Velentham heard the light steps before seeing anything. The boy had run off completely through the Druid's Grove, his dog none the wiser that eyes were upon him, but something was still amiss. He moved between the trees, uttering a word that lifted him from the ground and kept his invisibility absolute. He hovered there beside a low bush and looked down on a woman half naked and pierced full of silver and laden with so much ink it may have well been three pots worth.
Velentham smirked. The people of this place drove him mad - all of them. They smelled of bitterness, sadness, frustration, madness, and confusion. They made him smell of it deep in his pores. He knew from looking in a mirror he was gaunt - he looked nothing like he had before. But once he had Sanria, once he figured out how to get out of this place, he would return to his former glory.
He followed the half-naked woman's gaze in silence and grinned. She stared at the cottage as well. What she wanted from it, he did not know. He did not care. But perhaps he might make himself known and they might work for a similar goal. Perhaps she might work for him and do his bidding - perhaps she might take his cousin out of the way, and he take Sanria. He might have to work his magic a bit, force the savage before him as he'd forced so many before.
First, he would watch her. He would see her demeanor and keep even his breath silent until he was ready. He drifted upward into the branches of the trees and seated himself on the bough in perfect silence. He stared down at the woman as she stared at the cottage and left his smirk on his face. He'd never felt closer to his goal than right now.
Deluded Fantasies
Maya entered into the base of the woods nearby the waterfall and cocked her head a moment, sniffing the tendrils of smoke on the air before looking around her, crouched down and waiting for trouble. The birds sang their song and the bubbling water cascading over the rocks at the base of the fall were the only sounds she could hear, however someone had been here, that was cigarette smoke.
Not wanting to draw attention to herself now that she feared she wasn't alone, nestled back into the shrubbery, her glaring eyes rested on the small home before her, Sanria's home. She had come to see if Thasmudyan had kept his word, to ensure his brat hadn't stepped an inch near this glade. The quaint little picture of the happy little family before her set her teeth on edge.
There was so much blood, the children looking on in horror, as Sanria began to bleed upon her clothes, but Maya Wanted her to suffer more yet, She allowed Sanria's garments to slide, slippery and wet from her clenched fingers and hit the floor with a thud, in moments however Maya was atop her. "How long I've wanted this".
Sanria's laughter echoed across the glade from the home before Maya and ended her short lived fantasies. Snarling under her breath, she drowned out all her deep sort mental facade, and went back to watching the harlotte's home.
Not wanting to draw attention to herself now that she feared she wasn't alone, nestled back into the shrubbery, her glaring eyes rested on the small home before her, Sanria's home. She had come to see if Thasmudyan had kept his word, to ensure his brat hadn't stepped an inch near this glade. The quaint little picture of the happy little family before her set her teeth on edge.
There was so much blood, the children looking on in horror, as Sanria began to bleed upon her clothes, but Maya Wanted her to suffer more yet, She allowed Sanria's garments to slide, slippery and wet from her clenched fingers and hit the floor with a thud, in moments however Maya was atop her. "How long I've wanted this".
Sanria's laughter echoed across the glade from the home before Maya and ended her short lived fantasies. Snarling under her breath, she drowned out all her deep sort mental facade, and went back to watching the harlotte's home.
Betrayal
Velentham leaned against a tree and pulled a cigarette from the pack in his pocket. He lifted a match, and using only his thumbnail, set it ablaze. It was a trick he had learned from his time in Heifong, the stinking cesspool of filth and degenerates. It was useful when dealing with the drunken fools that waddled up to him wanting to fight since he was gold and seven feet tall. He lifted the flame to his cigarette and brought into his lungs the soothing heat of gray smoke and let it out again. He didn't notice it billowing up into the canopy of the trees around him. His eyes were trained on the cottage.
He saw the boy and his dog leap from the porch and head into the woods. He saw Sanria lean down and stop the little girl from leaving the porch as he held the second drag inside, the pressure soothing in his chest with his arms crossed over it. Thasmudyan, the man who looked like some beggar, was right. She was here, with his cousin, Gilean.
Velentham let the breath out, the smoke thin and dissipated from being held so long and forced out so fast. Gilean, after all his bullshit, had married his girl. There wasn't any descriptor for the feeling that curled within Velentham's heart. Gilean was the reason his father died. Gilean was the reason he couldn't get home. Now, Gilean was the reason he couldn't get Sanria. Anger held his beating muscle in its taloned grip, and squeezed. Perhaps cold rage could be said of him now. After all, Gilean had obviously used the Celestial charm to get Sanria. She was enchanted, it was the only way. And given everything Gilean had told Velentham about not using it on her...
He took in another long drag, the smoke caressing his nerves and helping him to see clearly. Velentham uttered a spell and vanished into nothingness, the only indication he was there, the smoke that appeared like magic from a non-existent cigarette. There would be more than hell to pay, but first, as Velentham finished his smoke, he would think of how best to drag Gilean away and crush the life out of him. One had to plan carefully when dealing with a Celestial, even if that Celestial was a bastardization of what his people truly were.
He saw the boy and his dog leap from the porch and head into the woods. He saw Sanria lean down and stop the little girl from leaving the porch as he held the second drag inside, the pressure soothing in his chest with his arms crossed over it. Thasmudyan, the man who looked like some beggar, was right. She was here, with his cousin, Gilean.
Velentham let the breath out, the smoke thin and dissipated from being held so long and forced out so fast. Gilean, after all his bullshit, had married his girl. There wasn't any descriptor for the feeling that curled within Velentham's heart. Gilean was the reason his father died. Gilean was the reason he couldn't get home. Now, Gilean was the reason he couldn't get Sanria. Anger held his beating muscle in its taloned grip, and squeezed. Perhaps cold rage could be said of him now. After all, Gilean had obviously used the Celestial charm to get Sanria. She was enchanted, it was the only way. And given everything Gilean had told Velentham about not using it on her...
He took in another long drag, the smoke caressing his nerves and helping him to see clearly. Velentham uttered a spell and vanished into nothingness, the only indication he was there, the smoke that appeared like magic from a non-existent cigarette. There would be more than hell to pay, but first, as Velentham finished his smoke, he would think of how best to drag Gilean away and crush the life out of him. One had to plan carefully when dealing with a Celestial, even if that Celestial was a bastardization of what his people truly were.
