<25 September 2024, KARZUN FAMILY ESTATES, D+> [Theo and Julia] After walking through an incredibly elaborate vault door and down several halls, they found themselves standing alongside Patriarch Karzun, looking at a white stone Pedestal encrusted with gems as black as night. Theo and Julia could feel the power rolling off the Pedestal.

Theo gave Patriarch Karzun a sideways glance. "Isn't this a little bit of overkill? I don't know what all the power on that Pedestal does, but it's... Scary."

Patriarch Karzun chuckled. "Scary is probably an apt description. The Pedestal, gems, and inscriptions in the floor and ceiling essentially shift the physical material to an inaccessible dimension while letting light reflect off the object still. The inscriptions are keyed in such a way that I, and you two are the only ones who can actually touch the box."

"I'm sure that Theo and I appreciate the security, but I have to ask. Why?" Julia said.

"Even though no one can access that box other than the two of you, if someone wanted to prevent you from accessing it, all they would need to do is steal it and then bury it at some undisclosed location. There are ways to track things down, but it would still limit you from using whatever was in the box."

Theo had a sudden thought. "So would things in the box still be considered under your possession? Even if someone stole the box?"

Patriarch Karzun thought for a moment and then shrugged, "I don't see why not, even if someone else has the box, you and Julia would be the only ones who could open it."

"Interesting," Theo said, then he stepped forward and reached out to the box, flipping the lid open with ease, and they all three looked at the scale, waves of power rolling off of it. After a moment, Theo closed the box. "Well then, onto what you wanted to talk to us about."

"Of course, please follow me." Patriarch Karzun said before leading them out of the vault and into a beautifully appointed dining hall that had an open roof showing the sky. Once they were all settled and a young-looking woman of a race that Theo and Julia had never seen before finished placing food in front of everyone, Patriarch Karzun spoke once more.

"Now then," Patriarch Karzun took a bite of nearly raw meat, "The reason that I asked you two to come here is to discuss three things. First, the dungeon run you wish to perform in the Crypts. Second is to discuss Sylvi. And lastly, I have an opportunity for you both."

"Is Sylvi all right?" Julia asked, concerned.

"Oh, she is fine, more than fine!" Patriarch Karzun said, "Since her first trip to your world, she has been doing significantly better. I have even noticed a marked change in Varess."

"Good." Theo said, "Now then, let's go in order. First, the dungeon run."

"I am open to this. But I want to know the goal, and how many you would be bringing?" Patriarch Karzun.

"We were hoping to make a run with everyone in our Family organization." Julia said, "Including Theo and I, that would be nine people."

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"And this includes the dwarf and the elemental that you have gathered to you?" Patriarch Karzun asked.

"It does. Is that a problem?" Theo asked.

"No, but I will expect you to adhere to the same rules that you both did." Patriarch Karzun said, his tone growing serious. "It is a dungeon, but it is still the place where our young incubate in their eggs and a tomb for our honored dead."

"Of course," Julia said with a smile, "We will ensure that no harm comes to the living or the dead of your family."

"Now then, other than some levels, what are your other objectives?" Patriarch Karzun asked.

"We need bricks, and we would like to use the bricks that result from the processing of the golems to build our house, or at least parts of it," Theo said, silently wondering if that would change now that Kreldar had found those stone deposits.

"That is as good a use for them as any." Patriarch Karzun said, drumming his fingers on the table. "Very well, we will tentatively agree to this, with the stipulation that you take one member of my family through the dungeon with you. They will be of an appropriate level. But we might need to revisit this with our further discussions. And this all depends on you finding your way for your group here on your own."

Theo and Julia nodded, then Julia spoke. "That is acceptable. Now then, Patriarch Karzun, what did you wish to speak to us about Sylvi for?"

Patriarch Karzun smiled, "Sylvi has grown headstrong and stepped into a new role that I am happy to see for her. You know some of her parental issues, but not all of them. To give you another piece of the puzzle, you should know that Sylvi's parents do not run the branch family; another of her relatives does. And they are not happy that Sylvi is in a favored position. They had actually been key in ensuring that the misunderstandings of her siblings took place."

"That," Theo said in a tone that made Patriarch Karzun smile, "is incredibly stupid."

"As the Patriarch of the family, I do not have an opinion." Patriarch Karzun said, "As a grandfather, uncle, and cousin to these people, I agree. But long story short, this relative of Sylvi's has decided to attempt to marry Sylvi off in a political move to an Aerithra politician. Sylvi has indicated that she will not be marrying the individual. And from what I know of the man, I do not blame her."

Julia looked at Theo, who simply nodded. "What can we do to help?"

"As the Patriarch of the Karzun family, I must ask you to do nothing, as this is an internal affair." Patriarch Karzun said in a very carefully measured tone, while never breaking eye contact with Julia.

Theo let out a long sigh. "God I hate politics."

Patriarch Karzun looked at Theo, "Do you have a thought you wish to share?"

"I do," Theo said, "but considering we are in your house, as your guests, and that you would not like to hear it, I think I will keep it to myself. If you want to tell Sylvi that she is more than welcome to find her way to Earth, she has a standing invitation. You can also tell the relative that is trying to pull this that he, and any of his minions or allies, are explicitly not welcome, and any attempt by them to come onto our land or world will be treated as a hostile act. I don't think I can fight them, but why not? Let's see what happens."

Patriarch Karzun was silent for a moment, then a massive rolling chuckle burst forth from him. He laughed for a few minutes before finally wiping his eyes. And straightening out his clothing. "One day, when you have the power to back up the attitude that you have, I will look forward to watching you slap the stupidity out of those around you."

"But as it stands, Theo." Julia said with a subtle tone of anger, "We are not at a level to back that up!"

"Indeed." Patriarch Karzun said. "I will not pass on your second message, though if Sylvi does find her way to you, I would appreciate it if you could show her hospitality."

Theo and Julia nodded. Patriarch Karzun got very serious. "Now then, we are at the last topic I wished to discuss."

"The opportunity," Theo said.

Patriarch Karzun nodded. "In six weeks' time, the Grove of Ark'Endurt will be hosting a Renewal of the Bark-Oath to inaugurate their new Arch Druid. I have been asked to gather a team of low-level individuals to help prepare for this. I think that you both would excel at this."

Theo and Julia looked at each other, then looked back at Patriarch Karzun. Theo spoke. "What do you mean by 'prepare', and why would we excel?"

Patriarch Karzun smiled and then leaned back to continue speaking.

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