Zul's truly incredible adventures

[KOPOJIbPAKOB]

Chapter 16: The Blue Bay (pt. 2)

Cyrah and Zul were walking along the tradeway and met Nathan! Zul wanted to talk to Nathan again to exploit his truth-telling curse (to learn all the secrets she wants!), but Cyrah got bored and started trying to mindcontrol Zul! She was prepared this time and kept evading his magic, but then everything went a bit out of hand when his confusion spell triggered which resulted in Cyrah's broken jaw. He somehow enjoyed it though, they bade Nathan farewell and continued the journey!

- x X x -

After having a brief adventure with Pearl and Fel, they all stopped at Friendly Arm Inn basement and started drinking, because why not? Well, of course Cyrah has passed out first! And when the adventurers dragged their dear friend to the room, someone knocked the door! Zul has opened it, and it was Oth, that creepy elf from the Muse! Zul knew Oth has banned Cyrah from the Muse and tried to fix that, but Oth didn't listen, and indeed Cyrah was right by calling him infant! But that's not over yet, Zul would achieve lifting the ban against Oth's will!

- x X x -

The traditional Ulgoth's Beard fishing followed, but it wasn't as cheerful as usual. Pearl has attempted to turn Zul into the animal, and when she failed she accused Zul of being annoying, and suddenly noone supported poor mistreated Zul! Everyone left in time, only her and Fel remained.

- x X x -

They have spent the whole night talking about different things at the beach, from the divine pacts to the relations and making love at the beach.
Zul: You're very lucky I like you, Fel! You just don't get it because you're silly.
Fel: Why am I lucky for that? I'd like to hear your thoughts.
Zul: Because I'm awesome!
Fel: I don't know why I was remotely hoping for an actual answer.
Zul: But there's nothing to add, that answer is flawless!
He wanted to learn more about Zul, and indeed, even with all her endless stories she was remaning a closed book for everyone, but that was feeling right to her. The past doesn't matter for Zul, the present does!

[KOPOJIbPAKOB]

Chapter 17: Mysterious Ruins!

A dead horse at Beregost — this is how Zul's day has started!

- x X x -

After Pearl left the group after yet another outburst of hers, Cyrah and Zul shrugged their shoulders and treveled south! They were walking until they found some strange ruins all covered in blood trails. As it always happens when it comes to such suspicious things, they've descended, because what could go wrong?

- x X x -

It was quiet and lifeless inside the ruins, but then Zul has found a secret passage! The adventurers found themselves in a huge hall with a lightning hurricane in the middle! There were many magical circles, some weird arcane mechanism that should make the doors open. After some several unlucky attempts to solve it (and several painful lightning strikes!) Zul and Cyrah took their time and discovered the books they found in their possession, as well as magical stone tree wth hints. When even that didn't help, Cyrah telported them both behind the sealed passage and the journey continued!

- x X x -

They had different riddles ahead, but Zul's wit and Cyrah's cheating combined allowed them to solve everything! The most diffifcult was the room filled with acid, Zul was hurt bad, but Cyrah was resistant to it! He managed to lower the acid level, and Zul used Fox's cunning on herself and easily solved the following puzzle! The last trial on their way was a huge iron golem, but they simply tricked it and stole it's treasure!

- x X x -

At last, the finalest room — it shook Zul's and even Cyrah's mind! A colossal hall with a giant arcane fascility right beneath it's dome, it had countless dusty ancient books inside and even a silent grumpy ghost. These were certainly remains of some lost civiliziation!
Zul: I feel like I'm a part of something bigger, but I'm not smart enough to understand of what exactly...
They searched around over and over, enjoying the magnificence of this place! Sadly, they couldn't claim no books nor even mark this area for the further teleportations.

- x X x -

As they already decided to depart, Zul has spotted a strange wall. Cyrah was looking at her like at idiot when she started smashing it, but she was right as usual when the wall crumbled! It was a secret passage, and they realised the journey is not yet over when they've spotted a mysterious dark portal.
Cyrah: What are the chances we can come back if it's deadly?
Zul: No slightest idea... The portal can simply close behind us and we'll starve to death.
Cyrah: Yet I feel a draw to it anyway.
Zul: Let me prepare then!

- x X x -

And they stepped through! This has shaken Zul's mind once more. Everything was as the books described! The shell was the same, the content — different. It looked like the same observatory, but drained of it's colors. Also, she noticed that some of the landscape details were different. Cyrah was truly impressed by this place, he felt himself relieved, while Zul was anxious and wanted to leave! Suddenly, she stumbled and fell down, and right after that a swarm of carnivorous flying books has surrounded her! They started using the magic written on their own pages, Zul managed to turn herself invisible before it all faded for her...