In Time
Sanria sat in the chair before the fire, Nioma sleeping in the crook of her arm as Matinus read aloud. They had invited Mr. and Mrs. Bunny, Nioma's new pets, into the house, as well as Scout, Matinus' new dog. Embued with a sense of peace, the animals were all getting along, content to sit by the fire grooming themselves. They had had a full day, Gilean taking Nioma to the temple, Sanria taking Matinus to the castle. Though he was incredibly shy, Matinus' face lit up at every new introduction and every passing dragon, and Sanria felt her heart warmed. Matinus reminded her so much of Orn in so many ways - it made it easy for her to love him almost immediately.
Sanria was content to know that Mrs. Bunny had been given a birth control spell not unlike her own - there wouldn't be a multiplication of rabbits in the cottage - though it wouldn't necessarily stop Mr. Bunny from possibly forcing Sanria to explain the birds and bees much sooner than she'd like. She leaned back into the couch as Matinus read and thought back over the day.
Enmach had discovered her marriage given Sanria's young guest, and when she took Sanria into the library, her fingers steepled beneath her narrow nose, the only way Sanria had escaped the withering lecture was when she had been alerted to a visitor outside the castle. Matinus stayed behind with Mirin, who had been a fixture in the castle with Orn, and Sanria found herself in discussions with a drow whose name Sanria never did receive. Concerned with the balance of Westbridge and the treatment he found at the hands of Radiant Heart, the drow insisted his viewpoint may well aid in the balance of the clan. With the promise of an application, the meeting had ended, and Sanria went back inside to collect Matinus.
The walk back to the cottage had the boy chatting amiably and excitedly. "I will be a Keeper of Balance when I get big, then I'll work with a dragon and go on adventures with a dragon and a silver lady and scout." Sanria could only chuckle. Now sitting there, a sleeping child on her lap, another child who needed a mother at her side reading "The Adventures of Roland," Sanria felt a warmth spread through her and she reached over, ruffling Matinus' hair.
The day had been filled with speculative glances from the Rilmani, a fresh dose of irritation from Enmach, an uncanny meeting with an unknown drow, and a glut of brand new pets, owing partially to Gilean not wanting to let Nioma down in her request to not have the live Mr. Bunny be lonely. She looked up as Gilean came in the room and sat in the chair. He smiled warmly at the assembled group... family... and Sanria felt within herself the beginnings of belonging.
Sanria was content to know that Mrs. Bunny had been given a birth control spell not unlike her own - there wouldn't be a multiplication of rabbits in the cottage - though it wouldn't necessarily stop Mr. Bunny from possibly forcing Sanria to explain the birds and bees much sooner than she'd like. She leaned back into the couch as Matinus read and thought back over the day.
Enmach had discovered her marriage given Sanria's young guest, and when she took Sanria into the library, her fingers steepled beneath her narrow nose, the only way Sanria had escaped the withering lecture was when she had been alerted to a visitor outside the castle. Matinus stayed behind with Mirin, who had been a fixture in the castle with Orn, and Sanria found herself in discussions with a drow whose name Sanria never did receive. Concerned with the balance of Westbridge and the treatment he found at the hands of Radiant Heart, the drow insisted his viewpoint may well aid in the balance of the clan. With the promise of an application, the meeting had ended, and Sanria went back inside to collect Matinus.
The walk back to the cottage had the boy chatting amiably and excitedly. "I will be a Keeper of Balance when I get big, then I'll work with a dragon and go on adventures with a dragon and a silver lady and scout." Sanria could only chuckle. Now sitting there, a sleeping child on her lap, another child who needed a mother at her side reading "The Adventures of Roland," Sanria felt a warmth spread through her and she reached over, ruffling Matinus' hair.
The day had been filled with speculative glances from the Rilmani, a fresh dose of irritation from Enmach, an uncanny meeting with an unknown drow, and a glut of brand new pets, owing partially to Gilean not wanting to let Nioma down in her request to not have the live Mr. Bunny be lonely. She looked up as Gilean came in the room and sat in the chair. He smiled warmly at the assembled group... family... and Sanria felt within herself the beginnings of belonging.
Personal Hell, Public Chaos
She had been married for less than twenty-four hours and already it seemed everyone that she didn't want to know, knew. She sat with Matinus on the edge of his bed, tucking him in. She had ensured the boy had a bath and his hair was combed, and he looked at her with his lilac-colored eyes and gave a drawn out yawn. "I'm glad you're here," he said simply. It was a small act of gratitude in her day that made her feel emotional. Chaos was too easy a word to describe what Sanria had walked into.
She'd gotten into a shouting match with Thasmudyan, though she'd anticipated his anger in a way. Left without his powers, fresh from saving Lyvinnia from Maya, he had admitted he felt betrayed and angry. She could only say she felt fear. Thasmudyan had left her before, disappeared on her before, even slept with Maya while he was supposed to be with her. Yes, she loved Gilean, but the speed with which she'd acted on their marriage was predicated by the fear of being with Thasmudyan. After all those years of wanting nothing more, she couldn't handle the idea of being back together with the one who had held her heart for so long.
She gave him some of Nioma's clothes to take back for Lyvinnia and confronted the second irate person - Leandra. Her daughter was utterly furious, and accused Sanria of not only ruining her life, but Colin's as well. The rancor that poured from Leandra's mouth shocked Sanria and made her feel small. The ultimate insult was when Leandra insisted that, no matter what Sanria felt, she had an obligation to be with Colin. It was so final, so snappish, Sanria was stunned into silence. "You don't need to worry, I'm leaving this place. The farther away I can get so I'm not reminded that I'm *your* daughter, the better."
Matinus had salvaged the night. She had made at least one person outside of Gilean happy. She stood up and blew him a kiss goodnight. When he sleepily returned it, Sanria could barely keep herself from crying.
