'So you have to sense it.'
"I guess."
Mirin sat across from Askari who stared down at the rug under his feet. She'd decided against going to Sanria and Gilean with the information on Claire. They didn't seem to be spending much time dwelling on her, and Mirin wasn't going to be the one to destroy that. It didn't anger her that they were happy and isolated from what was happening. Her mother, Claire, had made her choices and seemed to be paying the price... still...
'So when I get close-'
"I can help you get close, but I won't go in with you."
'Askari... you could help me a great deal.'
"No... I... can't."
'What happened to you?' Mirin telepathed with a sigh. "He turned into a chicken," Leandra snorted as she entered the room. She plopped down on the chair and smirked. "His racist sack of shit father slapped him across the face when he tried to stand up to him. He hasn't really been the same since."
Mirin turned her gaze on Askari. She narrowed the focus of her telepathy, speaking to her brother directly. 'Is what she says true?'
'Does it matter?'
'Of course it matters, Askari... did he strike you?'
"I know when I'm being excluded, I'll go make myself useful in this dump." Leandra got up and left the room, leaving Askari to make a long lingering sigh.
"Yes," Askari answered simply.
Mirin leaned over, taking her brother in her arms. Her response back was a stiff pat on her back as Askari pulled away. "I'll get you nearby, but I don't want to see him... ever."
'I understand.'
Thus it was that Mirin found herself on the edge of a wood, alone. She could sense the presence of the camp, the tingle of magic that only those with esper blood could decipher. She took a deep breath and stepped forward and through the camouflaged barrier.
Showing posts with label Leandra. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Leandra. Show all posts
Wayward Son
Sanria knew what was about to happen before it happened, but she still could not keep Orn from exploding in front of Ruthivan. She had to at last lay a hearty slap on her son's face to break his focus. Ruthivan had turned himself into some raging demonic... thing, and Sanria knew that in that instant, he was going to turn his fury on Claire once all was said and done. If, she entertained, he didn't kill them first.
"You men and your idiotic posturing," she hissed at Orn once they had left the tent and were standing before it outside. "Did you once think of what you were doing to Claire as you were threatening the man she has to live with?! You don't even know the whole story and you're in there acting as if you can take him. As if he's never dealt with kid-napping her multiple times!"
"She shouldn't be living with that! You saw how he was with her! What more is there to the story?" Orn said.
"Orn, damn it. Did YOU think about the children? Did you see she has four and one on the way? Gods only know what he's in there doing to her because you worked him up!"
"But, I mean, he was terrible..."
"You've effectively made it so we will NEVER come back here without force."
"I was just. I mean if nobody stands up to him. Claire can't even speak up for herself."
They looked up just to hear Ruthivan's shouting from the opened door. Leandra, Askari, and Heiyu walked out- Leandra looking defiant, Askari looking cowed, and Heiyu as scared as a child could be, clinging to his father. "Are you guys okay?" Orn asked, and Leandra glared. She walked to Sanria.
"We need a place to live so I hope you have somewhere we can go because hot head over there got in a tangle with Mr. Asshole," she spat.
"Leandra... that guy. Come on. He's unbelievable."
"Shut up, Orn. You just got us kicked out of our house. Idiot."
"Why would you want to be anywhere around him? Do you know what he called Heiyu?"
"Of COURSE I know. But at least here we had a place away from you and your do-good self! We stayed out of his way and kept Heiyu out of the way too! But you couldn't just keep your stupid self home!"
Sanria let out a sigh and put a hand up, asking for peace. "I... Leandra, let's not fight. You, Askari, and Heiyu can live at the cottage. No one is there now."
"Someone has to stand up to him," Orn said. "Let him know he can't be like that... right? It's just not right."
"Yeah," Leandra snarked. "We all knew that. Sorry you were late to the party.
Sanria sent Leandra, Askari, and Heiyu to the cottage and walked over to Orn. Comforting him for a moment before they returned to the cavern. She knew he was only doing his best, they all were only trying to help. Now, the possibilities of what Claire was enduring made her feel sick to her stomach. That she'd have to tell Gilean made her feel even worse... She sighed deeply. There had to be a solution to Claire's situation. Sanria had finally seen for herself... the woman was in trouble.
"You men and your idiotic posturing," she hissed at Orn once they had left the tent and were standing before it outside. "Did you once think of what you were doing to Claire as you were threatening the man she has to live with?! You don't even know the whole story and you're in there acting as if you can take him. As if he's never dealt with kid-napping her multiple times!"
"She shouldn't be living with that! You saw how he was with her! What more is there to the story?" Orn said.
"Orn, damn it. Did YOU think about the children? Did you see she has four and one on the way? Gods only know what he's in there doing to her because you worked him up!"
"But, I mean, he was terrible..."
"You've effectively made it so we will NEVER come back here without force."
"I was just. I mean if nobody stands up to him. Claire can't even speak up for herself."
They looked up just to hear Ruthivan's shouting from the opened door. Leandra, Askari, and Heiyu walked out- Leandra looking defiant, Askari looking cowed, and Heiyu as scared as a child could be, clinging to his father. "Are you guys okay?" Orn asked, and Leandra glared. She walked to Sanria.
"We need a place to live so I hope you have somewhere we can go because hot head over there got in a tangle with Mr. Asshole," she spat.
"Leandra... that guy. Come on. He's unbelievable."
"Shut up, Orn. You just got us kicked out of our house. Idiot."
"Why would you want to be anywhere around him? Do you know what he called Heiyu?"
"Of COURSE I know. But at least here we had a place away from you and your do-good self! We stayed out of his way and kept Heiyu out of the way too! But you couldn't just keep your stupid self home!"
Sanria let out a sigh and put a hand up, asking for peace. "I... Leandra, let's not fight. You, Askari, and Heiyu can live at the cottage. No one is there now."
"Someone has to stand up to him," Orn said. "Let him know he can't be like that... right? It's just not right."
"Yeah," Leandra snarked. "We all knew that. Sorry you were late to the party.
Sanria sent Leandra, Askari, and Heiyu to the cottage and walked over to Orn. Comforting him for a moment before they returned to the cavern. She knew he was only doing his best, they all were only trying to help. Now, the possibilities of what Claire was enduring made her feel sick to her stomach. That she'd have to tell Gilean made her feel even worse... She sighed deeply. There had to be a solution to Claire's situation. Sanria had finally seen for herself... the woman was in trouble.
Expulsion (3/3)
Sanria found a way to take Orn out of the tent and Ruthivan, back to his esper form, wheeled on her. "Go get that human and your spawn. Now."
Obediently, Claire went and returned leading the small family behind her. Ruthivan approached and pointed a finger into Leandra's chest. "Get out, all of you, and don't come back."
"Dad, don't do that to her," Askari said, stepping forward. Ruthivan let forth a scathing slap. "GET OUT!" "Ruthivan," Claire said, rushing forward, gripping Ruthivan's arm. "Please, don't do this, stop, he is our son!"
Ruthivan gripped Claire's robes and snatched her to his face. "These are not pure, and I'll purge them from our presence." He shoved her away and stepped to the door as Leandra, Askari, and Heiyu filed past. "Please!! Ruthivan!! Stop!!" Claire sobbed openly. "GET OUT! And if you dare come back here, so help me, I will destroy you."
