Chapter 10.38 E

Chapter 10.38 E
Tales of Innworld #6; Chapter 10.37 GDI (Pt. 3) ;	Chapter 10.39 YN
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Chapter 10.38 E is the 79th chapter of Volume 10. The E stands for Erin Solstice.

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Erin tries using the [Pavilion of Secrets] after recovering from her injury from The Goblin King only to find that the Pavilion-Erin is unable to give any answers because she has lost access to certain things.
Trying to find ways to distract Erin from her spiraling thoughts, the group goes to Wyewesshi for some fun at Zinni's aphid ranch.
During a ride on an aphid, Ulvama is captured by the Cottontail Raiders and is taken to their base.
After learning of their foolish, innocent-like character, Ulvama tries to explain to the raiders and their leader Matha of the importance of sending a message that she's okay or something drastic might happen.
After trying multiple ways to get answers and help, Erin tortures the captive raider Fenmi for the location of their base.
Dive-bombing into the base, Erin destroys it nearly killing Matha until Ulvama restrains her from going any further, Eurise arrives and transports the whole lot of them back to Dretonamis.
Zinni emerges with her herd on the walls of Dretonamis ready to attack Erin with Eurise only escalating the situation to an all-out altercation, but Fantim is able to make the three of them back off.
Erin speaks with Lyonette and Mrsha through the Pavilion to share their thoughts, grievances, and to learn the truth of who died and what happened within the [Palace of Fates].
Returning back Erin finds Ulvama sharing stories of major events that happened around The Wandering Inn and its [Innkeeper] to the Fraerlings.

In the southeastern coast of Baleros sits the Fraerling village of Dretonamis, unbothered throughout the ages until it was met by four visitors. The senior Fraerlings gather as they observe and discuss the ramifications and methodology of the cracking of the Green Moon. They decide to wait from the outside to tell them of the results from this and if their [Innkeeper] visitor has any connection to the event, the senior Fraerlings go back to their everyday lives with some of them rejoining at a leafy cottage. There they ask of Erin's condition only to receive bad news, Vrilla tries to enter inside the cottage only for Ulvama to creak the door and murmurs to the [Angry Druid], the Fraerlings then disperse after milling about. Meanwhile Erin sits within the [Pavilion of Secrets] waiting for something as she mourns the death of someone she loves, feeling like she has awoken up from a dream.

Erin reviews her actions in the month of recovery she took in Dretonamis, that initially for most days she was at the limit of what she was capable of doing. But then she became complacent with the treatment until The Goblin King tore her door in the [Garden of Sanctuary] apart and when she was notified that the optional condition, to her mythical quest had failed. She senses of what remains of The Wandering Inn and that the Garden is still in use, staring at the chess pieces she contemplates what happened while she was away while observing the doorway to Sheta's final skill which looks fake somehow. In the place to get answers she waits until Pavilion-Erin arrives telling her that she can't find out at the moment. Pavilion-Erin explains that she suspects that the Grand Design of Isthekenous malfunctioned and resolved it which in turn limited her access, the two go through every person important to Erin stating that they're alive. Hesitating on whether she wants to learn what happened she calls on Rags first to get her story, but Pavilion-Erin is unable to bring her there due to recategorization. Erin retreats back to the exit as Pavilion-Erin tells her to stop, suddenly a copy of Sheta appears as the [Innkeeper] leaves.

Returning from the Pavilion, Ulvama helps Erin with her inability to manage her black flames of hatred from spreading throughout the cottage, after dousing the flames Erin shares that she is losing control of her skills. Cleaning the cottage, Ulvama with her life experience narrows down why Erin loosing control but doesn't share that knowledge as she feels that it would be counterproductive to do so. To distract Erin from her thoughts Ulvama takes her to eat some food, one of the [Cooks] does a microaggression to the Goblin which riles up Erin into an uproar. The [Shaman] placates Erin enough for her to apologize to the [Cook] for her outbursts, Ulvama in her mind is thankful for the defense but in the past, she was always waiting for the other shoe to drop and her to reveal her true thoughts but that never came to pass. Ulvama wishes that she met the girl earlier in her life and can see that Erin will not break like others from this event, but that she'll break in another way full of black flames of hatred wanting to kill her enemies but with nothing to take her wrath.

Using dancing as a means to help Erin, Ulvama teaches her the Goblin Language while also dealing with Erin's obstinate behavior in correcting her dancing form. She worries about how Erin will react once she learns of the truth of who died when she goes to the Pavilion and makes her promise to wait 30 minutes to check again. Erin returns from her journey to the Pavilion with the same problems as last time, in another attempt to get information Erin becomes rattled from the conversations she had with Mrsha, Lyonette and Ishkr. She can tell that those three aren't telling her the full picture as she explains it to Ulvama, Erin wonders why they won't tell her what happened.

