Vorcet let the body slip to the floor, one more stain in the floor of the now ill kept guard tower would go unnoticed. Vorcet studdied the features of his victim carefully for a while. Then he centered his mind and began to chant, small changes apeared at first in the body on the ground, then more quickly the snap of bone and reforming of flesh could be heard. Finally shoulders slumped at the drain of power required to reform the shape of a human body Vorcet admired his handiwork. Nobody would be able to tell the difference between the two men in the room.
Working from memory Vorcet began chanting again THis time he held off the changes until the spell was complete. Vorcet just hoped he could remain concious through the innevitable pain to follow. Vorcet stopped chanting and steeled himself. He released the magic and felt it slam into himself. Vorcet hunched over in pain fighting to remain concious as wave after wave of intense pain ripped through his core. His legs shortened, as did his arms. his internal organs contracted as his ribcage reformed into its new shape. Snaps and grinding noises came from Vorcet's face as his face lengthened and his skull changed shape.
Panting and lying curled up in a ball on the floor, Vorcet waited for the wracking pains to cease their rounds through his body. As the last of them faded away Vorcet stretched his new body experimentally. Standing up slowly through slight waves of dizziness Vorcet grabbed Is'Kal's weapon belt and strapped it around his waist. He pulled the sword out and studdied his face in the steel of the flat of the blade. A simple beguiling spell would not have held for the time needed. And this left no traceable magic.
Vorcet took the sword and slid it into the dagger hole in the dead guard, opening the wound to match that of a sword thrust. Vorcet added a few dents to the guards armor and stepped back admiring his handiwork. Vorcet walked over to the wall and steeling himself he bashed his face into it to add a fresh bruis and a bloody nose to his new look. Staggering back and grabbing his nose he gathered his wits and looked around. THe room was not in enough dissaray to make it apear as if a fight had happened here. He threw some things about and emptied the table of its contents.
Satisfied with the results, Vorcet walked to the door of the tower and With his new voice Yelled to the tower to the north for help. Within minutes teh guard tower was filled with vectorian guards and a very angry Rhay. Vorcet got several claps on the back as the body that looked so exactly like his own was dragged out of the tower. Talk was tossed about regarding a promotion which got Vorcet's attention.
Now to get word out to his friends so they were not concerned about his body adorning a spike on the outside of the gates of the city.
Old skills New uses
As darkness settled over the city a figure slipped through the shadows of the buildings closest to the wall. The hood of his cloak pulled up around his head to hide his face. The old familiar thrill of the hunt was burning through his veins as he stalked his target. A lone Guardsman in the out of the way south eastern tower near the gang controlled lands of westbridge. If he botched this small part of the overall mission it would be easy to slip away into the violence ripe evening goings on of the ganglands.
With a trickle of magic the figure reduces his weight and begins climbing the wall up toward the guard station. A piece of rock broke free of the wall and clattered away to the street below. Vorcet held his breath as the rock clattered on the cobbles below. No noise came from above for several minutes so he continued his climb.
At the top he peeked over the edge, with one hand he reached down and pulled a dagger from his waist and placed the blade in his teeth. He poked his head around the side of the tower to get a look at the walkway atop the wall and make sure nobody else was about. Guard had changed twenty minutes ago so the top of the wall was clear of people. THe more populated guard tower to the north near the gates of the city could be seen in the flickering torchlight surrounding it. With his magic enhanced vision he was able to pick out two guards there as well.
Vorcet slipped over the wall careful not to make any noise, careful to keep an eye on the tower to the north and slipped through the tower doors which had been stupidly left open. The interior of the tower was lit with a single torch. Long shadows swept accross the room and danced with the torchlight as Vorcet slipped through headed for the narrow stairway leading to the roof where his target would be watching for invasion from outside the walls.
Vorcet pulled off the cloak covering his vectorian uniform and wove a beguiling spell. He felt the magic cling to his skin with a slight tingling sensation. He put the dagger in his belt and wove a second spell. He felt the magic tighten around his vocal cords, effectively changing his voice into one he had heard earlier.
"Is'Kal, get down here for a moment!" Vorcet called up the stairs attempting to mimic The guard captain's gruff speech. "Watch change isnt for another four hours Rhay. What in the Nine Hells do you want?" The guard called back with an obvious level of annoyance in his tone. Regardless of the argument Is'Kal started decending the stairs. Seeing his guard captain in his watch tower the guard sighed and raised his hands in a mock display of innocence. "What could you possibly want at this hour?" He came closer to vorcet and when he was within range Vorcet moved swiftly slipped around behind him and slipped one hand over the guard's mouth and with the other slid his dagger into the exposed hole in the man's armpit. the guard issued a little gasp of pain as his life started to leave him.
"What I want my friend." Whispered vorcet into his ear, "Is your face.
With a trickle of magic the figure reduces his weight and begins climbing the wall up toward the guard station. A piece of rock broke free of the wall and clattered away to the street below. Vorcet held his breath as the rock clattered on the cobbles below. No noise came from above for several minutes so he continued his climb.
At the top he peeked over the edge, with one hand he reached down and pulled a dagger from his waist and placed the blade in his teeth. He poked his head around the side of the tower to get a look at the walkway atop the wall and make sure nobody else was about. Guard had changed twenty minutes ago so the top of the wall was clear of people. THe more populated guard tower to the north near the gates of the city could be seen in the flickering torchlight surrounding it. With his magic enhanced vision he was able to pick out two guards there as well.
Vorcet slipped over the wall careful not to make any noise, careful to keep an eye on the tower to the north and slipped through the tower doors which had been stupidly left open. The interior of the tower was lit with a single torch. Long shadows swept accross the room and danced with the torchlight as Vorcet slipped through headed for the narrow stairway leading to the roof where his target would be watching for invasion from outside the walls.
Vorcet pulled off the cloak covering his vectorian uniform and wove a beguiling spell. He felt the magic cling to his skin with a slight tingling sensation. He put the dagger in his belt and wove a second spell. He felt the magic tighten around his vocal cords, effectively changing his voice into one he had heard earlier.
"Is'Kal, get down here for a moment!" Vorcet called up the stairs attempting to mimic The guard captain's gruff speech. "Watch change isnt for another four hours Rhay. What in the Nine Hells do you want?" The guard called back with an obvious level of annoyance in his tone. Regardless of the argument Is'Kal started decending the stairs. Seeing his guard captain in his watch tower the guard sighed and raised his hands in a mock display of innocence. "What could you possibly want at this hour?" He came closer to vorcet and when he was within range Vorcet moved swiftly slipped around behind him and slipped one hand over the guard's mouth and with the other slid his dagger into the exposed hole in the man's armpit. the guard issued a little gasp of pain as his life started to leave him.
"What I want my friend." Whispered vorcet into his ear, "Is your face.
Contemplation lost in Misery
The merciless assault assailed her senses as it always did when she was summoned. The sounds nearby drowned out into a dull mumble as the sounds from her destination became a roar in her ears. The air before her began to distort and flicker and new surroundings began to form in the place of the old. Then came the sadness, She felt him, he who cared for her, as he cried out in his soul, make a desperate last grab to hold her to him as he always did, then he was gone, only the memory of his melancholy expression as Lyvinnia was left to sit in the darkness of the small wooden cupboard in her mothers chambers.
She didn't pray for her father to come and find her, Her mother had spent every waking hour informing Lyvinnia that he didn't want her. He wanted his other family. The only thing Lyvinnia even had of him was his name, as a bastard she wasnt allowed her mothers. She pondered sometimes why she even had these thoughts, understood what she did, When she could barely put her feet together and walk. The small girl looked down to the already mottled black legs and wondered when she would learn to walk, It certainly would make her mother less angry.
Her mothers voice came to her like nails on a chalkboard as she heard her approach, quickly the small girl curled into a ball in the darkest corner and feigned sleeping, with luck she would just go away.
She didn't pray for her father to come and find her, Her mother had spent every waking hour informing Lyvinnia that he didn't want her. He wanted his other family. The only thing Lyvinnia even had of him was his name, as a bastard she wasnt allowed her mothers. She pondered sometimes why she even had these thoughts, understood what she did, When she could barely put her feet together and walk. The small girl looked down to the already mottled black legs and wondered when she would learn to walk, It certainly would make her mother less angry.
Her mothers voice came to her like nails on a chalkboard as she heard her approach, quickly the small girl curled into a ball in the darkest corner and feigned sleeping, with luck she would just go away.
Contemplation lost in Misery
The young infant child sat beside the old man who tended the ill in the temple, he was stroking her hair as he often did in attempt to soothe her. She would not shed tears, for in her torment there was no escape. She hurt physically, for since the day of her birth she had been passed back and forth to the sadistic individuals that shared her mothers desires, Her body aged before it grew, at six weeks she resembled a two year old, her mind twisted and mutilated for their sick experiments, it was bad enough the drow blood aged inside her before her human half, She wanted to die, There would be no peace in that for her however.
So she sat with him, the man that had shown her the only kindness she had ever known since she was born, He wanted to take her away, Hide her away, keep her safe, but it would not be lasting, Her mother would come for her, Her mother wanted her to suffer...
She could read his thoughts, some small feeling of communication for her since her words had yet to come together, she didn't know how or why she could, only that she could, it was a swirling haze of irradescent beauty, in that haze she heard the song of his heart. He loved her as his own, He's heart bled in sadness for the little child not understanding why she suffered at her mothers hands so, Lyvinnia knew though, she heard it in her mother..
She was a bastard, a reminder of betrayal. She would suffer more yet.
So she sat with him, the man that had shown her the only kindness she had ever known since she was born, He wanted to take her away, Hide her away, keep her safe, but it would not be lasting, Her mother would come for her, Her mother wanted her to suffer...
She could read his thoughts, some small feeling of communication for her since her words had yet to come together, she didn't know how or why she could, only that she could, it was a swirling haze of irradescent beauty, in that haze she heard the song of his heart. He loved her as his own, He's heart bled in sadness for the little child not understanding why she suffered at her mothers hands so, Lyvinnia knew though, she heard it in her mother..
She was a bastard, a reminder of betrayal. She would suffer more yet.
Offering Assistance
*The small boy appears again, bearing a rolled up piece of parchment in his hand with Sanria's personal seal upon it in wax.*
To Radiant Heart and the Hoard,
I am so very delighted to hear your replies. I will make this a short missive to better expedite what you need to have happen. I know Vorcet is most likely already moving on his part of our bargain, but I would like also to add a couple of names into this proposition.
My son, Orn, has been trained by one of the most competent fighters in the realms - my husband, Colin - and would like to offer his sword and his bear to join Radiant Heart's invasion forces. I can certainly vouch for his presence of mind and his capabilities and encourage you to be in touch with him should you have need for extra muscle. I believe in him fully.
My friend, Thasmudyan, has also offered his services, having been a General long ago in TriPower's army, as well as a member in the Order of Justice. He is well aware of Vector's treachery, and has offered himself to be of aid in the intelligence gathering department. While he is not a member of the Keepers of Balance, he is a very dear friend and one very capable and true to his word.
I, too, will offer up what I can to be of use should only you ask. I am versed in the magics of nature and am willing to use it if it will help free Westbridge.
Please, be in touch with Orn and Thasmudyan as well as myself. We are each eager to see this occupation come to a fitting and overdue end.
At your service,
Sanria
To Radiant Heart and the Hoard,
I am so very delighted to hear your replies. I will make this a short missive to better expedite what you need to have happen. I know Vorcet is most likely already moving on his part of our bargain, but I would like also to add a couple of names into this proposition.
My son, Orn, has been trained by one of the most competent fighters in the realms - my husband, Colin - and would like to offer his sword and his bear to join Radiant Heart's invasion forces. I can certainly vouch for his presence of mind and his capabilities and encourage you to be in touch with him should you have need for extra muscle. I believe in him fully.
My friend, Thasmudyan, has also offered his services, having been a General long ago in TriPower's army, as well as a member in the Order of Justice. He is well aware of Vector's treachery, and has offered himself to be of aid in the intelligence gathering department. While he is not a member of the Keepers of Balance, he is a very dear friend and one very capable and true to his word.
I, too, will offer up what I can to be of use should only you ask. I am versed in the magics of nature and am willing to use it if it will help free Westbridge.
Please, be in touch with Orn and Thasmudyan as well as myself. We are each eager to see this occupation come to a fitting and overdue end.
At your service,
Sanria
Boy Messengers
Sanria passed a few more hours in Thasmudyan's company, listening to him discuss his captivity. She couldn't fathom why TriPower would have taken him, but he was right... government rarely discussed its secrets with its people. The point she cared about most was that he had gotten away. How she'd keep him hidden, she did not know, but for now, he was safe... save the bracelet-shackles he wore on his wrists that prevented his using magic. "We need to get those off."
"Don't break them."
"What happens if you break them?"
"Breaking them will make the containment field permanent. It's a failsafe they wove into the pattern. Or so they told me."
"So it may or may not be true..."
"Right. Maybe they don't have the capability to do that. Still, I'd rather not risk it without further knowledge."
"The only one I can think of that may even know what these can or can't do is Vorcet, but this couldn't have come at a worse time."
"Life often doesn't go according to plan, but, what makes this a bad time?"
Her hesitation was only momentary in telling Thasmudyan of the impending battle in Westbridge and the Keepers of Balance's offer of aid. She had known him for many years. She simply didn't expect his next words: "...Maybe I can help." Not again...
"Without using magic and in a war that involves the very people you ran from?" Sanria asked incredulously. "Two things... First off, I used to belong to the Legion, remember? And the Order of Judgment before that. Defense of Westbridge was a pretty big part of those duties. Second, Vectorians aren't very imaginative. I could probably list off, from memory, exactly where they'll have all of their troops positioned. They won't mess with what already works."
After a few more words, Sanria rose, promising to pass on not only her son, but her ex-lover, to Radiant Heart. She stopped briefly to admonish Leandra and ensure she would help Thasmudyan if he needed it, then took Nioma back to the castle. She passed off the infant to Enmach's waiting arms - the silvery woman having taken quite an interest in the baby, and returned to her office. She had barely begun her reply when a small boy appeared, his green eyes matching his green vest. He held out his hand, a pristine white letter within it, and smiled. "For you, Lady Sanria."
Sanria's eyes scanned the letter rapidly and she looked back to the small boy. Radiant Heart had finally answered. And they accepted. "Hold on a moment," she said to the boy, who stood looking at her with eyes that were obviously years beyond their age. "Can you take a letter back."
"That's easy stuff," he said.
"Please, give me a moment to finish it."
"As you wish," he said with a smile that both unnerved and amused Sanria. She bent over her parchment and wrote her reply and at last gave it to the boy. The deal with Orn and Thasmudyan was complete.
"Don't break them."
"What happens if you break them?"
"Breaking them will make the containment field permanent. It's a failsafe they wove into the pattern. Or so they told me."
"So it may or may not be true..."
"Right. Maybe they don't have the capability to do that. Still, I'd rather not risk it without further knowledge."
"The only one I can think of that may even know what these can or can't do is Vorcet, but this couldn't have come at a worse time."
"Life often doesn't go according to plan, but, what makes this a bad time?"
Her hesitation was only momentary in telling Thasmudyan of the impending battle in Westbridge and the Keepers of Balance's offer of aid. She had known him for many years. She simply didn't expect his next words: "...Maybe I can help." Not again...
"Without using magic and in a war that involves the very people you ran from?" Sanria asked incredulously. "Two things... First off, I used to belong to the Legion, remember? And the Order of Judgment before that. Defense of Westbridge was a pretty big part of those duties. Second, Vectorians aren't very imaginative. I could probably list off, from memory, exactly where they'll have all of their troops positioned. They won't mess with what already works."
After a few more words, Sanria rose, promising to pass on not only her son, but her ex-lover, to Radiant Heart. She stopped briefly to admonish Leandra and ensure she would help Thasmudyan if he needed it, then took Nioma back to the castle. She passed off the infant to Enmach's waiting arms - the silvery woman having taken quite an interest in the baby, and returned to her office. She had barely begun her reply when a small boy appeared, his green eyes matching his green vest. He held out his hand, a pristine white letter within it, and smiled. "For you, Lady Sanria."
Sanria's eyes scanned the letter rapidly and she looked back to the small boy. Radiant Heart had finally answered. And they accepted. "Hold on a moment," she said to the boy, who stood looking at her with eyes that were obviously years beyond their age. "Can you take a letter back."
"That's easy stuff," he said.
"Please, give me a moment to finish it."
"As you wish," he said with a smile that both unnerved and amused Sanria. She bent over her parchment and wrote her reply and at last gave it to the boy. The deal with Orn and Thasmudyan was complete.
