The walls of a rebuilt temple hold their breath as Bells Hells faces the aftermath of their latest confrontation, where diplomatic solutions give way to blood magic and family ties unravel in the most literal sense. As Imogen struggles to stay conscious and a fey dragon mourns, the night ahead promises both tender moments and horrifying revelations.
Escape Artists & Memory Merchants
With Imogen barely on her feet, Dorian‘s healing magic proves timely. But the peace is short-lived – Orym spots Unseelie guards at the temple door, with Ira Wendagoth lurking like a shadow in the wings. Never ones to waste an opportunity, the group attempts some creative problem-solving: Chetney and Ira team up to plant false memories in a guard’s mind about Ludinus‘s betrayal. Unfortunately, Imogen‘s splitting headache leads to a slightly premature Psychic Lance, accidentally killing their would-be puppet.
Things spiral into chaos as their other prisoners – the bound emissary and Sorrowlord Zathuda – make their bid for freedom. Quick thinking and quicker fists prevail: Ashton drops one guard like a sack of stones, while Dorian grapples the surprisingly slippery emissary until Orym can introduce him to unconsciousness.
A Dragon’s Grief, A Daughter’s Choice
Just when they think they have things under control, Zathuda pulls a disappearing act. The party’s mad dash outside leads to a moment straight out of a nightmare – Gloamglut descending from the trees, snatching up Zathuda‘s unconscious form in its massive claws.
Orym‘s blade finds its mark in Zathuda, and the Sorrowlord draws his final breath in his dragon’s grip. Gloamglut‘s cry of loss echoes through the night, until Fearne approaches with an outstretched hand and bleeding palm – a peace offering written in blood.
The wild heart of Fearne shines through as she soothes the grieving dragon, her gentle touch and understanding nature forming a bridge between beast and woman. When she finally mounts Gloamglut behind Imogen, it’s clear something profound has shifted in the balance of power.
The Loom’s Terrible Art
At Ligament Manor, Nana Morri‘s solution to their Zathuda problem proves to be as creative as it is horrifying. In a display of fey craftsmanship, she transforms Zathuda‘s body into living artwork, stretching him across the Loom into a hexagonal tapestry – his conscious face forever frozen at its center, a masterpiece of mortal suffering.
In this macabre gallery, Fearne faces her father one last time. Standing before the tapestry of flesh that was once her father, she delivers a truth that cuts deeper than any blade.
Fearne: You don’t know me very well, but I’m Fearne.
Zathuda: I know.
Fearne: You don’t, though. You don’t know me at all. And now you’re not going to get a chance to.
Zathuda: I know what you are.
Fearne: You were just another person looking for power, even if you had to step on your family to get there. I don’t like that very much.
Hot Springs and Cold Truths
The evening unfolds in a series of intimate vignettes. Laudna checks on Orym, who’s wrestling with the weight of killing Fearne‘s father. Ashton and Fearne share quiet moments under the stars with Gloamglut, their growing closeness evident in every shared glance and careful touch.
Meanwhile, Braius seeks divine guidance in his own way, painting prayers on Nana Morri‘s walls. The answer comes not from above but below, as The Lord of the Hells offers a chilling prophecy.
“If what is to come is inevitable, then chase the rest away, and we remain.” –The Lord of the Hells
The night takes an unexpected turn when Braius confesses his loneliness to Nana Morri, leading to an encounter that proves even horror can have a hint of romance.
Under Dragon’s Wings
The episode closes with Fearne proving once again why she’s unlike any other Unseelie child. After grooming and comforting Gloamglut for an hour, she does what perhaps no fey before her has done – she offers the dragon its freedom. The beast’s response speaks volumes as it curls its massive body around her and Ashton, creating a living fortress of scales and trust under the stars.
TLDR: After a chaotic escape attempt leads to Sorrowlord Zathuda‘s death, Bells Hells finds refuge at Ligament Manor, where Nana Morri transforms Zathuda into a living tapestry. Fearne bonds with Gloamglut through blood magic and compassion, while various party members seek comfort in each other’s company. Braius receives an ominous message from The Lord of the Hells, and the night ends with unexpected moments of tenderness – including Fearne and Ashton sleeping under the protection of a newly loyal fey dragon.
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