But we did it, narrowly, and with the help of a dwarven badass named Gellen. And now, I need some fresh air, and a good nap!

Seven more fonts of fire and crystals around the room. Trying to remove them all, carefully, while fighting literal demons. Demons that knew about me and my deal. And spilled the beans in front of Reyes. I'm sure I will have to get a lecture from him later.

Each smashed crystal destabilized the much larger circle that we found and would cause waves of damaging energy. Oh and did I mention that there was a demon in the center of the circle, and more imps. Geez I don't know how all that got in on these dwarves without notice.

The fire flowed from the runic circle down the stairs and into the room. Hotter than lava but contained and with purpose. Haliphax determined that we could remove the crystal and it would shut down the fire. Unfortunately the crystal magic can make you smash it, which is bad.

Floor four started on a grand staircase leading to the old city forge. The room filled with smoke and ash made finding our way difficult. Half way down the stairs we encountered a small circle of runes, curious in nature. Inside was a crystal and an intense fire, under pressure.

But I had very little time to enjoy the floating cinders as an arrow narrowly missed hitting me in the head. As we peered out into the layers of trees we saw we were surrounded by an army of imps. They fired heavily on us in the clearing, but we were quick to dispatch them.

Layer three was such a beautiful respite when we first arrived. Tall stretching pine trees arranged in a grove with a smaller false sun bringing them energy. Their boughs licked by the infernal flames would char, turn to ash and grow anew. Like a Phoenix is how it felt.

A quick-thinking Haliphax used dispell and Reyes returned to us , but was on the receiving end of a super stern lecture from our professor. Usually Reyes is the one slapping our hands, but Haliphax can certainly shovel on some heart-felt guilt.

Level two was a drafting room. Papers everywhere with schematics and diagrams. And crazy mirrors that could fashion armor on you in their reflection. Reyes looked in the mirror (he's not usually vain) and poof he was gone and a hologram tried to attack Haliphax.

There were these little weird spiders in the room. They were the absolute worst. If they looked at you, they had a beam they would shoot out that would melt something you own. Poor Cork found out when they melted his belt, and he lost his loincloth. We'll never get him in clothes again.

The first level was a smithy that was controlled by Automatons. They tried to attack us after we failed the first riddle but we solved the other two and they went back to work, until Lysander, that sweet summer child, sent them to throw water on the infernal bonfire. They attacked.

Harveststone, on the surface, is such a thrilling city, but dig deeper, quite literally, and this city is riddled with problems. We've found so many problems as we worked to find the cause of the explosion. Four levels of steamy, cinder-filled air, but we're still alive!

As I would soon learn it was the same with Cork, Lysander and Reyes. All witnesses to the horrific soon to be end of Wonderhulm, unless we can do something about it. And now I wait, hoping to see how we can first fix Harveststone, and then tackle Wonderhulm.

I woke up from the dream screaming and knew immediately that I had to talk to Haliphax. Surely a professor of the arcane arts would know about this blue lightning. He was already awake and he had awoken from nearly the same dream. His started outside the Pixie.

Some people were thrown about, some people were killed instantly. I tried as hard as I could to scream for people to stay inside, but my voice was muted. For what seems like agonizing minutes we watched in horror as more and more people were toppled.

In the sky was a brilliant flash of blue light, and all the brass rails became electrified. The current wound, bounced and danced along the lines. As people exited their homes to investigate there was another surge and the electricity spread to the people.

From the open magma field in Harveststone, the crazy humanoid blob rose up and spoke to me. He said that someone plans to take over Wonderhulm. He asked if I wanted to witness their plan. In an instant, I, and the whole group were transported outside the Pickled Pixie where we first met.

Dreams, seemingly the same one, plagued the entire group. Have you ever had one of those terrifyingly all too vivid dreams that you just can't shake? That was last night.

I'm sitting here in a town hall meeting deep in the bottom layers of Harveststone. The last 24 hours have been so mind-altering I don't even know where to start. We got what can only be described as a fleeting moment of respite last night.

And now, should I try to get some sleep, or should I return to the party hall to see if I can find my dark and dreamy Ferric?

And lastly Reyes and Korlus. I took some liberties with Korlus. His horns are only tattoos, but sometimes he's more of a tiefling than Reyes, so I found it fitting to give him horns as well. I think this really captures some of the tender moments between these two.

Cork, always looking for trinkets and baubles that can be repurposed for other things. Apparently he also has a sweet tooth!

Next is Haliphax the gentle teacher. He never goes anywhere without his staff, robe or floating disk. He's quite entertaining and always has a story, when he's not napping.

I know my art can't do the night justice, but first I will share my interpretation of the golden singer himself, Lysander. He always says that his music is filled with color, and I tried to capture that here.

Groups are now sealing off the access points. And I am sitting in my room, still hyped from the days events, trying to capture as much as I can in drawings, knowing I need to rest before the next day starts.

Of all people, Reyes needed convincing that we had to save the party. Thankfully, per usual, he caved quickly (thanks Korlus). We were able to stave off some of the early ambushers while the guards got people to safety. As more waves piled in we were able to allow the local guard to take over.

