The fog that Sanria found her mind bathed in lifted as suddenly as the clearing of a summer rain. She sent Velentham away with a roar of her voice and to her relief, he went. She rushed down to see Colin and guilt flooded her. It was her past that had come back that had caused Colin to lose what memories he had. Her past that always seemed to cause trouble. She decided then and there to go out to find Gilean, to get Colin help.
She arrived at the cottage and stoped to look up at it for a moment. A long time prior this had been Emalia's house, and each time she walked her, it made her stop for a moment to think about her daughter. With a sigh she went to the door, but before she could knock, if flew open.
In an instant, Sanria's worst headache and nightmare stood there, looking shocked to see her. She felt sick, knowing there was nothing she could do to protect herself if Velentham decided to take her away. The breath caught in her throat and she took a step backward. "Please... don't go..."
It was a small relief to see Gilean step in front of Velentham, but not enough to keep Sanria from stumbling backward from the cottage. "Oh Sanria... Come, let's take a walk," Gilean said, and after ordering Velentham back into the cottage, he stood at Sanria's side.
"He told you what he did to Colin?"
"He told me... everything," Gilean replied, and he looked off with a sigh.
"Gods Sanria, I knew he was arrogant and foolish. I tried to keep him from bothering you... but I never expected those depths."
"Just tell me you can fix Colin..."
"I'll do anything and everything I can, I promise you that. I'm sure that Claire will be happy to lend any aid she can as well. Come, let me take you home. I don't think it's a good idea for you to be here right now."
The two arrived at the cavern and Sanria slowly walked toward the door. She spoke to Gilean with a heaviness in her heart, "If he can't be helped, I'm not going to subject him to my life again. He deserves much better."
"No, Sanria. Don't put yourself down."
"Gilean... I know my past. I know that it keeps seeming to come back for me. So... if I can let him have a life free from that, I will do it."
"I admit, I know little of your past other than more recent events," Gilean said, "But I'm guessing that Colin did?"
"Even he admitted that he sounded insecure... I don't want to make him that way ever again."
"That big man... insecure?"
Sanria turned to look at Gilean, her face deadly serious. "Deeply so. And with good reason."
Deal (1-2)
Velentham hadn't been paying attention to the time that passed since Gilean ordered him back into the cottage. He hadn't been paying attention to much at all. His mind was on Sanria as it often was. When he sat in his calmer moments, he wasn't sure what he was going to do to win back her trust. The hatred and fear that she had for him broke his heart. All he wanted was to get her back, but everything had fallen apart. Completely. He didn't know if the right thing was to leave her alone, or try to talk to her, or simply just take her away until she saw the truth of the situation. He did love her, but Velentham's pride was its own beast, and he couldn't handle losing.
He had been staring at the same page in his book when Gilean burst into the room. "You are going to fix what you have done," Gilean said, and Velentham turned to look at the lesser Celestial. He had a note clenched in his hand and looked highly upset, but no one talked to Velentham this way.
"Fix what?" Velentham asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Colin. I am going to bring him here. You are going to restore his memories. And then you are going to go. I don't give a damn where but it will be away from here."
"You come in here making demands of me? What has gotten into you? And what's that paper?"
"You come here and in the span of just a few days you manage to ruin not one but two pairs of lives. It's unbelievable. But you are going to fix at least one of them."
The argument was brutal and accusations flew. According to Gilean, everything that had transpired was Velentham's fault. Any prior thoughts Velentham had about doing the right thing went out the window. "Listen, cousin. If you think I'm sorry for what I've done - you don't know me at all. I might have considered undoing what I did for her, but with you coming in to give me hell? No. If anything, you've motivated me to go and do what I intended to do in the first place. I'll just take her and leave."
"You want to get back at me, prove me wrong. You show me that you can be better than what I think you can be. You prove to me that the things I've said about our people are not true."
"I don't have to prove anything to you, Gilean. You've shown me that. I don't look up to you, cousin. You're just not that important to me."
Velentham headed for the door. If Gilean wanted him out, he'd leave. He didn't know where he would go yet, but he would eventually go back and fix things with Sanria and win her over. He opened the door when Gilean's voice called out to him, "Velentham, you fix this or I will contact the tribunal."
Velentham hated Gilean deeper than he ever had at that moment. He stopped and turned back, grinning. "Now isn't that something. You proclaim you're such a good guy. My father died to get you back and buy your silence. You are willing to break an oath you gave to him. Some role model you are. Is that your policy? To go back on what you say?"
"Oh, and what you have done falls within that agreement?"
Velentham slowly closed the door behind him. He had to take slow breaths to keep himself calm as he walked toward Gilean. "Let me ask you then - what is to stop me from killing you? If we're not honoring oaths?"
"And what do you think is the first thing I will do upon my return to Elysium?"
"Does it matter?" Velentham asked, pulling his swords from thin air. "See, if you're running to tattle regardless, I've got no reason to honor my side of the bargain either."
"You are a disgrace, even among our people. Look at what became of me for simply speaking out against them. Oh, I'm sure you'll be outcast alright. And I'm sure you'll be relieved of your memories as well."
"I tell you what. Let me go pick up Sanria and you can lead us back. If I knew you already knew how to get back, why, I would have done this sooner."
Velentham could see his desire to slay no longer inspired any kind of feeling in Gilean. With Claire leaving, it appeared that his cousin was unable to be moved. He turned and headed back to the door. "Velentham, just stop and look and what you have done," Gilean said.
"No. I'll not be baited. You wanted me out. I'm leaving. I think our conversation is at an end. Forever."
"I showed her how to protect herself. You just take a moment and think about what that means. You are a threat to her. She needs protection from you. She had to come to me asking for help, I didn't go to her."
It was the peal of truth that rang out over Velentham's mind. Had he not seen first hand what Sanria thought of him, he wouldn't have believed it. But he knew that Gilean spoke the truth. "I fix his memories," he said, "and you don't go to the tribunal? You honor what you already promised my father?"
"Yes," Gilean answered wearily.
Defeated, Velentham let out a long sigh. He would fix Colin then figure out how to fix things between himself and Sanria. He would make a deal, but that deal said nothing of his staying away from Sanria. For now, he would make his cousin feel safe, he would go away, he would plan. "Go get him."
He had been staring at the same page in his book when Gilean burst into the room. "You are going to fix what you have done," Gilean said, and Velentham turned to look at the lesser Celestial. He had a note clenched in his hand and looked highly upset, but no one talked to Velentham this way.
"Fix what?" Velentham asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Colin. I am going to bring him here. You are going to restore his memories. And then you are going to go. I don't give a damn where but it will be away from here."
"You come in here making demands of me? What has gotten into you? And what's that paper?"
"You come here and in the span of just a few days you manage to ruin not one but two pairs of lives. It's unbelievable. But you are going to fix at least one of them."
The argument was brutal and accusations flew. According to Gilean, everything that had transpired was Velentham's fault. Any prior thoughts Velentham had about doing the right thing went out the window. "Listen, cousin. If you think I'm sorry for what I've done - you don't know me at all. I might have considered undoing what I did for her, but with you coming in to give me hell? No. If anything, you've motivated me to go and do what I intended to do in the first place. I'll just take her and leave."
"You want to get back at me, prove me wrong. You show me that you can be better than what I think you can be. You prove to me that the things I've said about our people are not true."
"I don't have to prove anything to you, Gilean. You've shown me that. I don't look up to you, cousin. You're just not that important to me."
Velentham headed for the door. If Gilean wanted him out, he'd leave. He didn't know where he would go yet, but he would eventually go back and fix things with Sanria and win her over. He opened the door when Gilean's voice called out to him, "Velentham, you fix this or I will contact the tribunal."
Velentham hated Gilean deeper than he ever had at that moment. He stopped and turned back, grinning. "Now isn't that something. You proclaim you're such a good guy. My father died to get you back and buy your silence. You are willing to break an oath you gave to him. Some role model you are. Is that your policy? To go back on what you say?"
"Oh, and what you have done falls within that agreement?"
Velentham slowly closed the door behind him. He had to take slow breaths to keep himself calm as he walked toward Gilean. "Let me ask you then - what is to stop me from killing you? If we're not honoring oaths?"
"And what do you think is the first thing I will do upon my return to Elysium?"
"Does it matter?" Velentham asked, pulling his swords from thin air. "See, if you're running to tattle regardless, I've got no reason to honor my side of the bargain either."
"You are a disgrace, even among our people. Look at what became of me for simply speaking out against them. Oh, I'm sure you'll be outcast alright. And I'm sure you'll be relieved of your memories as well."
"I tell you what. Let me go pick up Sanria and you can lead us back. If I knew you already knew how to get back, why, I would have done this sooner."
Velentham could see his desire to slay no longer inspired any kind of feeling in Gilean. With Claire leaving, it appeared that his cousin was unable to be moved. He turned and headed back to the door. "Velentham, just stop and look and what you have done," Gilean said.
"No. I'll not be baited. You wanted me out. I'm leaving. I think our conversation is at an end. Forever."
"I showed her how to protect herself. You just take a moment and think about what that means. You are a threat to her. She needs protection from you. She had to come to me asking for help, I didn't go to her."
It was the peal of truth that rang out over Velentham's mind. Had he not seen first hand what Sanria thought of him, he wouldn't have believed it. But he knew that Gilean spoke the truth. "I fix his memories," he said, "and you don't go to the tribunal? You honor what you already promised my father?"
"Yes," Gilean answered wearily.
Defeated, Velentham let out a long sigh. He would fix Colin then figure out how to fix things between himself and Sanria. He would make a deal, but that deal said nothing of his staying away from Sanria. For now, he would make his cousin feel safe, he would go away, he would plan. "Go get him."
Final Straw (1-2)
Claire had stayed in the bedroom since her last argument with Gilean. Her body was weak, and she couldn't quite understand what was wrong. Using her magic, she could tell that the baby was growing and was thriving, but it was fast exhausting her - pulling her magic, her energy, her -
Claire fell asleep. Using magic anymore seemed to pull everything from her and left her feeling completely drained. She woke at the light touch of Gilean's hand upon her shoulder. "I'm sorry to wake you," he said.
'It's alright. What is it?'
"Velentham went to Sanria's house and... well... he did some rather terrible things. He forced Sanria into being intimate, then got into a fight with Colin which resulted in Colin's memories being removed."
'What in the world...'
Claire pulled herself up to sitting. She outwardly kept the appearance of strength, but even this was tiring. "I don't know what I'm going to do with him," Gilean continued, "but first Sanria and Colin need help. I have tried to heal Colin but I cannot find anything to heal. It would seem that whatever Velentham has done is of a more arcane nature."
'Oh my... that is serious... deeply serious.'
"I was hoping there might be something you could do."
'Not if it's arcane. I'm a healer, that is all I truly know. The only sorcerers I knew were Sir Throm and Lady Kaliadra. Have you... tried asking Velentham?'
Gilean turned to look at Claire, his eyes weary and dis- appointed. She truly did feel badly for asking the question, but if he would go back and fix what was wrong, then their solution was right before them.
"After what he did," Gilean said. "You should have seen him when he returned here. I... I think he's losing his sanity, literally."
'Gilean, unless you're ready to spend time tracking down a wolf, he might be able to reverse what he did if he realizes what a terrible thing it was to do in the first place. It is worth asking him to fix his own mess.'
"If he realizes what he did was wrong... I don't know if you realize what you're asking."
It could have been the pregnancy. It could have been the raging exhaustion that rolled over Claire. Whatever it was - when Gilean insinuated Claire just didn't understand, Claire glared with a fire she hadn't felt for Gilean - ever. 'Then perhaps you should stop coming to me for advice?'
"I don't really know what else to say. He raped her, took her husband's memories, and then came back here telling me if he just had enough time with her she would realize it was him she should be with."
'Then I'm sorry I bothered to wake up, since I am ignorant of what you meant the first time you said it.'
Claire laid back down, the weariness slowly creeping over her. "Claire. Just what am I supposed to do here?" Gilean asked. "I try to stop him from going off and interfering in Sanria's life and you tell me that he's not my responsibility. He goes off and does these unthinkable things and Sanria comes to me for help in fixing them. And now you tell me I should go back to him and somehow get him to restore Colin's memories so they can get back to their lives together."
'You came to me and asked what you should do. I gave you my thoughts and you treat me as though I'm a simpleton with some lack of comprehension. If you don't want my advice, then by the Gods, don't ask for it.'
"I wanted your help, Gilean said. I was hoping that there could be a chance you could correct what I could not heal. While I don't mean to disrespect your advice, you didn't see him when he returned to this house. You didn't speak to him and see his delusional state even after what he had done."
'I didn't ask you to come in this room with questions. I gave you my thoughts. Just... leave me in peace. You and your cousin are...'
Claire sighed heavily and laid on the bed. "You're lumping me in with him?" Gilean said, and Claire could hear the frustration in his voice. "Believe me, the fact that he's my cousin frankly disgusts me at this point."
'Please... just leave me in peace.'
"Sorry to have bothered you. I guess I'll do whatever I can."
Upon hearing the door close, Claire got up. There was no way she could take any more. She penned Gilean a note and gathered up what energy she could. With her mind, she sought out the familial vibrations in the magical fabric that covered the entire planet. Once certain of their location, Claire vanished in a bright purple light - home.
Claire fell asleep. Using magic anymore seemed to pull everything from her and left her feeling completely drained. She woke at the light touch of Gilean's hand upon her shoulder. "I'm sorry to wake you," he said.
'It's alright. What is it?'
"Velentham went to Sanria's house and... well... he did some rather terrible things. He forced Sanria into being intimate, then got into a fight with Colin which resulted in Colin's memories being removed."
'What in the world...'
Claire pulled herself up to sitting. She outwardly kept the appearance of strength, but even this was tiring. "I don't know what I'm going to do with him," Gilean continued, "but first Sanria and Colin need help. I have tried to heal Colin but I cannot find anything to heal. It would seem that whatever Velentham has done is of a more arcane nature."
'Oh my... that is serious... deeply serious.'
"I was hoping there might be something you could do."
'Not if it's arcane. I'm a healer, that is all I truly know. The only sorcerers I knew were Sir Throm and Lady Kaliadra. Have you... tried asking Velentham?'
Gilean turned to look at Claire, his eyes weary and dis- appointed. She truly did feel badly for asking the question, but if he would go back and fix what was wrong, then their solution was right before them.
"After what he did," Gilean said. "You should have seen him when he returned here. I... I think he's losing his sanity, literally."
'Gilean, unless you're ready to spend time tracking down a wolf, he might be able to reverse what he did if he realizes what a terrible thing it was to do in the first place. It is worth asking him to fix his own mess.'
"If he realizes what he did was wrong... I don't know if you realize what you're asking."
It could have been the pregnancy. It could have been the raging exhaustion that rolled over Claire. Whatever it was - when Gilean insinuated Claire just didn't understand, Claire glared with a fire she hadn't felt for Gilean - ever. 'Then perhaps you should stop coming to me for advice?'
"I don't really know what else to say. He raped her, took her husband's memories, and then came back here telling me if he just had enough time with her she would realize it was him she should be with."
'Then I'm sorry I bothered to wake up, since I am ignorant of what you meant the first time you said it.'
Claire laid back down, the weariness slowly creeping over her. "Claire. Just what am I supposed to do here?" Gilean asked. "I try to stop him from going off and interfering in Sanria's life and you tell me that he's not my responsibility. He goes off and does these unthinkable things and Sanria comes to me for help in fixing them. And now you tell me I should go back to him and somehow get him to restore Colin's memories so they can get back to their lives together."
'You came to me and asked what you should do. I gave you my thoughts and you treat me as though I'm a simpleton with some lack of comprehension. If you don't want my advice, then by the Gods, don't ask for it.'
"I wanted your help, Gilean said. I was hoping that there could be a chance you could correct what I could not heal. While I don't mean to disrespect your advice, you didn't see him when he returned to this house. You didn't speak to him and see his delusional state even after what he had done."
'I didn't ask you to come in this room with questions. I gave you my thoughts. Just... leave me in peace. You and your cousin are...'
Claire sighed heavily and laid on the bed. "You're lumping me in with him?" Gilean said, and Claire could hear the frustration in his voice. "Believe me, the fact that he's my cousin frankly disgusts me at this point."
'Please... just leave me in peace.'
"Sorry to have bothered you. I guess I'll do whatever I can."
Upon hearing the door close, Claire got up. There was no way she could take any more. She penned Gilean a note and gathered up what energy she could. With her mind, she sought out the familial vibrations in the magical fabric that covered the entire planet. Once certain of their location, Claire vanished in a bright purple light - home.
Days of Despair, Nights of Correction
It had been three days since Gilean had come and looked into Colin's mind and determined there was nothing he could do. Three days and nights spent watching Colin with a deepening sorrow. The man who looked at her children with adoration was gone. While Sanria could tell Colin enjoyed being around them, she missed seeing the joy on Colin's face. She didn't care if he ever remembered her again, she wasn't worth that in her mind, but she wanted to see the look on Colin's face when he picked up Orn. The look that said, 'THIS is MY son - and he's my pride and joy.'
Gilean had showed her how to put wards on the house to keep Velentham out, and she had diligently followed his directions, each day repeating the phrases and replenishing the magic. There had been no sign of Velentham, which Sanria was grateful to have.
It was evening and Sanria had gone to the sitting room with a book when she noticed Colin was not around. She got up and slowly paced the cavern, her heart beating a little faster. She could sense that nothing was completely wrong, but she was unsettled none-the-less. She forced herself to sit down and read.
Only moments later, Colin returned, and Sanria found herself embraced tightly. "Gilean made Velentham give my memories back."
"Well, that's great," Sanria said. She clutched Colin to her, feeling unsure of what to think. She had enjoyed the time she spent with the Colin that was not overprotective and jealous. They had talked more in those three days than ever before. If he could have gotten some back but not all...
"Sanria, I want you to be able to talk to me," Colin said, as though reading her mind. "Those three days were... great... just having you talk to me."
"I liked it, too."
"I realized just how nice it was - having you feel as if you could talk."