- x X x -

...Zul woke up drained somewhere at the Farmlands, she had no slightest idea of how did she manage to survive, but Cyrah was here as well, and perhaps he was responsible for this marvel. Zul was confused about what's going on, soon she met Flora and others only to discover that Flora and Elias want to get married!
Zul: Flora, listen... The marriage was invented by foul men to destroy our lives!
She didn't listen! Luckily, it were just plans, not a scheduled event, but Zul must keep her ears vigilant and don't let Flora to burry her youth like that!

- x X x -

Elias, Flora and Zul were listening to Cyrah's incredible rescue story at the Elfsong! Zul felt herself very dizzy and didn't remember much details, but she is alive and this is what matters, right? Soon the sweet couple left, and Zul remained here with Cyrah, she was sitting on his lap, discussing the life, his ambitious plans and, perhaps, doing something else. What she has seen in the shadow world didn't leave Zul's head, but perhaps it's a topic for another adventure!

[KOPOJIbPAKOB]

Chapter 18: Trapped!

Everything went terrible! Cyrah and Zul were trapped in a Swordarm Inn room while enraged Morgan was knocking the door like insane, when she was told to get away, she summoned her demons and warded herself, preparing for the assault! Having no other choice, Zul placed some of her own wards, put on mechanical gauntlet and opened the door! And right before anything bad started, the saviour appeared on the scene, and it was none other than Maela the drow, the Morgan's master!
Zul: She came for me AGAIN!
Morgan: You're in my room!
Zul: It's not your room!!!
Maela has ordered Morgan to stop, but she was amused by this whole situation and didn't want to do anything, so Zul had to ask nicely (to use blackmail), combined with Morgan's attempt to kill Cyrah with her undead arm it worked, and Morgan was ordered to stay away from good guys!

- x X x -

Morgan left, but her grunts remained! They lost their minds and started killing the locals, not touching Zul and Cyrah! And when Zul thought it couldn't be any worse, it turned out that Pearl was overhearing this all the time from the nearest room!
Pearl: Cyrah? Zul?
Maela: And drowess!
Zul: PEARL!!!
Pearl: Yeah, I'm going to pretend I didn't see this...
Zul: Your teacher summoned the demons who killed the locals!
Maela: Baatezu!
Zul: Whatever!
Pearl was shocked and swore she will forget all she has seen here, she escaped in awe! To be honest, Zul was shocked as well, and just as the human left, she fainted under all the pressure!

- x X x -

The next day, Zul was helping Cyrah to find a home. He was going to purchase one, but Zul had something better — a mysterious map of the abandoned houses! They've searched through all the red crosses on the map, and Cyrah even liked one! There was a secret house as well, Zul and Cyrah tried to solve this mystery and even used Pass wall scrolls to achieve that place, but it gave them nothing! Well, they didn't give up and found another solution of their problems — spent a beautiful night together!

- x X x -

Meanwhile, Zul wasn't living through the best times of her live. That scoundrel Pearl was stealing more and more of Fel's attention, she was acting like a snake against Zul and then innocently smiling to him, and that seemed to be working on that dolt! Zul invited Fel to speak one on one, like in the times before, but he was so cold to her, and she had a very bad feeling about that.

- x X x -

P.S. Ah, Zul also was banned from the Muse for no reason because of Oth's childish whim, but it is one of the worst establishments in Baldur's Gate anyway. Not very heroic chapter, isn't it? Let's hope the next would be glorious!

[KOPOJIbPAKOB]

Chapter 19: Shocked

Zul and Cyrah had no time to waste tonight. This day has finally come, Zul was anxious, but intrigued at the same time, the day Cyrah was planning for such a long time! Seems he wasn't prepared as good as she expected though and nearly died to the wyverns! Luckily, Zul has met a shady person surrounded by the demons and undead on the road who agreed to selflessly help!
Zul: Well, khm... This is Anthony, a priest of Torm. He has saved your life, and now he asks you for, khm, donations for his temple...
Shady person: What better way to protect the living than to recycle the dead?
Zul: I like this fellow.
Zul gave that suspicious man a shiled she found on a road for his services, but he demanded more! Of course, Zul promised to give more later and departed into the ruins with Cyrah before that shady type gets angry!