She'd gotten into a shouting match with Thasmudyan, though she'd anticipated his anger in a way. Left without his powers, fresh from saving Lyvinnia from Maya, he had admitted he felt betrayed and angry. She could only say she felt fear. Thasmudyan had left her before, disappeared on her before, even slept with Maya while he was supposed to be with her. Yes, she loved Gilean, but the speed with which she'd acted on their marriage was predicated by the fear of being with Thasmudyan. After all those years of wanting nothing more, she couldn't handle the idea of being back together with the one who had held her heart for so long.
She gave him some of Nioma's clothes to take back for Lyvinnia and confronted the second irate person - Leandra. Her daughter was utterly furious, and accused Sanria of not only ruining her life, but Colin's as well. The rancor that poured from Leandra's mouth shocked Sanria and made her feel small. The ultimate insult was when Leandra insisted that, no matter what Sanria felt, she had an obligation to be with Colin. It was so final, so snappish, Sanria was stunned into silence. "You don't need to worry, I'm leaving this place. The farther away I can get so I'm not reminded that I'm *your* daughter, the better."
Matinus had salvaged the night. She had made at least one person outside of Gilean happy. She stood up and blew him a kiss goodnight. When he sleepily returned it, Sanria could barely keep herself from crying.
Mrs. Gilean Eosos!
Sanria slid from the bed, leaving Gilean's side, her husband's side. She had gone against all advice from her advisor, and though the idea made her nervous, married Gilean. She was now living in the cottage she had bought for Emalia long ago, had given to Claire, who had given it to Gilean. She walked down the hallway to Matinus' room and looked in on the boy. His arms and legs were sprawled akimbo, and she took a moment to move him into a better sleeping position, tucking him in before going downstairs.
A mere few hours previous, she was Sanria Stone. Now, she was Sanria Eosos. The name felt strange on her tongue. She felt even more strange given the day before Mirin had become a Mrs. Stone. "Sanria Eosos," she whispered, and the condensation from her breath fogged the window. Her fear had driven her here. Not that she wasn't happy. She was just finding it a little hard to breathe.
They were married beneath the sliver of a waxing moon, beneath the glow of a million stars, right there in the Druid's Grove. Her third marriage, Gilean's second. The Elder Druid seemed pleased with her choice, and had some foreknowledge that caused him to smile when he pronounced to the assembled trees and owls that they were wed. Mr. and Mrs. Gilean Eosos. When had such a thing happened and could it possibly have been any faster?
"Sanria Eosos," she exhaled again. She had anticipated any name save that one. The force of the reality broadsided her completely. A new beginning with an old friend. The marriage was quiet, private, and she had no plans on telling anyone anytime soon. She climbed the stairs and Sanria Eosos slid into bed with her husband.
A mere few hours previous, she was Sanria Stone. Now, she was Sanria Eosos. The name felt strange on her tongue. She felt even more strange given the day before Mirin had become a Mrs. Stone. "Sanria Eosos," she whispered, and the condensation from her breath fogged the window. Her fear had driven her here. Not that she wasn't happy. She was just finding it a little hard to breathe.
They were married beneath the sliver of a waxing moon, beneath the glow of a million stars, right there in the Druid's Grove. Her third marriage, Gilean's second. The Elder Druid seemed pleased with her choice, and had some foreknowledge that caused him to smile when he pronounced to the assembled trees and owls that they were wed. Mr. and Mrs. Gilean Eosos. When had such a thing happened and could it possibly have been any faster?
"Sanria Eosos," she exhaled again. She had anticipated any name save that one. The force of the reality broadsided her completely. A new beginning with an old friend. The marriage was quiet, private, and she had no plans on telling anyone anytime soon. She climbed the stairs and Sanria Eosos slid into bed with her husband.
Meditation
Sunshine streamed in through skylights. Ror was sitting at the edge of a brook amidst leafy green plants. Cross-legged and with his eyes closed, the elf was meditating.
A bar. Phil's. Conversational tatters.
"...I am not the only one apparently..."
- "...No... no, you are not...."
- "...a file on me, probably from the TriPower..."
"... back from life?"
- "...It cuts me off...I have no memories....Something keeps sending me back...."
The bracelet. So peculiar.
- "...awareness... must persist after death."
The image of Thasmudyan flickered in and out of existence, his mouth moving, but what was he saying?
- "Ever since I can remember.... hazy..."
The image flickered again.
- "...a daughter of mine is in danger..."
Sanria's voice, "Thasmudyan doesn't want you raising his daughter."
"Rrrrrorrrrr-rrr."
The voice changed, and had an edge to it, an edge that wanted to kill.
"Thasmudyan's other lover...Concieved Nioma the day Lyvinnia was concieved."
A tavern. Ror saw himself sipping from tea.
"Lloth still awaits you after death?"
Two voices.
- "... A lot to do with it. Almost everything...I betrayed her... Before this guise..."
Market Square. Ror was talking to Rahvin and Maezura.
"And there you have it, Master Surion. In a nutshell, we seek to prolong death as long as possible..."
The world twisted away again.
- "...To learn the lifestram I presume. My daughter.... Able to tap right in."
Thasmudyan.
- "It's ...complicated, yes."
"I'll ask no more."
- "Thanks for that."
The angry yelling.
"...better stay the HELL AWAY from LYVINNIA!'
It was sinister.
"...Closer than anyone...To perminant death...Real death, everlasting death..."
Ror's eyes opened. Meditation was over. Placing his hand in support on the grass in front of him, he swore under his own breath,
"Shit."
A bar. Phil's. Conversational tatters.
"...I am not the only one apparently..."
- "...No... no, you are not...."
- "...a file on me, probably from the TriPower..."
"... back from life?"
- "...It cuts me off...I have no memories....Something keeps sending me back...."
The bracelet. So peculiar.
- "...awareness... must persist after death."
The image of Thasmudyan flickered in and out of existence, his mouth moving, but what was he saying?
- "Ever since I can remember.... hazy..."
The image flickered again.
- "...a daughter of mine is in danger..."
Sanria's voice, "Thasmudyan doesn't want you raising his daughter."
"Rrrrrorrrrr-rrr."
The voice changed, and had an edge to it, an edge that wanted to kill.
"Thasmudyan's other lover...Concieved Nioma the day Lyvinnia was concieved."
