The adventurers continued exploring the cavern, walking right towards the caster suspended in a stalactite. They got hit by a fireball at maximum range, and two immediately fell unconscious. Turns out, that last fight had been really tough. Szivem ate another fireball when she poked her head out next round, but she let loose two of her own, destroying the stalactite.
Further exploring[1] by going back and forth through doors, the party arrived at a workshop, where a githyanki was sculpting a new crystal golem. He backed into a defensive stance, but did not immediately attacked, and thus Groin, who had opened the door, deduced that they might be able to talk to him. He was right.
Urlon, second in command of the githyanki stationed here, had an axe to grind with their chieftain, depicting her as an evil commander who droves her forces to exhaustion and still acted like a... bad person. He proposed that the adventurers take out Al'chaia, so he can assume command. In return, he would describe the exact route to take to her quarters so as not to draw the attention of The Dragon[2] and some magical loot she possessed. Then he would guide the adventurers to the next level, and later ensure their safe passage through the level, if needed.
The adventurers even negotiated a short rest in the laboratory, which Urlon provided. Szivem tried flirting to obtain a short rest, but she decided against it in the end.[3]
To my surprise, the party not only accepted, but followed his instructions to the letter. Thus they surprised Al'chaia in her room, while she was studying reports. Groin immediately banished the young dragon snoring in the corner, then everybody ganged up on the githyanki and killed her in a single turn. It was close, but she died. In a couple more turns, Brienne broke open the magical chest in the room, looting the magical tomes. There was also a lot of gold, which the adventurers gathered hastily.
In the mean time, Solid speed looted Al'chaia's armor by breaking off her limbs so he could pull her body out of it, her magical scepter and cut off her face as proof of her demise. Then proceeded to use her as a sock puppet on the way back.[4]
Again obeying all instructions and going through the portal between the crystal caverns and the stone chambers where Al'chaia lived - without any detours!, the party returned to Urlon. He was suitably impressed with their haste, and arranged for safe passage by disabling any further crystal golems and shooing the other githyanki out of the way.
The adventurers descended to the next level, following Urlon's instructions to a cave where they could rest in piece. Just before their rest, however, some of them were contacted telepathically by an entity offering them friendship, rewards and safe passage in exchange for killing off the githyanki.
[1] Somewhat slower, due to some off topic discussions.
[2] Caps needed here.
[3] Rolling a 1, and still Urlon was eager to comply. Something seemed off.
[4] Something definitely seems off with the guy.
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