Session 19 — 7 June 2026
As evening falls on the night of the Midsummer Celebration, the students of Strixhaven gather across the central campus beneath a sky full of stars. Many have spent the afternoon returning to their dorms to rest and prepare, knowing the festivities often continue late into the night. Now the campus is filled with small groups scattered across the grass, rooftops, and courtyards, all waiting to enjoy the quiet beauty of the evening.
Ruben lies back on the grass, staring up at the stars. He is curious about local traditions. There are customs along the Short Coast, he explains, where young maidens run into the woods while others hunt them in ritual celebrations. He wonders whether Strixhaven has anything remotely similar. Not that he would participate in anything too extravagant, but he finds the idea interesting. Mostly, though, he just wants to enjoy a peaceful evening. He has already made the first move with Sszethik and promised to give him time. Unless Sszethik does something himself, Ruben intends to leave things as they are for tonight.
As darkness settles over the campus, students spread themselves across the grounds. Those capable of flight gather on rooftops, while others settle into the grass. Soft music drifts through the air as conversation gradually quiets and attention turns toward the stars. Ruben and Sszethik lie together on the grass of Archway Commons, talking as they often do about all manner of topics.
There are moments when Ruben thinks he sees signs, little hints that Sszethik might feel the same way, but Sszethik still seems oblivious in some respects. He is receptive, warm even, but also appears to be waiting for a sign himself, unable to read the ones already being given.
After a while Ruben turns his head toward him.
“Well, Sszethik… maybe you know, when we lie in the grass here, some crazy thoughts pass through my head. And there’s one thing I wanted to ask you for a while. I know that yuan-ti are carnivores, right? You like warm-blooded flesh. And the book you gave me says that yuan-ti actually prioritize human meat, but also birds.”
Sszethik blinks.
“Eat you? I had not thought of it. But sssimilarly, don’t some birdsss eat sssnakesss?”
“Well, yeah, that’s true,” Ruben admits with a laugh. “I think I won’t mention that to your mom, to be honest. But no, I’ve never thought of eating you for sure. I just wanted to make sure. I sometimes feel like I worry too much.”
“I think no, that will not happen. It’sss all fine. You don’t have to worry about that.”
As they lie there, Sszethik places his hand over Ruben’s.
Ruben flinches slightly as his heart rate shoots upward. He turns to look at him, meeting his eyes.
“Auvrael.”
Sszethik knows exactly what the word means. He smiles broadly at the warmth behind it.
Ruben had promised to give him time, so he says nothing more. Sszethik smiles, turns his attention back to the stars, and keeps hold of Ruben’s hand.
Ruben simply enjoys the moment. His heart pounds, his thoughts race, and every instinct urges him to do something more, but he waits. Whatever comes next will come in its own time.
Several peaceful days pass during the remainder of the midsummer break.
Lana spends much of her free time in the Biblioplex. Before going, she inquires with Ruben about where to find books on debating and argumentation. Ruben does not know exactly where they are, but he knows how to find them and happily helps her do so.
Together they settle into a quiet study session. Ruben focuses on Arcanobotany and his other coursework while Lana immerses herself in books on debate and rhetoric, preparing herself for Silverquill. For perhaps the first time, Ruben sees a different side of her. Most of the time Lana approaches classes with practical necessity or casual disinterest, but here she is genuinely fascinated. She reads eagerly, completely absorbed.
“It’s really nice, Lana, to see you passionate about this subject,” Ruben says. “It looks highly complex, and considering the magic you can already wield, it’s really nice to see you like this.”
“Well, thank you. And thank you so much for helping me find the correct books. I did not have the strength of walking all of those stairs and then realizing it was forty stairs down.”
“Of course. I’m always willing to help out. I’m also really glad that you could connect with your parents and Jorund and Bryn Shander. It was really nice to see your home place and get to know each other a little better.”
“Yeah, I liked it too. Do you still have the souvenir of the Spine of the World in your room?”
“Absolutely.”
He carefully retrieves the scrimshaw from his bag. It remains one of his treasured reminders of happier days.
During those same days, Ruben also seeks out diviners and prophecy tellers around Strixhaven, eager to learn more about their craft.