Once the three were gone, Ruthivan slammed the door behind them. He glared about the room and the other children fled his sight. He strode over and lifted Claire from the ground by her arm. "If you have anything to do with those misborn mongrels again, I'll have to take more drastic measures. Do you hear me, Claire?" He shook her, and she nodded, sobbing. "Now, get in the bedroom and clean yourself up for Gods sakes. You should be happy I've purged us of impurities. Stop your crying."
Claire stumbled into the bedroom, numb. She collapsed onto the bed and sobbed harder than she had ever before.
Obediently, Claire went and returned leading the small family behind her. Ruthivan approached and pointed a finger into Leandra's chest. "Get out, all of you, and don't come back."
"Dad, don't do that to her," Askari said, stepping forward. Ruthivan let forth a scathing slap. "GET OUT!" "Ruthivan," Claire said, rushing forward, gripping Ruthivan's arm. "Please, don't do this, stop, he is our son!"
Ruthivan gripped Claire's robes and snatched her to his face. "These are not pure, and I'll purge them from our presence." He shoved her away and stepped to the door as Leandra, Askari, and Heiyu filed past. "Please!! Ruthivan!! Stop!!" Claire sobbed openly. "GET OUT! And if you dare come back here, so help me, I will destroy you."
Once the three were gone, Ruthivan slammed the door behind them. He glared about the room and the other children fled his sight. He strode over and lifted Claire from the ground by her arm. "If you have anything to do with those misborn mongrels again, I'll have to take more drastic measures. Do you hear me, Claire?" He shook her, and she nodded, sobbing. "Now, get in the bedroom and clean yourself up for Gods sakes. You should be happy I've purged us of impurities. Stop your crying."
Claire stumbled into the bedroom, numb. She collapsed onto the bed and sobbed harder than she had ever before.
Expulsion (1/3)
he boy was at it again. Heiyu this time had gone into the cups and glasses in the kitchen, gathered them all into his arms, and went squealing into the living room. As much as she wanted Askari or Leandra to take responsibility for the boy, she adored the time she got to spend with her grandson. It was only this small space of time, when Ruthivan took the other children to the esper camp to be with -their- grandparents. And since Ruthivan had made her a capitive in her own home with the wards, she had no where else to-
Claire stopped short. There, standing in her living room, was Sanria and Orn. It couldn't be. This was not a good thing, unexpected visitors when Ruthivan would be coming home... She would be a good hostess, she would say hello then send them on their way before Ruthivan came home.
They'd come to check on her. The fear went through her. There was no time for answering questions, no time for -
Before Claire could think of a way to get them to stop, to get them to leave, the front door opened and Ruthivan stood shocked, then evenly angered at the- "There are humans in here, Dad!!!" "Children, go out and play."
Claire looked down, her guts heavy with icy fear. "Claire, why are these people in my house?" he asked. "This is Leandra's mother and brother," she said, rounding the room to rest a hand on Ruthivan's arm. "Orn Stone. Nice to meet you Mr. Wolldon." The handshake was ignored, and Claire's fears grew by the moment. "Claire, did you not understand my desire to not have guests of this kind in my house?" "Ruthivan, it's only for a moment. They came to see Leandra and Heiyu and Askari. That's all."
"Leave."
Claire stopped short. There, standing in her living room, was Sanria and Orn. It couldn't be. This was not a good thing, unexpected visitors when Ruthivan would be coming home... She would be a good hostess, she would say hello then send them on their way before Ruthivan came home.
They'd come to check on her. The fear went through her. There was no time for answering questions, no time for -
Before Claire could think of a way to get them to stop, to get them to leave, the front door opened and Ruthivan stood shocked, then evenly angered at the- "There are humans in here, Dad!!!" "Children, go out and play."
Claire looked down, her guts heavy with icy fear. "Claire, why are these people in my house?" he asked. "This is Leandra's mother and brother," she said, rounding the room to rest a hand on Ruthivan's arm. "Orn Stone. Nice to meet you Mr. Wolldon." The handshake was ignored, and Claire's fears grew by the moment. "Claire, did you not understand my desire to not have guests of this kind in my house?" "Ruthivan, it's only for a moment. They came to see Leandra and Heiyu and Askari. That's all."
"Leave."
Discoveries in Seas of Emotion ( 1 of 2 )
"Mom, you really shouldn't come. The guy is an asshole." Leandra was not known for holding back, and Sanria sighed.
"I'd like to see her for myself and possibly..."
"What?"
"Well, I know we haven't exactly talked since... since you left, but-"
"Gods mom, what did you do now. Or should I say, who?"
"Leandra, that's... nevermind. I'm back together with your father."
"Well that's great!"
"No... hang on..."
"What?"
"I'm with Gilean, too." Silence. Then:
"You're married to two guys?"
"Yes."
"Holy hells, mom. I mean... what is wrong with you?"
"Leandra, I'm doing the best I can under the circumstances, so if you
don't mind keeping your demeaning opinion to yourself-"
"Fine. Fine... I'm... glad you're at least kinda back with Dad."
"Thank you," Sanria telepathed. "When can I come to visit Claire?"
"Soon. Mr. Bitch takes their kids to visit the other Espers daily. You
need to come about noon. If he finds you there, he's probably going
to be in a mood."
"Thank you, Leandra. I love you."
"Yeah, I know."
Sanria broke the connection with her daughter and sighed. She still didn't know she had a brand new half brother, but that would be a discussion for another time. She got up and packed a few supplies in her pack. She would go to Claire, figure out how to get her out of her situation, and bring her back for Gilean. It would be as simple as that. She had nearly reached the door when Gilean appeared from the library.
He guessed immediately where she was going and why, and spent the next moments trying to convince her that it was not what he wanted. "But," she began, "don't you love Claire more than you love me? If you could be with her, wouldn't you?" "I do love Claire. I do care about what she's going through and I hate to see it. She doesn't deserve it. But to say I love her more than you?" Gilean shook his head. "That's not true, Sanria."
Sanria's heart skipped and she reached out, taking both Gilean and her baby son, Sandorin, into an embrace. As strange was it was, she had to admit to herself that she was deeply in love with Gilean, and though it was different than the deep love she had for Colin, the truth was that she felt her heart more entwined with the man in her arms now.
She pulled back just as Orn came down the stairs. "Oh, hey guys. You... going somewhere, Mom?"
"Ah, I don't think so now. I was just going to go visit Claire and Leandra. I was thinking of helping Claire if she wanted help."
"Oh. Well, is there something I can do to help?"
"I'd like to see her for myself and possibly..."
"What?"
"Well, I know we haven't exactly talked since... since you left, but-"
"Gods mom, what did you do now. Or should I say, who?"
"Leandra, that's... nevermind. I'm back together with your father."
"Well that's great!"
"No... hang on..."
"What?"
"I'm with Gilean, too." Silence. Then:
"You're married to two guys?"
"Yes."
"Holy hells, mom. I mean... what is wrong with you?"
"Leandra, I'm doing the best I can under the circumstances, so if you
don't mind keeping your demeaning opinion to yourself-"
"Fine. Fine... I'm... glad you're at least kinda back with Dad."
"Thank you," Sanria telepathed. "When can I come to visit Claire?"
