Missives in the Dark

*Snow-white, Ferin wings his way to you.  He perches, his head cocked, and looks at Kineada with a question in his eyes.  He seems to understand something, and once the missive has been read, takes the scroll in his  beak and arrives at Orn's side.  He drops the beak-creased scroll into his lap and gives a screech.  He vanishes just as fast to deliver his remaining missive to Vorcet.*

Kineada and Vorcet,

I write this because I have been quite involved in my newest family and growing settled in here has been... new and a slight bit difficult.  Change ever is.

At any rate - I met with Ror some time ago and he showed interest in  bringing culture and education to Westbridge.  As I have a past with  him, I was hoping that one of you might arrange to speak with him and consider what he has to say.  I'm not opposed to seeing a library and school in Westbridge for the newly liberated.

We can offer at least something - be it teachers or scribes perhaps to aid in getting the endeavor on its feet - if we choose to involve ourselves.

Should you have need of me, I can be found in the cottage in the eastern section of the Druid's Grove.  I will likely be here for a bit longer, attempting to settle Matinus into some semblance of a family life that he's been missing for so long.  He reminds me so much of  Orn - a strong boy with a good heart and capable mind.

Wishing you well,
Sanria

Temporary Defeat

The eagles, summoned by Sanria and the beast's grow spawn, dived as Velentham gloated.  The talons tore into his arms and his cheek, making him bleed heavily.  He sent a powerful spell into one, bursting the bird into feathers while the other soared back up into the sky, singed but otherwise unwounded.  As the remaining two trees closed in on him, Velentham teleported to Orn's side, antagonizing the boy.  "You've got your good old dad back," he whispered, and was rewarded with a swift hit from Orn's staff.

Velentham staggered to the side, growling.  It was too much, the weather was revealing his position, the birds diving, the trees charging, the roots seeking - and then the druids of the grove sending swarms of hungry insects in his direction.

He had Kaliadra once more, planning to torture her further, but the congolmerate of circumstances was too much for him.  He dropped her on the ground, breaking her neck.  He sent forth a volley of curses before stepping back from the insects in a hurry.  "I will be back for you... I'll be back Gilean!  I'll find the necklace, do you hear?  And when I do, I'll be gone as will my bride!"

In a rage, Velentham disappeared, inwardly cursing the fact that after all of that, he still hadn't gotten his cousin to leave the confines of the ward.  He appeared in the center of the inn room, bleeding, and wounded, his eyes glowing ferociously and looked at the shock on Sanria's face with a sense of jealously guarded pride.

Enforcing Memories

The sudden sensation of Sanria's blood caused a tingle at the back of Velentham's neck, and he stood straighter, dread rippling through him at the idea that she had escaped.  The dread was soon replaced by the deep grin on his face.  "I sense a tiny bit of Sanria here, cousin."
"Sanria is wherever you have taken her.  Somewhere she doesn't want to be.  Now return her!"

"I sense her blood, and since she is not with us, do you know what that means?  You must have called out for help, my dear cousin...  Come out, boy.  I can almost smell you.  Come out and let's talk, shall we?"

Velentham drew the elf to his leg, gripping her neck, holding onto her like a limp doll.  She was his key to fleshing out the hidden bodies in the wood, and he could sense them all, lying in wait, hoping to best him. Unlikely.

Three trees ripped their roots from the ground and charged him, and Velentham dropped his toy and shot out a ray of energy, exploding one of the trees into nothing more than splinters and leaves that showered the glade.  As that happened, he barely evaded yet another ray of light by his cousin, the energy searing the back of his shirt.  This was not the way this was supposed to be.

He shielded himself, avoiding a crushing blow from one of the remaining trees, and vanished amidst Gilean's cry, "Velentham, give up.  you can't win.  Where is she?"  Colin came charging, and Velentham took the opportunity to throw the girl at him.  He had dealt with this lumbering animal before, and he reached into Colin's mind, paralyzing him.  He had planned on destroying the man, but what he found, Velentham couldn't have plotted it better.
"Oh... this... he doesn't remember?"

The rains began to pour from the spell cast by Sanria's son, Orn, drenching Velentham and revealing his invisible form through the dripping of water.  Nothing could stop the forward momentum.  "Cousin!  You say I'm a monster?  What do you say - a man who uses the disadvantage of another to marry his wife?"
"Leave him, Velentham!"  And Gilean sent forth another blast of light. Velentham sidestepped the ray and grinned.  "What do you say?  Let's let him remember, shall we?!"
"No!" Gilean yelled.

Velentham went into the brute's mind, finding that in certain places, the meddling Rilmani had kept him from remembering his past.  Blocks were everywhere in Colin's mental pathways, blocks that for an experienced mindwalker were mere motes of dust.  Velentham ripped away the veil that had blocked Colin's thoughts for so long and let forth a booming laugh of triumph.