Sanria felt herself letting go of the negative feelings. If Colin could manage not to be overprotective, if they could keep what they found over the course of three days, then Sanria could ask for nothing more. She could make this her life and she could be happy.
Gilean had showed her how to put wards on the house to keep Velentham out, and she had diligently followed his directions, each day repeating the phrases and replenishing the magic. There had been no sign of Velentham, which Sanria was grateful to have.
It was evening and Sanria had gone to the sitting room with a book when she noticed Colin was not around. She got up and slowly paced the cavern, her heart beating a little faster. She could sense that nothing was completely wrong, but she was unsettled none-the-less. She forced herself to sit down and read.
Only moments later, Colin returned, and Sanria found herself embraced tightly. "Gilean made Velentham give my memories back."
"Well, that's great," Sanria said. She clutched Colin to her, feeling unsure of what to think. She had enjoyed the time she spent with the Colin that was not overprotective and jealous. They had talked more in those three days than ever before. If he could have gotten some back but not all...
"Sanria, I want you to be able to talk to me," Colin said, as though reading her mind. "Those three days were... great... just having you talk to me."
"I liked it, too."
"I realized just how nice it was - having you feel as if you could talk."
Sanria felt herself letting go of the negative feelings. If Colin could manage not to be overprotective, if they could keep what they found over the course of three days, then Sanria could ask for nothing more. She could make this her life and she could be happy.
Loser
Velentham walked back to the cottage exhausted and in a rage. No sooner than he let up on his mental control than Sanria shouted at him, "Get out... get out now!" He would have held out longer were it not for so many people. He would have to come back later, get Sanria alone, make her understand that he loved her, she loved him, and they belonged together. He needed help. He would ask his cousin.
The cottage was quiet as he went in, noticing Gilean sitting there with a book on his lap. "You have to help me," Velentham began. "I did it your way, I didn't force her and she told me no. So I had to do it my way. But it didn't work. I didn't have time to get her alone to make her understand -" He paced the room having worked himself up into a new froth.
"My involvement with you has practically cost me my relationship with Claire, do you know that?"
"Look, I'm sorry, alright? I promise, if you help me I'll help you in any way I can - regardless of how I feel about you."
"If you want to help me Velentham, then go. Make your own way. I thought that was your plan anyway."
Velentham continued asking, but Gilean seemed so sure of himself. "So... she rejected you," Gilean said.
"Well... I... yes but that's not acceptable."
"You have to understand that for her to have a choice means she has a choice. It's not a choice for her to choose what you think she should."
"I can't be without her, Gilean. I can't."
"Velentham, slow down and take a breath. Now what happened? What did she say to you?"
It was in his own world Velentham found himself. Far from plotting and planning how to tell Gilean what he did, Velentham told him everything. It shouldn't have shocked him that his cousin could get so upset, but Gilean read him the riot act. "By the gods, you wanted to show her how you really felt... I think you've shown her more of yourself that you ever could have imagined."
Velentham went for the door. He'd go back. He'd go back now and finish even if it drove him into the ground with exhaustion. He flung the door open to reveal Sanria standing there, mid-knock. Velentham's heart sank at the look on her face upon seeing him.
The cottage was quiet as he went in, noticing Gilean sitting there with a book on his lap. "You have to help me," Velentham began. "I did it your way, I didn't force her and she told me no. So I had to do it my way. But it didn't work. I didn't have time to get her alone to make her understand -" He paced the room having worked himself up into a new froth.
"My involvement with you has practically cost me my relationship with Claire, do you know that?"
"Look, I'm sorry, alright? I promise, if you help me I'll help you in any way I can - regardless of how I feel about you."
"If you want to help me Velentham, then go. Make your own way. I thought that was your plan anyway."
Velentham continued asking, but Gilean seemed so sure of himself. "So... she rejected you," Gilean said.
"Well... I... yes but that's not acceptable."
"You have to understand that for her to have a choice means she has a choice. It's not a choice for her to choose what you think she should."
"I can't be without her, Gilean. I can't."
"Velentham, slow down and take a breath. Now what happened? What did she say to you?"
It was in his own world Velentham found himself. Far from plotting and planning how to tell Gilean what he did, Velentham told him everything. It shouldn't have shocked him that his cousin could get so upset, but Gilean read him the riot act. "By the gods, you wanted to show her how you really felt... I think you've shown her more of yourself that you ever could have imagined."
Velentham went for the door. He'd go back. He'd go back now and finish even if it drove him into the ground with exhaustion. He flung the door open to reveal Sanria standing there, mid-knock. Velentham's heart sank at the look on her face upon seeing him.
A Break in the Clouds
"Miss... this boy... he calls me Papa."
Sanria looked over at the large man holding Orn. She knew Orn, but her mind trembled when it looked at Colin. "Yes... I don't... know why. He's my... son."
"And mine. He's just misbehaving. You know how children are," Velentham interjected.
"You, just just shut up for a minute," Colin said.
"My love," Velentham said, handing Leandra to her. "Why don't you put Leandra to bed."
"And miss... who am I?"
Sanria looked over at the big man and let her mind relax. The answer came without fighting it. "You're Colin."
"Colin... And you are?"
"Your wife."
Sanria started slowly up he stairs. "She's a little confused," Velentham said. "Why don't you hand the boy over and you can get going."
"I don't think she's the only one, but you. You seem to be trying to convince everyone of something here. And, to tell you the truth, I just don't like you. Miss," Colin called up after her. "do you want this guy to be here?"
Sanria felt a wave of - something - in her mind. "I... yes... he's alright."
"You see? Now, why don't you go ahead and hand my son to me and get on the move."
Sanria walked into Leandra's room and put her into the crib. The baby was smiling gently... smiling... Sanria caught a wisp of danger in her thoughts. Something was wrong. She rushed from the room and started down the stairs only to find her mind sinking back into the sluggish fog. She couldn't remember why she was rushing. She walked slowly to Orn and held out her hands.
"I want to stay with Papa. I don't want Papa to get hurt again." Sanria watched Orn with a mix of curiosity. She heard the little boy's whisper into his father's mind, "He touch you too. It made Mama sad."
"Miss... what's your name miss?" Colin suddenly asked.
"Sanria Stone..."
"Tell me Sanria... think... what's going on here?"
"I love... you. I couldn't... stop..."
"That's enough," Velentham growled. "OUT!"
"Sanria... why cant I remember any of this?"
"He... took... your memory away."
"You're fortunate that I'm tired," Velentham growled. "I can't keep this up."
Sanria looked over at the large man holding Orn. She knew Orn, but her mind trembled when it looked at Colin. "Yes... I don't... know why. He's my... son."
"And mine. He's just misbehaving. You know how children are," Velentham interjected.
"You, just just shut up for a minute," Colin said.
"My love," Velentham said, handing Leandra to her. "Why don't you put Leandra to bed."
"And miss... who am I?"
Sanria looked over at the big man and let her mind relax. The answer came without fighting it. "You're Colin."
"Colin... And you are?"
"Your wife."
Sanria started slowly up he stairs. "She's a little confused," Velentham said. "Why don't you hand the boy over and you can get going."
"I don't think she's the only one, but you. You seem to be trying to convince everyone of something here. And, to tell you the truth, I just don't like you. Miss," Colin called up after her. "do you want this guy to be here?"
Sanria felt a wave of - something - in her mind. "I... yes... he's alright."
"You see? Now, why don't you go ahead and hand my son to me and get on the move."
Sanria walked into Leandra's room and put her into the crib. The baby was smiling gently... smiling... Sanria caught a wisp of danger in her thoughts. Something was wrong. She rushed from the room and started down the stairs only to find her mind sinking back into the sluggish fog. She couldn't remember why she was rushing. She walked slowly to Orn and held out her hands.
"I want to stay with Papa. I don't want Papa to get hurt again." Sanria watched Orn with a mix of curiosity. She heard the little boy's whisper into his father's mind, "He touch you too. It made Mama sad."
"Miss... what's your name miss?" Colin suddenly asked.
"Sanria Stone..."
"Tell me Sanria... think... what's going on here?"
"I love... you. I couldn't... stop..."
"That's enough," Velentham growled. "OUT!"
"Sanria... why cant I remember any of this?"
"He... took... your memory away."
"You're fortunate that I'm tired," Velentham growled. "I can't keep this up."
On Losing Ground
Time. That's all he needed. Velentham had subdued Sanria's mind, now all he needed was time with her to go into her mind and bend it to what he wanted. He had tried to do things the right way, but all of that had fallen apart. Now, he would influence her until so much time had passed that what he placed into her brain would be her reality, and that meant she would be with him forever. He just hadn't counted on the little boy being the thorn in his side that he was turning out to be.
"Papa, papa... don't let him take Mama and Leendra. I don't want him in our house." Orn had found his way into Colin's arms, and Velentham was pissed.
"That's enough, Orn."
"Papa? I'm your... You think I'm your Papa?"
"Yes. Yes Papa. I don't want him to be my Papa."
Try as he might, Velentham couldn't manage to keep Sanria's mind in as much of a fog and work on the boy's mind. "He's confused. That was part of our disagreement, you see. He fell down and hit his head, my wife let him outside without supervision."
"You know, you've been doing a lot of talking here buddy."
"That's because this is my family, friend," Velentham tried to walk over to put his hands on Orn. If he could just send some of his radiance into the child, he might be able to silence the boy. Colin pulled him away.
"How about you let the lady and kid talk for themselves, ok? And maybe you should keep your hands to yourself for a little bit," Colin said.
"How about you put my son down," Velentham replied, growing irate.
"Do you want me to put you down," Colin asked the boy, and Orn shook his head and buried it in Colin's neck.
Velentham had had enough. He turned and walked into the house, leaving Colin and Orn ouside with the parting words, "If you want the boy you can take him." Within the house he found Sanria and walked over to her, still holding Leandra in his arms. He had time enough to put a hand on her shoulder and begin the process of turning her mind before Colin burst in the door. The man was fast becoming a nuisance. "Can we help you?"
"I don't think you're helping anyone here. Now why don't you just step away from the lady."
"I'm... I'm fine," Sanria replied.
"I'm sorry, but you don't look too fine. Why were you crying out there?"
"I... don't really remember. I must have just been sad."
Then the little voice, the voice that was Velentham's bane. "Papa, help mama. Make the tall man go away. Please. I don't like the tall man."
"Papa, papa... don't let him take Mama and Leendra. I don't want him in our house." Orn had found his way into Colin's arms, and Velentham was pissed.
"That's enough, Orn."
"Papa? I'm your... You think I'm your Papa?"
"Yes. Yes Papa. I don't want him to be my Papa."
Try as he might, Velentham couldn't manage to keep Sanria's mind in as much of a fog and work on the boy's mind. "He's confused. That was part of our disagreement, you see. He fell down and hit his head, my wife let him outside without supervision."
"You know, you've been doing a lot of talking here buddy."
"That's because this is my family, friend," Velentham tried to walk over to put his hands on Orn. If he could just send some of his radiance into the child, he might be able to silence the boy. Colin pulled him away.
"How about you let the lady and kid talk for themselves, ok? And maybe you should keep your hands to yourself for a little bit," Colin said.
"How about you put my son down," Velentham replied, growing irate.
"Do you want me to put you down," Colin asked the boy, and Orn shook his head and buried it in Colin's neck.
Velentham had had enough. He turned and walked into the house, leaving Colin and Orn ouside with the parting words, "If you want the boy you can take him." Within the house he found Sanria and walked over to her, still holding Leandra in his arms. He had time enough to put a hand on her shoulder and begin the process of turning her mind before Colin burst in the door. The man was fast becoming a nuisance. "Can we help you?"
"I don't think you're helping anyone here. Now why don't you just step away from the lady."
"I'm... I'm fine," Sanria replied.
"I'm sorry, but you don't look too fine. Why were you crying out there?"
"I... don't really remember. I must have just been sad."
Then the little voice, the voice that was Velentham's bane. "Papa, help mama. Make the tall man go away. Please. I don't like the tall man."
Hostile Takeover
Sanria released the roots and rushed to Colin's side. She shook him, begging him to wake up. "Papa! What did you do to papa?!" Orn burst outside, pointing his stick at Velentham.
"Cute kid," Velentham said.
Sanria finally took notice and grabbed Orn to her before anything could happen to him. She didn't see Orn call for the little squirrel that suddenly burst from the tree to attack Velentham, but she watched as the Celestial stomped the little rodent into nothing. "That was good, kid."
"You go! You go away!" Orn yelled.
Velentham turned toward the cavern and Sanria knew he was headed for Leandra. "NO!" she shouted and turned to Colin, shaking him furiously. "Colin, please hurry. He's going to get Leandra."
"What? Where?" he said, waking as though from a deep sleep.
"He's in the house."
"What's going on?" Colin asked, looking up at Sanria. "Who?"
The look on Colin's face confirmed Sanria's worst nightmares and she stared at Colin. Velentham came from the house, holding Leandra. "He's awake. Hello."
"No..." Sanria began. "No no... you fix this. You fix this now."
"Welcome to our home," Velentham said, holding his hand out to Colin. The act made Sanria sick to her stomach. How could he possibly expect this to work?
"Colin... please tell me you remember... oh Gods..."
Sanria watched as Colin struggled. He could see something wasn't right and even through his imposed fog, he wanted to protect them. "Are you ok? Do you need help?" he asked her, and Sanria let out a sob. At Velentham's sudden grip on her arm, Sanria's mind began the familiar submersion. It was growing harder for her to say anything, harder for her to focus on Colin's questions. She was losing the ability to defend herself against anything, and she gave an inward scream before her mind settled down into a peaceful quiet.
"Cute kid," Velentham said.
Sanria finally took notice and grabbed Orn to her before anything could happen to him. She didn't see Orn call for the little squirrel that suddenly burst from the tree to attack Velentham, but she watched as the Celestial stomped the little rodent into nothing. "That was good, kid."
"You go! You go away!" Orn yelled.
Velentham turned toward the cavern and Sanria knew he was headed for Leandra. "NO!" she shouted and turned to Colin, shaking him furiously. "Colin, please hurry. He's going to get Leandra."
"What? Where?" he said, waking as though from a deep sleep.
"He's in the house."
"What's going on?" Colin asked, looking up at Sanria. "Who?"
The look on Colin's face confirmed Sanria's worst nightmares and she stared at Colin. Velentham came from the house, holding Leandra. "He's awake. Hello."
"No..." Sanria began. "No no... you fix this. You fix this now."
"Welcome to our home," Velentham said, holding his hand out to Colin. The act made Sanria sick to her stomach. How could he possibly expect this to work?
"Colin... please tell me you remember... oh Gods..."
Sanria watched as Colin struggled. He could see something wasn't right and even through his imposed fog, he wanted to protect them. "Are you ok? Do you need help?" he asked her, and Sanria let out a sob. At Velentham's sudden grip on her arm, Sanria's mind began the familiar submersion. It was growing harder for her to say anything, harder for her to focus on Colin's questions. She was losing the ability to defend herself against anything, and she gave an inward scream before her mind settled down into a peaceful quiet.
Checkmate
Velentham landed and had his clear view of the beast that stood drooling in anticipation before him. He would make quick work of this one. He used his speed to get around behind Colin and shoved him as hard as he could. He did not anticipate Colin having speed to match, and he found himself beneath the muscle-bound man, his head meeting with a skull- shattering blow delivered by Colin's. He was only momentarily shaken before recovering.
Out of nowhere, roots and vines burst from the ground, pulling both of the men apart. "Stop... please..." Sanria said, walking between the two of them. "When the eyes are normal... I will continue." Velentham was able to calm himself by degrees as the woman turned to him. "I'm not going anywhere with you. Do you understand me?"
"You are going to come with me, Sanria. I came all this way and you WILL come."
SLAP! The sting from her small hand shocked Velentham. "I don't care how far you came or how far you have to go to get back. What you've done here is unacceptable and inexcusable. You will leave and go away and never come back."
Velentham scowled openly as Sanria walked away from him. She was kneeling beside the animal she called a husband and it drove Velentham insane. How could she choose that? He began to whisper, his incantation melting the vines and roots away. With nothing to hold him back and all other parties not paying any attention, he rushed forward and gripped Colin's head in his hands.
Velentham chanted hard and loud, seeing Colin's mind like a map. He pressed with his full mental weight, a prowess trained for such maneuvers, and shoved Colin's memories of his family and Sanria deep down. So far there would be little chance of his ever recovering them without a very skilled caster.
He was knocked off his feet by Sanria, who screamed out, "Velentham! What did you do!!!"
"I fixed it so that he knows what it feels like to not remember," he said as he watched Colin go limp within his root confines.
Out of nowhere, roots and vines burst from the ground, pulling both of the men apart. "Stop... please..." Sanria said, walking between the two of them. "When the eyes are normal... I will continue." Velentham was able to calm himself by degrees as the woman turned to him. "I'm not going anywhere with you. Do you understand me?"
"You are going to come with me, Sanria. I came all this way and you WILL come."
SLAP! The sting from her small hand shocked Velentham. "I don't care how far you came or how far you have to go to get back. What you've done here is unacceptable and inexcusable. You will leave and go away and never come back."
Velentham scowled openly as Sanria walked away from him. She was kneeling beside the animal she called a husband and it drove Velentham insane. How could she choose that? He began to whisper, his incantation melting the vines and roots away. With nothing to hold him back and all other parties not paying any attention, he rushed forward and gripped Colin's head in his hands.
Velentham chanted hard and loud, seeing Colin's mind like a map. He pressed with his full mental weight, a prowess trained for such maneuvers, and shoved Colin's memories of his family and Sanria deep down. So far there would be little chance of his ever recovering them without a very skilled caster.
He was knocked off his feet by Sanria, who screamed out, "Velentham! What did you do!!!"
"I fixed it so that he knows what it feels like to not remember," he said as he watched Colin go limp within his root confines.
Fury unleashed
Colin glared at Velentham as icy darkness gripped his heart, surrounded his body, and created a tunnel in his vision focused on the celestial. If it hadn't been for the presence of Sanria between them and the happiness that they had shared over the past 5 months Colin would have lost complete control of his sanity in a berserk rage. Even as it stood, the fury within him was barely held in check as he moved side to side, trying to gain an angle past Sanria to reach his target.
