At A Loss

[Kaeldorn]

Though whether Cirion was prepared for a dwarf crashing through his window was debatable. Much less the events that it would lead to, which were as of yet unknown. Nulinus' mind was in a state of near disarray when he had received a vision from his near-forgotten god Gorm. It was of a demon, and two innocent souls being tormented in its grasp. All else he knew to say about it was that something was going on in the forests of Viridale, to the west. This was one such moment when they wanted to and were expected to help. And by the magics of a Sending scroll, Yashia was obviously one of the people Cirion called in to do so.

With a large band they ventured out into the woods. At first sight the environment, with all the flora and fauna within it seemed perfectly normal. Until they went deeper, and stumbled upon a group of gigantic blooded ogres, with no skin left to cover the rotting flesh and muscle mass that made up their figure. Undead... the same type of creatures Yashia remembered from so long ago when they were created by a mad wizard of the Left Hand of Mundus. And also the same she knew had been encountered in the caves nearby, on the day Cybil so foolishly exposed herself and the children she was supposed to protect as their mother to dangers that could well have meant a fatal ending. Of their company there were few who were involved enough to draw the connection, but Yashia and Cirion definitely did. It became all the more obvious when their expedition led into a network of caverns beneath the surface of Viridale.

Legions of the ogre-made flesh golems they faced. And as time passed, their own number grew thin. The wounded and exhausted one by one sounded the retreat. None of them found death, by the grace of the gods, until only about half of them was left and saw the remains of a brutally mutilated woman. Was she one of the tortured souls of Nulinus' vision? In a way it may have been cruel, but Yashia actually hoped that she was. Then at least there would be only one more who had suffered, and the likelihood of that being a child of Cirion's was slim.

"Shouldn't we take her with us? So she can receive a proper burial?" Yashia asked in a low and respectful voice while some of the others already moved on.

Nulinus looked around and nodded. "We will, when we are on our way out of here. If one of us carries her we have one less to defend us. We can not afford that."

The only woman in their group taller than four feet sighed and walked on. Though behind her a trio that had missed the plan brought her anyway. An unknown elven man and the samurai Mirumoto laid her on the back of the bear-shifted druid that went by the name Roim. The group reached a dead end. It was a wall that was quickly perceived to be partially fake, and without much hassle opened.

The door that barred their way right after that was more elaborately sealed. With a riddle in dwarven inscribed on it. Yashia was liked solving riddles, but she didn't speak the language. And the stench that hung in the air that, a lot stronger than it had been before even among the rotting army of risen ogre corpses, made it impossible for her to think clearly. It was probable that whatever awaited them beyond would not be a pretty sight. Ironically, one whose presence Yashia hadn't wanted to cope with proved to be one of the greatest assets to come along. Logan, the foul hin, must have felt right at home in all this rot. He had skillfully been removing well-placed traps on their path, and now was the one with clear enough thoughts to solve the riddle that blocked their passage.

It swung open, and the way was clear. What they found was even worse than they could have dared to imagine. Bodyparts lay scattered all over the floor, torn asunder in the most gruesome ways. At the end of it all, beyond the fumes and clouds of flies circling over the dead, human flesh was an altar. And with slow steps, the group made its way to there. The eyes of the perceptive unnamed elf scanning the dark and dreary area for any movement among the dead. He was the first to see a figure. A boy of a few years old sitting inbetween the broken bodies that covered the floor of the sacrificial chamber. At the first glance, the blonde human ranger was afraid for him to be Cirion's. But he couldn't be. Unless...

[Kaeldorn]

The boy was not a normal one. When they were close enough, the group could see that his skin was peeling off in various places. He was cursed by the vile powers of necromancy, not dead but not alive either. The image was shocking, and most of the group was without ideas. The same elf again took the initiative by carefully walking up to him and touching the kid's shoulder. At which he turned around to reveal how far he was really gone from a normal life.

