Well, it has been a while since my last entry. I feel like we’ve been in a marathon with little to no rest. When last I wrote, I had gained some additional direction and guidance by binding myself to the unicorn Mooncolor. She taught me that it is not weakness to help and nurture others, and that there is power in healing.
Well, we have made it through Avernus to the place where the temple which protected the sword was. We pierced the veil hiding it from most of the denizens of Avernus. We then made our way through the scab surrounding the temple, fighting demons along the way. When we reached the temple, I opened the doors, and we entered. There was the spirit of one of Zariels paladins guarding the place, and she took us into one of Lulus dreams to test our worthiness.
Inside the dream there was the town of Idylglen, and it was under attack by gnolls and demons. We fought them off, and while we were doing so, Korvold the kobold witnessed the death of the first of his name. Apparently the name is more of a title and not hereditary. He somehow used a soul coin to trade places with the paladin, and is now trapped in a coin, while the paladin Korvold inhabits his body.
We fight off the demons and fight Yeenagu the demon lord of gnolls, when Zariel and Lulu arrive and kick the demon lord through a portal, and slam it shut behind it. Zariel then asks us what we would do would we risk our very beings to assault Avernus to try and end these assaults or would we just keep defending. Knowing what I know about her assault on Avernus, I tell her no, and that if she lost herself, she would be an even bigger threat to the innocent than the demons were, and they would not have her to defend them any longer.
We are transported back to the temple, and Lulu has regained all her memories. The spirit and Lulu then ask who will take the sword, and caution that it will be the end of who you are. I feel a need to offer myself as I have no one depending on me back in the real world, and indeed expect to be assassinated within a few years anyway. And if by my sacrifice I can help save Elturel, and these comrades of mine, the closest thing I have to family, I cannot decline.
Shiven backs up, unwilling to risk his life. Kavyre debates, but also does so as she has her village to save. Korvald the paladin says he is obligated to restore the soul of Korvold the 6th, and declines. Darien does not even offer or think it over. Falco steps up but is rejected by the sword for whatever reason.
I take the sword, and gain a new purpose. All my life flashes before me, and it is like it has been leading up to this. First, born among the evil drow, where I recognized that I was different. Then taking small steps fighting for rights for male drow, then freedom for slaves, then fleeing to the upper world. Once there, fighting for survival, then to make a comfortable life in Balders Gate. Helping refugees from Elturel and expecting nothing in return. Being gifted the amulet by a good hearted gnome priestess who saw more in me than I saw in myself. Then meeting Lulu and being transported to Avernus and the reality of that sinking in. Freeing prisoners in Elturel and helping the hopeless here. Freeing Mooncolor just as I was ready to take the next step. Learning how to nurture and help and not just kill and steal.
And now. The sword. She has a life and personality which are her own, and while others just call her the Sword of Zariel, she tells me to call her Nienor, which is elvish for lamentation, as she still mourns the fall of Zariel into evil. She is understanding of my search for meaning, and gives me a new purpose. I feel fulfilled, and if I die, I am confident my spirit will no longer go to the Abyss to be a plaything of the servants of Lolth, but will go to either Amoria to be with Mooncolor or Lunia to serve the celestials there. I am content with either.
I do not expect to be her caretaker for long, something inside me feels that Zariel will seek to claim her once again, for good or ill.