Thasmudyan (1-2)
Sanria walked instead of using magic, trying desperately to calm herself down. She ran her hands over the trunks of trees, catching only slivers of their whispers as she made her way back to the cavern. She would have to write the letter soon, but she couldn't. Not at that moment. She would not let herself cry, that was the old Sanria. She couldn't afford to let emotions get in her way. There was no room in war, battle, leadership, for sobbing emotional messes. The new Sanria knew this. Slowly, she had evolved. She saw things with a calculating glance, a precision, like a puzzle to be solved. This was what she had agreed to do. There was no room for error when dealing with lives.
She was wrapped in her own mind when she noticed Thasmudyan standing at her door. Here was yet another puzzle to be solved, but one that required her to remove her feelings. He had been missing for nearly a year. She had let him go. This was not anticipated - Colin was on another plane, getting fixed, and, it seemed, no sooner than, Thasmudyan had showed up at her door... literally... and he looked terrible.
"Oh thank the Light.. Sanria."
"What... happened?"
"Tricked... held against my will. In Torregiano."
"Wh... what do you mean, held against your will?"
"It.. well, it's a long story."
Long story. This is where it began. Always. "I'm... not sure why you're here."
"I'm sorry... to come here like this. I didn't know where else to go, though. I'm sure they're after me. I'm too ...valuable, if you can believe that."
"Well, perhaps Maya would be willing to hide you. I'm sure she knows of places you could go." It was cruel, but he had to go.
"If I knew where to find her, maybe." He replied, raising his eyebrow.
"I'm sorry. I'm sure you two have some means of communicating."
"If I had ....means...of communicating with anyone... don't you think I'd have done it?"
"You do know where she lives, don't you?" Sanria had to stand firm.
"I don't ... Maybe coming here was a mistake."
It was only moments after this statement, Sanria feeling secure in the resolve that Thasmudyan would be leaving, when the front door was thrown open to reveal Leandra with Nioma, squalling in her arms. 'No,' Sanria thought. 'Anything but this. Not now, Gods, not now.' "Leandra, go back inside. Now."
"I... sorry... I didn't... she's fussy and..."
"NOW!"
A change came over Leandra's face, and Sanria knew the demand was to be met with a challenge. The girl stormed forward and shoved Nioma into Sanria's arms. "I have to take care of my own, you deal with her."
"Yes. A mistake." Sanria echoed to Thasmudyan after Leandra left.
"...I thought perhaps I could count on you in a time of need, as you used to count on me... but I see I was wrong. I'll just ...find somewhere else to hide, I guess. Enjoy your life with Colin, then."
"How dare you. Do you even know how long you've been gone? Do you? Or that Maya is pregnant with, and has probably already had your baby?"
"Ten months, thirteen days, and twelve hours. That's how long I was imprisoned," Thasmudyan said, his eyes alight with anger.
Sanria closed her eyes, gritting her teeth and flexing her jaw. Why everything seemed to be converging at once she didn't know, nor did she understand, but here it was, and it wasn't going away. Thasmudyan was right. He had come to her for help, something she'd always asked of him. She owed him her life, Orn's life... She lowered her head. "So you need to hide from TriPower."
"... Yes."
Sanria handed Nioma to Thasmudyan, rummaging for her keys upon the discovery that Leandra had locked them out. She rushed, the less he saw of the little girl the better. "Colin doesn't have blue eyes, and neither do you.." Sanria pulled Nioma from Thasmudyan's arms and opened the front door, escaping inside.
"We don't know where the blue came from. Must have been in there from genes... somewhere."
"Where'd the blue come... oh hell."
"She's Colin's daughter," Sanria said, staring at Thasmudyan, straining to keep the lie from showing completely.
"She's Colin's ...and yours, is that right?"
"Yes."
"...I see. Well, congratulations on the new addition to your family."
Sanria turned, gesturing to the kitchen, offering up the home that he had already known for many, many years. "You, can feel free to make yourself at home. You're not... a burden or anything like that."
"So you say," Thasmudyan said with a sardonic chuckle. "But we both know I'm the last person you wanted to see turn up like this."
Better to just get things out of the way. "Thasmudyan, I worked very hard to accept what I found out from Maya. I worked hard to let you go. And you being... away... just served to sever what I thought I could get rid of. I was ready to leave Colin for you... But I found out things weren't as they appeared."
"And do you think things are as they appear to be now?" he asked.
Sanria could tell he was holding himself in check. She also knew she had never quite been so blunt. Part of her new self. Part of her new life. "The only thing I can say is that I am sorry that you endured an ordeal that took you away for so long. That is why you are standing here now. You cannot help what you were forced into. And I owe you more than one."
"Please understand that I am not trying to ... dismiss what you are saying about Maya. It's just... well, right now I have more pressing matters at hand to deal with." Sanria felt the relief wash over her. "I'm sure. Which is a relief that you are only looking for a place to hide. It makes things... easier for everyone."
"So when is he leaving?" Leandra's voice sounded from behind her.
"Leandra, this is still my house. Watch your tone, please."
"I've never liked you, you know? You ruin families. You're lucky my dad isn't on this plane or he'd kick your ass."
"You're right, of course," Thasmudyan replied with a touch of ire.
"That's exactly what I do. You might not want to stay here and talk to me any more or I'll end up ruining yours, too."
"You're far too late for that. Did you see your kid?" Leandra said, flinging her hand in Nioma's direction.
"LEANDRA!"
"Yes, I did. Why do you think I'm here?" Sanria ignored this and stood toe to toe with her daughter. "You take Nioma upstairs and stay out of this room. Damn you. Damn it Leandra."
This day was not at all panning out as anticipated.
She was wrapped in her own mind when she noticed Thasmudyan standing at her door. Here was yet another puzzle to be solved, but one that required her to remove her feelings. He had been missing for nearly a year. She had let him go. This was not anticipated - Colin was on another plane, getting fixed, and, it seemed, no sooner than, Thasmudyan had showed up at her door... literally... and he looked terrible.
"Oh thank the Light.. Sanria."
"What... happened?"
"Tricked... held against my will. In Torregiano."
"Wh... what do you mean, held against your will?"
"It.. well, it's a long story."
Long story. This is where it began. Always. "I'm... not sure why you're here."
"I'm sorry... to come here like this. I didn't know where else to go, though. I'm sure they're after me. I'm too ...valuable, if you can believe that."
"Well, perhaps Maya would be willing to hide you. I'm sure she knows of places you could go." It was cruel, but he had to go.
"If I knew where to find her, maybe." He replied, raising his eyebrow.
"I'm sorry. I'm sure you two have some means of communicating."
"If I had ....means...of communicating with anyone... don't you think I'd have done it?"
"You do know where she lives, don't you?" Sanria had to stand firm.
"I don't ... Maybe coming here was a mistake."
It was only moments after this statement, Sanria feeling secure in the resolve that Thasmudyan would be leaving, when the front door was thrown open to reveal Leandra with Nioma, squalling in her arms. 'No,' Sanria thought. 'Anything but this. Not now, Gods, not now.' "Leandra, go back inside. Now."
"I... sorry... I didn't... she's fussy and..."
"NOW!"
A change came over Leandra's face, and Sanria knew the demand was to be met with a challenge. The girl stormed forward and shoved Nioma into Sanria's arms. "I have to take care of my own, you deal with her."
"Yes. A mistake." Sanria echoed to Thasmudyan after Leandra left.
"...I thought perhaps I could count on you in a time of need, as you used to count on me... but I see I was wrong. I'll just ...find somewhere else to hide, I guess. Enjoy your life with Colin, then."
"How dare you. Do you even know how long you've been gone? Do you? Or that Maya is pregnant with, and has probably already had your baby?"
"Ten months, thirteen days, and twelve hours. That's how long I was imprisoned," Thasmudyan said, his eyes alight with anger.
Sanria closed her eyes, gritting her teeth and flexing her jaw. Why everything seemed to be converging at once she didn't know, nor did she understand, but here it was, and it wasn't going away. Thasmudyan was right. He had come to her for help, something she'd always asked of him. She owed him her life, Orn's life... She lowered her head. "So you need to hide from TriPower."
"... Yes."
Sanria handed Nioma to Thasmudyan, rummaging for her keys upon the discovery that Leandra had locked them out. She rushed, the less he saw of the little girl the better. "Colin doesn't have blue eyes, and neither do you.." Sanria pulled Nioma from Thasmudyan's arms and opened the front door, escaping inside.
"We don't know where the blue came from. Must have been in there from genes... somewhere."
"Where'd the blue come... oh hell."
"She's Colin's daughter," Sanria said, staring at Thasmudyan, straining to keep the lie from showing completely.
"She's Colin's ...and yours, is that right?"
"Yes."
"...I see. Well, congratulations on the new addition to your family."
Sanria turned, gesturing to the kitchen, offering up the home that he had already known for many, many years. "You, can feel free to make yourself at home. You're not... a burden or anything like that."
"So you say," Thasmudyan said with a sardonic chuckle. "But we both know I'm the last person you wanted to see turn up like this."
Better to just get things out of the way. "Thasmudyan, I worked very hard to accept what I found out from Maya. I worked hard to let you go. And you being... away... just served to sever what I thought I could get rid of. I was ready to leave Colin for you... But I found out things weren't as they appeared."
"And do you think things are as they appear to be now?" he asked.
Sanria could tell he was holding himself in check. She also knew she had never quite been so blunt. Part of her new self. Part of her new life. "The only thing I can say is that I am sorry that you endured an ordeal that took you away for so long. That is why you are standing here now. You cannot help what you were forced into. And I owe you more than one."
"Please understand that I am not trying to ... dismiss what you are saying about Maya. It's just... well, right now I have more pressing matters at hand to deal with." Sanria felt the relief wash over her. "I'm sure. Which is a relief that you are only looking for a place to hide. It makes things... easier for everyone."
"So when is he leaving?" Leandra's voice sounded from behind her.
"Leandra, this is still my house. Watch your tone, please."
"I've never liked you, you know? You ruin families. You're lucky my dad isn't on this plane or he'd kick your ass."
"You're right, of course," Thasmudyan replied with a touch of ire.
"That's exactly what I do. You might not want to stay here and talk to me any more or I'll end up ruining yours, too."
"You're far too late for that. Did you see your kid?" Leandra said, flinging her hand in Nioma's direction.
"LEANDRA!"
"Yes, I did. Why do you think I'm here?" Sanria ignored this and stood toe to toe with her daughter. "You take Nioma upstairs and stay out of this room. Damn you. Damn it Leandra."
This day was not at all panning out as anticipated.
Letting Go
Sanria had enough time to check in with Leandra, who had been staying at the cavern alone with her husband, Askari and their baby, when Orn's voice sounded in her mind. "Leandra, can you watch Nioma while I check in with your brother?"
"How long are you going to be?" Leandra asked, hand on her hip.
"I... please? It shouldn't be long."
"Yeah, sure." Leandra took Nioma into her arms with a nod. "You gotta be sure you're back soon, though. I know how Orn is and how he thinks he's like, the most important thing on the planet."
"Leandra-"
"I know, I know. He still gets on my nerves."
Sanria arrived in her office to find Orn already waiting. She had a feeling, that could only be described as a curling cold in her stomach. When Orn pulled the note she had written to the clan from his pocket, her worst thoughts were confirmed. Everything in her wanted to send him out of the office right then, but she would have to listen. She tried to turn off her own motherly instincts, her face going authoritative to hear what she knew was coming: "I got the missive. And I want to help."
"Alright," Sanria said, leaning on her desk. "What was it that you wanted to do?"
"Reggie and I, we can help to free Westbridge."
"And... how are you wanting to do this?"
"These Radiant Heart people... they are supposed to be helping to liberate the city, right?"
"Yes, they will be doing the fighting. Not us." The look on Orn's face gave away the fact he had caught her in her own lie. "But you said they need help."
"We don't know what they need just yet."
"Then why did you ask for people to help if you don't want them to sign up to help?"
She couldn't keep up her facade, and her shoulders slumped ever so slightly. She would have to come clean with her desire. "I... I can't have you putting yourself in that position."
"What? Mom. And if Kineada or Kronk were to come and say he was going to help them fight, would you tell him that you don't want him doing that?"
"No. I wouldn't. But he's experienced in fighting and he's not my s..."
"Mom, I didn't join the clan so I could be treated differently because I'm your son."
"Orn... I can't have you fighting. Please... if there's something else, anything else..."
"Mom. I know how to fight. Dad taught me a lot... before... and it's not exactly like they need someone to gather intelligence from trees."
"You're not my little boy anymore."
"No Mom, I'm not."
"Then what more can I say?"
"That you believe in me?"
The statement left Sanria speechless for a few moments. She did believe in him, but he was also her child, and she couldn't shake the feeling that Colin would be of the same mindset. Still, it was this moment she also realized that the child she and so many others had protected was as much a man as the men of her clan. She watched Orn go, promising to let Radiant know they could count on him, and felt the overwhelming need to get home. There, she could let herself feel in privacy. There, she wasn't a leader, but a mother who had just promised her son in battle.
"How long are you going to be?" Leandra asked, hand on her hip.
"I... please? It shouldn't be long."
"Yeah, sure." Leandra took Nioma into her arms with a nod. "You gotta be sure you're back soon, though. I know how Orn is and how he thinks he's like, the most important thing on the planet."
"Leandra-"
"I know, I know. He still gets on my nerves."
Sanria arrived in her office to find Orn already waiting. She had a feeling, that could only be described as a curling cold in her stomach. When Orn pulled the note she had written to the clan from his pocket, her worst thoughts were confirmed. Everything in her wanted to send him out of the office right then, but she would have to listen. She tried to turn off her own motherly instincts, her face going authoritative to hear what she knew was coming: "I got the missive. And I want to help."
"Alright," Sanria said, leaning on her desk. "What was it that you wanted to do?"
"Reggie and I, we can help to free Westbridge."
"And... how are you wanting to do this?"
"These Radiant Heart people... they are supposed to be helping to liberate the city, right?"
"Yes, they will be doing the fighting. Not us." The look on Orn's face gave away the fact he had caught her in her own lie. "But you said they need help."
"We don't know what they need just yet."
"Then why did you ask for people to help if you don't want them to sign up to help?"
She couldn't keep up her facade, and her shoulders slumped ever so slightly. She would have to come clean with her desire. "I... I can't have you putting yourself in that position."
"What? Mom. And if Kineada or Kronk were to come and say he was going to help them fight, would you tell him that you don't want him doing that?"
"No. I wouldn't. But he's experienced in fighting and he's not my s..."
"Mom, I didn't join the clan so I could be treated differently because I'm your son."
"Orn... I can't have you fighting. Please... if there's something else, anything else..."
"Mom. I know how to fight. Dad taught me a lot... before... and it's not exactly like they need someone to gather intelligence from trees."
"You're not my little boy anymore."
"No Mom, I'm not."
"Then what more can I say?"
"That you believe in me?"
The statement left Sanria speechless for a few moments. She did believe in him, but he was also her child, and she couldn't shake the feeling that Colin would be of the same mindset. Still, it was this moment she also realized that the child she and so many others had protected was as much a man as the men of her clan. She watched Orn go, promising to let Radiant know they could count on him, and felt the overwhelming need to get home. There, she could let herself feel in privacy. There, she wasn't a leader, but a mother who had just promised her son in battle.
Radiant Heart Response
Written clearly and precisely on pristine white parchment and sealed in a plain envelope with the seal of the Radiant Heart a letter arrives via a small child dressed smartly in well tailored breeches and a clean green vest over a clean pressed shirt.
Keepers of Balance,
I am Sliver, Priest of The Order of the Radiant Heart and have been given direction to respond with great interest to the proposal your group have presented to us. The Order of the Radiant Heart sees only benefit in your proposal to glean inside information in such ways. We bid you be careful, and we will be waiting for a report.
Our units have been fiercely preparing and are almost ready for the great battle that is to come. Any inside information you can give us would be put to great use, this I can personally promise you. Your efforts will not be wasted.
In addition we seek an audience with your representatives as well as that of The Hoard so that we may meet face to face and each know who we are dealing with.
Sliver, Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the Radiant Heart
Keepers of Balance,
I am Sliver, Priest of The Order of the Radiant Heart and have been given direction to respond with great interest to the proposal your group have presented to us. The Order of the Radiant Heart sees only benefit in your proposal to glean inside information in such ways. We bid you be careful, and we will be waiting for a report.
Our units have been fiercely preparing and are almost ready for the great battle that is to come. Any inside information you can give us would be put to great use, this I can personally promise you. Your efforts will not be wasted.
In addition we seek an audience with your representatives as well as that of The Hoard so that we may meet face to face and each know who we are dealing with.