Cirion apparently had the same thoughts she did, and knelt down before the small and miserable presence, calling for him to come closer in a voice as caring as it would have been while speaking to his own son. Trying to make him feel at ease and promising that everything would be alright. With hopes that there was some possibility to restore him.

The direct look into the boy's eyes had an effect that none could have foreseen. His gaze was of the force that his creator sought to control: Death. The Sunite's champion's body fell face-forward to the ground, to join all those others that had been slain in this terrible place. And there, he lay motionlessly. Knowing that necromancy was capable of causing the abrupt end of life, Yashia dropped down to her knees next to him and trembled uncontrollably. All of the others merely watched in shock and tried to grasp what had just happened. The boy showed no signs of violence at all, but he did invoke just that in the heart of Roim, the halfling druid.

"Destroy it!" he shouted. "Remove this abomination of nature so that it can't cause any more untimely death than it already has!"

The shivering and shaking voice of Yashia protested. With Cirion in her arms showing no signs of life, she was still trying to fight for the cause she and her husband-to-be had come here for. "No! Do not kill him! The fate of their children might depend on it!"

No one interfered in favor of either side, but because Yashia was in her current state unable to physically stop what the druid was doing, it was Roim who would have his way. Frustrated, and healing himself throughout the course of what felt like an endless showdown between the undead boy kicking and punching wildly at his assailant and the equally tall hin utilizing shield and sickle to cut through dead flesh.

Roim frustratedly looked around to the others when his mark had finally bitten the dust. As soon as his eyes met Yashia's, though, a shiver went down his spine and he quickly cast his glance away from her. If her eyes could have killed like the boy's did, then Roim wouldn't have been off all that differently from Cirion now.

While Yashia was still bent over Cirion in mourning, Nulinus, Mirumoto and Roim searched the altar for any clues that might lead them to the culprit of all this. At the same time, the more greedy members of their group sought to open a locked up chest they had found in a corner. Hoping that there would be treasure for them inside. But as is usual in the lair of magicians who don't give a damn about the lives of anyone who enters without invitation, the container was trapped. And their tries caused a huge fireball to land on top of the party, only barely missing Yashia and Cirion. Without many words, she made her feelings about that more than clear to the irresponsible possession-crazed fools while she dragged her love's lifeless body to a safer place. Not that they cared much either.

Distraught, she didn't pay much mind to what the others were doing from there on. They left her alone in misery, all of them except the unknown elf. Without any real doubt, he simply laid his hands atop the Sunite's chest and they began to glow, a soft blue light that found its way through the entirity of the man she held. A man whom she had presumed lost to her, but that thought was now proven wrong. He began to breathe once more. Weakly so, but he did. Yashia could think of but one thing at that moment, and that was to use all of the skills she had to stabilize him and get him in a shape that allowed both of them to leave this place alive. The elf himself, not much of a communicator, simply continued about his business by helping Nulinus.

It didn't take long for their group as a whole to get ready to move. All they had gained was a small bit of knowledge and a gruesome experience. A tale of which the details none of them would openly talk about anywhere in the near future. If at all.

[Kaeldorn]

The remains of the child and what was presumed to be his mother were brought to and stored within the temple of the Vigilant One. Helm, god of Watchers. A brief explanation of the happenings was given and then the group parted ways. Tired, and much in need of sleep so that a next day could greet them more warmly than this one had. Yashia and Cirion, her love she had almost lost, did the same. They retired to their not so humble abode. Without more physicalities than a comforting hold on this night.

From there, things could only really go uphill. Which they did, but only 'sort of'. The confrontation with the boy that showed what could become of his kids, if it hadn't transpired already by now, gave birth to a great deal of worry within him. At the same time, Yashia still showed no signs whatsoever that she would give birth to a child of him and her together, causing his spirits to fall further. Though for her, the woman he had sworn himself to, he would try not to sink back to the thoughts he had been consumed by before. He could live with it for now.