"Soon. Mr. Bitch takes their kids to visit the other Espers daily. You
need to come about noon. If he finds you there, he's probably going
to be in a mood."
"Thank you, Leandra. I love you."
"Yeah, I know."
Sanria broke the connection with her daughter and sighed. She still didn't know she had a brand new half brother, but that would be a discussion for another time. She got up and packed a few supplies in her pack. She would go to Claire, figure out how to get her out of her situation, and bring her back for Gilean. It would be as simple as that. She had nearly reached the door when Gilean appeared from the library.
He guessed immediately where she was going and why, and spent the next moments trying to convince her that it was not what he wanted. "But," she began, "don't you love Claire more than you love me? If you could be with her, wouldn't you?" "I do love Claire. I do care about what she's going through and I hate to see it. She doesn't deserve it. But to say I love her more than you?" Gilean shook his head. "That's not true, Sanria."
Sanria's heart skipped and she reached out, taking both Gilean and her baby son, Sandorin, into an embrace. As strange was it was, she had to admit to herself that she was deeply in love with Gilean, and though it was different than the deep love she had for Colin, the truth was that she felt her heart more entwined with the man in her arms now.
She pulled back just as Orn came down the stairs. "Oh, hey guys. You... going somewhere, Mom?"
"Ah, I don't think so now. I was just going to go visit Claire and Leandra. I was thinking of helping Claire if she wanted help."
"Oh. Well, is there something I can do to help?"
Thinking the Impossible
As Sanria stared at the cottage, a low whistling could be heard. She turned to find Thasmudyan. She did not have the rush of emotion she used to have. It was simply like meeting an old friend - albeit one you were embarrassed to inform of your polyandry. Still, they spoke, Sanria noting the distinct absence of any questions about Nioma. He had truly let go of his daughter. She gave him a tour of the castle, inviting him to apply to the Keepers, and after a bite to eat, they said their goodbyes. Sanria checked her mental list. She could say truthfully that she was no longer in love with Thasmudyan, but she hoped that he would be part of the Keepers and remain her friend.
She returned to the cavern later that evening after finishing a bit of work. That night she spoke with Colin, determining that the two men were at odds. Colin spoke about how they should be together, and Sanria found herself thinking about the way Gilean looked at her. She had seen he and Claire together, she saw the concern on his face when she sat in the living room. She knew what it looked like when someone was holding back what they felt. She certainly thought she had seen it on Gilean's face.
Sanria offered Gilean the chance to leave, to not feel obligated to stay. The answer was a resounding no. Sanria frowned at the distress on Gilean's face and was confused. He said he loved her, wanted to be with her, that she was the mother of his children, and wanted her to want him. She felt guilty that she didn't want him to leave, but at the same time... at the same time she knew that somewhere inside of his mind, of his heart... she was his second choice.
The following day she sat at the kitchen table alone. She closed her eyes. "Leandra, I know you probably don't want to talk to me, but, I truly need your help."
The flippant acid reply came back, "What do you want, mom?"
"I need you to tell me where I can find Claire."
She returned to the cavern later that evening after finishing a bit of work. That night she spoke with Colin, determining that the two men were at odds. Colin spoke about how they should be together, and Sanria found herself thinking about the way Gilean looked at her. She had seen he and Claire together, she saw the concern on his face when she sat in the living room. She knew what it looked like when someone was holding back what they felt. She certainly thought she had seen it on Gilean's face.
Sanria offered Gilean the chance to leave, to not feel obligated to stay. The answer was a resounding no. Sanria frowned at the distress on Gilean's face and was confused. He said he loved her, wanted to be with her, that she was the mother of his children, and wanted her to want him. She felt guilty that she didn't want him to leave, but at the same time... at the same time she knew that somewhere inside of his mind, of his heart... she was his second choice.
The following day she sat at the kitchen table alone. She closed her eyes. "Leandra, I know you probably don't want to talk to me, but, I truly need your help."
The flippant acid reply came back, "What do you want, mom?"
"I need you to tell me where I can find Claire."
WHAT?!
WHAT?!
Ruthivan's blood crept up into his neck and he could feel the tension there. He stared at Claire and all he wanted to do was strike her for allowing such a thing to happen - but he couldn't. She'd run off if he did that, then he'd have to track her down and spend time convincing her he didn't mean it. Better to keep his hands off of her and do this the old fashioned way. 'How could you let them in our home, Claire? Are you a fool?'
'No, Ruthivan, but I can't turn away our son.'
'He's not our son, not anymore. He turned his back on everything our people need to breed with a human.'
'Ruthivan, please, be reasonable...'
'Reasonable?' he shouted. 'Is seeing at night in the cities by esper light reasonable to you?'
'No,' Claire looked down.
'Is it reasonable the slaughter of our people to sate the needs of the humans?'
'No,' Claire said quietly, 'But Leandra didn't do that.'
'She's human, isn't she?'
'Yes...'
'Close enough.'
Ruthivan paced the tent. Where had he gone wrong? Perhaps listening to Claire and coming back to this place when he should have kept her, Askari, and all the rest of his children off this planet. No, he came back for her, for Claire, and they were still outcasts. Eladrim would barely accept seeing him to discuss coming back into the fold. Now, with this human girl, there would be no chance at all. He turned to Claire, gripping her shoulder, perhaps harder than he intended. 'This cannot be allowed.'
'Ruthivan,' she begged, 'He's your son...'
'Only in deed. He turned his back on us all. Get rid of him.'
'No.'
Ruthivan stared at Claire, his eyebrow raised, his jaw set. 'No?'
'I won't turn them away if they need help.'
'Damn your soft cow heart. This is urgent and must be done NOW.'
'No. I will help others, even if you don't think I should, even if you won't let me, especially if that one is my son.'
He wanted to choke her. When he had grown so angry with her, he didn't know. Perhaps it was when he found she was no longer bearing children. Perhaps it was seeing that nothing he did caused her enough pride for her flames to burn freely. She was ashamed of him, she loathed him, he could see it. It was all over her face.
Ruthivan pushed the impulse down and took in a long breath. 'Please, be reasonable,' she whispered as she looked at him. Reasonable... she'd never know the meaning of the word.
'If I let him stay, will it please you?' he asked in a low tone, staring down his nose into her eyes.
'Very much,' she said. Even her smile was false. 'Fine. But they stay out there.'
'Thank you, Ruthivan,' and she hugged him.
He watched her walk away, clenching his jaw. There was no change in her flames at all. None whatsoever.
Ruthivan's blood crept up into his neck and he could feel the tension there. He stared at Claire and all he wanted to do was strike her for allowing such a thing to happen - but he couldn't. She'd run off if he did that, then he'd have to track her down and spend time convincing her he didn't mean it. Better to keep his hands off of her and do this the old fashioned way. 'How could you let them in our home, Claire? Are you a fool?'
'No, Ruthivan, but I can't turn away our son.'
'He's not our son, not anymore. He turned his back on everything our people need to breed with a human.'
'Ruthivan, please, be reasonable...'
'Reasonable?' he shouted. 'Is seeing at night in the cities by esper light reasonable to you?'
'No,' Claire looked down.
'Is it reasonable the slaughter of our people to sate the needs of the humans?'
'No,' Claire said quietly, 'But Leandra didn't do that.'