The bit of rational thought still within Colin sunk as Velentham suddenly scooped up Sanria and streaked skyward. Colin felt certain he was going to take her away, just like that. Yet he didn't leave with her, instead choosing to deposit her on the mountainside and then slowly drift his way back down toward Colin.
With Sanria now out of his sight, the darkness within Colin surged as he watched the slowly descending celestial. Sanria's shouts for him to es- cape didn't even register. Colin sunk to the ground in a ferral crouch and saliva trickled down his chin. He didn't need any weapons. He was going to rend this bastard limb from limb with his bare hands and then grind the pieces into a bloody pulp in the dirt for what he did.
Velentham's strike came with blinding speed as suddenly he was behind Colin, plowing into him in an attempt to drive him into the ground. Colin's rage-enhanced reflexes were the only thing that partially saved him. Spinning at the last moment, he grabbed a fistfull of Velentham's shirt, driving him down to the ground with him.
They tumbled together, coming to a rest with Colin on top of Velentham. He had only the briefest of moments to look down upon Velentham with murderous rage before he was hit with an intense blast of pure white radiance from the celestial. The black makou within Colin burned like fire throughout his whole body and he howled in pain. His head was thrown backward as the blast continued to pummel him but there was no way Colin would relinquish his grip upon the man below him. As pain, rage, and icy darkness completely consumed him, Colin clenched his jaw and used all his strength to drive his head straight down toward Velentham's face.
The bit of rational thought still within Colin sunk as Velentham suddenly scooped up Sanria and streaked skyward. Colin felt certain he was going to take her away, just like that. Yet he didn't leave with her, instead choosing to deposit her on the mountainside and then slowly drift his way back down toward Colin.
With Sanria now out of his sight, the darkness within Colin surged as he watched the slowly descending celestial. Sanria's shouts for him to es- cape didn't even register. Colin sunk to the ground in a ferral crouch and saliva trickled down his chin. He didn't need any weapons. He was going to rend this bastard limb from limb with his bare hands and then grind the pieces into a bloody pulp in the dirt for what he did.
Velentham's strike came with blinding speed as suddenly he was behind Colin, plowing into him in an attempt to drive him into the ground. Colin's rage-enhanced reflexes were the only thing that partially saved him. Spinning at the last moment, he grabbed a fistfull of Velentham's shirt, driving him down to the ground with him.
They tumbled together, coming to a rest with Colin on top of Velentham. He had only the briefest of moments to look down upon Velentham with murderous rage before he was hit with an intense blast of pure white radiance from the celestial. The black makou within Colin burned like fire throughout his whole body and he howled in pain. His head was thrown backward as the blast continued to pummel him but there was no way Colin would relinquish his grip upon the man below him. As pain, rage, and icy darkness completely consumed him, Colin clenched his jaw and used all his strength to drive his head straight down toward Velentham's face.
Battle Scars
No sooner than the two men let go of her than Sanria scrambled, scooping Leandra in one arm and Orn in her other. The little boy fought hard against his mother, "Papa! Help Papa!" Sanria got to the door and looked at Orn, her eyes holding a seriousness not lost on the child.
"I'll help Papa, please, you have to help Leandra."
Orn set his jaw, a Colin in miniature, and nodded in agreement. Sanria whisked the children into the house and raced back outside and positioned herself between Colin and Velentham. "Stop this. Please. Both of you, I'm begging you both... stop."
"I'll stop when you agree to come with me and this beast knows his place."
"No! You will pay!"
Sanria turned to face Velentham, certain to keep in the dead center of the two men. "I can't go with you... my children are here, as is my hus- band. Please... understand."
"I will let you bring the children with us, my love."
"Sanria, move. Let me take care of him."
"No. No to both of you. Stop. You're both acting like animals. I am not an object and I will not be treated as though I don't have a choice!"
"Sanria, you had a choice and you made the wrong one. I'm here to fix that. They took you away from me, I'm only here to finish what we started."
"She said no Velentham. No!"
Velentham's glowing eyes locked on Sanria and she felt the pit of her stomach drop. He rushed forward, lifting her from her feet with the same speed he displayed before. He carried her high into the air, setting her on the side of the mountain that housed her cavern. He drifted back down as she clung to the side, balanced on the sliver of ledge where he placed her.
Far below she could see Colin glaring up. She had to get down there. Fast.
"I'll help Papa, please, you have to help Leandra."
Orn set his jaw, a Colin in miniature, and nodded in agreement. Sanria whisked the children into the house and raced back outside and positioned herself between Colin and Velentham. "Stop this. Please. Both of you, I'm begging you both... stop."
"I'll stop when you agree to come with me and this beast knows his place."
"No! You will pay!"
Sanria turned to face Velentham, certain to keep in the dead center of the two men. "I can't go with you... my children are here, as is my hus- band. Please... understand."
"I will let you bring the children with us, my love."
"Sanria, move. Let me take care of him."
"No. No to both of you. Stop. You're both acting like animals. I am not an object and I will not be treated as though I don't have a choice!"
"Sanria, you had a choice and you made the wrong one. I'm here to fix that. They took you away from me, I'm only here to finish what we started."
"She said no Velentham. No!"
Velentham's glowing eyes locked on Sanria and she felt the pit of her stomach drop. He rushed forward, lifting her from her feet with the same speed he displayed before. He carried her high into the air, setting her on the side of the mountain that housed her cavern. He drifted back down as she clung to the side, balanced on the sliver of ledge where he placed her.
Far below she could see Colin glaring up. She had to get down there. Fast.
Confronting the Beast
Velentham watched Colin as his eyes snapped to him. The big man had a bit of a problem, a black darkness that seemed to grow around him and within him. The activation of the darkness had an immediate affect on Velentham and his vision began to grow white, outlining his target in perfect detail. Still, thanks to the amulets he still wore, he was able to remain in some control of his faculties. "I'll show you who's finished!" Colin yelled.
"Sanria. Let's go."
The couple were more concerned about their child Orn who stared open mouthed at his father. Colin dropped to his knee to console the child as did Sanria, and it infuriated Velentham. He walked over and grabbed Sanria by the arm, pulling her to her feet, but before he could move away with his quarry, Colin was on his feet, holding her other arm. "You let her go. Now!" Colin growled.
"I've never in my life hesitated to get rid of evil, and you reek of it. I will slay you where you stand. Let go of her, she's coming with me, as it should have been and will be."
The squalling of the infant barely registered in Velentham's hearing. Sanria's pleas for them to stop were barely heard. Velentham's full focus was on the large man in front of him and his near inability to keep himself sane. From mid-air he pulled his sword, still holding on to Sanria with his other hand.
With a roar, Colin latched onto Velentham's wrist, squeezing as hard as he could. While it hurt, Velentham was not to be deterred. He sent a blast of radiance into Colin's body, a blast that would have disabled any normal demon, but Colin merely howled in pain. The big man aimed a punch, forcing Velentham to release Sanria and move out of the way. He couldn't understand how this beast of a man was able to withstand his radiance, but as he stepped deeper into his Celestial nature, he was positive he'd put an end to Colin.
"Sanria. Let's go."
The couple were more concerned about their child Orn who stared open mouthed at his father. Colin dropped to his knee to console the child as did Sanria, and it infuriated Velentham. He walked over and grabbed Sanria by the arm, pulling her to her feet, but before he could move away with his quarry, Colin was on his feet, holding her other arm. "You let her go. Now!" Colin growled.
"I've never in my life hesitated to get rid of evil, and you reek of it. I will slay you where you stand. Let go of her, she's coming with me, as it should have been and will be."
The squalling of the infant barely registered in Velentham's hearing. Sanria's pleas for them to stop were barely heard. Velentham's full focus was on the large man in front of him and his near inability to keep himself sane. From mid-air he pulled his sword, still holding on to Sanria with his other hand.
With a roar, Colin latched onto Velentham's wrist, squeezing as hard as he could. While it hurt, Velentham was not to be deterred. He sent a blast of radiance into Colin's body, a blast that would have disabled any normal demon, but Colin merely howled in pain. The big man aimed a punch, forcing Velentham to release Sanria and move out of the way. He couldn't understand how this beast of a man was able to withstand his radiance, but as he stepped deeper into his Celestial nature, he was positive he'd put an end to Colin.
When Worlds Collide
Sanria went outside the cavern, expecting to have time to collect herself, but found Colin sitting with the children. She couldn't tell him what Velentham had done to her. She wouldn't crush him with the news. She would wait until Velentham had gone, and he'd have to leave now. There was nothing more left for him to want.
Though Colin was concerned, Sanria kept the story from him. She had only moments before Velentham was there. Why wouldn't he just leave her alone? "Velentham. What's going on? What did you say to Sanria?" Colin asked, and Sanria felt dread in the pit of her stomach.
"You want to know?"
"Please... stop it," she begged, knowing what was coming.
Sanria started as Colin smacked Velentham's hand away from his head. There were rare times indeed that Sanria got the opportunity to see the speed that Colin possessed and the strength. There just weren't many problems to be had anymore. But as he leapt to his feet she knew she had to stop him before the black makou in him took over, a reality fast intruding as his eyes grew darker.
She got up quickly and stepped in front of Colin. "Please, don't do this... there's no need, Velentham will be going."
"What he did to you. No. He will pay for that."
"I am going to be leaving," Velentham said from behind her.
"We have business before you go Velentham."
"Is that so?"
Sanria could feel the chill aura as it began to surround Colin. She reached up and took Colin's face in her hands. She was desperate to prevent what would happen. And what would happen? A Celestial, born to end evil, and a man filled with a substance that some would consider the root of evil itself. "No. No no no... Colin!"
Colin came to only for a moment as he looked down at her, his eyes teary. "Sanria... what he did. He can't just get away with that."
"Colin... I am a big girl and I can deal with it. I won't see you two in a fight. Not here, not now, not ever."
"Are you finished, Sanria?" Velentham asked.
The words were all it took for Colin's focus to be drawn away from her. Sanria felt nearly helpless as Colin began to close the gap between himself and Velentham.
Though Colin was concerned, Sanria kept the story from him. She had only moments before Velentham was there. Why wouldn't he just leave her alone? "Velentham. What's going on? What did you say to Sanria?" Colin asked, and Sanria felt dread in the pit of her stomach.
"You want to know?"
"Please... stop it," she begged, knowing what was coming.
Sanria started as Colin smacked Velentham's hand away from his head. There were rare times indeed that Sanria got the opportunity to see the speed that Colin possessed and the strength. There just weren't many problems to be had anymore. But as he leapt to his feet she knew she had to stop him before the black makou in him took over, a reality fast intruding as his eyes grew darker.
She got up quickly and stepped in front of Colin. "Please, don't do this... there's no need, Velentham will be going."
"What he did to you. No. He will pay for that."
"I am going to be leaving," Velentham said from behind her.
"We have business before you go Velentham."
"Is that so?"
Sanria could feel the chill aura as it began to surround Colin. She reached up and took Colin's face in her hands. She was desperate to prevent what would happen. And what would happen? A Celestial, born to end evil, and a man filled with a substance that some would consider the root of evil itself. "No. No no no... Colin!"
Colin came to only for a moment as he looked down at her, his eyes teary. "Sanria... what he did. He can't just get away with that."
"Colin... I am a big girl and I can deal with it. I won't see you two in a fight. Not here, not now, not ever."
"Are you finished, Sanria?" Velentham asked.
The words were all it took for Colin's focus to be drawn away from her. Sanria felt nearly helpless as Colin began to close the gap between himself and Velentham.
Reflection
It had been several months, five, Claire reminded herself, with no word from Gilean at all. She stayed at the cottage, afraid to leave in case he returned, but she longed to go in search of him. To find someone who could help her locate her lover.
The idea of retrieving the necklaces and finding Kaliadra to traverse the planes crossed her mind more than once, but what if he didn't want to be found. Perhaps he had gone back and decided to stay. In the grand scheme of things, she didn't mean too much. Regardless, Gilean's absence was hard for her.
She spent her hours trying not to count her hours, reading spell books, gazing on the flowers Gilean had given her when he told her how he felt. Often times, she'd find herself crying - the purple flames that burned so brightly on her skin nothing more than a dull simmer.
It was difficult to admit that maybe, just maybe, she would never see him again. She would reach out, hopeful that she might be able to feel him with her mind if nothing else. The stillness that came back to her left her soul chilled.
The idea of retrieving the necklaces and finding Kaliadra to traverse the planes crossed her mind more than once, but what if he didn't want to be found. Perhaps he had gone back and decided to stay. In the grand scheme of things, she didn't mean too much. Regardless, Gilean's absence was hard for her.
She spent her hours trying not to count her hours, reading spell books, gazing on the flowers Gilean had given her when he told her how he felt. Often times, she'd find herself crying - the purple flames that burned so brightly on her skin nothing more than a dull simmer.
It was difficult to admit that maybe, just maybe, she would never see him again. She would reach out, hopeful that she might be able to feel him with her mind if nothing else. The stillness that came back to her left her soul chilled.
Trading Lives
Velentham got up and went through the moonwell to find himself in the garden of the cavern. He swiftly went through the various rooms, looking for Sanria. He would explain to her that she just didn't remember him properly and that Colin had brainwashed her to be against him. If she would just give him the chance to show her the right way, things would be alright.
It was clear she wasn't in the cavern, but she couldn't have gone far. As he went to leave the library, he heard the voices coming from outside. Velentham opened the door to see Sanria sitting on a blanket with Colin and their baby, sobbing. Colin's hand was on her shoulder and Velentham felt his bile rise.
"Colin." Velentham said by way of greeting, giving the larger man a nod.
"Velentham. What's going on? What did you say to Sanria?"
How dare Colin question him. "You want to know?"
"Please... stop it," Sanria said, turning to look up at him.
"He wants to know. I think he should know."
"Look, I don't know what you're playing at Velentham but Sanria told you to leave. I think you need to listen to her."
Velentham knelt down and put his hand to Colin's temple. He forced into Colin's brain, in a matter of seconds, everything from Sanria coming out of the cavern to chastise him to him pouring his energies into her to him relishing her body for an hour on the top of a mountain.
The big man suddenly knocked Velentham's hand away and nearly jumped to standing. Velentham slowly rose, looking down his nose at Colin with a very slight smirk. Colin spoke, his voice choked, "Sanria... take the kids inside."
It was clear she wasn't in the cavern, but she couldn't have gone far. As he went to leave the library, he heard the voices coming from outside. Velentham opened the door to see Sanria sitting on a blanket with Colin and their baby, sobbing. Colin's hand was on her shoulder and Velentham felt his bile rise.
"Colin." Velentham said by way of greeting, giving the larger man a nod.
"Velentham. What's going on? What did you say to Sanria?"
How dare Colin question him. "You want to know?"
"Please... stop it," Sanria said, turning to look up at him.
"He wants to know. I think he should know."
"Look, I don't know what you're playing at Velentham but Sanria told you to leave. I think you need to listen to her."
Velentham knelt down and put his hand to Colin's temple. He forced into Colin's brain, in a matter of seconds, everything from Sanria coming out of the cavern to chastise him to him pouring his energies into her to him relishing her body for an hour on the top of a mountain.
The big man suddenly knocked Velentham's hand away and nearly jumped to standing. Velentham slowly rose, looking down his nose at Colin with a very slight smirk. Colin spoke, his voice choked, "Sanria... take the kids inside."
Mountaintop Removal
Sanria should have sensed that things weren't going to go according to plan when she walked out to yell at Velentham. The truth was she was beyond angry. She had, indeed, loved Velentham in the past and had wanted to stay with him, but that was a lifetime ago. For him to come into her home and go into her mind and share all he found there with Colin to try to hurt him was beyond even her limits for forgiveness.
Sanria was adamant in her refusal of him, but it didn't seem to make the slightest impression on Velentham. He grabbed her and pulled her into an embrace and held her there against his chest. "You need me, Sanria. I need you. I came through the nine hells for you, I am not going to give up. I won't take no for an answer."
"You... are going to have to, Velentham."
"I won't see you unhappy."
"I'm not unhappy, and you're going to have to let go of me now."
"You can't lie to me."
Velentham lifted her easily into his arms, and Sanria felt her heart go into overdrive. She couldn't manage a singular protest before he was up in the air, flying faster than any spell could manage, and landing on top of a distant mountaintop. This was not playing out well at all.
It didn't matter what came out of her mouth, Sanria could not get Velentham to leave her alone. The more she refused, the more she began to feel a peculiar sensation enter into her mind. Her thoughts came to her slower, her whole body began to relax into every touch and kiss he placed on her. She felt as though her thoughts were sinking beneath water and no matter how much she tried, she couldn't rise above them.
It was at least an hour before Velentham finished with her and the weight of calm and relaxation began to recede. As his influence left her, Sanria was left sitting in shock. She couldn't believe him as he looked over at her, his face concerned. "Please, don't regret this..."
"Take me home... please."
"Sanria..."
"Just take me home. And when we get there... you need to leave."
"Sanria -"
Sanria got up, remembering only then that she did have abilities. Know- ing, remembering, that she could have left well before anything happened nearly made her sick. She had been so long without her magic, unable to cast, the idea had no place in her mind. She let out a sob and cast a moonwell, vanishing to the cavern beyond without another word.
Sanria was adamant in her refusal of him, but it didn't seem to make the slightest impression on Velentham. He grabbed her and pulled her into an embrace and held her there against his chest. "You need me, Sanria. I need you. I came through the nine hells for you, I am not going to give up. I won't take no for an answer."
"You... are going to have to, Velentham."
"I won't see you unhappy."
"I'm not unhappy, and you're going to have to let go of me now."
"You can't lie to me."
Velentham lifted her easily into his arms, and Sanria felt her heart go into overdrive. She couldn't manage a singular protest before he was up in the air, flying faster than any spell could manage, and landing on top of a distant mountaintop. This was not playing out well at all.
It didn't matter what came out of her mouth, Sanria could not get Velentham to leave her alone. The more she refused, the more she began to feel a peculiar sensation enter into her mind. Her thoughts came to her slower, her whole body began to relax into every touch and kiss he placed on her. She felt as though her thoughts were sinking beneath water and no matter how much she tried, she couldn't rise above them.
