Meeting in Polaris

Elbryan Stepped back into his town and Looked around. Rememberin the sweet smells of the place. And at the same time remembering the god forsaken cold that was over this city year round. As Elbryan was about to round a corner he heard voices. Voices he had not heard in a long time. Kohrin and Atandella were standing in the City Center. He could catch most of what was said. They were discussing where a good place to put the city hall would be. Nobody knew that Elbryan was back in town yet and He kind liked it that way, but business needed to be taken care of. "I know where we can put the Town Hall." Elbryan says as he rounds the corner. Both Tandy and Kohrin jump back at the sight of him, and when the inital shock is gone agree to see the place that Elbryan has in mind. Elbryan leads them Down Crescent street And then on a northern street untill They reach an abandoned warehouse. "Kossuth himself showed me this building shortly before I left. I was not afforded the opportunity to tell you about it before I had to leave." said elbryan as he looked at the building. Then He looks at Tandy and says, "Im sorry for dissapearing again... My former life keeps calling me away. I think Things are resolved now. I shouldn't be dissapearing again for a long time...." Then Elbryan looks at his feet. and Tandy Lifts Elbryans head and says, "All that matters is that you are alive and here with us now. Nothing else matters." "Thank you Tandy" says Elbryan. "Here let me show you two the structure as it stands now."

The FLAME

The weather outside hadn't been very good all day, so I decided to head into the local pub near Market Square. When I got there I heard much commotion from the people about the "declaration of war" that Elbryan had made that day. I was obviously very confused as the last time that I had talked with Elbryan and Quaster everything seemed peaceful enough. Quickly I removed my symbol of the Lord Kossuth so that I might gain information without people knowing which side I stood on, as I approahed the bar, feeling naked, I heard the name Fafnir mentioned.

At the bar I tried my best to stay quiet even as it was obvious that the group sided with the obviously wrong Ishtishans, but tis not in me to cause a large scene in a peaceful bar. So I just listened as they told of the Istishan church accepting Fafnir, and of Fafnir's resent threat on the life of Elbryan.

I was outraged at this news, but decided to keep my cool, so slowly moved my cloak away from the large sword and spear that I carry at all times, and put on the Holy Symbol of the Lord Kossuth. At this the onversation went silent, and the men knowin that they were overpowered slowly left the bar peacefully.

When I was alone at the bar at last, or thought I was alone at least I began to think the whole thing through to myself. If Elbryan had declared war on CoI, ar at the least had nullified the peace his life would be in danger as the fanatical Fafnir had already threatened his life.

I had a new mission, to protect Elbryan at all costs as he led the Flames to a glorious victory against the silly puddle people.

Cookies

Comfort is what Emalia desired more than anything, and cookies were what she felt could provide it.  Annie seemed to sense that saying anything wouldn't help, and thus delivered the plate of cookies in silence.  Emalia picked one up and took a bite.  Like many things do when one is grieving terribly, it tasted flavorless and only served to coat her tongue in a gritty chocolate mash.  She put the cookie back onto the plate, dropped her head onto the table, and sobbed into her arm.

She wasn't there long before Jayden appeared. It really was the last thing she wanted, for someone else to see her crying, and so she hastily dried her tears and attempted to smooth back her hair. Here was another person she would have to admit this to... someone that she really, truly, cared about, and who had become almost like family to her. She spoke of the Jihad and waited for the look of distaste... but it never came.

Jayden put a hand on hers, patting it gently as he asked her what brought about her change of ideals. It shocked Emalia to see the kindness that she was still given from the man she had come to regard as her grandfather.

They spoke of destruction - the very thing the Guardians were not - and how it was better left to the evil Jihad. Up until that point, Emalia had almost been prepared to forsake her joining with the Jihad... but evil... she didn't believe it for a moment. None of the Jihad had ever treated her badly, nor done anything to her that would support the idea of evil. When Jayden asked if she had been followed...

Emalia's head rested in her hands, now. She took a short moment to notice just how heavy a head really was, before Jayden pointed to her that he had never lied to her, nor pointed her in the wrong direction. All she wanted, was to have some choice she had made be right.

