Kaliadra vanished into her old room, her chest filled with a crushing sensation. No one roamed these halls, here, in Sir Throm's home; she would be safe in her rented room. She could barely breathe as she dropped onto her bed, sending up a tuft of curling dust. The pain she felt inside was unbearable, and she growled out a curse. There, on her table was her old diary... writing always helped.
A new diary entry left open upon a small white table:
I feel filthy. The deed I have committed is vile and reprehensible and it coats me like the stench of death, lingering on my body. I laid down with Sir Colin in the hopes of driving Sanria to stay with Sir Gilean. When I heard Sir Colin say that he couldn't give her up, I had to be the one to drive the wedge. What could I have done otherwise?!
I tire of feeling Sanria's indecisiveness, even when I fold myself in lycanthropic skin, I can feel it. But I question myself now, because in my efforts to force the situation, I had discovered that her love for this man has driven her to despair. I knew she would hurt, I was prepared for that... but not this. Not this soul freezing, soul crushing pain... pain so intense it is everywhere at once. Damn Sanria!
For my own part - yes. I wanted the experience. I had not given myself to any until that moment. I find myself wishing it could have been with one I loved, but... that one is long past gone. I've only ever felt affections for him... but he did not feel them for me. It is all most definitely for the best- given this inexorable pain marching on my soul, I want not for this again.
I have done something wrong. I had full hopes it would make my the small pains of Sanria's choices end. I have never been so terribly mistaken in all my time. Lady Sune, were she anywhere to hear of this, would likely be disappointed. Yet another entity that has abandoned us. Between the two of them and Velentham for his part... it is only the children of my life-mate that stays my hand against myself.
Damn Lithanus! Damn Sanria! Damn Sune! Damn Velentham! Damn them all!
Showing posts with label Lithanus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lithanus. Show all posts
Current Character Description - Lithanus uth Bannon
Graced with the everlasting youthful traits of both his elven and Cetra birth it is only Lithanus' eyes which betray the chaotic road unto which he has set upon. Bold tattoos are intertwined across his sinewy arms, contrasting oddly with the rest of his clean cut features and porcelain hue. Platinum hair cut in a close cropped fashion, spikes out at random angles in an uncanny fashion despite it's short stature.
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.
White Wolf Visited
I can't say what possessed the priest to visit me other than his own guilt. I believe there is a lot of that surrounding this whole wretched situation. In any case, the Lathanderite tracked me to my cave and had the audacity to offer me better accommodations. Hah.
He seemed desperate to help in any case. I told him the story of Sanria and why my situation is a welcome one. To be able to release myself from feeling what Sanria feels, yet still offer her life in repayment for the one I took allows me relief while still upholding the honor of my people and myself.
He tried bringing up Lithanus as if the boy would make me come back from my exile. He didn't seem to understand that Lithanus feels no special emotion for me. In fact, the priest seemed almost shocked to know that I had informed Lithanus of my exile. There is no one out there awaiting my return and in that I feel some measure of comfort. When none rely upon you, mistakes lose their power and become as substantial as a breeze through the forest.
No more thinking. The hunt calls and I'd rather hear my stomach over the issues of the past.
He seemed desperate to help in any case. I told him the story of Sanria and why my situation is a welcome one. To be able to release myself from feeling what Sanria feels, yet still offer her life in repayment for the one I took allows me relief while still upholding the honor of my people and myself.
He tried bringing up Lithanus as if the boy would make me come back from my exile. He didn't seem to understand that Lithanus feels no special emotion for me. In fact, the priest seemed almost shocked to know that I had informed Lithanus of my exile. There is no one out there awaiting my return and in that I feel some measure of comfort. When none rely upon you, mistakes lose their power and become as substantial as a breeze through the forest.
No more thinking. The hunt calls and I'd rather hear my stomach over the issues of the past.
Psycho by the Falls (1-2)
The trip to Myth Drannor swirled into Claire's mind. 'I was very concerned with how you were able to slaughter so many of those demons without a second thought. It made me ques- tion so very much.' Claire looked to the table.
'Actually I only killed the ones that attacked us,' Psycho re- plied. 'There were many demons that paid no mind to us and we left them without the hungry aggressive demons.'
'You are right. Of course. I didn't consider it in that light... I feel much better about it.'
'Am I to believe you are a pacifist?' Psycho asked.
Claire lowered her eyes, this would probably be the moment he told her that the Radiant Heart didn't have a place for a pacifist. That she would have to look elsewhere for a home, but before anything could be said, a voice spoke from beside them, What is going on here?
Claire glanced over to see a Vectorian Enforcer staring down at their table. She reached over, slowly picking up her mask and slipped it onto her face. 'We are simply enjoying a cafe.'
'Nothing but friendly chatting,' Claire joined.
"I mean, why are there espers on my watch in Kefkaberg?"
Claire's heart thundered in her chest. Psycho leaned over in a quick whisper, 'If you wish to keep your pacifistic ways I suggest we leave.'
Claire stood up and nodded. 'Forgive us.'
'You are out of your league here officer, we will leave quietly.'
Before the Enforcer could say anything more, Claire followed Psycho out of the cafe. They walked through the western gates of the city and through the forests until the sound of a waterfall reached Claire's ears. She looked up as they stopped and smiled. They were before Sanria's home. 'This will be a more pleasant place to continue,' Psycho said.
'You have come to a familiar place,' Claire said as she took her mask off and lowered her cowl. 'Would you like to see something more wonderful?'
'Every day,' Psycho replied, and Claire took his hand in her own and pulled him around the waterfalls and into the Crystal Cavern. 'Amazing. I have come to that water fall for many many years. Never before have I seen inside of it'
'We can go back to the falls outside if you wish... I simply wanted to share this with you,' Claire said.
Claire watched as Psycho took in the crystals, his aura casting a slight red tint. At last they walked back outside and sat on the boulders. Psycho put a hand on hers. 'Claire ... please tell me the truth ... Why are there so many questions surrounding you... particularly with people following you and the involvement of The Long Death?'
'I... don't know,' Claire replied, and it was the truth. 'I promise you, I have had no contact or involvement with Long Death... I can't understand why Lithanus would have either... he seemed like a very nice young man.'
'I believe you,' Psycho replied.
'He needed help, and I offered what I could,' Claire looked into Psycho's eyes, hoping her explanation was enough, she had no other proof to give. 'I had no idea he was...'
Psycho put a finger to her lips, halting her speech. 'Let's talk about where you would see yourself in the coming future'
'I had hoped to see myself making a difference in the lives of the citizens of this place,' Claire said. They all seem so... Dejected... forlorn... They really need hope.'
'When we first spoke your focus was towards finding a place that fit to build family and support.'
'Indeed. I still seek that,' Claire said with a nod.
'I am one of the final barriers between your acceptance,' Psycho said. 'I want to make sure that my judgment is not clouded by emotion'
Claire did not place the pieces together. She only heard in her mind that she had done something wrong. 'If I've upset you, please... Tell me and I'll do my utmost to rectify it.'
'You have done very well, and it is not emotion from your actions. You have been a fine example of strength and virtue so far.'
'Then... what are your emotions stemming from?' Claire asked.
'Perhaps I said too much even at my mention of feelings for you. Not well thought out feelings of course.'
Claire could have been lifted to the very heavens on the slightest of winds in that very moment. Another esper, one so strong and bold, had feelings for her. 'I have made it a point not to make an advance, because I want to get to know you before the connection I feel to you influences any deci- sions I have to make.'
'I understand completely,' Claire said with a smile. 'In fact, it makes me admire you all the more.'
'Thank you for clearing up my questions with Lithanus and for showing me a new wonder to one of my favorite places.'
They stood and Psycho kissed her hand. He gave her a few lavender orchids. 'They're beautiful...' Claire said.
'They reminded me of you.' Psycho continued, 'I have not discounted your application even as a pacifist. Just know a quest will be more difficult for me to construct.'
'I look forward to it,' Claire replied.
Psycho vanished and Claire stood there by the falls, her cheeks on fire, her mind a blur, and a smile frozen to her face.
'Actually I only killed the ones that attacked us,' Psycho re- plied. 'There were many demons that paid no mind to us and we left them without the hungry aggressive demons.'
'You are right. Of course. I didn't consider it in that light... I feel much better about it.'
'Am I to believe you are a pacifist?' Psycho asked.
Claire lowered her eyes, this would probably be the moment he told her that the Radiant Heart didn't have a place for a pacifist. That she would have to look elsewhere for a home, but before anything could be said, a voice spoke from beside them, What is going on here?
Claire glanced over to see a Vectorian Enforcer staring down at their table. She reached over, slowly picking up her mask and slipped it onto her face. 'We are simply enjoying a cafe.'
'Nothing but friendly chatting,' Claire joined.
"I mean, why are there espers on my watch in Kefkaberg?"
Claire's heart thundered in her chest. Psycho leaned over in a quick whisper, 'If you wish to keep your pacifistic ways I suggest we leave.'
Claire stood up and nodded. 'Forgive us.'
'You are out of your league here officer, we will leave quietly.'
Before the Enforcer could say anything more, Claire followed Psycho out of the cafe. They walked through the western gates of the city and through the forests until the sound of a waterfall reached Claire's ears. She looked up as they stopped and smiled. They were before Sanria's home. 'This will be a more pleasant place to continue,' Psycho said.
'You have come to a familiar place,' Claire said as she took her mask off and lowered her cowl. 'Would you like to see something more wonderful?'
'Every day,' Psycho replied, and Claire took his hand in her own and pulled him around the waterfalls and into the Crystal Cavern. 'Amazing. I have come to that water fall for many many years. Never before have I seen inside of it'
'We can go back to the falls outside if you wish... I simply wanted to share this with you,' Claire said.
Claire watched as Psycho took in the crystals, his aura casting a slight red tint. At last they walked back outside and sat on the boulders. Psycho put a hand on hers. 'Claire ... please tell me the truth ... Why are there so many questions surrounding you... particularly with people following you and the involvement of The Long Death?'