It was at least an hour before Velentham finished with her and the weight of calm and relaxation began to recede. As his influence left her, Sanria was left sitting in shock. She couldn't believe him as he looked over at her, his face concerned. "Please, don't regret this..."
"Take me home... please."
"Sanria..."
"Just take me home. And when we get there... you need to leave."
"Sanria -"
Sanria got up, remembering only then that she did have abilities. Know- ing, remembering, that she could have left well before anything happened nearly made her sick. She had been so long without her magic, unable to cast, the idea had no place in her mind. She let out a sob and cast a moonwell, vanishing to the cavern beyond without another word.
On Gaining Love
Velentham sat on the top of the mountain, the moonwell behind him still swirling after Sanria's departure, and let out a yell of rage. Things were not supposed to go this way. She was supposed to admit she loved him and admit she wanted to be with him. He shouldn't have had to use the energies to make her stay here with him. He shouldn't have had to use the energies to make her make love to him. Now she wanted him gone.
Velentham thought back over the day as it had played out. She had come to him upset. "What the hell is wrong with you?"
"I don't know what you mean."
"Those things you said to Colin! You told him things you saw while you were in my mind? Who does that?"
"I understand that you're upset, and I'm sorry. I was angry and hurt."
"Is that what you do when you're angry and upset? Try to ruin someone elses life?"
"I honestly didn't mean to ruin your life."
"And what in the hell is this business about coming to take me away?"
"It's what I came here for, yes. I make no qualms about that. I want you to be with me, Sanria."
"Well I'm with Colin. I told you that before."
"But you don't really want to be."
"That is not for you to decide. It's for me to decide and I've chosen to be with him. I do love him."
"But not like you should. You can't hide that from me, Sanria. I know."
"It doesn't matter! Throm is dead, Thasmudyan is... my past -"
"And I am right here. I know what we had, so do you."
It should have been enough but Velentham had been shocked by the bull- headed nature of Sanria's mind. "Colin is right here, too," she said.
"But you've had one moment where you really looked at him as a lover, every time after, years after, you've looked at him as someone you have to take care of - someone that you had to defer to. An afterthought!"
"That's not true."
"Isn't it? I've seen it, Sanria."
"That... that was before. Not now."
"All his jealousies, are you going to try to tell me that now that he is getting upset with you over Thasmudyan, worrying about your every move, speaking for you when you can speak for yourself that you're not feeling that small ball of regret in your heart?"
She kept telling him no. Kept claiming she loved Colin, but Velentham knew better. She couldn't lie to him. He had seen every corner of her mind. He took her to this very mountaintop. He had said everything he could say. "Why do you fight this?" he asked.
"It's not right, Velentham. If you saw anything, you should have seen how frequently my life was tied up in one affair or another."
"If I were Thasmudyan would you do it?"
"That is... low."
She had tried to get up, but he simply couldn't let her get away from him. "No, it isn't. You can't lie to me, Sanria. I've seen your heart."
"And you're not above using that to your advantage, are you?"
That stung. "For you? No."
He poured every ounce of calming, soothing, relaxing energy into her and had succeeded in bending her to his desires. But now, she wanted him out. Out of her life. No. He wouldn't leave until she was left with him.
Velentham thought back over the day as it had played out. She had come to him upset. "What the hell is wrong with you?"
"I don't know what you mean."
"Those things you said to Colin! You told him things you saw while you were in my mind? Who does that?"
"I understand that you're upset, and I'm sorry. I was angry and hurt."
"Is that what you do when you're angry and upset? Try to ruin someone elses life?"
"I honestly didn't mean to ruin your life."
"And what in the hell is this business about coming to take me away?"
"It's what I came here for, yes. I make no qualms about that. I want you to be with me, Sanria."
"Well I'm with Colin. I told you that before."
"But you don't really want to be."
"That is not for you to decide. It's for me to decide and I've chosen to be with him. I do love him."
"But not like you should. You can't hide that from me, Sanria. I know."
"It doesn't matter! Throm is dead, Thasmudyan is... my past -"
"And I am right here. I know what we had, so do you."
It should have been enough but Velentham had been shocked by the bull- headed nature of Sanria's mind. "Colin is right here, too," she said.
"But you've had one moment where you really looked at him as a lover, every time after, years after, you've looked at him as someone you have to take care of - someone that you had to defer to. An afterthought!"
"That's not true."
"Isn't it? I've seen it, Sanria."
"That... that was before. Not now."
"All his jealousies, are you going to try to tell me that now that he is getting upset with you over Thasmudyan, worrying about your every move, speaking for you when you can speak for yourself that you're not feeling that small ball of regret in your heart?"
She kept telling him no. Kept claiming she loved Colin, but Velentham knew better. She couldn't lie to him. He had seen every corner of her mind. He took her to this very mountaintop. He had said everything he could say. "Why do you fight this?" he asked.
"It's not right, Velentham. If you saw anything, you should have seen how frequently my life was tied up in one affair or another."
"If I were Thasmudyan would you do it?"
"That is... low."
She had tried to get up, but he simply couldn't let her get away from him. "No, it isn't. You can't lie to me, Sanria. I've seen your heart."
"And you're not above using that to your advantage, are you?"
That stung. "For you? No."
He poured every ounce of calming, soothing, relaxing energy into her and had succeeded in bending her to his desires. But now, she wanted him out. Out of her life. No. He wouldn't leave until she was left with him.
Fed Up (1-2)
Arlenia stared out over the sea, her eyes twin pits of despair. She picked up a rock and hefted it over the edge with a growl, then clutched her stomach. To do such a thing hurt. It sucked.
She sulked back down the mountain, her stomach preceding her. She hated that she was saddled with this child. She hated it. She loathed the father. She had to do something, and the idea struck her as she came down the path.
Arlenia went to Banion's hut. "Banion, do you have something to stop bleeding?"
"Are you bleeding child?" he asked with concern.
"No but, I'm concerned."
"Well there's no need to be concerned if nothing is wrong." "Please?"
Banion sighed and walked over to his cupboard. He pulled out a vial and handed it to her. "If you are bleeding or anyone else is bleeding, this will heal anything."
"And do you have anything for pain?"
"Arlenia..."
"Please, Banion."
Banion turned around and again fished through the cupboard. He produced another vial and handed it to her. "Anything else?"
"No, this will do. Thank you. I feel so much better already."
"Alright."
Arlenia walked slowly back up the mountain, hiking until she caught a stitch in her side and had to rest. She went deeper into the wooded area where she would not be seen. She pulled out a blade and looked down to her stomach. "I'll send you to your father. Piece by piece."
Arlenia took a stick and put it in her mouth. Biting down, she slid the blade into her stomach and immediately she started to sweat. She growled as the blade slid deeper. Stars began to fill her vision, but she forced herself to remain conscious. She cut enough of herself open to reach her hand into her own uterus. She felt the fetus within and pulled it out.
At the sudden rush of blood and amniotic fluid Arlenia nearly passed out. She laid the infant on the ground and downed the vial for pain. At last, she gained some focus. The infant squirmed, its airways uncleared, it's death immanent.
Arlenia severed the afterbirth from within herself and pulled it out. With the infant and the placenta laying on the ground, she quaffed the healing potion and watched the gaping wound at her side heal.
For a moment, she felt sorry for what she had done. Seeing the infant, no longer than 6 inches, open and close its mouth until it finally stopped... but then the madness that had come onto her rose again - and Arlenia set to work. She would send one piece for every month she was pregnant. Five in all.
The work was gruesome, but even the hot blood on her skin and the smell of iron didn't make her stop. Colin would have his child.
She sulked back down the mountain, her stomach preceding her. She hated that she was saddled with this child. She hated it. She loathed the father. She had to do something, and the idea struck her as she came down the path.
Arlenia went to Banion's hut. "Banion, do you have something to stop bleeding?"
"Are you bleeding child?" he asked with concern.
"No but, I'm concerned."
"Well there's no need to be concerned if nothing is wrong." "Please?"
Banion sighed and walked over to his cupboard. He pulled out a vial and handed it to her. "If you are bleeding or anyone else is bleeding, this will heal anything."
"And do you have anything for pain?"
"Arlenia..."
"Please, Banion."
Banion turned around and again fished through the cupboard. He produced another vial and handed it to her. "Anything else?"
"No, this will do. Thank you. I feel so much better already."
"Alright."
Arlenia walked slowly back up the mountain, hiking until she caught a stitch in her side and had to rest. She went deeper into the wooded area where she would not be seen. She pulled out a blade and looked down to her stomach. "I'll send you to your father. Piece by piece."
Arlenia took a stick and put it in her mouth. Biting down, she slid the blade into her stomach and immediately she started to sweat. She growled as the blade slid deeper. Stars began to fill her vision, but she forced herself to remain conscious. She cut enough of herself open to reach her hand into her own uterus. She felt the fetus within and pulled it out.
At the sudden rush of blood and amniotic fluid Arlenia nearly passed out. She laid the infant on the ground and downed the vial for pain. At last, she gained some focus. The infant squirmed, its airways uncleared, it's death immanent.
Arlenia severed the afterbirth from within herself and pulled it out. With the infant and the placenta laying on the ground, she quaffed the healing potion and watched the gaping wound at her side heal.
For a moment, she felt sorry for what she had done. Seeing the infant, no longer than 6 inches, open and close its mouth until it finally stopped... but then the madness that had come onto her rose again - and Arlenia set to work. She would send one piece for every month she was pregnant. Five in all.
The work was gruesome, but even the hot blood on her skin and the smell of iron didn't make her stop. Colin would have his child.
By Forces Known
Sanria knew something was definitely wrong when Colin didn't accompany her to bed that night. She wasn't sure where he had gone and while it worried her a little, she also understood that he may very well be taking care of other things. She stayed up, reading with Leandra nearby until the man slogged into the room. "Colin... where were you?"
"I ah... was training."
"Training? You haven't trained in... a long time."
"Yeah."
Something was definitely wrong here. "Please, what is it?"
"I had a long talk with Velentham." And there it was. Sanria sighed and shook her head, closing her book.
"What did he say?"
"A lot, actually. I really think he should leave. He threatened me, well, I guess I threatened him back but still..."
"What happened?"
Colin repeated the things Velentham had told him and the blood drained from Sanria's face. "It isn't true, is it?" he asked her when discussing Thasmudyan.
"Well... I..." Sanria knew she couldn't hide it. "Yes."
"Why didn't you tell me?" he asked. "You said you didn't feel anything."
"Because it didn't matter, Colin. No matter what I felt, I chose you."
"Yeah."
The look of pain on Colin's face tore Sanria's heart to pieces. She wanted to make it go away, but he continued asking her, and she continued to confirm what Velentham had said. "Do you think about them when you're with me?" he asked, looking down. The breath caught in Sanria's throat. How could she deny that many a time she had wanted the man at her side to not be Colin, but someone else?
"Sometimes..." she whispered. She looked over at the pain on Colin's face and turned him to face her. "I don't think you should ask me any other questions."
"Why?"
"Because they don't matter."
Sanria waited, hoping that the message would sink in. Hoping Colin would under- stand that she was here, with him, and not the others. At long last, he did. "You're right, damn it. We're together and all that matters is us."
"That's right," Sanria replied, pulling him into an embrace. "I'll have a talk with Velentham - he needs to be set straight."
"Do you think that's wise? I mean, he's proven he'll say anything. He means to take you away."
"Take me away?" Sanria shook her head. "I think it will be fine. If he said that, he'll not do anything to me. He needs to hear it again, I'm with you."
"I ah... was training."
"Training? You haven't trained in... a long time."
"Yeah."
Something was definitely wrong here. "Please, what is it?"
"I had a long talk with Velentham." And there it was. Sanria sighed and shook her head, closing her book.
"What did he say?"
"A lot, actually. I really think he should leave. He threatened me, well, I guess I threatened him back but still..."
"What happened?"
Colin repeated the things Velentham had told him and the blood drained from Sanria's face. "It isn't true, is it?" he asked her when discussing Thasmudyan.
"Well... I..." Sanria knew she couldn't hide it. "Yes."
"Why didn't you tell me?" he asked. "You said you didn't feel anything."
"Because it didn't matter, Colin. No matter what I felt, I chose you."
"Yeah."
The look of pain on Colin's face tore Sanria's heart to pieces. She wanted to make it go away, but he continued asking her, and she continued to confirm what Velentham had said. "Do you think about them when you're with me?" he asked, looking down. The breath caught in Sanria's throat. How could she deny that many a time she had wanted the man at her side to not be Colin, but someone else?
"Sometimes..." she whispered. She looked over at the pain on Colin's face and turned him to face her. "I don't think you should ask me any other questions."
"Why?"
"Because they don't matter."
Sanria waited, hoping that the message would sink in. Hoping Colin would under- stand that she was here, with him, and not the others. At long last, he did. "You're right, damn it. We're together and all that matters is us."
"That's right," Sanria replied, pulling him into an embrace. "I'll have a talk with Velentham - he needs to be set straight."
"Do you think that's wise? I mean, he's proven he'll say anything. He means to take you away."
"Take me away?" Sanria shook her head. "I think it will be fine. If he said that, he'll not do anything to me. He needs to hear it again, I'm with you."
Discussions (1-3)
Velentham arrived back at the cavern and walked into the kitchen the following morning. He searched the kitchen until he landed upon a bottle of alcohol and sat at the table with it and a glass. No matter how much he drank, it didn't get him drunk. It tasted awful, but he drank it anyway. No matter how much he drank, he couldn't wash down the bitterness that sat in his chest and kept choking him.
He had been sitting there for several minutes when Colin walked in wrapped in a cotton robe, as though he owned the world. Velentham wanted to slay him on the spot. "How is Sanria," he asked.
"Well enough, I suppose. I think she's still taking it all in," Colin answered, putting a kettle on the stove for tea. "So, did you plan on returning her memories all along?"
"I suppose I did."
"Then why the deception?"
"I came to win her back. Not really something you admit to the... husband."
"You are only here for a very few reasons. You returned her memories and spared her the pain, you are Gilean's cousin and we owe him much, and Sanria doesn't want me to throw you out."
"Right. Because if you wanted to, you could get me out of here?"
"It would be my pleasure. You know... as the husband."
"I'd love to see you try. You know... as the lover."
Colin scowled and in Velentham's vision something crept in. As Velentham grew more upset, his vision clouded, and in that vision, he saw Colin's body growing dark. There was something in him, something throughout his entire body that caused him to show up the same way demons and devils of the hells showed up. "Do you know what's odd, friend? What really seems, interesting, to me, to... mine eyes?"
"Do tell," Colin said, still fixing his tea.
"I can see an aura around you... in you. You've done something bad... are... something bad. I really hate evil things, you know? Gets in my blood, makes it boil."
"Funny how good and evil can be so... subjective. Don't you think."
The men tossed a few insults between one another and Velentham's soul grew darker as Colin spoke, "Velentham, you may think you love Sanria - but I don't think you even understand what love is."
"I was in her head, my friend," Velentham said with a laugh. "I know everything you've ever done with her. I've seen it through her eyes. I've seen your pitiful excuse for love - following after her like a dog even when she doesn't want you. You had to lie to even get her back here."
"You think you love her. You who has spent, what, a few weeks with her?"
"Would you like to know a secret? She doesn't want you. Even though she says she does, it's not you she's thinking of."
Velentham knew he had struck a chord as Colin leaned back, fighting to contain himself. The darkness within the man grew darker as Velentham watched, and it heightened his cruelty. "I recall when she discovered she was pregnant with your first spawn, the one that had a twin that she lost... how she wished it was Throm's child? I. saw. it."
"No... no..."
"Maybe this last time she slept with her ex husband, Thasmudyan? How she felt her soul merge with his, saw her life in his eyes... she liked it. A lot."
"You... you would say anything."
"She wouldn't mind doing it again, you know that? Apparently the guy is a really good lay."
"Funny, isn't it. That through all of that, and all of your pursuits, it's me she's married to. It's me she has children with. It's me who loves with her here in this house. Not Throm, not Thasmudyan, and most certainly not you."
"Not for long."
Velentham polished off the last of the alcohol that did nothing for him, barely able to contain the desire to slay Colin and the darkness within him. "I know what you're trying to do," Colin said, "and it's not going to work."
"Does she tell you that she dreams of him? That Throm fellow? The way he touched her, the way he loved her?"
"Does she tell you that? How does that make you feel my friend?"
"I was in her mind, Colin. And how does it make me feel? Nothing a little time in Elysium can't cure."
"Is that so?"
"She had forgotten you completely when she was with me last."
"Then why not take her there now? Why go through all this?"
The insinuation drove Velentham to madness. He couldn't take her there right now even if he had wanted to. He couldn't traverse the planes. He couldn't get back home. The only thing he had were the amulets around his neck, but even those wouldn't keep him from losing his mind in time. "I want her to choose me of her own accord. I could force her easily."
"Well then, enjoy the wait."
"Don't be shocked if things happen during the wait. I have convincing to do, after all."
Colin leaned across the table pointing a finger in to Velentham's face. Velentham barely held in check the desire to end him. The darkness that swirled within Colin stood out in stark contrast to the brightness that was swiftly blinding Velentham to all else. "You better watch yourself," the big man said. "You think it's fun to try to push me. You might not like what you find if you succeed."
Velentham grabbed Colin's extended finger, sending a shocking jolt of energy into him. He grinned as the large man recoiled, shoving him as he did so. "Just a taste my friend."
"Your time is very limited," Colin said, holding a fist.
"Come on... throw that punch. I dare you."
"No... now's not the time. I have Sanria... I have my family. And you better hope that that doesn't change."
"You couldn't do a damned thing even if you wanted to. I'd have your mind in a glob on the floor before you got within a ten foot distance."
Colin shoved the table in Velentham's direction and the Celestial smiled. "I'm done. And you will be soon." Colin walked out, leaving behind an untouched mug of tea. Velentham reached over, taking the mug in hand, smiling at the prospect of owning the world.