He was not the only one who was plummeting all the way down, however. Cybil, the other he had loved - and still did - became depressed from the lack of findings that could bring her to actually do something for the innocent souls that were lost. That, as well as her lack of being loved by Cirion, who she still felt the same for no matter the kindness Ru'umel had shown. The elven ranger with whom she was now engaged to marry. The answer for her problems she sought in the consumption of ungodly amounts of alcohol. And though she couldn't win his heart over Yashia, she dragged the fallen paladin of Sune with her in her drunken haze.

It was only a matter of time before Yashia would start to notice the boozing of her husband to be. She asked him several times to talk to her when he was feeling bad rather than reaching for the bottle. He said he would try and possibly did, but if he did then he didn't succeed. For a few weeks this went on. And then it really started to get to Yashia as well. She had to do something to help him before he would ruin his life and their life together with an abundance of alcohol. She realized that her failure to get pregnant, something she herself had a bad feeling about too, could well be the reason for his troubles. And so, on one night, they decided together that they would try to find out what was wrong and if anything could be done about it.

[Kaeldorn]

A day later, the blonde inhabitant of room number one was having a talk with Ol' Betty the innkeeper about her reservations when two familiar faces came in. One of them had come up the night before. Annie was a druidess of Chauntea, goddess of natural fertility. She was a friend to them and they both hoped that she could help them in the right direction, but now that she was here Yashia felt too ashamed to ask or even bring their problem up at all.

"Ah, hello there Yashia." Annie still said with her usual friendly face. And as was his trademark, Osclow tipped his hat in greeting.

"Oh, uhm... Hey."

An uncomfortable shift at the counter gave away Yashia's nervousness. Although apparently that made hardly a difference because someone had been taking precautions in case she'd try to avoid the talk she said she would have. Annie knew that something was up and the time for pleasantries was over. "Cirion said to me that we needed to speak. And it sounded rather important."

"What?" Yashia uttered, more in surprise of her knowing than trying to deny that something was up indeed. "Well... yes. I do want to talk to you, but if possible I would prefer to do so at a time when we can be alone."

Yashia's eyes travelled to the hatted bard at Annie's side with a sorry look. Unexpectedly, he offered right away to leave them be. Based on a false excuse. In turn, the fair-headed fallen tried to express how it could wait a while and that she didn't want to force him away, right after which Cirion and Cybil came in too. The chaos and confusion about who would do what was complete, though luckily the situation solved itself without any decision making on Yashia's part other than telling Cirion that she wanted him along.

[Kaeldorn]

The group of three; Yashia and Cirion joined by Annie, stepped outside and found a spot at the pond to have a consult of sorts.

"So." Annie started calmly, just making a beginning and trying to give the other two a sense of comfort in talking about a topic she herself didn't know the gist of yet. "Can you tell me what is worrying you?"

Yashia bit on her bottom lip and nervously cast her eyes to the pond close by. She was nervous, even if she realized that the step had to be taken now. Which she reluctantly did. "As you have probably noticed, I... I'm not really a virgin anymore..."

Annie coloured red and didn't say anything yet. Only giving a nod to confirm the obvious, she let Yashia continue on with explaining.

"We have been trying for several months now, and I still don't feel anything."

The unease from the tall human woman had rubbed off on the young druidess, who gave a couple of blinks before she finally seemed to understand what they were getting at. "Oh. I see."

A slight, uncomfortable smile crossed Annie's face while she prepared herself to ask a question for further diagnosis. "It's possible that you have some lasting injury from that accident you had a long time back, Cirion. Do you think that could be the cause of the problem?"

Yashia spoke up, actually somewhat hopeful. "No, it can't be him. The things with Cybil, they happened after the 'accident'. Right, dear?"

"Yes, that's true." Cirion confirmed.

"And you, Yash." the druidess resumed. "You never had any wounds that might have left anything?"

"Well, I've been injured before. But never any wounds that lasted."

