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Post by Tregarde on May 17, 2006 8:53:49 GMT -5
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Post by Tregarde on May 17, 2006 8:54:44 GMT -5
Tregarde opened the backpack and began to place the new clothes she had recently purchased within. After so long being separated from Kirisa, trying to keep their love for each other a secret, now they could finally be together, and she had to leave. She had only just finished moving in with Kirisa at her suite in Giran, and now she was packing up again. Her tears had long since dried out, there was no point in crying anymore. All that was left was a burning determination. As she wiped at her face, to remove the faint residue, she realized that the tears she had shed most recently were not for herself.
Why, Christy? Why did you do it? Why do you have to be filled with such bitterness, such hate? Even though you offer me a cure, you still poisoned me, force me to go searching in a remote location of Elmore for a flower when I should be here, with Risa, in this crisis.
The news was a shock, but perhaps it shouldn’t have been. She knew that the Templars had long been investigating Olorae, and the recent incident with one of their own being possessed by a demon in connection with the Celebrant could only stoke the fires. But now the time had come, the Templars were hunting down Olorae, and orders had been given to take her and anyone defending her. If any resisted…
Tregarde didn’t want to think about that possibility… that probability. There were still some in Echoes of Darkness she considered friends. If she could stay, then maybe she could talk with them, make them see that the Templars only want Olorae, that a war was not necessary, that a war would be futile.
A week and half, two at the most. Damn you, Christy! You claim to love Risa and me… you simply don’t do things like this to people you care about! I gave you what I could, told you there would always be a place for you, why couldn’t you have been satisfied with that? Why can’t you accept that I only love Risa?
The clothes were thick, heavy. Her supplies were for spending time in harsh, cold environments. She knew she would probably have to purchase more items once she got to Elmore, but she was prepared for that. She would need at least one guide for her journey, and had been given a couple references. She wasn’t going to take any chances.
Perhaps the hardest part would be leaving everyone else behind. She knew Risa would come with her without hesitation if the crisis hadn’t come up, if she wasn’t needed to lead the Sentries. Ophante would have been welcome, he had always stood by her, but if war breaks out his sword and shield will be needed. Esmera, just as things had been resolved, she knew the kind and sweet lady would be worried. Ambesha, maybe, if she could find the lady that had helped train her in the ways of the Blade Dancer before she left, take her away from the conflict. And in a few days time there would be another siege upon Innadril, and the talk was that this time the forces being gathered were mighty.
Risa, love, I will come back. We weren’t brought together to be torn apart so soon.
She looked at the offer that had been made. The crest was polished, almost shining.
And when I return, I’ll be where I belong, at your side.
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Post by Tregarde on May 17, 2006 8:55:28 GMT -5
Five blue flowers had to be found For one was ill, nor cure around Deep in remote, far away Elmore A dark elf travelled, determined to her core Nothing would she let stop her as she scoured For the cure made from the five blue flowers
An orc strong and wise would be her guide Knew the land he did, from him nothing could hide A dwarf stout and hardy would bear their supplies His alertness would save them from many a surprise Her swords she would carry, never would she cower As they searched long for the five blue flowers
For four long days, past the frozen waterfall Wind, ice and snow could not make them stall Treacherous mountain sides and slippery rocks to climb Far past the trees, not even a stalwart pine The orc told them ‘not far’ in the form of a song They found the first blue flower before to too long
Four blue flowers left to find On the fifth day the weather almost was kind The second flower was seen across a frozen river Cracked and popped it did, as it gleamed like silver But the orc found a way, and across they went Despite a close call, for them none would lament
For three blue flowers the search continued Little did they know that they were pursued As the third was found, through a terrible mist The dwarf cried alarm, as something leapt into their midst Twin blades danced and bit, out spurt blood quite dark Ran away the creature did, leaving behind a mark
Two blue flowers were all that remained Despite her injuries the elf would not be detained Both were found together, on the side of a cliff ‘Too dangerous’ the dwarf said, his resolve quite stiff But the elf would not give up, and over side she went From a rope gripped by orc and dwarf she would not be rent
The last blue flowers almost in reach A wind whipped up, her strength it tried to leach ‘A couple more feet’ she cried to those above A couple more feet, and she could return to her love One flower was plucked, the second slipped away But a fortuitous gust of wind blew it back towards her way.