After Erin has a bad time with hammocks, Ulvama meets with Eurise to find a way to help Erin, Eurise recommends going out to Zinni's aphid ranch in Wyewesshi a few hours out but they'll have to talk to Fantim first. The [Mayor] disapproves of anything having to do with Erin which makes Zemmy run over to the other village to get approval from Whihena to be there, the talk of Fraerling raiders who've stolen from Zinni is mentioned which piques Erin's attention but is told that they are hooligans at most. Ulvama tries to bring Erin into the busy-work for the trip to Wyewesshi but all Erin can think about at the moment is why they won't tell her, she reasons because they fear of what she would do. She wants to know so badly since she thinks that event might have destroyed the [Palace of Fates] and she brings up the fact to Ulvama that the Pavilion brings up Kevin as someone who's alive.

Arriving at Wyewesshi, they view the beautiful, floral landscape and bug haven that it is, one of the more surprising things about the settlement is that the population is significantly younger that Dretonamis's lot. After getting flocked by the young crow they meet with Zinni and learns about her trade of raising aphids, while having fun trying the aphid nectar Erin remembers what Lyonette told her during their meeting causing her to spiral until she is saddled onto a leaphid. Losing the feeling of joy after of bit of time, it makes Erin ask if there's anything cool around with the two [Fighters] presenting bee raiding as an option.

Zemmy and Mera are showing Erin and Ulvama how the Fraerlings raid insect nests by beating up the folks and stealing their stuff, Erin then asks for colorful stuff so she can test her skill as the urge to leave to find the others in Baleros starts intensifying. Reading Erin's mind, Ulvama jumps on an aphid to take it for a ride, that's when the Cottontail Raiders appear with the goal to capture the two new visitors, in the scramble they manage to seize Ulvama with one of their raiders being knocked off of their ride. Seeing the face of stranded raider, Erin sees that she's just a teenager and learns that Matha who is Zinni's granddaughter is the leader of these delinquent bunch, the [Innkeeper] reaches for the knife that she doesn't have.

Tied up in spider's web Ulvama hears snippets of the talking as she curses herself for letting her guard down, the raiders meet with Matha and tells her what happened with their raid. Ulvama gets put into a storeroom and fears what will happen to her like all of the other times, Matha and her retinue enter the room showing off their greatness trying to comfort the Goblin. After a bit of chatter Ulvama realizes that these guys are of a different sort that's not going to do her much harm, but Erin doesn't know that.

Ulvama thinks over people like Erin, those that don't instantly grab for power or glory like Tremborag which makes it harder for the [Shaman] to read, the raiders who've captured her are giving a similar problem but one thing that she's sure on are Erin's current thoughts and what she's probably going to do. She asks the gawking Fraerlings if she can leave or send a message to those of Wyewesshi about her well-being, the raiders aren't able to allow either of the two so Ulvama resorts herself to using social manipulation if needed. She tries to explain the seriousness of her needing to send a message so her friend won't do something that she'll regret but the raiders believe that they would have things in control if it comes to a tussle, saying a rude remark to Qole's face riles the [Sorcerer] up enough that she offers to show the Goblin how much more exciting they are. Seeing an avenue of attack Ulvama sexually teases Qole as she is lead out charming the rest of the raiders there.

Matha is breaking in the newly captured aphids as she sees Qole arrive with the Goblin, Qole talks with Matha as Aithe tries to reassure Ulvama that they mean no harm. Getting invited into Matha's home, Ulvama tries her very best to explicitly illustrate to Matha of the severity of Erin's willingness to enact harm to others for the protection of a friend, but all Matha shows for her words is an innocent reverence of what she hears. Seeing that she's not getting through to the girl's wonderment, Ulvama had to forcibly spell out their previous experience with being captured by the [Slavers] of Roshal, the [Shaman] ties a garrote around Matha's neck nearly strangling her to show her the terror of being a hapless captive. Letting go of the garrote, Ulvama elucidates on how their actions even with no ill intentions will be construed by giving the example of Erin's last encounter with those that call themselves raiders. Accepting Ulvama's request the two go outside to get that message sent.

