Emalia and Colin arrived back at the campsite arm in arm. She quickly blurted out the fact that she had led them the wrong way, hoping that in doing so, Hellstrom might forget the entrance she had made. Nephesh appeared perplexed that any Faithful would be in the city of Luskan, but when assured by Emalia, he let his questions fall. It was time to change gears - completely. "TTHEE MMOOUNNTAINNSSS OF BAAALLEFFIRREEEEE"
Emalia dropped to her knees at the sound of the familiar voice, gripping her ears though it was to no avail. It was the same voice that had spoken to her before - only this time... it was specific. Unfortunately, none of the group had any idea where the mountains of Balefire were. Again, it was looking to Emalia that another failed journey would ensue.
Colin and Nephesh walked to the campfire for the rabbit, giving Emalia a moment to request Hellstrom's attention. She knew they needed to talk and quietly, she followed him not far from the campsite. "Hellstrom, I'm sorry."
"Sorry for?"
"You know, if you are so stubborn you won't look at the situation-"
"I realized what I caused in Westbrige."
"You caused nothing. Everything happens for a reason."
"I caused you nothing but confusion and pain since the day we first really met in the woods north of Westbridge."
And so it was that they continued speaking. Emalia tried to get him to see that he did nothing wrong, and especially, that the Guardians were not going to view him in a negative light - but Hellstrom wouldn't hear it. Not from her. He would see her through to the end of her journey, but this didn't matter to Emalia. She had proved she would go out on her own - but something in her continued to feel guilty for bringing anyone else along. She had not only led the party the wrong way - she had made one of her own clan members fear returning home.
Before she could say more, Nephesh arrived, flashing his fingers toward Hellstrom. She had never seen such "language" used, and could not understand what was being said. They walked back to the camp, Hellstrom translating the fact that now, each party member knew of Nephesh's involvement with the Jihad. Both Nephesh and Hellstrom again began flashing hand signs to one another - and with Colin oddly asleep – Emalia had nothing more to do than listen to the occasional pop of the fire and look at Colin. Her choices all weighed heavily upon her and she found herself wondering where it would all lead. Eventually, she curled up at Colin's side and closed out the sounds of the night for the whispers of her dreams.
