Once we returned to the Kaer, we had to wait for the doors
to open. It seemed to take a long time but eventually the doors opened. We were
met cautiously by our fellow citizens and each was asked to complete the Greeting
Ritual before they would allow us to enter. All save Quinn succeeded on the
first try. Quinn eventually succeeded after being given a moment to calm and
focus.
Ermin was treated and revived by the alchemist and healer. Even
though he was physically in a diminished state, he was not spared the Greeting
Ritual. Ermin painted a passable giant spider. Once satisfied, we were allowed
entry and the doors we quickly closed.
After we were debriefed, our unit was given leisure time.
After bathing and seeing to my equipment, I challenged Ermin to drill with me.
His style and approach are very unorthodox. He acquitted himself well in our
sparing until he left an opening that in the real world would have proved
fatal. He lacks focus but he does have determination. I hope that he will
quickly find the balance required to be a serious combatant.
We were advised that we would tell the tale of our mission
to the Kaer. It was a bit of a spectacle. Oren told the tale and added some
magical flourishes while Erim “danced” in the background. Quinn said a very few
words while Cetharel told the haunting tale of the deaths that she experienced
and the funeral. I told the parts of the tale involving combat with the
spiders. It was good to perform. It was the largest gathering that I can
recall. The children were appreciative of the hemp spiders that I made and
passed out at the end of our telling.
A second group returned on time. They experienced about what
we had but did not face anything like the spiders. There was another telling
for the accomplishments.
The remaining two units are overdue. I fear for their safety
and suspect that we will soon be asked to venture outside once more.
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