Sliver, Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the Radiant Heart
Coming Clean
*A missive appears in your hands by magic, the handwriting is that of Sanria, and is an open letter to all of the Keepers.*
Keepers,
Greetings. This missive is will be short, but its purpose is to keep you all abreast of developments that I and Vorcet have acted upon and will offer to you to discuss.
We have recently reached out to the Hoard and Radiant Heart in an effort to aid in the overturning of Vector's forces in Westbridge. This was not done in an attempt to bring our clan into war, in fact, we have done this merely as a helping hand as our current place is not on the field of battle... our family is much too small to truly be effective in that regard.
Dryden, a leader of the Hoard, has made it clear that they are waiting on Radiant Heart to make their invasion, but have accepted Vorcet's offer to aid in recognizance. Vorcet has taken on this responsibility of his own choosing and with his own methods, for which I am grateful and respect his choice.
We still wait to hear from Radiant Heart, which seems to be where the Hoard also stands, as there has been inaction for quite some time. I ask that if you wish to be involved or offer your assistance, that you speak with myself, Vorcet, or Kineada that we may reach out to Radiant Heart or the Hoard and make the offer.
As of this time, however, we wait patiently and hope that soon the pain being felt by Westbridgians is not too great. With luck, we will be able to bring about balance and hopefully garner some support for our clan as well as new faces by having our name on a grand plan. With this, we hope to push for the truth in balance so that Westbridge never has to face such an occupation again.
Please be in touch if you wish,
Sanria
Keepers,
Greetings. This missive is will be short, but its purpose is to keep you all abreast of developments that I and Vorcet have acted upon and will offer to you to discuss.
We have recently reached out to the Hoard and Radiant Heart in an effort to aid in the overturning of Vector's forces in Westbridge. This was not done in an attempt to bring our clan into war, in fact, we have done this merely as a helping hand as our current place is not on the field of battle... our family is much too small to truly be effective in that regard.
Dryden, a leader of the Hoard, has made it clear that they are waiting on Radiant Heart to make their invasion, but have accepted Vorcet's offer to aid in recognizance. Vorcet has taken on this responsibility of his own choosing and with his own methods, for which I am grateful and respect his choice.
We still wait to hear from Radiant Heart, which seems to be where the Hoard also stands, as there has been inaction for quite some time. I ask that if you wish to be involved or offer your assistance, that you speak with myself, Vorcet, or Kineada that we may reach out to Radiant Heart or the Hoard and make the offer.
As of this time, however, we wait patiently and hope that soon the pain being felt by Westbridgians is not too great. With luck, we will be able to bring about balance and hopefully garner some support for our clan as well as new faces by having our name on a grand plan. With this, we hope to push for the truth in balance so that Westbridge never has to face such an occupation again.
Please be in touch if you wish,
Sanria
Waiting
Sanria scanned Dryden's reply slowly and laid the missive on her desk with a sigh. They didn't necessarily need any help, which was good, but he made mention that there had been a long silence, broken by her proposal to help. It struck her as odd. Why had things been so quiet? Even as she sat looking over the paper on her desk, her mind was wandering. Why hadn't she heard anything from Radiant Heart? At least the Hoard seemed willing to use Vorcet's help, but the silence from Radiant Heart troubled her. If they were the remaining piece, the piece poised to enter the city and reclaim it... where were they?
Rolling the parchment, Sanria stuck it in her desk and sat back, thinking. She knew at least that Dryden's reply would meet with Vorcet's eyes without her help, one less thing for her to do. Her job then was to let the rest of the Keepers know what was going on and if they wanted to lend their help to either of the forces - Hoard or Radiant Heart (provided they answered) - let them do so. Anything to end the suffering once and for all.
Sanria pulled out her own parchment and quill and set about forming a letter, one to all the Keepers. It was short, and once she finished, she stood up and called to Enmach. The silvery woman appeared with Nioma, and Sanria took the baby from her arms. She hadn't been back to the cavern in a long while, and with Colin gone, she knew Leandra and Askari were left on their own. Though she'd heard nothing, it would be good to look in on them.
Her note sent to the clan, Sanria uttered a few words and brought herself home. It was strange walking into the cavern without anyone there to greet her. She had kept herself from thinking about Colin by staying away, keeping busy in the castle, but now, in the cavern, the big man's absence was palpable.
Sanria straightened her shoulders and took in a deep breath and called out to her daughter.
Rolling the parchment, Sanria stuck it in her desk and sat back, thinking. She knew at least that Dryden's reply would meet with Vorcet's eyes without her help, one less thing for her to do. Her job then was to let the rest of the Keepers know what was going on and if they wanted to lend their help to either of the forces - Hoard or Radiant Heart (provided they answered) - let them do so. Anything to end the suffering once and for all.
Sanria pulled out her own parchment and quill and set about forming a letter, one to all the Keepers. It was short, and once she finished, she stood up and called to Enmach. The silvery woman appeared with Nioma, and Sanria took the baby from her arms. She hadn't been back to the cavern in a long while, and with Colin gone, she knew Leandra and Askari were left on their own. Though she'd heard nothing, it would be good to look in on them.
Her note sent to the clan, Sanria uttered a few words and brought herself home. It was strange walking into the cavern without anyone there to greet her. She had kept herself from thinking about Colin by staying away, keeping busy in the castle, but now, in the cavern, the big man's absence was palpable.
Sanria straightened her shoulders and took in a deep breath and called out to her daughter.
A Task For The Robot
Psycho Had been busy busy busy. More to do than time to do it in. He was lucky and grateful to have the help of his young and lively brothers. The times that was to come would require resilience and a great deal of effort. To prepare for the fight Psycho knew he must control as much of the battle as he could. For this reason he called his trusted Wizard Galactus. Galactus was always cold and calculated and his programming would allow him to process many languages that were far beyond the normal mortal capacity for language. When the wizard's face materialized only its head hanging on the wall like some mechanical beast beheaded from a great hunt. He spoke like he always did by projected his voice into Psycho's head. 'Yes, Master you have a task for me?'
Psycho instructed the robot by speaking aloud instructions about where in The Great Library Galactus could find information about the city of Westbridge. Information and study of Westbridge architecture could prove very fruitful in the coming task. Psycho instructed the machine to focus on information that would predate Kefkaburg and the ubiquitus history of the great city. Keep his eyes open for the a specific scroll and Report any information that may be of use to the Order directly to Psycho himself. Psycho had a great deal more that still needed to be done and now he had just a bit less time to do it all in. But the wheels that had been spinning silently for the past few months began to hum and whirl loudly as the future quickly approached. He would raise the troups early for training and a healthy taste of hard work
Psycho instructed the robot by speaking aloud instructions about where in The Great Library Galactus could find information about the city of Westbridge. Information and study of Westbridge architecture could prove very fruitful in the coming task. Psycho instructed the machine to focus on information that would predate Kefkaburg and the ubiquitus history of the great city. Keep his eyes open for the a specific scroll and Report any information that may be of use to the Order directly to Psycho himself. Psycho had a great deal more that still needed to be done and now he had just a bit less time to do it all in. But the wheels that had been spinning silently for the past few months began to hum and whirl loudly as the future quickly approached. He would raise the troups early for training and a healthy taste of hard work
Future Operations
It is good to see a break in the silence about these actions. It has been a long time since anything has been done. However, I would have you know that the Hoard has not ceased operating within the walls of Westbridge, as per our contract.
Since you appear to be attempting to replace Throm and the TriPower in regards to these operations, I will inform you of the role of myself and my brothers. We have a contract with the TriPower that we will honor, despite their disappearance, as they have already paid.
Our role is to provide information gathering and supply lines for the invading force. My understanding is that the invading force provided would be the Radiant Heart.
Thus, it is our purpose to provide supplies, and secure supply lines, along with lending assistance via intelligence gathering and assistance in gaining entrance to the city. Our network of operatives are already in place throughout Westbridge, merely awaiting orders. And we have been providing provisions to the citizens, bypassing the blockade and Vectorian patrols. Additionally, we have a cache of arms and equipment, along with provisions, for the invading force to help prevent them from being cut off by potential Vectorian reenforcements.
We are more than willing to utilize Vorcet and his skills to benefit the operation. We are ready and waiting for word that the operation has begun. So once the Radiant Heart are prepared to mobilize, we will fulfill our contract.
Dryden Rainweaver
Vox of the Hoard
Since you appear to be attempting to replace Throm and the TriPower in regards to these operations, I will inform you of the role of myself and my brothers. We have a contract with the TriPower that we will honor, despite their disappearance, as they have already paid.
Our role is to provide information gathering and supply lines for the invading force. My understanding is that the invading force provided would be the Radiant Heart.
Thus, it is our purpose to provide supplies, and secure supply lines, along with lending assistance via intelligence gathering and assistance in gaining entrance to the city. Our network of operatives are already in place throughout Westbridge, merely awaiting orders. And we have been providing provisions to the citizens, bypassing the blockade and Vectorian patrols. Additionally, we have a cache of arms and equipment, along with provisions, for the invading force to help prevent them from being cut off by potential Vectorian reenforcements.
We are more than willing to utilize Vorcet and his skills to benefit the operation. We are ready and waiting for word that the operation has begun. So once the Radiant Heart are prepared to mobilize, we will fulfill our contract.
Dryden Rainweaver
Vox of the Hoard
A Balanced Proposal
** A snow white falcon wings its way through the sky, seeming to find its way through all barriers to gain purchase on your arm. It is winded, carrying with it a rather large parchment case in which is a rolled piece, sealed with deep green wax.**
Greetings to the grand assemblages of the Hoard and Radiant Heart. My name is Sanria Stone and I am but one of three leaders of the clan, Keepers of Balance. Our presence is not well known, being relatively new as a whole to the world of Cruoris, though as a individuals, we have been within the realms for a very long time now.
I write this missive as a proposal of sorts. Long before, a man of great importance to me, Throm, was aiding you in a coup to overthrow Vector. While I do not claim to know the particulars, I have, I believe, reasonably assumed that Throm's untimely death was a playing factor in the stalling and ultimate freeze for the action needed in Westbridge. I understood that your two groups, in combination with TriPower, were poised to deliver a crushing defeat. This is why I write today.
I, along with many others both in Keepers and without, have noticed the growing apathy of the people of Westbridge. They have grown accustomed to the fetters that hold them captive. Given Westbridge's strategic location, high volume of trade, and ability to hold a presence in the realms, we wish to offer a proposal:
One of our leaders, Vorcet Thophen, has gained access to Vectorian armors. In exchange for creating a balanced city, one in which all governments and groups have a representative in place, we would like to offer Vorcet's services in gathering intelligence.
What this would allow for is to have your forces take less damage and perhaps save lives. If we could deliver to you the weaknesses of the opposing force, as well as their plans regarding their occupation, we feel it could be of immense benefit to you in many regards. Once the Vectorians are removed, we could collectively install a group leadership to strengthen Westbridge against ever being overthrown and taken again. Representatives to oversee trade, protection, mediation, and general operations of the city.
Our aim in this is merely to instill a sense of balance in a place that is prominent within these realms, while offering the opportunity to prevent unneccesary loss of life. A chance to be the mediating presence in a city sorely in need of fairness and truth. Please, take into consideration the offer of Vorcet's abilities. It is but a small token of what we can provide in getting the fires started once more and ending the abominable situation that the Westbridgian's have lived under for far too long.
I look forward with hope to your reply,
Sanria Stone, Keepers of Balance
Greetings to the grand assemblages of the Hoard and Radiant Heart. My name is Sanria Stone and I am but one of three leaders of the clan, Keepers of Balance. Our presence is not well known, being relatively new as a whole to the world of Cruoris, though as a individuals, we have been within the realms for a very long time now.
I write this missive as a proposal of sorts. Long before, a man of great importance to me, Throm, was aiding you in a coup to overthrow Vector. While I do not claim to know the particulars, I have, I believe, reasonably assumed that Throm's untimely death was a playing factor in the stalling and ultimate freeze for the action needed in Westbridge. I understood that your two groups, in combination with TriPower, were poised to deliver a crushing defeat. This is why I write today.
I, along with many others both in Keepers and without, have noticed the growing apathy of the people of Westbridge. They have grown accustomed to the fetters that hold them captive. Given Westbridge's strategic location, high volume of trade, and ability to hold a presence in the realms, we wish to offer a proposal:
One of our leaders, Vorcet Thophen, has gained access to Vectorian armors. In exchange for creating a balanced city, one in which all governments and groups have a representative in place, we would like to offer Vorcet's services in gathering intelligence.
What this would allow for is to have your forces take less damage and perhaps save lives. If we could deliver to you the weaknesses of the opposing force, as well as their plans regarding their occupation, we feel it could be of immense benefit to you in many regards. Once the Vectorians are removed, we could collectively install a group leadership to strengthen Westbridge against ever being overthrown and taken again. Representatives to oversee trade, protection, mediation, and general operations of the city.
Our aim in this is merely to instill a sense of balance in a place that is prominent within these realms, while offering the opportunity to prevent unneccesary loss of life. A chance to be the mediating presence in a city sorely in need of fairness and truth. Please, take into consideration the offer of Vorcet's abilities. It is but a small token of what we can provide in getting the fires started once more and ending the abominable situation that the Westbridgian's have lived under for far too long.
I look forward with hope to your reply,
Sanria Stone, Keepers of Balance
Plans and Revelations
Sanria sat at her desk surrounded by a mound of parchment and books. In the passing of days, she had found herself looking deeper into the one thing the Rilmani wouldn't share with her, the thing that took Colin so far away that he couldn't be found. Planar travel. She shared this with no one, and as Vorcet knocked and entered her office, she took care to hide the parchments and close the books. The obsession was slowly growing, and she had considered, briefly, finding the necklaces that were hidden away - even if they were dangerous.
They were quick to reach the matter at hand: the occupation of Westbridge and the idea that perhaps the time was now to end it. The keepers would not bring about that battle. "The Rilmani have made it clear they will not aid us in this endeavor," said Sanria.
"I can certainly understand their point of view in this. The way things are headed this ends with the city in the control of the TriPower or one of the other forces involved. Which is just as imbalanced as it is now."
"That would be something we would have to discuss with the other sides, a neutral ground. No one wants to see Westbridge back in the hands of an occupying force."
"A Council of the various groups that use Westbridge as a hub would not be a bad idea."
"Indeed. If it were a place for all governments, then it would be unlikely that it would fall again. The people could live in some sort of peace for a change."
But how likely the other forces at work would be willing to see it was beyond Sanria. She had never done anything remotely like involving herself in politics. Not in a fashion where she would reach out to make an offer without having anything to bring in return. The Keepers did not have an army, they did not even have the backing of the Rilmani. They were more of a citizen group, and to top it off, she was moving ahead without waiting for a reply from Kineada.
When Vorcet pulled the Vectorian armors from his pack, they knew then the angle they would have. "Perhaps it is time I put this garment to use," Vorcet said. "I leave my phylactery secured in a place nobody but me can access."
"We might be able to use it if you are willing to gather intelligence. If we can promise Hoard and Radiant that we will aid them without their incurring damage, they may be willing to play by our rules."
"If I am able to successfully infiltrate those guarding the town I may be able to find a weakness in the defenses."
"I don't want you to put yourself in a situation if you aren't absolutely certain," Sanria said, realizing how motherly it sounded. "Danger is the least of the worries. Vector... well... they're..."
"I know well the evils that lie within Vector's borders and what they are capable of."
"Alright. I'll work up a proposal. With luck, they'll accept. If we could get Westbridge balanced... just think of it."
After Vorcet left the office, Sanria glanced over at the stack of planar parchments. With a steeling inhale, she left them at the side and pulled a blank piece from her desk. She then drew up an entreaty to the heads of Hoard and Radiant Heart. She felt a warmth thinking that perhaps Throm would have been proud.
They were quick to reach the matter at hand: the occupation of Westbridge and the idea that perhaps the time was now to end it. The keepers would not bring about that battle. "The Rilmani have made it clear they will not aid us in this endeavor," said Sanria.
"I can certainly understand their point of view in this. The way things are headed this ends with the city in the control of the TriPower or one of the other forces involved. Which is just as imbalanced as it is now."
"That would be something we would have to discuss with the other sides, a neutral ground. No one wants to see Westbridge back in the hands of an occupying force."
"A Council of the various groups that use Westbridge as a hub would not be a bad idea."
"Indeed. If it were a place for all governments, then it would be unlikely that it would fall again. The people could live in some sort of peace for a change."