Announcements

Magic lifted Sanria and Leandra to Claire and Gilean's cottage, where Gilean greeted them and ushered them inside. Sanria felt hollow, and oddly numb as Gilean asked about Colin and Orn - he knew something wasn't quite right. The five of them, including Askari once he found out Leandra was there, gathered in the dining room. Claire looked small, almost mousy, as though she were cowed in some deep way. Gilean appeared to be his normal self and Askari... Sanria gave a long inward sigh. The boy was moody, hormonal, and the father of her daughter's child. How in the nine hells had this happened?

"I... wasn't feeling good so... my mom tried to heal me..." Leandra began,

"I... kept feeling like I was gonna throw up, you know..."

"I'm sure my Mom can make you better, right mom?" Askari asked.

"I could try," Claire said slowly.

"There is more," Sanria interrupted. And she saw the shock register as she looked over at Gilean's face.

"My mom took me to the druid grove to... see if the Elders could figure out what was wrong... And... they... they... I..."

"You're with child," Gilean finished.

"Well... that's... I mean... why are you here, though?" Claire asked.

"W... wait... a baby?" Askari said with trepidation.

"Wait... no... no no... not... Askari?" Claire said, her voice in a tremor.

"Oh... oh yes, it is..." Gilean said quietly.

"But that means that... they'd... Askari?!"

"What Mom? I... I love Leandra!" Askari defiantly proclaimed.

Oh not this. Not love. Sanria felt a twinge in the pit of her stomach. All of this was just too fast, they didn't even know what love was... come to think of it, did she? "It appears we are to be grandparents. Well... I will be again, but..." Sanria trailed off.

Gilean, for all the world, seemed nearly happy for the children, which irked Sanria a tad. This was serious, not a time to be delighting in the world of kids bringing about more kids. She watched him heal Leandra of her morning sickness, and even tell them that their child was to be a boy. Both Askari and Leandra seemed wrapped in their own world, and Claire seemed void of even the air in her lungs. "It's alright," Gilean said. "We'll help them through. Believe me... I have seem many younger parents than them."

"Younger?" Sanria asked in disbelief.

"More often that you might think. At least these two have all of us to help support them... but Colin's not here."

"He isn't quite happy about this and... given his disposition recently... we thought it better he stay."

"Oh... I... I see..."

"I'll make sure no harm comes to Askari," Sanria offered.

After subduing Leandra and Askari's talk of getting married and moving out so as not to be like the adults that were in their lives, and reminding her daughter that she should not ask at the current moment to stay with Askari, Sanria took Leandra home where the grounding remained in effect. For herself, Sanria crept into her private study and closed the door behind her.

Burning the Throttle

The idea struck Velentham as he watched Sanria sleep under his spell.  It was a simple ploy to get his cousin to leave the cottage and the safety of the ward, to get to Gilean and pry open his mind.  He would be able to locate the necklace.  He'd show up with Sanria.  He'd have the bait so close to Gilean, he'd taunt him with the news that Sanria was now pregnant with *his* child.

There was no waiting.  Velentham uttered a spell and both he and Sanria appeared at the edge of the forest by the cottage.  He kept her sleeping, wrapped in a bubble of energy to protect her from anything Gilean would try to do.  "GILEAN!  COME OUT HERE!  I HAVE SOMEONE YOU SHOULD SEE!"

Velentham grinned as Gilean came to the door, gloated over the prize he held in the bubble, and taunted with everything he could imagine.  Still, his idiot cousin wouldn't leave the ward.  Velentham removed the bubble and forced Sanria to remain where she was.  Then, his cousin started running his mouth.  "You don't remember a lot of things, do you Sanria?"
"She remembers enough," Velentham said, turning Sanria's face to his. "He's making you forget.  It's him Sanria.  He is the reason you can't remember.  That's why he's keeping you confined too.  It's not others he's trying to protect you from, he doesn't want you to be free."
"That's enough, Gilean," Velentham warned, his arm around Sanria.
"Remember Sanria.  Remember what he's done.  He's killed your baby.  He's tried to ruin your life."
"Killed..." Sanria said, and Velentham could feel the memory forcing itself to the surface. 
"He's keeping you a prisoner.  Yes.  You had a baby inside you.  Not his. He killed it."
"Enough, do you hear me?" Velentham growled, walking toward Gilean.  Then all hell broke loose.

Velentham saw the shimmer that enclosed him and fired off a ray of energy meant to fry his cousin.  The energy flew around him, encased in a field of antimagic.  Unbelieveable.  How his cousin had managed it, Velentham did not know, but as soon as he absorbed the magic, the bubble tightened, and he knew the next result.

Velentham turned quickly to see Orn and the Beast, Colin, rushing him.  He grabbed Sanria, breathing quickly.  His sword... he couldn't even conjure it.  He was bested.  "STAY BACK OR I'LL SNAP HER NECK!" 
"You wouldn't," Gilean said.
"I won't let you have her, cousin.  I'd rather her die than be with you."
"If she dies, you die.  There is no way you're getting out of this."
"Then I'll go home and you'll be left with no one.  Sounds fair enough to me."