Five blue flowers, all had been found. The three returned by scroll to much safer ground Farewells were said, and a bonus was paid The elf would return home, for a cure to be made She and her love would again be together Separated for seven days, because of five blue flowers
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Post by Tregarde on May 17, 2006 8:56:28 GMT -5
A dark elf stepped out of the mystic gate into the tiled street of Gludin. Almost immediately she tossed back the hood on the worn and patched coat she wore. Her face was wind burnt, her lips chapped, and a bandage was applied to her right cheek. She took a deep breath, savouring the warm, salty air. For too long all she had known was cold, ice, snow. She gazed out across the plaza, just barely seeing the top of the lighthouse in the distance, and smiled.
“I did it, love. I did it,” she whispered aloud. In the pouch on her side was five blue flowers, supposedly the cure for the poison coursing through her veins. She turned to the gatekeeper, with a very slight limp. “I’m coming home.”
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Post by Tregarde on May 17, 2006 8:58:11 GMT -5
*Inside Tregarde's journal*
Is it possible to love two people equally? For so long all we wanted was to be together. I’ve done everything for her, everything. No matter how hard, how painful something was, I told her. She was always first with me. When I close my eyes, it’s her face I see. When I dream of the future, it’s with her I spend the next several centuries with. Not Risa and Christy, just Risa.
Try as I might, I can not understand how Risa can love Christy. She’s been deceptive, manipulative, she’s caused so much pain – even the death of an innocent. She leads us to believe one thing, as if making implications is somehow better than actually lying, then doesn’t even make any effort to correct us when we misunderstand what she means till long after the damage is already done. She forces her will on others and tries to justify it as compassion or protection. If only she had been open and honest from the beginning instead of playing these damned games… if only I had shown more control that day outside Giran, maybe the past few weeks wouldn’t have happened.
It’s almost ironic. Risa kept talking about respecting Christy’s wishes. But last night she forced the antidote down Christy, went against her wishes. Death is nothing new to me, I was the one who trust the dagger when my uncle wished to depart this realm. Is it wrong that I would have allowed Christy to die?
I don’t know what to do if I lose Risa. But I can not love Christy. It will take time before I can ever trust Christy, if I can ever trust her again. Something brought Risa and I together, I can feel it, and I know she does too. I do not feel the same connection to Christy, I never have. I hate myself for making her choose, but what else can I do? I can not share Risa with her. I will not lie to Risa, I will not keep secrets from her, even when she holds back from me. And that is what hurts the most - why couldn’t Risa tell me when her feelings for Christy grew? Why couldn’t she tell me that I was not poisoned? When did I become second to her?
*a bright blue flower with a purple bulb is pressed between the pages, with a liquid stain, as if from a tear, next to it*
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Post by Tregarde on May 17, 2006 8:59:01 GMT -5
*Tregarde opened her journal. She looked at the two forms sleeping beside her and smiled before beginning to write*
It's remarkable how much can change in just a couple days. But, I did not understand then what I do now. If I had known before, so many things I would have done differently, so many problems that could have been avoided. But we can not dwell on 'what ifs', we must learn and continue.
Risa kept saying that if I understood Christy like she did, of course I didn't know what she meant till she told me she had gone into her mind with Kaelir's help. After much thought I knew that I would never understand unless I did the same - that it was the only way I could understand what Risa saw in her. Fate was kind and everyone was already together when I began to look for them.
I knew that she had a troubled past, but I never really understood what it meant. How can anyone understand such unless they went through it themselves? I didn't just see what she had been through, I felt it. Every pain, every indignity, every bit of suffering - it was as if I was the one experiencing them. I know that I shall never be the same again.
That she survived at all without breaking is remarkable. But she had to do it the only she could - she withdrew into herself. It left a void, and that void was filled with the pain. When that side of her is prominent, that's when she becomes deceptive and manipulative. It's not unlike when we have 'conversations' with ourselves, only in her case the 'other voice' has gained a powerful strength. She wants to overcome it, and has made much progress. With help, hopefully, she can overcome her darker side and gain a measure of unity again.
