Tunnels Below

To say I was excited to head back to the Underdark was an understatement. I knew my excitement pissed off Miz to no end, but some of my best times happened in the dark tunnels of the Underdark. Grandfather loved teaching about the creatures, using each encounter as another learning and training opportunity. In some ways, I was sure I was as deadly as a Drow when it came to dispatching Underdark creatures, but Miz argued with that constantly, always saying how that should never be something I would want.
 
I understood her reluctance, but from what Reinys had said, we would be leagues away from the city and the bitch Zilvra. For that I was glad because I wasn't sure that I could stop myself from laying into the woman if I saw her. In those instances, I was as protective as my Grandmother, and that in itself was a scary thought.
 
The month of rest on Tortle Rock was nice, but I was ready to stretch my muscles and fight an actual fight. The tortles sometimes watched Miz and I spar, but it was almost like a teaching session than the battle that both of us wanted. We hated to leave without hearing from Reinys, waiting for her call. I've never seen a dire wolf pout, but that one of hers sure did when he was left with us instead of going with her.
 
During that month I often thought how the last group had ended, and how only sheer stupidity could lead to that situation. The scars Reinys and I had from protecting the damned idiots would remain for years to come, but obviously us stopping stupidity and taking attacks meant to kill others wasn't enough for these people. For that I thanked the goddess that they had chosen to split from us and make their own way. I was tired of being the shield for those that could not protect themselves.
 
It was chaos in our room when the letter arrived from Reinys. It took only minutes to pack and prepare for our next great journey, loading down Fjord and Callimar with our things and the supplies needed for the journey. Syndra had traded her dress for my extra clothes, allowing us to tie intricate harnesses around her legs to keep her on the wolf. He seemed ready for a run and we could only hope that the goat and the lizard could keep up with a pent up wolf.
 
We had a few days to meet up with Reinys and the others that had joined with her. She had taken up the mantle of leader yet again, and for that I was glad. It was a weight off my shoulders that allowed me to fight more and worry less. With a shout to our home away from home, we began our journey to the tunnels below and whatever waited for us.