With that, his insanity at full tilt, Velentham did to his woman and his unborn child exactly what he said.  He heard the muted snap of Sanria's neck and as she fell to the ground, he felt part of his heart wither with her.  There was nothing left but to be sent back to Elysium.  He taunted the animal until Colin was upon him.  He lay on the ground, begging to be returned to his homeland until the swords were thrust through him. 

Velentham reached up to touch the blades that protruded from his chest.  He laughed pitifully as the life left his body.  Then his soul grouped itself into an orb.  In a flash, the Celestial's soul crossed every boundary that Velentham could not physically cross, to find itself standing before the Tribunal on Elysium.

Time

Pride. It was the single word that kept coming back to Sanria, thudding through her mind in time with her beating heart. Her son, her boy, her Orn was becoming a man. Certainly, he still had missteps - his excitement bubbling over like a child, words hastily said without thought when he was nervous, but in the setting sun of the day, she had watched her little boy negotiate with an orc in a free, clear, unabashed way. He had negotiated with the skill of a man...

Sanria had finally taken him to the castle. Taken him to meet the Rilmani and any member of the clan that would meet with him. Her heart warmed at the awe on his face - at once so young and so grown. She had been alive for so many years, years beyond her natural time, but never felt so aged as when Orn, big and gangly, jogged to the edge of the floating island with the exuberance of a lab- orador puppy. "Mirin and Reggie should see this!" Her heart tightened. Al- ready the sphere of his life was moving away from her shadow, gaining a light of its own. Though Emalia and Tarran had grown up, this was the first time she got to see it without guilt, but bent with the weight of loss.

They had entered the castle and met with Jayden and Sanria felt sorrow flitter like a bird behind the cage of her bones. Orn seemed to absorb the tenderness Jayden showed like a sponge. A fatherliness that Colin had obliterated when he had killed Arlenia. Jayden had sensed the sorrow from both of them, and Sanria knew, deep down, she had to get Colin better. She had to try to help Orn look at his own father the way he had looked at Jayden.

Sanria had taken Orn to her office when the yell interrupted their discussion, "Who in there!!!!! Let Kronk in!!!!!!!" Then, leading her son, Sanria stepped out of the castle and face to face with a hulking orc. Fear ripped through her at the sight of the sword and the armor, and her son, her boy, her Orn had stepped in front of -her-. Somehow, time had passed. Her mind swung like a pendulum - boy, man, boy, man. Then she watched with awe as Orn laid down his staff and somehow befriended the orc named Kronk. He had negotiated with the skill of a man.

Offering Assistance

*The small boy appears again, bearing a rolled up piece of parchment in his hand with Sanria's personal seal upon it in wax.*

To Radiant Heart and the Hoard,

I am so very delighted to hear your replies.  I will make this a short missive to better expedite what you need to have happen.  I  know Vorcet is most likely already moving on his part of our bargain, but I would like also to add a couple of names into this proposition.

My son, Orn, has been trained by one of the most competent fighters in the realms - my husband, Colin - and would like to offer his sword and his bear to join Radiant Heart's invasion forces.  I can certainly vouch for his presence of mind and his capabilities and encourage you to be in touch with him should you have need for extra muscle.  I  believe in him fully.

My friend, Thasmudyan, has also offered his services, having been a General long ago in TriPower's army, as well as a member in the Order of Justice.  He is well aware of Vector's treachery, and has offered himself to be of aid in the intelligence gathering department.  While he is not a member of the Keepers of Balance, he is a very dear friend and one very capable and true to his word.

I, too, will offer up what I can to be of use should only you ask.  I am versed in the magics of nature and am willing to use it if it  will help free Westbridge. 

Please, be in touch with Orn and Thasmudyan as well as myself.  We are each eager to see this occupation come to a fitting and overdue end.

At your service,
Sanria

After Hours

Sanria knew Gilean wasn't happy about the meeting, but she assured him that there was nothing to fear, that Orn and Leandra would be there to keep anything from happening between her and Colin. The meeting itself went horribly, which Sanria had anticipated.  Though Orn kept his calm for the most  part, Leandra had broken  down into  near hysterics over the life Sanria had chosen.  Sanria looked  at Orn's face,  noting the pain he felt, she looked at Colin's face as he tried to patiently reason with  Leandra, and she listened  to her daughter as she sobbed out all the reasons why this wasn't real because until she came home, they weren't really a family at all.

"I can't accept your  new family, Mom.  I'm... sorry."  Leandra got up and Sanria felt desperation settle into her chest.
"Please... don't go away angry.  Please, try to understand."
"I've tried for a long time... and I just can't."

Leandra left them and Colin reached across the table to hold her hand. It startled her, feeling the  large, warm  hand enfold her own and she felt comfort,  which gave way to panic  as Orn, too, left  through his portal.  Suddenly,  Sanria found herself  alone, across the table from Colin who had not let go of her hand.

Sanria  had every  intention of leaving and every motivation to do so. She crossed the table  to hug Colin goodbye and  the large arms stayed  wrapped  around her, tracing her back.  The entire time he'd forgotten her, all she wanted  was for  him to remember  so they could get their lives back. She wanted this feeling, to have Colin back the way he was long ago- after Visha, before the rift- the Colin she'd fallen in love with. They'd all told her it was no use, and she'd run from man to man  hoping to find it.  She'd  stayed with Gilean because he gave her comfort... and then it was all turned on its head.