Emalia spoke more to Jayden, telling him what had transpired between she and Hellstrom. "Hellstrom is young... inexperienced with words." "His solution is not to leave me so long as I say nothing to him. How can that be love at all?" "I do not know child... I know that I would never leave your side for voicing your opinion. it is our...God given right to voice our opinions." "Do you think, perhaps, Hellstrom isn't the one for me?" "Perhaps."

The admission did come as a bit of a shock. So did Jayden's accusation that the Jihad wanted nothing more than to break her away from the Crimson Guardians in the name of gaining members. No, they never forced her to leave. Even Grobnak had told her that she didn't have to abandon them. It made no sense. She was bridging the gap, bringing them together, not being torn away. The only tearing being done was by those that looked at her the way Hellstrom had, the way the people in the shop had, the way... almost everyone had.

Emalia continued talking until Jayden invited another to sit with them. Behind her was Hellstrom, and Emalia froze with panic. This is not who she wanted to see - yet here he was. Soon after, a noise came from the rooftop, and much sooner after, the door opened with no one there. Jayden wanted to leave, Hellstrom called for action, Emalia finally stood up and screamed.

Again, she and Hellstrom bickered. He didn't fear anyone, he didn't need to, he was going to go to the wood - and the final straw broke when Hellstrom chuckled out, "Don't worry for my welfare." It was all Emalia could take.

"Well then... why worry for you at all, yes?"

How he could have said something so thoughtless, Emalia didn't know, and couldn't understand. Caring for one another didn't mean only one side. Her heart felt as if it had finally broken in two. She knew she must go to Elbryan. To protect her family and her friends - she would leave the Guardians.

Hellstrom told her where to find the skeleton, and Emalia went to Jayden. She knelt at his side, requesting a prayer. It soothed her and helped to restore her sense of self. She apologized to Hellstrom, and as he left, her Uncle Sandorin entered. One more she hadn't told... One more she couldn't handle. She sat at the table as her weariness took over, and fell asleep listening to the speech of two old men.

Home

Emalia sat in the middle of the herb garden, smelling each of the plants that grew around her.  Only days before she had been with no one but herself, the idle chit-chat of strangers, and her books.  Today, she was a Crimson Guardian.  She took in a deep breath and smiled to herself while she looked over the insignia she wore.  It seemed like a dream.

Fizz trotted up to her, nudging her shoulder with a nickering whinny, snapping Emalia from her reverie. "Oh my newest friend, what is it you desire?" A snort tickled Emalia's cheek as she was again nudged. "A carrot. Coming right up." Emalia rose to her feet, chanting a quick line for a quick treat. She smiled deeply as Fizz tossed the carrot into the air, only to chomp down on it and hop away like a colt.

Emalia felt automatically at home, marginally concerned that she had still not heard from her family, save her Uncle Sandorin, who had vanished again from her life. She sat again in the herbs, her mind drifting from her travel to Westbridge, to her journey into the Guardians, then to the events of the day. Immediately, a frown crossed her features.

Emalia knew she was born with abilities different from many. Her mother made sure she knew it - when she wasn't talking to herself - but Emalia wasn't quite sure what they were. She had harmed Elbryan with a simple spell, but couldn't place a finger on why or even how. Holding back a few tears, Emalia bit her lip, her pride stinging as she thought of exactly how she felt like such a failure. She'd harmed someone...

A deep neigh wrested her from her thoughts and a sense of calm flooded her. Fizz stared at her with deep brown eyes - already she could feel a connection with him. "Another?" She stood again, repeating her earlier incantation, and shook her head with a grin as Fizz repeated his.

In the quiet of the gardens, Emalia centered herself deciding that the silence would allow her to read. Certain that Fizz was finally contented, she slipped another violet-bound tome from her pack. By any sense she was a quick reader, it only taking her a day to pour through the thick volumes. She began in again reading through Cyric's past, pushing all her thoughts of home, family, and failure to the side. The texts flowed with detail, almost vividly leaping from the page. Emalia was so mesmerized that even Fizz's insistent nudges did nothing to rouse her.