'I... don't know,' Claire replied, and it was the truth. 'I promise you, I have had no contact or involvement with Long Death... I can't understand why Lithanus would have either... he seemed like a very nice young man.'
'I believe you,' Psycho replied.
'He needed help, and I offered what I could,' Claire looked into Psycho's eyes, hoping her explanation was enough, she had no other proof to give. 'I had no idea he was...'
Psycho put a finger to her lips, halting her speech. 'Let's talk about where you would see yourself in the coming future'
'I had hoped to see myself making a difference in the lives of the citizens of this place,' Claire said. They all seem so... Dejected... forlorn... They really need hope.'
'When we first spoke your focus was towards finding a place that fit to build family and support.'
'Indeed. I still seek that,' Claire said with a nod.
'I am one of the final barriers between your acceptance,' Psycho said. 'I want to make sure that my judgment is not clouded by emotion'
Claire did not place the pieces together. She only heard in her mind that she had done something wrong. 'If I've upset you, please... Tell me and I'll do my utmost to rectify it.'
'You have done very well, and it is not emotion from your actions. You have been a fine example of strength and virtue so far.'
'Then... what are your emotions stemming from?' Claire asked.
'Perhaps I said too much even at my mention of feelings for you. Not well thought out feelings of course.'
Claire could have been lifted to the very heavens on the slightest of winds in that very moment. Another esper, one so strong and bold, had feelings for her. 'I have made it a point not to make an advance, because I want to get to know you before the connection I feel to you influences any deci- sions I have to make.'
'I understand completely,' Claire said with a smile. 'In fact, it makes me admire you all the more.'
'Thank you for clearing up my questions with Lithanus and for showing me a new wonder to one of my favorite places.'
They stood and Psycho kissed her hand. He gave her a few lavender orchids. 'They're beautiful...' Claire said.
'They reminded me of you.' Psycho continued, 'I have not discounted your application even as a pacifist. Just know a quest will be more difficult for me to construct.'
'I look forward to it,' Claire replied.
Psycho vanished and Claire stood there by the falls, her cheeks on fire, her mind a blur, and a smile frozen to her face.
Questioned Motives
Claire walked into her inn room. She had managed to make ends meet by the charity given her from healings, but she was beginning to run low on money. If she didn't find more work that paid better soon, she was going to find herself back on the eastern continent. She sat on the bed with the Westbridge Post when a voice entered her thoughts, "Are you there Miss Lavender?"
Claire met with Psycho at Annie's, her mask and cowl up to keep her identity from any Vectorian patrolling the area. It thrilled her to see him again, she couldn't help but admire the esper for his brazen display of his own self. The meeting, however, was not to wax poetic, but to discuss Lithanus. Psycho had heard that he was in league with The Long Death, a fact that Claire found utterly astonishing.
'How do you know these men and their intentions?' Psycho asked.
'Lithanus we met as he ran into the temple of Lathander. He had a friend he had lost, the lady we went to locate in Myth Drannor. We offered to help him find her, and eventually we did. Outside of that, we know little of him. He had planned to go back to his homeland, but I've not seen him in many days now.' Claire removed her mask.
'So you have no relation with the party other than coinci- dence?' Psycho asked.
Claire knew how it must look - she had applied for admission into Radiant Heart and offered help to Lithanus who happened to be linked up with a woman named Maya of The Long Death - the sworn opposition of everything she wanted to be part of. Lithanus apparently had more than a case of homesickness, but of loose-lip-ness. Why he would impart all their doings to a woman who believed that death was a positive thing was be- yond her. And now, it looked as if she was in league with him all along. It frustrated Claire.
'Is there anything wrong?' Psycho asked. 'Something has seemed amiss since our first encounter. I am drawn to you and tru- ly wish to help you.'
Speak now, her mind pushed, or forever hold your peace...
Claire met with Psycho at Annie's, her mask and cowl up to keep her identity from any Vectorian patrolling the area. It thrilled her to see him again, she couldn't help but admire the esper for his brazen display of his own self. The meeting, however, was not to wax poetic, but to discuss Lithanus. Psycho had heard that he was in league with The Long Death, a fact that Claire found utterly astonishing.
'How do you know these men and their intentions?' Psycho asked.
'Lithanus we met as he ran into the temple of Lathander. He had a friend he had lost, the lady we went to locate in Myth Drannor. We offered to help him find her, and eventually we did. Outside of that, we know little of him. He had planned to go back to his homeland, but I've not seen him in many days now.' Claire removed her mask.
'So you have no relation with the party other than coinci- dence?' Psycho asked.
Claire knew how it must look - she had applied for admission into Radiant Heart and offered help to Lithanus who happened to be linked up with a woman named Maya of The Long Death - the sworn opposition of everything she wanted to be part of. Lithanus apparently had more than a case of homesickness, but of loose-lip-ness. Why he would impart all their doings to a woman who believed that death was a positive thing was be- yond her. And now, it looked as if she was in league with him all along. It frustrated Claire.
'Is there anything wrong?' Psycho asked. 'Something has seemed amiss since our first encounter. I am drawn to you and tru- ly wish to help you.'
Speak now, her mind pushed, or forever hold your peace...
A Final Journal Entry
Reality. The whole thing really blows if you ask me. But when it hits, it hits hard and usually hurts like hell. And it sucker punched me this week harder than the one I received the week prior, but I won't get into that here. It seems as though the general vote is that I'm not much good in the field. Worst thing is I can't say that I can even argue my case. Though Gilean the Lathander groupie, and Claire the spider esper tried to build a case for me. In the end though they brought up a solid point. If it is that the only place I can be properly trained in the only thing I am destined to be good at, there's only one place to go.
I'm not sure what kind of welcome I'll be getting in the western wonderland. Everything I've heard about my people indicates that they are a reserved, inclusive sort. Great, just great. But in the end I won't know until I give it a go. Plus, if I have to sit out another outing I might end up going nuttier than that most give me credit for. I think this'll be the last entry in this for a while. I'm leaving the journal along with most of my possessions. Figure it'll be better to travel light, and gods know how long I'll be away.
In the end though Claire and Gilean mentioned they would be doing their best to help with the Kaliadra issue. I still feel like my timing couldn't be worse on this one. But Sanria brought up a good point, in my abilities to defend myself. Stings to hear it, and I find myself crying into my pillow late at night (okay kiddin about the last part), but she's right all the same. Unless I want to move out to Shadowdale and become an apprentice basket weaver or a towel boy over at The House of Fetish, I'll need to man up and do something about it. Well until next I dust this thing off.
I'm not sure what kind of welcome I'll be getting in the western wonderland. Everything I've heard about my people indicates that they are a reserved, inclusive sort. Great, just great. But in the end I won't know until I give it a go. Plus, if I have to sit out another outing I might end up going nuttier than that most give me credit for. I think this'll be the last entry in this for a while. I'm leaving the journal along with most of my possessions. Figure it'll be better to travel light, and gods know how long I'll be away.
In the end though Claire and Gilean mentioned they would be doing their best to help with the Kaliadra issue. I still feel like my timing couldn't be worse on this one. But Sanria brought up a good point, in my abilities to defend myself. Stings to hear it, and I find myself crying into my pillow late at night (okay kiddin about the last part), but she's right all the same. Unless I want to move out to Shadowdale and become an apprentice basket weaver or a towel boy over at The House of Fetish, I'll need to man up and do something about it. Well until next I dust this thing off.
Cheap Thrills
Wednesday, the 15th of Eleint
I've never thought to actually keep one of these. Most of what runs through my head, I wouldn't want to put into writing. Self incriminating evidence and all that. So yeah... It's great not to have to trade tobacco for food from the bottom bunk of a prison cell again. Didn't think I'd run across Sanria again, much less in a city like Waterdeep. Didn't think I'd ever heard word from that fling I had back in the city as well. Rumors fly that the woman killed something like ten civilians. Thank the gods her husband came home when he did, I would hate to be number eleven. Damn... And they put ME in jail?? Much as I hate to admit it, a small part of me is glad to be back home. Though I'm not quite certain what this Lifestream trip that Sanria told me the old man put me up to will entail. For now, I'm supposed to be waiting for the ex-clannie who I am to accompany, but so far nobody has come by since Sanria left. Empty houses are about as fun as empty beds I've learned. Though one or two of the girls on the serving staff that remained behind may see to fixing the last one before the day is over. Well, enough for now. I'm not sure what sort of crap I'm supposed to put in this old thing, only that----------------------
(A long dark pen mark runs across the page)
I've never thought to actually keep one of these. Most of what runs through my head, I wouldn't want to put into writing. Self incriminating evidence and all that. So yeah... It's great not to have to trade tobacco for food from the bottom bunk of a prison cell again. Didn't think I'd run across Sanria again, much less in a city like Waterdeep. Didn't think I'd ever heard word from that fling I had back in the city as well. Rumors fly that the woman killed something like ten civilians. Thank the gods her husband came home when he did, I would hate to be number eleven. Damn... And they put ME in jail?? Much as I hate to admit it, a small part of me is glad to be back home. Though I'm not quite certain what this Lifestream trip that Sanria told me the old man put me up to will entail. For now, I'm supposed to be waiting for the ex-clannie who I am to accompany, but so far nobody has come by since Sanria left. Empty houses are about as fun as empty beds I've learned. Though one or two of the girls on the serving staff that remained behind may see to fixing the last one before the day is over. Well, enough for now. I'm not sure what sort of crap I'm supposed to put in this old thing, only that----------------------
(A long dark pen mark runs across the page)
An Attempt To Unlock Answers
Feeling as if he had out drank a dwarven colony, Lithanus' eyelids slowly lazed open, allowing the bright morning sun to pierce through his eyes thus increasing the dull aching throb of his head. Turning his head to the both sides, he saw that he was lying upon a cobbled surface. With a groan he carefully sat upright, resting his arms upon his knees. The large gates of his father's home stood before him, looming far into the sky from the angle at which Lithanus sat. Suddenly remembering what had happened prior to him blacking out, Lithanus bolted to his wobbly feet, gripping the gate with both of his hands. The large manor which had stood beyond the guard of the dark gates was now gone. As though plucked from the very ground by a giant hand, there stood nought but a large open space where Lithanus had...for a brief time, called home. Nearly breathing the words, he recounted Throm's final words to him.