——
Eventually the morning arrives for Sszethik’s long-awaited trip home.
Sszethik appears in surprisingly light clothing and looks over the group expectantly.
“Are you guysss ready? It might be warm there. Are you sssure you’re not dressed too warmly?”
Ruben is practically vibrating with excitement. Having studied Chult beforehand, he wears only a waistcoat, lightweight trousers, and carries a shoulder bag with his spellbook. Lana dresses lightly as well but refuses to travel without her armor, shield, and weapons. Daiki arrives in a sleeveless purple tank top and shorts, everything in shades of purple as usual. Without his usual wrappings, the sweet and smoky scent surrounding him is more noticeable.
Ruben also comments on everyone’s scents, mentioning that Daiki smells fruity and sweet. Lana explains that she carries a subtle musky scent.
Before they leave, Ruben performs the ritual for Comprehend Languages, wanting to be prepared the moment they arrive.
Then Sszethik activates his teleportation runes.
A bolt of lightning crashes down from the sky.
One moment they stand beneath the pleasant summer breeze of Arcavios. The next they are swallowed by blistering heat and suffocating humidity. The air feels wet with every breath.
Lana immediately complains that her glasses have fogged up.
The group finds themselves in a small jungle village. There is no palace, no grand city, only wooden huts standing amid mud and thick vegetation. Dense jungle crowds the horizon. Birds call from every direction. Unlike the Bayou, this place feels overwhelmingly alive.
Sszethik takes a deep breath and sighs with relief.
“I can breathe again. It is niccce, isssn’t it?”
Lana is less enthusiastic.
“Are we in the Bayou again? Because that was not my cup of tea.”
Ruben, however, is fascinated by the life around them. Daiki finds the heat surprisingly comfortable. As a fairy-dragon hybrid with a high metabolism, he is accustomed to expending enormous energy just to stay warm. Here, he feels strangely at ease.
Lana is not so fortunate. Sweat immediately causes strands of hair to stick to her forehead and neck. Deciding she smells terrible, she begins covering her exposed skin with mud to cool herself and mask her scent. Daiki joins in, though mostly to dull the brightness of his clothing and avoid standing out.
Sszethik warns them about dangerous parasites that might lurk in the mud.
Ruben merely fluffs his feathers and fans his wings to cool himself.
As they stand there, a woman approaches from the village.
She is older, with yellow eyes and hands stained black with ink or dye. Her apron is similarly darkened, and only a few small emeralds adorn her clothing. Without hesitation she reaches out and cups Sszethik’s face with her stained hands.
“Darling, it’s good to have you home. How wass the travel?”
“Mother, it is so niccce to see you. Meet my friendsss. I’m ssso happy I could bring them over.”
The woman introduces herself as Issala.
Daiki is the first to greet her. She leaves black stains on his muddy hands. Lana and Ruben follow.
Ruben remembers what he has read of yuan-ti customs. Instead of merely shaking her hand, he bows and presses his forehead respectfully against it. Issala seems pleased.
“Sssuch nice mannersss. You have good friendsss, Sszethik.”
Soon she invites them to lunch.
The village is smaller and humbler than any of them expected. Sszethik’s family home is simply a slightly nicer jungle hut. Strips of raw drying meat hang outside, flies buzzing lazily around them.
Issala cuts pieces from the hanging meat and threads them onto skewers.
Ruben samples the meat enthusiastically. It reminds him vaguely of chicken. Most importantly, it is definitely not human.
“Thank you, Issala, for your hospitality,” he says. “As a token of appreciation, we brought you a gift.”
He presents a carefully wrapped package.
Sszethik looks genuinely surprised.
When Issala unwraps it, she finds a gleaming portrait crafted at Prismari: an artistic depiction of Sszethik as a snake electrovisionary wielding the forms of lightning as a paintbrush. Reflective lightning-work frames his unmistakable vibrant green eyes.
She stares at it in awe.
“This is spectacular. I have not seen such art in a long time.”
Then she looks up at her son.
“It’s amazing. You were able to capture his eyes so well.”
Ruben immediately blushes.