I do have some thanks to give to Christy, in some ways experiencing what she had also gave me some strength. I was able to push aside my feelings of pain and loss enough, and actually have some measure of fun while we were hunting with others. It wasn’t easy, but it helped. And next day when everyone else had left and it was just Christy and I, I realized something: in all of the past few weeks since this all began in Giran, when she first told me of her feelings, we really had no time alone together. I think – no, I know, that it was part of the problem. Stupid on my part, perhaps, but I felt left out when she and Risa did have time alone.
It’s almost ironic, I went into her mind to try and understand things and then to help her, and she has ended up helping me just as much. Risa and I still need to talk about a couple things, but I know that we can work through them. Having certain things pointed out to me will help. But it was good that Christy and I finally had some time together, necessary. I certainly didn’t expect the day to go like it did, but I think we both needed it. Darn that wind!
And now Risa and I have even more work ahead. We have a clan to build up, and already we have a couple people showing interest. We certainly need more than just Andella to be with us. Risa’s re-forged an alliance with the Legion, and their resources certainly will help. While it does seem unlikely, I just hope that we have no conflicts with the Sentries. I do wish that Christy could help, but she has her own work to do, and it is important work.
*Tregarde felt movement and looked down as a pair of sleepy eyes cracked open and looked at her. They smiled at each other and Tregarde assured that she would be return to sleep in just a moment*
It would take at least another page to go over everything else that has happened. Kaelir dealing with her own heartache. Ophante feeling left out, and justifiably so. Esmera being a good friend, I wish she could find someone who deserves her. The brief time with Oniyuri, I’ve never seen anyone giggle so much. I know there is more to Rhedyn, the emotions I see are not mere imitations. She needs a friend, and perhaps I’m the only one she has.
I don’t know what the future holds. Can it really work? Is there room for three? I do care for Christy, a great deal, but will it be enough?
*Tregarde looked at the face waiting for her*
I suppose only time will tell. But for now, things are better. Much better.
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Post by Tregarde on May 24, 2006 18:45:21 GMT -5
*Tregarde adjusted the pillow behind her back and sighed. It would be a long night in the chair. She looked at the sleeping form on the bed next to her for a long moment before opening up her journal to write*
It's remarkable what we do for our friends sometimes. We go to so much trouble, far beyond what is 'necessary', and yet we do it gladly. But sometimes our efforts put a strain on friendship more than they help.
If I had only thought a little more I would have realized that I wasn't considering Rhedyn's nature enough. I was trying to integrate her into our society a little too quickly. I could easily have taught her how to clean herself in a river with some soapwort. But, how could I know that she would panic like that at the sight of Christy? If it wasn't for an unfortunate bit of timing, then she probably would have simply enjoyed her first true bath, and been more presentable for Eri. While on one hand I don't think it's a good idea to get involved with a human, they are so short lived, but I have never seen her look at anyone the way she does at him, never seen her so happy. How could I not try to help?
But I also have to wonder if it can come to any good. She doesn't want him to know what she is, and I shall respect that wish. But I can't keep him from finding out from others, then what? Will he still accept her, or be appalled? Can he look beyond her origins and look into her heart, as I do?
Even after the events at the Wyvern, it's clear that she still wants me as her friend, which is a relief. I understand it might take some time before she fully accepts me again, but I can be patient. Even with Eri in her life she still needs a friend, someone she can confide in, someone who she can be fully open with. I'm glad she accepted my offer to try and gain the ability to 'hear' her. It's a long-shot, but if Shilen is kind, then I can be there for her in ways that I can not now... and for her and Eri.
*Tregarde paused and looked at what she wrote. She turned her head once more to look at the pale haired lady in the bed once more. Tregarde reached out and gently brushed a loose lock of hair, exposing the scar underneath, before continuing to write*
I hope when Geldriia wakes she will be understanding. Who would have thought that so much would happen in under a week, all from a chance meeting while looking at Esmera's wares? I do not regret meeting her in the least, I believe in time we can be very good friends, but I did not expect her to leave her eyepatch with me while she went to fight in a siege after knowing each other only a few days. She already has her House, but apparently few there she feels she can truly call a 'friend'. Considering how many have shown interest in me already, I guess it's only natural I should be a little paranoid and read too much into it - I've already been at the center of too much hurt turning others down, I don't want to hurt any more. It was a bit embarrassing bringing the subject up to her once I found out she had no interest in me beyond friendship.