'After you leave, none will find this place again...' Peering through the greenery west of where the house had once stood, he could see a large structure poking out over the tops of the trees. 'I wonder.'
Lithanus broke into a slow run, heading down a dirt path along the western edge of the gate. As he rounded the corner, his pace quickened at sight of the airship hangar.
Skidding to a stop within the large bay of the building, he peered upwards into the scaffolds, hoping to see the shining hull of his father's airship hulking in the dock above. His hope was in vain. The dock lay barren, the connecting cables hung lifeless from the scaffolding. A sharp pain in his right hand caused Lithanus to open his palm revealing the small glint of a metal object within it. Holding the object up to the light he realized he had been squeezing the key his father had given to him. Staring at the key as he continued to hold it up to the light, Lithanus felt the frustration mounting within him. All that had been left for him was a sword and a key to which he had no lock. He had no answers. He had no idea what would have possessed his father to poison the lifestream. No idea why his very presence caused him to be violently ill. No idea why his father had by all appearances vanished from the face of Toril along with his manor and ship. Whatever his questions, Lithanus knew that here he would find no more in way of answers. Sighing he pocketed the strange key, shouldered his new found sword, and left.
'After you leave, none will find this place again...' Peering through the greenery west of where the house had once stood, he could see a large structure poking out over the tops of the trees. 'I wonder.'
Lithanus broke into a slow run, heading down a dirt path along the western edge of the gate. As he rounded the corner, his pace quickened at sight of the airship hangar.
Skidding to a stop within the large bay of the building, he peered upwards into the scaffolds, hoping to see the shining hull of his father's airship hulking in the dock above. His hope was in vain. The dock lay barren, the connecting cables hung lifeless from the scaffolding. A sharp pain in his right hand caused Lithanus to open his palm revealing the small glint of a metal object within it. Holding the object up to the light he realized he had been squeezing the key his father had given to him. Staring at the key as he continued to hold it up to the light, Lithanus felt the frustration mounting within him. All that had been left for him was a sword and a key to which he had no lock. He had no answers. He had no idea what would have possessed his father to poison the lifestream. No idea why his very presence caused him to be violently ill. No idea why his father had by all appearances vanished from the face of Toril along with his manor and ship. Whatever his questions, Lithanus knew that here he would find no more in way of answers. Sighing he pocketed the strange key, shouldered his new found sword, and left.
Brought To Light (Part I of III)
The silence which permeated the room was nearly unbearable for Throm, though it had lasted the course of buy a few seconds. Telling her had been as difficult if not more than he had imagined it would be. She had responded to his call no doubt out of worry, and now Sanria would have to suffer the knowledge of Throm's actions. Sanria's head was still bowed, though her eyes had been locked on him since the silence had set between the two. At last she spoke.
'Why... why? Why did you go? You could have been killed, Throm... you could have died.'
Before he could even think, the words came tumbling from his mouth in torrents which he found himself unable to stop. 'To know the gravity of the situation. To know to what extents we would need to go to get the Makou back from Emalia. As for the dying part...by all normal means I believe I am dead.'
Surprised by his own bluntness of speculation, he quickly recounted what his experience within the Lifestream as well as his findings since his return. It seemed as though his body indeed had an aversion to the Lifestream upon his return. 'Allergic' as he had coined it to Sanria. He had expected her to be disappointed. He had known what a let down it would come as. Even if he had succeeded in his task, he knew she wouldn't have approved. How could she when Throm himself didn't?
For what seemed like forever to Throm, they debated the pros and the cons of the events which had transpired. Sanria stating facts that Throm already knew to be true, and Throm returning to justify his actions though he knew them to be wrong. Eventually the question which Throm had known was coming, though dreaded the most surfaced.
'Were you aware of what you would do to me, Throm?'
With little to no hesitation, Throm responded. 'Yes. I was.'
'Yet you did this anyway...'
It was a statement not a question he knew. Done...he was not going to stand there and explain why he had done things knowing it would hurt her, hurt his people, hurt himself. Such explainations would no doubt lead to further arguements, and he didn't want to argue with her right now. Instead his mind grasped at a single name that had surfaced from his mind when he was within the Lifestream. A name taken from Colin, who had...strangely enough...been having odd dreams of late as well, near visions if he recounted correctly. 'Halethiel...'
'Who is Halethiel?'
Throm quickly recounted the faceless name which had suddenly connected. He watched as Sanria spoke to him, watched as she asked her questions. He could tell by her distant manner that she had been cut deep this time around. The conversation continued, though he wondered what she could possibly say to make him feel worse than he already did.'I love you Throm... I truly do...I just don't believe we...are right for one another.'
Throm cursed himself inwardly, making a mental note to refrain from visiting the Department of Questions Best Left Unanswered from now on. Deep inside of himself, something stirred. Something alien to him...something dark. Hiding his surprise, Throm regained control and recomposed himself. They stood in the broken haven that Throm had once called his 'safest of places' and talked of the past, current, and what the future held for some time. The future held an odd prospect for Throm now. No longer was he under the protection of his people, he knew this for sure. No longer would he watch as the future became the present, as people and events passed him by. Now, the future held a much more limited timeframe than before. Time wasn't as expendable as it was before hand.
As Sanria readied herself for the journey back to her home, Throm walked her to the door, his eyes cast downward upon the sword at his side. His father's own sword, acquired when he himself was within the Guardians. Passed on when he had found his father's final resting place. He couldn't help but wonder if he would have still claimed the blade had he known what trouble it would help him to cause back then. Clearing his throat, he stopped at the door, turning to Sanria.
'Listen...You say you want to hear what I want...then these are my intentions. I intend to find out who this Halethiel is...perhaps he may lead me to Emalia. After I find Emalia, I shall 'dispose' of the Black Makou she carries with her.' He paused taking a deep breath. Casting a quick glance once more at his sword he continued. 'At which point in time I desire nothing more than to return here, hang up my sword, close my gates to the world and concentrate on no more 'issues'. Save that perhaps of finding a cure for...this.'
The prospect of his own retirement...actually speaking them out loud didn't present the feeling of loss he had expected. Rather it was a relief to know that there was something else out there besides the constant run, the next adventure, the next loss. It was time to pass the mantle on to the newer, more eager and energetic era. Expressing his wishes that at the time of his retirement Sanria might join him, he finally allowed her to be on her way. For perhaps an hour, he sat within his ruined work room, his mind wheeling as he attempted to focus on the task at hand, the very same tasks he had laid out before Sanria.
The door burst open with a sudden crash. And within it's frame the figure outlined did not need introduction. Nor did Throm need to see the outlines of the tattooed arms within the dim light to know exactly who his visitor was.
"It's not always easy for a father to understand the interests and ways of his son. It seems the songs of our children may be in keys we've never tried. The melody of each generation emerges from all that's gone before. Each one of uscontributes in some unique way to the composition of life."
'I thought you would have arrived long ago Lithanus.'
The figure stepped from the doorway in the form of a lurch, then stopped short clutching the wall for support. When Lithanus spoke, it sounded more of a gasp than actual conversation. 'What have you done?'
Throm shook his head as he stood. He limped slowly towards the teenager, each step that he took bringing him closer to apparent pain.
'You already know what I've done. As does the Council. I doubt they wish me to return to the Valley this time though.'
Lithanus was breathing hard labored breaths as he still leaned against the wall for support. The closer Throm stepped, the more uncomfortable either of them seemed. Glancing sideways at his father he gave his head a single shake, the very act causing his hair to fall down into his face.
'No, they deem you a threat to the planet...a threat that needs to be removed.' Throm stopped in his tracks, bringing himself to full height despite the pain he still felt in his leg. Tilting his head, he looked upon Lithanus, his eyes narrowing slightly.
'And they've asked you to carry out this removal?'
Lithanus didn't answer, rather he sank to the floor his back to the wall. As he brushed the hair back from his face, the dim light revealed that his pale sweating visage. The eyes which looked upon Throm were laden with dark circles under them. When Lithanus spoke again it was in even more labored context. 'I don't understand...what are you doing to me?'
Throm took another step towards his son. As he did so Lithanus pressed himself hard against the far wall, wincing at the unseen pain which racked his body. Looking down, Throm's own face began to show signs of strain as a single bead of sweat rolled down his forehead.
'Not what I'm doing boy...rather what I am. I'm afraid you'll have to report that you are unable to accomplish your mission. I'm afraid our opposing life energies are rather sensative to each other. Most Cetra as well I'd imagine.' Trying in vain to pick himself up, Lithanus gave a gasping smile.
'I'm not here to try and kill you, they'll have to leave that to someone other than your son. I'm here to make sure you're not dead.'
A small smile broke Throm's face. His smile turned to that of slight sadness as he drew his sword from the holster at his side. Within a few steps he had closed the distance between himself and Lithanus who was now nearly writhing upon the floor. Kneeling down beside the younger man Throm gasped as his every essence rejected that of his son's. Holding the blade close, he could feel the same dark feeling he had felt earlier welling up inside him. In a strained voice he spoke out.
'I...am done.'
He carefully set the sword next to Lithanus, taking both relief and heartache in the fact that it would be the last time that he would lay hands upon the very item he had once worked so hard to get. Lithanus looked up, his eyes now glowing fiercely. It was apparent he was no longer able to form words. No longer able to do much aside from convulse upon the floor. Knowing this, Throm took the liberty of breaking the silence as they didn't have much time.
'It's your turn Lithanus. No longer is this the lifestyle I choose. Stay far from the Council...stay far from the Valley. Many within our people still mean well, but something is amiss within them. No 'good' person would send a son to kill his own father. You are a part of those who revel in knowledge as you do. You no longer need the Cetra, nor the tasks they give you as one would an errand boy. You're better than that.'