Issala hangs the artwork prominently within her home and thanks him repeatedly. Even Sszethik seems quietly touched.
The afternoon passes pleasantly. They learn about Sszethik’s brother, currently in Port Nyanzaru, and his sister, who is away in the jungle with their father. They learn about Issala’s work making dyes, paints, and woven art. Kroak quickly falls into conversation with her about herbs, pigments, and natural colors.
The village itself is small but busy. Hunters, fishers, travelers, and children move through the settlement. Though cautious of outsiders, the villagers are not hostile.
Ruben asks where exactly they are in Chult. By consulting his maps and notes, he determines they are near the River Tiryki.
Issala warns them not to wander too deeply into the jungle.
“There may be some blighted walking around.”
Sszethik quickly reassures them.
“Yes, but it’s only five or ten kilometers out. It’s not that closse to our little village. And it keeps the uninvited guestss at bay.”
Lana remains unconvinced.
“Five or ten kilometers is not that far away.”
Daiki offers to help out with the village work. Without hesitation, Issala puts all of them to work.
Daiki is sent to help with fishing by flying low over the river and luring fish to the surface. Lana is encouraged to join a hunt. Ruben is tasked with aerial scouting along the river. Sszethik remains behind to help his mother.
Daiki enthusiastically attempts to catch fish like a bear. The reality proves much less impressive than the image in his head, though eventually he manages to land a few.
Lana establishes a telepathic link for safety and ventures into the jungle. Before long she spots what appears to be a large beetle-like creature. She tries to approach quietly with a javelin ready, but a branch snaps beneath her foot. The creature suddenly appears much larger and immediately charges.
Lana flees straight back toward the village.
Hunters intercept the creature and fill it with arrows before it reaches her.
“Oh, nice tactics, Lana,” Daiki calls. “Looks like you can lure the meat here instead of dragging it back.”
“Yes, that was totally the intention.” she says, panting.
The creature turns out to be a giant tick.
“Do not get bitten by this one,” the hunters advise.
Ruben spends his assignment soaring high above the jungle canopy. Using minor illusions to conceal himself from below, he surveys the landscape. He sees rivers winding through the jungle, distant mountains, the Peaks of Flame, and even glimpses of Port Nyanzaru far away. He memorizes landmarks and studies maps while suspended in the air, enjoying both the freedom and the view.
By evening, the villagers gather around a communal fire.
Issala thanks them all warmly.
“It takes a village to run the village. We appreciate guests helping out as well.”
Conversation eventually turns toward art.
Issala asks what they would like to see.
Ruben thinks carefully.
“Sometimes it would be easier to see the feelings of others. Some people are very introverted, and I find it difficult to assess what they actually want.”
Lana becomes intrigued by the discussion and begins examining Issala’s clothwork and paintings.
Daiki contributes first. Using his magic, he creates the image of a green dragon with a long cobra-like neck. The illusion coils and flies through the air before vanishing.
Issala watches in delight.
“Such color. Yes.”
Lana asks for a musical instrument. Issala disappears briefly before returning with a drum.
Though unfamiliar with the instrument, Lana draws upon memories of the Arcane Ensemble and begins experimenting. Gradually she finds a rhythm. Before long she is producing impressive beats that draw others into the performance.
Eventually all eyes turn toward Ruben.
He hesitates.
“I’m not much of a creative person, to be honest. I can tell you five completely uninteresting historical facts. But… I might have something.”
He rises into the air.
Thunder crackles softly around him.
A raven’s cry echoes through the darkness.
Ruben covers his eyes with his hands and speaks Sszethik’s name in Elvish. When he lowers them again, his own eyes have transformed into near-perfect replicas of Sszethik’s as he looks at Issala.
The display is elegant, intimate, and unmistakably personal.
Daiki stares at him.
“Ruben, don’t mind me asking, but what is your obsession with eyes these days?”
Ruben considers the question.
“I think eyes tell a lot. Do you remember the course where we had to look into each other’s eyes and find the depth of the soul? I think it opened my own eyes to see further than just the physical ending of a nerve.”
“That is very clinical,” Lana says, “but I do know what you mean.”
The villagers applaud enthusiastically.