Had she not been with Gilean, Velentham wouldn't have allowed Colin to remember anything anyway. In a way, things had to be the way they were for this to even be happening. For as little as she felt standing with Thasmudyan, standing with Colin had her every hair standing on end. It didn't let up, and she  felt herself swept off her feet, carried up to a bedroom that she knew intimately.  Everything else was forgotten for a very long stretch of time.  Then... she had to go home.

Situation Critical

Enmach sat across from Fenlauch.  The gold-skinned being was clad in a loose tunic and breeches, his golden armor stowed neatly in the  corner of the room.  He stared at Enmach with a patient gaze, his  hands folded over his lap.  The room had a smell of rose petals and  sandalwood from the incense that had long stopped burning.  Enmach  lowered her gaze, hoping Fenlauch would not immediately disapprove  of her request.

Finally, he spoke, leaning forward as he did so.  "Enmach, it needs be said that you have become too involved in Sanria's affairs."
"I am her advisor," she said quietly.
"I am aware," the baritone voice said, "but that does not mean she is permitted to call on us whenever the situation  seems out of her hands."
"Fenlauch, a woman is in a very volatile relationship, it does have to do with balance."

Fenlauch gave a stare that caused Enmach to swallow and again lower her eyes.  "It is personal, Enmach, and that is not why we are here."
"I know, but-"
"I am also aware of your involvement with Orn when he was seeking his mother some time ago."  Enmach sank in her seat. "You deliberately circumvented our rules to aid him."
"Fenlauch, I merely-"
"Silence," Fenlauch said.  The word was soft, but the power behind it was unmistakable.  "You cannot keep pushing to aid them, Enmach.  Your emotions have clouded your judgment.  If you keep insisting on aiding them at every turn, rather than guiding them, I will have to send you home."

Enmach raised her head suddenly.  "But Fenlauch, this woman is in dire need of help." 

"Then guide Sanria to find help among the human beings and other assorted citizens of the realms.  We are here to observe and push for overarching balance, not invest ourselves in minor affairs."
"Minor aff-"
"Enmach, you have your final warning.  Advise, but disengage yourself from this matter.  We have few of us as it is here, and there have been rumblings that things have been changing as far as the Gods are concerned.  There are greater things we must be watchful over.  Sanria will have to find help from another source.  Do I make myself clear?"

Enmach stood and bowed her head in polite assent.  "Yes, you have been perfectly clear."
"Good.  I do not wish to hurt you, Enmach, but sometimes a  keen reminder is needed to keep us on our paths."
"Yes, I understand."
"Is that all, then?"
"That is all." "Then be well, and please give Sanria my apologies when you
deliver the news." 

Enmach turned and walked from Fenlauch's room.  She held her head up, her expression neutral, as she walked down the halls of the castle.  She shoved her emotions down as she walked to Sanria's office.  It was for the greater good, she reminded herself, and with a still heavy heart, knocked lightly on the door.

Vanishing Guardian

Sanria held the note in her hand and reread it carefully. Her hand began to tremble as she looked at the words written:

Sanria, I thought about what you had said and how I hadn't ever given Arlenia an opportunity to win my heart. The more I thought about it, the more I realized I had been unfair. She does deserve better than what I had given her. I will be gone for a time - I need to do some soul searching. Of course I will return to visit with you and Orn and when our little one comes, I will make certain I visit with her, but I believe our time as a couple is at an end. I realize this may not make you happy, but you had wanted out so terribly before, I figure it's only a matter of time. I would rather ensure that someone who desperately loves me has the opportunity to give that affection to me. I will be in touch. 

Colin

Sanria closed the door and walked slowly into the sitting room. She sank into the couch and burst into sobs. There was never an indication that Colin was unhappy or that he felt that way. There was hardly anything - at least anymore - that made Sanria feel as if she wanted to leave. Now, however, she was utterly alone without even her memories to keep her company.

Considerations

Sanria sat at her desk, looking at the two pieces of paper in her hand. One was from her own son, the other, from the orc Kronk. Of course, the vote to allow her son, Orn, into the clan was one in which she could not partake. Of course she would allow him with her - but his relationship to her would make her biased.

Laying Orn's note aside, she picked up the one written by Jayden for Kronk. It was sweet, she thought, how Jayden took the time to speak with the Orc and to help him. She thought back on Kronk, realizing just how much he wanted to have understanding. "Don't we all," she murmured aloud. A balance to help others give understanding and harmony. Having an Orc in the halls would certainly help the Keepers of Balance show that they were, in fact, willing to open their doors to any who wished to help spread the ideas of harmony through balance.

Sanria took out her pen and began to write a missive to the clan:

"Dear Keepers," she wrote, and with a smile and thoughts to the future, she continued on.