His own breath becoming quite labored, he reached out to grip Lithanus' hand and ignored the blinding burning sensation that accompanied such an act.
'This is the last time we will see each other Lithanus. After you leave, none will find this place again. The sword, it was your grandfather's as was this...'
Pulling a key from his pocket he set it beside the sword his fingers shaking from the strain of even such a small act. Giving a final approving nod to his son he rose on unsteady feet and stepped back a few paces, though it didn't appear to help the young man's condition.
'You've come a long way...I'm proud of you.'
Slowly Lithanus dissolved into the very air around him, leaving Throm to stand alone within the room. His looked with disdain upon the blackened archway to which he had been bound since his return. He knew that he would not last long without contact with the Black Makou. After he had rested he would have to pay a visit to the only person he knew of who possessed such a substance.
'Why... why? Why did you go? You could have been killed, Throm... you could have died.'
Before he could even think, the words came tumbling from his mouth in torrents which he found himself unable to stop. 'To know the gravity of the situation. To know to what extents we would need to go to get the Makou back from Emalia. As for the dying part...by all normal means I believe I am dead.'
Surprised by his own bluntness of speculation, he quickly recounted what his experience within the Lifestream as well as his findings since his return. It seemed as though his body indeed had an aversion to the Lifestream upon his return. 'Allergic' as he had coined it to Sanria. He had expected her to be disappointed. He had known what a let down it would come as. Even if he had succeeded in his task, he knew she wouldn't have approved. How could she when Throm himself didn't?
For what seemed like forever to Throm, they debated the pros and the cons of the events which had transpired. Sanria stating facts that Throm already knew to be true, and Throm returning to justify his actions though he knew them to be wrong. Eventually the question which Throm had known was coming, though dreaded the most surfaced.
'Were you aware of what you would do to me, Throm?'
With little to no hesitation, Throm responded. 'Yes. I was.'
'Yet you did this anyway...'
It was a statement not a question he knew. Done...he was not going to stand there and explain why he had done things knowing it would hurt her, hurt his people, hurt himself. Such explainations would no doubt lead to further arguements, and he didn't want to argue with her right now. Instead his mind grasped at a single name that had surfaced from his mind when he was within the Lifestream. A name taken from Colin, who had...strangely enough...been having odd dreams of late as well, near visions if he recounted correctly. 'Halethiel...'
'Who is Halethiel?'
Throm quickly recounted the faceless name which had suddenly connected. He watched as Sanria spoke to him, watched as she asked her questions. He could tell by her distant manner that she had been cut deep this time around. The conversation continued, though he wondered what she could possibly say to make him feel worse than he already did.'I love you Throm... I truly do...I just don't believe we...are right for one another.'
Throm cursed himself inwardly, making a mental note to refrain from visiting the Department of Questions Best Left Unanswered from now on. Deep inside of himself, something stirred. Something alien to him...something dark. Hiding his surprise, Throm regained control and recomposed himself. They stood in the broken haven that Throm had once called his 'safest of places' and talked of the past, current, and what the future held for some time. The future held an odd prospect for Throm now. No longer was he under the protection of his people, he knew this for sure. No longer would he watch as the future became the present, as people and events passed him by. Now, the future held a much more limited timeframe than before. Time wasn't as expendable as it was before hand.
As Sanria readied herself for the journey back to her home, Throm walked her to the door, his eyes cast downward upon the sword at his side. His father's own sword, acquired when he himself was within the Guardians. Passed on when he had found his father's final resting place. He couldn't help but wonder if he would have still claimed the blade had he known what trouble it would help him to cause back then. Clearing his throat, he stopped at the door, turning to Sanria.
'Listen...You say you want to hear what I want...then these are my intentions. I intend to find out who this Halethiel is...perhaps he may lead me to Emalia. After I find Emalia, I shall 'dispose' of the Black Makou she carries with her.' He paused taking a deep breath. Casting a quick glance once more at his sword he continued. 'At which point in time I desire nothing more than to return here, hang up my sword, close my gates to the world and concentrate on no more 'issues'. Save that perhaps of finding a cure for...this.'
The prospect of his own retirement...actually speaking them out loud didn't present the feeling of loss he had expected. Rather it was a relief to know that there was something else out there besides the constant run, the next adventure, the next loss. It was time to pass the mantle on to the newer, more eager and energetic era. Expressing his wishes that at the time of his retirement Sanria might join him, he finally allowed her to be on her way. For perhaps an hour, he sat within his ruined work room, his mind wheeling as he attempted to focus on the task at hand, the very same tasks he had laid out before Sanria.
The door burst open with a sudden crash. And within it's frame the figure outlined did not need introduction. Nor did Throm need to see the outlines of the tattooed arms within the dim light to know exactly who his visitor was.
"It's not always easy for a father to understand the interests and ways of his son. It seems the songs of our children may be in keys we've never tried. The melody of each generation emerges from all that's gone before. Each one of uscontributes in some unique way to the composition of life."
'I thought you would have arrived long ago Lithanus.'
The figure stepped from the doorway in the form of a lurch, then stopped short clutching the wall for support. When Lithanus spoke, it sounded more of a gasp than actual conversation. 'What have you done?'
Throm shook his head as he stood. He limped slowly towards the teenager, each step that he took bringing him closer to apparent pain.
'You already know what I've done. As does the Council. I doubt they wish me to return to the Valley this time though.'
Lithanus was breathing hard labored breaths as he still leaned against the wall for support. The closer Throm stepped, the more uncomfortable either of them seemed. Glancing sideways at his father he gave his head a single shake, the very act causing his hair to fall down into his face.
'No, they deem you a threat to the planet...a threat that needs to be removed.' Throm stopped in his tracks, bringing himself to full height despite the pain he still felt in his leg. Tilting his head, he looked upon Lithanus, his eyes narrowing slightly.
'And they've asked you to carry out this removal?'
Lithanus didn't answer, rather he sank to the floor his back to the wall. As he brushed the hair back from his face, the dim light revealed that his pale sweating visage. The eyes which looked upon Throm were laden with dark circles under them. When Lithanus spoke again it was in even more labored context. 'I don't understand...what are you doing to me?'
Throm took another step towards his son. As he did so Lithanus pressed himself hard against the far wall, wincing at the unseen pain which racked his body. Looking down, Throm's own face began to show signs of strain as a single bead of sweat rolled down his forehead.
'Not what I'm doing boy...rather what I am. I'm afraid you'll have to report that you are unable to accomplish your mission. I'm afraid our opposing life energies are rather sensative to each other. Most Cetra as well I'd imagine.' Trying in vain to pick himself up, Lithanus gave a gasping smile.
'I'm not here to try and kill you, they'll have to leave that to someone other than your son. I'm here to make sure you're not dead.'
A small smile broke Throm's face. His smile turned to that of slight sadness as he drew his sword from the holster at his side. Within a few steps he had closed the distance between himself and Lithanus who was now nearly writhing upon the floor. Kneeling down beside the younger man Throm gasped as his every essence rejected that of his son's. Holding the blade close, he could feel the same dark feeling he had felt earlier welling up inside him. In a strained voice he spoke out.
'I...am done.'
He carefully set the sword next to Lithanus, taking both relief and heartache in the fact that it would be the last time that he would lay hands upon the very item he had once worked so hard to get. Lithanus looked up, his eyes now glowing fiercely. It was apparent he was no longer able to form words. No longer able to do much aside from convulse upon the floor. Knowing this, Throm took the liberty of breaking the silence as they didn't have much time.
'It's your turn Lithanus. No longer is this the lifestyle I choose. Stay far from the Council...stay far from the Valley. Many within our people still mean well, but something is amiss within them. No 'good' person would send a son to kill his own father. You are a part of those who revel in knowledge as you do. You no longer need the Cetra, nor the tasks they give you as one would an errand boy. You're better than that.'
His own breath becoming quite labored, he reached out to grip Lithanus' hand and ignored the blinding burning sensation that accompanied such an act.
'This is the last time we will see each other Lithanus. After you leave, none will find this place again. The sword, it was your grandfather's as was this...'
Pulling a key from his pocket he set it beside the sword his fingers shaking from the strain of even such a small act. Giving a final approving nod to his son he rose on unsteady feet and stepped back a few paces, though it didn't appear to help the young man's condition.
'You've come a long way...I'm proud of you.'
Slowly Lithanus dissolved into the very air around him, leaving Throm to stand alone within the room. His looked with disdain upon the blackened archway to which he had been bound since his return. He knew that he would not last long without contact with the Black Makou. After he had rested he would have to pay a visit to the only person he knew of who possessed such a substance.
Thoughts in a bubble
Sanria sank into the bathtub at her home. Though Sandorin and Colin were nearby, she felt nothing would change if she took a few minutes to collect her fleeing thoughts. Her talk with Lithanus, Throm's son, had left her feeling confused, worried, angry, and more than anything, afraid. They had no idea where Throm was, and with his having given black makou to Emalia, Colin turning out to be -at least part- of some evil entity, and Emalia seeming to have vanished off the face of Toril all together - Sanria needed this moment more than ever.
The bubbles popped in a steady hiss around her as she finally touched the bottom of the tub. Sanria leaned back and closed her eyes, letting out a deep sigh. Her thoughts brushed over the fact that both she and Lithanus had discussed - no body. Emalia couldn't be dead, otherwise her essence would have been detected or a body located... and neither had come to pass. No one could locate Emalia, and that could be viewed both as a good thing... and a bad.
Sanria's mind then shifted to Throm. Applying the selfsame logic, she knew he could not be dead. There was no body, there was no sense of his essence. But why? Why had he gone off without a word to her, again? Indeed, had he gone of his own will, and was he now in the same place that Emalia was?