But what Christy did to her... Once again, I can understand her reasons, it's her methods that cause problems. At least she did nothing that would lead to harm, and if Gel can be made to understand then this time we might even avoid misunderstandings. I still wish Christy had talked to Risa and I first, this might have all been resolved without resorting to truth potions.
Although, as much as I hate to admit it, I can see why Christy used the potion. If I was in Christy's position, finding out that she knew the Echoes assassin that might be following me, I would want to know the truth as well - and could I trust her not to lie if simply asked? Still, I can't help but feel that there might have been a better way to go about it, but right now I'm not sure what that could be. At least I've already given Gel a basic history of Christy, so hopefully that will help.
*Tregarde's pen hovered over the journal for several long moments before she put them down, a loss what else to write. She looked at the shy, lonely blade dancer again. She volunteered to stay with Geldriia after Christy had put her to sleep. Someone should be there when she woke up, to explain what happened and why, and Tregarde seemed to be one closest to her. She hoped that when the morning came, she wouldn't lose a friend. After a sigh she wrapped the blanket around herself, blew out the candle, and hoped to get some sleep*
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Post by Tregarde on May 30, 2006 14:56:18 GMT -5
*Tregarde opened the curtain just enough for a ray of light to enter and provide illumination so she could write in her journal, yet not wake Christana next to her*
I wish Risa had been able to be here, but her duties setting up the Guard and dealing with the mess that has become of the renovations to the building that will become our hall have kept her away. For once we actually ended a day on a happy note, and it would have been nice if she could have shared in the joy.
I knew that Kaelir had some troubles, but it wasn’t till the past few days that I learned just how deep they went - How her mother was abducted by cultists and made into an ‘avatar’ to enforce what they believed was Shilen’s will, and though later able to escape their influence continued to hear the 'voice.' How her family was attacked and her mother died while giving birth. How her daughter was possessed by a demon and she was forced to kill her. How the same cult abducted and did a similar ritual to her as was done to her mother, and how Olorae somehow learned of this and used Kaelir. Fortunately, Christy found a way to free Kae of the cult’s influence. And with the death of the last member of the cult hopefully we’ll never have to worry about a similar thing happening again.
Still, for a short time I feared that we might have to kill someone I called ‘friend.’ For once Krissy’s independent nature proved an asset, if she hadn’t seeked me out we would not have known Ophante was abducted till it was too late. I do wish we had time to grab more people, just Geldriia and I were not enough to stop Sithiss and Kae from taking Tay when we found them. Not our most shining moment, but we did our best. At least it caused enough of a delay to their plans that we had time for Christy to bring Kae back to herself, and she was able to rescue Tay before he became a ritual sacrifice.
As the evidence against Olorae grows, it’s only a matter of time before things come to a head. The recent conflict with the Templars was short lived, but I fear something similar will come again. I only hope we can keep things confined to only Olorae and those who directly support her, and she doesn’t drag the whole clan down. I hope I never have to raise my blades against those few among them I still consider friends. But how long can that last? I know that at least some in Echoes considers me and Christy traitors, and already we’ve each had assassins sent against us.
*Tregarde paused and looked over at Christana. She set the pen side a moment and gently caressed the other’s cheek, eliciting a faint smile even while she still slept.*
Time enough to worry about such things later. For now, it’s a time to be happy. Ophante was rescued before it was too late. Kaelir is free to live her life as she chooses once again. One of the choices she made was to asking to join the Guard. Another, and even more surprising, was the kiss she gave Ophante. I hope things work between them. The look I saw in his eyes later was like something that was hidden in him had finally awakened, and now we’ll see his true heart.
I can’t wait to see Risa’s face when we tell her. Not a bad day’s work at all.