But how likely the other forces at work would be willing to see it was beyond Sanria. She had never done anything remotely like involving herself in politics. Not in a fashion where she would reach out to make an offer without having anything to bring in return. The Keepers did not have an army, they did not even have the backing of the Rilmani. They were more of a citizen group, and to top it off, she was moving ahead without waiting for a reply from Kineada.
When Vorcet pulled the Vectorian armors from his pack, they knew then the angle they would have. "Perhaps it is time I put this garment to use," Vorcet said. "I leave my phylactery secured in a place nobody but me can access."
"We might be able to use it if you are willing to gather intelligence. If we can promise Hoard and Radiant that we will aid them without their incurring damage, they may be willing to play by our rules."
"If I am able to successfully infiltrate those guarding the town I may be able to find a weakness in the defenses."
"I don't want you to put yourself in a situation if you aren't absolutely certain," Sanria said, realizing how motherly it sounded. "Danger is the least of the worries. Vector... well... they're..."
"I know well the evils that lie within Vector's borders and what they are capable of."
"Alright. I'll work up a proposal. With luck, they'll accept. If we could get Westbridge balanced... just think of it."
After Vorcet left the office, Sanria glanced over at the stack of planar parchments. With a steeling inhale, she left them at the side and pulled a blank piece from her desk. She then drew up an entreaty to the heads of Hoard and Radiant Heart. She felt a warmth thinking that perhaps Throm would have been proud.
Contract: Complete
Standing in the shadows of Market Square, the thaumaturge watched quietly as the zealots of the Black Church attempted to beat the life out of the Radiant Heart turned Outlaw. Patiently, he waited as second after second, the fanatics crushed the life from the gladiator. Briefly looking down at the parchment in his hand, he glanced between the image on the parchment and the man being attacked before him.
Confirming the identity of his target, he rolled the parchment up and slide it into one of the many concealed pockets within his robes. Stepping forward, he raised his hands and quietly began chanting, his voice drown out by the sounds of battle around him.
Seeing his mark weakened by the battle, he decided to take advantage and strike. Stepping back into the fibers of existence, Zhengyi let fly a swarm of meteors, dealing the death blow and stealing the life of Azriel.
Nodding in satisfaction, Zhengyi returned to the shadows, his job complete. Returning to the Keep of the Hoard, he was knew the Vox would be pleased to know that the contract that they had been given has been completed.
Confirming the identity of his target, he rolled the parchment up and slide it into one of the many concealed pockets within his robes. Stepping forward, he raised his hands and quietly began chanting, his voice drown out by the sounds of battle around him.
Seeing his mark weakened by the battle, he decided to take advantage and strike. Stepping back into the fibers of existence, Zhengyi let fly a swarm of meteors, dealing the death blow and stealing the life of Azriel.
Nodding in satisfaction, Zhengyi returned to the shadows, his job complete. Returning to the Keep of the Hoard, he was knew the Vox would be pleased to know that the contract that they had been given has been completed.
Secret Missives
Vorcet blinked his eyes a few times to clear them up. Even being dead reading through ancient tomes for days on end with no break wore on his vision. He let out a sigh and picked up his notes again. They were not much to go on, but at least he had found a few new places to look for further information regarding the planeswalkers of Netheril.
Vorcet closed the book in front of him and carried it back to its place in Elbryan's library. How Elbryan had managed to collect such a varied pile of books Vorcet would never know, and Elbryan was typically secretive about such things. There was one more library to check before trying out some of the leads he currently had and that was the Keepers Library itself.
Vorcet wandered up to the observatory accross from the office he had claimed as his in the upstairs of the Mansion to rest and gather his thoughts for a bit before heading back to the island. He pulled the lever that activated the machinery that pulled back the ceiling panels that afforded a view of the sky. Vorcet sat in the coushioned chair and put his feet up on the small table and closed his eyes.
Vorcet felt the slight tingling in his skin that warned of magic being used in close proximity and he opened his eyes to find a rolled piece of parchment floating in the air in front of his face. After a quick magical probe of the scroll and the magic holding it there, he grabbed the scroll and inspected the seal holding it closed. At his touch the wax melted and the scroll unfurled in his hand. The name at the bottom marked it as written by Sanria.
Vorcet read through the scroll and a smile spread slowly accross his face. When he was finished a quick incantation burned the scroll to cinders. Vorcet pulled his bag of holding from his belt and pulled a folded piece of cloth and helmet from it. Something he had acquired some time ago for just such an occasion.
Vorcet stuffed the clothing back into the bag and began preparing the incantation that would bring him back to his office on the island. The last attempts had petered out and failed. Perhaps this would be the time that the local balance would actually be restored.
Vorcet closed the book in front of him and carried it back to its place in Elbryan's library. How Elbryan had managed to collect such a varied pile of books Vorcet would never know, and Elbryan was typically secretive about such things. There was one more library to check before trying out some of the leads he currently had and that was the Keepers Library itself.
Vorcet wandered up to the observatory accross from the office he had claimed as his in the upstairs of the Mansion to rest and gather his thoughts for a bit before heading back to the island. He pulled the lever that activated the machinery that pulled back the ceiling panels that afforded a view of the sky. Vorcet sat in the coushioned chair and put his feet up on the small table and closed his eyes.
Vorcet felt the slight tingling in his skin that warned of magic being used in close proximity and he opened his eyes to find a rolled piece of parchment floating in the air in front of his face. After a quick magical probe of the scroll and the magic holding it there, he grabbed the scroll and inspected the seal holding it closed. At his touch the wax melted and the scroll unfurled in his hand. The name at the bottom marked it as written by Sanria.
Vorcet read through the scroll and a smile spread slowly accross his face. When he was finished a quick incantation burned the scroll to cinders. Vorcet pulled his bag of holding from his belt and pulled a folded piece of cloth and helmet from it. Something he had acquired some time ago for just such an occasion.
Vorcet stuffed the clothing back into the bag and began preparing the incantation that would bring him back to his office on the island. The last attempts had petered out and failed. Perhaps this would be the time that the local balance would actually be restored.
New Directions (1-2)
Sanria sent the missive to Kineada and Vorcet, then sat back in her chair. Nioma cooed contentedly on the floor, a rather quiet child by all measures. She closed her eyes. She had to talk to someone, and Enmach was far from helpful in matters where emotions were at stake. The silvery woman was so stoic as to be nearly useless when discussing matters close to the heart. Sanria did the best she could on her own, but nothing was working. Things at her home were falling apart, and if things fell apart there, they'd soon follow her to the castle. A situation she couldn't afford. "Fenlauch," she called in her mind, "Might I see you?"
The tall Rilmani entered her office with a friendly smile, his bright eyes shining from within as he looked at her. "I was very close, in case you were wondering."
Sanria managed a smile. She talked to Fenlauch at length about Colin and the black makou within him. "We've not found a way to clear it from his blood without killing him, and the one hope I thought we might have had has..." Sanria glanced at Nioma and back to Fenlauch. "Well, he's been absent for a long time now. I'm suffocating beneath Colin's fears and his insecurities to the point I'm lying to him to get away. I can't deal with it anymore."
"It makes sense, but the lies?"
"I really don't want to go into detail, but they're horrible."
"I see."
"Please tell me there's something you or your people can do. Anything."
She held her breath as Fenlauch put a hand to his chin. He looked at Sanria for a long time, as though sizing her up from the inside. She couldn't help but feel that he was measuring her worth, making some type of calculation as to how much he could truly trust her. At long last he spoke. "I can escort him to our home plane. We have brilliant minds that could look at him and perhaps determine a solution."
"Your... home plane? You mean he'd have to leave here?"
"It would appear that given your story, it's the only hope he has."
"Yes, but I don't know that he'll do it. He's..." Sanria sighed deeply.
"I believe if he is told what is at stake, he will go willingly. It sounds as though he cares deeply for his family."
"Obsessively so."
"Then he will have no other option but to see his last resort."
Sanria appeared in the large cavern opening to her home with Fenlauch at her side. The Rilmani took a moment to look around, nodding to himself.
"Pretty."
"I think so," she replied, opening the front door to bring them both inside. She gave a small smile as Fenlauch attempted to duck and squeeze through the doorways. While he could stand perfectly well within the home, doorways were far from nine-foot tall entrances. "If you don't mind waiting until I call for you, I think it would go over better," Sanria said, leading Fenlauch to the library. "Of course."
Sanria walked into the bedroom where Colin lay on the bed, sweating and turning in his sleep. He jerked awake as Sanria shook him lightly. He seemed utterly exhausted - she knew he would be. He always was when the darkness used him. She felt horrible. This particular episode was her fault entirely, but she couldn't carry the guilt. She had reached her breaking point as well. She could no longer live with Colin as he was. Something had to give, and it did.
At her call, Fenlauch walked in and Sanria watched the light scowl form on Colin's face. The black makou was already driving him once more to anger -Colin blamed Fenlauch for her desire to heal Westbridge. And once more, tiringly so, she had to beg him to stop. Miraculously, Colin did quiet his anger.
Fenlauch hadn't been told anything about her plans for Westbridge, but he refrained from saying anything more. He told Colin that they might be able to help him, and at Sanria's urgings, Colin finally chose to go. It took only moments for Fenlauch to cast an unintelligible spell and vanish through the fabric of reality with Colin behind him.
Sanria sat for a long moment on the bed where Colin had just lain. She knew she might never see him again. Though she had tired completely of the smothering black makou, all the anger, the outbursts, the distrust of everyone, she still loved Colin. If he could come back to her, without the other piece that she had grown to loathe, there would be hope for them. Still, if he never came back, she would be alone. She looked to her lap and finally let herself cry.
The tall Rilmani entered her office with a friendly smile, his bright eyes shining from within as he looked at her. "I was very close, in case you were wondering."
Sanria managed a smile. She talked to Fenlauch at length about Colin and the black makou within him. "We've not found a way to clear it from his blood without killing him, and the one hope I thought we might have had has..." Sanria glanced at Nioma and back to Fenlauch. "Well, he's been absent for a long time now. I'm suffocating beneath Colin's fears and his insecurities to the point I'm lying to him to get away. I can't deal with it anymore."
"It makes sense, but the lies?"
"I really don't want to go into detail, but they're horrible."
"I see."
"Please tell me there's something you or your people can do. Anything."
She held her breath as Fenlauch put a hand to his chin. He looked at Sanria for a long time, as though sizing her up from the inside. She couldn't help but feel that he was measuring her worth, making some type of calculation as to how much he could truly trust her. At long last he spoke. "I can escort him to our home plane. We have brilliant minds that could look at him and perhaps determine a solution."
"Your... home plane? You mean he'd have to leave here?"
"It would appear that given your story, it's the only hope he has."
"Yes, but I don't know that he'll do it. He's..." Sanria sighed deeply.
"I believe if he is told what is at stake, he will go willingly. It sounds as though he cares deeply for his family."
"Obsessively so."
"Then he will have no other option but to see his last resort."
Sanria appeared in the large cavern opening to her home with Fenlauch at her side. The Rilmani took a moment to look around, nodding to himself.
"Pretty."
"I think so," she replied, opening the front door to bring them both inside. She gave a small smile as Fenlauch attempted to duck and squeeze through the doorways. While he could stand perfectly well within the home, doorways were far from nine-foot tall entrances. "If you don't mind waiting until I call for you, I think it would go over better," Sanria said, leading Fenlauch to the library. "Of course."
Sanria walked into the bedroom where Colin lay on the bed, sweating and turning in his sleep. He jerked awake as Sanria shook him lightly. He seemed utterly exhausted - she knew he would be. He always was when the darkness used him. She felt horrible. This particular episode was her fault entirely, but she couldn't carry the guilt. She had reached her breaking point as well. She could no longer live with Colin as he was. Something had to give, and it did.
At her call, Fenlauch walked in and Sanria watched the light scowl form on Colin's face. The black makou was already driving him once more to anger -Colin blamed Fenlauch for her desire to heal Westbridge. And once more, tiringly so, she had to beg him to stop. Miraculously, Colin did quiet his anger.
Fenlauch hadn't been told anything about her plans for Westbridge, but he refrained from saying anything more. He told Colin that they might be able to help him, and at Sanria's urgings, Colin finally chose to go. It took only moments for Fenlauch to cast an unintelligible spell and vanish through the fabric of reality with Colin behind him.
Sanria sat for a long moment on the bed where Colin had just lain. She knew she might never see him again. Though she had tired completely of the smothering black makou, all the anger, the outbursts, the distrust of everyone, she still loved Colin. If he could come back to her, without the other piece that she had grown to loathe, there would be hope for them. Still, if he never came back, she would be alone. She looked to her lap and finally let herself cry.
Delivered Parchments
*A rolled parchment appears in the air before you and settles into your hand. It unseals itself and opens to the words within.*
Kineada and Vorcet,
There are a few issues I need to discuss with both of you and given our schedules, I feel a missive will be best for preliminaries. As you are both aware, Westbridge has been under Vectorian occupation for some time. Though TriPower had once geared up for an assault on the backward government, with Throm's demise and the seeming retreat of their armies, it has once again been left to the citizenry to fight for themselves. It is no surprise that the oppressed have grown accustomed to their treatment, too afraid to make a bid for their freedom, as Vector's punishments are brutal and swift.
I feel it is left to those of us who aid in keeping balance to restore Westbridge back to what it should be - an open hub for all, a diverse city where many races can freely travel, and many governments and clans as well.
It falls to us, then, to begin a crusade to squash the occupation, but I must have the agreement of both of you before we begin seeking out others who will readily aid us. This in itself will be difficult, as where I see numbers, other clans see affiliations and may not readily work side by side to garner support and free Westbridge. However, this is a secondary issue to the primary. Do we feel the obligation strongly enough to embroil our clan with the political mixings of Vector?
My vote, of course, is an unequivocal yes. It is important, people need help... I feel it is time to bring about balance for Westbridge once more.
Sanria
Kineada and Vorcet,
There are a few issues I need to discuss with both of you and given our schedules, I feel a missive will be best for preliminaries. As you are both aware, Westbridge has been under Vectorian occupation for some time. Though TriPower had once geared up for an assault on the backward government, with Throm's demise and the seeming retreat of their armies, it has once again been left to the citizenry to fight for themselves. It is no surprise that the oppressed have grown accustomed to their treatment, too afraid to make a bid for their freedom, as Vector's punishments are brutal and swift.
I feel it is left to those of us who aid in keeping balance to restore Westbridge back to what it should be - an open hub for all, a diverse city where many races can freely travel, and many governments and clans as well.
It falls to us, then, to begin a crusade to squash the occupation, but I must have the agreement of both of you before we begin seeking out others who will readily aid us. This in itself will be difficult, as where I see numbers, other clans see affiliations and may not readily work side by side to garner support and free Westbridge. However, this is a secondary issue to the primary. Do we feel the obligation strongly enough to embroil our clan with the political mixings of Vector?
My vote, of course, is an unequivocal yes. It is important, people need help... I feel it is time to bring about balance for Westbridge once more.
Sanria
Thunder Crash
Sanria tried to focus on the letter on her desk. She clenched the pen in her hand and pressed hard, her hair continually needing to be pushed back as she wrote. She had gone home and talked to Colin about what her plans were only to be met with a desperate plea for her to stay out of political affairs. "Send someone else! There has to be someone else!" Colin had growled. He was angry at the Keepers, as though they somehow had put her up to the plot. He was just angry. Sanria knew that the black makou in him was at fault, but it had gotten increasingly difficult to do the job she had signed up to do while Colin wanted her closer and closer to him. It was stifling. When she told Colin she had terminated her most recent... mistake... she watched him do everything short of tear down the cavern. Nioma now sat in Sanria's office, laying on her back, playing in quiet contentment with her magical toys. Safe from the rampage back home.
The truth was, Sanria hadn't done anything yet. She hadn't done anything but try to push Colin away, push him to the brink, make him want to leave her side. She'd acted on nothing. She shook her head. It was no one's business what was going on with her body. No one needed to know, not yet. There were reasons, she knew, for Colin's desperation. A singular one, more than the others, that lay cooing to herself on the floor. A child that he didn't make yet was raising. Sanria shook her head again and pulled in her focus.
"Kineada and Vorcet, There are a few issues I need to discuss with both of you and given our schedules, I feel a missive will be best for the preliminaries."
Sanria paused again. Her throat closed up, her eyes burned. The last thing she needed was anyone doubting her capacity to lead and make decisions. She clenched her teeth, forcing every emotion that roiled within her to the back of her mind.There was business to take care of now that would get her every attention.
The truth was, Sanria hadn't done anything yet. She hadn't done anything but try to push Colin away, push him to the brink, make him want to leave her side. She'd acted on nothing. She shook her head. It was no one's business what was going on with her body. No one needed to know, not yet. There were reasons, she knew, for Colin's desperation. A singular one, more than the others, that lay cooing to herself on the floor. A child that he didn't make yet was raising. Sanria shook her head again and pulled in her focus.