While the hot water did rest her tight muscles, Sanria still had a few tears slide down her cheeks. She pulled a wet hand from the water to rest it upon her forehead, sending rivulets of water along her skin and in the same channels as her tears. Why was this happening to her again? Was it something she had done to offend the Gods? She began to fully contemplate breaking off her engagement to Throm (if she ever found him to do such a thing), and suffering only the loss of love rather than the loss of a lover, even though it was already taking place.
Sitting up, Sanria hunched to where her tired face had almost hit the water and began to sob. Memories, hopes, dreams - each and all danced through her head in a parade of visions until one voice broke through the muffled voices of thought. It came to her like a giant bell ringing clearly through the air. 'Sanria...'
Whatever self-loathing and piteous feelings Sanria held for her situation fled like night at the touch of dawn. She lept from the tub, water flying in spatters upon the floor. She nearly fell to the ground, and snatching her towel, she wrapped it around her body and sped to the door. 'THROM!'
The bubbles popped in a steady hiss around her as she finally touched the bottom of the tub. Sanria leaned back and closed her eyes, letting out a deep sigh. Her thoughts brushed over the fact that both she and Lithanus had discussed - no body. Emalia couldn't be dead, otherwise her essence would have been detected or a body located... and neither had come to pass. No one could locate Emalia, and that could be viewed both as a good thing... and a bad.
Sanria's mind then shifted to Throm. Applying the selfsame logic, she knew he could not be dead. There was no body, there was no sense of his essence. But why? Why had he gone off without a word to her, again? Indeed, had he gone of his own will, and was he now in the same place that Emalia was?
While the hot water did rest her tight muscles, Sanria still had a few tears slide down her cheeks. She pulled a wet hand from the water to rest it upon her forehead, sending rivulets of water along her skin and in the same channels as her tears. Why was this happening to her again? Was it something she had done to offend the Gods? She began to fully contemplate breaking off her engagement to Throm (if she ever found him to do such a thing), and suffering only the loss of love rather than the loss of a lover, even though it was already taking place.
Sitting up, Sanria hunched to where her tired face had almost hit the water and began to sob. Memories, hopes, dreams - each and all danced through her head in a parade of visions until one voice broke through the muffled voices of thought. It came to her like a giant bell ringing clearly through the air. 'Sanria...'
Whatever self-loathing and piteous feelings Sanria held for her situation fled like night at the touch of dawn. She lept from the tub, water flying in spatters upon the floor. She nearly fell to the ground, and snatching her towel, she wrapped it around her body and sped to the door. 'THROM!'
On The Road Again... (Part I-II)
"Full honesty is a fool's trait...and what a fool I've been. I should not been so open with her..."
Throm walked swiftly down the open corridor of his home, shaking his head. A sudden flutter of wind caused his cloak to billow out, caught in the wind's grasp. He stoppedhard at the sound of a voice speaking out quietly. "I don't believe I've yet to see you this worked up..."
Turning just his head, Throm couldn't see the speaker though knew at once, whose person the voice belonged to. Throm called out over his shoulder still not moving from where he stood. "I had not not expected a welcome home party..."
Slipping down from upon the ledge he had been sitting upon, Lithanus appeared from behind a support column, leaning a tattooed arm upon it. "Troubles with the lady friend father?"
Scowling, Throm finally turned around, crossing his arms over his chest. At first he considered telling Lithanus nothing of recent events save the taking back of the stolen cells up north. Then sighing he gave a small shrug. "Lady friend no more I'm afraid. We've parted ways...I'm afraid I decided to impart some of the truth upon her, maybe too much I'm afraid."
Lithanus' spiked hair of stark white color ruffled as he shook his head. "The truth will serve no purpose outside of our own kind father, we have been raised this way...we know this."
Looking upon the young man with eyes that revealed just a hint of sadness, this time it was Throm who shook his head."No Lithanus, YOU have been raised this way...and for that I am sorry. I am too far removed from our people to believe this now. And speaking of our people, I suppose they will wish for my retrieval to the Valley soon?"
A ghost of a smile played upon the younger man's face displaying subtly that he had not missed the obvious change of topic within their conversation. "The Council has determined that for the moment your...removal would raise questions. Questions that aren't worth answering. I think that if the cells were returned, then you might...for the moment have little to worry about as far as that is concerned."
Reaching into his cloak, Throm pulled out a large canister and tossed it to Lithanus who caught it and held it up to the light, examining it carefully with an expression akin to awe.
"So much trouble for a few drops of the Old Foe. It is rare that I have a chance to see any of the legacy artifacts this close."
Lithanus suddenly cast his glance downwards from the canister, looking at Throm with an annoyed expression. "And what is it you're still doing here? Why aren't you following her up north yet?"
Throm unfolded his arms from across his chest, a look of annoyance casting itself over his own features. The sudden conversation had caught him off guard, however he remembered now the company Sanria had travelled north with. He remembered the person responsible for such company. "Let's talk about our friend and the armor you paired him with."
A look of mock surprise lit Lithanus' face as he spoke in in equal tones of exaggeration. "You're not seriously considering letting her go up there alone with him on the loose are you?"
Now Throm had to stem the feelings of annoyance as they were very swiftly becoming that of full fledged anger. "Thanks to you I may well have to. However she's not alone, Thasmudyan is currently joined with your loose cannon."
Lithanus smirked slightly and shrugged though he took a step back at sight of the look in his father's eyes. "So that's two people you are leaving to the Armor of Escalore...I guess you are more trusting than I am."
His face growing as cold and featureless as stone, Throm glared at his son as he let what seemed like ages of silence pass between the two. Finally, he pointed his finger directly at his white haired antagonizer, breaking the silence. "I'll not be played a fool Lithanus. I'll deal with you when I get back."
Carefully concealing the fact that some part of him was glad to have a reason to go north after her, Throm dissolved into nothingness, his spell casting him back to Torregiano. Lithanus' words fell upon deaf ears. "You'll thank me later old man..." He chuckled to himself, brushing back a wild strand of his hair. "...and might even admit that I know what the hell I'm doing."
"Throm... wh... what are you doing here?"
The fact that he had startled Sanria coupled with the red which shown upon her face, made Throm nearly regret coming. He had upset her further, something he certainly had not wished to do. Suddenly his mind kicked into notions which he usually left unthought. -Who cares. I too am upset- Pushing such thoughts aside, he gave an emotionless nod. "Going north..."
Sanria looked to the ground shaking her head. As if a knife had been taken to his insides, Throm felt a dull hollow sting in his chest. Steeling his resolve, he replied without missing a beat. "Someone has to bring Remus in..."
The rest of his words were cut short as an airship flew low over the Port on it's way to dock. Again his cold response was met with an equally cold demeanor. "I'll bring him back here and you can take him."
Shaking his head solidly, he couldn't help but wonder why it was she was so eager for him not to be around. "No dice..."
The two danced around the subject for long minutes, each firing back reasons why the other should or shouldn't be present for the duration of the journey. The argument continued inside of Sanria's airship, neither side seeming to get through to the other.
Eventually it was brought to light that Sanria indeed as able to feel the very emotions of Thasmudyan as she had recently been healed with his life essence. The thought of the two of them in the same place while she could feel such things apparently wasn't very comfortable for her. Again thoughts rampaged through Throm's head.
-I can't blame her. I wouldn't take comfort in such a situation. In fact, I probably wouldn't have even let me on board the ship.-
He had to admire her honesty, and her determination at that. Yet the two found themselves once again plunged into arguments. Finally it seemed they had both tired of going back and forth. The conversation took tones of less aggressive nature. Once again Throm felt himself compelled to honesty as Sanria asked the inevitable question that he knew must come.
"Let me guess... you love me enough to let me walk right out of your life?" She smiled slighty, and Throm suddenly realized just how difficult a question it was to answer. -It used to be an easy answer...when did it become not-
"If you deemed it best for yourself yes...I would put you above my own wants." Judging by the expression on Sanria's face, Throm realized that this was not the answer she had been expecting.
"You realize that it leaves me thinking you want for nothing... including me?" She stood, walking nearer to him. Was she angry? He couldn't tell. He shook his head as she continued. "I'd love to think, for a moment, that you would trust me enough to show me your own feelings - not those you use to deflect what is beneath."
For a moment, frustration set upon Throm and he wanted to simply spell out what it was he meant, be it for better or worse. Calming himself, he found his words once again. "You are wrong in this sense Sanria. I want many things...including you. However I can't place my wants above those or yours...such would be the essence of selfishness."
Again, he realized that perhaps this was not the answer Sanria had been looking for as she crossed her arms across her chest. Looking at him she spoke quietly. "Then I am selfish?"
Again Throm shook his head. "No...it's just me being me. I think you coined it the protector in me."
The Sanria finally guided the ship out of Port Torregiano, setting to a hover just above the city beacon. She turned in her seat to face Throm. "You don't believe that simply gathering force here to take him down is a better plan?"
Shrugging, he realized he was tired of the charade, perhaps the vision of him wearing himself on his sleeve would never be realistic, but it occured to him that perhaps he hadn't been completely in the right in regards to thinking honesty was foolish at all times.
"I'm not leaving you. Not because I don't think you can take care of yourself, but because I'll be worried to no end while you are away." Shrugging, he strapped the in flight harness about his torso. "And that....is why I am here."
Throm walked swiftly down the open corridor of his home, shaking his head. A sudden flutter of wind caused his cloak to billow out, caught in the wind's grasp. He stoppedhard at the sound of a voice speaking out quietly. "I don't believe I've yet to see you this worked up..."
Turning just his head, Throm couldn't see the speaker though knew at once, whose person the voice belonged to. Throm called out over his shoulder still not moving from where he stood. "I had not not expected a welcome home party..."
Slipping down from upon the ledge he had been sitting upon, Lithanus appeared from behind a support column, leaning a tattooed arm upon it. "Troubles with the lady friend father?"
Scowling, Throm finally turned around, crossing his arms over his chest. At first he considered telling Lithanus nothing of recent events save the taking back of the stolen cells up north. Then sighing he gave a small shrug. "Lady friend no more I'm afraid. We've parted ways...I'm afraid I decided to impart some of the truth upon her, maybe too much I'm afraid."