'She's human, isn't she?'
'Yes...'
'Close enough.'
Ruthivan paced the tent. Where had he gone wrong? Perhaps listening to Claire and coming back to this place when he should have kept her, Askari, and all the rest of his children off this planet. No, he came back for her, for Claire, and they were still outcasts. Eladrim would barely accept seeing him to discuss coming back into the fold. Now, with this human girl, there would be no chance at all. He turned to Claire, gripping her shoulder, perhaps harder than he intended. 'This cannot be allowed.'
'Ruthivan,' she begged, 'He's your son...'
'Only in deed. He turned his back on us all. Get rid of him.'
'No.'
Ruthivan stared at Claire, his eyebrow raised, his jaw set. 'No?'
'I won't turn them away if they need help.'
'Damn your soft cow heart. This is urgent and must be done NOW.'
'No. I will help others, even if you don't think I should, even if you won't let me, especially if that one is my son.'
He wanted to choke her. When he had grown so angry with her, he didn't know. Perhaps it was when he found she was no longer bearing children. Perhaps it was seeing that nothing he did caused her enough pride for her flames to burn freely. She was ashamed of him, she loathed him, he could see it. It was all over her face.
Ruthivan pushed the impulse down and took in a long breath. 'Please, be reasonable,' she whispered as she looked at him. Reasonable... she'd never know the meaning of the word.
'If I let him stay, will it please you?' he asked in a low tone, staring down his nose into her eyes.
'Very much,' she said. Even her smile was false. 'Fine. But they stay out there.'
'Thank you, Ruthivan,' and she hugged him.
He watched her walk away, clenching his jaw. There was no change in her flames at all. None whatsoever.
Uterus B-GONE!
Claire was tired and it showed. Her flames had not flared to life in a long time now, not that anyone cared or noticed. She kept holed in the tent with her children; Celiara, who was now quite rambunctious and the apple of her father's eye; Saren, a tiny ball of temper; and Desmaren, a quiet child who seemed to only wish no one would see him at all.
It surprised her to see Askari when he showed up, and further shocked her to see Leandra with him, and still drove her into confusion to see their boy Heiyu. They needed a place to live. Claire's stomach turned. Ruthivan would not be pleased.
Though she had chosen to stay with him of her own will, Claire never felt free. Ruthivan dictated so much of her life - from what robes she chose to wear, what time she could take a walk, what foods she ought to feed the children. She didn't even know how Matinus was doing, she wasn't permitted to visit. The last time Mirin had contacted her, Claire found Ruthivan glaring at her, having intercepted every word. Reluctantly, she had closed communications. She couldn't go far enough to escape any detection. Ruthivan kept his eye on her constantly.
The only thing Claire had managed successfully was to get rid of her womb. Ruthivan had gone to her father, Eladrim, to once again plead their case for acceptance back into the group. It was her one chance, and she took it. Ruthivan could not figure out why she was no longer getting pregnant, and knowing that he would "look," Claire had even put a mock uterus in place. No matter what he wanted, she would not continue to be an esper factory.
Claire let Askari and Leandra set up a tent behind her own and set herself to deal with Ruthivan's ire. Not only was she not getting pregnant, but now they would have their son living with his non-esper wife and "half-breed" child. Ruthivan walked into the room and Claire cleared her throat.
It surprised her to see Askari when he showed up, and further shocked her to see Leandra with him, and still drove her into confusion to see their boy Heiyu. They needed a place to live. Claire's stomach turned. Ruthivan would not be pleased.
Though she had chosen to stay with him of her own will, Claire never felt free. Ruthivan dictated so much of her life - from what robes she chose to wear, what time she could take a walk, what foods she ought to feed the children. She didn't even know how Matinus was doing, she wasn't permitted to visit. The last time Mirin had contacted her, Claire found Ruthivan glaring at her, having intercepted every word. Reluctantly, she had closed communications. She couldn't go far enough to escape any detection. Ruthivan kept his eye on her constantly.
The only thing Claire had managed successfully was to get rid of her womb. Ruthivan had gone to her father, Eladrim, to once again plead their case for acceptance back into the group. It was her one chance, and she took it. Ruthivan could not figure out why she was no longer getting pregnant, and knowing that he would "look," Claire had even put a mock uterus in place. No matter what he wanted, she would not continue to be an esper factory.
Claire let Askari and Leandra set up a tent behind her own and set herself to deal with Ruthivan's ire. Not only was she not getting pregnant, but now they would have their son living with his non-esper wife and "half-breed" child. Ruthivan walked into the room and Claire cleared her throat.
Turning Tide
The next day had come and gone and Sanria was once again laying in bed with Gilean, taking stock of everything. Gilean had noted digging on the grave, and Sanria had to fess up to her feelings - that Velentham had ruined her life. Gilean stared at her for a moment before reminding her that her life wasn't ruined. He was there, their family was there, even Colin had been given back his memories and while not with her, had the knowledge of what family he did have - Orn, Leandra, and his grandchildren.
Still, Sanria felt the loss of the first child Velentham took, and the loss of the second she had done in herself. Then she finally admitted it, the feeling she'd been holding as secret since the return of Colin's mind. "I don't think I can do this."
She was showered in love - held, kissed, reassured. It was the first time she'd felt, strangely enough, that Gilean wanted her and was ready to do anything to keep her around. For the first time in a while she felt worthy... but still the small feeling maintained its grip on the edge of her thoughts.
They made love, and Gilean put a hand to her stomach, sending his own strange magic into her and she felt it. "How..." she whispered. To have a child, already, after everything, she knew he had to have orchestrated things.
"Life will always find a way. Now we can look forward, and he will help us do that."
Something melted away from her, something that held her captive and circling the abyss. Suddenly, she was back on track, she was with the man she married, a man she loved, and they were going to have their family. "I assure you," Gilean said, "I am going to do anything and everything for my family." For the first time Sanria heard and understood that his statement included her.
Still, Sanria felt the loss of the first child Velentham took, and the loss of the second she had done in herself. Then she finally admitted it, the feeling she'd been holding as secret since the return of Colin's mind. "I don't think I can do this."
She was showered in love - held, kissed, reassured. It was the first time she'd felt, strangely enough, that Gilean wanted her and was ready to do anything to keep her around. For the first time in a while she felt worthy... but still the small feeling maintained its grip on the edge of her thoughts.
They made love, and Gilean put a hand to her stomach, sending his own strange magic into her and she felt it. "How..." she whispered. To have a child, already, after everything, she knew he had to have orchestrated things.
"Life will always find a way. Now we can look forward, and he will help us do that."
Something melted away from her, something that held her captive and circling the abyss. Suddenly, she was back on track, she was with the man she married, a man she loved, and they were going to have their family. "I assure you," Gilean said, "I am going to do anything and everything for my family." For the first time Sanria heard and understood that his statement included her.
Tiny Infants, Looming Saddness
Sanria and Gilean walked to the cavern. They could have used magic, but in truth, the walk was sorely needed. He had talked her into going to visit the babies at the cavern where Orn and Mirin had filled the void left behind by Leandra's exodus. They strolled through the woods, hand in hand, Sanria sneaking tiny glances over at the silvery-haired young man. Even with all the stresses that had been heaped upon him, he still looked young. She had noticed the same could no longer be said for her. She was entirely dependent upon Kaliadra for her life and it was clear that the elf had very slowly aged. It was reflected in Sanria's tiny little lines. Gilean assured her the magic woven by Velentham would fade and when it did, she'd once again be on track for a date with death in the future. A blessed relief that she'd welcome... but for now...