- x X x -

All the riddles were solved with a lightning speed this time at the mysterious ruins, and soon enough the pair was standing in the ancient arcane hall. Zul's knees were shaking, but she did everything as Cyrah told her, they both changed the clothes and started the process. Zul would never forget and never tell what she has seen here.
Zul: Well done, Cyrah... that's incredible...
Cyrah: We... we need... to clean this up... before anyone comes to explore...

- x X x -

Upon finishing the work, Zul and Cyrah have scorched in flames everything that remained after their, well, activity, and left the ruins as hastily as Cyrah could afford. Back on their way, they've met the shady person who was napping by the campfire and probably awaiting for his payment. Not willing to interrupt his sleep, the adventurers moved on and left him be!

- x X x -

Zul was completely drained and exhausted after today's work. She met Fel later on and invited him into the Friendly Arm bathes, she simply needed his warmth, his good company to forget the horrors she witnessed. Zul felt like speaking up that day and Fel was the first one she revealed part of her REAL past to, but his reponse has hurt Zul. He said they shouldn't be friends, and that is absolutely not what Zul has thought at first.
Zul: Fel, are you serious?
Fel: I'm sorry it's come to this.
Zul: Why...?
Fel: Because I constantly feel like I have to choose, and something has to give.
Zul: And... and that something is me?!
Fel: ...I'm sorry.
Zul was completely suppressed by these words. She didn't shout at him, no. She simply went to bed, finishing that terrible, absolutely not glorious, day.

[KOPOJIbPAKOB]

Chapter 20: Wasted!

Zul wasn't feeling herself any better tonight! She wanted to cry into Flora's jacket, but Flora was cuddling with Elias (as usual!), and Zul's whining couldn't wait, so she had to invite Elias to their girlish talk as well! That was a glorious night of drinking, gossips and talks about the life and it's meaning.
Zul: ...and that guy said he despices me for what I did... He married that woman I nearly killed later... Th-this reminds me of my whole damnable life!!!
Flora: You know what you should do? Go around. Prove everyone wrong.
Zul: I can't... I want to do heroic deeds, but everything keeps going wrong!
By the morning Zul became completely wasted and decided to explore the dangers of Ulgoth's Beard!

- x X x -

Elias was thinking Zul is simply drunk (and she was), but he wasn't that amused when he has witnessed an underground town full of hostile pirates right beneath the lighthouse! One of the pirates didn't attack, and it turned out to be an adventurer named Kasha — an amateur twin rapier fencer, because all twin rapier fencers are amatuers (according to drunk Zul). He has joined the group, and alltogether they have selflessly saved Ulgoth's Beard from the dangers lurking beneath it!

- x X x -

At Ulgoth's Beard itself, Zul has witnessed Cyrah waiting for her, and she was so glad to see him! They've spent a wonderful time at the cliff!
Zul: Let's... let's wrestle at the cliff, the loser falls down and dies!
Cyrah: That could be fun. Of course, I am likely stronger than you.
Zul: I could even descend afterwards to take your body!
Despite the fact nobody died tonight, it was still very fun!

- x X x -

Zul was almostly sober by the moment they arrived to their room. She had big plans this night, and the important (and very-very secret) meeting was already arranged, so she kissed Cyrah before bidding him farewell!

- x X x -

Upon returning to the civilization after her intriguing meeting, Zul has encountered a shady group on the road. Fel, Pearl, Morgan, Oth, some grumpy dwarf — the team evil in action! She didn't quarrel with them, no, but she told them everything she had in mind. Fel pretended he's indifferent, as usual. Well, he's going to answer for what he has done!

[KOPOJIbPAKOB]

Chapter 21: Moving in!

Just as as Zul crossed the gates of Balduran's city, she was called forth by the guards! She was a bit nervous at first and tried to remember if she did anything wrong, but everything became logical when it turned out the Flaming Fists simply require her heroic help! There was a whole group of adventurers with the task to investigate the strange sewers curse, and Zul agreed to lead that bunch!

- x X x -

The scent was unbearable! Zul didn't like it — fighting the bloody oozies was painful and absolutely not glorious.
Zul: Why don't we tell the Fists we found everything we could, huh? What's the point of working hard...?
Nobody supported her genius plan though, and she had to lead them further to their (doom) glory! The thick blood was dripping from above, it was flooding the dark coridors, and so the crew ascended to the bowels to put an end to this disaster!