"Kineada and Vorcet, There are a few issues I need to discuss with both of you and given our schedules, I feel a missive will be best for the preliminaries."
Sanria paused again. Her throat closed up, her eyes burned. The last thing she needed was anyone doubting her capacity to lead and make decisions. She clenched her teeth, forcing every emotion that roiled within her to the back of her mind.There was business to take care of now that would get her every attention.
Rain
Rain clattered on the roofs of Emerald street, engulfed in the blackness of the night. It was autumn and lately the wind had turned cold and vicious. Winter would soon be on the doorstep of Westbridge. On Penny Lane a young boy, dressed in rags, was scavenging coins from the large white marble fountain that gushed forth. Further up, on Emerald street, a dog barked. The sound of gnarl-like chattering of the Vectorian speech became audible and the boy raised in alarm. But alas, Penny Lane was a dead end, and the light of the Enforcers had caught him in the act.
From the shadows, another ragged beggar watched as the Vectorian Enforcers had their fun with the boy and beat him up until his skull collided with the marble of the fountain's edge. Before the Enforcers left, the boy was kicked in the gut twice and then left to rot as the garbage they thought he was. The puddles around the boy were tainted red, as were the coins in his clutched fist. It was a Westbridge mentality these days. What I find is mine, and I keep what I find. For under Vectorian rule, life was harsh. Death for coins, coins for food.
After the Enforcers left, the other beggar rose up from the shadows and walked over to the boy. He evaded the puddles as he went, and kneeled next to the boy. The lad was still alive, but barely. With ease, he pried the fist open and took the coins from him. And then, surprisingly lifted the boy up in his arms, and retreated into the shadows with him as the rain washed away the blood.
From the shadows, another ragged beggar watched as the Vectorian Enforcers had their fun with the boy and beat him up until his skull collided with the marble of the fountain's edge. Before the Enforcers left, the boy was kicked in the gut twice and then left to rot as the garbage they thought he was. The puddles around the boy were tainted red, as were the coins in his clutched fist. It was a Westbridge mentality these days. What I find is mine, and I keep what I find. For under Vectorian rule, life was harsh. Death for coins, coins for food.
After the Enforcers left, the other beggar rose up from the shadows and walked over to the boy. He evaded the puddles as he went, and kneeled next to the boy. The lad was still alive, but barely. With ease, he pried the fist open and took the coins from him. And then, surprisingly lifted the boy up in his arms, and retreated into the shadows with him as the rain washed away the blood.
The Blueprint
As he ascended the stairway into the tree, memories flooded back to Ror. Inside Ror saw that the furniture had long ago decided to fall apart and decay, and nature had taken over. He used a stick to brush the many spider rags aside, and concluded that his home would need extensive work to make it habitable again. After some time, he worked his way into what was once a living room. Gliding with his hand over the carving in the wall, he smiled, triggered by the happy memories. Ror continued his inspection and eventually found the study, and surprisingly, there was an intact box of makou crystal sitting in the rubble of what once had been his desk. Of course, thought Ror, as he kneeled and touched the crystal. How could I have forgotten? A faint click was heard under Ror's touch and he grinned. "You were expensive, but worth the money. And if you are still here," whispered Ror, "are your contents as well?" He pushed open the lid and then smiled broadly. Unharmed by the passing of time was a scroll he had cared for quite a bit. He took it out, and unrolled it in his lap. The ink had not faded, the blueprint had survived.
Answers, and more Questions
"I thought I might find you here Garlech." Vorcet said as he strode up beside the tall golden Rilmani at the edge of the balcony overlooking the island.
"I spend much of my time observing, it is our purpose." responded Garlech as he turned toward Vorcet. "What can I do for you?"
"A series of nagging questions regarding what the Black Church did to silence the gods here." Vorcet began carefully. "As I am sure you know all forms of contact with the gods has been cut. No answered prayers, no manifestations. Rumors fly as to what this means. Are the gods dead? or are they simply unable to interact with the prime material plane?"
"I believe this is the most I have heard you speak since you took up residence here Vorcet." Garlech responded with a ghost of a smirk on his face.
"I've lived a long life by human standards, I have learned the value of a carefully guarded tongue when it becomes necessary." Vorcet responded with a slight shrug of his shoulders. "Still, when there is something that is uncertain, such as the fate of our gods.... Im unable to help myself."
The slight smile slipped from Garlechs face as it fell back to the practiced expression of neutrality that was his norm. A few moments passed before he responded. "We know not the fate of the gods. However, were I an experienced wielder of magic, I might bend my time toward learning extra-planar travel."
Vorcet pondered that for a moment as he looked out over the lands beyond the island. "Planeswalking magics have been lost to us for hundreds of years." Vorcet mused more to himself than anything. "There has been the rare exceptions, but their secrets have always died with them."
"Are you so sure of that Vorcet?" Garlech responded carefuly. "The Netherese were planeswalkers. How much of their knowledge has been preserved?"
Silence fell on the balcony as the wheels started turning in Vorcet's head. "I believe my work here is done, and I can say no more." Garlech said as he slipped through the doorway with his unnatural grace.
"I spend much of my time observing, it is our purpose." responded Garlech as he turned toward Vorcet. "What can I do for you?"
"A series of nagging questions regarding what the Black Church did to silence the gods here." Vorcet began carefully. "As I am sure you know all forms of contact with the gods has been cut. No answered prayers, no manifestations. Rumors fly as to what this means. Are the gods dead? or are they simply unable to interact with the prime material plane?"
"I believe this is the most I have heard you speak since you took up residence here Vorcet." Garlech responded with a ghost of a smirk on his face.
"I've lived a long life by human standards, I have learned the value of a carefully guarded tongue when it becomes necessary." Vorcet responded with a slight shrug of his shoulders. "Still, when there is something that is uncertain, such as the fate of our gods.... Im unable to help myself."
The slight smile slipped from Garlechs face as it fell back to the practiced expression of neutrality that was his norm. A few moments passed before he responded. "We know not the fate of the gods. However, were I an experienced wielder of magic, I might bend my time toward learning extra-planar travel."
Vorcet pondered that for a moment as he looked out over the lands beyond the island. "Planeswalking magics have been lost to us for hundreds of years." Vorcet mused more to himself than anything. "There has been the rare exceptions, but their secrets have always died with them."
"Are you so sure of that Vorcet?" Garlech responded carefuly. "The Netherese were planeswalkers. How much of their knowledge has been preserved?"
Silence fell on the balcony as the wheels started turning in Vorcet's head. "I believe my work here is done, and I can say no more." Garlech said as he slipped through the doorway with his unnatural grace.
Discussions
The clanning of Kronk and Orn was complete as Sanria sank behind her desk. She was happy to have her son among the ranks, happy to have Kronk finally given a home, but her concerns had nearly immediately turned to Ror again.
It had been some time since she'd spoken to the elf, a fact which didn't bother Sanria by any stretch. The less she had to speak to him, the better. It meant she wouldn't have to dredge up Throm again. But when they had spoken about Westbridge, her mind turned. She had been content to remain out of the fight, but lately her comfortability had begun to wane. Her answer was not sufficient. Knowing people were suffering still under the oppression of Vector, that she was content to sit back and do nothing, it sat heavily on her mind.
She breached the topic with Kineada, who was eager to hear the outcome of her conversation with Enmach - when she had it. But his question as to how they would manage such a feat strummed in Sanria's ears as she waited for her Argenach counsellor. In a flash of silver, Enmach appeared and bowed deeply. "You called, Lady Sanria?"
"Enmach, thank you so much for coming."
"Of course. What is it you wished to speak about with me?"
"Westbridge."
"The settlement to our east?"
"The same. It is overrun by Vector. TriPower had once deigned to clean up the city - had mounted forces to free the people of the tyranny there, but-"
"It has not come to pass. I am aware. And what would you determine to do?"
"I'm not certain, but... I do not believe it is a balancing force to have a government bent on oppression in power over such a diverse city."
"I would incline to agree, but are you speaking war?"
"No... not war. Just, an end to the tribulations."
Sanria watched as Enmach bowed her head, her fingers steepled at her lips. "This will require far more hands than what you have amassed, and this particular fight would be yours alone - the Rilmani could not step in to give aid."
"Why?"
"For the same reason we brought you here in the first place, Lady Sanria. Your Keepers are to help us maintain the mortal side. The... ah..."
"The fights too small for you to concern yourselves with," Sanria said pointedly, watching as Enmach merely bowed her head. "I see. But I don't even know where to begin."
"I suggest you call a meeting of your fellow leaders. Determine their mindset on the issue. Beyond that, you will need help, and lots of it. The potential for bringing disaster on yourselves is great."
"Nice to know you're honest. By the way... Sir Kineada sends his regards." Sanria chuckled inwardly as Enmach's face scrunched slightly.
"No. My answer still stands. I have no interest in his bedchambers."
"Suit yourself," Sanria shrugged. "Just know that he is quite tenacious."
Enmach scoffed and shook her head. In a flash she was gone, leaving Sanria to stare at her desk with a deep sigh. The time for doing nothing was gone, a comfort she could no longer afford. She would gather Kineada and Vorcet and determine their next course of action. It could no longer wait.
It had been some time since she'd spoken to the elf, a fact which didn't bother Sanria by any stretch. The less she had to speak to him, the better. It meant she wouldn't have to dredge up Throm again. But when they had spoken about Westbridge, her mind turned. She had been content to remain out of the fight, but lately her comfortability had begun to wane. Her answer was not sufficient. Knowing people were suffering still under the oppression of Vector, that she was content to sit back and do nothing, it sat heavily on her mind.
She breached the topic with Kineada, who was eager to hear the outcome of her conversation with Enmach - when she had it. But his question as to how they would manage such a feat strummed in Sanria's ears as she waited for her Argenach counsellor. In a flash of silver, Enmach appeared and bowed deeply. "You called, Lady Sanria?"
"Enmach, thank you so much for coming."
"Of course. What is it you wished to speak about with me?"
"Westbridge."
"The settlement to our east?"
"The same. It is overrun by Vector. TriPower had once deigned to clean up the city - had mounted forces to free the people of the tyranny there, but-"
"It has not come to pass. I am aware. And what would you determine to do?"
"I'm not certain, but... I do not believe it is a balancing force to have a government bent on oppression in power over such a diverse city."
"I would incline to agree, but are you speaking war?"
"No... not war. Just, an end to the tribulations."
Sanria watched as Enmach bowed her head, her fingers steepled at her lips. "This will require far more hands than what you have amassed, and this particular fight would be yours alone - the Rilmani could not step in to give aid."
"Why?"
"For the same reason we brought you here in the first place, Lady Sanria. Your Keepers are to help us maintain the mortal side. The... ah..."
"The fights too small for you to concern yourselves with," Sanria said pointedly, watching as Enmach merely bowed her head. "I see. But I don't even know where to begin."
"I suggest you call a meeting of your fellow leaders. Determine their mindset on the issue. Beyond that, you will need help, and lots of it. The potential for bringing disaster on yourselves is great."
"Nice to know you're honest. By the way... Sir Kineada sends his regards." Sanria chuckled inwardly as Enmach's face scrunched slightly.
"No. My answer still stands. I have no interest in his bedchambers."
"Suit yourself," Sanria shrugged. "Just know that he is quite tenacious."
Enmach scoffed and shook her head. In a flash she was gone, leaving Sanria to stare at her desk with a deep sigh. The time for doing nothing was gone, a comfort she could no longer afford. She would gather Kineada and Vorcet and determine their next course of action. It could no longer wait.
The Return
Walking through the forest, Ror placed his hand on a tree every few feet. As he closed his eyes, he concentrated. Where was it? It had been a long time, and the forest was a living thing. Living things
changed. Ror tapped into his memories and compared them to that of the trees. Gradually he came closer to what he was looking for.
Ror looked up at the wall of plants before him that blocked his path. "It's here."
With a single step, he stepped forward and pushed himself through the plants. The greenery swallowed him, and before he knew it, he was at the other side. He placed his foot on one of the many small rocks
in his vicinity and looked up at the giant tree that still grew here. Ror pressed on, climbing the rocks up towards the tree trunk.
He smiled as he noticed a weathered, wooden sign. The letters had faded, but he knew what they had said, once, they had spelled out "Welcome".
"I'm home."
changed. Ror tapped into his memories and compared them to that of the trees. Gradually he came closer to what he was looking for.
Ror looked up at the wall of plants before him that blocked his path. "It's here."
With a single step, he stepped forward and pushed himself through the plants. The greenery swallowed him, and before he knew it, he was at the other side. He placed his foot on one of the many small rocks
in his vicinity and looked up at the giant tree that still grew here. Ror pressed on, climbing the rocks up towards the tree trunk.
He smiled as he noticed a weathered, wooden sign. The letters had faded, but he knew what they had said, once, they had spelled out "Welcome".
"I'm home."
Renewed Vigor
Claire appeared in a flash of purple light that shot through Ruthivan's room, illuminating his sleeping form on the bed. Claire crept closer and looked down at him. He looked lost, haggard, scraggly, and most of all, exhausted. She loathed him, the way he had forced this link upon her, the way he had succeeded in tearing apart her life with Gilean. Yes, death would certainly end the bond, but to kill an esper - indeed to kill anyone - was beneath Claire's capacity. There had to be another way.
Claire stood there for a long moment, staring down at Ruthivan's sleeping form, and thought about leaving. But the smell of him, sweat - forest - leather, made her body dance with a charged energy. Every atom in her skin seemed to vibrate and as if calling out to his, they roused Ruthivan.
Claire held her breath as, by the light of her own purple skin, Ruthivan's dark red eyes locked onto her. She could see in that moment the confusion, the state of believing it to be a dream, then the realization that it wasn't. She loathed him. Yes, she truly did loathe him. But she felt herself willingly go as he pulled her to him. Like a drug, his kiss sent Claire into a swoon of intoxication. Logic could tell her why. But all logic had been left standing at the bedside.
"You can stay here with me, you know..."
"No. I can't."
"Why? Why not?" Claire rose from the bed and dressed, facing away from Ruthivan. "I just... can't. I'll bring the children to see you tomorrow but..." In a moment she was back at the cottage, slipping into her familiar bed. She knew Gilean was awake, but she couldn't bear to touch him. She wasn't sure he'd let her if she tried.
Claire stood there for a long moment, staring down at Ruthivan's sleeping form, and thought about leaving. But the smell of him, sweat - forest - leather, made her body dance with a charged energy. Every atom in her skin seemed to vibrate and as if calling out to his, they roused Ruthivan.
Claire held her breath as, by the light of her own purple skin, Ruthivan's dark red eyes locked onto her. She could see in that moment the confusion, the state of believing it to be a dream, then the realization that it wasn't. She loathed him. Yes, she truly did loathe him. But she felt herself willingly go as he pulled her to him. Like a drug, his kiss sent Claire into a swoon of intoxication. Logic could tell her why. But all logic had been left standing at the bedside.
"You can stay here with me, you know..."
"No. I can't."
"Why? Why not?" Claire rose from the bed and dressed, facing away from Ruthivan. "I just... can't. I'll bring the children to see you tomorrow but..." In a moment she was back at the cottage, slipping into her familiar bed. She knew Gilean was awake, but she couldn't bear to touch him. She wasn't sure he'd let her if she tried.
Lost and Found
Claire stared out of the window that faced the back of her cottage. She watched the lazy stream bubble and babble its way over the rocks, scattering the sunlight on its surface. She watched the tufts of pollen that dropped from the trees, glowing speckles that drifted on the light breeze. They had more freedom than she.
Night finally fell and the children were tucked away in bed. Claire sat with Gilean, watching him read in his chair, the firelight casting a deep yellow glow on his skin. From the corner of his eye, he looked over at her and closed his book. He gave a warm, though pitying smile. "You seem troubled," he said gently.
"I can't keep doing this, Gilean," Claire replied.
"Doing what?"
"Staying inside, locked away from life out of fear."
"There's nothing else we can do."
"I am going to go to him."
A sudden chill went through the room and Gilean looked down at his lap. Claire sighed lightly. "I know we have been trying to let this bond die, but it's not, Gilean. I am losing my mind."
"I just think that given time-"
"How much time? I'm... I'm miserable, Gilean. This method is not the answer. I'm not feeling less drawn to him, on the contrary, it's gotten worse."
"I don't know what else I can say," he whispered.
Claire's heart ached for Gilean. She hated what she did to him, hated making him hurt, but she could do nothing about what nature had placed between herself and Ruthivan. She stood up and walked over to Gilean, giving him a small hug, one that was meekly returned. "I'll be back." A nod was all she gained by way of a reply.