Lithanus' spiked hair of stark white color ruffled as he shook his head. "The truth will serve no purpose outside of our own kind father, we have been raised this way...we know this."
Looking upon the young man with eyes that revealed just a hint of sadness, this time it was Throm who shook his head."No Lithanus, YOU have been raised this way...and for that I am sorry. I am too far removed from our people to believe this now. And speaking of our people, I suppose they will wish for my retrieval to the Valley soon?"
A ghost of a smile played upon the younger man's face displaying subtly that he had not missed the obvious change of topic within their conversation. "The Council has determined that for the moment your...removal would raise questions. Questions that aren't worth answering. I think that if the cells were returned, then you might...for the moment have little to worry about as far as that is concerned."
Reaching into his cloak, Throm pulled out a large canister and tossed it to Lithanus who caught it and held it up to the light, examining it carefully with an expression akin to awe.
"So much trouble for a few drops of the Old Foe. It is rare that I have a chance to see any of the legacy artifacts this close."
Lithanus suddenly cast his glance downwards from the canister, looking at Throm with an annoyed expression. "And what is it you're still doing here? Why aren't you following her up north yet?"
Throm unfolded his arms from across his chest, a look of annoyance casting itself over his own features. The sudden conversation had caught him off guard, however he remembered now the company Sanria had travelled north with. He remembered the person responsible for such company. "Let's talk about our friend and the armor you paired him with."
A look of mock surprise lit Lithanus' face as he spoke in in equal tones of exaggeration. "You're not seriously considering letting her go up there alone with him on the loose are you?"
Now Throm had to stem the feelings of annoyance as they were very swiftly becoming that of full fledged anger. "Thanks to you I may well have to. However she's not alone, Thasmudyan is currently joined with your loose cannon."
Lithanus smirked slightly and shrugged though he took a step back at sight of the look in his father's eyes. "So that's two people you are leaving to the Armor of Escalore...I guess you are more trusting than I am."
His face growing as cold and featureless as stone, Throm glared at his son as he let what seemed like ages of silence pass between the two. Finally, he pointed his finger directly at his white haired antagonizer, breaking the silence. "I'll not be played a fool Lithanus. I'll deal with you when I get back."
Carefully concealing the fact that some part of him was glad to have a reason to go north after her, Throm dissolved into nothingness, his spell casting him back to Torregiano. Lithanus' words fell upon deaf ears. "You'll thank me later old man..." He chuckled to himself, brushing back a wild strand of his hair. "...and might even admit that I know what the hell I'm doing."
"Throm... wh... what are you doing here?"
The fact that he had startled Sanria coupled with the red which shown upon her face, made Throm nearly regret coming. He had upset her further, something he certainly had not wished to do. Suddenly his mind kicked into notions which he usually left unthought. -Who cares. I too am upset- Pushing such thoughts aside, he gave an emotionless nod. "Going north..."
Sanria looked to the ground shaking her head. As if a knife had been taken to his insides, Throm felt a dull hollow sting in his chest. Steeling his resolve, he replied without missing a beat. "Someone has to bring Remus in..."
The rest of his words were cut short as an airship flew low over the Port on it's way to dock. Again his cold response was met with an equally cold demeanor. "I'll bring him back here and you can take him."
Shaking his head solidly, he couldn't help but wonder why it was she was so eager for him not to be around. "No dice..."
The two danced around the subject for long minutes, each firing back reasons why the other should or shouldn't be present for the duration of the journey. The argument continued inside of Sanria's airship, neither side seeming to get through to the other.
Eventually it was brought to light that Sanria indeed as able to feel the very emotions of Thasmudyan as she had recently been healed with his life essence. The thought of the two of them in the same place while she could feel such things apparently wasn't very comfortable for her. Again thoughts rampaged through Throm's head.
-I can't blame her. I wouldn't take comfort in such a situation. In fact, I probably wouldn't have even let me on board the ship.-
He had to admire her honesty, and her determination at that. Yet the two found themselves once again plunged into arguments. Finally it seemed they had both tired of going back and forth. The conversation took tones of less aggressive nature. Once again Throm felt himself compelled to honesty as Sanria asked the inevitable question that he knew must come.
"Let me guess... you love me enough to let me walk right out of your life?" She smiled slighty, and Throm suddenly realized just how difficult a question it was to answer. -It used to be an easy answer...when did it become not-
"If you deemed it best for yourself yes...I would put you above my own wants." Judging by the expression on Sanria's face, Throm realized that this was not the answer she had been expecting.
"You realize that it leaves me thinking you want for nothing... including me?" She stood, walking nearer to him. Was she angry? He couldn't tell. He shook his head as she continued. "I'd love to think, for a moment, that you would trust me enough to show me your own feelings - not those you use to deflect what is beneath."
For a moment, frustration set upon Throm and he wanted to simply spell out what it was he meant, be it for better or worse. Calming himself, he found his words once again. "You are wrong in this sense Sanria. I want many things...including you. However I can't place my wants above those or yours...such would be the essence of selfishness."
Again, he realized that perhaps this was not the answer Sanria had been looking for as she crossed her arms across her chest. Looking at him she spoke quietly. "Then I am selfish?"
Again Throm shook his head. "No...it's just me being me. I think you coined it the protector in me."
The Sanria finally guided the ship out of Port Torregiano, setting to a hover just above the city beacon. She turned in her seat to face Throm. "You don't believe that simply gathering force here to take him down is a better plan?"
Shrugging, he realized he was tired of the charade, perhaps the vision of him wearing himself on his sleeve would never be realistic, but it occured to him that perhaps he hadn't been completely in the right in regards to thinking honesty was foolish at all times.
"I'm not leaving you. Not because I don't think you can take care of yourself, but because I'll be worried to no end while you are away." Shrugging, he strapped the in flight harness about his torso. "And that....is why I am here."
Prison Break
Sanria rose from the boulder after drifting off to a quiet sleep. The birds twittered and chattered on the branches above her, and even with all her connections to the beauty of nature around her, Sanria found a near miss by her head - left by the chirping bombers above. She ran a hand through her hair and decided to waste no more time. "Defero ad gentiliatis o caeles - com incolumitas, celeritas, et mea gratia aeternus." In a twisting column of mist, a black door grew from the ground. Through this, Sanria stepped, and ended in her clan hall. For one in a clan which knows so much, the location of the Paxian jail was a snippet for which she required a map.
Sanria traversed the hall with a look of consternated contemplation, a diametrically opposite pair of emotions, in order to pass her fellow clan members without fear of interruption. In a clan where knowledge is revered, seldom is one bothered when such a look is on ones face. She reached the quiet Anthenaeum and the many tomes which held both ancient and modern maps. It was to her benefit she had asked none where the jail was - her face was red enough knowing it was a short stroll from Market Square. With a few passing nods, Sanria reached the magical passage which gave her access to Market Square. Within moments, she stood before a marble building. It chilled her to be in such a pristine place, and unnerved her a bit more to see the various insignias worn by the guards. Order of Justice.
Passing through the upright and massive girth of the pillars, a door with a brass plaque caught her eye: "Jail." It never seemed to do for any OOJ officer to waste time being superfluous. At the base of the narrow stairwell, the smell of piss and sour milk set up camp within her nostrils. It was dank, it was dark, and the guard looked both irritated, and glad to see her. "Excuse me, where can I find Remus?"
"No visitors." The guard was a large man, who, upon the interruption, stood up - hitching up his pants and sticking out his chest.
"It has been quite some time since I have heard a voice of the fairer sex," a voice called.
"Please... only a moment..."
With a simple nod, Sanria was granted access to the prisoner, and upon reaching him she couldn't contain her dismay. Remus' eyes were bandaged completely over. Indeed, he was rather large man - though rather rough for wear. "Oh this won't do... you can't see?"
"I see that you were gasping in surprise dear lady."
"Lithanus didn't tell me this... it just won't do."
"Lithanus... Lithanus sent you?"
"Yes," Sanria sighed, her head now against the bars of the cell. "Throm is missing."
"Hmm, I should have killed the little bugger when I had the chance. Throm??"
Sanria elaborated on her very, very, very limited amount of knowledge the fact that Throm had left her side and not told her where he was heading. Now, he could be in danger. As they spoke, more information appeared to drop from the sky - as though the man who Remus knew, the father Lithanus knew, and the man Sanria knew – were in fact, three different people altogether. Here, from Remus, she discovered Throm had once been a scout and had had dealings in Vector.
None-the-less, she would not allow her personal worries and misgivings intrude upon what she felt was at the very least, her duty to a dear friend. She did loved Throm and she would absolutely see to his wellbeing. With this in mind, and a polite request for Remus never to mention a thing to Throm, Sanria set about to seduce the guard into an immediate cup of tea.
Reluctantly, the guard rose and Sanria escorted him to the street. "Oh, my dear, I have forgotten my pack. Please... wait here and don't leave," her voice lowered and she leaned in with eyes in full 'come hither' status. "I really do want that cup of tea." Sanria's feet then flew to the desk, the keys, and Remus' cell.
"What's the escape plan?" Sanria gasped and her eyes widened in alarm. This was one part of using feminine wiles that had been excluded. "Your silence says it all. Run!" As though granted by the Gods, the two fled the hall, dodging guards - even the disbelieving face that had been duped into allowing a prison break.
Not in a long time had Sanria really run to the point of exhaustion, but she found her feet flying and her chest threatening to collapse. She was doubly astounded at the fact that a blind man was running through the streets - leading her. She had no idea where they were going until the towers of the uth Bannon mannor came into view. "I've imagined this rout a million times over... not running the entire way mind you but I'll take what I can get."
Grinning, Remus tried the gates. "Details details details." "If you trust me," Sanria spoke between returning breaths, "you can accompany me to my home.""You just sprung me from jail... I have to trust you lady."