Zemmy and Mera concerned try to frequently assure Erin that Ulvama isn't in any danger, Erin becomes aware that all she can feel right now is a muted coldness. Using the Pavilion Erin can see that she can't contact Ulvama probably because she is warded, so she contacts Eurise and explains the situation. Going back to Zemmy, Erin learns that the captive Fenmi isn't spilling any information and tries to make her way there to the girl but is stopped by Zinni since the [Rancher] believes Erin will forcibly get the answers out of her. Trying to find another way Erin and Mera go to a [Scholar] and gets informed about the Fraerlings' lack of use of truth spells and the wardstones Qole is using, not getting the answers she wants Erin feels like she's been wasting her time. Whihena has gathered up a scouting group in search for the raiders using their last known location as a starting point, all alone with her thoughts Erin starts to spiral downwards once again into what-ifs and what she'll do if the worst becomes the truth. As she is searching for any weapon and a means of attack, Bowom teleports nearby and in shown where the captive is held so he can try to get some answers. He isn't able to get past Zinni, so Erin uses the Pavilion to interrogate Fenmi only to get more frustrated as she is unable to get what she wants. Controlling herself, Erin asks the Fraerling girl why would Matha want to capture Ulvama with Fenmi giving that her leader wanting to have sex with the Goblin.

Erin heads to where Bowom is hoping for further assistance until she hears the [Mad Doctor] failing to implore Zinni to take Erin's trauma response as something to seriously take account in but the [Rancher] leaves rather than take his words with the gravity it deserves. Knowing that she can't sit there doing nothing she goes over to the [Cooks] and requisitions a kitchen knife from them, Erin then approaches the barn where Fenmi is and misguide Zemmy into leaving the vicinity. Alone with the captive Erin ask where Ulvama is, not getting the answer Erin stabs Fenmi in the leg and shuts her up before she can scream, asking again Erin cuts off a finger to get her answer in a timely manner.

Bowom knew that something was wrong when he saw Zemmy approaching the two of them, running immediately to the barn he sees that nobody is guarding it. Erin walks out of the barn and rides on the Corumdon Beetle to where Ulvama is held captive, Bowom goes to Fenmi to reattach her finger and tells the two [Fighters] to have Eurise put a tracking spell on him and to keep Zinni away. The [Mad Doctor] chases after the sound of beetle wing's droning as he laughs out loud wondering if he can even stop a level 50 [Innkeeper].

Erin flies higher on her approach to the Cottontail Raiders base so she won't be spotted, feeling something below she pinpoints where the base is at as she jumps off the beetle. In the air Erin uses her [Witch] sense of emotions to perceive the base as a positive and good place, using an [Immortal Moment] she observes the base's structure and starts her plan of attack. Encountering a trio of Cottontails, Erin takes them out and sets the base ablaze with the sickly, yellow flames of fear and apprehension. Calling to Sheta's proverb of sanctuary ends, Erin uses her authority on buildings to command the base's will to break apart. Matha, Qole and Lantis arrive to see Erin breathe more yellow flames, the three fight against the [Innkeeper] but are thoroughly beaten, Matha kept repeating Ulvama's words to her in her mind.

Hearing the cracking of wood Ulvama knows that she is too late, running outside she stops the beetle and hamster from doing anymore fighting. Seeing Aithe running away the [Archer] points to where Matha went and witnesses Erin nearly kill them, she quickly puts Erin in a headlock to prevent her from going any further. Bowom arrive to stop Matha from bleeding out while Erin continues trying to free herself until she tires herself out.

Eurise arrives at the scene of a collapsed Cottontail base to hear the cries of the raiders for their lost home, Bowom contacts Gollesume for teleportation of him and three others that need immediate medical attention while Eurise surveys the damage done. Eurie tells Ulvama that the situation between the surrounding villages and the Cottontail Raiders falls under Zinni's responsibility, seeing that nobody has died from Erin's assault Eurise walks up to the three leaders to make them understand the severity of their transgressions. Giving some mercy to the raiders they are allowed to gather anything valuable in a timely manner before they head back to Dretonamis, Ulvama tell Erin that the Cottontail Raiders meant no harm to her and that they were just innocent idiots. Erin apologizes for nearly killing them, but Ulvama understands that even if what was done was an overreaction that it still needed to have happened. Ulvama regrets ever coming to Wyewesshi as the two go on to face the consequences.

The reactions from the fraerlings of Dretonamis range from grim acceptance to mild horror as Eurise set things in order, the two visitors are sent away to their cottage to get some sleep as they'll sort it out. Not being able to sleep Ulvama goes to tend to the injuries of the Battle Hamster with the help of Bowom, he tells Ulvama about everyone needing an anchor in their life. Returning back to the cottage Ulvama sees Erin writhing with a hat of black flames, she slaps Erin awake and then goes to her room to go to sleep.