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Post by Tregarde on Jun 1, 2006 15:09:09 GMT -5
She walked through the end of the day, her friend beside her, both silent.
She thought about how just a couple days previous everything had seemed so good. How the Guard felt as much a family as a clan. How the people she cared most about were together. How for a time they were happy. Even the one who, though she wore a different crest, was still a part of them.
They walked on through the twilight.
She thought about the betrayal of trust, the callous disregard for a friend's feelings. What kind of 'test of loyalty' asks a near stranger to seduce a friend? What does it say about a leader who can give that 'challenge'? What does it say about the person who accepts it?
They walked through the night.
In Gludio she took a detour. She had to see for herself, though she had already seen evidence to prove it was true. Before long she saw the body, though damaged from the fall from a cliff, but clearly recognizable. She would never again know the touch, the taste, the feel. But perhaps it was for the best, for in death this one would finally know freedom from the pain, the suffering that defined her existence. "Goodbye, Christana."
They walked away from Gludio, holding hands, needing to know that someone else was there.
She thought about her friend, the one she held on to. How the one-eyed blade dancer had lead such a harsh life. How she was so lonely, so in need of friends when they met. How she was accepted among them. How she began to smile more and more, and need to find solace in a bottle less and less. The look of pain at the betrayal, how closely the swords came to ending her own life. How closely she come to crossing a line from which there would be no return, and yet never giving up on her… never giving up on a friend… never giving up on someone she cared for.
They walked past the city gates into Dion in the early morning light.
She thought about how much her heart ached. Of all the people in the word, she never thought she could feel anger towards –her-, yet she did. The idea was clearly Christy’s, only the dead celebrant could think of such a thing, but how could Risa have agreed to it? How could she think any good would come of it? Why didn’t Risa tell her what was happening? Wasn’t she –her- friend, -her- lover, -her- second in command? Why does Risa find it so hard to tell what is going through her mind, her heart?
They stopped in sight of the Lazy Wyvern and turned to each other. Tregarde and Geldriia embraced each other fiercely for a long minute. They looked at each other, beyond words, before Tregarde turned and walked to the place she had called home with Kirisa.
She thought about what was to come. She had been patient with Kirisa lately, letting her speak on matters when she was ready… but not this time. This time it must all come out, everything. Before the day was out something would have to change. Tregarde was determined that the Guard would not be torn apart, but she feared what might be.
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Post by Tregarde on Jun 2, 2006 17:16:29 GMT -5
Tregarde sighed, stretched, and turned her head to look at Jessala. She had only a vague memory of Kirsa reluctantly leaving earlier. Jess was sleeping off a rather powerful drink she had made, and herself was exhausted from walking though the night, so it was little surprise they were both still in bed. Not wanting to leave the warmth and comfort yet, she reached for her journal.
- - -
Once again disaster was averted. This is a habit we really have got to break. But, I think this time, things will actually be better. I don’t know what mystical force allowed Jessala to separate from Christana, but I am thankful it happened. She is different without Christy, but… it’s hard to put it down in words.
I did love her, but I wasn’t in-love with her, not like I am with Risa. Somewhere deep inside, I knew that I would never be in-love with her. A few days ago at the Well, when two people announced their engagement and a dwarf proposed to Zaphne, all I could think of was Risa and how I wanted to spend my life with her – just her. I was giving Jess/Christy a chance, but it would never have worked in the end. Someday it would have come to a head, and that day would have been messy.
But now, without Christy to torment her, control her, make her do things she wouldn’t otherwise do - the way she went around, doing what she could to fix things (and doing a very good job at it), saying what needed to be said, making us smile and just… being herself, finally – it was like what was once a mere spark is now a shining sun, and there is a ‘fire’ in her that wasn’t there before. This time, I think I know that I can fall in-love with her. Maybe there is room for three afterall.
Jess was right (why do I get the feeling I'll be saying that a lot?), I was too harsh on Risa. I don't know how I could have let my temper get away like that. Gel does matter a lot to me, and what Risa did was wrong, but that's still no excuse. I'm glad Jess was there to point it out. I do hope in time Gel can find it in herself to trust Risa fully again. I need to apologize to Risa.