After slipping through the streets and the wood, both Remus and Sanria slipped behind the falls and beyond the threshold of her house. Initially, she led him to a bedroom in the upper half, but with the din of water from the falls, she escorted him to the bowels of the cavernous house.
It was here in Sanria's small study the two spoke and Sanria found out more about Throm than she had known from both the man himself and his son combined. Her discussions in the past day had left her wondering exactly what was going on. Her love that had grown for Throm was the motivating force for ensuring his complete safety. Her fear of change, of absence, of what seemed to be anything that involved truly living, was what left her undecided and worried.
Remus was offered the old master suite, and the story of why it was decorated in green and blue and silks and satins, and the two parted for the night. The following day, she would meet him in Torregiano - after he had acquired a very promising set of armor -and they would follow Ferin north in the hopes of discovering the root of Throm's travel.
Sanria traversed the hall with a look of consternated contemplation, a diametrically opposite pair of emotions, in order to pass her fellow clan members without fear of interruption. In a clan where knowledge is revered, seldom is one bothered when such a look is on ones face. She reached the quiet Anthenaeum and the many tomes which held both ancient and modern maps. It was to her benefit she had asked none where the jail was - her face was red enough knowing it was a short stroll from Market Square. With a few passing nods, Sanria reached the magical passage which gave her access to Market Square. Within moments, she stood before a marble building. It chilled her to be in such a pristine place, and unnerved her a bit more to see the various insignias worn by the guards. Order of Justice.
Passing through the upright and massive girth of the pillars, a door with a brass plaque caught her eye: "Jail." It never seemed to do for any OOJ officer to waste time being superfluous. At the base of the narrow stairwell, the smell of piss and sour milk set up camp within her nostrils. It was dank, it was dark, and the guard looked both irritated, and glad to see her. "Excuse me, where can I find Remus?"
"No visitors." The guard was a large man, who, upon the interruption, stood up - hitching up his pants and sticking out his chest.
"It has been quite some time since I have heard a voice of the fairer sex," a voice called.
"Please... only a moment..."
With a simple nod, Sanria was granted access to the prisoner, and upon reaching him she couldn't contain her dismay. Remus' eyes were bandaged completely over. Indeed, he was rather large man - though rather rough for wear. "Oh this won't do... you can't see?"
"I see that you were gasping in surprise dear lady."
"Lithanus didn't tell me this... it just won't do."
"Lithanus... Lithanus sent you?"
"Yes," Sanria sighed, her head now against the bars of the cell. "Throm is missing."
"Hmm, I should have killed the little bugger when I had the chance. Throm??"
Sanria elaborated on her very, very, very limited amount of knowledge the fact that Throm had left her side and not told her where he was heading. Now, he could be in danger. As they spoke, more information appeared to drop from the sky - as though the man who Remus knew, the father Lithanus knew, and the man Sanria knew – were in fact, three different people altogether. Here, from Remus, she discovered Throm had once been a scout and had had dealings in Vector.
None-the-less, she would not allow her personal worries and misgivings intrude upon what she felt was at the very least, her duty to a dear friend. She did loved Throm and she would absolutely see to his wellbeing. With this in mind, and a polite request for Remus never to mention a thing to Throm, Sanria set about to seduce the guard into an immediate cup of tea.
Reluctantly, the guard rose and Sanria escorted him to the street. "Oh, my dear, I have forgotten my pack. Please... wait here and don't leave," her voice lowered and she leaned in with eyes in full 'come hither' status. "I really do want that cup of tea." Sanria's feet then flew to the desk, the keys, and Remus' cell.
"What's the escape plan?" Sanria gasped and her eyes widened in alarm. This was one part of using feminine wiles that had been excluded. "Your silence says it all. Run!" As though granted by the Gods, the two fled the hall, dodging guards - even the disbelieving face that had been duped into allowing a prison break.
Not in a long time had Sanria really run to the point of exhaustion, but she found her feet flying and her chest threatening to collapse. She was doubly astounded at the fact that a blind man was running through the streets - leading her. She had no idea where they were going until the towers of the uth Bannon mannor came into view. "I've imagined this rout a million times over... not running the entire way mind you but I'll take what I can get."
Grinning, Remus tried the gates. "Details details details." "If you trust me," Sanria spoke between returning breaths, "you can accompany me to my home.""You just sprung me from jail... I have to trust you lady."
After slipping through the streets and the wood, both Remus and Sanria slipped behind the falls and beyond the threshold of her house. Initially, she led him to a bedroom in the upper half, but with the din of water from the falls, she escorted him to the bowels of the cavernous house.
It was here in Sanria's small study the two spoke and Sanria found out more about Throm than she had known from both the man himself and his son combined. Her discussions in the past day had left her wondering exactly what was going on. Her love that had grown for Throm was the motivating force for ensuring his complete safety. Her fear of change, of absence, of what seemed to be anything that involved truly living, was what left her undecided and worried.
Remus was offered the old master suite, and the story of why it was decorated in green and blue and silks and satins, and the two parted for the night. The following day, she would meet him in Torregiano - after he had acquired a very promising set of armor -and they would follow Ferin north in the hopes of discovering the root of Throm's travel.
To the future
Sanria walked through the woods of Haon Dor, listening to the crunch of dirt, sticks, and leaves her feet created with each step. Through her aging mind came flooding years of information and misinformation, good choices and bad. In her life after leaving the grove, she had several exceptional years of bliss and joy... those spent with Thasmudyan. After the seeming lifetime of misery after his death, and return, and "death" - she had found almost by accident someone she felt she could spend the rest of her life with. Now, her thoughts on this were much less steady than her feet passing along the ground. She sat down on a boulder that jutted from the base of a tree and put her head into her hand.
The trip to Paradise Island with Throm was now in the past. When she had risen to find herself alone, she automatically assumed he was perhaps on the island somewhere. After waiting the day, she realized he wasn't. She had gone home without a word from him, but it didn't cause any fear or doubts as it would have years before. Her assumption was that his duties had taken him and he would return soon. Soon she had spoken to Lithanus, a meeting that in her mind, didn't go as well as it could have. Then, she met with him again today.
The boy seemed nonchalant about his father being gone. A fact which irritated Sanria to no end. Lithanus had better things to do than find his father – this after finding out that he had "lost" him. Many other things came to the fore, making Sanria wish she had never left her home in the first place. She simply couldn't understand what deed she had committed to make the realms choose her for punishment again and again. Just when her grasp on life had seemed to solidify, life slipped away in a haze or doubt and teasing despair.
Her body slipped a bit from the boulder, jerking Sanria back to the present. Birds sang and around her could be heard the scampering of small animals. Here was here home and all she wished was at that instant to sink into it and not have to return, but thoughts such as these, she knew, did nothing to help her. She would have to locate this Paxian jail and speak to the Remus, Nathaniel man who apparently would lend a hand since it was for the benefit of Throm.
First, however, she would do something she'd not done in a long time. Licking her lips, she rolled up her sleeve and placed a hand on the trunk of the tree at her side. A warm conduit flowed from her palms and onto the bark, slowly seeping into the tree itself. Her mind flooded with images of densely packed wood as she spoke her question: "Is Throm safe?" The swirling warmth which held her consciousness gradually elevated through the trunk, out to the branches, and into the leaves. She was at this instant, one with the entire forest, and any other living tree that touched it. Her mind traveled from tree to tree, from leaf to leaf, joining with the ancient knowledge of the wood - the irritations ofbeing gnawed by squirrels, the sorrow of being half consumed by fire, even the loss of a dear friend to a woodsman's axe- all these joined with her question and swelled to seek more information. She had only a fleeting answer in the form of irritation at the disruption of the quiet of the forest by an airship heading north. She reached beyond the woods for a moment and by sheer connection of life to life, soul to soul, she knew it was he. Her mind raced back in a manner of seconds through all the leaves and branches of interconnected forests and she wrapped her arms suddenly about the trunk of the tree at her side. Tears coursed down her face as she offered a thanks and attempted to separate her own feelings from those she had acquired in the pursuit of knowledge.
For several minutes, she couldn't move, and Sanria found herself simply dwelling on how she would track Throm. She wanted to start right away, but knowing the ruthless nature of the northern lands, this Remus fellow might be very helpful indeed. From her pack, she took a small whistle, and pierced the air with its song. In response to the high trill, a falcon's call could be heard. Snow-white from tip to tail, Ferin perched above her and cocked his head. "Friend, you will find what you need to know in the thoughts I will send you. Go to him, and be certain you keep watch for my own benefit."
Sanria closed her eyes, linking with the falcon - speaking with him telepathically in a very slow manner, giving to him all she knew from the discourse with the trees. With a long call followed by a few sharp clicks, Ferin flew from his mistress and into the sky beyond. When she had rested fully, she would seek a companion. For now, she lay wondering what she would do when she would meet once more with Throm - the rest of her life hinged on a choice and she was deathly afraid to make it.
The trip to Paradise Island with Throm was now in the past. When she had risen to find herself alone, she automatically assumed he was perhaps on the island somewhere. After waiting the day, she realized he wasn't. She had gone home without a word from him, but it didn't cause any fear or doubts as it would have years before. Her assumption was that his duties had taken him and he would return soon. Soon she had spoken to Lithanus, a meeting that in her mind, didn't go as well as it could have. Then, she met with him again today.
The boy seemed nonchalant about his father being gone. A fact which irritated Sanria to no end. Lithanus had better things to do than find his father – this after finding out that he had "lost" him. Many other things came to the fore, making Sanria wish she had never left her home in the first place. She simply couldn't understand what deed she had committed to make the realms choose her for punishment again and again. Just when her grasp on life had seemed to solidify, life slipped away in a haze or doubt and teasing despair.
Her body slipped a bit from the boulder, jerking Sanria back to the present. Birds sang and around her could be heard the scampering of small animals. Here was here home and all she wished was at that instant to sink into it and not have to return, but thoughts such as these, she knew, did nothing to help her. She would have to locate this Paxian jail and speak to the Remus, Nathaniel man who apparently would lend a hand since it was for the benefit of Throm.