He had been sitting there for several minutes when Colin walked in wrapped in a cotton robe, as though he owned the world. Velentham wanted to slay him on the spot. "How is Sanria," he asked.
"Well enough, I suppose. I think she's still taking it all in," Colin answered, putting a kettle on the stove for tea. "So, did you plan on returning her memories all along?"
"I suppose I did."
"Then why the deception?"
"I came to win her back. Not really something you admit to the... husband."
"You are only here for a very few reasons. You returned her memories and spared her the pain, you are Gilean's cousin and we owe him much, and Sanria doesn't want me to throw you out."
"Right. Because if you wanted to, you could get me out of here?"
"It would be my pleasure. You know... as the husband."
"I'd love to see you try. You know... as the lover."
Colin scowled and in Velentham's vision something crept in. As Velentham grew more upset, his vision clouded, and in that vision, he saw Colin's body growing dark. There was something in him, something throughout his entire body that caused him to show up the same way demons and devils of the hells showed up. "Do you know what's odd, friend? What really seems, interesting, to me, to... mine eyes?"
"Do tell," Colin said, still fixing his tea.
"I can see an aura around you... in you. You've done something bad... are... something bad. I really hate evil things, you know? Gets in my blood, makes it boil."
"Funny how good and evil can be so... subjective. Don't you think."
The men tossed a few insults between one another and Velentham's soul grew darker as Colin spoke, "Velentham, you may think you love Sanria - but I don't think you even understand what love is."
"I was in her head, my friend," Velentham said with a laugh. "I know everything you've ever done with her. I've seen it through her eyes. I've seen your pitiful excuse for love - following after her like a dog even when she doesn't want you. You had to lie to even get her back here."
"You think you love her. You who has spent, what, a few weeks with her?"
"Would you like to know a secret? She doesn't want you. Even though she says she does, it's not you she's thinking of."
Velentham knew he had struck a chord as Colin leaned back, fighting to contain himself. The darkness within the man grew darker as Velentham watched, and it heightened his cruelty. "I recall when she discovered she was pregnant with your first spawn, the one that had a twin that she lost... how she wished it was Throm's child? I. saw. it."
"No... no..."
"Maybe this last time she slept with her ex husband, Thasmudyan? How she felt her soul merge with his, saw her life in his eyes... she liked it. A lot."
"You... you would say anything."
"She wouldn't mind doing it again, you know that? Apparently the guy is a really good lay."
"Funny, isn't it. That through all of that, and all of your pursuits, it's me she's married to. It's me she has children with. It's me who loves with her here in this house. Not Throm, not Thasmudyan, and most certainly not you."
"Not for long."
Velentham polished off the last of the alcohol that did nothing for him, barely able to contain the desire to slay Colin and the darkness within him. "I know what you're trying to do," Colin said, "and it's not going to work."
"Does she tell you that she dreams of him? That Throm fellow? The way he touched her, the way he loved her?"
"Does she tell you that? How does that make you feel my friend?"
"I was in her mind, Colin. And how does it make me feel? Nothing a little time in Elysium can't cure."
"Is that so?"
"She had forgotten you completely when she was with me last."
"Then why not take her there now? Why go through all this?"
The insinuation drove Velentham to madness. He couldn't take her there right now even if he had wanted to. He couldn't traverse the planes. He couldn't get back home. The only thing he had were the amulets around his neck, but even those wouldn't keep him from losing his mind in time. "I want her to choose me of her own accord. I could force her easily."
"Well then, enjoy the wait."
"Don't be shocked if things happen during the wait. I have convincing to do, after all."
Colin leaned across the table pointing a finger in to Velentham's face. Velentham barely held in check the desire to end him. The darkness that swirled within Colin stood out in stark contrast to the brightness that was swiftly blinding Velentham to all else. "You better watch yourself," the big man said. "You think it's fun to try to push me. You might not like what you find if you succeed."
Velentham grabbed Colin's extended finger, sending a shocking jolt of energy into him. He grinned as the large man recoiled, shoving him as he did so. "Just a taste my friend."
"Your time is very limited," Colin said, holding a fist.
"Come on... throw that punch. I dare you."
"No... now's not the time. I have Sanria... I have my family. And you better hope that that doesn't change."
"You couldn't do a damned thing even if you wanted to. I'd have your mind in a glob on the floor before you got within a ten foot distance."
Colin shoved the table in Velentham's direction and the Celestial smiled. "I'm done. And you will be soon." Colin walked out, leaving behind an untouched mug of tea. Velentham reached over, taking the mug in hand, smiling at the prospect of owning the world.
Midnight Memories
That night Sanria laid in bed with Colin talking. He was deeply unsettled by their visitor, and no matter how much she tried to calm him and reassure him, it seemed Colin was destined to inherently dislike anyone that came to visit or stay. They were getting nowhere in their discussions when Sanria felt the pangs of hunger. It was odd to her that she felt hungry at all, in general, once she had gone to bed for the night, she didn't feel the need to eat until the following morning. "I am going to go to the kitchen, I'm hungry."
"Do you think that's a good idea?" Colin asked, still on the heels of their discussion about Velentham.
"Colin..."
With a somewhat irritated sigh, Sanria got up and donned her robe. She arrived in the kitchen to see Velentham sitting at the table. His smile was warm and it set her at ease. "Oh, I didn't know you would be down here. I was just a bit hungry."
"I felt a little bit hungry myself."
Sanria noted the fact that the man did not have any food before him, but let this minor fact go. She retrieved a plate of fruit from the ice box, knowing it would be there so long as Colin was around. He always had fruit cut up and ready to eat at any time.
Before long, Sanria found herself in conversation with Velentham, and then his hands were on her head. She had wanted for the longest time to regain her memories and he was giving her the chance. Instantly, every single moment of her life flooded back to her - every man, every child, every good time, every bad. Finally, the death of Throm and the heart-rending, soul-crushing feeling that it left her with, and her own death. Tears came from her eyes and she felt Velentham's hands move to her chin. Her chest hurt, as though crushed, when his lips found hers.
In that moment, she was there in the plane with him. They were there, hand in hand, walking along - laughing. They were there, sitting at the edge of the pond - brilliant colors of the plane all around them - kissing. The overwhelming sensation of love flooded her, love for Velentham. She pulled away and looked at the man before her. That was the past, he was the past, and she had promised herself that if she remembered, she would let it all be the past.
"I thank you for everything you've done tonight. I - needed to remember all of this so I could say goodbye to it."
"What? Sanria, no..."
"I can't be that woman again. I... have to go."
"Please - wait..."
"Goodnight Velentham."
She rushed back to bed, to Colin's ever waiting arms. She told him she remembered. She told him that it didn't matter. And it didn't. She might have all her memories now, but it wouldn't change the current facts. She just wouldn't let that happen.
"Do you think that's a good idea?" Colin asked, still on the heels of their discussion about Velentham.
"Colin..."
With a somewhat irritated sigh, Sanria got up and donned her robe. She arrived in the kitchen to see Velentham sitting at the table. His smile was warm and it set her at ease. "Oh, I didn't know you would be down here. I was just a bit hungry."
"I felt a little bit hungry myself."
Sanria noted the fact that the man did not have any food before him, but let this minor fact go. She retrieved a plate of fruit from the ice box, knowing it would be there so long as Colin was around. He always had fruit cut up and ready to eat at any time.
Before long, Sanria found herself in conversation with Velentham, and then his hands were on her head. She had wanted for the longest time to regain her memories and he was giving her the chance. Instantly, every single moment of her life flooded back to her - every man, every child, every good time, every bad. Finally, the death of Throm and the heart-rending, soul-crushing feeling that it left her with, and her own death. Tears came from her eyes and she felt Velentham's hands move to her chin. Her chest hurt, as though crushed, when his lips found hers.
In that moment, she was there in the plane with him. They were there, hand in hand, walking along - laughing. They were there, sitting at the edge of the pond - brilliant colors of the plane all around them - kissing. The overwhelming sensation of love flooded her, love for Velentham. She pulled away and looked at the man before her. That was the past, he was the past, and she had promised herself that if she remembered, she would let it all be the past.
"I thank you for everything you've done tonight. I - needed to remember all of this so I could say goodbye to it."
"What? Sanria, no..."
"I can't be that woman again. I... have to go."
"Please - wait..."
"Goodnight Velentham."
She rushed back to bed, to Colin's ever waiting arms. She told him she remembered. She told him that it didn't matter. And it didn't. She might have all her memories now, but it wouldn't change the current facts. She just wouldn't let that happen.
Backfires and Downdrafts
Velentham knew that Colin didn't want him to stay. His saving grace had actually been his cousin's name - a fact in which the irony was not lost. Sanria had talked Colin into not tossing him out and so the Celestial found himself walking behind the big man up the stairs to one of the guest rooms, leaving the love of his life behind him.
Velentham laid there for several hours before deciding to meet with Sanria. It was late and he rose and moved though the cavern without a sound, down to the kitchen. He sent forth a wave of energies, subversive, yes, but it got the job done. In moments, she entered the kitchen claiming she was hungry.
He watched her walk over to get the fruit from the ice box. He watched her sit down and he sat beside her. The whole of the situation made Velentham's heart ache. He loved her to the point of pain. He crossed through the hells to come back to her. "Have you thought about seeing if there's a way to get the memories back?"
"I've thought about it many a time. I've been told by druids that I shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth, I've been asked by Colin not to seek out my past -"
"Why don't they want you to remember anything?"
"I was troubled enough to want to take my own life. I guess they all feel that the memories would bring back those feelings and maybe make me completely unsettled again."
"What if I told you I could help you remember? If I could ease the burden of feeling but give you back your memories, would you? If I could ensure that you knew all you needed to know... that you remembered your past self but without the pain... would you want that?"
Sanria's nod was enough. He couldn't let her change her mind, so before another word could be spoken, Velentham placed his hands on each side of her head. The block he found within her mind was massive, but no match for his abilities. In mere instants he cleared away the darkness and let Sanria feel her memories for only a moment. He moved in, placing his lips to hers, sending calm, joy, and peace with the kiss. Enhancing the memories of himself and their time together until she pulled away.
"Velentham..." she began. "I'm with... Colin..."
"I know. But that can be remedied."
"I remember it all... and I thank you... but I haven't forgotten what happened afterward. Colin... may have been a bit subversive in getting us together... but..."
No. This wasn't what was supposed to happen. He had been good, he hadn't forced her to do anything. This was not right. "Sanria... please... don't... I told him I would let you choose... but I didn't anticipate that you would choose him over me."
"Velentham... He's... my husband. The father of my children."
"But... I love you. Everything about you. Your soul, your mind, your body... if you give me the chance I promise you, you'll never want for anything again. You'll never worry about anything. You'll never experience pain. I'd be yours forever, and I could make it so that you could be the same to me."
"I thank you for everything you've done tonight. I... needed to remember all of this so I could say goodbye to it."
"What? Sanria, no..." This couldn't be.
"I can't be that woman again. I... have to go."
"Please - wait..."
"Goodnight Velentham."
Sanria left the room and Velentham felt his heart fall. He was crushed, he was hurt, he was... angry. His eyes flashed silver and his nostrils flared. He stormed from the kitchen and into the garden. He took off, flying upward in the skies, screaming in rage. This would not do. This would not be the way this ended.
Velentham laid there for several hours before deciding to meet with Sanria. It was late and he rose and moved though the cavern without a sound, down to the kitchen. He sent forth a wave of energies, subversive, yes, but it got the job done. In moments, she entered the kitchen claiming she was hungry.
He watched her walk over to get the fruit from the ice box. He watched her sit down and he sat beside her. The whole of the situation made Velentham's heart ache. He loved her to the point of pain. He crossed through the hells to come back to her. "Have you thought about seeing if there's a way to get the memories back?"
"I've thought about it many a time. I've been told by druids that I shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth, I've been asked by Colin not to seek out my past -"
"Why don't they want you to remember anything?"
"I was troubled enough to want to take my own life. I guess they all feel that the memories would bring back those feelings and maybe make me completely unsettled again."
"What if I told you I could help you remember? If I could ease the burden of feeling but give you back your memories, would you? If I could ensure that you knew all you needed to know... that you remembered your past self but without the pain... would you want that?"
Sanria's nod was enough. He couldn't let her change her mind, so before another word could be spoken, Velentham placed his hands on each side of her head. The block he found within her mind was massive, but no match for his abilities. In mere instants he cleared away the darkness and let Sanria feel her memories for only a moment. He moved in, placing his lips to hers, sending calm, joy, and peace with the kiss. Enhancing the memories of himself and their time together until she pulled away.
"Velentham..." she began. "I'm with... Colin..."
"I know. But that can be remedied."
"I remember it all... and I thank you... but I haven't forgotten what happened afterward. Colin... may have been a bit subversive in getting us together... but..."
No. This wasn't what was supposed to happen. He had been good, he hadn't forced her to do anything. This was not right. "Sanria... please... don't... I told him I would let you choose... but I didn't anticipate that you would choose him over me."
"Velentham... He's... my husband. The father of my children."
"But... I love you. Everything about you. Your soul, your mind, your body... if you give me the chance I promise you, you'll never want for anything again. You'll never worry about anything. You'll never experience pain. I'd be yours forever, and I could make it so that you could be the same to me."
"I thank you for everything you've done tonight. I... needed to remember all of this so I could say goodbye to it."
"What? Sanria, no..." This couldn't be.
"I can't be that woman again. I... have to go."
"Please - wait..."
"Goodnight Velentham."
Sanria left the room and Velentham felt his heart fall. He was crushed, he was hurt, he was... angry. His eyes flashed silver and his nostrils flared. He stormed from the kitchen and into the garden. He took off, flying upward in the skies, screaming in rage. This would not do. This would not be the way this ended.
Hotel Sanria
Sanria heard the doorbell ring, a deep chime that echoed throughout the cavern. Of course, Colin was immediately at the ready. "Were you expecting someone?"
"No," she replied, only mildly amused at his sense of urgency. Sanria found it interesting how Colin seemed to guard them, he wasn't just sitting with his family - he was protecting them. From what, Sanria did not know.
She got up only after he had been gone for a while, swaddling Leandra and bringing her to the top of the stairs, "Colin? Is everything alright?" She looked down and saw, staring back up at her, a creature of extraordinary beauty. Sanria couldn't figure out why the man made her feel a certain comfort, but she felt that he was good.
He introduced himself as Velentham Arenfeld, and told Sanria she knew him from her planar trip. Immediately, she knew he was the originator of the rose she had given to Gilean, and it was confirmed. Throughout the discussion, she felt the concern mounting from Colin. Sanria knew his looks, knew his body language. He didn't like having this particular visitor - and even more since he was the one that had given her the very rose Colin did not like her having.
The beautiful man, Celestial, had asked them to stay. He was Gilean's cousin and did not want to intrude upon Gilean's reunion with Claire. It took Sanria much convincing, but eventually Colin relented to Velentham's stay. "Alright, but at some point I'd like to return to us to be the only adults in the house."
Colin gave her an adoring smile and went to show Velentham his room. "You're welcome to anything in the house," she called to him. "Food and the like. We have a library too." She wasn't met with a verbal response, but the feeling of longing that remained in the air after he passed by was unmistakable.
"No," she replied, only mildly amused at his sense of urgency. Sanria found it interesting how Colin seemed to guard them, he wasn't just sitting with his family - he was protecting them. From what, Sanria did not know.
She got up only after he had been gone for a while, swaddling Leandra and bringing her to the top of the stairs, "Colin? Is everything alright?" She looked down and saw, staring back up at her, a creature of extraordinary beauty. Sanria couldn't figure out why the man made her feel a certain comfort, but she felt that he was good.
He introduced himself as Velentham Arenfeld, and told Sanria she knew him from her planar trip. Immediately, she knew he was the originator of the rose she had given to Gilean, and it was confirmed. Throughout the discussion, she felt the concern mounting from Colin. Sanria knew his looks, knew his body language. He didn't like having this particular visitor - and even more since he was the one that had given her the very rose Colin did not like her having.
The beautiful man, Celestial, had asked them to stay. He was Gilean's cousin and did not want to intrude upon Gilean's reunion with Claire. It took Sanria much convincing, but eventually Colin relented to Velentham's stay. "Alright, but at some point I'd like to return to us to be the only adults in the house."
Colin gave her an adoring smile and went to show Velentham his room. "You're welcome to anything in the house," she called to him. "Food and the like. We have a library too." She wasn't met with a verbal response, but the feeling of longing that remained in the air after he passed by was unmistakable.
Informing Velentham
Claire walked in on them in the middle of a disagreement and the tension was thick. Velentham stood at the door, Gilean on the couch, and Claire felt her energy begin to wane once more. Gilean didn't want to tell Velentham where Sanria lived. It was more than she could bear, and Claire took matters into her own hands, telling Velentham where he could find the sage.
Velentham had barely closed the door before Claire turned to find Gilean. The priest was in the back of the cottage, standing amidst the roses. "I'm sorry..." Gilean said, turning to face her. "I don't know why he upsets me so much."
'I can't do this, Gilean. You have me so upset right now... I just want to leave.'
"How have I upset you? I didn't try to tell him what to do. I just wasn't going to help him."
'It's one thing for him to be arrogant and haughty, it's completely another for you to be antagonistic. Telling him to watch out for himself because they'll be looking for him... what is wrong with you? You've only succeeded in reminding me what I was headed off in the first place.'
"Well, yes I'm angry at him, but I meant that. As upset as he makes me I don't want to see him dead. I'm not trying to antagonize him. Didn't you see how he kept trying to rile me? Now I won't stand for him trying to influence you. But I didn't mean to do anything to him. I just refused to help him do something I disapprove of."
'You don't think I felt him trying to influence me?'
"Oh, I... I didn't know. I just felt what he was doing and..."
'You felt you had to step in. I noticed.'
Claire felt her frustration mounting and her energy slipping away. Again, she turned to go back to her family, and again Gilean stopped her. "Tell me, what am I to do with him?" he asked with a pleading gaze.
'Nothing!!! Don't you understand that? That's exactly what I'm talking about! He's not your charge, Gilean!'