Meetings

Stark Explained all that had happened to him to Elbryan while they chatted in the Coffee Shop. The Collection of Information was indeed helpfull and Elbryan learned much from the Young one. But his encounter with Quaster was what had worried Elbryan. Quaster was either planning something or he knows something that Elbryan or the others do not. and that could prove to be dangerous with the trial aproaching.  Elbryan Scratches out a note to his fellow FLAME members to ensure that they be especially wary of quaster and his ways for the next little while.   Elbryan look sover the Amended maps of the City of Ice and ensures himself that the choice was indeed good.  It will make an excellent stagin ground for FLAME to begin it's campaign against the Church of Istishia.  Elbryan Thinks that perhaps he should wait untill after the trial to bring his plans fully into the open, but then decides that to delay would only bring complication. Better to do this while everyone is preocupied with the trial.

The End of Innocence

Hellstrom while sitting in the enchanted Laval pools in Kossuth's church thought about everything that had happened in the past few days. It had been nerve wracking and he had not really rested in quite some time, but the end result was wonderful.

Hellstrom’s thoughts were interrupted as a small flame sputtered up from the pool and a familiar voice spoke to him. "Hellstrom, I need you at once." Elbryan's voice commanded.

Hellstrom sighed and muttered to himself, "I guess my break is over." Hellstrom stepped out of the pool and dressed quickly. From the tone in Elbryan's voice he meant now. With one last sigh Elbryan tapped into his limited magical ability and a door appeared in the wall on the east side of the room. Hellstrom walked to it and opened it to find himself in Elbryan's mansion in Torregianno.

Elbryan was sitting in a chair next to a lit candle with a book closed in his lap, waiting for Hellstrom impatiently by the look he had on his bony face. "Have a seat Hellstrom." Elbryan said evenly. "We have some.... issues we need to discuss."

Hellstrom sat in a chair across from Elbryan as he related the information that Vorcet had managed to gather at the Jenovese Camp. Hellstrom jaw dropped as Elbryan got to the description of the girl. He knew immediately who it was. He could never forget that description. He had gone over it too many times in his own mind. As the story was finished Hellstrom's surprise was replaced by rage. Rage at the Jenovese, and rage directed at Grobnak specifically.

"That SNAKE" Hellstrom growled fiercely as he stood up and began to pace. "If I lay hands on that monster I swear...."

"You will do nothing. That is what you will do." Elbryan answered as evenly as before. "Don’t you think you have someone ELSE you should be worrying about?" Hellstrom stopped in his pacing as he caught Elbryan's meaning. Hellstrom tried to stutter something but Elbryan cut him off. "I understand your need to explain, but it is not necessary. You are the closest to her right now. Do what you can."

Hellstrom with a somewhat relived if not confused look on his face nods and says quietly "I will not disappoint."

Back In the Church Hellstrom paces his small room while he considers his options. "I was able to get her to destroy her copy of the Cyrinishad..." Hellstrom thinks aloud to himself. "Maybe I can talk her out of this madness." Hellstrom sighs as he opens yet another door, his third for the evening exhausting his magical energy and walks into the Sanctuary of the Crimson Guardians to track down Emalia and have a MUCH needed chat.

Krogenar in the Inn

Kaz sat quietly and listened to the discussion in the inn around him. He drank his usual brew, and kept his cloak low.  He had stripped himself of all of his identifying marks so that the people around him would not know who he was.  Kaz was infuriated by what Krogenar was telling the people. How dare he accuse the FLAME of using the city for their own purpose. Sure the city held some benifits for the FLAME.  But Kaz had been around long enough to know that Elbryan would never let any harm come to the Citizens.

Long after the people had left the inn.  Kaz had some time to think about what had just happened.  Finally later that night Kaz decided to go report to Elbryan. Kaz Told elbryan everything that he had overheard that night. Elbryan was less than pleased with the whole thing.  After telling his story Kaz  Left Elbryan to think about what to do next.  Kaz knew Elbryan would know what to do about Krogenar.  He always seemed to know what to do. Kaz was glad that the Flame had the two capable leaders that it did.  Otherwise FLAME would not have lasted as long as it has.   With his work for the night done, Kaz went out to the city of Darrowmere to sit int he forrest for a while, to calm his nerves...

Accusations and Lies

Stark Explained all that had occured while Elbryan had been away.  The attack in Westbridge. The unusual activity of the Rok.  The Fact that No immortal was ever seen at any time by anyone But supposedly  Quaster. These things seemed a little too convenient for Quaster.  Trying to gain a bit of Favor from the public perhaps. The more Elbryan thought about it the More he hated Quaster. He would find any way to Make FLAME look bad.  Or discredit Kossuth's name. Elbryan Being one of Kossuths Chosen Surely would have been Privy to any Plans of an Open attack on Quaster. Elbryan Makes a mental Note of these things and Stalks off to find Quaster And have Words with him.

