Episode 72

Prasad approaches the rest of the group. Ingred quickly pretends to spill champagne on her dress and uses it as an excuse to whisk Marisol away. K sends Kova with them. Prasad gives Marisol a knowing smile as they pass by, but is intercepted by Lily and Seipora before he can talk to her. He talks to Lily briefly and says that he has a business opportunity. He asks that they wait for the others to come back so he can tell them all at once.

Through the stone, Marisol says that she wants to gather more information. She isn’t sure how they would manage to lead him away from the event. Lily directs Prasad towards Anthos and K. They give their introductions, but k doesn’t shake his hand. After their private conversation in the restroom, Marisol comes back to the group while pulling Ingred along by the hand. She doesn’t let go as she stands in front of Prasad and mentions to him that Ingred said he was charming. “After all the things you’ve put us through… it’s good to see you again”, she says. Anthos asks how the two know each other, but is ignored by the elven man. He smiles and comments that he thought he taught her better than that. Marisol squirms and grips Ingred’s hand tighter. Anthos steps up and spills the Earl’s drink, warning him to watch himself. He grips him tightly by the shoulder, but Prasad appears unimpressed.

Marisol releases Ingred and gets closer to him. She claims his teachings mustn’t have been effective since she’s made some friends. “You were never one to take lessons fast”, says Prasad. He adds that he’s proud of her despite the fact.. Anthos threatens him further, but Marisol stops him from going too far. Lily tells Prasad that the conversation is over unless he has other things to say. He ignores her as well.

Prasad calls Marisol his “student” and insists that she is welcome to come back. She tells him that she will *never* return. “It was never your choice”, He says. Marisol challenges him. She’s been free for three years, if he couldn’t force her back then, he can’t now. Prasad turns to the rest of the group and warns them that she’s not what they think she is. She was trained for killing, more than anything. Marisol’s done so well to hide this.

“Regardless of the fucking training”, she snaps, “I’ve never succumbed to your influence. I never *will*. I’m not that little girl anymore, you know nothing”. “Do they know about the rabbit?” Prasad asks. With that, Marisol takes a step back with tears in her eyes. K says that they know enough. Anthos forces his way in front of Prasad, telling him that he will be leaving now. He rolls his eyes, adding that this won’t be the last time they speak. “The secrets are open, you foolish people”. He gives them a disturbing smile and whispers something to Marisol before returning to the dance floor with a charming facade.

Marisol goes back outside, followed by Seipora. She goes to the fountain once again to calm herself down. Anthos and the others watch from a distance. Lily brings a platter of drinks and hands them out. After some time, K tells the party that Prasad has left. The party talks and jokes around a bit before splitting up. K talks to Hank, Lily and Anthos talk to a duke about a job opportunity, and the others wait outside.

After their business is concluded, they make to leave the party. Laurent surprisingly appears and is quickly surrounded by a crowd of people. Seipora makes a bit of a scene by trying to cast magic, which triggers a security mechanism. She almost gets sniped by Jared. Laurent waves to them as they head out. Some of the crowd glance over at the party. Marisol flips them off. As they leave everyone hears a “I hope your night was wonderful” from him.

They pile into a carriage and are moved through the streets of Velden. Ingred mentions picking up Marisol’s goods and everyone decides to stay at a hotel for the night. They collect an amulet in the morning which is given to K. Back in Gaoli, everyone splits up to do their own errands before taking off for Anthos’ quest. Lily hands out custom clothes for everyone. They appear to be much better suited for hot environments. They are all trimmed with everyone’s preferred colors. K, of course, goes shirtless. Marisol and Ingred see his scars for the first time.

They are all Teleported to the Tyvian Region. Those working at the lyceum are dressed similarly to them, all wearing flowing robes. They exit into an awning- covered area with red packed sand/dirt. In style it looks similar to velden’s bazar, but *exceedingly* hot. There are many tents and no buildings aside from a large salt-grinder esc one. K goes and runs a few laps around the bazar. Anthos hands a balm which everyone puts on to avoid getting too dried out from the head.

Lily asks the attendant if they should look out for anything. They mention sand worms, scorpions, and vultures. After some walking, Marisol says she needs to change into Lily’s provided clothes. She dips behind a tall dune to do so and kills a lizard in the process. K takes it and eats it raw. K has a great time.

The party decides to walk to the port instead of renting camels to save money. Along the way, K finda a scorpion and offers it to Ingred, but she seems disinterested since it’s non-venomous. Marisol walks over and eats it with a straight face. K is impressed. Ingred is mortified. Continuing the trek, they eventually notice some giant bird-like creatures circling the air in the distance. They are identified as Giant Vultures. Lily also points out a resting Giant Scorpion, which K wants to fight but the others tell him to leave it be.

Seipora and Lily are soon affected by the heat. They see water in the distance, but it’s merely a mirage. They also see a person, but upon attacking it with an eldritch blast they find that it’s just a rock. Ingred offers them some water to help with the heat exhaustion, which they both drink. The party is surprised by a sudden sandstorm. The sand peppers their skin harshly, and K, Lily, Ingred, and Marisol are thrown around from the strong winds. They all recollect themselves and push through.

As the night sets and cool air begins to fall on the party, everyone can see an emerald-colored sea on the horizon. A new town awaits their arrival.