"You think it's wrong for me to choose not to help him if I disapprove?"
Claire walked back into the house. Things were going downhill fast. She questioned whether her feelings for Gilean were only there because he was gone for so long. 'Maybe you need to go back to the temple where you can take care of people that need it, Gilean.'
"Claire... Claire, I want to be with you. I want to marry you. I want us to have our family. I can't go back to being alone. Not after experiencing being with you. I need you, and I need our child. I know I'm not perfect but I can be a better person. Please, help me to do that. Don't give up on me... don't give up on us."
Claire sighed deeply. She leaned on Gilean again, her soul and body drained. One thing she wasn't - she was not a quitter. Velentham was gone. He didn't appear to be coming back. Perhaps there would be peace. She and Gilean could fix the problems, mend, heal, and get back to normal.
Velentham had barely closed the door before Claire turned to find Gilean. The priest was in the back of the cottage, standing amidst the roses. "I'm sorry..." Gilean said, turning to face her. "I don't know why he upsets me so much."
'I can't do this, Gilean. You have me so upset right now... I just want to leave.'
"How have I upset you? I didn't try to tell him what to do. I just wasn't going to help him."
'It's one thing for him to be arrogant and haughty, it's completely another for you to be antagonistic. Telling him to watch out for himself because they'll be looking for him... what is wrong with you? You've only succeeded in reminding me what I was headed off in the first place.'
"Well, yes I'm angry at him, but I meant that. As upset as he makes me I don't want to see him dead. I'm not trying to antagonize him. Didn't you see how he kept trying to rile me? Now I won't stand for him trying to influence you. But I didn't mean to do anything to him. I just refused to help him do something I disapprove of."
'You don't think I felt him trying to influence me?'
"Oh, I... I didn't know. I just felt what he was doing and..."
'You felt you had to step in. I noticed.'
Claire felt her frustration mounting and her energy slipping away. Again, she turned to go back to her family, and again Gilean stopped her. "Tell me, what am I to do with him?" he asked with a pleading gaze.
'Nothing!!! Don't you understand that? That's exactly what I'm talking about! He's not your charge, Gilean!'
"You think it's wrong for me to choose not to help him if I disapprove?"
Claire walked back into the house. Things were going downhill fast. She questioned whether her feelings for Gilean were only there because he was gone for so long. 'Maybe you need to go back to the temple where you can take care of people that need it, Gilean.'
"Claire... Claire, I want to be with you. I want to marry you. I want us to have our family. I can't go back to being alone. Not after experiencing being with you. I need you, and I need our child. I know I'm not perfect but I can be a better person. Please, help me to do that. Don't give up on me... don't give up on us."
Claire sighed deeply. She leaned on Gilean again, her soul and body drained. One thing she wasn't - she was not a quitter. Velentham was gone. He didn't appear to be coming back. Perhaps there would be peace. She and Gilean could fix the problems, mend, heal, and get back to normal.
Coming Home
Claire asked Gilean not to come, but she should have known that no force could keep him away. He had traversed the Nine Hells to get back to her - so it really was no surprise to see him appear. "Claire, please. Let's go back home and we can talk."
'I don't want to talk to you right now, Gilean. I want to go to my home and have the time to think about this whole thing.'
"Claire, why won't you talk to me? How can we work through this if you're just going to go away?"
'Because I... I don't know if I want to be with someone who could do what you did. I don't know if I want to go back...'
Claire felt terrible looking at the tired face of Gilean. He was absolutely desperate. "But Claire... oh Claire. I need you. I am the same man. I've been worn so thin, but it's me and I need you. I crossed all that for you. I understand how I've hurt you. And I can understand needing time before everything will be ok. But how can we work through it if we're apart? Claire... I'll do anything. Please."
'What if you have another lapse of judgment? What if sometime down the road you are weary and do something else? Do you... truly even...' Claire trailed off. She couldn't bear to finish the sentence - he had hurt her so deeply.
"Claire, it's still me. You have to know that my intention wasn't..."
'I don't know... you got back here and came home to me and your soul is so... so... all over the place - as if you're trying to hold up part of the world and submerge the other part.'
"It is Claire... the memories of what I've put my family through, and having to deal with my people, and having to fight through hell, and Velentham... It's all so much."
Claire could see the weight that sat on Gilean's shoulders, still, it was hard for her to come to terms with what had happened. She knew, however, that no matter how much she wanted to leave, Gilean would follow, and she couldn't have him come back to her people with her. They would have to work it out.
They appeared back in at the cottage. Claire turned Gilean to her. 'Something has to give - and if I have to step away to let you work this out and make sense of it... I will.'
"No... if anything I need your help. You help to give me perspective."
'Then don't ever - ever - do that again... If you ever hurt someone like that... I promise you... I will go and not look back.'
Gilean held her tightly and Claire felt her strength wane. She said nothing to Gilean, but the child was sapping her more than even she thought it would. She put on the most normal face she could - but something was wrong.
'I don't want to talk to you right now, Gilean. I want to go to my home and have the time to think about this whole thing.'
"Claire, why won't you talk to me? How can we work through this if you're just going to go away?"
'Because I... I don't know if I want to be with someone who could do what you did. I don't know if I want to go back...'
Claire felt terrible looking at the tired face of Gilean. He was absolutely desperate. "But Claire... oh Claire. I need you. I am the same man. I've been worn so thin, but it's me and I need you. I crossed all that for you. I understand how I've hurt you. And I can understand needing time before everything will be ok. But how can we work through it if we're apart? Claire... I'll do anything. Please."
'What if you have another lapse of judgment? What if sometime down the road you are weary and do something else? Do you... truly even...' Claire trailed off. She couldn't bear to finish the sentence - he had hurt her so deeply.
"Claire, it's still me. You have to know that my intention wasn't..."
'I don't know... you got back here and came home to me and your soul is so... so... all over the place - as if you're trying to hold up part of the world and submerge the other part.'
"It is Claire... the memories of what I've put my family through, and having to deal with my people, and having to fight through hell, and Velentham... It's all so much."
Claire could see the weight that sat on Gilean's shoulders, still, it was hard for her to come to terms with what had happened. She knew, however, that no matter how much she wanted to leave, Gilean would follow, and she couldn't have him come back to her people with her. They would have to work it out.
They appeared back in at the cottage. Claire turned Gilean to her. 'Something has to give - and if I have to step away to let you work this out and make sense of it... I will.'
"No... if anything I need your help. You help to give me perspective."
'Then don't ever - ever - do that again... If you ever hurt someone like that... I promise you... I will go and not look back.'
Gilean held her tightly and Claire felt her strength wane. She said nothing to Gilean, but the child was sapping her more than even she thought it would. She put on the most normal face she could - but something was wrong.
Room With a View
Velentham sat in the room at the cottage, staring out the windows that overlooked the small garden at the back. He hated Gilean now. Truly and utterly hated him. His cousin and the purple being, Claire, had come to his rescue, but only after Gilean had tried getting him killed. Only Claire had prevented him from battling his cousin outright, but staying in their home was detestable to Velentham. He had to leave, and he would go where he knew he could be wanted.
Velentham walked into the living room to see Gilean on the couch. The lesser Celestial was busy trying to read, but Velentham knew his cousin was aware of his precense. "You know the sooner you tell me where she is, the sooner I get out of your house and life, right?"
"It has been pointed out to me that it might be none of my business what you do. After all you are not my responsibility. But it doesn't mean that I have to help you do something I disapprove of either."
"Well then, you won't mind if I go out and start asking around?"
"Why would I? You don't need my permission after all, right?"
"Done."
Velentham headed for the door. He didn't care what he had to do, he would find the information that he required. He had the door opened as Claire walked in. He would start here. With all the charm he could manage, he turned to her. "My cousin has decided not to help me find Sanria. You wouldn't happen to know the way to her home, would you?"
"Well... I do..."
"Velentham, don't you dare!" Gilean glared over at Velentham.
"What business is it of yours?"
"She is my wi... the woman I love. Don't you dare try to use her like that. Do you understand me?"
"Simply my way of doing things, no harm intended."
"He's trying to influence you to do what he wants," Gilean announced to Claire, his eyes boring into Velentham's skull.
"It wasn't intentional, cousin. We all do things we don't mean, don't we?"
Claire admonished the two of them and Velentham looked at her again with hope on his face. If she would just let him know, he would get out and never return. "You wish to know where she lives?"
"Yes," Velentham said, mentally adding, 'More than anything.'
"Will you be returning here once you've visited with her?"
"I don't believe my company is wanted."
"I can't... I can't sit here and listen to this," Gilean said.
"Then don't," Velentham snapped and looked back to Claire. "Will you help me, please?"
"Head west until you see a waterfall. Go behind it and you will be at her cavern. Please... do not use your charm on her. I hope you will give her the freedom to choose."
"Thank you," Velentham said, heading out the door.
Velentham walked into the living room to see Gilean on the couch. The lesser Celestial was busy trying to read, but Velentham knew his cousin was aware of his precense. "You know the sooner you tell me where she is, the sooner I get out of your house and life, right?"
"It has been pointed out to me that it might be none of my business what you do. After all you are not my responsibility. But it doesn't mean that I have to help you do something I disapprove of either."
"Well then, you won't mind if I go out and start asking around?"
"Why would I? You don't need my permission after all, right?"
"Done."
Velentham headed for the door. He didn't care what he had to do, he would find the information that he required. He had the door opened as Claire walked in. He would start here. With all the charm he could manage, he turned to her. "My cousin has decided not to help me find Sanria. You wouldn't happen to know the way to her home, would you?"
"Well... I do..."
"Velentham, don't you dare!" Gilean glared over at Velentham.
"What business is it of yours?"
"She is my wi... the woman I love. Don't you dare try to use her like that. Do you understand me?"
"Simply my way of doing things, no harm intended."
"He's trying to influence you to do what he wants," Gilean announced to Claire, his eyes boring into Velentham's skull.
"It wasn't intentional, cousin. We all do things we don't mean, don't we?"
Claire admonished the two of them and Velentham looked at her again with hope on his face. If she would just let him know, he would get out and never return. "You wish to know where she lives?"
"Yes," Velentham said, mentally adding, 'More than anything.'
"Will you be returning here once you've visited with her?"
"I don't believe my company is wanted."
"I can't... I can't sit here and listen to this," Gilean said.
"Then don't," Velentham snapped and looked back to Claire. "Will you help me, please?"
"Head west until you see a waterfall. Go behind it and you will be at her cavern. Please... do not use your charm on her. I hope you will give her the freedom to choose."
"Thank you," Velentham said, heading out the door.
Tailed
In truth, she knew she should have expected as much. Colin had been nothing but ever predictable and Sanria knew that the moment after telling him what happened that she would be shadowed ever after. Though she'd been avoiding Thasmudyan anyway, Colin was there every time she turned around. Even as she bathed, he watched over her, his fear based motivations ensuring that so long as Thasmudyan remained, her time would not be her own. Colin had confessed his jealousy, his desire to be able to share emotions with her as Thasmudyan now could. There was simply no way to convince him that such a thing was not necessarily positive.
The good thing to come out of all was the fact that the encounter absolutely worked for her pregnancy. Leandra was growing by leaps and bounds, at times causing Sanria to need sleep immediately to accommodate the pace. Orn, too was getting bigger, suddenly going from a toddler into a little boy - looking every bit of five.
It was a mere couple of days before Leandra made her way into the world. It shocked Sanria deeply, for her recollections of birth and all that followed after were non-existent. She begged for Colin to go get Thasmudyan to make the pain go away, but Colin would not relent in his insistence that she had done this before and her body knew what to do. He was right.
Finally done with the pregnancy and birth, Sanria watched Colin's face closely. The big man was enraptured with his daughter, her tiny hands, her small noises - he was in love. "You like this... you really do..." Sanria said, watching Colin swoon over his newborn.
"Well, maybe... I mean... look at her."
They brought Orn in to meet his new sister and the Stone family sat on the large bed looking at their newest member. Ready to go back to his bed, Orn looked over from the comfort of his father's arms. "Now you make a brother, ok." Sanria shook her head with a chuckle. Leandra would be the last. She would make sure of it.
The good thing to come out of all was the fact that the encounter absolutely worked for her pregnancy. Leandra was growing by leaps and bounds, at times causing Sanria to need sleep immediately to accommodate the pace. Orn, too was getting bigger, suddenly going from a toddler into a little boy - looking every bit of five.
It was a mere couple of days before Leandra made her way into the world. It shocked Sanria deeply, for her recollections of birth and all that followed after were non-existent. She begged for Colin to go get Thasmudyan to make the pain go away, but Colin would not relent in his insistence that she had done this before and her body knew what to do. He was right.
Finally done with the pregnancy and birth, Sanria watched Colin's face closely. The big man was enraptured with his daughter, her tiny hands, her small noises - he was in love. "You like this... you really do..." Sanria said, watching Colin swoon over his newborn.
"Well, maybe... I mean... look at her."
They brought Orn in to meet his new sister and the Stone family sat on the large bed looking at their newest member. Ready to go back to his bed, Orn looked over from the comfort of his father's arms. "Now you make a brother, ok." Sanria shook her head with a chuckle. Leandra would be the last. She would make sure of it.
Nightmare Reality
Velentham sailed downward, still clutching Claire and Gilean tightly, cursing. They landed softly and Claire took in a deep breath. 'They said they had word I was coming... cousin.' The voice was biting, and Claire looked up to see Velentham staring at Gilean.
'It wasn't... it wasn't what I intended.'
'Gilean?'
'They kept saying I was an esper. A troublemaking esper.'
'You wouldn't even stop to consider what you were doing. I just wanted to slow you down. Not... not...'
The reality crashed in on Claire and she looked to Gilean, her eyes pleading and skeptical. 'You told them he was an esper?'
'It was a bad decision. I told them it wasn't true.'
'Bad decision, huh?'
'Look, I felt terrible when I realized what I was doing... You, you just push me Velentham. You don't listen.'
Claire uttered a word and vanished into the cottage. She stood, frozen, in the living room - holding her breath. Gilean had sent the guards after his own cousin - telling them he was one of her kind. Her stomach turned in knots and threatened to upend on her. She had no further time to think as the sounds of shouting reached her ears. She appeared between the two men, her face angry. 'Stop. Now. The both of you should be ashamed of yourselves. I don't know what happened, but this... is ridiculous.'
'I know, I'm sorry,' Gilean replied.
'I know you're going to be wanted,' Claire said to Velentham. 'If you wish to stay with us you may, but only if you promise to stop doing this. No instigation.'
'He started this! Not me! He's the one butting into my life!'
'I know. But you must promise not to instigate if you stay.' Claire turned to Gilean, barely able to look at him. 'And you... must promise the same.'
'But... I just...'
'PROMISE! Both of you!'
With the cousins in loose agreement, Claire nodded. 'Then it is settled. Gilean, take him home and show him his room. I am going to think some things over. Do not come looking for me. I will be with my people.'
'What? With your people?' Gilean stepped toward her, but Claire held out a hand to stop him.
'I waited five months for you to come home... but I never thought I'd see a time where you used my people as a method to hurt someone else.'
'No, please... I didn't mean for...'
'How could you do such a thing?'
'I wasn't thinking. I... I didn't really think about it.'
'Try not to kill eachother.'
'But Claire... Please. Please don't go.'
Claire vanished in a flash of purple and appeared in the stormhorn Mountains overlooking a valley below. She looked down, a hand on her stomach, and sobbed. Whether or not she'd be going back, she didn't know. Claire only knew that she had never felt so hurt in all her life.
'It wasn't... it wasn't what I intended.'
'Gilean?'
'They kept saying I was an esper. A troublemaking esper.'
'You wouldn't even stop to consider what you were doing. I just wanted to slow you down. Not... not...'
The reality crashed in on Claire and she looked to Gilean, her eyes pleading and skeptical. 'You told them he was an esper?'
'It was a bad decision. I told them it wasn't true.'
'Bad decision, huh?'
'Look, I felt terrible when I realized what I was doing... You, you just push me Velentham. You don't listen.'
Claire uttered a word and vanished into the cottage. She stood, frozen, in the living room - holding her breath. Gilean had sent the guards after his own cousin - telling them he was one of her kind. Her stomach turned in knots and threatened to upend on her. She had no further time to think as the sounds of shouting reached her ears. She appeared between the two men, her face angry. 'Stop. Now. The both of you should be ashamed of yourselves. I don't know what happened, but this... is ridiculous.'
'I know, I'm sorry,' Gilean replied.
'I know you're going to be wanted,' Claire said to Velentham. 'If you wish to stay with us you may, but only if you promise to stop doing this. No instigation.'
'He started this! Not me! He's the one butting into my life!'
'I know. But you must promise not to instigate if you stay.' Claire turned to Gilean, barely able to look at him. 'And you... must promise the same.'
'But... I just...'
'PROMISE! Both of you!'
With the cousins in loose agreement, Claire nodded. 'Then it is settled. Gilean, take him home and show him his room. I am going to think some things over. Do not come looking for me. I will be with my people.'
'What? With your people?' Gilean stepped toward her, but Claire held out a hand to stop him.
'I waited five months for you to come home... but I never thought I'd see a time where you used my people as a method to hurt someone else.'
'No, please... I didn't mean for...'
'How could you do such a thing?'
'I wasn't thinking. I... I didn't really think about it.'
'Try not to kill eachother.'
'But Claire... Please. Please don't go.'
Claire vanished in a flash of purple and appeared in the stormhorn Mountains overlooking a valley below. She looked down, a hand on her stomach, and sobbed. Whether or not she'd be going back, she didn't know. Claire only knew that she had never felt so hurt in all her life.
Utter Confusion
'I AM NOT AN ESPER!'
The shout rang loudly and echoed against the city walls. Claire looked over at Velentham, remembering him instantly from the time she arrived in his plane, but finding herself startled at the glowing silver that came from his eyes and the rage that floated on his features. This did not bode well. He was surrounded. 'You'll be powering Lord Kefka's airships soon enough!' one of the guards yelled.
'I'll take every last one of you down if you try anything, do you hear me?! '
'I'm going to grab him,' Gilean said. 'Help cover me?'