Self Exile

As usual the exertion of practice had a calming and collecting affect on Hellstrom's thoughts and mind. With sweat pouring down his body he sat against a tree at the edge of the clearing analyzing what had happened. He knew now how badly he had botched what he and Emalia might have had. So much time in the wood had addled Hellstrom’s mind in the handling of human affairs. He was not fit for the company of others and he knew it now. He thought about the look of pain on Emalia's face when they had last parted ways. Hellstrom knew his hatred for the Jenovese was not going to allow him to be near her anymore, constantly being watched.

Hellstrom sat upright for a moment as a thought came to him. Could both sides be watching Emalia and him? As Duty bound as Elbryan was Hellstrom knew it was a possibility. Was that why Elbryan had encouraged him to not leave her alone in this? To accept what she was doing? He had to get away. Hellstrom refused to be the centerpiece for both groups attempts at subterfuge.

Hellstrom pulled out his clothes after he had dried off and dressed hastily, thinking better of putting on his cloak with the Guardian symbol. He did not want to be seen or be able to be contacted. Instead he pulled his spare cloak out of his pack and wrapped it about himself and stalked into town careful not to let anyone know who he was. Hellstrom collected enough supplies to last for a few months and stowed them carefully in his bag.

Hellstrom made one last trip to the lookout where he and Emalia had truly talked for the first time. He looked over the edge for a bit and then turned to his ever constant companion his bear. "I’ve one last thing to do before I depart." Hellstrom said to his non responsive friend, and pulls from his pack a few pieces of parchment some wax, ink and a quill.

****Attention****

Elbryan Places the Note on the Statue and begins to read it one last time.

.                 **ATTENTION**

To all of those who seem to believe that i have made a  declaration of war, you are SADLY mistaken. maybe if people knew the whole story then you could all make conclusions. But Most of you do not and therefore should not judge anyone. I explained to Quaster what Fafnir had done. He assaulted My friends and Me.  And he openly threatened me. I spoke with Quaster about this.  I even called a temporary Truce so that the problem with Fafnir might be resolved. Quaster obviously Wants fighting as he has embraced Fafnir yet again. My fight is with Fafnir. but the CoI obviously Back him. So if you would call seeking justice for Fafnirs repeated  Assaults of me and my friends wrong. Then so be it.  That is your opinion. But maybe there are some out there that can see that Fafnir is the true Evil in this. I thank you for your time. We shall see tomarrow what Horrible rumors arrise from ThIS note.

Elbryan of the FLAME

P.S. And another thing.  Quaster, This is all up to you. If you wish War then continue to support Fafnir. If you wish a lul then reject him.  I leave the choice to you. I have made my hatred of that thing called fafnir very  obvious to you.  Yet you enbrace him again.

Elbryan Looks about at the people waiting to read his New note He walks out of the Square whispering to himself. "Fucking Warmongers, all they want to see is blood."

The Unwilling Spy

The Lookout was deathly quiet as if the wood sensed Hellstrom's foul mood and chose to leave him alone. His bear stayed hidden in the woods nearby in the off chance Hellstrom needed him. Hellstrom's mood shifted from darkest depression and fits of sobbing, to pure muscle shaking rage.

After a time Hellstrom finally stood up and called for his bear, who shambled out of the trees and sat down where Hellstrom had been sitting. Hellstrom concentrated and opened a door to where Elbryan was and stepped through. Elbryan as sitting in the same chair with the same book he had before open in his lap. Elbryan carefully closed his book and set it on the table next to his chair and studied Hellstrom for a minute. "I was wondering when you would be back." Elbryan stated.

Hellstrom paced for a few minutes trying to decide where to start as Elbryan watched patiently and waited for what he knew was coming. Finally Hellstrom stopped pacing and looked at Elbryan who asked, "I’m guessing it didn’t go so well?" Hellstrom looked at Elbryan for a minute still unsure where to start.

