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.
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
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