They arrived to be greeted by Colin with an infant in each arm. They were tiny, but beautiful, with a shock of purplish hair on their heads. As soon as Sanria and Gilean walked in, Sanria could feel the slow rise of tension. Colin had eyes only for her, and she knew the message he was trying to telepath - she'd seen it many times before. Seeing her was torture for him and each time they'd connect their eyes, she'd feel the undying devotion, the bittersweet longing for their life together that, now, they'd never have. She was shocked to feel the same sensation tugging at her chest. Colin seemed to reserve his smiles only for her, and stayed at her side, near enough that she could feel the warmth rolling from him.
If she could have, Sanria would have closed her eyes and drifted into the large arms. This had been their dream, to have him well so they could finally be together like they were so long ago, but it was cruel how life played the final card. As though he could sense it, Gilean came near, handing Regina back to Colin, with the announcement that they had to return to their own family. Matinus... Nioma... the cottage... yes. That was her home now... not this place, not this man. Sanria could not keep herself from looking back until the door had closed behind them.
That night she admitted her feelings to Gilean, who seemed to take them in like a dry pill. She did love him, she did choose him, she would try her best... all words she'd spoken before. She felt the bitter resentment rise in her and all she wanted was to go out to spit once more on the grave of Velentham. Instead, Gilean settled her, made love to her, and once he slept, she crept from the bed, down the stairs and to the mound outside. "I hate you," she whispered. "You ruined my life." And Sanria began digging to claw at the corpse with her bare hands.
They arrived to be greeted by Colin with an infant in each arm. They were tiny, but beautiful, with a shock of purplish hair on their heads. As soon as Sanria and Gilean walked in, Sanria could feel the slow rise of tension. Colin had eyes only for her, and she knew the message he was trying to telepath - she'd seen it many times before. Seeing her was torture for him and each time they'd connect their eyes, she'd feel the undying devotion, the bittersweet longing for their life together that, now, they'd never have. She was shocked to feel the same sensation tugging at her chest. Colin seemed to reserve his smiles only for her, and stayed at her side, near enough that she could feel the warmth rolling from him.
If she could have, Sanria would have closed her eyes and drifted into the large arms. This had been their dream, to have him well so they could finally be together like they were so long ago, but it was cruel how life played the final card. As though he could sense it, Gilean came near, handing Regina back to Colin, with the announcement that they had to return to their own family. Matinus... Nioma... the cottage... yes. That was her home now... not this place, not this man. Sanria could not keep herself from looking back until the door had closed behind them.
That night she admitted her feelings to Gilean, who seemed to take them in like a dry pill. She did love him, she did choose him, she would try her best... all words she'd spoken before. She felt the bitter resentment rise in her and all she wanted was to go out to spit once more on the grave of Velentham. Instead, Gilean settled her, made love to her, and once he slept, she crept from the bed, down the stairs and to the mound outside. "I hate you," she whispered. "You ruined my life." And Sanria began digging to claw at the corpse with her bare hands.
After Hours
Sanria knew Gilean wasn't happy about the meeting, but she assured him that there was nothing to fear, that Orn and Leandra would be there to keep anything from happening between her and Colin. The meeting itself went horribly, which Sanria had anticipated. Though Orn kept his calm for the most part, Leandra had broken down into near hysterics over the life Sanria had chosen. Sanria looked at Orn's face, noting the pain he felt, she looked at Colin's face as he tried to patiently reason with Leandra, and she listened to her daughter as she sobbed out all the reasons why this wasn't real because until she came home, they weren't really a family at all.
"I can't accept your new family, Mom. I'm... sorry." Leandra got up and Sanria felt desperation settle into her chest.
"Please... don't go away angry. Please, try to understand."
"I've tried for a long time... and I just can't."
Leandra left them and Colin reached across the table to hold her hand. It startled her, feeling the large, warm hand enfold her own and she felt comfort, which gave way to panic as Orn, too, left through his portal. Suddenly, Sanria found herself alone, across the table from Colin who had not let go of her hand.
Sanria had every intention of leaving and every motivation to do so. She crossed the table to hug Colin goodbye and the large arms stayed wrapped around her, tracing her back. The entire time he'd forgotten her, all she wanted was for him to remember so they could get their lives back. She wanted this feeling, to have Colin back the way he was long ago- after Visha, before the rift- the Colin she'd fallen in love with. They'd all told her it was no use, and she'd run from man to man hoping to find it. She'd stayed with Gilean because he gave her comfort... and then it was all turned on its head.
Had she not been with Gilean, Velentham wouldn't have allowed Colin to remember anything anyway. In a way, things had to be the way they were for this to even be happening. For as little as she felt standing with Thasmudyan, standing with Colin had her every hair standing on end. It didn't let up, and she felt herself swept off her feet, carried up to a bedroom that she knew intimately. Everything else was forgotten for a very long stretch of time. Then... she had to go home.
"I can't accept your new family, Mom. I'm... sorry." Leandra got up and Sanria felt desperation settle into her chest.
"Please... don't go away angry. Please, try to understand."
"I've tried for a long time... and I just can't."
Leandra left them and Colin reached across the table to hold her hand. It startled her, feeling the large, warm hand enfold her own and she felt comfort, which gave way to panic as Orn, too, left through his portal. Suddenly, Sanria found herself alone, across the table from Colin who had not let go of her hand.
Sanria had every intention of leaving and every motivation to do so. She crossed the table to hug Colin goodbye and the large arms stayed wrapped around her, tracing her back. The entire time he'd forgotten her, all she wanted was for him to remember so they could get their lives back. She wanted this feeling, to have Colin back the way he was long ago- after Visha, before the rift- the Colin she'd fallen in love with. They'd all told her it was no use, and she'd run from man to man hoping to find it. She'd stayed with Gilean because he gave her comfort... and then it was all turned on its head.
Had she not been with Gilean, Velentham wouldn't have allowed Colin to remember anything anyway. In a way, things had to be the way they were for this to even be happening. For as little as she felt standing with Thasmudyan, standing with Colin had her every hair standing on end. It didn't let up, and she felt herself swept off her feet, carried up to a bedroom that she knew intimately. Everything else was forgotten for a very long stretch of time. Then... she had to go home.
Family Meeting
Dear Diary,
I lost it. I totally lost it. I mean, I knew that my dad had something planned when he said we had a family meeting to go to, not to bring Askari or Heiyu. It was ridiculous, there was my mom, Orn, and my dad sitting at the kitchen table. Of course they were fawning all over Orn but then... I don't know.
It's kinda like for the first time they actually listened to us, but not all the way. Like, they wanted to tell us - me and Orn - how messed up things had been but that it was all better and that we loved eachother and were a family... but my mom still wasn't going to come back home.
I just don't understand... my dad is all better finally. He isn't full of black makou, he isn't raging mad at little things, but she's still deciding to stay with Gilean. I could see how upset it made him... and when they tried to explain it to me... I broke down.