"Grobnak's poison words were too strong... There is nothing I can do..." Hellstrom finally began. "When you meet with her again Hellstrom, do not do so in the same place." Elbryan cautioned, "I am not the only one with spies." "You think I am being watched?" Hellstrom asked in surprise. "I don’t think, I know!" Elbryan said matter-of-factly. "Emalia is new to the order they will have people watching her actions for a bit... You can be sure you have come to the Jenovese's attention."

Hellstrom thought about this for a minute and finally nodded his understanding at Elbryan. "But, what am i supposed to do?" Hellstrom asked Elbryan with a tone of desperation tinging his tongue, "I...I mean we are going to lose her to the Jenovese."

Elbryan sat back in his chair and steeped his fingers in thought for a moment. "Do not cut ties with her." Elbryan said slowly and thoughtfully, "If you do she is lost to them forever. Do not accept her faith, that’s not what I am saying. But all the same try to stay a positive influence in her life. Maybe, just maybe, she will have a change of heart."

Hellstrom thought about this for a while. He wouldn’t be losing Emalia, he could still see her. It made sense to Hellstrom's confused mind. "Ensure that she understands where your loyalty lies though. For when the time comes, the Guardians will be standing with the rest to destroy the RoK, as will the followers of Kossuth." Hellstrom nodded his understanding again and turned to leave. His bear was warning him that someone was approaching the lookout.

"I have to go Elbryan...." Hellstrom says quietly. "She has returned.", and with that opens a new door and steps through back to his bear to wait for Emalia's appearance on the lookout.

After Hellstrom's departure from his residence, Elbryan looked at the spot where the door had been. "I’m sorry for using you Hellstrom..." Elbryan whispers to himself. "But it must be done for the sake of the world."

Life?

With the Days ending and things Winding down with in the clan hall, Elbryan finally gets a chance to meditate about the last few days. As he slipps into his usual trancelike state of deep thought he feels another presence  in the back of his mind.  By the Spiritual Warmth the presence brought with it Elbryan Knew instantly Who it was.  Lord Kossuth had come to him.
"You are doing well I trust Elbryan?"  Asks Kossuth.
"I am doing Very well indeed M'Lord"  Elbryan replies still not quite sure what to say.
"Do you Feel as you have found your purpose for being here?"  Kossuth Asks casually.
"Aye I believe I have found what I was brought back from the dead to do."  replies Elbryan.
"That is well because I have decided to Give you a GiftE elbryan."  Kossuth states Plainly
"What Gift do you speak of Lord?  I want for nothing."  says Elbryan with a touch of confusion laced in his voice. "I will give back to you the one thing you have been missing for a long time Elbryan....." says Kossuth
"Your Life" And with that Elbryan awakes to his decaying body realizing just how much he really did miss being alive. He really did miss the ability to feel and taste and smell.  But was what he had seen real? It couldnt be could it. Questions raced through his mind as he attempted to meditate further for more answers.

Thoughts Waxing Random

Emalia made herself content in the herb garden by laying amidst the pots and fragrant scents that wafted on the slight breeze.  She took in a deep breath and let it out in a quick sigh, wondering briefly if the breath would actually reach the sky before it was completely dissipated. She really felt like a child when she spoke anymore.  Not in control of herself, really, but not out of control.

Who honestly needed to have someone to be with when one had an entire family with which to spend their lives? She saw what love had done to her mother, she saw, too, that the lack of it didn't necessary spell the end of the world. Elbryan and Jayden seemed absolutely fine, as did Hellstrom.

"Why do I feel like something is still missing, then?" Fizz trotted up, sniffling her with his soft nose, the stiff little whiskers on his chin tickling her even as the hot breath (which smelled curiously like timothy and carrot), moisted her skin. "What more do I need, Fizz, outside of you, healing, and the Guardians?"

She sat up, patting her pet on his broad cheek. Her thoughts then swayed to Hellstrom and the idea of sleeping beneath the stars. She truly was homesick, though she'd not admit such a thing to anyone. The stars and sleeping beneath them - watching the occasional star arc through the midnight sky - wondering where it was off to in such a hurry. She'd spent so many warm nights beneath the sky with nothing but herself, her thoughts, and hopes that her mother would get better...how life could change.

"Ah, Fizz. Perhaps we should take a journey home and forget the woes-" A sudden thought struck her. She was home. The Cavern was no longer her place, but her mother's... and father's. Slowly, she looked at Fizz. With a sad smile, she patted him again - got up - and left for the confines of her small room. Once there, she lay in the bed, simply thinking.