A tavern. Ror saw himself sipping from tea.
"Lloth still awaits you after death?"
Two voices.
- "... A lot to do with it. Almost everything...I betrayed her... Before this guise..."
Market Square. Ror was talking to Rahvin and Maezura.
"And there you have it, Master Surion. In a nutshell, we seek to prolong death as long as possible..."
The world twisted away again.
- "...To learn the lifestram I presume. My daughter.... Able to tap right in."
Thasmudyan.
- "It's ...complicated, yes."
"I'll ask no more."
- "Thanks for that."
The angry yelling.
"...better stay the HELL AWAY from LYVINNIA!'
It was sinister.
"...Closer than anyone...To perminant death...Real death, everlasting death..."
Ror's eyes opened. Meditation was over. Placing his hand in support on the grass in front of him, he swore under his own breath,
"Shit."
Findings
What seems like hours later though only minutes, through the mud and rain, he reaches the top of the sloped hill. What next catches his gaze is the burnt husk of a home, the surrounding vegetation encroaching upon it. Crawling with what speed he can muster he reaches the remains of a house, pausing momentarily as another wave of deja vu passes over him, he continues into the burnt remains seeking any bit of shelter he can find.
Searching briefly he finds some boards and begins propping them, with some effort, next to a less crumbled wall. Crawling under his makeshift shelter, escaping the rain for a brief respite, he curls up into a ball trying to stay warm. Listening to the rhythmic sound of rain fall he falls into a fitful sleep.
Waking to the sound of a hooting owl and no sound of rain, he inches out of his shelter shivering. Bracing against the wall as best he can he tries to stand again, the pain is still there, holding onto the wall grimacing he shifts his weight slightly and decides that he bear the pain and walk a little. Keeping one hand on the support of the wall he limps around the burnt house, searching as he goes, stopping when he notices a water hand pump. Thinking to himself, "Well at least I can finally wash my wounds." he lets go of the wall and limps to the pump.
After several failed attempts, determination pays off, he is able to get some water to flow from the pump. He sits next to the pump and starts to undo a bandage to his legs, inspecting the blood soaked bandage he sighs, beginning to wash his legs. With each pump of water on his wounds brings fresh agony, biting into rolled cloth, he finishes and washes the strips of cloth while letting his legs dry.
After rebandaging his legs he stands holding himself up at the water pump looking at the burnt building, closing his eyes, thinking why this place seems familiar.
Searching briefly he finds some boards and begins propping them, with some effort, next to a less crumbled wall. Crawling under his makeshift shelter, escaping the rain for a brief respite, he curls up into a ball trying to stay warm. Listening to the rhythmic sound of rain fall he falls into a fitful sleep.
Waking to the sound of a hooting owl and no sound of rain, he inches out of his shelter shivering. Bracing against the wall as best he can he tries to stand again, the pain is still there, holding onto the wall grimacing he shifts his weight slightly and decides that he bear the pain and walk a little. Keeping one hand on the support of the wall he limps around the burnt house, searching as he goes, stopping when he notices a water hand pump. Thinking to himself, "Well at least I can finally wash my wounds." he lets go of the wall and limps to the pump.
After several failed attempts, determination pays off, he is able to get some water to flow from the pump. He sits next to the pump and starts to undo a bandage to his legs, inspecting the blood soaked bandage he sighs, beginning to wash his legs. With each pump of water on his wounds brings fresh agony, biting into rolled cloth, he finishes and washes the strips of cloth while letting his legs dry.
After rebandaging his legs he stands holding himself up at the water pump looking at the burnt building, closing his eyes, thinking why this place seems familiar.
The Elephant in the Cafe
She had done everything- called off her engagement, kept away from Gilean, checked in on Colin only when he was already half asleep, and stayed away from Thasmudyan completely. Still, Sanria sat in front of Enmach with a pensive stare at the parchment on her desk, writing mindlessly as she spoke.
"I didn't bring anything up other than his letter, that's all."
"Sanria - don't you believe there is more to discuss?"
"No, Enmach. And neither did he. Ror was quite comfortable to keep things business and I won't look the part of the weepy woman sharing her feelings."
Sanria heard the scowl- the huff of breath, the push back into the leather chair. "I still believe you should have told him."
"Why?" Sanria asked, laying the quill down. She looked at Enmach, her face calm and emotionless. "What good would that do?" Enmach grumbled and shook her head. "You humans are foolish and stubborn. You want want want- friendship, love, companionship- and when things don't go your way, you pretend none of it matters and that you have armor wrapped around the heart in your chest. It's idiocy."
"I'm sorry we disappoint you," Sanria said frankly.
"I will not be baited," Enmach answered cooly.
"Then I'll finish this letter to the other leaders and let them meet with Ror to discuss further his ideas for the school and theater in Westbridge. As far as my personal ties to Ror, we have severed those and they no longer matter."
"You truly believe he felt nothing and you felt nothing?"
"He ate his soup and again started asking after someone from my past."
"Who?"
"Kaliadra."
"I see."
"So, no. I don't think he felt anything. As to myself, I've already told you I'm not going to spread my personal feelings around with one who is uninterested."
"I'm interested."
Sanria looked up, narrowing her eyes at Enmach, who sat with a demure grin. "I agree with him in regards to education and the arts." Sanria looked back to her parchment and started writing again. She kept writing even though a flash of bright light indicated she was alone once again. Only when she finished did she turn her chair to face the window, staring out over the floating island, seeing it without seeing it.
"I didn't bring anything up other than his letter, that's all."
"Sanria - don't you believe there is more to discuss?"
"No, Enmach. And neither did he. Ror was quite comfortable to keep things business and I won't look the part of the weepy woman sharing her feelings."
Sanria heard the scowl- the huff of breath, the push back into the leather chair. "I still believe you should have told him."
"Why?" Sanria asked, laying the quill down. She looked at Enmach, her face calm and emotionless. "What good would that do?" Enmach grumbled and shook her head. "You humans are foolish and stubborn. You want want want- friendship, love, companionship- and when things don't go your way, you pretend none of it matters and that you have armor wrapped around the heart in your chest. It's idiocy."