I cried like a stupid baby. Orn came over and hugged me and I don't know... it made me cry harder, but even then, he wouldn't just tell them that he wanted them back together. It's like he only wants it in secret. But, I told my mom I don't accept this new family of hers. I don't want Gilean as a stepdad, I don't want his boy as my brother... I told her she just needed to bring Nioma home and deal with her real family. I'm still moving out. No matter what, this situation isn't real until my mom realizes where she should be. She should be here with my dad. That's all there is to it.
Leandra
I lost it. I totally lost it. I mean, I knew that my dad had something planned when he said we had a family meeting to go to, not to bring Askari or Heiyu. It was ridiculous, there was my mom, Orn, and my dad sitting at the kitchen table. Of course they were fawning all over Orn but then... I don't know.
It's kinda like for the first time they actually listened to us, but not all the way. Like, they wanted to tell us - me and Orn - how messed up things had been but that it was all better and that we loved eachother and were a family... but my mom still wasn't going to come back home.
I just don't understand... my dad is all better finally. He isn't full of black makou, he isn't raging mad at little things, but she's still deciding to stay with Gilean. I could see how upset it made him... and when they tried to explain it to me... I broke down.
I cried like a stupid baby. Orn came over and hugged me and I don't know... it made me cry harder, but even then, he wouldn't just tell them that he wanted them back together. It's like he only wants it in secret. But, I told my mom I don't accept this new family of hers. I don't want Gilean as a stepdad, I don't want his boy as my brother... I told her she just needed to bring Nioma home and deal with her real family. I'm still moving out. No matter what, this situation isn't real until my mom realizes where she should be. She should be here with my dad. That's all there is to it.
Leandra
Rabbits, Thasmudyan, and Meetings
Sanria stared at Velentham's grave once more as the stream running by the cottage stumbled over rocks with grumbles. A single blade of grass was sticking out of the mounded dirt, earning Sanria's ire. Whatever grew out of that ground was feeding off of his rotting corpse. Whatever grew out of that ground was part him. Sanria lifted a finger and zapped the grass out of existence. It withered away, curling up into a blackened mass, the smoke rising into the air. If she could have destroyed the smoke, she would have done that, too. He'd destroyed a child, he'd created another, and then tried to kill her because of his sick mind goading him on. Loathing was the least of her thoughts.
A small tug at her robes caused Sanria to look down. A rabbit sat on its haunches, a small scroll attached with a string around its fat belly. She freed the message, though the rabbit sat for a long moment before leaving:
Sanria,
I know you aren't exactly happy with what happened last time. I understand, but I need to see you. Not just me, but the kids too. I'm calling a family meeting - Me, you, Orn, and Leandra. We need to sit down and talk. Leandra is moving out but she's doing it out of anger, and Orn is still hurt by everything. I just want to try to clear the air for them. Please, come tomorrow at 6. Oliver, the rabbit, will bring back a message if you want him to, or just show up.
Colin
Oliver was gone when Sanria looked back up. She had made it into the house when the doorbell rang. Thasmudyan had come by to apologize. She let him see Nioma and lamented how Maya would not let the girl come to see her sister. She looked out over the forest, feeling a hole in her chest. Thasmudyan didn't love Maya. She didn't love Thasmudyan... there was nothing to be jealous over anymore. Velentham had ripped something out of her, stomped it, and made the small things in her life trivial. Only the sight of Nioma in Thasmudyan's arms warmed her a bit.
Gilean came out and she noted the jealousy as it flashed over his face on seeing Thasmudyan. It was getting to be too much, standing here with a past on one side, a future on the other, a request to join a family for a meeting... she went into the house with Gilean, told him she would be joining Colin and the kids, then found her way back outside to stare harder at Velentham's barren hill of dirt.
A small tug at her robes caused Sanria to look down. A rabbit sat on its haunches, a small scroll attached with a string around its fat belly. She freed the message, though the rabbit sat for a long moment before leaving:
Sanria,
I know you aren't exactly happy with what happened last time. I understand, but I need to see you. Not just me, but the kids too. I'm calling a family meeting - Me, you, Orn, and Leandra. We need to sit down and talk. Leandra is moving out but she's doing it out of anger, and Orn is still hurt by everything. I just want to try to clear the air for them. Please, come tomorrow at 6. Oliver, the rabbit, will bring back a message if you want him to, or just show up.
Colin
Oliver was gone when Sanria looked back up. She had made it into the house when the doorbell rang. Thasmudyan had come by to apologize. She let him see Nioma and lamented how Maya would not let the girl come to see her sister. She looked out over the forest, feeling a hole in her chest. Thasmudyan didn't love Maya. She didn't love Thasmudyan... there was nothing to be jealous over anymore. Velentham had ripped something out of her, stomped it, and made the small things in her life trivial. Only the sight of Nioma in Thasmudyan's arms warmed her a bit.
Gilean came out and she noted the jealousy as it flashed over his face on seeing Thasmudyan. It was getting to be too much, standing here with a past on one side, a future on the other, a request to join a family for a meeting... she went into the house with Gilean, told him she would be joining Colin and the kids, then found her way back outside to stare harder at Velentham's barren hill of dirt.
Advice for Stones
The conversation between Enmach and Colin changed slowly as the rabbits and butterflies went about their business in the castle gardens. There was an ease in Enmach's mind, a full on detachment from things around her but a blissful contentment in feeling a part of it all at the same time. She did feel a slight sorrow on Colin's behalf, but no regrets, no remorse, no desire. This was her mindset on a great many things, though on occasion it could be disturbed. Enmach was still capable of getting angry when it was warranted.
The conversation went to Colin's daughter and her decision to move out. Enmach could tell it bothered Colin, and she realized that when the girl left, Colin would be alone in a huge cavernous home with only his misery at being alone. She knew from many of the conversations she'd held with Sanria that Colin loved being surrounded by family. He was losing everything.
Enmach recommended a family meeting for the Stones and Sanria, Orn, Leandra, Colin, and Sanria around a table, reaffirming bonds and love sounded simple enough to accomplish, and a way for the family to start walking the path of healing. First, however, she had to help Colin reach out to Sanria.
She walked over to a large rabbit and gently picked him up. She spoke into the rabbit's mind, 'The human you see will now be your master. You will give him kindness when he requests you take messages to Sanria. This will be your only purpose with him, and once this work is done, you may leave if you choose.' Enmach put a vision of the cottage where Sanria was staying into the rabbit's mind, as well as a vision of Sanria. 'You will be called Oliver.'
Handing the rabbit over, Enmach gave a deep bow. She could see on Colin's face a grim look of determination, and he echoed her thoughts on his visage. She merely smiled as they parted ways, hoping her words had seeded Colin's mind, taken root, and were prepared to grow.
The conversation went to Colin's daughter and her decision to move out. Enmach could tell it bothered Colin, and she realized that when the girl left, Colin would be alone in a huge cavernous home with only his misery at being alone. She knew from many of the conversations she'd held with Sanria that Colin loved being surrounded by family. He was losing everything.
Enmach recommended a family meeting for the Stones and Sanria, Orn, Leandra, Colin, and Sanria around a table, reaffirming bonds and love sounded simple enough to accomplish, and a way for the family to start walking the path of healing. First, however, she had to help Colin reach out to Sanria.