- - -
Tregarde put the journal aside. It was going to be a long day. The renovations to the Guard hall were complete, and it was time to start moving in. She looked at Jessala and a slight smirk crossed her face as she wondered just how bad of a hangover the sleeper would have.
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Post by Tregarde on Jun 7, 2006 15:20:41 GMT -5
Tregarde walked through the Temple of Shilen and kneeled before the magnificent statue of the goddess. A few paces back were Kirisa and Jessala. Tregarde was grateful they had accompanied her, but in the end she has to do this alone. In her hands she carried a small seashell and a feather. Her hair was bound with an ivory comb, itself carved with designs of shells and oceanic waves. She placed the shell and feather before the statue and looked up.
“Shilen, Mother, please look after your servant. Look after Rhedyn,” she said. She closed her eyes as tears rolled down he cheeks and remembered.
Tregarde remembered her first encounters with the short, cute mute. She was an odd creature. She didn’t seem to understand much about society, or even people. There was a feral glint in her eyes on those occasions when they were hunting together, she had a bloodthirsty streak. She carried a pouch full of all sorts of odds and ends, the kinds of things a child might collect simply because she liked them, the kinds of things that to others might seem as junk, but to her were prized possessions. She had a curiosity about things, and clearly she liked to have fun. Perhaps it was the last that charmed Tregarde.
She remembered the first time Rhedyn give her a playful tug on her hair. Ever since, tugging at each other's tails had been a signature of their friendship.
She remembered the day that the Legion had cornered Christana near Dion, after the terrible manipulation of Ophante had been revealed. When Rhedyn had been stuck down for loosing her temper at Desamos, who was being a complete ass, she was the only one who showed concern. And she remembered the shock at finding out not who, but what Rhedyn was. Suddenly why she was different and didn't understand so much made sense. And when she came across Rhendyn later she she realized that it didn't matter - that to her Rhedyn would always be the 'mischievous little imp.'
Then there was the time they chanced to meet in Giran. She had that expression that seemed to say 'let's play', and the went out of the city, and came across a group of flying creatures lead by some sort of succubus. Rhedyn tugged at her, wanting to hunt. She remembered studying the creatures, determining that between the two of them there shouldn't be too much trouble, and attacking. A few seconds later they were running for their lives and barely made it back to the city. Battered and bleeding, they looked at each other and couldn't help but laugh - herself a roaring guffaw, and Rhedyn with her mirthful, silent laugh.
Then she remembered the time she was browsing through the markets in Dion and came across a small amulet. She didn't know why, but the coiled serpent design and the way it shined made her think of Rhedyn. From the price it must have been made of brass, but she might have payed for it anyway even if it was solid gold. A couple weeks later she happened across Rhedyn in Gludin and gave her the pendant. The surprise and joy in her eyes were precious, but what truly made the moment special was that it was the day Rhedyn first gave her a hug.
Then later, on another trip to Gludin, she not only came across Rheydn, but also a human in her company. Most surprising was the way she looked at him. There was no question that she adored him, and he clearly had a fondness for her. Despite her misgivings about it, seeing the way Rhedyn was happy with him, she would help as much as she could.
Soon afterward Rhedyn came across her and Esmera in Dion. Rhedyn was entranced by the hairpins that Esmera makes and sells. When Rhed reached out to touch the pin she wore, she offered to let Rhed wear it. The delight was something special, but then Rhed did something she had never expected – she pulled out an ivory hair comb and offered it as trade. She would have accepted the trade were it not that the hairpin was a gift. Rhedyn reluctantly returned the hairpin, then did something even more surprising - she offered the comb anyway. Tregarde reached up and absently touched the comb in her hair as she remembered accepting the gift.
Later she tried to help Rhedyn make herself more presentable by trying to teach her how to brush her hair. And though Rhedyn liked swimming, it wasn't the same as taking a real bath. She felt her chest tighten as she remembered what happened. She had no idea why Rhedyn panicked when she saw Chirstana. She didn't know what that 'scream' was, didn't even know that Rhedyn could do that. But looking back on it now she realized she could have done some things better. She wasn't taking Rhedyn's nature into account enough. Instead of a hot bath, she should have taken Rhedyn to a river and shown her how to find soapwort to clean herself with. But things happened the way they did, and there was no telling how much damage was done.