"I'm sorry we disappoint you," Sanria said frankly.
"I will not be baited," Enmach answered cooly.
"Then I'll finish this letter to the other leaders and let them meet with Ror to discuss further his ideas for the school and theater in Westbridge. As far as my personal ties to Ror, we have severed those and they no longer matter."
"You truly believe he felt nothing and you felt nothing?"
"He ate his soup and again started asking after someone from my past."
"Who?"
"Kaliadra."
"I see."
"So, no. I don't think he felt anything. As to myself, I've already told you I'm not going to spread my personal feelings around with one who is uninterested."
"I'm interested."
Sanria looked up, narrowing her eyes at Enmach, who sat with a demure grin. "I agree with him in regards to education and the arts." Sanria looked back to her parchment and started writing again. She kept writing even though a flash of bright light indicated she was alone once again. Only when she finished did she turn her chair to face the window, staring out over the floating island, seeing it without seeing it.
Deja Vu
There is another crack and spark of bright light, causing the man to start and jerk upright, well as much as he can, before wincing in pain. He feels wetness on his face, and then he hears it, rain. Calming slightly he pulls his leg off the roots and swivels to rest his back on the tree and begins to examine the bandages. Thinking to himself, "No time to rebandage my legs, Ive got to find shelter." as the downfall of rain increases.
Looking around intently searching for some form of shelter he doesnt see any, however he starts to feel deja vu, again thinking to himself "Have I been here before? Why does this place look familiar?" Trying to pull himself to his feet, only to fall back down again groaning in pain, he looks skyward into the fall of rain. Looking back at his surroundings wondering why of all places he could have appeared this feels familiar.
Noticing a small animal trail he begins to crawl towards it, rain spattering his face as he drags himself towards it. Gasping for breath as he reaches the path he pauses for a minute, looking toward the sky again, "This place is familiar to me, I must have been here before." he turns toward the east facing a gentle sloped hill.
Pulling himself along, all the while grimacing at the pain, he heads toward the top of the slope as if he were called there.
Looking around intently searching for some form of shelter he doesnt see any, however he starts to feel deja vu, again thinking to himself "Have I been here before? Why does this place look familiar?" Trying to pull himself to his feet, only to fall back down again groaning in pain, he looks skyward into the fall of rain. Looking back at his surroundings wondering why of all places he could have appeared this feels familiar.
Noticing a small animal trail he begins to crawl towards it, rain spattering his face as he drags himself towards it. Gasping for breath as he reaches the path he pauses for a minute, looking toward the sky again, "This place is familiar to me, I must have been here before." he turns toward the east facing a gentle sloped hill.
Pulling himself along, all the while grimacing at the pain, he heads toward the top of the slope as if he were called there.
The Return
The wind is calmly blowing on this seemingly normal day, the wildlife in the holy grove happily play and frolic. A deer lifts its head and looks around as if it was startled by something. The rest of the deer in the immediate vicinity follow suit and shortly after bolt in every direction.
Suddenly there is a crackling and the spark of bright light, a man appears seemingly out of nowhere and lands on their feet, only to immediately collapse onto the ground. Gasping for breath momentarily disoriented, pain suddenly hits, acutely focusing his senses on the location of the injuries causing a scream to well within and release.
With pained words he shouts, "Help!" Looking around seeing only forest he grasps at his legs, blood soaking his hands and trowsers, he groans, "oh goddess it hurts." Thoughts rush through his head, forcing himself to concentrate, he rips off his cloak and starts tearing at the ragged strips making them longer. Bandaging his legs up the best he can, stemming the flow of blood, he mutters to himself, "I hope this can stop it for awhile, Ive no idea where I am."
He crawls to the nearest tree and lifts his legs up on some roots wincing as another flood of pain hits him causing him to pass out.
Suddenly there is a crackling and the spark of bright light, a man appears seemingly out of nowhere and lands on their feet, only to immediately collapse onto the ground. Gasping for breath momentarily disoriented, pain suddenly hits, acutely focusing his senses on the location of the injuries causing a scream to well within and release.
With pained words he shouts, "Help!" Looking around seeing only forest he grasps at his legs, blood soaking his hands and trowsers, he groans, "oh goddess it hurts." Thoughts rush through his head, forcing himself to concentrate, he rips off his cloak and starts tearing at the ragged strips making them longer. Bandaging his legs up the best he can, stemming the flow of blood, he mutters to himself, "I hope this can stop it for awhile, Ive no idea where I am."
He crawls to the nearest tree and lifts his legs up on some roots wincing as another flood of pain hits him causing him to pass out.
Mrs. Gilean Eosos?
"And so he asked you?" Enmach said, her expression patient as she paced the small section of the library where Sanria had holed herself up. Sanria sat in the chair, her feet tucked beneath her, a closed book on her lap. This wasn't what she had in mind when telling Enmach the news, the silver skinned companion hounding her for answers. Sanria felt as though she were reporting to her mother.
"Yes. He did ask me."
"Sanria, I have to advise against this. I truly do." Emach finally sat down, giving Sanria the chance to rest her eyes on a still being.
"What am I supposed to do, Enmach? Why wait? What am I waiting for?"
"Time and distance."
"I don't want distance."
"I mean between you and Colin and you and Thasmudyan and, have you even given yourself time since you left Ror?"
"No..."
"Precisely. You can't possibly take on a commitment like this and expect to use it to hide."
"I'm not hiding!"
The outburst drew a quick glance from Melanie Moles, the librarian, who gave a scathing shush and vanished once again in the stacks. "I'm not hiding," Sanria repeated in a harsh whisper. "I'm moving on. I'm making a choice and sticking with it. I'm choosing a family for Nioma and Matinus, one with a father and a mother and a house, and maybe even a dog."
"Sanria. Nioma has no need for a dog, and she is just fine here with every- one that has a hand in caring for her. You know that. I know not this other child you speak of, but I'm certain his father will do what is best for him."
"I've already said yes," Sanria said plainly.
"Then tell him no, tell him to wait, I'm sure he'll understand. Besides, what if one of the others comes back and you do something... ah, foolish?"
"I've already told Thasmudyan I am choosing Gilean, I've already told Colin, and Ror... well... I've..."