She walked over to a large rabbit and gently picked him up. She spoke into the rabbit's mind, 'The human you see will now be your master. You will give him kindness when he requests you take messages to Sanria. This will be your only purpose with him, and once this work is done, you may leave if you choose.' Enmach put a vision of the cottage where Sanria was staying into the rabbit's mind, as well as a vision of Sanria. 'You will be called Oliver.'
Handing the rabbit over, Enmach gave a deep bow. She could see on Colin's face a grim look of determination, and he echoed her thoughts on his visage. She merely smiled as they parted ways, hoping her words had seeded Colin's mind, taken root, and were prepared to grow.
Misplaced Affections
Enmach was in her quarters when the small Rilmani boy knocked on her door. He wore his hair in a bowl cut, something learned from the human children who played beneath the floating island. She nodded, but the boy did not enter. Instead, he looked at her with a knowing smile, much too knowing for a boy. "Colin Stone is here. He's outside by the fountain waiting for you." The last word, "you" was almost singsong, and the boy vanished in a renewed fit of giggles.
Enmach was only slightly unnerved. She cleared her throat and walked to the mirror that hung by the door of her chambers and ventured a look, and a preen, and a... she stopped. What in the world was she doing? She'd told Colin she was not interested in him and she did mean it. Her place was here at the castle in service to Fenlauch, but she'd never had anyone drive her to do what she'd done except Colin. A blush spread over her silver skin and she looked at herself sternly. In service to Fenlauch.
The day was bright as Enmach crossed the castle grounds to meet with Colin. He rose and bowed and his face turned pink and it was clear he felt a bit embarrassed by the memory. "Sir Colin," she spoke.
"Ah, hello Enmach. I was hoping I could talk with you for a bit."
"So I was told. Please, sit."
"So, has Sanria told you? I remember now." He sat.
"She mentioned it in passing. Does it please you that you now recall?"
"Well, yes and no. I felt so badly for not remembering... especially for Orn and Leandra. So I'm much happier remembering them. But with Sanria it's very difficult."
Yes. It was expected as such. The conversation wasn't at all difficult for Enmach. She simply quieted her mind, unhitching any emotion she felt for Colin and leaving it where it sat. She was dutiful before all else, and she knew at that statement that the duty she was to perform was the same she'd performed for eons. Advisor.
Enmach was only slightly unnerved. She cleared her throat and walked to the mirror that hung by the door of her chambers and ventured a look, and a preen, and a... she stopped. What in the world was she doing? She'd told Colin she was not interested in him and she did mean it. Her place was here at the castle in service to Fenlauch, but she'd never had anyone drive her to do what she'd done except Colin. A blush spread over her silver skin and she looked at herself sternly. In service to Fenlauch.
The day was bright as Enmach crossed the castle grounds to meet with Colin. He rose and bowed and his face turned pink and it was clear he felt a bit embarrassed by the memory. "Sir Colin," she spoke.
"Ah, hello Enmach. I was hoping I could talk with you for a bit."
"So I was told. Please, sit."
"So, has Sanria told you? I remember now." He sat.
"She mentioned it in passing. Does it please you that you now recall?"
"Well, yes and no. I felt so badly for not remembering... especially for Orn and Leandra. So I'm much happier remembering them. But with Sanria it's very difficult."
Yes. It was expected as such. The conversation wasn't at all difficult for Enmach. She simply quieted her mind, unhitching any emotion she felt for Colin and leaving it where it sat. She was dutiful before all else, and she knew at that statement that the duty she was to perform was the same she'd performed for eons. Advisor.
Moving Out
Dear Diary,
I feel pretty bad. I think I really hurt my dad's feelings and I wasn't trying to, but he just won't listen to reason. I found him writing a song for my mom, trying to play a lyre, and sounding like a dying animal. He said he'd done it before but my mom made him go home. I guess that's when I called her and Gilean a jerk and everything kinda went downhill. I tried to be nice, honest. I just felt that feeling again.
Like a cold chill in my stomach that rises up and out to my hands while my face gets hot. It's like I can hear myself saying the words but I can't stop them from coming out. I reminded him how she slept with Ror AND Thasmudyan while he was out, in addition to Gilean. I mean, if she really loved any of them, she wouldn't have done that, right?
Well, he got moody and sad and I just realized that no matter what I said, he was always going to be upset for me saying it. Sucks, but I have to realize that a) I'll never have my parents together and devoted to each other, b)My mom is a whore, c)My dad has been duped, and d)No one will listen to me to hear the truth. So, I'm leaving. I already told Askari to start packing.
We're going to take Heiyu and move near the esper camp where Askari's racist dad used to live. I know we're leaving my dad by himself in this big house, but... I can't see him like this anymore and not be able to speak out. Maybe the space will help me to not be so angry. Who knows.
I love my dad, I wish he could feel it. I wish he would listen to me. If my mom would have only come back to him, committed, and apologized for her mistakes... maybe I could have loved her, too. The only thing left for me to do now is just walk away from both of them and let them sink or swim alone.
Leandra Stone
I feel pretty bad. I think I really hurt my dad's feelings and I wasn't trying to, but he just won't listen to reason. I found him writing a song for my mom, trying to play a lyre, and sounding like a dying animal. He said he'd done it before but my mom made him go home. I guess that's when I called her and Gilean a jerk and everything kinda went downhill. I tried to be nice, honest. I just felt that feeling again.
Like a cold chill in my stomach that rises up and out to my hands while my face gets hot. It's like I can hear myself saying the words but I can't stop them from coming out. I reminded him how she slept with Ror AND Thasmudyan while he was out, in addition to Gilean. I mean, if she really loved any of them, she wouldn't have done that, right?
Well, he got moody and sad and I just realized that no matter what I said, he was always going to be upset for me saying it. Sucks, but I have to realize that a) I'll never have my parents together and devoted to each other, b)My mom is a whore, c)My dad has been duped, and d)No one will listen to me to hear the truth. So, I'm leaving. I already told Askari to start packing.
We're going to take Heiyu and move near the esper camp where Askari's racist dad used to live. I know we're leaving my dad by himself in this big house, but... I can't see him like this anymore and not be able to speak out. Maybe the space will help me to not be so angry. Who knows.
I love my dad, I wish he could feel it. I wish he would listen to me. If my mom would have only come back to him, committed, and apologized for her mistakes... maybe I could have loved her, too. The only thing left for me to do now is just walk away from both of them and let them sink or swim alone.
Leandra Stone
Current Character Description - Leandra Wolldon
At seventeen years old, Leandra is tall, slender, and has blonde hair that tumbles to her shoulders, streaked through with darker pieces of brown. Her eyes are the color of a doe's hide - light brown with a reddish cast - and are full of angst. Her pink lips are most recently pulled into a smirk - as if she's seen it all before - as though she is much older and irritated at any suggestion to the contrary. She is so very much like her father, hotheaded and ready to fight when things are not going her way, but unlike her father she truly has no reason other than the capriciously stubborn blood that flows through her veins.