- x X x -

At the bowels it turned out that the group wasn't prepared to fight the incredibly powerful oozies that bred there! Everyone fell except Zul and some sneaky fellow! Zul had no desire to save the team since they acted like complete idiots and didn't listen to her, yet she did it because that's what heroes do! At last, she had to escape the sewers through the grate when a tremendously huge ooze has nearly eaten her! Her clothes were all slimy and stinking, but she made it!
Zul: When everyone fled in terror, I remained and heroically defeated a giant blood slime size of a house, so I think I deserve a quadriple reward.
And the Flaming Fists paid the standart summ, hmph, whatever! Luckily though, she has met Cyrah, and he had something to show her!

- x X x -

She couldn't believe it! Cyrah has rented the house, and he is moving in! Zul has happily helped him with his boxes and bags! Soon enough they finished their job, and the dark house was decorated with swarming rats, custom ragdolls and Beshaba's shrine, what a lovely place indeed! Zul has modestly asked Cyrah if she could live with him for some time, and he agreed! Zul is not homeless anymore, at last!

- x X x -

And by the end of the day Zul visited Friendly Arm only to spot a huge company — a villain trio of Fel, Pearl and Celeste, Raganhar the barbarian and Isho the ninja who once saved her from the drow bandits. The company wasn't the best, but Zul was still interested in speaking to a huge muscular bare-chested savage who called her dark pixie! It was a very cute discussion about traditional Icewind Dale naked wrestling, but then Fel has ruined it, letting Zul know she's not welcome here. Pff! What a loss! She bade them farewell and departed to her new sweet home!

[KOPOJIbPAKOB]

Chapter 22: The Evil Cult

Morgan's gang is becoming overly brazen for dark ark practitioners! Pearl, Fel, Morgan — these villains have occupied the campfire, and Morgan has openly summoned an extraplanar combat creature! It was stricktly against locals rules, but she only laughed at Zul's attempt to uphold the law! This reminded of the absurd dream — every single person around, even the Radiant Heart knight, were blaming Zul for pointing the law violation out! Zul couldn't believe in the complete nonsense she has witnessed. Raganhar the barbarian, the kind tough guy Zul enjoyed talking to, has become a victim of Fel's deception and now threatened to kill Zul once he spots her outside the guards' reach! They were enjoying themselves, but Zul is going to wipe those hypocritic smiles out!

- x X x -

The next day, Zul has reported about their activity to sir Gaven of the Radiant Heart. He has taken this seriously and said he is going to investigate their foul business! Moreover, he said he will "talk" to Thedran, that knight who didn't stop the planar summoner. Zul was glad to hear that, it's a high time to stop the scoundrels!

- x X x -

Cyrah has invited Zul to the Chiontar ruins, and that was exciting! They haven't been here since Chapter five, and Zul did as she promised, no, even better! She returned without the instruments, because with her current skills she doesn't even need them to unlock the hidden doors! It seems Cyrah has been here before, and he has shown her what was lying beyond the hollow walls — a sinister laboratory! Then the adventurers have spotted a big stone coffin and jumped in, because why not?
Cyrah: Aren't you curious what dying from lack of air feels like?
Zul: That doesn't sound attractive to me...
Cyrah: A miracle. I found something that doesn't arouse you.
Then they both spent their time cuddling inside a stone coffin, dusted off and departed.

- x X x -

They have arrived to the Sword Coast Commercial Exchange and yes, Zul's toy has finally arrived! She was boasting about her custom waraxe to everyone for a very long time, she has wasted all her coins on it, and it has arrived, at last! She has taken the package and brought it to Cyrah's house!

- x X x -

Well, alright, that wasn't a battleaxe - it was something much better! The ages have passed since Zul held a rapier in her hand, and she has never used combat long rapiers at all, especiall of such quality! She couldn't wait and asked Cyrah to attack her while she parries his strikes, but something went a little bit wrong...
Cyrah: You... ran me through...
Zul: You know... Think of it from the different perspective! Imagine what would happen to anyone who dares to strike you!
Later on Nathan has visited them and brought the tribute (gifts)! Inspired by this, Zul decided to invite Flora to her new home, but unfortunately she has heard bad news in response.

- x X x -

She said she won't come, and the reason enraged Zul — Flora said she and Elias were stopped by Fel and Pearl who invited them somewhere else! Zul won't allow those blasted cultists recruit Flora as well into their filthy villains club, she took Cyrah's hand and soon they arrived to Candlekeep! After having a very brief and grim adventure, Zul has lost her patience and started a squabble with Fel and Pearl! They tried to keep their nasty fake smiles, but Zul has seen fear in their eyes when she mentioned that the Radiant Heart is informed about their evil activity! In response, they even tried to accuse Zul of silly, uncreative things, but that doesn't matter — Flora comes with Zul and Cyrah to their new home!