Night finally fell and the children were tucked away in bed. Claire sat with Gilean, watching him read in his chair, the firelight casting a deep yellow glow on his skin. From the corner of his eye, he looked over at her and closed his book. He gave a warm, though pitying smile. "You seem troubled," he said gently.
"I can't keep doing this, Gilean," Claire replied.
"Doing what?"
"Staying inside, locked away from life out of fear."
"There's nothing else we can do."
"I am going to go to him."
A sudden chill went through the room and Gilean looked down at his lap. Claire sighed lightly. "I know we have been trying to let this bond die, but it's not, Gilean. I am losing my mind."
"I just think that given time-"
"How much time? I'm... I'm miserable, Gilean. This method is not the answer. I'm not feeling less drawn to him, on the contrary, it's gotten worse."
"I don't know what else I can say," he whispered.
Claire's heart ached for Gilean. She hated what she did to him, hated making him hurt, but she could do nothing about what nature had placed between herself and Ruthivan. She stood up and walked over to Gilean, giving him a small hug, one that was meekly returned. "I'll be back." A nod was all she gained by way of a reply.
Mrs. Wolldon
Leandra looked down at the bundle in her arms. Truth was she was afraid of the tiny infant that lay there, sleeping. She'd never had a baby before and it hurt like hell. He came out screaming and didn't quiet until her mom put him in her arms. She was afraid because for the first time, Leandra realized she really was a mom and really did actually marry Askari. She realized they had no where to live but here with her mom and dad. She looked at Askari and saw that he was afraid, too.
Even the day of her wedding, as she and Askari stared at each other in the druid grove, even as the Elder Druid looked at them like they were too young but trying, even as she repeated the druid's words and squeezed Askari's hands and put the ring on his finger, she was afraid. Was the rest of her life going to be fear like this?
The baby (they couldn't even figure out what to name him yet) stirred and brought Leandra's eyes onto him. He was cute - with the dark hair of his dad and the dark eyes of his dad and the lighter red skin of his dad... and Leandra's mind wandered. Maybe Esper genes were stronger than human genes. Maybe.
Leandra called to her dad. She asked him to let her and Askari stay until they found their own house. She talked to Colin and felt her heart sink. She could tell he wasn't proud of her, maybe even embarrassed by her but he said that wasn't true. Then, Leandra's mind wandered to Nioma. She asked her father if he'd be telling the baby who her real dad was - but every time she asked, Colin just got mad. Like he didn't think she had a different dad... like he didn't care that she wouldn't know when she got bigger. Sometimes, though, it was good to know when to stop talking.
Askari came back into the room after her dad left, and Leandra looked at him closely. He was her husband now, and her baby's dad, and she did love him. She may not know everything about him yet, but she would, and even though things still didn't feel completely right, and even though she was still afraid, at least looking at him made her feel not alone. She would never again be alone.
Even the day of her wedding, as she and Askari stared at each other in the druid grove, even as the Elder Druid looked at them like they were too young but trying, even as she repeated the druid's words and squeezed Askari's hands and put the ring on his finger, she was afraid. Was the rest of her life going to be fear like this?
The baby (they couldn't even figure out what to name him yet) stirred and brought Leandra's eyes onto him. He was cute - with the dark hair of his dad and the dark eyes of his dad and the lighter red skin of his dad... and Leandra's mind wandered. Maybe Esper genes were stronger than human genes. Maybe.
Leandra called to her dad. She asked him to let her and Askari stay until they found their own house. She talked to Colin and felt her heart sink. She could tell he wasn't proud of her, maybe even embarrassed by her but he said that wasn't true. Then, Leandra's mind wandered to Nioma. She asked her father if he'd be telling the baby who her real dad was - but every time she asked, Colin just got mad. Like he didn't think she had a different dad... like he didn't care that she wouldn't know when she got bigger. Sometimes, though, it was good to know when to stop talking.
Askari came back into the room after her dad left, and Leandra looked at him closely. He was her husband now, and her baby's dad, and she did love him. She may not know everything about him yet, but she would, and even though things still didn't feel completely right, and even though she was still afraid, at least looking at him made her feel not alone. She would never again be alone.
Familiarity (1-2)
Sanria was warmed at how enthusiastically Ror took the moss. He checked his list and agreed he had all he needed. Methodical and attentive. She stared at the uniform again with a smile and nod. "Throm would have been very happy with you, I know it."
"Eh?" came the puzzled reply.
"Ah, my ramblings. You're a studious mind and a researcher. He would have truly enjoyed meeting you and perhaps getting to know you as he was also."
"Was he a famous researcher?" Ror asked.
"Famous..." and Sanria chuckled. "He was a congressman for TriPower and a leader of the army. I don't know about famous, but well known. Well known."
"I will ask around then, because I have not seen any statues of him yet."
"I don't know that there will be any. But he was a good man. It seems you are as well."
She anticipated Ror would be off and in fact Sanria had made ready to say goodbye, but it seemed the sorrow on her face had stopped the researcher from going. "My apologies if my remarks have caused you sorrow. I meant well. All the great men and women of the TriPower have their statue. I know, I studied them. Just none of Throm."
"There is no need for apologies. I'm not truly certain all know of his death, he was known for disappearing as well. In their minds, he may simply be off on another adventure." Wasn't that death anyway? Another grand adventure? Inwardly she chuckled, certainly Throm would have thought so.
"May I be so bold and ask you how he died?"
Sanria took the proffered arm and allowed herself to be led to the side of the falls where moss grew in abundance. There, she sat near Ror, and told him about Throm's death - the black makou that had plagued him for so many years - the last time she saw him that he was free of it, but had died. The truth was, Sanria did not know how Throm had died, but she had a suspicion. Getting the black mako out, in her mind, had ended Throm's life. The thought flittered across her mind that what was in Colin might just have to stay in there forever.
Colin... she had forgotten completely about Colin and Nioma. The last thing she needed was Colin to come out of the cavern and see her sprawled on the moss with a man he'd never seen. Not that she was, necessarily, sprawled "with" Ror, but... "I think I shall go then, but I would like to make an appoint, if that's not a problem," he asked as she rose to go.
"To return?"
"Here? I suspect elsewhere to be honest. But if here, then here, yes." It shocked Sanria a little, they hadn't gotten on that well, had they? "Any where, certainly. When and where?"
"When you have the time, as for where, that would be Throm's laboratory."
Sanria's breath caught. The absolute forward nature of the request was raw against the wound she had allowed to surface. What had she done? "I... can't do that... I'm sorry."
"Sorry, I didn't mean you have to go with me. You can if you want. All I ask is that you show me where it is."
"No... I can't... do that," she replied again. What the hell had she done.
"Too dangerous or personal objections?"
"Quite a bit of both, I assure you. Throm had secrets that... even with his not being here, I suspect would be best kept that way. Besides... he does still have a son out there somewhere and I don't feel it my place to reveal his father's personal life."
"Alright. There's nothing I can do then. But, if Throm's research falls in another's hands, outside the TriPower, what then?"
"There is much you do not know about Throm uth Bannon, Ror."
They parted, Ror's words, "Heh, you told me more than they did. And I read the books too. Such an important man, yet no statue," knocking against her brain. And then he mouthed a few words, no sound, but she was certain she had not misinterpreted. "I need to know. Because I don't trust him." Even in death, she thought, Throm was plagued with what? Being a politician and a sorcerer who knew far more than he ever let on. She would meet with Ror again, but this time, she would watch her words carefully.
Sanria went back inside, back into the thick air, back into the place where happiness hinged on her staying put. She regretted going outside today. She regretted talking to someone new. She regretted that she would have to weave yet another fabrication to extricate herself from saying too much, and yet another fabrication to keep someone she cared for safe... even if he was dead.
"Eh?" came the puzzled reply.
"Ah, my ramblings. You're a studious mind and a researcher. He would have truly enjoyed meeting you and perhaps getting to know you as he was also."
"Was he a famous researcher?" Ror asked.
"Famous..." and Sanria chuckled. "He was a congressman for TriPower and a leader of the army. I don't know about famous, but well known. Well known."
"I will ask around then, because I have not seen any statues of him yet."
"I don't know that there will be any. But he was a good man. It seems you are as well."
She anticipated Ror would be off and in fact Sanria had made ready to say goodbye, but it seemed the sorrow on her face had stopped the researcher from going. "My apologies if my remarks have caused you sorrow. I meant well. All the great men and women of the TriPower have their statue. I know, I studied them. Just none of Throm."
"There is no need for apologies. I'm not truly certain all know of his death, he was known for disappearing as well. In their minds, he may simply be off on another adventure." Wasn't that death anyway? Another grand adventure? Inwardly she chuckled, certainly Throm would have thought so.
"May I be so bold and ask you how he died?"
Sanria took the proffered arm and allowed herself to be led to the side of the falls where moss grew in abundance. There, she sat near Ror, and told him about Throm's death - the black makou that had plagued him for so many years - the last time she saw him that he was free of it, but had died. The truth was, Sanria did not know how Throm had died, but she had a suspicion. Getting the black mako out, in her mind, had ended Throm's life. The thought flittered across her mind that what was in Colin might just have to stay in there forever.
Colin... she had forgotten completely about Colin and Nioma. The last thing she needed was Colin to come out of the cavern and see her sprawled on the moss with a man he'd never seen. Not that she was, necessarily, sprawled "with" Ror, but... "I think I shall go then, but I would like to make an appoint, if that's not a problem," he asked as she rose to go.
"To return?"
"Here? I suspect elsewhere to be honest. But if here, then here, yes." It shocked Sanria a little, they hadn't gotten on that well, had they? "Any where, certainly. When and where?"
"When you have the time, as for where, that would be Throm's laboratory."
Sanria's breath caught. The absolute forward nature of the request was raw against the wound she had allowed to surface. What had she done? "I... can't do that... I'm sorry."
"Sorry, I didn't mean you have to go with me. You can if you want. All I ask is that you show me where it is."
"No... I can't... do that," she replied again. What the hell had she done.
"Too dangerous or personal objections?"
"Quite a bit of both, I assure you. Throm had secrets that... even with his not being here, I suspect would be best kept that way. Besides... he does still have a son out there somewhere and I don't feel it my place to reveal his father's personal life."
"Alright. There's nothing I can do then. But, if Throm's research falls in another's hands, outside the TriPower, what then?"
"There is much you do not know about Throm uth Bannon, Ror."
They parted, Ror's words, "Heh, you told me more than they did. And I read the books too. Such an important man, yet no statue," knocking against her brain. And then he mouthed a few words, no sound, but she was certain she had not misinterpreted. "I need to know. Because I don't trust him." Even in death, she thought, Throm was plagued with what? Being a politician and a sorcerer who knew far more than he ever let on. She would meet with Ror again, but this time, she would watch her words carefully.
Sanria went back inside, back into the thick air, back into the place where happiness hinged on her staying put. She regretted going outside today. She regretted talking to someone new. She regretted that she would have to weave yet another fabrication to extricate herself from saying too much, and yet another fabrication to keep someone she cared for safe... even if he was dead.
Research Division
"He disappeared?" the elf asked.
"He died. Old history... I'm sorry," Sanria replied, standing straighter.
"I see. My condolences"
"Thank you. I'm Sanria Stone."
"Ror Surion," he said with a salute. "Research division."
"What do you research, if I could ask?"
"Ah, I research the domains of magic, most predominantly the lifeforce and nature."
Sanria's head swam. Lifeforce and nature. Key components in the creation of Nioma. She batted the thoughts away before they could take hold. This was a new face. Before she knew it, he rattled off the names of each herb in her hand and it pleased her greatly. "Are you a sage? Most who aren't don't really know them so well..."
"Indeed, I am a sage. Although still in training, I must admit."
"We are always in training, Sir Ror."
"Touche."
The elf, Ror, had been looking for herbs and in particular the moss that grew abundantly at the edge of the falls. It was an opportunity to show the cavern to a new face, and Sanria led Ror behind the falls and into the sparkle of the Bejuril Crystals. She allowed him to take a few, telling him the story of Icehawk and how, long ago, he had been able to fashion communication crystals that worked with technology. Yet another memory from a time that seemed so far away from now.
Sanria left Ror happily pulling crystals from the cavern and walked back out into the forests. She gathered the moss for him, tucking it into one of the satchels she had brought for her own purposes, then sat across from the falls, watching the water. An elf. In truth, the last one she had seen was Kaliadra and that was ages past. How was she? Obviously alive, for without her Sanria would also be dead. Had she forgotten herself? Or perhaps she had found a new life and moved on. The questions kept surfacing until Ror at last made his way back out from the cavern.
"He died. Old history... I'm sorry," Sanria replied, standing straighter.
"I see. My condolences"
"Thank you. I'm Sanria Stone."
"Ror Surion," he said with a salute. "Research division."
"What do you research, if I could ask?"
"Ah, I research the domains of magic, most predominantly the lifeforce and nature."
Sanria's head swam. Lifeforce and nature. Key components in the creation of Nioma. She batted the thoughts away before they could take hold. This was a new face. Before she knew it, he rattled off the names of each herb in her hand and it pleased her greatly. "Are you a sage? Most who aren't don't really know them so well..."
"Indeed, I am a sage. Although still in training, I must admit."
"We are always in training, Sir Ror."
"Touche."
The elf, Ror, had been looking for herbs and in particular the moss that grew abundantly at the edge of the falls. It was an opportunity to show the cavern to a new face, and Sanria led Ror behind the falls and into the sparkle of the Bejuril Crystals. She allowed him to take a few, telling him the story of Icehawk and how, long ago, he had been able to fashion communication crystals that worked with technology. Yet another memory from a time that seemed so far away from now.
Sanria left Ror happily pulling crystals from the cavern and walked back out into the forests. She gathered the moss for him, tucking it into one of the satchels she had brought for her own purposes, then sat across from the falls, watching the water. An elf. In truth, the last one she had seen was Kaliadra and that was ages past. How was she? Obviously alive, for without her Sanria would also be dead. Had she forgotten herself? Or perhaps she had found a new life and moved on. The questions kept surfacing until Ror at last made his way back out from the cavern.
The Elf
Tea. That's why Sanria needed to leave the cavern. Not for the stifling feeling or the sensation she was drowning beneath the weight of some yet untold lie. Not for the tiny twinge of guilt that wrenched her bowels in a tremor of tiny needles pricking at her innards. Tea. Herbs. She was running out, knowing full well the containers were full. Sanria excused herself, leaving Colin holding Nioma, "their" blue-eyed daughter.
The forest offered a lungful of fresh air. Sanria could never quite explain how the forest made her feel. The air was vital, thick with the scent of pine and loam. It was cool and soothing, and she found herself humming quietly as she plucked the growing sprigs of chamomile and yarrow. With a few more spearmint leaves, she would have enough. And as she went to the edge of a tree, she heard the humming that was not her own.
Sanria was stunned into silence. He was an elf, tanned, athletic, and a bit taller than Sanria herself. Her eyes then fell on his uniform and she found her breath caught in her throat. When was the last time she had seen a TriPower uniform? A sudden wave grief hit her, but she untied the knot in her stomach and fought back the tears that stung her eyes. She rarely allowed herself time to think of Throm. In everything that had happened, those memories had been relegated to the back of her mind.
"Excuse me..." Sanria said, approaching the elf, who now picked at a few herbs of his own.
"Oh! Hello, didn't see you there," he replied.
"Quite alright... I was just... wondering... you are wearing TriPower regalia, correct?" Of course she was correct, but anything to make small talk. Anything to perhaps touch a tiny corner of the fabric that had been her life. Not too much... but just enough.
"Ahem, yes madam, indeed, you are correct."
"It's been a long while since I've seen it..."
"The regalia, or something else?"
"You are keenly perceptive. I lost someone very special to me." She wanted nothing more than to reach out and touch the armors. She refrained.
"You may have known him, though perhaps not, he was a leader of TriPower."
"I'm all ears, madam."
"Throm uth Bannon," she replied, fighting her grief back.
The forest offered a lungful of fresh air. Sanria could never quite explain how the forest made her feel. The air was vital, thick with the scent of pine and loam. It was cool and soothing, and she found herself humming quietly as she plucked the growing sprigs of chamomile and yarrow. With a few more spearmint leaves, she would have enough. And as she went to the edge of a tree, she heard the humming that was not her own.
Sanria was stunned into silence. He was an elf, tanned, athletic, and a bit taller than Sanria herself. Her eyes then fell on his uniform and she found her breath caught in her throat. When was the last time she had seen a TriPower uniform? A sudden wave grief hit her, but she untied the knot in her stomach and fought back the tears that stung her eyes. She rarely allowed herself time to think of Throm. In everything that had happened, those memories had been relegated to the back of her mind.