Claire agreed and as soon as Gilean stepped away, her entire body lit in brilliant lavendar flames. 'He's not an esper. If you're looking for an esper, you've found me.'
'There's another!!!' yelled the guards.
Claire smiled and began to chant, around her fingers began to dance the crackle of electricity, the charge tingling within her.
'CASTER! SHE'S A CASTER!!!'
The barely let off the spell before one of the guards arrived with the full intention of knocking her off her feet. Quickly, she sidestepped the blow only to be grabbed from behind. She sent electricity into her assailant and looked over, noting for the first time that the guards had indeed gone into the city for their own caster. The wizard stood well back, chanting as the skies began to darken. 'Gilean! Hurry!!'
Claire watched, horrified, as Gilean and Velentham ran toward her with meteors screaming from the skies. 'Clare, go!' Gilean shouted.
'NO! Not without you!'
It was sudden and swift as Velentham took to the air, gripping Gilean in one arm and sweeping Claire from the ground with the other. They sailed high into the sky at phenomenal speed, dodging lightning as it flashed around them. 'Claire, get us home,' Gilean said.
Only with her full concentration did Claire manage to get the spell to function in just the last moment. The arrived high above the Druid's Grove, staring down at the tiny cottage that was home.
The shout rang loudly and echoed against the city walls. Claire looked over at Velentham, remembering him instantly from the time she arrived in his plane, but finding herself startled at the glowing silver that came from his eyes and the rage that floated on his features. This did not bode well. He was surrounded. 'You'll be powering Lord Kefka's airships soon enough!' one of the guards yelled.
'I'll take every last one of you down if you try anything, do you hear me?! '
'I'm going to grab him,' Gilean said. 'Help cover me?'
Claire agreed and as soon as Gilean stepped away, her entire body lit in brilliant lavendar flames. 'He's not an esper. If you're looking for an esper, you've found me.'
'There's another!!!' yelled the guards.
Claire smiled and began to chant, around her fingers began to dance the crackle of electricity, the charge tingling within her.
'CASTER! SHE'S A CASTER!!!'
The barely let off the spell before one of the guards arrived with the full intention of knocking her off her feet. Quickly, she sidestepped the blow only to be grabbed from behind. She sent electricity into her assailant and looked over, noting for the first time that the guards had indeed gone into the city for their own caster. The wizard stood well back, chanting as the skies began to darken. 'Gilean! Hurry!!'
Claire watched, horrified, as Gilean and Velentham ran toward her with meteors screaming from the skies. 'Clare, go!' Gilean shouted.
'NO! Not without you!'
It was sudden and swift as Velentham took to the air, gripping Gilean in one arm and sweeping Claire from the ground with the other. They sailed high into the sky at phenomenal speed, dodging lightning as it flashed around them. 'Claire, get us home,' Gilean said.
Only with her full concentration did Claire manage to get the spell to function in just the last moment. The arrived high above the Druid's Grove, staring down at the tiny cottage that was home.
Dream Come True
It had been several months, five, Claire reminded herself, with no word from Gilean at all. She stayed at the cottage, afraid to leave in case he returned, but she longed to go in search of him. To find someone who could help her locate her lover.
The idea of retrieving the necklaces and finding Kaliadra to traverse the planes crossed her mind more than once, but what if he didn't want to be found. Perhaps he had gone back and decided to stay. In the grand scheme of things, she didn't mean too much. Regardless, Gilean's absence was hard for her.
She spent her hours trying not to count her hours, reading spell books, gazing on the flowers Gilean had given her when he told her how he felt. Often times, she'd find herself crying - the purple flames that burned so brightly on her skin nothing more than a dull simmer.
It was difficult to admit that maybe, just maybe, she would never see him again. She would reach out, hopeful that she might be able to feel him with her mind if nothing else. The stillness that came back to her left her soul chilled.
The idea of retrieving the necklaces and finding Kaliadra to traverse the planes crossed her mind more than once, but what if he didn't want to be found. Perhaps he had gone back and decided to stay. In the grand scheme of things, she didn't mean too much. Regardless, Gilean's absence was hard for her.
She spent her hours trying not to count her hours, reading spell books, gazing on the flowers Gilean had given her when he told her how he felt. Often times, she'd find herself crying - the purple flames that burned so brightly on her skin nothing more than a dull simmer.
It was difficult to admit that maybe, just maybe, she would never see him again. She would reach out, hopeful that she might be able to feel him with her mind if nothing else. The stillness that came back to her left her soul chilled.
Troublemaker
Velentham already hated Toril. The people were dour and rude, openly staring at him with worry, alarm, and disdain. The colors here were all muted compared to his planar home... a home he would never see again. Perhaps in time he would find someone to teach him how to traverse the planes - but the only being he knew that was truly adept was dead. There was nothing more he could do about it now. Without Gilean to show him the ropes, Velentham was irritable and alone. Utterly alone.
"Is there an inn," he asked a passing man - but before he could even finish his sentence, the man threw him an obscene gesture and hurriedly walked away. He walked to the center of the square and sat with great frustration at the edge of a fountain, his face pinched with rage.
He hadn't been sitting for long before the sound of a deep, gruff male voice sounded out through the square. "That's him!"
Velentham looked up to see a group of guards in deep purple armor making their way toward him. They were joined by others, a group of at least twelve, and Velentham stood up. "You!" The lead guard called out. "Esper!"
"Me?" Velentham asked, pointing to himself.
"Yes, you, asshole. Get over here. You're not going to start any trouble here!"
Trouble? Velentham shook his head, his brow furrowed. "Trouble? I haven't come to cause anything."
"SILENCE ESPER!"
"Esper? What in the hells are you talking about?"
"We have it on good authority that you are here to start trouble and personally, I'd rather see all of you espers powering a cannon engine but I have to take you into custody first."
"Custody?"
"He's not the brightest one, is he?" asked one of the other guards.
Velentham gritted his teeth and pulled out his swords. "If you want me, you're going to have to take me out first."
"With pleasure," the lead guard said, pulling out his sword as the square cleared of people.
"Is there an inn," he asked a passing man - but before he could even finish his sentence, the man threw him an obscene gesture and hurriedly walked away. He walked to the center of the square and sat with great frustration at the edge of a fountain, his face pinched with rage.
He hadn't been sitting for long before the sound of a deep, gruff male voice sounded out through the square. "That's him!"
Velentham looked up to see a group of guards in deep purple armor making their way toward him. They were joined by others, a group of at least twelve, and Velentham stood up. "You!" The lead guard called out. "Esper!"
"Me?" Velentham asked, pointing to himself.
"Yes, you, asshole. Get over here. You're not going to start any trouble here!"
Trouble? Velentham shook his head, his brow furrowed. "Trouble? I haven't come to cause anything."
"SILENCE ESPER!"
"Esper? What in the hells are you talking about?"
"We have it on good authority that you are here to start trouble and personally, I'd rather see all of you espers powering a cannon engine but I have to take you into custody first."
"Custody?"
"He's not the brightest one, is he?" asked one of the other guards.
Velentham gritted his teeth and pulled out his swords. "If you want me, you're going to have to take me out first."
"With pleasure," the lead guard said, pulling out his sword as the square cleared of people.
Desperate Measures (1-2)
Gilean materialized amid swirl of gold dust just outside the eastern gate of Westbridge. He quickly spotted a Vectorian guard near the gate and strode over to him.
'Guard...'
The Vectorian turned to face Gilean with obvious annoyance. 'What do you want?'
'I have some information you should know.'
The guard frowned with displeasure. 'This better not be about those assholes from the west gate. I don't have anything to do with them and what they do to you people.'
Gilean sighed with frustration but he was begininning to have second thoughts about his plan. 'No... it's not that... I heard that...' Gilean faltered for a moment.
'Yes?' The guard scowled upon Gilean with waning patience.
Gilean saw the arrogant impatience of the Vectorian and the face of Velentham flashed into his mind. As Gilean stood, hesitating, the celestial was already seeking out Sanria. Soon his cousin would be passing through here on the way to her house on his way to smash whatever peace the woman had found. Something had to be done. These Vectorians could do what Gilean could not. Detain him, prevent him from reaching Sanria.
'I heard that there is a powerful esper coming through town. He plans on making some kind of trouble.'
The guard grew immediately serious, 'Esper? Here?'
'Yes,' Gilean continued, 'he'll be coming from New Thalos.'
'Always the idiots. We'll have him killed and fueling a light before he gets within a thousand paces of this city. What does he look like?'
Gilean's stomach turned to ice as he began to realize his foolishness. 'Killed?'
'You must mean detained... questioned?'
'We don't worry about that. You like your lights on, don't you?' the guard stated matter of factly as he pulled out a communications crystal from his pocket. 'Now, what's he look like?'
Gilean felt sick. Maybe he had been away too long, seen too much in the Hells, but he should have known better. The Vectorians didn't simply detain rebellious espers. This wasn't what he wanted. He had made a terrible mistake. Gilean tried to turn away but the guard grabbed him by the shoulder.
'You provide the information like a good citizen and we won't have problems. If you protect this troublemaking esper, you'll be thrown in jail. Understand?'
Gilean was disgusted... with the Vectorian and with himself. He brushed the guard's hand from his shoulder and began backing away. Gilean tried taunting the guard, trying to cover things up as a joke but the guard was having none of it. The Vectorian was already on his communication crystal notifying his fellows of the impending attack of this 'large esper' and to 'shoot to kill'.
The guard made a rush for the retreating Gilean and with a word the priest relocated himself away. Just before he disappeared he had a final thought: How in the name of Lathander was he going to fix this.
'Guard...'
The Vectorian turned to face Gilean with obvious annoyance. 'What do you want?'
'I have some information you should know.'
The guard frowned with displeasure. 'This better not be about those assholes from the west gate. I don't have anything to do with them and what they do to you people.'
Gilean sighed with frustration but he was begininning to have second thoughts about his plan. 'No... it's not that... I heard that...' Gilean faltered for a moment.
'Yes?' The guard scowled upon Gilean with waning patience.
Gilean saw the arrogant impatience of the Vectorian and the face of Velentham flashed into his mind. As Gilean stood, hesitating, the celestial was already seeking out Sanria. Soon his cousin would be passing through here on the way to her house on his way to smash whatever peace the woman had found. Something had to be done. These Vectorians could do what Gilean could not. Detain him, prevent him from reaching Sanria.
'I heard that there is a powerful esper coming through town. He plans on making some kind of trouble.'
The guard grew immediately serious, 'Esper? Here?'
'Yes,' Gilean continued, 'he'll be coming from New Thalos.'
'Always the idiots. We'll have him killed and fueling a light before he gets within a thousand paces of this city. What does he look like?'
Gilean's stomach turned to ice as he began to realize his foolishness. 'Killed?'
'You must mean detained... questioned?'
'We don't worry about that. You like your lights on, don't you?' the guard stated matter of factly as he pulled out a communications crystal from his pocket. 'Now, what's he look like?'
Gilean felt sick. Maybe he had been away too long, seen too much in the Hells, but he should have known better. The Vectorians didn't simply detain rebellious espers. This wasn't what he wanted. He had made a terrible mistake. Gilean tried to turn away but the guard grabbed him by the shoulder.
'You provide the information like a good citizen and we won't have problems. If you protect this troublemaking esper, you'll be thrown in jail. Understand?'
Gilean was disgusted... with the Vectorian and with himself. He brushed the guard's hand from his shoulder and began backing away. Gilean tried taunting the guard, trying to cover things up as a joke but the guard was having none of it. The Vectorian was already on his communication crystal notifying his fellows of the impending attack of this 'large esper' and to 'shoot to kill'.
The guard made a rush for the retreating Gilean and with a word the priest relocated himself away. Just before he disappeared he had a final thought: How in the name of Lathander was he going to fix this.
Responsibility
Gilean stood in New Thalos, arguing vehemently with his celestial cousin. No matter what Gilean said Velentham still insisted on persuing Sanria. And what was worse, he was even talking about restoring her memories. The same experiences that had driven the woman to suicide.
Gilean pleaded angrily 'Last I saw her she was happy. You would take that from her just to see if it will be different with you?'
'I know it will be. I don't have to wonder.' Velentham responded unquestionably.
The arrogance of his cousin was unbelievable. 'Veltntham, people are not toys! They are not your playthings!'
Apparently Velentham had heard enough. He stood up straighter, his eyes darkening. 'We're done.' Velentham turned and strode away with clenched fists, leaving Gilean there alone.
Gilean was practically furious as he watched Velentham walk away from him. It seemed as if all the animocity he had ever felt toward his people was embodied in that single receeding figure. The arrogance, the haughtiness, the closed-mindedness, the rush to judgement, all condensed into a single individual that just had to be his cousin.
What was worse, Velentham's father, Gilean's uncle, had just sacrificed himself to see them though on their journey so Gilean was the only family that jackass had left. That, coupled with the fact that Sanria was only alive, albeit minus her memories, because of Gilean's actions gave the priest an almost oppressive sense of responsibility in this situation.
Gilean had to do something but Velentham just wouldn't listen. Gilean had to stop him... or at least slow him down before he could locate Sanria and potentially destroy the poor woman's life. An idea popped into Gilean's head and, blinded by frustration and desperation, he grasped it.
With a word, Gilean disappeared in a swirl of gold.
Gilean pleaded angrily 'Last I saw her she was happy. You would take that from her just to see if it will be different with you?'
'I know it will be. I don't have to wonder.' Velentham responded unquestionably.
The arrogance of his cousin was unbelievable. 'Veltntham, people are not toys! They are not your playthings!'
Apparently Velentham had heard enough. He stood up straighter, his eyes darkening. 'We're done.' Velentham turned and strode away with clenched fists, leaving Gilean there alone.
Gilean was practically furious as he watched Velentham walk away from him. It seemed as if all the animocity he had ever felt toward his people was embodied in that single receeding figure. The arrogance, the haughtiness, the closed-mindedness, the rush to judgement, all condensed into a single individual that just had to be his cousin.
What was worse, Velentham's father, Gilean's uncle, had just sacrificed himself to see them though on their journey so Gilean was the only family that jackass had left. That, coupled with the fact that Sanria was only alive, albeit minus her memories, because of Gilean's actions gave the priest an almost oppressive sense of responsibility in this situation.
Gilean had to do something but Velentham just wouldn't listen. Gilean had to stop him... or at least slow him down before he could locate Sanria and potentially destroy the poor woman's life. An idea popped into Gilean's head and, blinded by frustration and desperation, he grasped it.
With a word, Gilean disappeared in a swirl of gold.
New Thalos
Velentham walked from the shop, his arrogance at its full. He found joy in bringing a measure of misery to Gilean - it made up a fraction of the profound pain that filled him. "Do you think she'll like it?" he asked after joining Gilean. "The hat, I mean."
"Don't Velentham... just don't," Gilean replied, carefully counting the doors that ran along the side of the road between the houses.
"I've nothing to lose now."
"And what is that supposed to mean?"
"I can't go home, Gilean. In fact, you are taking me to my new home as well. I have to make a life for myself... and I will." Velentham took time to note the frustration on Gilean's face. "We'd better go. Before it changes."
With no further words, the men stepped through the door and onto a long pier that stretched out toward a vast sea. A grin crossed the Celestial's features. "So are we here?"
"Yes... we are," Gilean replied, clapping Velentham's shoulder.
"We should get cleaned up, first."
"First?"
"First impressions. Well... second."
"Yes, I suppose you can come to my home... although I didn't expect my reunion with Claire to have you there. I will find you a place to stay though. Don't worry."
"Then will you show me where Sanria is?"
"Velentham... you can't be serious."
The statement infuriated Velentham inwardly. "I'm lost. Why did you think I went through hell?" Gilean stared at him for a long moment.
"I will see Claire, then I will take you somewhere you can stay. We can discuss the rest after."
"I came to be with her, Gilean. My father didn't die because of me. He died to buy your silence and get you back home. So if you have something to say, by all means. Say it."
"Velentham... let this go. I know you can be better than this."
"Now who is the one who can't be serious?" Velentham turned and began to walk into the city of New Thalos. "I'll find her myself. I won't stop until I do. I'll plant her image in every mind in the realms. I'll have everyone looking for her, all with a touch."
The men argued mercilessly. Velentham did not know what would happen once he met with Sanria again, but he would not let Gilean stop him from discovering it. There was no way that after crossing through hell, losing his father, and being stuck with Gilean through it all that he was going to let the priest change his mind. Before he brought himself to raining blows upon Gilean, Velentham turned away. "We're done." Without another word, he stalked off into the city, drawing every eye to him in his wake.
"Don't Velentham... just don't," Gilean replied, carefully counting the doors that ran along the side of the road between the houses.
"I've nothing to lose now."
"And what is that supposed to mean?"
"I can't go home, Gilean. In fact, you are taking me to my new home as well. I have to make a life for myself... and I will." Velentham took time to note the frustration on Gilean's face. "We'd better go. Before it changes."
With no further words, the men stepped through the door and onto a long pier that stretched out toward a vast sea. A grin crossed the Celestial's features. "So are we here?"
"Yes... we are," Gilean replied, clapping Velentham's shoulder.
"We should get cleaned up, first."
"First?"
"First impressions. Well... second."
"Yes, I suppose you can come to my home... although I didn't expect my reunion with Claire to have you there. I will find you a place to stay though. Don't worry."
"Then will you show me where Sanria is?"
"Velentham... you can't be serious."
The statement infuriated Velentham inwardly. "I'm lost. Why did you think I went through hell?" Gilean stared at him for a long moment.
"I will see Claire, then I will take you somewhere you can stay. We can discuss the rest after."
"I came to be with her, Gilean. My father didn't die because of me. He died to buy your silence and get you back home. So if you have something to say, by all means. Say it."
"Velentham... let this go. I know you can be better than this."
"Now who is the one who can't be serious?" Velentham turned and began to walk into the city of New Thalos. "I'll find her myself. I won't stop until I do. I'll plant her image in every mind in the realms. I'll have everyone looking for her, all with a touch."
