Under the Moon of Ill Omen

Our mirthful chatter on the road ceased as we caught first sight of the Barbed Fields. Jagged rocks jutted up from the ground like broken glass and steam rose up off bubbling tar pits. “We have to cross that?!” There was something heavy in the air as we continued forward in a careful silent trudge.
 
That first night we took third watch with Armani. He’s a night owl, too, like me. We had picked a spot on top of a rock. We looked down on the camp. Though I found it hard not to stare in awe at the vastness of the starry sky. Suddenly there was a red sickly glow from a Ruidous flair. Grandmother was uneasy telling me to “Beware the moon of Ill omen! It has cursed you all! Doom doooooom!…. But its effects are temporary and you should be fine. Just stay hydrated. That will help.” Grandmother was always so knowledgeable about astrology the stars in the moons.
 
Armani leaned back soaking in the moons glow, sipping on a drink from a goblet. I wanted something to say to him so I asked if I could try sip. I really miss flavors. And maybe it was sitting there under the stars or the red glow in Armani‘s hair, but something seemed a little extra magical. And when I took a sip from that goblet I was pleasantly surprised by a delicious flavor of the Cool Refreshing liquid. It tasted like smoosh berry juice from the Fay wild. Armani sort of smiled at my surprised expression as I gulped it down.

I leaned back and rested my eyes, but sleep would not come for me. However, I found myself face-to-face with grandmother. It was like a dream, but I was not asleep, A vision? Grandma, it is so nice to see you I said and leapt at her for a hug. but I stumbled as I passed through her. "Silly girl I’m not actually here. But the road is flare has stirred something the spirit world, and made it easier for me to communicate directly to you. I need to tell you something important. You are on an epic journey but you are not alone. Yes, you have me, but you also have all of our ancestors watching." "Oh no pressure thanks Grandma." "Just shut up and listen! In the Fay wild when one from our clan passes, their spirit will cross over into the afterlife but they can peer in at us from the stars. They shout wisdom down to us, but the living can often not hear. Our family tends to be able to hear the stars more easily and now with your er um condition you may have the gift. I want you to spend some time meditating and listening to the stars, feel the wisdom of our ancestors trying to help you on your journey as they helped me. Use my Star chart to help you focus and connect to them.

Sit with me and breathe.
Breathe? I don’t do that anymore Grandma.
"We’ll just sit there then. If I wasn’t already dead girl, you’d be the death of me!" We sat there for a time. And for a moment I think I see spirits around grandma … but they looked more like figures made of glittering stars. Then they faded.
 
I was Trying to concentrate but nothing. “Oh this is pointless Grandma”
 
“It’s that man isn’t it?" she said, "he’s distracting you.”
 
“Oh no” I say, “he does have really beautiful golden hair but I barely know him. You don’t think he likes me do you? Not that I care.”
 
“Gold hair? You mean salt and pepper right? Oh man that Ciaran guy is very distracting.”
 
“Oh Gross Grandma! “
 
“What? He has a nice butt! I am dead, but I’m not that dead.” We bust out laughing.

Keep working on it girl. Listen to the stars. The ancestors and I, we are with you…

Then she was gone.

I dug through my bag and found grandmas crystal ball. It had small specks inside. Interesting. I cast light on it and suddenly pinpricks of stars glittered all around me. I remember this from when I was a child! Maybe this will help me focus. I put it back in my bag for now.
 
We have a big day of travel in front of us and my companions are starting to stir. I nearly jumped when a spirit leaned over my shoulder whispered in my ear. Out of the corner of my eye I could see it was dark, slick, and heat and steam radiated from it. He was a prisoner of war who was tarred to death for his war crimes. He was filled with the desire to avenge his people. This tale sent chills down my spine but I could tell it would be helpful in a battle. Hopefully we wont need it.
 
As we traveled down the road we were assaulted with rain and wind. What a miserable ….. shit! What in the name Ioun is that!
 
Suddenly we were in battle with some monstrous looking birds and batty creatures. There was some ape like thing in a tar pit and the monsters were coming out of its fur. Ezra let out a bunch of neat looking mechanical fire flies and they attached themselves to the creatures. But IO slipped and fell in the mud and Maggie green eyes got hit with some spores and flew up into the air. Honestly we need to get it together as a fighting group. But then Armani stood tall with the wind whipping his hair and long coat in the air. He threw a spear at a beast and it returned to his hand in an instant.
“Stop your gawking girl and get in the fight” I heard grandma say.

In that moment I bestowed the tail of the Avenger on Ciaran. He seemed the most likely to take some hits so maybe this will help.

Hugo killed the last remaining creature in an epic battle between machine and beast. Maybe a good story to add to my book.

Armani, Very, and I started looking for anything useful on the bodies. For some reason Ciaran had an issue with this. I explained their spirits are not here. They can’t take positions with them where they are going. He doesn’t understand because he hasn’t died before.
 
I volunteered to do watch with Armani again. Gosh he is so beautiful and mysterious. When we were relieved from watch I went to meditate but I just couldn’t focus. Maybe Armani would want to share some of that drink with me again? When I got to his camp I was met by Hugo who indicated Armani was not available. I asked for a drink and when he handed me the chalice I was so excited. I took a big gup and immediately spit it out. I guess Hugo can’t make it the way Armani does. Where is he any way…?

After a few more nights of travel we come across the Aura Watch fighting off some nasties. We did assist and after the battle the Watch guards offered to escort us to the military post of Bazzozan.

It will be nice to have a peaceful rest after this grueling travel.