"Not spoken to him even though he's sent that letter about Westbridge."
"Vorcet or Kineada can speak with him regarding a school."
"Hiding."
Sanria stood up, gripping the book, 'Medicinal Chemistry,' at her side. "I am not hiding. I'm choosing."
"Choosing to be foolish and do something you know you're going to regret."
"I'm not going to regret anything."
"You certainly are defensive for not regretting anything. Normally when you are this wound up, you've already done something wrong." Enmach avoided looking at Sanria, which infuriated Sanria all the more- but the point was made.
"Would you let this go if I talked to Ror? If I told him my plans?"
"I just think that it may be best for you to take time away from choosing. You've already done a lot of choosing and perhaps it's time for a moment of rest and reflection."
"I can't."
"Can't what?"
Sanria sat back in her chair and looked at Enmach with a frown. "Can't sit still. Can't rest and reflect. I hate myself when I reflect on the things that I've done and the other choices I've made. Gilean makes me feel like- there's something good about me, even with the screw-ups I've had."
"I think the other men in your life have forgiven you, after all, they're still around. One of them can't even remember you and he is trying to stay in your good graces. Are you so foolish you can't see that?"
"I just don't see what time is going to do, Enmach."
"Time will reveal the truth, and the truth will show you balance. When you find balance, you'll find happiness. But if you try to thread the needle with a whole spool, you'll find it won't fit. Patience, trust, and time."
"Sometimes you make me so mad, Enmach, with all your..."
"I know," the silvery woman replied with a smile. "But when have I been wrong?"
"Yes. He did ask me."
"Sanria, I have to advise against this. I truly do." Emach finally sat down, giving Sanria the chance to rest her eyes on a still being.
"What am I supposed to do, Enmach? Why wait? What am I waiting for?"
"Time and distance."
"I don't want distance."
"I mean between you and Colin and you and Thasmudyan and, have you even given yourself time since you left Ror?"
"No..."
"Precisely. You can't possibly take on a commitment like this and expect to use it to hide."
"I'm not hiding!"
The outburst drew a quick glance from Melanie Moles, the librarian, who gave a scathing shush and vanished once again in the stacks. "I'm not hiding," Sanria repeated in a harsh whisper. "I'm moving on. I'm making a choice and sticking with it. I'm choosing a family for Nioma and Matinus, one with a father and a mother and a house, and maybe even a dog."
"Sanria. Nioma has no need for a dog, and she is just fine here with every- one that has a hand in caring for her. You know that. I know not this other child you speak of, but I'm certain his father will do what is best for him."
"I've already said yes," Sanria said plainly.
"Then tell him no, tell him to wait, I'm sure he'll understand. Besides, what if one of the others comes back and you do something... ah, foolish?"
"I've already told Thasmudyan I am choosing Gilean, I've already told Colin, and Ror... well... I've..."
"Not spoken to him even though he's sent that letter about Westbridge."
"Vorcet or Kineada can speak with him regarding a school."
"Hiding."
Sanria stood up, gripping the book, 'Medicinal Chemistry,' at her side. "I am not hiding. I'm choosing."
"Choosing to be foolish and do something you know you're going to regret."
"I'm not going to regret anything."
"You certainly are defensive for not regretting anything. Normally when you are this wound up, you've already done something wrong." Enmach avoided looking at Sanria, which infuriated Sanria all the more- but the point was made.
"Would you let this go if I talked to Ror? If I told him my plans?"
"I just think that it may be best for you to take time away from choosing. You've already done a lot of choosing and perhaps it's time for a moment of rest and reflection."
"I can't."
"Can't what?"
Sanria sat back in her chair and looked at Enmach with a frown. "Can't sit still. Can't rest and reflect. I hate myself when I reflect on the things that I've done and the other choices I've made. Gilean makes me feel like- there's something good about me, even with the screw-ups I've had."
"I think the other men in your life have forgiven you, after all, they're still around. One of them can't even remember you and he is trying to stay in your good graces. Are you so foolish you can't see that?"
"I just don't see what time is going to do, Enmach."
"Time will reveal the truth, and the truth will show you balance. When you find balance, you'll find happiness. But if you try to thread the needle with a whole spool, you'll find it won't fit. Patience, trust, and time."
"Sometimes you make me so mad, Enmach, with all your..."
"I know," the silvery woman replied with a smile. "But when have I been wrong?"
Paranoia II
Colin laughed dryly again."No, you're a spy, and a poor one at that. I could tell the moment I laid eyes on you." Ror rolled with his eyes at the dumbest thing he ever heard just now. It was then that Colin pointed his finger at Ror one last time before turning away and walking back to the bar, motioning Justin over. The bartender grumbled as he walked from the cute young girl he was busy with to Colin. "What?"
"You see that man?" said Colin pointing at Ror yet again. "Pointing is rude, lad," replied Ror and he received another scowl. "He's a spy. Watch him and make sure he doesn't follow me," commanded Colin. But Justin was in no mood, his irritating face showing it all, "Buddy, that man hasn't been interested in you at all. You've been the one over there like some homeless bum beggin change."
Colin looked taken aback, "You... You're in on it too! What... Did he pay you to say that? To go along?"
Now it was Justin's turn to scowl and he leaned over the bar towards Colin. "You got about five seconds to clear out of here before I get the enforcers on you."
Colin backed away a couple of steps, his eyes suddenly darting to every person in the pub, paranoia creeping in more as his breathing quickened. The barman was glaring at him and pointing towards the door.
"You... all of you..." uttered Colin,
"Are normal people," finished Ror,
"Go on. Get moving, pal," said Justin and the barkeeper meant it. Backing away toward the door Colin turned and gruffly pushed a man out of the way as he made a hasty exit. After he had left Ror apologized for the scene to Justin, who nodded and turned back to his "girl".
Left alone again, Ror had trouble focussing on his reading. It seemed Sanria had been right about the state of mind of Colin. Ror wondered what the best course of action would be from here. He had a feeling "Not telling Sanria" was pretty high on the list.
