They continued to chase us relentlessly. At each ascent, they erected barricades with Gee'aantu, sword-spiders, mages, and swordsmen.
»That was the last ascent I know of. And even that is under siege.« Jhanae whispered affectedly as we took a rest.
It became more and more difficult for me to breathe in the days, and instead of meditating, I simply lost consciousness.
»We should retreat for a few moons to Drezz'Lynur in Undrek'Thoz. It's not far from here.« she said discouraged
»No. That's too close to Thay for me. I'm sure the men there are already waiting for me.« I weakly declined.
»I only know field medicine, but you need a cleric.« she demanded »Drezz'Lynur is dark¹. Light is forbidden there. Perfect for going underground.«

That was 16 days ago now. In the darkness of Drezz'Lynur, we found good protection, even though Jhanae had forbidden me to leave the room in order not to attract attention.
The local cleric managed to treat my wounds enough to survive. Unfortunately, he could not heal my damaged lung. The dagger penetrated far enough to damage it, but not fatally. He spoke of a miracle and that he wasn't sure how quickly such a wound could heal. If at all.
While I was watching the room's ceiling, I took some of the herbal mixtures I got from the cleric, but the pain remains. Sighing, I wished for Ykril. I could just lean in his arms while his hands tenderly crawled over my body and forget about any pain. I wonder what he was doing right now. My hopes rested on him accepting the gold and investing it in the farm with Sunih.

To ensure I wasn't just staring at the ceiling in frustration in the room, I asked her to bring me fabric and sewing materials. The deepest black and most intense purple I have ever seen. It was the most beautiful fabric I had ever seen. Woven from the finest Drider-silk, it glided gently through my fingers. She also brought a little soft Mythril, some purple crystals, and Rothé leather.
»Those have always been your favorite colors« she smiled as she gave it to me.
While she earned gold doing simple jobs around the town so we could stay at the inn and have enough food, I set to work. As dressy as these slave clothes were, I felt uncomfortable in them, so I thought about designing my new one. On the one hand, it should be valuable and protective. On the other, I wanted something elegant. I wanted to feel beautiful again, like in the dress that Ykril gave me.
»Ykril« I sighed eagerly as I thought of him »My new clothes should also make me more attractive to you« I continued speaking energetically and got to work.
I decided to wear belly-free clothes. With that, I had enough mobility. In addition, mana from my blood seemed to flow better into the magic shield when it's closer to my skin. A beneficial side effect, which was very convenient for me.
The Mythral that Jhanae brought was enough for a magnificent belt buckle, the crystal holders on the gloves, belt, top, and even light shoulder protectors. When I accidentally loosened a strip of the surprisingly soft Mythral with my fingernail, I noticed that it hardened from my electricity. Which gave me the idea to work such strips into the cape and skirt. After I electrified both, it became strong enough to withstand blows. If I had more Mythral, I would love to add more rigid elements to the cloak tops. That would allow me to use the cloak as a cutting weapon in close combat.
However, to forge the frames, shoulder pieces, and belt buckle, I had to send Jhanae to the blacksmith with concept drawings in the hope that he would be able to work it. Fortunately for me, the dwarf had no difficulties and asked no questions.
I wanted to make something special out of the cloak. It should become a lower Piwafwi². The only problem was that I couldn't expose the cloak to sunlight after the enchantment. Maybe Ykril knew a celestial who could fix it?
Jhanae asked around in Drezz'Lynur. However, no wizard in the district was even remotely proficient in this magic. However, she found that there was one in Fyvrek'Zek who could do it.

(c) Art by Amionna

When Jhanae returned, she had spent all gold on the enchantments she earned in the last few days.
»Take it as a farewell gift for Faral,« she said.
She had really managed to make it a complete Piwafwi. Overjoyed, I hugged her and immediately tried everything on.
In front of a mirror, I proudly examined the result. The fabric fits tightly but not uncomfortably. I even succeeded in enchanting the crystals on my gloves this time without breaking the crystals, and when I gave a burst of energy through the coat, it hardened as expected.
»That'll make your husband happy to see you like this« she giggled as I loosened the bandage and stroked frantically over the scar
»Don't worry about it« Jhanae purred as she stood beside me, stroking my clothes
»This is excellent work, my dear. Even among the nobility, I have not seen such neatly finished cloth.«
»Why are you doing all this for me?« I asked as she suddenly took me in her arms from behind
»Because you are Faral's daughter.« she replied confidently »I could never leave you in the lurch.«
»But what about your…« I began, but she immediately interrupted me
»I am by myself. My husband died, and my son was sold as a workman in the mushroom fields in the Lowerdark.« The pain in her voice was unmistakable even for me.
»Will you stay with me?« it came very softly from my lips, to which she gave me a kiss on the cheek
»Whenever you need me - Shall we try climbing up again?«
I nodded curtly and sat down in a corner to meditate
»The longer I'm with you, the more and more I see Faral in you.« she grinned at me