Perhaps Mylene was correct about a storm falling upon the Loviatarian cult and Diiri's Boys, for neither have troubled us for a fortnight now. I have some new comrades to help protect the shrine and do our good works in Conch. This has given me just a little more time to rove outside the city gathering information and resources.
During one of these journeys I visited the Hamring enclave. This will sound idiotic, but whilst exploring it I met a talking donkey named Karetta. She needed some help retrieving a large bone from a jungle beyond a portal. I made a few attempts to fetch it for her but found the jungle swarming with packs of lumbering, overgrown lizards. Each pack seemed more ferocious and dangerous than the last and despite using my best potions and fighting hard I could not push past all of them. Worst of all, I had to flee some of the largest lizards. After my final attempt I was standing in the sitting room where the portal sat, feeling quite frustrated and miserable. I was about to tell Karetta I couldn't complete the job when a woman entered the room. She was clearly a mage, carrying a staff shining with power.
To my delight, it turned out to be the famed Gabriella "Gabby" Le'Moure. I had heard of her deeds and research around Conch and knew Pearl and Lauriella considered her a good friend. I also knew she was an outstanding enchanter of equipment for much of mine had been purchased from her store. But this was the first time we'd ever crossed paths in person. Since I had heard of her so long but never seen her I'd imagined her to be an aloof mage who spent her time when not adventuring locked in a tower working on artifice or research. In fact, she was infectiously ebullient and eager to help me with my dilemma.
I'd seen my allies Lauriella and Locke wield powerful magics and felt I had some idea of what is possible. But my estimations were woeful... I have never seen such power as what Gabby could wield. Normally when working with a mage I would be focussed on protecting them but that was not necessary this time. Her summoned minions and transmuting spells made short work of even the fiercest of the reptiles, including some ancient horror that commanded them. I did my part too. The prime creature resembled a dragon skeleton and was terrifying, yet with words and gestures Gabby turned the monster to stone! Conch is fortunate that she is a good soul. With her aid the task was simple, and I was able to bring Karetta the bone she was seeking. Gabby and I spoke for some time afterwards and I hope we can work together again soon.