Closing Chapters: A Futile Attempt
Sanria laid there beside Gilean, staring up at the ceiling. She had come back from "talking" to Colin, who seemed beside himself with the knowledge that during his memory lapse, time moved on. His wife moved on. His friend gained his wife. He was never expected to return to himself, and it made Sanria hate Velentham for being so cruel. He knew the pain it would cause and the accusations that would surface. It also made Sanria feel guilty. She made the choice to leave Colin, to involve herself with others, to remarry and plant herself in a family without fully getting over Colin. She had time, lots of it she assumed, because the Colin she knew was permanently gone. It was a horribly wrong assumption to make, apparently.
No Matter. She told Colin she had decided to stay with Gilean and the family they were building. The family that needed her most. She and Gilean to raise Matinus- son of Gilean and Claire, Nioma- daughter of Sanria and Thasmudyan, and the new soul that stirred within her - son of Velentham and Sanria. She let out a long sigh. After everything, her personal life was right where it always was: two streets down from a mess.
Her mind drifted to Kaliadra's words. Velentham's spell he had placed on her to keep her from dying so he could brutalize her and how it meant the never ending pain. A leap of shame bounded over her heart. The "talk" with Colin certainly wasn't felt only by herself. She thought of Leandra and what Colin had said about her anger management issues. Sanria's answer to both was the Rilmani. They knew so much...just not everything.
With yet another sigh, Sanria laid on her side. She'd told Gilean without telling him about the "talk." She'd told him she could no longer go alone to Colin. If she obeyed her own rule, the rest would work itself out with time. Everything would work itself out in time.
Sanria drifted to sleep at last, her mind looking forward. She'd do it right from here on out. Tomorrow began the new path and she'd start it on the floating island in the company of Fenlauch and Enmach. Removing eternity from her shared future was the first priority.
No Matter. She told Colin she had decided to stay with Gilean and the family they were building. The family that needed her most. She and Gilean to raise Matinus- son of Gilean and Claire, Nioma- daughter of Sanria and Thasmudyan, and the new soul that stirred within her - son of Velentham and Sanria. She let out a long sigh. After everything, her personal life was right where it always was: two streets down from a mess.
Her mind drifted to Kaliadra's words. Velentham's spell he had placed on her to keep her from dying so he could brutalize her and how it meant the never ending pain. A leap of shame bounded over her heart. The "talk" with Colin certainly wasn't felt only by herself. She thought of Leandra and what Colin had said about her anger management issues. Sanria's answer to both was the Rilmani. They knew so much...just not everything.
With yet another sigh, Sanria laid on her side. She'd told Gilean without telling him about the "talk." She'd told him she could no longer go alone to Colin. If she obeyed her own rule, the rest would work itself out with time. Everything would work itself out in time.
Sanria drifted to sleep at last, her mind looking forward. She'd do it right from here on out. Tomorrow began the new path and she'd start it on the floating island in the company of Fenlauch and Enmach. Removing eternity from her shared future was the first priority.
Lifting the Veil (1-2)
Colin crouched beside a large tree, peering out from around the trunk at Velentham as the insane celestial tried to bait Gilean out of the warded protection of the cottage. Gilean had reached out mentally to he and Orn then Velentham had shown up, hoping that this would be a chance to force the return of Sanria. Orn had then arrived beside Colin before quickly transporting the two of them to the druid grove. The quickly begged for assistance form the few druids there, and while most where reluctant to get involved, two of the younger ones had agreed to assist.
Now Colin found himself waiting for an opening while Gilean, Orn, and the two druids bent nature and magic to their will, sending animated trees and rays of light at the taunting madman. As two of the trees converged on Velentham, Colin took his chance, rushing from cover and charging toward Velentham from the side.
Colin was met with the battered body of Kaliadra being tossed at him like a discarded ragdoll with minimal effort form Velentham. Colin instinctively dropped his blades and did his best to catch the broken elf, falling to the ground but managing to spare Kaliadra most of the impact. However, he was vulnerable.
Before he could even react, the celestial was inside his mind. Colin could feel the rough tendrils battering their way through his psyche and heard words spoken as if from a distance, 'Oh... this... he doesn't remember? Cousin! You say I'm a monster? What do you say - a man who uses the disadvantage of another to marry his wife?'
Colin grasped the sides of his head futilely. For all of his strength he could do nothing against this mental intrusion. He was completely at Velentham's mercy, and again, the celestial's voice filtered into his ears, 'What do you say? Let's let him remember, shall we?!'
'No!' But it wasn't Colin who said it. Suddenly, with a rough but precise shove, all the gaps were filled. As simply as a switch being flipped, Colin remembered everything. The memories came in a flood: he and Sanria on the beach, carrying Sanria in his arms to be married, years spent with her wandering dark landscapes, the birth of Orn, the birth of Leandra, struggling to be a father and husband while afflicted by instability. It was all back, and for a moment it was glorious.
Then the new memories merged with the current memories, and it was almost too much. Here he had been. He was back. He had even been with Sanria, unknowingly forming a new love for her even without the memories... but Gilean. How could his friend have taken advantage of his condition like this? How could he have taken Sanria, Colin's wife, as his own? No, this was all wrong. How could he?
The crack of stiff wood against body and a howl of pain brought Colin back to the present. He looked up to see Velentham staggering aside from Orn. Orn. His son, who he loved dearly.
The memories would have to wait. The questions would have to wait. The feelings would have to wait. Right now, they needed to take care of this monster. The rest... must come later.
Now Colin found himself waiting for an opening while Gilean, Orn, and the two druids bent nature and magic to their will, sending animated trees and rays of light at the taunting madman. As two of the trees converged on Velentham, Colin took his chance, rushing from cover and charging toward Velentham from the side.
Colin was met with the battered body of Kaliadra being tossed at him like a discarded ragdoll with minimal effort form Velentham. Colin instinctively dropped his blades and did his best to catch the broken elf, falling to the ground but managing to spare Kaliadra most of the impact. However, he was vulnerable.
Before he could even react, the celestial was inside his mind. Colin could feel the rough tendrils battering their way through his psyche and heard words spoken as if from a distance, 'Oh... this... he doesn't remember? Cousin! You say I'm a monster? What do you say - a man who uses the disadvantage of another to marry his wife?'
Colin grasped the sides of his head futilely. For all of his strength he could do nothing against this mental intrusion. He was completely at Velentham's mercy, and again, the celestial's voice filtered into his ears, 'What do you say? Let's let him remember, shall we?!'
'No!' But it wasn't Colin who said it. Suddenly, with a rough but precise shove, all the gaps were filled. As simply as a switch being flipped, Colin remembered everything. The memories came in a flood: he and Sanria on the beach, carrying Sanria in his arms to be married, years spent with her wandering dark landscapes, the birth of Orn, the birth of Leandra, struggling to be a father and husband while afflicted by instability. It was all back, and for a moment it was glorious.
Then the new memories merged with the current memories, and it was almost too much. Here he had been. He was back. He had even been with Sanria, unknowingly forming a new love for her even without the memories... but Gilean. How could his friend have taken advantage of his condition like this? How could he have taken Sanria, Colin's wife, as his own? No, this was all wrong. How could he?
The crack of stiff wood against body and a howl of pain brought Colin back to the present. He looked up to see Velentham staggering aside from Orn. Orn. His son, who he loved dearly.
The memories would have to wait. The questions would have to wait. The feelings would have to wait. Right now, they needed to take care of this monster. The rest... must come later.
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