Back at Darksea, the party healed their wounds. Green Arrow was restored to his normal condition. Lou was resurrected, using the bed of resurrection at Eesi Rock. Amalla returned to her home and was seldom seen after that. And after a few days' rest, Firiona sent a message to the Enterprise, advising that they had a matter to report. About a week later, Edward, Green Arrow, Firiona and Lou were summoned to Greyhawk, where they reported again to The Purple Griffon. This time, they were taken to the basement of the inn, where they were escorted to a secret room. The room contained a portal, which was activated. Passing through the portal, the party found themselves in a large, well-appointed lobby. From the lobby they were led to a luxuriously furnished conference room. "Please wait here, you will be met shortly," the Enterprise agent told the party, before taking his leave.
About ten minutes later, several Enterprise leaders, including Lessic and Andronikos, entered the conference room, together with several others that the party had not met before. Andronikos first addressed the party. "You have done well, " he said. "Merely to have survived the clash as you did speaks much about your abilities." Pausing, then: "We deem you worthy of further advancement within the Enterprise, with all the rights attendant on third level membership."
Edward thanked Andronikos and the other officials, then asked what exactly was in store for them. "A rather lengthy ritual will be performed, with your participation of course," replied another Enterprise official, a woman of early middle age. "At the conclusion of the ritual, you will be endowed with, let us say, special defenses. They will render you essentially undivinable to all but greater gods. A most useful condition, in view of the attention you have drawn from various demon princes."
"The ritual will be performed here," Andronikos continued. "As I can see you are curious, know that we are now on a special demiplane, created by the Enterprise, heavily defended, and as secure as any place in the multiverse."
Lessic then told the party, "Any additional questions you have, someone else will deal with," he said, glancing as he spoke to another door on the other side of the room. The door opened, and a woman entered the conference room.
Edward and the rest of the party were astonished. Although she looked somewhat different, especially in dress, Edward nevertheless recognized the woman who was now taking her place at the head of the table as none other than their erstwhile adventuring companion--Vessa!
"Welcome," said Vessa, kindly. "I'm pleased to see you again. We have had our eyes on you for some time now," she continued. "As you may recall, I learned much from our work together," Vessa said with a smile. She noticed that Edward was staring at her. "I look a bit different, don't I?" she asked. Edward nodded. "Well, when I roam about, I usually alter my appearance somewhat. Wouldn't do to have too many people seeing me, unless I want to be seen, that is. But now, here, since you are clearly wondering . . . ." Gradually, Vessa's appearance began to subtly change. She was still clearly a half-elf female, but now it seemed that she was at least early middle age. And her hair color and complexion were different too. Her hair slowly lightened and brightened, until it took on a silvery shade. Her skin, although still fair, gradually became somewhat dusky and grey. Even her eye color changed, to a dark reddish shade.
"Now you see the real me," Vessa said.
The party were taken aback, unsure what to say. Finally, Edward said, "You do have my loyalty, but if I may ask, who are you, really?"
Vessa replied, "I am truly a half-elf woman, as you see. But my elven ancestry maybe is not what you expected." Edward asked, "Are you angelic?" "No, I am no angel," laughed Vessa. "But thank you for the compliment." She then referred to a large shield on the wall of the conference room, bearing the symbol of the Enterprise. "Do you remember our symbol? You have been told some of its significance, but more still remains. Can you think of anything else it might represent?"
Edward and the others sat, pondering what hidden meanings could yet lie within the symbol.
"Do you see the background?" she asked. "Black and white," answered Edward. "Not simply black and white," said Vessa, "it's half black and half white." The party still struggled to grasp the meaning. "The symbology is intentionally subtle, but the background field refers to me personally, to my background. More particularly, to my ancestry. Look at me again," she told Edward.
Edward looked at the silver-haired, grey-complected, red-eyed leader of the Enterprise.
"You are half drow?!" the paladin exclaimed.
"Yes, I am," replied Vessa, simply.
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