The men argued mercilessly. Velentham did not know what would happen once he met with Sanria again, but he would not let Gilean stop him from discovering it. There was no way that after crossing through hell, losing his father, and being stuck with Gilean through it all that he was going to let the priest change his mind. Before he brought himself to raining blows upon Gilean, Velentham turned away. "We're done." Without another word, he stalked off into the city, drawing every eye to him in his wake.
Excuse Me...
All about them, businessmen and women bustled about dressed in finery and appearing to be in a very massive hurry. Houses, tall and stately as the obvious owners, lined one side of the road, while shops sat on the other. Velentham smirked inwardly as Gilean craned his neck, looking around for any sign of familiarity. "Where are we now?" he asked.
"Since you're so into guiding me why don't you ask them for help."
"Excuse me..." Gilean began, stopping a portly businessman. "What is this place?"
"Here now, are you speaking to me?"
"Yes, I'm sorry to bother you. I'm new here and a bit lost."
"Perhaps a map would better suit you. To not know where you are. The audacity!"
Velentham couldn't hide the smile on his face as Gilean failed not once, but twice. It was petty, it was trite, but he was doing what was familiar, for the pain of his father's passing was already too much to dwell upon. It was several moments before Velentham followed Gilean into a haberdashery and set to amusing himself trying on hats. "Well now! Two gentlemen! What may I do for you? Measurements? I've the finest in felts in just this day."
"Well, you do have some fine products here. I was hoping you could help me with something though. My friend and I have just arrived and are a bit lost. What is this place?"
"Why, my fine fellow, you are in a haberdashery. I can create the finest in hats, simply ask. I can make just about anything to suit your cranium."
"Oh, no," Gilean continued as Velentham snickered under his breath. "I mean, this city. Where are we?"
"Sigil? How could you not know? Clerks Ward, to be precise. We have some shops but are more full of politicians. Non-trustable lot, but they spend a lot of coin."
Velentham picked up a hat with a strikingly long pheasant feather in the brim. He walked over to the mirror, sneaking glances at Gilean and the shop keep as he posed. "Sigil..." Gilean continued. "I'm looking to get back home, to my beautiful lady and unborn child. Near Westbridge... on Toril. Do you know where that is from here?"
"Will you be buying a hat this fine day?"
"Perhaps I could consider taking a present home for her," Gilean said with not too much distaste in his voice.
"Torhill you say. Well now, is that in one of the many planes? Demiplanes?"
"It is the material plane."
Velentham turned to face the shopkeep with a debonair smile on his face. "That looks very fetching on you, if I do say so myself. The ladies might really like that look."
"Do you think so?" Velentham asked. "What do you think, cousin?"
"Wonderful," Gilean replied flatly.
"I'll take it, then. Where would this portal be to the material plane?"
"There is a portal not five doors down. Of course, take care that you count them, the doors shift constantly and you could end up elsewhere."
"I am eternally grateful," Velentham replied as Gilean left the shop.
"I thought he was going to purchase a gift for his wife?"
"Politician," Velentham grinned.
"Since you're so into guiding me why don't you ask them for help."
"Excuse me..." Gilean began, stopping a portly businessman. "What is this place?"
"Here now, are you speaking to me?"
"Yes, I'm sorry to bother you. I'm new here and a bit lost."
"Perhaps a map would better suit you. To not know where you are. The audacity!"
Velentham couldn't hide the smile on his face as Gilean failed not once, but twice. It was petty, it was trite, but he was doing what was familiar, for the pain of his father's passing was already too much to dwell upon. It was several moments before Velentham followed Gilean into a haberdashery and set to amusing himself trying on hats. "Well now! Two gentlemen! What may I do for you? Measurements? I've the finest in felts in just this day."
"Well, you do have some fine products here. I was hoping you could help me with something though. My friend and I have just arrived and are a bit lost. What is this place?"
"Why, my fine fellow, you are in a haberdashery. I can create the finest in hats, simply ask. I can make just about anything to suit your cranium."
"Oh, no," Gilean continued as Velentham snickered under his breath. "I mean, this city. Where are we?"
"Sigil? How could you not know? Clerks Ward, to be precise. We have some shops but are more full of politicians. Non-trustable lot, but they spend a lot of coin."
Velentham picked up a hat with a strikingly long pheasant feather in the brim. He walked over to the mirror, sneaking glances at Gilean and the shop keep as he posed. "Sigil..." Gilean continued. "I'm looking to get back home, to my beautiful lady and unborn child. Near Westbridge... on Toril. Do you know where that is from here?"
"Will you be buying a hat this fine day?"
"Perhaps I could consider taking a present home for her," Gilean said with not too much distaste in his voice.
"Torhill you say. Well now, is that in one of the many planes? Demiplanes?"
"It is the material plane."
Velentham turned to face the shopkeep with a debonair smile on his face. "That looks very fetching on you, if I do say so myself. The ladies might really like that look."
"Do you think so?" Velentham asked. "What do you think, cousin?"
"Wonderful," Gilean replied flatly.
"I'll take it, then. Where would this portal be to the material plane?"
"There is a portal not five doors down. Of course, take care that you count them, the doors shift constantly and you could end up elsewhere."
"I am eternally grateful," Velentham replied as Gilean left the shop.
"I thought he was going to purchase a gift for his wife?"
"Politician," Velentham grinned.
Confessions
Sanria walked out of Thasmudyan's room and closed the door behind her. She stood in the hallway, Orn's room only a couple doors away, unable to come to grips with what had happened. Part of her understood, for there were times when she looked at Thasmudyan wanting him to be Colin, the other part of her, the greater part of her, was left more confused. The life force that flowed from the healer into her pulled her into him, for a moment, they were one - and she could see lifetimes within him... and herself reflected in more than a couple. She knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that she had loved the man in the guest room, and loved him more fiercely than anyone else. But that was a lifetime ago...
She held her breath as she stood in the hall and her eyes filled with tears. Confusion was a force she had not anticipated, and seeing yourself reflected in the heart of another soul without being able to recall any of it was more than she had bargained for. Part of her wanted to go back in, to slip into his bed, to sleep with this heart she now found herself entwined with like a long lost lover - but that time had passed. With great effort, reminding herself of the present, of her son, of her upcoming child - she pulled herself from the doorway and headed upstairs to the master bedroom.
Sanria told Colin everything... everything except what was going on deep in her heart. She truly had wished it was Colin... some of the time... but to admit to him what she had felt and the terrible trembling in her heart would only have served to break him down further. That was a lifetime ago. She wouldn't be going anywhere. She'd stay with Colin. She had her answer, she had her understanding, and she had more than she'd ever bargained for swirling within her like a tempest.
After many reassurances, the couple laid in bed and Sanria's mind went into overdrive. To make this work, to not let Colin discover the extent of her thoughts, she would have to avoid Thasmudyan until the man left. She couldn't help but realize that she had only made things worse. She was now sitting on a powder keg and Thasmudyan was a flame.
She held her breath as she stood in the hall and her eyes filled with tears. Confusion was a force she had not anticipated, and seeing yourself reflected in the heart of another soul without being able to recall any of it was more than she had bargained for. Part of her wanted to go back in, to slip into his bed, to sleep with this heart she now found herself entwined with like a long lost lover - but that time had passed. With great effort, reminding herself of the present, of her son, of her upcoming child - she pulled herself from the doorway and headed upstairs to the master bedroom.
Sanria told Colin everything... everything except what was going on deep in her heart. She truly had wished it was Colin... some of the time... but to admit to him what she had felt and the terrible trembling in her heart would only have served to break him down further. That was a lifetime ago. She wouldn't be going anywhere. She'd stay with Colin. She had her answer, she had her understanding, and she had more than she'd ever bargained for swirling within her like a tempest.
After many reassurances, the couple laid in bed and Sanria's mind went into overdrive. To make this work, to not let Colin discover the extent of her thoughts, she would have to avoid Thasmudyan until the man left. She couldn't help but realize that she had only made things worse. She was now sitting on a powder keg and Thasmudyan was a flame.
Understanding
"You... still feel that strongly?" Sanria asked, and for a moment, she gave over to a tinge of regret. Colin's fears rang in her mind...
"I'll explain. It's the sort of thing that, since it's shared between two people... whether you feel anything depends a lot on how you go about it. Maybe this other woman who kidnapped Colin was being selfish, and just focused on herself. But if she focused on him, and really loved him.. it'd be harder for him to feel nothing, if that makes sense. As for me, well... I'm just that sort of person who doesn't do things half-assed. If we were to do ...that... I'd want to be sure you enjoyed it."
The implication of the message was not grasped by Sanria. Had she listened, she might have heard the underlying message beneath. Thasmudyan was not Arlenia. But her own nerves rattling kept her from catching what might have slowed her decision.
"I suppose I will just have to accept what he says..."
"It's up to you."
"Well... I came to you with my thoughts and my offer. But if it's asking too much... I understand."
"No... you don't ask too much."
Sanria could feel the desire riding on the connection they still shared from their previous healing encounter. It was hard not to absorb it and mix it with her own. "I don't want to pressure you into anything," Thasmudyan said, as though sensing her mind.
"I didn't want to do the same to you."
"I think you'll find that won't be a problem."
Sanria looked at Thasmudyan, her heart racing. She did not know this man, she did not remember their past together. Had she remembered, she might have avoided being healed. Had she remembered, she might have known what seemed to inevitably follow such times. But - she didn't remember, and that night she found herself with a stranger that her mind didn't know - but her body certainly did.
"I'll explain. It's the sort of thing that, since it's shared between two people... whether you feel anything depends a lot on how you go about it. Maybe this other woman who kidnapped Colin was being selfish, and just focused on herself. But if she focused on him, and really loved him.. it'd be harder for him to feel nothing, if that makes sense. As for me, well... I'm just that sort of person who doesn't do things half-assed. If we were to do ...that... I'd want to be sure you enjoyed it."
The implication of the message was not grasped by Sanria. Had she listened, she might have heard the underlying message beneath. Thasmudyan was not Arlenia. But her own nerves rattling kept her from catching what might have slowed her decision.
"I suppose I will just have to accept what he says..."
"It's up to you."
"Well... I came to you with my thoughts and my offer. But if it's asking too much... I understand."
"No... you don't ask too much."
Sanria could feel the desire riding on the connection they still shared from their previous healing encounter. It was hard not to absorb it and mix it with her own. "I don't want to pressure you into anything," Thasmudyan said, as though sensing her mind.
"I didn't want to do the same to you."
"I think you'll find that won't be a problem."
Sanria looked at Thasmudyan, her heart racing. She did not know this man, she did not remember their past together. Had she remembered, she might have avoided being healed. Had she remembered, she might have known what seemed to inevitably follow such times. But - she didn't remember, and that night she found herself with a stranger that her mind didn't know - but her body certainly did.
Discussions
The observatory was where she found Thasmudyan, staring out over the lands from the large windows. "I... it didn't work," she began.
"How do you know?"
"A woman knows her own body," Sanria said with a chuckle. "Thank you for trying."
"Of course.. you're always welcome."
She studied him for a long moment and could tell that something wasn't right. "I've been.. feeling weaker," he finally told her, and the proposition that Sanria had come to offer suddenly seemed unfair.
"Weaker... from healing me?" she asked.
"Not from you.. just... in general." Thasmudyan shook his head as he looked out the window. "Might be something to do with how long I was in the Lifestream. But, I was fine for a while.. this only started recently."
"Do you think you need to go back?"
"...Maybe."
"I'm not sure where it is, but maybe Colin can help take you back?"
"I know the way. Perhaps I will go another day. For now, though... I am fine, really."
There was no way Sanria could ask him knowing he was weakened. She turned to go and he reached out, setting the butterflies in her stomach loose, "You don't need to go."
"I came up here to talk to you about certain things but you said you hadn't been feeling yourself. I think perhaps it's fate telling me that those things are best left unspoken."
"Don't mistake me. I'm still myself.. just concerned a bit, that's all. You're still welcome to talk about, well, whatever it was you wanted to talk about."
"It was about, well... you said that we'd made pregnancies go faster before by... you know..."
She knew immediately that he had not anticipated what she came to say. "I did... and likely they would..." Thasmudyan recovered.
"I just... I talked to Colin about it and though he doesn't agree... He thinks it might be very unfair to you. And that if my body remembered him... mine might remember you as well." Sanria let out a breathless chuckle. "He's very jealous."
"...I was thinking it'd be unfair to him. He's your husband, after all."
"Right. Unfair... to him," Sanria said, her mind on Arlenia.
"Well, why would he think it's unfair to me?"
"That I would not be able to be with you. To be together that way might raise your expectations."
"Perhaps so. I don't ...expect anything, though."
It suddenly came tumbling from Sanria's mouth - unbidden. The pain and hurt riding side by side with the realization of what she was asking, "He was kidnapped not long before you showed up. To get away from her, he slept with her. I heard them together... I have to know... I have to know if you can do something like that and not love who you do that with. I don't know you... and..." Sanria lowered her head. "I don't understand how you can do something like that and feel nothing, like he says. So I want you to help me understand. Only if you... want to. This is incredibly selfish of me to ask. I just..."
"I don't think it's selfish so much as you simply want to understand."
"Then... what do you think?"
"I think that the problem is that I might want to try and make you feel something."
"How do you know?"
"A woman knows her own body," Sanria said with a chuckle. "Thank you for trying."
"Of course.. you're always welcome."
She studied him for a long moment and could tell that something wasn't right. "I've been.. feeling weaker," he finally told her, and the proposition that Sanria had come to offer suddenly seemed unfair.
"Weaker... from healing me?" she asked.
"Not from you.. just... in general." Thasmudyan shook his head as he looked out the window. "Might be something to do with how long I was in the Lifestream. But, I was fine for a while.. this only started recently."
"Do you think you need to go back?"
"...Maybe."
"I'm not sure where it is, but maybe Colin can help take you back?"
"I know the way. Perhaps I will go another day. For now, though... I am fine, really."
There was no way Sanria could ask him knowing he was weakened. She turned to go and he reached out, setting the butterflies in her stomach loose, "You don't need to go."
"I came up here to talk to you about certain things but you said you hadn't been feeling yourself. I think perhaps it's fate telling me that those things are best left unspoken."
"Don't mistake me. I'm still myself.. just concerned a bit, that's all. You're still welcome to talk about, well, whatever it was you wanted to talk about."
"It was about, well... you said that we'd made pregnancies go faster before by... you know..."
She knew immediately that he had not anticipated what she came to say. "I did... and likely they would..." Thasmudyan recovered.
"I just... I talked to Colin about it and though he doesn't agree... He thinks it might be very unfair to you. And that if my body remembered him... mine might remember you as well." Sanria let out a breathless chuckle. "He's very jealous."
"...I was thinking it'd be unfair to him. He's your husband, after all."
"Right. Unfair... to him," Sanria said, her mind on Arlenia.
"Well, why would he think it's unfair to me?"
"That I would not be able to be with you. To be together that way might raise your expectations."
"Perhaps so. I don't ...expect anything, though."
It suddenly came tumbling from Sanria's mouth - unbidden. The pain and hurt riding side by side with the realization of what she was asking, "He was kidnapped not long before you showed up. To get away from her, he slept with her. I heard them together... I have to know... I have to know if you can do something like that and not love who you do that with. I don't know you... and..." Sanria lowered her head. "I don't understand how you can do something like that and feel nothing, like he says. So I want you to help me understand. Only if you... want to. This is incredibly selfish of me to ask. I just..."
"I don't think it's selfish so much as you simply want to understand."
"Then... what do you think?"
"I think that the problem is that I might want to try and make you feel something."
Old Habits
Sanria chatted with Colin about the healing, noting immediately the drawn look on Colin's face. She knew he didn't like the idea of Thasmudyan touching her in that way, moreso because of the threat to the peace in the cavern. She knew he was afraid of losing her again, but Sanria knew there just wasn't a way it could happen. She wouldn't leave Colin for a man she didn't know.
They chatted then about Colin's jealousies and it brought up her own. How could he be jealous of her? What had she done compared to the night she spent in the hut - listening to him with Arlenia? Still, he could not make her understand just how someone could do that with another person and claim they felt nothing. Even to free themselves. How was it possible?
The idea surrounded the bug that Thasmudyan had inadvertently planted in her mind. She could feel that nothing in her body had changed, even after the healing. She looked at Colin and proposed an idea that even she couldn't believe... she would speed up the pregnancy and be granted the ability to understand. She would sleep with Thasmudyan.
Colin seemed absolutely incredulous and against the idea, no matter how much Sanria positioned the point that she just couldn't understand. She couldn't. She had tried but the night listening to Arlenia and Colin just wouldn't leave. If she didn't gain understanding, she wouldn't be able to keep going. If she couldn't believe Colin, what kind of marriage did they have?
Perhaps understanding would at least buy her time. It would stop the creeping shadow of the wall from overtaking her new life. It would be one less thing eating at her soul, gnawing on her mind. Though Colin refused, he left the choice with her. Though Sanria thought she might not take it, the next day she found herself standing in a room with Thasmudyan, unable to hide her nerves from him.
They chatted then about Colin's jealousies and it brought up her own. How could he be jealous of her? What had she done compared to the night she spent in the hut - listening to him with Arlenia? Still, he could not make her understand just how someone could do that with another person and claim they felt nothing. Even to free themselves. How was it possible?
The idea surrounded the bug that Thasmudyan had inadvertently planted in her mind. She could feel that nothing in her body had changed, even after the healing. She looked at Colin and proposed an idea that even she couldn't believe... she would speed up the pregnancy and be granted the ability to understand. She would sleep with Thasmudyan.
Colin seemed absolutely incredulous and against the idea, no matter how much Sanria positioned the point that she just couldn't understand. She couldn't. She had tried but the night listening to Arlenia and Colin just wouldn't leave. If she didn't gain understanding, she wouldn't be able to keep going. If she couldn't believe Colin, what kind of marriage did they have?
Perhaps understanding would at least buy her time. It would stop the creeping shadow of the wall from overtaking her new life. It would be one less thing eating at her soul, gnawing on her mind. Though Colin refused, he left the choice with her. Though Sanria thought she might not take it, the next day she found herself standing in a room with Thasmudyan, unable to hide her nerves from him.
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