- x X x -

And at last, the trio has arrived to Cyrah's house! Surprisingly for Zul, Cyrah and Flora got along very fine, Cyrah even allowed her to take a look at his own Beshaba's shrine! Flora was obviously concerned about the conflict with Pearl, but Zul assured her Pearl is a monster and bade farewell! She and Cyrah remained alone at their house, talking about different things. Zul was still slightly concerned of the fact others might think they're a thing, while in fact they're simply two friends who don't mind fun sometimes (that's different!), but oh well, she'll have much time to think about that!

[KOPOJIbPAKOB]

Chapter 23: Party at the Palace!

Zul was enjoying this beautiful evening, it had all she needed for happiness — bench, company and uncle Moe's magnificent coffee! But suddenly the tranquility was ruined by a woman called Elle who started publicly declaring how does she hate tieflings for the fact they're tieflings! It didn't sound right for Zul, she knew better than anyone else what it is like to have your life ruined because of some weird additions in your human blood, that's not something we choose. She and uncle Moe started arguing with Elle and destroyed her in verbal slaughter!

- x X x -

As any true zealot though, Elle refused to admit the obvious countless flaws in her logic and kept yelling "Tieflings! Tieflings!". Even the presence of Nathan, a tiefling looking and acting like an aasimar, didn't help! This absurd has lasted until the moment Akhab, a creepy red-faced tiefling, approached Elle and challenged her. It was harsh, but it made her shut, and Zul was happy with that! Meanwhile, a huge crowd was gathering near the campfire, many delegations were strutting towards the city of Baldur's Gate.

- x X x -

And so it turned out that there was a public meeting hosted at the Duchal Palace! It seems that something important was the topic of it, but Zul didn't care — she simply wanted to drink with the dukes! The crowd was really huge, everyone was wearing fancy dresses and ellegant costumes, and Zul wasn't an exception! The mean guards though forced her to remove her hood and keep it that way, making her uncomfortable by revealing her, khm, features, but it doesn't matter — she was inside!

- x X x -

Soon enough, one of the Dukes has arrived, and it was none other than Duke Belt himself! He was completely different from what Zul expected from the nobility and she certainly liked him! Soon enough though the walls started shaking and the palace almostly crumbled!
Zul: Seems the walls applaud you as well, your grace!
Belt: I have four units of Flaming Fist and half the Watch patrolling about. What exactly do you hope to do that they won't? Now sit! We need more ale!
Zul: That's the spirit!
And so the feast continued, the wine was flowing, and even business negotiations couldn't ruin the glorious spirit of glorious hedonism!

- x X x -

P.S. All the endless politics talks resulted in Zul waking up face down in a salad, but that was still a pretty entertaining evening!

[KOPOJIbPAKOB]

Chapter 24: Arena

Zul, Cyrah, Pearl, Lylan, Niyressa, Heinrich the knight and some elven wizard — this company was enjoying their time by the campfire, talking about different interesting things, about art of war and art as a whole. Lylan was playing her flute, the time was flowing like fresh ale!

- x X x -

Talking about martial arts, the company has obviously come to the point where everyone tries to prove her style kicks arses better than others', so the discussion was transfered to the Baldur's Gate arena!

- x X x -

The first fight was between Lylan and Heinrich, and of course she has easily defeated his clumsy warmace-carriying self with her swift fencing! Meanwhile, Cyrah was trying to push Zul to the arena and make her compete (suffer). Everyone wanted to see Zul in action, and at last sh agreed and chose the toughest opponent — Lylan.

- x X x -

They both were using insightful fencing, different schools, but the same weapon. Lylan had much more experience and Zul knew she'll likely lose, and so it happened. Meanwhile, Cyrah was already challenged by Heinrich for covering the battlefield with grease (and his caustic comments, of course), and he suggested Zul to be his champion!
Zul: I am fighting on behalf of Prince Cyrah the grumpy this night!
The fight with Heinrich was tough and Zul was losing at first, she caught two heavy warmace swings that nearly made her lose, but she has chosen the right moment, one precise strike — and Heinrich is defeated, and the victory goes to Cyrah! Lastly, Cyrah himself agreed to duel Zul, that sly bastard kept trying to use confusion spell to make Zul attack the crowd, but despite his illusion magic, he's absolutely no match for Zul in weapon mastery, and so he deservedly has something handed to him (his arse)!

