Due to our adventuring, our little group of misfits is acquiring new talents and skills that make us quite respectable now. I feel that we shall grow in power until all people and creatures will know, respect and possibly fear the TIP! Yes, this is a good dream to have. 

All members were in a satisfied mood as we set out from Takros on our way to Malkara. I would have liked more shade, but the trip was still pleasant enough. Many carts and caravans pass us by and all seem at ease. Vani has taken to hiding in Iskandar's illusory hat as he travels and does tricks for passersby. A few members have begun calling Vani a "hatling" and chuckling. I do not care much for this brand of humour but I let them have their fun. At night, we met up with a merchant caravan owned by two gnomes and protected by a gruff-looking dwarf. Ildan was a few drinks in at this point and took it upon himself to entertain the masses by dancing. Iskandar backed it up by shooting little bursts of illusory doves from Ildan's sleeves at well-timed moments. Ildan seemed a little taken aback by his new powers but took it in good stride and began working it into his dance at every possible moment. I commonly would be disagreeable towards this kind of farce... yet, everyone was smiling, even the steely dwarven fellow let out a snicker. The night ended with the sound of doves popping out of existence in the trees as Iskandar fell asleep.

As we got closer to Malkara it was quite apparent that Elaine was feeling nervous about meeting her family. My good mood had me feeling charitable and I gave the girl a few profound words of advice that left her wide-eyed. A few members gave me a look, though I think they were feeling resentful they did not think to do it first. We have too many "mother-hen" types in our group that get very possessive of their chicks. 

We arrived at the Green Tower Residence and Dorian made some comment about the door knockers. At the door, we met the most frustrating person I have ever known. She called us beggars and refused us entry! The slight was too much to bear. I felt my eyes glow red with magical power and I began commanding "LET US IN OR YOU WILL-". I was immediately cut off by the group who shushed me and pushed me away from the door before I could finish giving the woman the well-earned tongue lashing. Dorian did not fare much better. He called her a "half-wit" when she accused him of making Elaine with child. In the back, Iskandar whispered "Show her the doves" to Ildan conspiratorially. Ildan's eyes narrowed and he began raising his arm in earnest before Iskandar stopped him with "Just kidding... save the doves". Finally, Elaine was able to produce the letter from her father and we were ushered into the foyer.

We were told by the woman not to move or touch anything. I decided to inspect some of the valuables on the shelves, just to gauge what kind of level of wealth we'd be dealing with. Suddenly J began yelling at all of us. I turned around and it looked like everyone else was doing the same... moving about and touching anything of value. I can't believe J would lump me in with the rest of them! I am respectable! We were interrupted by a door of a man, Faro Green Tower, as he barreled down the stairs and scooped Elaine up into a bone-crushing hug. "Dorian, did you impregnate her?" he asks. I chuckle despite myself. 

Master Green Tower was hospitable and invited all of us, even Iskandar to dinner. We were shown to some rooms we would be staying in for the night and allowed to clean up some. Feeling refreshed and clean, I thought to put my mother's ring on for the special occasion. Ildan has been keeping it for me, yet I could not find it in any of his bags. He must have a secretive compartment to keep it safe... I will ask him about it later. 

Dinner is... foggy. The wine was flowing and I allowed myself to drink deeply. I remember Faro's booming voice telling us of stories of his past and Brionna, his wife, smiling in a way that hinted she had heard these stories many times before. I do not remember much after that. I have an image of my arms around Ildan and Dorian's shoulders, us weaving back and forth as we go up some stairs that are wobbling horribly under our feet, but I am not sure if this is real. 

Today, the sun needles into my eyes and my head pounds as if I am being hit by a million doves careening into my temples. Somehow it does not matter. Yesterday, we were paid. Today we set off for Shoreline Manor. Fortune and the Gods are favoring us at last. What could possibly ruin us now?

Narcel'Uss Tanorthal

(A few words in Drow Elvish are lightly scrawled at the bottom.)

....Kal'ythxal lu'ulnen. Ser kyorl pholor Vani. Il zhah naut vel'bol il kluthak.