Fate

Emalia stood in her room - jaw dropped, tears in her eyes, and her tome on the ground - still in the haphazard position it was when Melchior threw it to the ground. He, too, was upset with her choice. He, too, looked upon her as a dealer in death. It set Emalia's resolve once and for all.

Earlier, she had been ready to run away. Again, she would find a new town, a new place, new people and thus not break any vows to anyone. As luck would have it, she stopped into the Prancing Stallion for a bit of water and ran smack into a drunken Grobnak.

She remembered Elbryan's words and was about to go, but she ended up talking to Grobnak anyway. As he found out her plans for leaving and why, he agreed quickly to withdraw his spies from her. She felt so much better, knowing that all it took was a simple request for her to keep her other family from enduring any worries. 'See,' she told herself, 'he's not as bad as they all make him out to be.'

Emalia had almost decided not to take her journey, when Grobnak made a suggestion... to seek out the Temple of Light. The name rang within her soul like a bell - perhaps here would be her clarity. She would seek out not only this place, but a man called 'Keldon', and see if her fate could finally be determined and her questions answered.

Leaving Grobnak at the compound, she went into Westbridge to collect her provisions and ended up in the map shop, hopeful that maybe there would be some sort of direction to this place... and so she stumbled on Melchior... and ended up here, by herself, with his words flailing her skin to shreds like a strand of barbed wire:

"You sentence us all to death!"

Thoughts of a Priestess

Colin bounced around in the most hyperactive state Emalia had ever seen him. The two met in Market Square amidst the bustle of midday. "I made some lunch! Do you have any plans?" It was simple to see by the expression on his face that his first attempt had ended in success.

Emalia walked with Colin to the Crossroads Inn. In the den, they sat on the couch, eating Colin's stew. Indeed, he had put forth his best effort and created something incredible. They ate in an amiable silence before Colin's sigh caught Emalia's attention. Something wasn't right.

It took a lot of cajoling, but Colin eventually had to come out and admit that despite his earlier claims, he was in love. Emalia looked down to her hands. It had to end here. There was no way she would give the wrong impression, or lead a friend on.

There is a feeling to describe what it is like to be faced with letting someone down. Some say it feels like a weight, others say it feels like suffocation. For Emalia, it was apprehension that wrapped about her chest and constricted like a boa... weight and suffocation rolled into one. She still wanted Colin as a friend, but she was not about to make him suffer seeing her if it caused him pain.

She watched as Colin's jaw rippled with tension and felt there was a way she could help. Emalia walked over and placed her hands on Colin's bulging shoulders and sent through them a wave of calm... apparently not enough. He jerked from her as if stricken and the memory of a jolt to Elbryan crossed her mind. 'Not again...' she thought. 'I swear if I've hurt him, I'll never heal another being again.'

The hesitation that Colin expressed worried Emalia, but he insisted it was only that it was her touching him. With the unrequited love on his mind, the touch was the last thing he had expected. Shaken still, she left Colin sitting in the parlor and headed to the garden by the clan hall.

At least there she could sit with her thoughts disturbed only by Fizz and his antics.

So it was that Emalia sat amidst the flowers attempting to figure out her feelings. Always with the feelings, so much so, that there were times she wished she could rid herself of them. She would be a perfect healer if she could do what she was intended to do. The problem was that now, she was thinking about things that were not conducive to concentration - and her frustration was building.

She dropped her head onto her knees when she heard the door shut. After her talk with Colin, here was Hellstrom. It was almost too much for her to bear. She let out an involuntary groan and plopped her head back onto her knees. She just needed to come right out and say it, come right out, and tell him what she was feeling. Always the feelings.

The words came out in a stammering rush. Pauses were interspersed with sighs, and sighs were sprinkled with a fine dusting of confusion. This definitely was not normal. When Hellstrom lifted her chin and admitted similar things were occurring with him it was like pent up flood had finally been freed - even if the moments after were a bit strange.

They walked side by side for a while, simply speaking of the woods and the ancient trees. Hellstrom made good on his promise of a lesson, pointing out the way moss grew on the east side of the trees, and the appropriate berries to eat, and when he wrapped his arm around her it was like an electric shock raced through her.

She leaned nearer to him as they walked on, her unbidden smile safe from his eyes by a bowed head.