Discoveries in Seas of Emotion ( 1 of 2 )

"Mom, you really shouldn't come.  The guy is an asshole."  Leandra was not known for holding back, and Sanria sighed.
"I'd like to see her for myself and possibly..."
"What?"
"Well, I know we haven't exactly talked since... since you left, but-"
"Gods mom, what did you do now.  Or should I say, who?"
"Leandra, that's... nevermind.  I'm back  together with  your father."
"Well that's great!"
"No... hang on..."
"What?"
"I'm with Gilean, too."  Silence.  Then:
"You're married to two guys?"
"Yes."
"Holy hells, mom.  I mean...  what is wrong with you?"
"Leandra, I'm  doing the best I can under the circumstances, so if you
don't mind keeping your demeaning opinion to yourself-"
"Fine.  Fine... I'm... glad you're at least kinda back with Dad."
"Thank you," Sanria telepathed.  "When can I come to visit Claire?"
"Soon. Mr. Bitch takes their kids to visit the other Espers daily. You
need  to come about  noon.  If he finds you there, he's probably going
to be in a mood."
"Thank you, Leandra.  I love you."
"Yeah, I know."
Sanria broke the  connection with  her daughter and sighed.  She still  didn't  know  she had a  brand new half brother, but  that  would be a discussion for  another time.  She got up and packed a few supplies in her pack.  She would go to  Claire,  figure out  how to get her out of her  situation, and bring her  back for Gilean.  It would be as simple as that.  She  had nearly reached the  door when Gilean  appeared from the library.

He guessed immediately where she was going and why, and spent the next moments trying to convince her that it was not what he wanted.  "But," she began, "don't you love Claire more than you love me?  If you could  be with her, wouldn't you?" "I do love Claire.  I do care about what she's going through and I hate  to see it. She doesn't deserve it. But to say I love her more than you?" Gilean shook his head.  "That's not true, Sanria."

Sanria's heart skipped and she reached out, taking both Gilean and her baby son, Sandorin, into an embrace. As strange was it was, she had to admit to herself  that she was  deeply in love with Gilean, and though  it was different than the  deep love she  had for Colin, the truth was that she felt her heart more entwined with the man in her arms now.

She pulled back just as Orn came down the stairs. "Oh, hey guys. You...  going somewhere, Mom?"
"Ah, I don't think so now.  I was just going to go visit Claire and Leandra.  I was thinking of helping Claire if she wanted help."
"Oh.  Well, is there something I can do to help?"

All the Pretty Poly's in a Row (1/2)

Never.  That was the answer  to Sanria's question: Did you ever expect this  to happen?  She had gone with Gilean as  he stormed  through the Grove, down  the roads, and to the cavern; pleading the whole way that he stop and work with her to determine a better way.  Instead, he veritably dragged her along, repeating the same refrain, "No, this has to stop.  I will make him stop."

They stood there, Orn and Mirin both looking too worried to leave them to their own devices, and only reluctantly doing so. And it was as she had anticipated - Gilean and Colin standing toe to toe - the gladiator and the priest.  "Sanria's not leaving Colin and you need to stop this  immediately!"
"Excuse me?"
"You heard me. You can't bully Sanria into leaving. She is my wife, we  have a family, we have a child."

It was already spiraling, and Sanria had been around Colin long enough to know what the tensing jaw meant. She also had been around Gilean for enough time  to understand what  the flash of anger in his eyes meant.
"Please," she said. "None of us need to do this... there has to be an- other answer than... this."
"Exactly, Sanria.  Gilean just needs to accept your decision and leave  this house."
"She's only making that decision because you have forced her into it by  not leaving her alone. Now you WILL leave her alone.  Do you hear me?"
"Is that so," Colin said, tilting his head.  "...or what?"

Sanria's stomach lurched.  She had to do something, and quickly. There was no way  to tell whether or not Gilean would  win by magic, hurting or killing Colin, or  Colin would win  by beating Gilean with physical strength  alone.  How things had come to this  point, she didn't quite understand, but here they were, and she had to do something.

She stepped between the two of them and asked each what he could do if she chose them.  Neither of the bullheaded men was prepared to let go. "Fine.  Then I choose both of you," she said simply, and walked to the side to stare at both of the dumbfounded men.  She didn't mean it, not really, but  the expressions on  both of their faces let her know that she had succeeded where her pleading had not. "We can all move in here,  together.  There's plenty of room in the cavern. I will divide my time  evenly between  the two of you.  Saturday, or  Sunday if you prefer, I  will alternate."

She pulled her bluff with righteousness and every tone of a leader and businessperson.  She held her  head high as she  spoke the words, even while her heart was racing.  "You can't be serious..." Colin said. "In this way,  we will  have peace and harmony  and everyone will have what they want."

An Unexpected Visit

Orn sat in his chair, reading a book titled "The Qualities of a Great Leader" which he had found in the library of the castle.  He found it to be rather dry reading, yet he forced himself to continue with it and try to absorb as much as he could from the tome.  He was somewhat startled by a rapid knock at the door and rose to answer it.

He opened the door to discover a worn and disheveled Gilean standing there. 'Oh, hello Gilean.  Is... everything alright?'

Gilean merely sighed and shook his head.  'May I come in?'