I hope that I will find him again before he leaves the city. He owes me a drink, or three, since he removed my well-deserved buzz with a greater restoration just as an explosion rocked the event. In the bottom layers near the foundry fire elementals broke through the lava channels.

As Lysander exited the stage I "tripped"and fell into the lap of a most beautiful leather-clad human from a town called Hillhighe. Ferric, the master of secrets for the town. His leathers surely were not in his employ because they kept no secrets...at all.

Lysander was a headliner in the event. His voice .. 😍 Words can't describe the way his vibrato bounced and played off this deep cavernous space. It's always wonderful to see someone doing something they both love and were meant to do.

Four magical levels deep in the mountain, all around a central dias, five hundred drummers and singers from all across the continent. One whole level was a mirrored maze made from polished metals! Simply astounding! I hope that Mr Valanche gets rights to grapple here. I may transfer.

Instead of looking like a beautiful meadow it looks more like viewing a garden through a rain soaked piece of glass. No matter though, the ball was wonderful, so much music, meade and munchables. The Harveststone dwarves truly know how to entertain!

I have to admit, I thought my gown would be better than it was. I took an old silk gown from a previous party and painted flowers climbing up and around the skirt up to the bodice. Unfortunately I was in such a hurry that some of the flowers weren't dry and bled on the dress.

While having high tea in the rose garden a slime came up from the aqueduct system and attacked the party. Can you believe they have had this happen several times and done nothing to remedy the situation? Thankfully we dispatched it quickly as we needed to rush off to prepare for the ball.

My goodness this last day has passed far too quickly. We, after a delightful breakfast and introduction to Gencallow's wife ( yes, that Gencallow) we were treated to a tour of the Bloomfield gardens and estate. Such a lovely place, when not ravaged by slime monsters!!

I joined the group back on the street and acted as if I had just come out of a shop. I'm a little nervous about this happening again. Usually the fire happens when someone deserves it, today was new. It was just a whim. Should I be worried?

Within a minute, people arrived to put out the fires. Poor Reyes showed up and tried to direct the group like the Guardsworn he is. I knew if he found me he'd blame me for what happened immediately. I did the only thing I could, grabbed a quick snack and lifted a bag in the commotion.

The whole grill went up in flames it burnt the awning of the building it was outside. I ran, but as I did I swear I heard the man from my dream thanking me. I ran to the cafe across the street, wide-eyed entranced by the growing fire.

Have you ever thought about something so hard that you trick yourself into thinking that just because it happened, that you believed it into existence? I had a thought about the grill with huge flames because of a grease fire, and within a breath it happened.

Sopping wet, I followed the group to several shops, but the Chrys and Lysander flirting -while-not-flirting just became too much and I set out on my own. I met a lovely street vendor making different grilled meats. I don't know if it was the hangover, or the dreams..

We left our lodgings and marched out into the city. I was immediately caught in a huge downpour. Much like the false sun in Harveststone, they also manufacture rain storms as well. Who had umbrellas? Everyone but me.

The most surprising thing of the morning though, portions of my clothes and sheets were burnt and charred. Surely the dreams aren't making me act out in my sleep. Of course Reyes freaked out, as he's warrant to do. Thankfully the shopping trip was of greater importance than a conversation.

When you don't want to be alone, this is wonderful, but when your head is pounding as loud as the Kettle Drum from last night, having this many people wake you like an angry mob of trotter birds, well, it makes you rethink life choices.

One of the unspoken things of being in an adventuring group is that you never get a moment's peace. I tried to sleep in for a bit, but was awakened by Reyes beating on my door, Cork landing in my lap and Lysander peeking in my door yelling about a shopping trip.

I made it to my room, though I'm not sure how. Many thanks to Myriam, who I suspect got me there. For the remainder of the night I slept fitfully and not as deep as I needed. More dreams of fire and being pursued.

I passed out at the table. Everyone went back to their rooms. And I was left with fitful dreams of my fiery stalker...no, not stalker...more like shadow, begging me to warm him. His fire had dwindled to barely any light. Just as I attempted to help him, Myriam woke me from my slumber.

Reyes joined us a while later with Chrysanthemum, Korlus's younger sister. She took to Lysander like a crab to the ocean, which everyone does. Thankfully there was enough libation to allow me to keep my mouth shut. A bit too much I'm afraid.

We arrived back at our apartment and were met with the most delicious smells. myriam is a fantastic cook. I can say this because I tried one of everything she made....twice. We ate while Lysander practiced with the Minister of Percussion. Such a large drum he had!

We went from brunch to lunch to afternoon snacks, just enjoying each other's company. We split for dinner. I opted to go back to our lodging with Lysander while Reyes returned to the Bloomfield estate and Cork and Haliphax went to the brass line offices.

I had to take some time after brunch to try and capture some of the grandeur of Harveststone. I could not do it justice it deserves, but this gives you an inkling.

Thankfully the paperwork is being drawn up now and we can focus on better things, like the ball we'll be attending later this evening. I need a good drink, a lot of music and a little time on the dancefloor to escape the past few days.