"You see that man?" said Colin pointing at Ror yet again. "Pointing is rude, lad," replied Ror and he received another scowl. "He's a spy. Watch him and make sure he doesn't follow me," commanded Colin. But Justin was in no mood, his irritating face showing it all, "Buddy, that man hasn't been interested in you at all. You've been the one over there like some homeless bum beggin change."
Colin looked taken aback, "You... You're in on it too! What... Did he pay you to say that? To go along?"
Now it was Justin's turn to scowl and he leaned over the bar towards Colin. "You got about five seconds to clear out of here before I get the enforcers on you."
Colin backed away a couple of steps, his eyes suddenly darting to every person in the pub, paranoia creeping in more as his breathing quickened. The barman was glaring at him and pointing towards the door.
"You... all of you..." uttered Colin,
"Are normal people," finished Ror,
"Go on. Get moving, pal," said Justin and the barkeeper meant it. Backing away toward the door Colin turned and gruffly pushed a man out of the way as he made a hasty exit. After he had left Ror apologized for the scene to Justin, who nodded and turned back to his "girl".
Left alone again, Ror had trouble focussing on his reading. It seemed Sanria had been right about the state of mind of Colin. Ror wondered what the best course of action would be from here. He had a feeling "Not telling Sanria" was pretty high on the list.
Paranoia I
Ror was sitting at a small round table of the Pub of the Yawning Portal Inn. Since a while he had made it his habit to get out more and he combined pub crawling with reading these days. Since you can't read well while drunk, the crawling involved a lot less actual crawling, but he still got around town a whole lot more these days than before.
As he was reading his book and sipping his 'aquavit', Colin entered the pub. He looked around a bit as if evaluating the place before walking over to the bar with arather disheartened look. While Ror was reading Justin, the bartender, served Colin his drink (an aquavit as well) and went on to his work. Which mostly consisted out of socializing with the young and curvy.
When Ror ordered his new drink, he noticed Colin who was leaning against the wall, staring at him. Politely, Ror greeted the man and turned back to his reading.
"I know why you're here," said Colin. Ror looked up and noticed Colin sitting at the other side of his table now. "I beg your pardon?" Asked Ror. The sudden remark had disrupted his train of thought. Ror was scowled at and then Colin started to talk. A whole lot even.
At first Ror was unsure who or what he dealt with. But as the man started to talk the paranoia was pretty imminent. Was Ror not an agent or spy that was watching Colin all the time? Obviously Ror was sent there by "him". Who was this "him" anyway? No question that Ror raised could seem to resolve the matter and no honest answer he gave helped him further. If anything, the paranoia thickened.
After a while Colin mentioned Sanria, and then the puzzle pieces slided into place in Ror's brain. She had told Ror about her husband, or ex-husband, whatever. The man was seriously ill, delusional, paranoid. He believed Ror Surion was out to murder him. The story seemed pretty real for Colin who was making threats and demanded Ror to pass along the message. Colin had no idea who he was talking to and Ror was not going to tell him either. Furthermore, Ror refused to play along with Colin's imagined reality.
And so they clashed, verbally. Colin was visibly frustrated as Ror kept denying any and all accusations. Colin twisted whatever Ror said back into his imagined reality of paranoia. It was really amazing how a person could do that. Meanwhile the bickering was also followed by Justin, the barkeeper, who was not too fond of potential barfights.
As he was reading his book and sipping his 'aquavit', Colin entered the pub. He looked around a bit as if evaluating the place before walking over to the bar with arather disheartened look. While Ror was reading Justin, the bartender, served Colin his drink (an aquavit as well) and went on to his work. Which mostly consisted out of socializing with the young and curvy.
When Ror ordered his new drink, he noticed Colin who was leaning against the wall, staring at him. Politely, Ror greeted the man and turned back to his reading.
"I know why you're here," said Colin. Ror looked up and noticed Colin sitting at the other side of his table now. "I beg your pardon?" Asked Ror. The sudden remark had disrupted his train of thought. Ror was scowled at and then Colin started to talk. A whole lot even.
At first Ror was unsure who or what he dealt with. But as the man started to talk the paranoia was pretty imminent. Was Ror not an agent or spy that was watching Colin all the time? Obviously Ror was sent there by "him". Who was this "him" anyway? No question that Ror raised could seem to resolve the matter and no honest answer he gave helped him further. If anything, the paranoia thickened.
After a while Colin mentioned Sanria, and then the puzzle pieces slided into place in Ror's brain. She had told Ror about her husband, or ex-husband, whatever. The man was seriously ill, delusional, paranoid. He believed Ror Surion was out to murder him. The story seemed pretty real for Colin who was making threats and demanded Ror to pass along the message. Colin had no idea who he was talking to and Ror was not going to tell him either. Furthermore, Ror refused to play along with Colin's imagined reality.
And so they clashed, verbally. Colin was visibly frustrated as Ror kept denying any and all accusations. Colin twisted whatever Ror said back into his imagined reality of paranoia. It was really amazing how a person could do that. Meanwhile the bickering was also followed by Justin, the barkeeper, who was not too fond of potential barfights.
Return of the Painmaker
I've been free of mankind for so long, save one pain that I am tethered to for the remainder of my days. I saved her Sanria, and now I feel what she feels and thank Lady Sune, wherever she may be, that I cannot see what she thinks. Now I follow her scent, leading her back through the trees to a man she loved, then didn't love, the loved, then didn't love then loved, then didn't love. Such switching of partners I haven't seen since the last I stepped as an elf out of Lady Sune's temple.
The Haon'Dor is rife with the scent of rabbit and squirrel Something I'll have to remember for a quick meal once all this is done. Regardless... fix Colin. He is a foolish one as well. Loving someone as fickle as Sanria. Fickle - like Lithanus was. Never settling down, always drifting hearts without a home. Never committing for long. I never was very good at spreading love to others. Too worried. Love stings like briar scratches and bites like fleas and you are never free of the memories.
I can't say I remember this waterfall ever being here. It must look foolish seeing a woman and a wolf floating up to the sky... an island... this castle. Sanria resides here? These people... no... not people... what are they? They all seem surprised by me, like they know what I am without my telling them, and it puzzles them.