A few days later she encountered the human. She tried to explain to him what happened, as much as she could. That he was upset was understandable, but it was almost like talking to a wall trying to get through to him. Then Rhedyn showed herself. Despite his being protective Tregarde was able to convince him to let them have some time alone. Rhedyn clearly wanted to trust her again. Tregarde made the best offer she could – to try and gain the ability to ‘hear’ Rhedyn. It was a long-shot, requiring to ask Shilen for her favour, bit if granted then Rhedyn would finally have someone she could truly ‘talk’ to. Rhedyn accepted the offer and as she turned to leave with the human she reached out and gave Rhed a playful tug on her hair, eliciting a faint smile in response.
It was the last time she saw Rhedyn.
A couple weeks passed. She wasn’t too concerned, it was not uncommon to for such time to pass between times when they saw each other, but she did want to attempt the ritual to ask for Shilen’s favour and it would require Rhedyn to be there. As she was leaving Heine after the Wishing Well she stopped to exchange a few words with Olorae. It was then she learned that Rhedyn was gone, most likely returned to where she came from. Then she found the truth about the hair comb, that it belonged to another. Reluctnatly Tregarde handed it over, but Olorae let her keep it, the Celebrant had also recently lost someone and the comb would be a painful reminder for her. Out of respect Tregarde would put the comb away after she left the Temple, but the real reason she accepted it back was because it was the only reminder of Rhedyn she had.
Tregarde stood and whispered, “Aluve', dalninil d'ussta xukuth. Usstan ortelanth dos ragar l'loff'tarien dos rytho'le.” (Farewell, sister of my heart. I pray you find the happiness you deserve.)
She turned and took a step towards Kirisa and Jessala when she felt something… maybe it was just her imagination, but it almost felt like a tug at her hair. She turned around to see nothing. She looked around for a moment, then as she was about to turn back to the others she noticed the feather and shell – two things she knew Rhedyn was fond of - were missing. Maybe she had simply been careless and knocked them over when she stood. Most likely, that was it. But… just maybe…
“Mischievous little imp,” she said with a faint smile.
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Post by Esmera on Jun 9, 2006 8:24:54 GMT -5
I have a question on the last one
What or who was Rhedyn?
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Post by Tregarde on Jun 9, 2006 9:06:49 GMT -5
Rhedyn has an interesting history. If we can find a way to bring it up in-game, I'll explain. It's not exactly a mystery, but not many people know.
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Post by Tregarde on Jun 13, 2006 15:07:05 GMT -5
Emptiness. In all her years, she never felt so empty. She had learned to share her love. To love two people equally. Now one was gone. It felt like half her heart was missing. Tregarde and Kirisa had clung to each other and cried all night. Jessala was gone.
They didn't know what expect when they found the note left by Jess asking them to come to the Temple of SHilen. They found her at the base of the statue of the goddess. She handed them some papers that explained the spell that had separated her from Christana. Tregarde was not a mystic, and much of the spell was beyond her, but one thing was clear - the magic was temporary. The body created by it lived by Shilen's grace, and could be recalled at any time. That time had come.
There was no time to plead with Shilen, no time to beg for Jessala to be given more time. No time to look for some ritual that might prolong her stay. They watched helplessly as she slowly became transparent while she sang a song for them - words neither shall ever forget. They watched as she ascended, like an angel coming into Shilen's embrace, till she could no longer be seen.
Jessala Nas'Vada was gone.
When Tregarde and Kiris had returned to their suite at the Guard hall they collapsed onto the bed - the bed they had shared with Jessala - embraced each other and cried. How long, Tregarde did not know, time had lost all meaning. Silently she cursed Shilen for taking Jessala away, for the suffering she had suffered, till she remembered something Risa had said ealier: “three deaths”. Tregarde began to consider things from differently. Three times Jessala had cheated death. Three times she had been given another chance. Jessala wasn’t cursed… she was favoured by Shilen.