First, however, she would do something she'd not done in a long time. Licking her lips, she rolled up her sleeve and placed a hand on the trunk of the tree at her side. A warm conduit flowed from her palms and onto the bark, slowly seeping into the tree itself. Her mind flooded with images of densely packed wood as she spoke her question: "Is Throm safe?" The swirling warmth which held her consciousness gradually elevated through the trunk, out to the branches, and into the leaves. She was at this instant, one with the entire forest, and any other living tree that touched it. Her mind traveled from tree to tree, from leaf to leaf, joining with the ancient knowledge of the wood - the irritations ofbeing gnawed by squirrels, the sorrow of being half consumed by fire, even the loss of a dear friend to a woodsman's axe- all these joined with her question and swelled to seek more information. She had only a fleeting answer in the form of irritation at the disruption of the quiet of the forest by an airship heading north. She reached beyond the woods for a moment and by sheer connection of life to life, soul to soul, she knew it was he. Her mind raced back in a manner of seconds through all the leaves and branches of interconnected forests and she wrapped her arms suddenly about the trunk of the tree at her side. Tears coursed down her face as she offered a thanks and attempted to separate her own feelings from those she had acquired in the pursuit of knowledge.
For several minutes, she couldn't move, and Sanria found herself simply dwelling on how she would track Throm. She wanted to start right away, but knowing the ruthless nature of the northern lands, this Remus fellow might be very helpful indeed. From her pack, she took a small whistle, and pierced the air with its song. In response to the high trill, a falcon's call could be heard. Snow-white from tip to tail, Ferin perched above her and cocked his head. "Friend, you will find what you need to know in the thoughts I will send you. Go to him, and be certain you keep watch for my own benefit."
Sanria closed her eyes, linking with the falcon - speaking with him telepathically in a very slow manner, giving to him all she knew from the discourse with the trees. With a long call followed by a few sharp clicks, Ferin flew from his mistress and into the sky beyond. When she had rested fully, she would seek a companion. For now, she lay wondering what she would do when she would meet once more with Throm - the rest of her life hinged on a choice and she was deathly afraid to make it.
Meeting with Emalia
Sanria slunk down into the comfortable chair in her library and propped her feet up on the table. It had been a very, very, very long time since she had seen Throm - in fact, the last time she had seen him was as she fell asleep in his arms at the Paradise Island Hotel. The thought brought a blushing smile to her lips, and she rested her book on her lap, flipping open the pages.
Boring botany. It's what she had told Lithanus today when she met him. She wasn't sure what to make of the boy. Throm's son didn't much take after his father in the physical sense, which made sense of course, since his mother was elven. White hair to boot... the only feature she knew was the green eyes. Of course it set her to missing Throm even more, so when the boy gave such a cool response to her questions regarding his father, she couldn't help but feel her ire rising. It wouldn't do, however, to pry in family affairs. After all, she had her own to worry about. Still, she wondered what "mess" Lithanus knew Throm had gotten himself into, and worried for Throm's safety.
Her thoughts wandered over where Throm could be when a heavy knock was heard on the library door. Sanria glanced over and a wave of elation traveled through her like a spark. Emalia had come home. "Emalia!"
"Hello mother."
Sanria rose to her feet, snatching Emalia in a deep embrace. Tears sprang to her eyes for no apparent reason, and she stood back finally, gripping Emalia on the shoulders. "Good heavens, where have you been?"
"It's a rather long story."
"I suppose so! You look well... oh so much like your father."
"I finally talked to him."
"I see... what did he have to say?"
"Well, he talked to me about my powers and such... there's so much to tell."
Mother and daughter sat down at the table, Sanria clutched Emalia's hand in her own as if clinging to the hope she wouldn't vanish. There they sat for hours as Sanria listened to her daughter covering the journey, her new friends, her new "interest," and the fact that Thasmudyan was staying with her. The idea of Thasmudyan being in her daughter's home, after having been staying in temples right in Westbridge stung her, but she didn't dare let on in front of Emalia. "It sounds as though you've had quite a time."
"I still have more to do."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, I'm only in the city until Nephesh heals completely. Then, we are going to seek out the Balefire mountains... wherever that is."
"I wouldn't know," Sanria said with caution, "but perhaps it might be better for you to stay. I wouldn't want something to happen to you, and I'm sure the Guardian's wouldn't either."
"Mother," Emalia sighed, "I know you're worried, but I'm a grown woman now."
The idea of her daughter being an adult had certainly crossed Sanria's mind on more than one occasion, but still, her instinct to protect was overwhelming. Only by sheer force of her will could she keep from lecturing her daughter. "I know. I know."
"Besides... I have to do this. At the very least, I'm able to keep people from worrying about me. Sir Throm won't have to come looking for you to give you updates."
"Throm was here? You... were here?"
Sanria watched the red creep into her daughter's face. "Yeah. I brought a friend by to show him the house and Sir Throm ended up here while we were here. I assured him I was alright and would let you know I was ok... once I worked up the nerve. He was oddly insistent about talking to you personally."
"Emalia... there is something you should know."
"What?"
"Well, your father and I aren't together anymore..."
"I thought that might be the case... he mentioned something about you two not being the same."
"And... on some level it's true. Things weren't going the way we thought they would. So, I started talking to Throm."
"He is a good person to speak to, isn't he?"
"Yes, but..."
Sanria took in a deep breath as realization dawned on Emalia's face. "You mean... you and Sir Throm?" Emalia asked.
"Well, yes. Though at the current time it's nothing more than-"
"Than the same thing with Colin and I. I get it."
"I'm sorry, Emalia."
"So life goes. I just feel a little foolish in all of this."
"No need to feel that way. It is how life goes in this case. I hope you're not upset."
"No, I'm just... nothing is as it seems, mother. I came here in the hopes that things would maybe, just maybe, be the same but... they aren't. They aren't the same anywhere."
It hurt to see her daughter so distraught, but Sanria knew it was better to let everything out than to hide anything. At least now, she wouldn't be so separate from her daughter. Emalia would come visit her again, and she had her word. The moon was rising as Emalia walked away and Sanria closed the front door. Thoughts were swimming through her head - old thoughts, new thoughts, and the thoughts of where her daughter's life would take her next.
Boring botany. It's what she had told Lithanus today when she met him. She wasn't sure what to make of the boy. Throm's son didn't much take after his father in the physical sense, which made sense of course, since his mother was elven. White hair to boot... the only feature she knew was the green eyes. Of course it set her to missing Throm even more, so when the boy gave such a cool response to her questions regarding his father, she couldn't help but feel her ire rising. It wouldn't do, however, to pry in family affairs. After all, she had her own to worry about. Still, she wondered what "mess" Lithanus knew Throm had gotten himself into, and worried for Throm's safety.
Her thoughts wandered over where Throm could be when a heavy knock was heard on the library door. Sanria glanced over and a wave of elation traveled through her like a spark. Emalia had come home. "Emalia!"
"Hello mother."
Sanria rose to her feet, snatching Emalia in a deep embrace. Tears sprang to her eyes for no apparent reason, and she stood back finally, gripping Emalia on the shoulders. "Good heavens, where have you been?"
"It's a rather long story."
"I suppose so! You look well... oh so much like your father."
"I finally talked to him."
"I see... what did he have to say?"
"Well, he talked to me about my powers and such... there's so much to tell."
Mother and daughter sat down at the table, Sanria clutched Emalia's hand in her own as if clinging to the hope she wouldn't vanish. There they sat for hours as Sanria listened to her daughter covering the journey, her new friends, her new "interest," and the fact that Thasmudyan was staying with her. The idea of Thasmudyan being in her daughter's home, after having been staying in temples right in Westbridge stung her, but she didn't dare let on in front of Emalia. "It sounds as though you've had quite a time."
"I still have more to do."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, I'm only in the city until Nephesh heals completely. Then, we are going to seek out the Balefire mountains... wherever that is."
"I wouldn't know," Sanria said with caution, "but perhaps it might be better for you to stay. I wouldn't want something to happen to you, and I'm sure the Guardian's wouldn't either."
"Mother," Emalia sighed, "I know you're worried, but I'm a grown woman now."
The idea of her daughter being an adult had certainly crossed Sanria's mind on more than one occasion, but still, her instinct to protect was overwhelming. Only by sheer force of her will could she keep from lecturing her daughter. "I know. I know."
"Besides... I have to do this. At the very least, I'm able to keep people from worrying about me. Sir Throm won't have to come looking for you to give you updates."
"Throm was here? You... were here?"
Sanria watched the red creep into her daughter's face. "Yeah. I brought a friend by to show him the house and Sir Throm ended up here while we were here. I assured him I was alright and would let you know I was ok... once I worked up the nerve. He was oddly insistent about talking to you personally."
"Emalia... there is something you should know."
"What?"
"Well, your father and I aren't together anymore..."
"I thought that might be the case... he mentioned something about you two not being the same."
"And... on some level it's true. Things weren't going the way we thought they would. So, I started talking to Throm."
"He is a good person to speak to, isn't he?"
"Yes, but..."
Sanria took in a deep breath as realization dawned on Emalia's face. "You mean... you and Sir Throm?" Emalia asked.
"Well, yes. Though at the current time it's nothing more than-"
"Than the same thing with Colin and I. I get it."
"I'm sorry, Emalia."
"So life goes. I just feel a little foolish in all of this."
"No need to feel that way. It is how life goes in this case. I hope you're not upset."
"No, I'm just... nothing is as it seems, mother. I came here in the hopes that things would maybe, just maybe, be the same but... they aren't. They aren't the same anywhere."
It hurt to see her daughter so distraught, but Sanria knew it was better to let everything out than to hide anything. At least now, she wouldn't be so separate from her daughter. Emalia would come visit her again, and she had her word. The moon was rising as Emalia walked away and Sanria closed the front door. Thoughts were swimming through her head - old thoughts, new thoughts, and the thoughts of where her daughter's life would take her next.
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