"Excuse me..." Sanria said, approaching the elf, who now picked at a few herbs of his own.
"Oh! Hello, didn't see you there," he replied.
"Quite alright... I was just... wondering... you are wearing TriPower regalia, correct?" Of course she was correct, but anything to make small talk. Anything to perhaps touch a tiny corner of the fabric that had been her life. Not too much... but just enough.
"Ahem, yes madam, indeed, you are correct."
"It's been a long while since I've seen it..."
"The regalia, or something else?"
"You are keenly perceptive. I lost someone very special to me." She wanted nothing more than to reach out and touch the armors. She refrained.
"You may have known him, though perhaps not, he was a leader of TriPower."
"I'm all ears, madam."
"Throm uth Bannon," she replied, fighting her grief back.
Casualties of Love (1-2)
Sanria had barely put her head against Colin's chest, conceding that she would stay with him, when the scream cut through the night. Immediately, Colin bristled and moved her behind him as he snaked through the trees. A body lay at the entrance to the cavern and as they approached, Sanria made out the clothing - or lack of clothing - as belonging to Maya.
"Well, she's alive but she's losing a lot of blood..." Colin said, and Sanria walked to the pathway, bringing a large ball of continual light into existence. There was no one as far as she could see, and she let the spell go and turned back to Colin and Maya.
"H....help me.."
"What happened to you?"
Sanria did not listen to the remainder of her words. The woman's arm was laid open and she focused what limited ability she had on staunching the flow of blood. At last, the fibers of muscle were knitted back together and the skin was more or less a weeping scrape. A priest she was not. "I'm afraid I will... I will, I wont be able to refrain from try... trying to destroy it."
"Trying to destroy what?" Sanria asked, wiping her forehead.
"The.... b..baby.." Maya strained.
"Your baby? But... why?"
"It wasn't.... born from love... It's.... its all a lie.."
The guilt swept over Sanria as well as a twinge of sorrow. She glanced at Colin before looking down. They had just expended so much energy on this topic and it was as if the realms were conspiring to keep it at the fore. "No. I know Thasmudyan and he wouldn't do that to you," Sanria said.
"Listen, you have been hurt. We need to get you more help," Colin said.
"He wouldn't be with you if he didn't love you, Maya."
"You should try to save your strength. There will be time to talk more about this later."
Colin was right. "We should take her into town. There should be healers that can help her at the temples." Sanria stood as Colin lifted Maya in his arms.
"It's not mine, not really," Maya sobbed. "He laid with me wanting you... Its.... really your ....baby."
"No. No that isn't true," Sanria would not allow herself to believe it.
"Take it away, before I di....die..."
"He wouldn't have been with you without affection for you. I... I know him, Maya."
Colin looked at Maya, his voice authoritative, "Maya, you must save your strength." He looked over at Sanria, his face tired, angry, frustrated. "I can take her if you can just send us. I will make sure she is seen."
With a nod, Sanria envisioned the Temple of Lathander, and with a quick spell, sent the two on their way. She slowly retreated back to the cavern with a deep sigh. She couldn't picture Thasmudyan =not= loving Maya if he slept with her, she couldn't picture him using her. And why had all this happened tonight?
It was a long time before Colin arrived back at the cavern. He seemed little willing to speak about Maya, preferring to tell Sanria that the woman was safe, would be fine, and that she had claimed Thasmudyan had poisoned her. Sanria looked back at him incredulously, a look that was mirrored on Colin's face. Thasmudyan poisoning someone was about as likely as Orn turning into a butterfly. Something wasn't right, but it was nothing Sanria could worry about at that moment. She settled into Colin's arms as he let out a long exhale and drifted off to sleep.
Sanria laid there a long time in the dark, Colin seeming to clutch her to him in his sleep. She watched his face betray a range of dreaming emotions. She felt there was something more that he knew, something that he was not telling her. Sanria sighed and settled her head into the crook of his arm. Things would get better, no matter whether there were secrets or not. There was no other choice. They had to.
"Well, she's alive but she's losing a lot of blood..." Colin said, and Sanria walked to the pathway, bringing a large ball of continual light into existence. There was no one as far as she could see, and she let the spell go and turned back to Colin and Maya.
"H....help me.."
"What happened to you?"
Sanria did not listen to the remainder of her words. The woman's arm was laid open and she focused what limited ability she had on staunching the flow of blood. At last, the fibers of muscle were knitted back together and the skin was more or less a weeping scrape. A priest she was not. "I'm afraid I will... I will, I wont be able to refrain from try... trying to destroy it."
"Trying to destroy what?" Sanria asked, wiping her forehead.
"The.... b..baby.." Maya strained.
"Your baby? But... why?"
"It wasn't.... born from love... It's.... its all a lie.."
The guilt swept over Sanria as well as a twinge of sorrow. She glanced at Colin before looking down. They had just expended so much energy on this topic and it was as if the realms were conspiring to keep it at the fore. "No. I know Thasmudyan and he wouldn't do that to you," Sanria said.
"Listen, you have been hurt. We need to get you more help," Colin said.
"He wouldn't be with you if he didn't love you, Maya."
"You should try to save your strength. There will be time to talk more about this later."
Colin was right. "We should take her into town. There should be healers that can help her at the temples." Sanria stood as Colin lifted Maya in his arms.
"It's not mine, not really," Maya sobbed. "He laid with me wanting you... Its.... really your ....baby."
"No. No that isn't true," Sanria would not allow herself to believe it.
"Take it away, before I di....die..."
"He wouldn't have been with you without affection for you. I... I know him, Maya."
Colin looked at Maya, his voice authoritative, "Maya, you must save your strength." He looked over at Sanria, his face tired, angry, frustrated. "I can take her if you can just send us. I will make sure she is seen."
With a nod, Sanria envisioned the Temple of Lathander, and with a quick spell, sent the two on their way. She slowly retreated back to the cavern with a deep sigh. She couldn't picture Thasmudyan =not= loving Maya if he slept with her, she couldn't picture him using her. And why had all this happened tonight?
It was a long time before Colin arrived back at the cavern. He seemed little willing to speak about Maya, preferring to tell Sanria that the woman was safe, would be fine, and that she had claimed Thasmudyan had poisoned her. Sanria looked back at him incredulously, a look that was mirrored on Colin's face. Thasmudyan poisoning someone was about as likely as Orn turning into a butterfly. Something wasn't right, but it was nothing Sanria could worry about at that moment. She settled into Colin's arms as he let out a long exhale and drifted off to sleep.
Sanria laid there a long time in the dark, Colin seeming to clutch her to him in his sleep. She watched his face betray a range of dreaming emotions. She felt there was something more that he knew, something that he was not telling her. Sanria sighed and settled her head into the crook of his arm. Things would get better, no matter whether there were secrets or not. There was no other choice. They had to.
An end to a Beginning
Looking down at her own body as the yelling in the nearby glade ceased, Maya pondered her own prediciment for the first time. She was with child, Thasmudyans child, and now she knew he never even loved her. Unlike that man, who loved Sanria so much, even though she loved another... Love? Maya snorted at the rediculousness of her thoughts? Love? No, Not her.
She could hasten the pregnancy along, or let it take its own course, it didnt matter to her which way it happened, she wasnt going to keep the child, The pregnancy would suit her purpose, long enough to destory the families happy end, and she would offer the half drow bastard up to the order, it was bad enough she had to live under this guise as a human, let alone birthing a half breed.
"Time to get on with it then, be seeing you soon, Colin." she muttered to herself, pushing up from the rocks by the falls, Maya staggered out, Slashing her flesh willingly on the rocks, Maya made her way toward the tiny little cabbin, allowing a gut renching scream, she pitched foward, face down into the ground about 20 paces from the caverns entrance and waited, her blood soaking into her garments.
She could hasten the pregnancy along, or let it take its own course, it didnt matter to her which way it happened, she wasnt going to keep the child, The pregnancy would suit her purpose, long enough to destory the families happy end, and she would offer the half drow bastard up to the order, it was bad enough she had to live under this guise as a human, let alone birthing a half breed.
"Time to get on with it then, be seeing you soon, Colin." she muttered to herself, pushing up from the rocks by the falls, Maya staggered out, Slashing her flesh willingly on the rocks, Maya made her way toward the tiny little cabbin, allowing a gut renching scream, she pitched foward, face down into the ground about 20 paces from the caverns entrance and waited, her blood soaking into her garments.
Watching Waiting
Maya had sat on the rocks by the waterfall, listening to the deafening roar of the spray smashing into where she sat, echoing along with each pump of her own heart. She couldn't recall how long she had sat and waited, watching the small little home in the cavern just north of the falls. She smiled at the first sound of breaking wood and raised voice. She tried to warn him, The husband, Colin he was called, that it wouldnt be his baby, but he wouldn't listen, Maya didnt even remember how she knew, just that she had baited him with those very words just a short time before And here out of that small little home, it all came spilling over. She wanted to take that child, with all its whorish origin and fling it into the raging current of the falls, but that wouldn't get her anywhere... If she did take it though, would it cause a closer union between Sanria andColin? Better to wait, wait and watch, Yes, thats what she would do.... As soon as Maya had decided what to do, the cabin door burst open and Colin stormed from the small home, followed shortly by Sanria. Maya nestled down into the shadows cast by the rocks, and listened in to as much as she could hear. Yes if she was going to succeed with this man, she needed the upper hand, taking the child wouldn't do that, not yet anyway... He had to come around to her way of thinking, and Maya smiled as she realised how to do that.
Log: 07102012 - Ror and Sanria
OOC commentary: Second encounter with Sanria. It is a continuation of the previous one. This time she tells Ror quite a bit about the past, including the TriPower and Throm! The conversation also strayed upon Westbridge and its occupation. A discussion that not only had the important line "uplifting the spirit of the people of Westbridge" in it, but possibly also pushed Sanria further onto the path of ensuring Westbridge would be liberated.
Family Guardian (1-2)
Sanria had been puzzled for the entire day. She watched Colin as he doted on their new arrival, smiles, kisses, hugs, her breath catching. Why wasn't he angry? He took care of her as well, though with the residual healing energy from the child coursing through her, she didn't need much. It was as if he truly didn't care - or maybe didn't know - but how could that be?
"How are you feeling?" he asked once the day had wound to a close.
"I'm fine... but how are you?"
"Wonderful. She's beautiful isn't she?"
"Colin... I'm really sorry."
"About what?"
"Well, that she's..." Sanria paused as Colin looked at her, completely not understanding... or perhaps not really wanting to. "We'll have to have Thasmudyan around, you know, not all the time but-"
"Why?" Colin asked, his demeanor beginning to shift.
"Because she needs to have her father around, don't you think?"
"She has her father, right here. Right?" The very slow darkening of Colin's eyes sent a small chill through Sanria, but she couldn't lie to him. "Right?"
"Colin..."
"Sanria, that is our daughter. Yours and mine."
Sanria's heart went out to the little girl, sleeping soundly in the small dressing room. She knew she had to get Colin to see, and so with careful steps, she continued dropping the hints until Colin exploded. With fury he ransacked the bedroom and stormed out. With a small spell woven to keep the baby asleep, Sanria went quickly after him and out into the forest beyond.
"NO!" Colin kept repeating, slamming his fists into tree trunks and sending bits of them flying off into the darkness. "You're wrong!"
"Colin, please, stop. Listen to me..." and finally, he stopped, heaving with unspent energy. He stared down at her, his face looking on the verge of tears through the utter rage. "Okay. She is our daughter... I'm probably wrong."
"But you don't believe that," he said through clenched teeth.
"Do you?"
And the fight slowly left. His voice grew quieter as he kept himself from tears. "I shouldn't be here."
"Why would you say that?"
"Look at what I put you through. I have to lie to myself just to keep control..."
"You are needed and important. Orn needs you, Leandra adores you-"
"All I want is for us to be together, a family, for you to be happy..."
"We are a family," Sanria said, feeling the full implication of her words.
"And I'm trying. But we are all together, and we have our family." Colin looked at Sanria in the darkness, the moon casting only the faintest glow through the trees. "You came after me..."
"Why wouldn't I?"
"You want me around... you want to have me with you."
Sanria walked nearer, wrapping her arms around Colin, leaning her head against him. She couldn't have this happen again. If it meant that Thasmudyan never knew, that is what it meant. She was their daughter, hers and Colin's, and she loved Colin before, she would do it again. What he wanted was simple, and that is just how Sanria would try to keep it.
"How are you feeling?" he asked once the day had wound to a close.
"I'm fine... but how are you?"
"Wonderful. She's beautiful isn't she?"
"Colin... I'm really sorry."
"About what?"
"Well, that she's..." Sanria paused as Colin looked at her, completely not understanding... or perhaps not really wanting to. "We'll have to have Thasmudyan around, you know, not all the time but-"
"Why?" Colin asked, his demeanor beginning to shift.
"Because she needs to have her father around, don't you think?"
"She has her father, right here. Right?" The very slow darkening of Colin's eyes sent a small chill through Sanria, but she couldn't lie to him. "Right?"
"Colin..."
"Sanria, that is our daughter. Yours and mine."
Sanria's heart went out to the little girl, sleeping soundly in the small dressing room. She knew she had to get Colin to see, and so with careful steps, she continued dropping the hints until Colin exploded. With fury he ransacked the bedroom and stormed out. With a small spell woven to keep the baby asleep, Sanria went quickly after him and out into the forest beyond.
"NO!" Colin kept repeating, slamming his fists into tree trunks and sending bits of them flying off into the darkness. "You're wrong!"
"Colin, please, stop. Listen to me..." and finally, he stopped, heaving with unspent energy. He stared down at her, his face looking on the verge of tears through the utter rage. "Okay. She is our daughter... I'm probably wrong."
"But you don't believe that," he said through clenched teeth.
"Do you?"
And the fight slowly left. His voice grew quieter as he kept himself from tears. "I shouldn't be here."
"Why would you say that?"
"Look at what I put you through. I have to lie to myself just to keep control..."
"You are needed and important. Orn needs you, Leandra adores you-"
"All I want is for us to be together, a family, for you to be happy..."
"We are a family," Sanria said, feeling the full implication of her words.
"And I'm trying. But we are all together, and we have our family." Colin looked at Sanria in the darkness, the moon casting only the faintest glow through the trees. "You came after me..."
"Why wouldn't I?"
"You want me around... you want to have me with you."
Sanria walked nearer, wrapping her arms around Colin, leaning her head against him. She couldn't have this happen again. If it meant that Thasmudyan never knew, that is what it meant. She was their daughter, hers and Colin's, and she loved Colin before, she would do it again. What he wanted was simple, and that is just how Sanria would try to keep it.
A Bundle of Hope
Colin felt like things were finally coming together. Times had been very difficult since Arlenia's... death. Just the thought of that incident brought pangs of dread and sorrow up in his chest. That single event not only showed Colin a part of just how much the black makou within him could take control, but it had also shattered his almost perfect life with one sweep of his blades. Colin deeply regretted his actions on that day, not because he felt Arlenia deserved better - after all, the woman had murdered one child of his and attempted to kill another, but rather because of just how far it had driven Sanria from him.
Over the past few months Colin had tried desperately to keep Sanria at least around him, even if she refused to be in a relationship with him. The occasional nights they had shared were much needed breaths of fresh air to keep him fron suffocating. Every time he thought of her going away he could feel himself losing control. He loved Sanria deeply, which made things painful enough, but this was something worse. He had a taste of it before when Sanria had gone off to the frozen north to die. In those few days she was gone it was all he could do to stay sane and he had held onto the then infant Orn like a drowning man to a piece of driftwood.
Finally, things were beginning to change. The visit from Maya the other day was almost more than he could have hoped for. While it truly pained him to see Sanria hurt by the news of Thasmudyan's continued relationship with, and impregnation of, the other woman, Colin couldn't help but feel relief at the revelation. Thasmudyan wasn't the right man for Sanria and maybe now she could finally see that. At least he wouldn't have to deal with him in the house anymore... when or if he ever showed back up.
And now, their daughter was born. He held the small bundle in his arms, cradling the tiny new life that was a part Sanria and a part him. He handed the child off and watched each of their other two children take their turns holding the baby. Finally the child made it back to Sanria and Colin stood there full of pride, love, and hope. Their whole family, together in one room, celebrating the addition of another.
Colin had never let go of hope. After all, he didn't even think he could if he wanted to maintain his sanity and control over his own actions. But now, finally, he felt that his hope wasn't just in desperation but that they could truly begin moving back toward happiness. Things were finally coming back together.
