The Bonds That Tie

That...Daelkyr tried to sever the tie between myself and Shana. How is that even possible? The exact magic used to fuse the human and the quori are long since lost but to be possible to tear it apart? It certainly explains how my eye has been acting of its own accord since...well...it had it's own accord. It's own consciousness. It is strange to think of an eye with it's own consciousness but given that symbiont that attached itself to Terfel had it's own consciousness, perhaps I am being to quick to judge. It makes me concerned that something like that...has that power. It increases my concern for Medalashana, Tetkashtai and even Virikhad are in danger if there more of these out there. I do not know what would happen to us if we were separated. If even the Enlightened Havakhad is unsure, it makes me uneasy. Perhaps I should find them but I could just endanger them further as well as my new friends. I was little use facing off against that...thing...then how much use could I be in facing more of these damn things? If Warden's people are fighting these then they will require all the help we can muster. I thought the dolgrims were bad and I even thought that that...thing was bad before I truly knew the extent of the damage, of it's intent.
 
It was somewhat unpleasant to sleep in the library, knowing that the creature could technically be so close. I know that it is not close but if it could easily put a hand through into this world and close a portal like a child closing a curtain, what else could it carry out? They seem certain that the Orerry mechanism holds it back sufficiently - or at least trapped in that small room. My sleep was relatively uneventful, fragments of memories of my ancestors scattered in sleep.
 
Nothing untoward happened during the night, thank il-Yannah, so we continued to dismantle the abomination. Lei seemed to use her porcelain friend to note down but I am unsure whether we actually know anyone that could theoretically stitch it back together. Or why we would even want to do that. I see no reason why we would ever want to step foot into that doorway again or even consider stepping through the portal, if it is still there. It does not make sense but at least I was more than capable of destroying parts of the mechanics with my mace. The cogs were easy enough to put some dents in but the glass representing the moons...proves to be significantly tougher than it looks. A strong blow with the mace on one of the smaller ones chipped away and cracked the ball but they are very solid. The group decided to take two of the smaller moons as a precaution and Dax helped herself to some of the more delicate mechanisms to decorate her armour. I am not sure if these provide any additional shielding but they look rather pretty. And if removing such cogs and things makes it more difficult to rebuild then all the better for it!
 
We slowly made out way up from the depths under Highwalls to the upper levels. It feels like I've not seen natural daylight in so long, the crisp air feels is much more real in your lungs compared to the inherent dampness of below. Olalia seemed to be in awe as we ascended Sharn. I suppose it must have been a long time since she arrived and I am not sure whether she had seen much of the city before being squirrelled away in Highwalls with that arch bastard. We stopped off at Clifftop to drop off the books before continuing on the path. We passed through other districts that I have not been through yet and saw a rather...strange site. The elves here seem to be rather morose, rather morbid in nature, daubing themselves with skulls and the like. Their guards seem to be actually dead but still walking. Or it is just very intimidating make up, perhaps. I did not want to linger too long on their faces to decipher this correctly. Olalia certainly didn't want to tarry too long in this place.
 
We eventually reached Clifftop and Lhara assisted with the books, allowing us to place these in their vault. Apparently, she knows some people who could place a value on these for us. It was privately discussed that we would avoid providing these to the gnome woman however, I am getting ahead of myself again. I will discuss her more later. Lhara also offered another job for that fellow we get the fire idol for. He wants us to charge up an amulet with energy in the mountains not too far from here. It apparently comes from the Plane of Light. I am not sure what to make of it, if I am honest. These planar investigations are all well and good when it is strictly elemental but not all planes are strictly elemental. I do not imagine that he would have power to even find a manifest zone for Dal Quor - would those even exist? If they did, they would likely be in Sarlona somewhere - but this business with Xoriat...and who knows what other horrors and dangers lurk in the other planes? Even elementals can cause such chaos and just to satisfy someone's curiosity? I suppose I cannot see any issues in light. Light is good.
 
We headed to Overlook, as partially described earlier. Before stitching my conscious mind together like torn cloth, Havakhad accepted the prospect of Olalia joining. She seemed so happy that she could understand him as he spoke telepathically. Not only can she stay but he is willing to attempt to try and cure her of her affliction. I did not expect to see such a happy conclusion for this situation but I am glad to have facilitated this in some way. It also shows the treachery of Terel. To tell Olalia there is no hope, that the only thing to do is to stick with his fetid little plan. She has hope now and she will no longer be alone or struggle for the time being.
 
We left this happy scene to meet with the gnome. Aliana? Alana? Alyna? I do not know her name nor do I care to know her name. She had been watching some how and seemed to delight in twisting the knife with Daine. She has a new bird as well. There is something very unbirdlike about these birds she has. It is rather like the black herons but I cannot explain why. There was much reluctance to hand over the vials containing the dragonmarks. She claims the shards are within but we cannot know that. Terfel and Dax made it clear we would not hand these over and simply accepted it. It is somewhat unnerving to watch so I do not doubt we will cross paths again.
 
Daine and Lei were very cross with each other after we left. Lei was hurt that Daine hid part of his identity but Daine seemed fairly clear on why. These Houses seem awful - I am glad they are non-existent in Adar or anywhere else. They hold far too much sway, too much pressure on the people who so happen to manifest one of their magical birthmarks. They reconciled, with assistance from Pierce and the others. They seem set to travel to New Cyre with any refugee who wishes to. They will still be in tents but there is at least a good chance to move on and rebuild there. Sharn does not seem concerned in the slightest.
 
The day has seemed to pass quickly in comparison to the rest but with the money earned, I bought myself a broom of flying. And a fair bit of cheese. The mild cheddar can be a bit overpowering but it is delicious.