Ruben allows the tremors and illusions to fade before returning his gaze to normal.
The evening continues with stories, food, music, and conversation. Villagers laugh with Lana about her encounter with the giant tick. Fresh, bloody meat circulates among the gathering. The atmosphere grows warmer and friendlier with every passing hour.
As the evening settles over the village, a woman approaches Sszethik from the fire. Her advance all but forces him to rise and meet her halfway. He leaves the group behind and walks toward her, maintaining as much composure as he can.
“Sszethik, it’s so nice to see you here, darling. How have you been?”
There is something commanding in her voice, a presence that demands attention.
“Hey, Nassiri,” he says in his native tongue, following the greeting with a polite inquiry about how things are.
The two begin speaking together. Though most of the conversation is unintelligible to the others, the body language is easy enough to read. Nassiri stands close to him, touching his arm as she talks. She asks how he has been, smiles often, and occasionally adopts a distinctly seductive posture. Sszethik, meanwhile, remains stiff and reserved. He barely smiles. He simply stands there, enduring the conversation.
Ruben watches for a while before growing uncomfortable. The exchange feels flirtatious, but also unwelcome. After initial hesitation, Ruben feels it is time to save Sszethik from this uncomfortable encounter.
Before long, Sszethik spots him approaching.
“Ruben, please, please come join us.”
The invitation pulls Ruben directly into what seems to have been intended as a private conversation. He greets Nassiri respectfully with the Yuan-Ti ways, though more firmly than he had greeted Sszethik’s mother.
Nassiri regards him coolly.
“Hello. You must be Sszethik’s friends.”
“Yes, we are,” Ruben replies.
Lana joins them shortly afterward. Standing eye to eye with the woman, she offers the customary greeting as well, though her tone is noticeably colder. She dislikes the atmosphere immediately.
Nassiri accepts the courtesies and says, “It is good to meet you. I have not heard anything about you.”
“That is striking,” Lana replies neutrally. “We have never heard of you.”
To smooth over the tension, Ruben produces a copy of Heroes of Strixhaven and offers it to her.
“We are what is called the Heroes of Strixhaven.”
Daiki, meanwhile, senses the subtle struggle for status taking place. As Ruben introduces them, he rises into the air until Nassiri has to look upward to see him. Through a quick telepathic nudge from Lana, he understands what she wants.
“Do your colors now.”
“Oh! My colors.”
Fireworks burst into existence behind the group. A fiery dragon coils through the air in brilliant colors, framing Ruben’s declaration in all the spectacle Daiki can muster.
Only then does Nassiri’s demeanor shift. The severity melts away. She smiles broadly.
“Oh, it must have been my shy little Sszethik forgetting to introduce me to you. It is such a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am High Priestess Nassiri. Nice to meet you. I am from the neighboring village, but this village also falls under my protection.”
Ruben immediately redirects the discussion toward safer territory.
“As High Priestess, I imagine you know much about the history of this area.”
Before she can answer fully, Daiki blurts out the question that has been bothering him.
“What do you need protection from?”
Nassiri looks at him as though he has asked something obvious.
“The continuous threat of the undead is at our doorstep. By the grace of our god, we keep it at bay.”
“Which god?” Lana asks.
“We worship our very own god, Seth, after whom your friend was named.”
Lana tilts her head.
“Interesting. You say you protect against the undead. Can you tell me more about that?”
“I could,” Nassiri replies, “but I am catching up with a very old friend. I would be happy to speak with you later.”
Before anyone else can respond, Sszethik abruptly interrupts.
“I am sorry. I do not think they can do tomorrow. I have a program for tomorrow. We have to go. They are new, and I do not think I can leave them alone in the village.”
Nassiri assures him everything would be fine, but Sszethik has already begun retreating. He practically drags Ruben away with him, ushering the group back toward the fire.
“It was a pleasure, Nassiri,” Ruben says as they leave. “Maybe we can discuss the regional history another time.”
“Or Seth’s name giver,” he adds.
“Yes,” Nassiri replies. “It is all part of the prophecy.”
As they walk away, she remains standing where she is, watching them go.