'Yes, of course, of course.  Please.'  Orn steped back and gestured to an empty chair.  Gilean took the offered seat as Orn closed the door and returned to his own.

Gilean spoke in a worn tone, his eyes not quite meeting Orn's, 'I was hoping to speak to Mirin.  Is she home?'

'Yes she is, but she's taking a nap right now.  You know, those growing twins really sap her energy.'

Gilean closed his eyes and nodded, giving Orn the distinct impression he had, at least for the moment, completely forgotten his daughter was even pregnant. 'Yes, of course.  I had just hoped to ask her to look in on Matinus and Nioma for me.'

Orn eyed his father-in-law/stepfather with concern.  'Gilean, what's happened? Is Mom ok?'

Gilean sat silently for a moment, his eyes cast down, before shaking his head. 'No, she's not.  Velentham took her.'

Parting of Ways

The light knocking on the door sent a shock through Sanria. It wasn't that she hadn't anticipated Colin returning, but that she knew what she was going to do once he had. She had stared at the book on the same page for the past hour, all while Colin and Thasmudyan transported Arlenia's body back to the Dark Continent. The image of Colin coated in the woman's blood was what she kept seeing in her mind, as well as the savage state her body had lain. "I was hoping we could talk," Colin began.

"About what, Colin? You killing a sick woman while Thasmudyan was there? You not listening to me at all? You not working to overcome this thing in you?" The emotions within her flooded forth with anger coming unexpectedly.

"Not working to overcome this? Wha... what do you mean?"

"For the love of the Gods, you've never bothered to work on that black makou in you. You've been avoiding anything that upsets you and when it does, you just let loose!"

"Sanria. I've been doing my best. I don't even know how I'm supposed to 'work' on it. Place my family in danger to see how I react? Sanria. She killed one child. She tried to kill Orn right there in front of us. If it weren't for Thasmudyan he would have died."

"Precisely why you shouldn't have killed her. You cut - off - her - head and ran her through!! What in the world is wrong with you?"

"I have something inside of me that shouldn't be there... you know exactly what's wrong with me," Colin stated quietly.

The argument continued, growing heated as Sanria grew more firm in her con- viction. Arlenia's headless body came to the fore again and again, Colin coated in her blood. And more than anything, the fact he could have chosen not to come. He could have chosen to stay home and let Sanria and Thasmud- yan save Orn. He could have chosen.

"I killed her," Colin began, "because she slit our son's throat right there in front of me and I couldn't hold it back any longer."

"I failed that woman because I couldn't stop you. She needed help. Not death."

"Failed her?" Colin asked. "What duty did you have to her? She had help Sanria. She had Banion. Despite that help she chose this."

"And you chose what you did. As I have to choose. I can't do this any more."

Sanria took off her wedding band and tossed it onto the bed beside Colin. She felt her soul crumbling inside. She and Colin had been so good togeth- er for the past couple of years. Here, again, she was ending yet another relationship - and this one in particular, yet again. "Sanria, what are you doing?"

"When you can't even listen to me... I can't prevent you from anything. And if I can't help you, all I can do is watch you destroy yourself and others when you get angry. I'm sorry... but consider us over, Colin."

"What...? Sanria. How can you say that?"

"You don't have to move out since the children are here, but you can't stay with me in this room anymore. You can stay in the guest rooms. I don't want... to see you..."

"So... what... you're choosing that madwoman over me?" Colin asked.

"No, Colin. I'm choosing life over death."

"You said yourself, she needed help. But, you're turning your back on me?"

"I tried. But this is a line... I can't cross with you. This is not okay. I'm sorry we've come to this, but it's the only thing I know to do now."

At the sound of the door closing, Sanria let the tears flow unbidden. She had become accustomed to soothing Colin when he was upset, and the look on his face was more than she could handle. Still, she stood up for what she believed. Part of her felt good for it. The other part felt as if the earth had come to life and swallowed her whole.

A Bundle of Hope

Colin felt like things were finally coming together. Times had been very difficult since Arlenia's... death. Just the thought of that incident brought pangs of dread and sorrow up in his chest. That single event not only showed Colin a part of just how much the black makou within him could take control, but it had also shattered his almost perfect life with one sweep of his blades. Colin deeply regretted his actions on that day, not because he felt Arlenia deserved better - after all, the woman had murdered one child of his and attempted to kill another, but rather because of just how far it had driven Sanria from him.

Over the past few months Colin had tried desperately to keep Sanria at least around him, even if she refused to be in a relationship with him. The occasional nights they had shared were much needed breaths of fresh air to keep him fron suffocating. Every time he thought of her going away he could feel himself losing control. He loved Sanria deeply, which made things painful enough, but this was something worse. He had a taste of it before when Sanria had gone off to the frozen north to die. In those few days she was gone it was all he could do to stay sane and he had held onto the then infant Orn like a drowning man to a piece of driftwood.