The time flew past with conversation, Colin's stew, and a glass of lemonade from Port Llast. Night settled in upon them when Emalia noticed the peculiar absence of Hellstrom's bear. The absence, made humorous, by the fact that Hellstrom hadn't asked the bear to stay behind... he'd done so of his own accord - pulling thoughts from Hellstrom's mind. The "damn bear" sent Emalia into a small fit of laughter and blushing gratefully covered by the artistry of night's dark canvas.

As the sun rose, Emalia parted company right in the place her whole day had begun. Her thoughts were everywhere - deny the feelings she felt or pursue them? Friendship with Colin or spare him the pain? And the final question that wrested the rouge from her cheeks – why was she having such a hard time believing that her touch caused Colin no pain? What was the link...

Death by Death

Sanria slammed her front door, tears unchecked as they streamed down her face. She went directly to her bedroom, slamming that door as well, before collapsing onto her bed - face down - in a heap of tears, sobs, curls, and robes. Her anguish was palpable, and it caused her to roll into a ball in the hopes of making it go away. She made up her mind as she wet her pillows with her tears, that she wouldn't leave her home. She was tired, so very tired, of everyone telling her what a great mother she was, how strong her daughter was, when the truth was that she had not raised her daughter at all. Emalia raised herself and cared for her - Emalia never had a mother at all. Emalia had a grown child.

All she wanted to do was to sit in Festival Square and remember. Maybe that was really a bad thing to do, wishing so badly to forget by remembering. Then she ran into the skeleton. It was a bit difficult for her to look at him in a positive light - after being so long with one that was life itself - to see an undead was a bit disconcerting. Elbryan, regardless, was a leader in the Guardians. A fact which concerned Sanria little beyond the idea of his being part of what his daughter was part of.

The conversation between them shifted to Kaz, and Elbryan had asked her for a favor. Tell Kaz hello. Why would she hesitate, and so she agreed. Then - her mistake. She invited the pile of bones to Festival Square. It honestly was something she should not have done, but her drive to be there was intense. She knew, as the skeleton spoke, he was trying to be helpful. She knew, as he began to question her, he was attempting to get her to see just how things had worked out. But what he didn't know, was that she was no ignorant simpleton. What he didn't know, was the whole story.

When he attempted to stop her from going by means of her daughter, a mother-daughter bond, a desire to have a hand in Emalia's life, it was all she could stand. Who was he to attempt to delve into her private life and sort affairs years in the making with simple questions that would better be asked of children?

Sanria stormed into the Illuminati Clan Hall, no eyes watched her. She stormed down the dirt path and into the woods, no eyes watched her. She slammed her door - once, then again - and no eyes watched her. She was alone and it appeared, that is the way it would just have to stay.

Setting Off

Emalia walked out of the eastern gates without the faintest clue where she was headed. There was no way she was going back to Melancholy's Maps after what had happened with Melchior, and due to him, she doubted she'd be going back into Westbridge anytime soon.

The road to the east was sparsely populated, which suited her fine, but her packs had already begun to weigh her down. Knowing it would take a bit of her energy, she cast a easy spell, and a disk materialized from thin air beside her. She hefted her pack onto it and sighed lightly, having her load dispersed.

The eastern road stretched as far as she could see and so, she gathered, she would simply follow it. Emalia glanced behind her and suspiciously around her. No followers.

Good. Even if there were any, the chance that she would have known would have been disastrously low - having not even the minimal of ideas of what to look for. It didn't matter - looking around helped her to calm herself.

The sun passed the midday point before Emalia had any idea where she was going. She would travel farther than she had before. She would visit the Temple of Lathander, the God she had read about from Grobnak's tomes. Renewal, Rebirth, and the Morning Lord might calm her mind and point to her the next steps she should be taking toward the Temple of Light.

Emalia passed the crossroad that lead to the Torregiano gates. Elbryan might very well be there now, reading. Again she looked around, the idea of spies rising in her head, but there was no one that particularly looked as though they cared who she was or what she was doing there or where she was going. What would he say of this journey? Going to a temple based on the name sounded idiotic at best, but she wouldn't be stopping in to ask his opinion.

She was traveling alone now, off to commune with Lathander in the hopes that there would be answers. The last thought she had as she approached the gates of New Thalos were the hope that her messengers had done what she paid them to do.