- x X x -

The last fight was the most interesting — Lylan versus Niyressa! They fought like two furies, and in this ardent combat Lylan was victorious! They were looking into eachother eyes, consuming one another with their aroused gazes, their lips have merged in a passionate kiss as they have teleported themselves away, and this was truly astonishing! Only Cyrah and Zul remained.
Zul: You know, I'm a bit envious... They're going to have a VERY hot night.
Cyrah: I'm quite certain there is a risk of their heads being fused if the spell misfires.
Zul: That would be a beautiful death.
She was sitting over his lap at the boss chair at the arena, they were cuddling and discussing different things, but then they've heard loud noises from the North and decided to watch what's going on!

- x X x -

What Cyrah and Zul have witnessed is a huge crowd of different knights and passersby fighting a colossal black dragon! Cyrah and Zul were providing moral support (idly watching) during that fight and cheering for the victors after, because the dragon was defeated by the brave heroes — all by the book. Unfortunately, nobody was eaten nor squeezed, but that still was entertaining!

- x X x -

P.S. Later on, Cyrah has publicly performed a song about Zul by the campfire, and this was the second song he dedicated to her, she was so happy! And then he shared his special "tea" with her and she nearly died drinking that disgusting brew, that beverage made them both pass out at the sofa, but what happened next is a topic of the following chapters!

[KOPOJIbPAKOB]

Chapter 25: Memory Fragments

So much happened to Zul lately, where to start?!

Well, she has finally made peace with Fel and that was quite an achievement! She invited him and the company to drink at the Arm, while waiting for him Zul got acquiainted with an archer called Wild Arrow who seemed a nice person! Fel and Harry the savage have arrived and it was quite neat at first, but then Pearl joined and intentionally ruined all Zul's efforts (what a surprise). Everyone left, but Wild Arrow and Zul remained, probably disussing something secret!

- x X x -

Zul wasn't giving up though, she needed to make peace for her own mysterious reasons! She joined Fel's group, and it was an incredibly boring adventure until the moment Simon the monk has spotted something in the shadows, he rushed forth and started striking that something! Everyone was confused, but then it turned out the group had a drow spy on their trail! That snake was trying to tell her sob stories about poor Elistraens, but, having no time for this nonsense, the group just finished her and continued adventuring!

- x X x -

Yet another picnic at Teris' grove! Zul has witnessed a shoking scene — Harry has told Teris of how children are made and it has turned Teris' world upside down, he was stunned and was lying depressed on a log the whole remaning day! The fun went on though, but when Zul remained alone with Harry and his friend Isra the conversation became slightly more serious, but about what? Who knows, who knows!

- x X x -

Yet another competition day was hosted at the arena, Cyrah was using grease as usual to make it more fun, and Zul was going to spectate only that evening until the moment yet another idiot wizard has used a harmless spell (Banshee's wail) on Cyrah during his fight! Zul has challenged that cheater, and since cheaters are going to cheat, he came fully warded, and so, not using her scrolls because she's a good girl, at last Zul has lost to that dolt. That didn't upset her much though because it was adventure time!

- x X x -

Cyrah, Zul and some extremely good shooting hin called Amber have traveled to the Fiery mountains! The first enemies they met, the fire spirits, have nearly defeated the group! Zul and Amber were doing their best to bring fallen Cyrah back!
Zul: We... We need to breathe some life in him! C-cyrah, look, a man fell from the ladder and died!
Amber: Maybe his soul wants to remain?
Zul: Give him time! He is considering if returning to this mortal realm worth his majestic efforts.
And he has returned! Together, they have defeated many foes, but had to run for their lives nevertheless, and so Zul and Cyrah have decided to visit the tavern in order to fight the fire spirits of different kind!

- x X x -

P.S. And later that day Zul and Cyrah have heard scared adventurers rabbling about the ghosts on the road spooking the adventurers! Well, perhaps Zul and Cyrah were even somehow behind the said rumors, but that's another story!

[KOPOJIbPAKOB]

Chapter 26: The Dreamworld

Well, today Zul has heard an unusual commotion from the Graveyard side, and indeed, there was a party there! Among the unknown adventurers, that group included Nathan, lady Wren and sir Gaven, soon Cyrus the planar specialist has joined, and he was treated with distrust for some reason. Nobody was drinking, instead, they all were waiting for something.

- x X x -

And that something has popped up in a form of a mysterious portal leading to the realms unknown! From the scraps of information Zul managed to catch with her ears, it became clear that this activity is somehow related to the terrible dreams planetouched are having at Baldur's Gate, and so perhaps Zul is saving the world now! Having no time to waste, the group has stepped through the portal!

- x X x -

The adventurers have found themselves in a water dimension! Zul was drowning and desperately tried to emerge, but Cyrus assured her it's all but an illusion. He said that it's a pocket dimension of some powerful being who toys with them and indeed, soon the shadow demons showed up, they were fighting eachother and speaking Celestial!