Somehow, through the sobs, she managed to whisper to Kirisa, “We should be glad we had a chance to share our lives with her. We should be glad she had the chance to share her life with us. She was happy with us, Risa. Happier than she had ever been.” The choked up and sobbed, unable to continue.
We’ll be together again someday. It may be tomorrow, it may be centuries from now, but we will be together again, Jess. Farewell for now, my love, I know you’re waiting for us.
Tregarde clung even more to Kirisa. One was gone, but one remained, and they needed each other.
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Post by Tregarde on Jun 22, 2006 14:49:27 GMT -5
It's only been a little over a week, and so much has changed. The spell that gave Jess a new body was only temporary, and we could only watch as she ascended into Shilen's embrace. I had come to love her as much as I love Risa, and she was gone. It felt like half my heart, half my soul, had been ripped away. I know Risa felt the same.
The next couple days are just a blur of Risa and I holding each other and crying. Somewhere in that time I realized just what a gift Jess was to us. She had cheated death three times, to be with us. How can someone be so blessed by Shilen to be given three chances? And yet she had. And though her time with us was short, we should be thankful for it. And in realizing that, I knew that despite the loss, I had to continue, I had to live. I still have the Guard, and more importantly I still have Risa. Jess wouldn't want us to be come mere shells of ourselves, forever grieving for her. I don't want that.
It gave me the strength to get up, get out of our room, bring us back some food and begin to live again. I knew the healing would be long, the pain hurt so much, but I had so much to live for. And part of that, I knew, was spending the rest of my life with Risa. After we held a service for Jess, I took Risa to that special place of ours and asked her. I was afraid that it might have been too soon for her, but I knew that I would ask her someday so why not then? It might help give her the strength to continue also. She accepted.
Then a couple days ago a stranger shows up asking for Jess. It drew much concern from us as she was asked for her by her family name. Her family was all but wiped out decades ago, and the few survivors went into hiding. How could anyone know to even look for her, let alone where? He almost demanded to see certain books in our possession when we told him Jess was dead, claiming that within then he could find a way to bring her back. We reluctantly allowed it. If only we knew what was to come.
Yesterday, before we would let him go to perform the ritual, we finally got out of him that he was Jess’ father. If he had told us earlier it would have saved much trouble to that point, but I doubt it would have changed what happened next. We followed him to the Altar of Rites, to find the attendants usually there gone, six young ladies in shackles –initiates to the Temple-, and Kaelir with him. Only then did it become clear that in order to bring Jess back, he would trade the lives of the initiates, and he acquired Kae’s help by promising to bring back her daughter as well.
We had no choice, as much as we wanted Jess back the price was too high, and what he was doing goes against what the Guard stands for. We tried to stop him and Kae, but Risa and I alone were not enough with Krissy also helping Kae. Soon four of the ladies were dead, and two had become the new homes for the souls of others. Risa and I were in shock, to say the least. I can see why he chose the particular lady he did for Jess, there is a strong resemblance. I still don’t know how I feel about it all, what he did was an abomination, but he did bring her back. Is it wrong that a part of me is glad that she’s back? No, of course not… but how will she, how will Risa react?
The madness in Kae had left her and she realized what she did was wrong. Bringing back her daughter in itself was bad enough, but Karafima also seems to have returned with all the malevolence and abilities that forced Kae to kill her in the first place. She came willingly to the Temple. We left Jess with her father so they could be alone, the ritual had drained him and he would be dead within the hour anyway. The tetricarch was just and merciful, thankfully. Kae would have to become a slave to the Temple for six years, one for each life lost, and would have to undergo training to learn to control her abilities so that she may not go mad again. Fortunately Kae would be allowed to continue her duties with the Guard, under supervision. Karafima was too dangerous to live, she would be executed while Kae watched. But Kara was able to escape.
We found Jess had returned home. We had hardly time to look upon her when Kara had appeared in the Hall. She confronted Makora and threatened to kill Czenzi. She left when Jess rushed out to confront her. Afterwards, she spent hours setting up wards to protect us and trap Kara the next time she appears. It exhausted Jess, and now we are in bed, waiting. I couldn’t sleep, and so here I write.
Despite everything, Jess is back. And having her here, with us, just feels right.
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