Aftermath (Part 2)

Vorcet gasped in a breath as he sat bolt upright off the floor.  The vision already starting to fade.  It wasnt a dream, the dead dont dream. Just enough remained to remind Vorcet of what he had been doing prior to the invasion.

Vorcet slowly stood up and walked to the window in the tower.  The sun had travelled two hours in the sky since entering the tower after Kefka had breathed his last.  The gates remained unmanned as the insurgents evaluated the damage to the city and began organizing themselves.

So much work was yet to be done with the city before Vorcet could  return to his investigations.  So many arrangements to be made.  Vorcet openned a gate into the basement of Elbryan's house.  He made his way upstairs to his room and his wardrobe.  He pulled the bloodstained vectorian armor off and tossed it in the corner. 

Vorcet had gotten a few strange looks at first as he waded into the  combat directing his spells at vectorians but most simply seemed to  understand.  Vorcet had allowed himself to get too close to the front  lines and his spells had attracted Kefkas personal attention.  Only  the prayers and spells of the priests had kept Vorcet standing through  Kefka's onslaught.  Every so often Vorcet would feel the rush of his  magical powers returning only to catch a glimpse of a familiar halfling  chanting arcane phrases in the crowd.  Spells flew and weapons had  flashed for what seemed an eternity.  But in the end, the combined  forces of the realm had ended the vectorian occupation.

Vorcet pulled a clean set clothes out of his wardrobe.  Thankful for Elbryan's staff's diligence.  He dressed slowly working out the stiff muscles and freshly healed wounds.  It had been weeks since Vorcet had seen his own clothing, much less his own face.  He stopped for a moment to inspect his appearance.  Minus the blood and terribly uncomfortable vectorian armor, Vorcet felt almost human again, almost.

Taking a last glance in the mirror and muttering a quick prayer to Talos for letting him see another day, Vorcet opened another gate back to westbridge.  The guard tower was still empty as he worked his way to the streets below.  Vorcet wound his way through the crowd, taking in the damage that had been wrought by both sides of the conflict.  Yes, it was indeed time to begin the healing of the town.

FLAMEs in Polaris (part 2)

Finally completing the missive, Stark reviews what he has written one last time, the crimson quill grit in his razor sharp beak:

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High Flame Atandella and Lord Elbryan:

Per your request, I am reporting some of the things which the righteous forces of Lord Fire may strive to bring to the cold and troubled peoples of Polaris.

- aquaduct waters from the Dark Lake through the proposed Temple of Kossuth, thereby heating the liquid to steam and piping it into the businesses and homes as an ambiant heat source.
- import various endangered species from the realms into the Polaris Forest to create a wildlife sanctuary for the beasts.
- prepare tax incentives for the merchants of the city to import and sell more exotic and desired goods.
- encourage the guilds to better prepare their pupils  for the wilds of the realms through practice and  training
- balance the patrols of the uncaring Shimmering Guardsmen of Polaris with more populace friendly guard  to police the wandering bands of thugs and street  tuffs.
- temper the clergy to put the wandering spirits of  the Polaris graveyard to final rest, fire the current  gravekeeper for hitting the spice wine too often and  not doing his job.
- increase the housing for the poor and downtrodden

Istishian activity has been limited in this area at this time.

Signed by my hand, your loyal Servant... STARK

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Nodding in affirmation, Stark invokes a prayer to Lord Flame and watches in rapture as the message is consumed in a blazing ball of fire... magically  transported to his lady and liege. 

Stark's visit to Polaris

Elbryan watched Stark work the croud from the edge of the croud.  Stark's eloquent speach got the crouds attention quickly.  The Ring just giving off  enough heat to melt the ice and snow in the immediate area.  Elbryan had  left Stark to speak as he would to the crowd.  Now he was glad that he did.  Stark was a much better publicist than Elbryan could ever hope to be.   Some people just walked away from the speech, but many others stayed and listened. Many of the citizens of polaris had never even known that there was a world beyond their small city.  Stark's talk of the outside world made them curious  about the way things worked.  They had never had a ruling class to govern  Things for them.  Elbryan knew Stark would know how to play off of that to  keep their interest in FLAME. Elbryan smiled as he walked away from the fountain.  He whispers to himself, "Well done Stark."