Over the past few months Colin had tried desperately to keep Sanria at least around him, even if she refused to be in a relationship with him. The occasional nights they had shared were much needed breaths of fresh air to keep him fron suffocating. Every time he thought of her going away he could feel himself losing control. He loved Sanria deeply, which made things painful enough, but this was something worse. He had a taste of it before when Sanria had gone off to the frozen north to die. In those few days she was gone it was all he could do to stay sane and he had held onto the then infant Orn like a drowning man to a piece of driftwood.
Finally, things were beginning to change. The visit from Maya the other day was almost more than he could have hoped for. While it truly pained him to see Sanria hurt by the news of Thasmudyan's continued relationship with, and impregnation of, the other woman, Colin couldn't help but feel relief at the revelation. Thasmudyan wasn't the right man for Sanria and maybe now she could finally see that. At least he wouldn't have to deal with him in the house anymore... when or if he ever showed back up.
And now, their daughter was born. He held the small bundle in his arms, cradling the tiny new life that was a part Sanria and a part him. He handed the child off and watched each of their other two children take their turns holding the baby. Finally the child made it back to Sanria and Colin stood there full of pride, love, and hope. Their whole family, together in one room, celebrating the addition of another.
Colin had never let go of hope. After all, he didn't even think he could if he wanted to maintain his sanity and control over his own actions. But now, finally, he felt that his hope wasn't just in desperation but that they could truly begin moving back toward happiness. Things were finally coming back together.
New Arrival
The birth was as simple as Sanria had anticipated. Of course, there was the obligatory pain and blood, but she had done this before. In fact, as she watched Colin cradling the bundle protectively to his chest, she had done this five times now. Five children, one dead, one fully grown and with his own life and responsibilities, two teenagers, and one tiny infant who was the most unexpected of them all. Surprise.
Colin was elated, as he always was, at the newest Stone. Sanria watched him cuddle the little girl who stayed contentedly quiet throughout all of the proceedings -a sleepy little bundle who seemed to need little in her first moments in the world. Colin, Sanria thought, was perfectly fine to insulate himself in this cavern so long as she was in it with him. As predicted, he did not want Thasmudyan around, he would no longer accept healings. Simply stated, he did not want Sanria to have the chance to get close to Thasmudyan again. She could do nothing but relent.
Orn and Leandra both came into the room, Orn taking a few moments to look over the sleeping baby, then passing her to Leandra who seemed to coo in a way that Sanria assumed was just her hormones. This child was due to her meddling, Sanria thought, but she could not be angry. The only thing Leandra wanted was to have her mother and father together again, and through the perfect storm of circumstances, she was to have it. Soon enough, she'd be a mother herself. It was a thought Sanria had to save for another time.
The sleeping infant was passed back to her mother, and Sanria laid down in the bed, resting in the pillows with a sigh. This would have to be the last one. She closed her eyes and listened to Colin's baritone voice, chatting with Orn and Leandra. The entire family, present in one room for the first time in... a very long time. Sanria looked down at the baby, running a finger on her cheek, and the infant opened her eyes. Sanria's heart stopped. Looking back at her was a pair of the bluest eyes she had seen - exactly like Thasmudyan's.
Colin was elated, as he always was, at the newest Stone. Sanria watched him cuddle the little girl who stayed contentedly quiet throughout all of the proceedings -a sleepy little bundle who seemed to need little in her first moments in the world. Colin, Sanria thought, was perfectly fine to insulate himself in this cavern so long as she was in it with him. As predicted, he did not want Thasmudyan around, he would no longer accept healings. Simply stated, he did not want Sanria to have the chance to get close to Thasmudyan again. She could do nothing but relent.
Orn and Leandra both came into the room, Orn taking a few moments to look over the sleeping baby, then passing her to Leandra who seemed to coo in a way that Sanria assumed was just her hormones. This child was due to her meddling, Sanria thought, but she could not be angry. The only thing Leandra wanted was to have her mother and father together again, and through the perfect storm of circumstances, she was to have it. Soon enough, she'd be a mother herself. It was a thought Sanria had to save for another time.
The sleeping infant was passed back to her mother, and Sanria laid down in the bed, resting in the pillows with a sigh. This would have to be the last one. She closed her eyes and listened to Colin's baritone voice, chatting with Orn and Leandra. The entire family, present in one room for the first time in... a very long time. Sanria looked down at the baby, running a finger on her cheek, and the infant opened her eyes. Sanria's heart stopped. Looking back at her was a pair of the bluest eyes she had seen - exactly like Thasmudyan's.
Mother Daughter
Sanria ascended the stairs, leaving Maya and Colin behind. She would send Thasmudyan to Maya as soon as he arrived back at the cavern. First, she would talk to her daughter. She opened Leandra's door, her eyes locking on her daughter's. "Why did you guys have to tell her I was pregnant?"
"I didn't. Your father did," Sanria said and closed the door behind her.
"It's not fair," Leandra began, and Sanria felt the anger leave her limbs. She sat heavily in the rocking chair and stared into the room. "Mama?"
"Yes, Leandra?"
"Aren't you going to say something?"
"No. I don't believe I am."
There was nothing to say. There was nowhere left to go. It was her reality. "I'm sorry, Mama," Leandra whispered.
"You should never be sorry for uncovering the truth, Leandra. No matter how bad it may hurt."
"I was really mad at you but... I'm not mad anymore."
"Thank you, Leandra," Sanria said, her chest weighted.
"I... hope you're not mad at Papa."
Sanria sighed deeply and looked at Leandra. How could this child know that her words gouged Sanria's heart. Leandra had done everything to get Sanria back with Colin. How could she have assumed that it would stop? Somehow, the girl had found the key, and twisted it. Sanria closed her eyes and looked away. It was her reality, and she knew that this was merely the moment when life had decided to force her hand. She got up and walked over to Leandra, patting her affectionately on the shoulder. "I love you, Leandra."
Sanria walked from the room, down the hall, to the Observatory and sat in the chair. All hope for the end of this situation was gone. She knew Colin wouldn't want Thasmudyan around, and that meant Colin would not get healed. She knew that within hours, Colin would push her again to recommit him, and what would she say? There was no where left for her to go and knowing what Colin had in him, she couldn't go even if she wanted to. She slid down in the chair, feeling small, and stared out over the realms as they changed color with the setting sun. There were no other options. Not anymore.
"I didn't. Your father did," Sanria said and closed the door behind her.
"It's not fair," Leandra began, and Sanria felt the anger leave her limbs. She sat heavily in the rocking chair and stared into the room. "Mama?"
"Yes, Leandra?"
"Aren't you going to say something?"
"No. I don't believe I am."
There was nothing to say. There was nowhere left to go. It was her reality. "I'm sorry, Mama," Leandra whispered.
"You should never be sorry for uncovering the truth, Leandra. No matter how bad it may hurt."
"I was really mad at you but... I'm not mad anymore."
"Thank you, Leandra," Sanria said, her chest weighted.
"I... hope you're not mad at Papa."
Sanria sighed deeply and looked at Leandra. How could this child know that her words gouged Sanria's heart. Leandra had done everything to get Sanria back with Colin. How could she have assumed that it would stop? Somehow, the girl had found the key, and twisted it. Sanria closed her eyes and looked away. It was her reality, and she knew that this was merely the moment when life had decided to force her hand. She got up and walked over to Leandra, patting her affectionately on the shoulder. "I love you, Leandra."
Sanria walked from the room, down the hall, to the Observatory and sat in the chair. All hope for the end of this situation was gone. She knew Colin wouldn't want Thasmudyan around, and that meant Colin would not get healed. She knew that within hours, Colin would push her again to recommit him, and what would she say? There was no where left for her to go and knowing what Colin had in him, she couldn't go even if she wanted to. She slid down in the chair, feeling small, and stared out over the realms as they changed color with the setting sun. There were no other options. Not anymore.
Escher's Relativity
The sensation was most like falling, or perhaps it was like being punched in the gut and needing to vomit, or perhaps it was like nothing. Yes. If nothing had a feeling, it would be this. A void. But then again... no. Whatever it was, it was in Sanria as she opened her door and watched Maya walk in. The words came back to her in a roar, a distant conversation:
"You asked why I keep showing up in your life," Thasmudyan said, "Don't
you think that maybe, being with you was the happiest moment in my lives,
and that all I'm hoping for is another chance to have something like that
again?"
"What if Maya comes looking for you?" she asked.
"I'll deal with that if it happens. She hasn't been, though."
"If you want to be with her... if she does, I won't stop you. I've done
my fair share of... others."
"Fair enough. Still, I don't see myself choosing her if I could have you
instead."
Sanria felt her knees go weak. This was not supposed to happen. Not when she had just decided. Not when she had just told Colin that when Thasmudyan came back, she was going to be with him. No. Not this. Not now.
"So it is the right residence then. Evening to you Sanria," Maya said. No, no, this wasn't supposed to be. How did she know anything was going on? And then Sanria's questions were answered as her daughter hopped down the stairs calling out a hello. No.
"I... I see you've met my daughter, somehow. Colin... this is Maya. Maya, this is Colin, Leandra's father."
"The husband I presume," and the words seemed a slap in Sanria's face.
"No... not... exactly," Sanria said, ignored.
"I have heard your name before," Colin said.
"I'm an acquaintance of your wife's," another slap.
"We're, separated... actually,"
"Such a shame, true love really is something rare to be treasured. I'm sure you'll both find it some day," and Maya rested her eyes on Sanria.
This was not supposed to be happening. Leandra excused herself and ran back up the stairs, and Maya launched into a discussion - one to which Sanria found no choice but to sit down for. Leandra hated her, and was miserable, and needed to know the truth about Brin and Visha and- where had this come from? "Driven by a series of hates and hurts that filtered into the wrong hands will destroy your family," Maya said.
"Please, listen. There are no lies here. She knows her father and I love her, she knows that I'm not... exactly with her father. As far as Brin goes, she had issues within her that Leandra couldn't hope to compete with."
"In a world where so many children prepare to come to breathe.... should we not offer them a future worth living? Your daughter gives me hope towards my own, please do not misplace my intentions."
"...your own?"
"You didn't know? Oh of course not, it has been so long since that day you introduced us. I'm with child."
"With... wait... whose child?"
"Thasmudyan's of course."
Yes. Like falling and being punched and needing to vomit. Like cold that curls up at your feet, winding about them, nestling like a viper. Sanria felt herself turn away, blanching at the expression on Colin's face, the one he was trying to keep her from seeing. She had told Thasmudyan before that she was afraid this reality was permanent for her. Though he gave his assurances it was not... Sanria had merely to turn around to look on the face of the truth.
"You asked why I keep showing up in your life," Thasmudyan said, "Don't
you think that maybe, being with you was the happiest moment in my lives,
and that all I'm hoping for is another chance to have something like that
again?"
"What if Maya comes looking for you?" she asked.
"I'll deal with that if it happens. She hasn't been, though."
"If you want to be with her... if she does, I won't stop you. I've done
my fair share of... others."
"Fair enough. Still, I don't see myself choosing her if I could have you
instead."
Sanria felt her knees go weak. This was not supposed to happen. Not when she had just decided. Not when she had just told Colin that when Thasmudyan came back, she was going to be with him. No. Not this. Not now.
"So it is the right residence then. Evening to you Sanria," Maya said. No, no, this wasn't supposed to be. How did she know anything was going on? And then Sanria's questions were answered as her daughter hopped down the stairs calling out a hello. No.
"I... I see you've met my daughter, somehow. Colin... this is Maya. Maya, this is Colin, Leandra's father."
"The husband I presume," and the words seemed a slap in Sanria's face.
"No... not... exactly," Sanria said, ignored.
"I have heard your name before," Colin said.
"I'm an acquaintance of your wife's," another slap.
"We're, separated... actually,"
"Such a shame, true love really is something rare to be treasured. I'm sure you'll both find it some day," and Maya rested her eyes on Sanria.
This was not supposed to be happening. Leandra excused herself and ran back up the stairs, and Maya launched into a discussion - one to which Sanria found no choice but to sit down for. Leandra hated her, and was miserable, and needed to know the truth about Brin and Visha and- where had this come from? "Driven by a series of hates and hurts that filtered into the wrong hands will destroy your family," Maya said.
"Please, listen. There are no lies here. She knows her father and I love her, she knows that I'm not... exactly with her father. As far as Brin goes, she had issues within her that Leandra couldn't hope to compete with."
"In a world where so many children prepare to come to breathe.... should we not offer them a future worth living? Your daughter gives me hope towards my own, please do not misplace my intentions."
"...your own?"
"You didn't know? Oh of course not, it has been so long since that day you introduced us. I'm with child."
"With... wait... whose child?"
"Thasmudyan's of course."
Yes. Like falling and being punched and needing to vomit. Like cold that curls up at your feet, winding about them, nestling like a viper. Sanria felt herself turn away, blanching at the expression on Colin's face, the one he was trying to keep her from seeing. She had told Thasmudyan before that she was afraid this reality was permanent for her. Though he gave his assurances it was not... Sanria had merely to turn around to look on the face of the truth.
Adults Blow
Leandra called mentally for her father and waited, twiddling her thumbs and sighing. He was certainly taking his time, maybe he was just upset and didn't really want to see her - he still sounded upset by all of this. Still, she had to clarify things. As she left Maya, the woman had spoken into her mind, "Visha." She had mentioned that Visha was Brin's father, but if Visha was Brin's father, then that meant Visha was her father, too. Then Colin wasn't her dad at all, and that sent a little bit of panic into Leandra's body.
"Papa," she started once Colin had barely gotten into the room, "who is Visha?" She couldn't have anticipated the look of shock on his face.
"Visha...? Where did you hear that name?"
"I... you're my real dad, aren't you? Not Visha?"
"Of course I'm your dad. Now, Leandra, tell me, where did you hear this?"
"Promise you won't get mad at me?"
"Oh Leandra..."
So Leandra launched into the story of how she escaped the confines of the cavern and headed into Westbridge (what else was she supposed to do, actually stay here?) and her encounter with Maya. She told Colin how Maya was supposed to marry Thasmudyan and saw her father's eyes lighten a bit. "So anyways, I talked to her more about it and begged her to help me get rid of him, and she said she would. That all I had to do was tell Thasmudyan that I wanted a little time with my family before he got with Mama so he'd leave and go to Maya. Then she said she'd do the rest."
"Wait, wait... Leandra, you just met this woman and you're... plotting with her?"
"Not to kill him, she told me that she wasn't going to do that. Just to get him away from here so that you and mama can be together again. But... then she got this weird look on her face when I told her my name. She said, "Brin Stone?" and I was like yeah, and told her how gross... I mean, how you and Emalia had a baby and named her that."
"Leandra, be respectful."
"Well it is..." she muttered.
"Did she say anything about where Visha and Brin are now?" Colin asked.
"No. Nothing else. But she asked where we live and said maybe she'd come visit us."
And like magic, like, really - the doorbell rang. Ignoring her grounding, Leandra leapt up from her bed with a grin. "Maybe that's her!" And she zipped out the door.
"Leandra, wait!" Colin called after.
"Papa," she started once Colin had barely gotten into the room, "who is Visha?" She couldn't have anticipated the look of shock on his face.
"Visha...? Where did you hear that name?"
"I... you're my real dad, aren't you? Not Visha?"
"Of course I'm your dad. Now, Leandra, tell me, where did you hear this?"
"Promise you won't get mad at me?"
"Oh Leandra..."
So Leandra launched into the story of how she escaped the confines of the cavern and headed into Westbridge (what else was she supposed to do, actually stay here?) and her encounter with Maya. She told Colin how Maya was supposed to marry Thasmudyan and saw her father's eyes lighten a bit. "So anyways, I talked to her more about it and begged her to help me get rid of him, and she said she would. That all I had to do was tell Thasmudyan that I wanted a little time with my family before he got with Mama so he'd leave and go to Maya. Then she said she'd do the rest."
"Wait, wait... Leandra, you just met this woman and you're... plotting with her?"
"Not to kill him, she told me that she wasn't going to do that. Just to get him away from here so that you and mama can be together again. But... then she got this weird look on her face when I told her my name. She said, "Brin Stone?" and I was like yeah, and told her how gross... I mean, how you and Emalia had a baby and named her that."
"Leandra, be respectful."
"Well it is..." she muttered.
"Did she say anything about where Visha and Brin are now?" Colin asked.
"No. Nothing else. But she asked where we live and said maybe she'd come visit us."
And like magic, like, really - the doorbell rang. Ignoring her grounding, Leandra leapt up from her bed with a grin. "Maybe that's her!" And she zipped out the door.
"Leandra, wait!" Colin called after.
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