01-07-2020

The trove of knowledge
The journey and the shadowfell was getting to the adventurers. Bhog became apathetic and it took an entire day of effort to make him happy again. If they did not return home soon who knows what else mihjt happen. At last they saw the Fortress of Memories in the distance, closer there was a small lake and very close they could hear the wind howling as if from a cave.

It was indeed a cave. Jaheira approached with the wand of detect magic activated and Xavier saw through her some invisible creatures. After some head scratching they concluded the entrance was guarded by two shadow hounds. Creatures specifically summoned to guard a specific place. The party approached within visible distance and Fulgerica was singing, which pleased the dogs greatly. A few moments after saying hello to the wind a voice from the cave answered beckoning them in. It was a huge cave with multiple rooms including a bed chamber, a laboratory and a huge library. An Alip asked them to come closer, a discussion revealed he was here because he become consumed by the need to know. The party could read all the books they wanted but would not take any away - this would cause the hounds to kill the perpetrator. When asked if others came here the Alip responded many come but none leave.

Xavier was not willing to let an opportunity like this slip out of his reach, but the others insisted to leave. An agreement was struck, Xavier can research for 4 hours - the time it takes to find the basics of modifying the hex spell to do radiant damage. In the meantime Elnaril would write down some spells and Bhog would work in the lab. When the time was up they all left smarter from the cave.

The lake was very nice but full of ghosts, all going to the home of the Raven Queen. Following them seemed like a good idea at the time. A few days later the obvious happened and the ghosts were attacked by some huge creature. The nightwalker  proceeded to destroy the ghosts. Though apprehensive at first the party charged. It was a brutal fight the creature blasting with it's necrotic powers but the hardy adventurers resisted, up to a point. Bhog charged it head on with the perfect strike ready but the creature turned and threw one last spell at Fulgerica. The party was shocked as the corpse of Fulgerica hit the ground and the soul came out only to be obliterated in the next second. There was no rejoicing after the death of the creature. Elnaril quickly tried to identify what happened exactly and Bisque cast a resurrection spell but it did not work. With the soul vanished there could be no resurrection. They took the body and continued onto the Fortress.

The Raven Queen
The palace was an impressive place and the audience came quickly. A creature of feathers appeared in front of them. Xavier explained they slew the shadow dragon to get an audience but now they needed a boon - the resurrection of Fulgerica. The Queen mentioned she does not grant life normally but will do this - the price is the shortening of the life of all the party members. It was agreed and Fulgerica got back on his feet. Elnaril asked if she could remove the curse placed on the items they took from the dragons's lair. With the debt paid she would no longer help them but were they to retrieve some sand from the Styx she would do this. Bartholomew agreed to remain behind as it was easier for the Queen to call them back to a living creature. With all things done the party used the stone to return to the Fey wild.

They were well received in the Summer court, most remembering Bhog's ice cream. The party showed to the mage there the unusual fern that was gathered before leaving. He did not know what it was but some herbalist from the spring court surely would. A quick ride to the spring court and they met a satyr herbalist. He could not believe his eyes - the plant was a wish fern. It would be used to increase the life of others. He wanted to prepare a potion and give them anything for the plant, but an attempt to get more out of him caused an uproar.

The party returned to the material plane using the portal from the summer court.