Back at the fire, Sszethik immediately changes the subject. He talks about studying, homework, and how impressed he is by Ruben’s endless courses and honors topics.
Daiki stares at him in confusion.
“Why are you so polite to her if you don’t like her? I don’t understand. Just say, ‘That is crazy, bitch.’”
Sszethik quickly hushes him.
“Sssst. She is the High Priestess.”
“Oh. Inside voice.”
“We have to be polite.”
“Because she is high or because she is a priestess?”
“Because both.”
Daiki accepts the explanation with a shrug.
The conversation eventually shifts to the mysterious outing planned for the following day. Sszethik grows visibly excited as he describes it.
“It is my favorite spot from when I grew up. One of the most beautiful places.”
“Are we invited too?” Daiki asks.
“What do you mean? Everyone is invited.”
Ruben feels a heavy stone landing in his stomach. He imagined that “sharing the beautiful overlook in Chult together” would have been a private, special moment.
Daiki responds enthusiastically. “Good. Just checking. I don’t want to be the fourth wheel.”
“Of course not.”
That evening, sleeping arrangements are made. Sszethik has already prepared places for everyone inside his family’s elevated home. Bedrolls lie arranged beneath the open-air roof, with one space clearly prepared beside his own sleeping area.
Daiki chooses a different option entirely. Surrounded by jungle trees, he finds a moss-covered branch overlooking the village and settles there instead, covering himself in mud to hide the bright purple of his skin.
Inside, the others prepare for the night. Ruben sets an Alarm spell around the sleeping quarters just in case.
Lana reaches out to Kroak.
“Maybe we should give Ruben and Sszethik some privacy.”
Kroak readily agrees. Together, they leave the house under the pretense of gathering herbs around the village.
Once they are gone, Ruben looks after them.
“Where are they going?”
“I do not know,” Sszethik admits. “Maybe fresh air.”
Silence settles between them.
Ruben finally speaks again.
“You know, I thought tomorrow, at your special place, I would share something with you. But since we’re alone now…”
He produces a carefully written scroll.
“Do you know the poem The Heart Asks Pleasure First?”
Sszethik shakes his head.
Ruben hands him the scroll and explains why the poem matters to him. He speaks about joy, happiness, and the danger of lowering one’s expectations. He speaks about choosing life, pleasure, companionship.
“Maybe we should allow ourselves to enjoy life. To enjoy each other’s company.”
Sszethik reads quietly.
“This is beautiful,” he whispers. “I think I understand.”
After a long pause, he adds, “Returning here has made things clearer for me.”
His voice grows softer.
“The High Priestess is very convinced that I am to be her mate. All I wanted when she came over was to call you over. I was so thankful that you came to help me. I do not like it, but I cannot do anything about it.”
Ruben reaches for his hand.
“Well, that is exactly how I felt as well.”
For a moment, neither says anything.
Then Ruben smiles.
“Maybe you don’t want to eat a warm-blooded creature. But maybe you want to kiss a warm-blooded creature.”
Sszethik looks startled at first. Then he squeezes Ruben’s hand and leans closer.
The distance between them disappears. When their tongues meet, they feel a sharp thermal contrast. Ruben feels a light chill matching the room temperature, while warmth builds in his own body, greater even than Sszethik’s experience with the glow-bloom flower at Witherbloom. Sszethik, meanwhile, feels an influx of warmth and a brief surge of energy.
Wrapped around each other, Ruben feels Sszethik’s cool scales against his warm skin as their bodies grow warmer. They explore each other cautiously and clumsily. To their surprise, each discovers the other’s arousal. They pause, meet each other’s eyes, and nod. For the first time, each feels another hand on his crown jewels. Time and place slip away; before they realize it, they have spilled their seed on the bedroll.
“I knew that tickling worked well,” Ruben grins.
Given the excitement of the next day, Sszethik gently lets Ruben glide onto his own bedroll and kisses him good night.
Outside, Lana and Kroak remain respectfully absent, giving them the privacy they deserve.
Night passes.
The next morning arrives late for most of the group. The heat and humidity of Chult make sleep difficult, and by the time everyone is awake, the village is already bustling with activity. Fishers, weavers, and workers move through their routines while Sszethik eagerly gathers supplies for the expedition.