- x X x -

The pressure was getting higher and Zul didn't feel herself very well, panic and suicide thoughts were growing larger! Meanwhile, the group was attacked, and that fight certainly felt more than real.
Nathan: This is exactly like my dream.
Zul: Then what follows next, Nathan?
Nathan: A big, enormous black creature that roars loud enough to shake the world.
"Say no more" — must have said the master of this plane, considering the horror the group witnessed!

- x X x -

The group was negotiating with this colossus, and sir Gaven was even considering fighting it! Zul was in panic, everything was burning and the creature had a size of the Friendly Arm building! It seems that she was the only sane person here realising the scale of this problem, and so she acted like any sane person should! (started screaming and attempted to kill herself) Luckily though, she survived during the panic attack, and what she was witnessed is a bloody portal half of the group stepped through! Sir Gaven was against that blasphemy, but he had no choice when the flames surrounded the group and so Zul and the others followed.

- x X x -

It seems the group was split in half now! Gaven's half of the group found itself in the dark tomb full of horrible shadowy creatures! Zul was fighting side by side with the knight, and together they were successfully making the way thought the hordes of the dead until the moment they met a truly powerful demon that crushed Gaven! Zul's quick wit allowed her to take the right decision (flee and hide), and she didn't give up! She managed to save sir Gaven and the others she found from the horrible death, and together they have found the way out of the sinister tombs!

- x X x -

They survived! All the crew was standing at some strange cemetary, but there was no doubt - this was was material world! After bickering a bit and blaming Cyrus just because he was a shady wizard, the group returned to Baldur's Gate graveayrd.

- x X x -

Zul was surprised to see the whole crowd of deffirent gawkers at the graveyard! Contrary to her expectations though, they weren't praising their heroes, but rather curious about all the noise. She didn't recieve any gratitude for her efforts in saving Baldur's Gates, not even talking about reward! Being a hero sucks!

- x X x -

P.S. In fact, there were many more events happening that day: Zul met Fel & Bunch, they descended into the mines and killed terrifying pit fiend, then Isra became mad and tried to kill Theo the sexy dwarf, but he teleported in the last moment, Zul and Dazy the Theo's friend started searching for him, they found him on the farmlands and everything ended peacefully, Zul joined Harry, Fel and Pearl, they started an improvised Baa cult, then they came to Twillight Rose and started cuddling, but Fel and Pearl acted like complete beloved morons, so Zul told them what she thinks and those sobbing snoflakes left... Uph, guess that's all, that's much, but it pales in comparison with the Dreamworld Zul visited!

[KOPOJIbPAKOB]

Chapter 27: All Hail the King!

Zul spotted Flora, Elias, a warrior called Aesa telling some story and strange gnome with a human bodyguard by Boareskyr Bridge. She approached and, as usual, impressed everyone with her charisma! (scared them all away)
Zul: Was it inpolite? I call it inpoliteness backlash.
While sobbing at Flora's shoulder of how worthless she is, Zul heard some commotion up the hill. The gnome was still there, and his human servant introduced the gnome as king Arunir! The King!!!

- x X x -

The King offered Zul a truly majestic favor by giving a chance to join him as a squire! Zul had no slightest idea of what she was signing for, but she of course agreed! She had to pass the test though — defeat his current squire, Ghajhar, and so the duel has begun!
Zul: Eh... should've brought a fencing rapier, not combat...
Everyone meet Zul, a new squire of glorious King Arunir! He handed Zul all his burdens and so they marched forth!

- x X x -

In a company of his two glorious squires, King Arunir heroically cleansed the local caves from foul orcs dwelling there! They also met several narrowminded fools, they didn't treat the King with the admiration he deserves, but that's only because they are undeducated plebs! The adventure was going nicely, but then some voice from the shadows mentioned Zul shouldn't announce King's title out loud. This stalker refused to reveal himself back then, but did so later at the Arm.

- x X x -

Once the King called it a day and stopped at one of the rooms, Zul remained with that stalker one on one in conference room. He introduced himself as Kal the Elder Circle stalker, he started teaching Zul what she should and what she shouldn't do as a squire! He kept mentioning that the King is in danger and is threatened by some mysterious forces, but was unable to name such! He then suddenly decided to give Zul a combat less, because why not?