An alarm bell rings throughout the village as the two sense the arrival of Zinni and her herd of aphids as they seek to collapse the walls, Erin in turn exhales a breath of black flames to fend off against the horde. Eurise arrives only to escalate the situation by splattering some aphids, Zinni uses a skill to enhance her aphids making the state of affairs tenuous. Fantim comes demanding them all to cease their fighting but the three can see his lacking authority over the matter, they ready themselves for the ensuing violence until Fantim forces the issue by using a skill forcing them to attack him first. One by one Fantim chastises the three of them and orders them away with Zinni bringing her herd back home, for Eurise to go have a drink or punch a tree, and to Erin to run back into the cottage. As the sun rises Fantim gathers everyone to scream at them all especially Zinni and Eurise, Ulvama compares Fantim to the Erin before the white flag as someone who shouted at people prior to having the levels to back it up.

The next day the two walk around Dretonamis talking and apologizing to the village folk, Erin believes it's their time to leave the village, but Rojalin makes it clear that unless Fantim wants them gone that they're here to stay if they wish. Erin tells them that she'll need some alone time in the Pavilion to be honest with those she's contacting.

Lyonette finds herself in front of a composite plywood door with a queen chess piece on it as she journeys into the [Pavilion of Secrets], as she greets Erin, she notices that her demeanor has changed significantly since the last time they've met. Erin tells her of the Ulvama kidnapping incident and the reason it has taken so long for her to contact them, Erin then requests for the full story concerning what happened in the [Palace of Fates] as not knowing is tearing her apart. Lyonette confesses to being rude last time because she partly blames Erin for not being there and for confiding with Ishkr instead of her, Erin meanwhile reveals that she wanted to die to not put anyone else in danger but couldn't because Ulvama needed her. Erin asks again for the whole truth to which Lyonette vocalizes that it's not her story to tell and that she now understands the pain and tribulations Erin goes through after one of these events. Lyonette tells Erin to stay in touch but cracks and starts to cry in the arms of the [Innkeeper], she awakens in her room telling Ushar to get Mrsha once she's up.

Mrsha enters the Pavilion thinking it a nightmare but seeing Erin and the change in her presence knows that she has to tell her the truth, after shooing away Pavilion-Erin, Mrsha tells Erin who died, herself. The [Witch] cries tears of black flames as Mrsha compares her to Maviola El but less restraint with her flames, Erin becomes heartbroken once she hears what Mrsha has done because she thought that is what Erin would've done. In truth, Erin believes that she would have thrown caution to the wind and invited them all to the real world, even if a lot of them were to be used as a tool to destroy her enemies like Roshal. Mrsha expresses to Erin that her current flame is not good for her telling her of Raft Erin sacrificial fire, that if anyone else saw her they would weep. Erin is cognizant of her flames but is unable to get rid of all the pain she feels for leading her friends to their deaths, Mrsha backs up as the flame envelopes Erin, but the color has changed to one of a turquoise hue, of the vibrant flames of guilt. After Mrsha receives the flames of guilt as a former [Emberbearer] the two bask in its light with a bit of wonder edging back in. They part ways with Mrsha revealing that she can now summon the turquoise flame with Pavilion-Erin making a stink about it.

Erin returns as Ulvama is doing a role of her class as a [Shaman] by telling stories to her audience, of the time when a collective assaulted the Raskghar main camp to rescue the captured Gnolls from the memories of the cave Goblins. Erin tells Ulvama the mystery of who died and then gets pulled into sharing her side of the story regarding the Meeting of the Tribes. On the next night of stories Zinni and the Cottontail Raiders were there to hear the tales, Zinni and Erin have a chat about their errors in judgement, the soon to be journey to a Fraerling city and who'll be going, and Erin's newfound strength after passing through the level 50 benchmark. Ulvama shares the story of the Night of Bloodtear and the battle at sea with the Fraerlings having trouble believing the veracity of the tale being told, Bowom however believes in the story as he meets with Erin as she stares at the cracked green moon. He shares his insight on Zinni's character and a bit of her history, getting to the point he guides Erin to the decision that she has already made for herself about who she wants to be as a person.

In an empty section of the village Bowom makes his way into the library in order to read a certain section of the book of all who have ever left Dretonamis. He reads the entry of Silvenia and then starts an entry for Erin and Ulvama, finishing what he wanted to write he returns back to Ulvama's storytelling as he feels the urge to level again.

As Ulvama tells her story, Gollesume interrupts her as he questions the realism of a brass Dragon going out to sea to fight for someone with no benefit. With the help of the many colorful flames from Erin, the [Shaman] is able to make herself and the [Innkeeper] smile once more.