Ruben’s disappointment from the previous evening is nowhere to be seen. He is excited again.
Daiki has been awake for hours, helping villagers with whatever tasks he can find.
Soon the group sets out along the river trail.
The jungle is magnificent. Massive trees tower overhead. Sunlight filters through the canopy. Life fills every corner of the wilderness.
Along the way, they pass the shattered remains of Firefinger Tower. Ruben recognizes it immediately and is shocked by its condition.
“Sszethik, is this the famous Firefinger signal tower?”
“Yes. It is unfortunately no longer standing.”
Ruben stares at the ruin.
“The remnants.”
“It had to be torn down.”
Though Ruben would dearly love to investigate, Sszethik urges them onward.
“We need to reach the temple by midday.”
Hours later, after pushing through dense jungle and following winding trails, Sszethik finally parts a curtain of foliage.
The sight beyond steals everyone’s breath.
A massive ancient temple rises beside a river and waterfall, surrounded by lush vegetation and forgotten history.
Daiki immediately points toward the waterfall.
“Can we go there too?”
“Yes,” Sszethik laughs.
The temple itself appears impossibly old. Statues have crumbled. Stonework has eroded. Time has nearly erased it from memory.
“There are rumors about this place,” Sszethik says.
He leads them closer, eagerly pointing out architectural details and telling stories of the countless hours he has spent here.
What draws everyone’s attention most, however, is a small obelisk standing before the temple. Strange runes cover its surface, though parts have worn away.
Sszethik points toward it.
“I know one word.”
“What is it?” Ruben asks.
“Heart.” says Sszethik with a wink to Ruben.
That single word sparks everyone’s curiosity.
Kroak studies the runes more carefully and eventually deciphers the surviving inscription:
“A heart that loves truly does not fear the path. Speak…”
The remainder has been lost to time.
The group debates its meaning.
Nothing happens when they attempt to simply speak the words aloud.
Then Daiki, following his own instincts rather than any scholarly interpretation, decides to demonstrate the meaning instead.
He gathers everyone together.
A group hug.
He wraps his arms around the others, pulling Sszethik, Ruben, Lana, and Kroak close around the obelisk.
At first nothing happens.
Then blue light begins to glow from the stone.
Runes flare to life.
Energy floods through the circle beneath their feet.
The obelisk awakens.
A heartbeat later, the world disappears.
The group finds themselves standing beside the same obelisk, but now everything is dark.
The runes are fading.
The cavern around them curves strangely upward like the inside of an enormous bowl.
Lana immediately senses something unsettling.
Undead.
Not nearby, but present somewhere in this place.
As she warns the others, gravity suddenly shifts.
Everyone begins drifting upward.
Then they realize the horrifying truth.
They are upside down.
Far above them lies water, stone, and the entrance to a temple.
The moment the obelisk’s magic fades completely, gravity reasserts itself.
Everyone who cannot fly plummets.
Ruben reaches desperately for Sszethik.
Daiki and Kroak dive after Lana.
The fall is slowed, but not stopped.
Moments later, the non-fliers crash into freezing, crystal-clear water.
The shock is overwhelming after the blistering jungle heat. Cold seizes their lungs. Breath vanishes.
Daiki remains airborne.
“What the fuck,” Ruben gasps.
“Quite an adventure, Sszethik.”
As everyone struggles toward shore, Lana calls out into the darkness.
“Can anybody create light? I cannot see where I need to go.”
Daiki immediately summons dancing fireflies. Glowing lights spread outward, illuminating the cavern in a broad ring.
Only then can the group truly begin to take in their new surroundings.
Still dripping from the freezing water, they gather themselves.
Ruben moves close to Sszethik, trying to warm him.
Daiki conjures fire and dries everyone with magic.
“Could you also please dry me off?” Lana asks.
“Of course.”
A moment later, everyone is warm and dry again.
“Well,” Lana says dryly, “thank you.”
The group stands together beneath the lights, surrounded by darkness, mysteries, and the promise of whatever awaits deeper within the forgotten temple.
A heart that loves truly does not fear the path.
Speak love’s road, and enter