Finally, things were beginning to change. The visit from Maya the other day was almost more than he could have hoped for. While it truly pained him to see Sanria hurt by the news of Thasmudyan's continued relationship with, and impregnation of, the other woman, Colin couldn't help but feel relief at the revelation. Thasmudyan wasn't the right man for Sanria and maybe now she could finally see that. At least he wouldn't have to deal with him in the house anymore... when or if he ever showed back up.

And now, their daughter was born. He held the small bundle in his arms, cradling the tiny new life that was a part Sanria and a part him. He handed the child off and watched each of their other two children take their turns holding the baby. Finally the child made it back to Sanria and Colin stood there full of pride, love, and hope. Their whole family, together in one room, celebrating the addition of another.

Colin had never let go of hope. After all, he didn't even think he could if he wanted to maintain his sanity and control over his own actions. But now, finally, he felt that his hope wasn't just in desperation but that they could truly begin moving back toward happiness. Things were finally coming back together.

Long Lost Visitor

Sanria had managed to get Colin to let her go outside on her own. After his kidnapping, he followed her everywhere, reluctant to let her out of his sight. Convinced that to do so was only to let Arlenia come in and take *her* away instead - to kill her to get her out of the way. Sanria had a hard time believing it at all. It only took her asking Colin if it were possible that her dissatisfaction with him before her memory loss might have been due to his overbearing nature for him to relent. And such is the way she found herself outside, picking herbs, with the sound of soft footfalls assaulted her ears.

The man was dressed in brown robes with a long staff and looked utterly lost - but he knew her name. In an effort to calm her, Sanria also learned the stranger's name, Thasmudyan. She sent Orn inside as she spoke to Thasmudyan. She told him about her husband being kidnapped. She told him about Throm dying, which seemed to perplex the man - if her Throm was here, then how was he dead. The question hung in the air, as Sanria tilted her head in confusion. Colin had always said things between them had never worked out. How could this man think that Throm was her husband?

Before anything further could be said, a very frazzled Colin rushed from the cavern. "Thasmudyan? Well, hi there."

"Hello, Colin. Good to see you're doing well."

"Y-yes, you as well. You have been away for a while."

Sanria could hear the tension in Colin's voice. Something here wasn't right. Colin held a certain something... fear. "Were you a friend of Throm's?" she asked the stranger.

"We... were all friends," Colin interjected. "I'm sorry Thasmudyan, you'll have to excuse Sanria. You see, her memory..."

"I'm just sorry I broke the news like that. I wasn't sure if you were good friends or..."

Sanria could say nothing as the men spoke about the length of time Thasmudyan had been away. She could remember nothing of which they spoke, and whenever she did attempt to speak, Colin spoke for her. Only when they explained how long it had been in terms of her pregnancy, how Orn had been given the ability to grow quickly because of him - did Sanria suddenly understand who this man was. She had just come face to face with her ex-husband. And Colin knew it.

Battle Scars

No sooner than the two men let go of her than Sanria scrambled, scooping Leandra in one arm and Orn in her other. The little boy fought hard against his mother, "Papa! Help Papa!" Sanria got to the door and looked at Orn, her eyes holding a seriousness not lost on the child.

"I'll help Papa, please, you have to help Leandra."

Orn set his jaw, a Colin in miniature, and nodded in agreement. Sanria whisked the children into the house and raced back outside and positioned herself between Colin and Velentham. "Stop this. Please. Both of you, I'm begging you both... stop."

"I'll stop when you agree to come with me and this beast knows his place."

"No! You will pay!"

Sanria turned to face Velentham, certain to keep in the dead center of the two men. "I can't go with you... my children are here, as is my hus- band. Please... understand."

"I will let you bring the children with us, my love."

"Sanria, move. Let me take care of him."

"No. No to both of you. Stop. You're both acting like animals. I am not an object and I will not be treated as though I don't have a choice!"

"Sanria, you had a choice and you made the wrong one. I'm here to fix that. They took you away from me, I'm only here to finish what we started."

"She said no Velentham. No!"

Velentham's glowing eyes locked on Sanria and she felt the pit of her stomach drop. He rushed forward, lifting her from her feet with the same speed he displayed before. He carried her high into the air, setting her on the side of the mountain that housed her cavern. He drifted back down as she clung to the side, balanced on the sliver of ledge where he placed her.

Far below she could see Colin glaring up. She had to get down there. Fast.

A Break in the Clouds

"Miss... this boy... he calls me Papa."

Sanria looked over at the large man holding Orn. She knew Orn, but her mind trembled when it looked at Colin. "Yes... I don't... know why. He's my... son."

"And mine. He's just misbehaving. You know how children are," Velentham interjected.

"You, just just shut up for a minute," Colin said.

"My love," Velentham said, handing Leandra to her. "Why don't you put Leandra to bed."

"And miss... who am I?"

Sanria looked over at the big man and let her mind relax. The answer came without fighting it. "You're Colin."

"Colin... And you are?"

"Your wife."

Sanria started slowly up he stairs. "She's a little confused," Velentham said. "Why don't you hand the boy over and you can get going."

"I don't think she's the only one, but you. You seem to be trying to convince everyone of something here. And, to tell you the truth, I just don't like you. Miss," Colin called up after her. "do you want this guy to be here?"

