face, eh?" He folds his arms across his chest. 

"This place is magnificent to me. I will likely come back here."

It does certainly have a.. special something. I find it lucky that we have a few of these heroes, or.. gods, I suppose, that are with us." She cocks her head, thinking about it. "I mean, seeing all this here in Dolor, with my own eyes... it makes me believe their stories more. It's not just some crazy tale, or fairy stories for children. It is evidence that it is all... real." She says the last word with a little effort, really mulling it over in her mind.

"Yeah, it's rather eye-opening. I daresay that these here had done more for the world than any other...the rift notwithstanding."

"Anyway, come. Let us go to the library in town. Maybe more secrets will be revealed there." He leads the way out of the Hall of Heroes, and back into the main room. He stares up at the ceiling a moment before continuing.

Ruby happily follows along on the way to the library, hoping she can learn some more things about this ancient civilization.Upon arriving to the library, Azandar opens the door, and holds it open. "Ladies first."

He peeks in for a brief moment, noting the shelves and shelves of books.Ruby gently picks one up, but it seems to crumble to dust at her fingers. "Man, these have seen better days..." She looks up at the countless rows. "Better centuries, more like."

"So it seems." He picks through a row. "Ah, this one seems to be intact." He picks up a book gingerly, and it doesn't crumble.

Ruby looks over, peering at the pages. "I wonder what they studied here...if it's anything different than we do down below."