- x X x -

Zul: Ah, great, a romantic date at the creepy cave and fighting! Is it where you live, Kal?
Kal: I will allow you to prepare, tell me when you are ready.
Zul: That sounds like I'm about to have my arse handed to me, but well, since I'm here...
And, well, it didn't last much long, becoming the second duel victory for Zul tonight! They spent more time after in the darkness, talking about different things, and Kal was even trying making passes on Zul, but she had to turn them futile, for she had more important things to do! (maybe)

- x X x -

P.S. The next day, the King has lead yet another glorious adventure into yuan-ti temple (THE LOCALS ALLOWED THE WHOLE ABOMINATION TEMPLE TO BE BUILT, ARE THEY BLIND HEREEEE?!), he even confered uncle Moe a squirehood, but that's another story!

[KOPOJIbPAKOB]

Chapter 28: A Hand Hat

Well, that was supposed to be an exciting journey of Zul and Cyrah to the reaching woods, but on their way they encountered a truly ugly orc accompanied by dire wolves. The orc said it's his hunting ground now and the adventurers must get out or become a pray! Well, they were going to move along anyway, so they didn't argue.

- x X x -

The woods themselves turned out to be infested by giant gnolls, and those gnolls were much more powerful than any gnolls the team has ever seen! Winning the first battle with a great effort, Zul brought Cyrah to life with smelling salts she found at the crypt at chapter 26 and presented Cyrah her brilliant plan!

- x X x -

Yes, she found that orc with his hounds and invited him to fight on her side, but he told he has a task at Uldoon trail area and refused!
Zul: And if I invite you to my Golden Goose clan in case you show your worth?!
The Orc: I would not go to a clan named for a food bird. It is a bad clan name.
Zul: No, it's not!
Cyrah: It is.
Zul: Cyrah!
The orc wasn't eager to join Zul's glorious crusade. Instead, he wished to claim Cyrah's hand-hat! At last, Zul and the Orc came to an agreement — they'll do a foot race! If Zul wins, the orc joins her team! (and if she loses, his dog eats Cyrah, but whatever)

- x X x -

Before Cyrah could voice his opinion, that blasted Orc rushed to the point! Zul had nothing to do but to swiftly follow, but it was too late — that cheater was way too quick! It was the moment Cyrah was supposed to be eaten, but Zul started arguing with the Orc and told him she won't let the dog eat Cyrah. The Orc wasn't much interested in consuming the elf though, but he seemed to be obsessed with Cyrah's hand hat. It was getting more and more tense, and Cyrah's idiotic behaviour didn't help! At last, Zul unsheathed her rapier and stood between the Orc and Cyrah!
Zul: You are asking too much for an unfair victory!
The Orc: It was fair... You are just a sore loser... That is your problem. Not mine.
Zul: Try to harm Cyrah and this would become your problem!
The Orc: Is this one always going back on her word?
Cyrah: It's hard to tell through all the whining.
Zul: Which side are you at, Cyrah?!
In the end, the Orc had to retreat before Zul's wrath! Yes, she broke her word, but she couldn't allow them to hurt Cyrah! That jerk though didn't appreaciate Zul's selflessness and was blaming her all the way back!

- x X x -

A little scandal followed at some cheap Nashkel tavern. It was not only about the incident with the Orc — Zul simply lost her way. She was treated as a monster by many people, despite not being such. What did she do to those whiners who refuse to talk to her?! She was seriously wondering what holds her at the Coast, why don't she leave this place? Cyrah mentioned that it's just her strong personality that conflicts with weak people, that he is the one who likes her, but she didn't care — she slammed the door and walked off. She doesn't quite remember what happened next, but she possibly got drunk beyond any measure and then tried to burn some adventurers' tent on their way home.

- x X x -

In the end of the day, Zul was looking after Cyrah after his yet another transformation. He survived the process, contrary to Zul's expectations, and she was glad to have him alive. Perhaps she could give Baldur's Gate another chance just for him, for the only one who accepts her the way she is (and the one having such a cute perverted charm!). They were considering wearing white someday just to confuse people, but that's another story!

[KOPOJIbPAKOB]

Chapter 29: Farewell

In the middle of the night, she silently collected her stuff and walked away. To the future in the new undiscovered lands she goes, or back to Tashluta to settle the old scores — who knows? She always dreamed of becoming a true hero, but instead she turned out to be a villain in the eyes of the locals without committing a single vile act. Her good intents crumbled like waves over the rocks, and it couldn't be any other way when the biggest crime of the Coast is speaking your mind, and she was more honest than the most even despite her mythomania. This is how Zul's story ends — a sorrowful, absolutely-not-heroic conclusion.

P.S. Sorry, Cyrah.