Sanria felt a wave of - something - in her mind. "I... yes... he's alright."

"You see? Now, why don't you go ahead and hand my son to me and get on the move."

Sanria walked into Leandra's room and put her into the crib. The baby was smiling gently... smiling... Sanria caught a wisp of danger in her thoughts. Something was wrong. She rushed from the room and started down the stairs only to find her mind sinking back into the sluggish fog. She couldn't remember why she was rushing. She walked slowly to Orn and held out her hands.

"I want to stay with Papa. I don't want Papa to get hurt again." Sanria watched Orn with a mix of curiosity. She heard the little boy's whisper into his father's mind, "He touch you too. It made Mama sad."

"Miss... what's your name miss?" Colin suddenly asked.

"Sanria Stone..."

"Tell me Sanria... think... what's going on here?"

"I love... you. I couldn't... stop..."

"That's enough," Velentham growled. "OUT!"

"Sanria... why cant I remember any of this?"

"He... took... your memory away."

"You're fortunate that I'm tired," Velentham growled. "I can't keep this up."

He Calls Himself Roar? (1-2)

Reggie stayed close to Orn as they walked toward the ice cream shop near the Keepers of Balance castle.  He wasn't going to let anything happen to Orn.  Besides, when meeting a strange male for the first time you had to look strong.

Roar.  That's what Orn said this male's name was.  Roar.  Maybe he thought himself strong like a bear to have that name.  Reggie could show him what strong was.

Reggie looked over to Orn as they neared the shop.  He spoke to Orn through thought.  'This Roar is an intruder.  A stranger coming into your father's territory.'

Orn looked to the bear, replying aloud, 'Reggie... Mom just wants me to meet him.'

'It's truth brother.  And he is trying to take your father's mate. Your dad should show him who's stronger, make him leave.'

Orn sighed, 'You know... I almost wish he could but my dad's not well. He doesn't even remember us... or my mom.'

Reggie snorted in disgust.  'No matter.  Your dad still claimed her as his mate.  If he can't drive him off, maybe you should.  Or I can.'

The bear looked over at Orn with a semblance of a grin, showing large teeth.

'No Reggie.  Let's just meet him first.  Maybe he can leave with words.'

'People and your words.  Words are much weaker than actions.'

They arrived at the door and Reggie waited for Orn to open it.

'Reggie, maybe you should wait out here.  You know my mom's not going to like you coming in.'

Reggie shook his large bear head, 'No Orn.  I come with you.  I want to meet this man who calls himself Roar.'

Orn gave a small sigh.  'Ok, but, just... behave yourself, ok?'

'Of course, I always do.'  Reggie grinned again.

Reggie followed closely behing Orn into the ice cream shop.  They had come in here many times before, Reggie especially liked the strawberry ice cream.  Normally Reggie's note would immediately get to twitching but this time they were here for a very different reason.  Reggie was focused.

He saw Orn's mother sitting at a table with an elf, eating ice cream. Reggie immediately felt his heart rate quicken and his hackles raise slightly.  He had to focus to calm himself, he had promised Orn.

Reggie walked with Orn over to the table.  While the people made their introductions, Reggie watched Roar intently.  This one was large, for an elf, but they could still drive him off.  Reggie was sure of it.

'This elf is no match for your father, Orn.  Why is your mother even putting up with his advances?' Reggie thought to Orn.

Orn ignored Reggie, instead continuing to exchange meaningless words with his mother and the intruder.  Reggie sat near the table, his stare unwavering from the elf.

Their conversation drifted to how Roar happened to meet Orn's mom. Sanria said that the elf was collecting herbs near her home.

'Right... more likely he smelled the scent of an unattended female and thought he could charge in and get his manhood wet.'

Orn ignored Reggie again, just shifting in his chair.

Then, the intruder, Roar, actually had the bravery to nudge Reggie. 'Reggie's his name?'

'Orn, if he touches me again he's going to lose the part that does. I can take care of this elf right now.'

Orn looked over to Reggie, giving a quick shake of his head before returning to the conversation.

'Fine... but he better not touch me again...'

The people talked some more.  Roar claimed he had a bear too before. Reggie doubted it.  Words were tricky but Reggie didn't smell any bear on this elf.  Reggie only smelled books and dust and outsider. Reggie trusted his nose.

Orn got worried for a moment that Roar could hear Reggie but it turned out the elf couldn't.  Reggie didn't care, he didn't need words to tell Roar he needed to go away.

The people seemed to talk forever, Roar trying to say he cared about Orn's dad and wanted him to get better.  They talked about strange things like their feelings and love.  Reggie grew very tired of all this talking.  It wasn't making the intruder go away.  Still he sat and stared at Roar.

Finally, Orn's mom got up and left.  Reggie could smell she was angry. She should be, at what this intruder was doing.  Then the elf left. Reggie looked at Orn.

'So, is he going to go away?'

'No... I don't think so Reggie.  Things are all mixed up.'

Orn headed for the door and Reggie followed him, shaking his large head.  'You should have let me bite him.'