I smell him already and that scent of his son. It's been a long time since I've seen the boy. He must reside here, too. The silence in these rooms is incredible. It must be magic, or some sort of contrivance that enables it to be so peaceful. Though... Colin does not look at peace. Colin is afraid. 'No fear. I will help.' I must get accustomed to speaking with these people again... I sound like a child.
The Haon'Dor is rife with the scent of rabbit and squirrel Something I'll have to remember for a quick meal once all this is done. Regardless... fix Colin. He is a foolish one as well. Loving someone as fickle as Sanria. Fickle - like Lithanus was. Never settling down, always drifting hearts without a home. Never committing for long. I never was very good at spreading love to others. Too worried. Love stings like briar scratches and bites like fleas and you are never free of the memories.
I can't say I remember this waterfall ever being here. It must look foolish seeing a woman and a wolf floating up to the sky... an island... this castle. Sanria resides here? These people... no... not people... what are they? They all seem surprised by me, like they know what I am without my telling them, and it puzzles them.
I smell him already and that scent of his son. It's been a long time since I've seen the boy. He must reside here, too. The silence in these rooms is incredible. It must be magic, or some sort of contrivance that enables it to be so peaceful. Though... Colin does not look at peace. Colin is afraid. 'No fear. I will help.' I must get accustomed to speaking with these people again... I sound like a child.
Lupa Alba Kaliadris
Sanria hadn't left Colin's side. Not for lack of wanting to, but because he was increasingly concerned about her health and welfare if the "man" were to find her. She told him that she was getting to know Gilean, thinking that he would not truly care, thinking that with the black makou gone and no memory of their life together, he would let go. She was wrong, and it only seemed to make matters worse.
She set out after settling and easing Colin's fears, letting her hands graze the trunks of trees, asking and hunting for a large white wolf. Kaliadra had helped her long ago when her mind was frayed, now she hoped that she could find the lythari and that her mind wasn't too far gone into the canis world.
Sanria used the very blood that the two shared to seek, and in combination with the trees, felt a flicker that lead her in the direction of the Forests of Mahn'Tor. It had been a very long time since she'd been within the woods here, stretching back to when Visha claimed her brother and a cave. The memory came back with overwhelming clarity and Sanria took a moment to sit on a boulder. She hadn't thought about her brother Sandorin in a long while, and she felt her chest tighten. 'Why seek me?'
Sanria lifted her head and looked into the bright blue eyes of the wolf she had sought. "Kaliadra..."
'Leave.'
'Please,' Sanria telepathed. 'Listen for a moment. We need your help.'
'Can't help. Leave.'
'Colin is very ill in his mind, and you helped me, can you please help him?'
A shimmer of recognition seemed to drift past the blue eyes and a flicker of intelligence once again seemed to light. 'Colin... ill?'
'Yes. Very. Like I was. We need you to make it better, so he's not afraid.'
Sanria held her breath as Kaliadra lowered her white head, drawing back her ears. The growl that came from Kaliadra's throat was loud, and caused the air around her to quiver. Kaliadra finally looked up at Sanria. 'You love him now?'
'I... love him, but so much has happened, if you'll only help, you'll see.'
'You make pain. I feel when you make it. You hurt.'
'I'm sorry. I wish I didn't, truly, I do.'
'Gilean?' Kaliadra questioned after a few moments and Sanria nodded her head. Kaliadra's long huff of air was the only reply before she stood up and began walking back through the woods in the direction Sanria had come.
She set out after settling and easing Colin's fears, letting her hands graze the trunks of trees, asking and hunting for a large white wolf. Kaliadra had helped her long ago when her mind was frayed, now she hoped that she could find the lythari and that her mind wasn't too far gone into the canis world.
Sanria used the very blood that the two shared to seek, and in combination with the trees, felt a flicker that lead her in the direction of the Forests of Mahn'Tor. It had been a very long time since she'd been within the woods here, stretching back to when Visha claimed her brother and a cave. The memory came back with overwhelming clarity and Sanria took a moment to sit on a boulder. She hadn't thought about her brother Sandorin in a long while, and she felt her chest tighten. 'Why seek me?'
Sanria lifted her head and looked into the bright blue eyes of the wolf she had sought. "Kaliadra..."
'Leave.'
'Please,' Sanria telepathed. 'Listen for a moment. We need your help.'
'Can't help. Leave.'
'Colin is very ill in his mind, and you helped me, can you please help him?'
A shimmer of recognition seemed to drift past the blue eyes and a flicker of intelligence once again seemed to light. 'Colin... ill?'
'Yes. Very. Like I was. We need you to make it better, so he's not afraid.'
Sanria held her breath as Kaliadra lowered her white head, drawing back her ears. The growl that came from Kaliadra's throat was loud, and caused the air around her to quiver. Kaliadra finally looked up at Sanria. 'You love him now?'
'I... love him, but so much has happened, if you'll only help, you'll see.'
'You make pain. I feel when you make it. You hurt.'
'I'm sorry. I wish I didn't, truly, I do.'
'Gilean?' Kaliadra questioned after a few moments and Sanria nodded her head. Kaliadra's long huff of air was the only reply before she stood up and began walking back through the woods in the direction Sanria had come.
Location, location, location
Sitting at the Park Cafe, Ror sipped his latte. The drink was turning cold while Ror took small sips. He was not focussed on his drink, but on the words of Psycho. Ror's thoughts mulled over the ideas and promises and very soon concluded that the Radiant Heart were not just backing him up in the idea, they were giving him a carte blanche. They put trust in him on this. Which was nice of course, but didn't make things easier. For one, Psycho only mentioned the school. So it was unclear whether he supported the rest. Then again a school was better than nothing. He would need a location though. But Ror knew that was just the start. After the location picking there was the building and of course the teaching and rallying of children and grown-ups to actually come to the school and learn. Because education was important. No matter who you were or what you'd do later in life, education would help you build your self-esteem and strengthen your resolve in the world around you. It made you less gullible and less stupid. Where do I start? thought Ror. He drained his cup and placed it down on the table, closing his book with the other hand. No more reading for today. It was time to visit that floating island and ask for a reply from the Keeper's side. They were the only ones left to respond, and hopefully they would have some further ideas as well.
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