"Ok. All I can really say to you then is to... err... try ten days after your monthlies have started, sis. I've worked with ewes and..."

All six of their cheeks now coloured a bright red. No insults taken, but the atmosphere was an odd one to say the least. The former farmer girl and worshipper of Chauntea paused for a second more to clear her throat and continued her consult only then. "What I mean to say is that the day and time for the best chance of pregnancy can be very precise. And some ewrr.." Cough. "-times, someone can only conceive at that exact time."

Annie threw an awkward smile around, having finished with her advice and now hoping that her help would get them on track so she could join with her Osclow once more. Yashia didn't say anything yet though, but Cirion broke the silence. "So you are saying that we should wait a while and then... ?"

"Yes. That should work." The message had come across, although with a just in case afterthought, she inquired a little bit more. "Yash, your periods.. They are normal, right?"

The mere nod the blonde at Cirion's side gave provided the answer. "Right then," the down-to-earth druid went on, "that's a good sign at least. I can't tell if there is anything physically wrong with you, because I don't really have the magic that is needed to figure such things out. So if the problem persists, you should turn to the Keeper or maybe a priest. But for now, I think you should just keep trying. Just remember... ten days! Got it?"

They understood, and made that clear each with their own choice of words. The close to taboo topic was done being discussed. Needless to say, they were all three relieved that it was. Perhaps one of the most important and most immediate victories of the day was that Cirion now had something to set his mind to.

[Kaeldorn]

Problems related to love and happiness were not exclusive to Yashia and her Love Knight. Such things that the common woman and man often come to face might for many adventurers get in the way of their line of work, but it wasn't something they wanted to miss out on either. And sometimes, issues of that nature would also come up completely uncalled for.

So it was that one day Yashia, lost in thought, walked out the Comfort's doors and accidentally bumped into her neighbour Osclow. A man who had at some point shown a brief romantic interest in her by the way, when things between her and Sehron weren't all that they should have been. That was long ago though, and through it all they still kept their friendship. The bard's invitation to Yashia to look for relaxation in the tavern of the Four Lanterns nearby had no hidden meaning at all, as they were both engaged and happy with their respective companions.

Having accepted his invitation, it would not take long before the two would walk into the somewhat more noisy but perhaps also more lively place than the inn they usually stayed in. Two individuals known to both sat in the pair of chairs by the a separated table near the entrance. Thayan Knight Lauan and the halfling girl Sekani. They said their greetings as they usually did: Osclow tipped his hat, Sekani was overly cheerful in her expressions and her 'Hey!', Lauan mumbled a 'Hello' that was vaguely audible but there nonetheless, and Yashia gave her modest nod and smile.

Casual talk ensued and soon the master of conversation without aim, Juney Thimbles the pleasantly odd gnome, came to keep them company. As well as a stranger. An human woman with an aura of alcoholism about her. And what was about to come forth from that, was one such example of 'unwanted attention' a known hero of the land would sometimes have to endure. Osclow, slayer of Xithis - blight lord and keeper of the Cube - was her victim. The charismatic bard's attempts at politely denying her worked adversely and the woman was intent on finding her momentary happiness in Osclow's arms. Unwilling to use force, he guided her to the bar to just have an innocent chat as appeasement.

[Kaeldorn]

"Oh! Love at first sight!" said Juney enthusiastically.

Yashia's eyes followed the drunken woman's uncontrolled walk away from their place in the inn, with distaste for the advances and stupor caused by drink. "That's not love." she spoke in disgruntled tones. "All that's driving her now is lust. Instinct."

The gnome rolled her eyes. "But isn't that just what love is? A longing to be with someone and ultimately ensure the survival of your species?"

The blonde and very much sober woman shook her head "No, you only say that because you are trying to dismiss it for something less than it really is so that it is less painful to be without. Love is a feeling from the heart, it's more than just something physical. You'll find out when it gets to you." She smirked.

"What is the difference between normal love and this so-called 'true love', really?" Juney replied with a smirk, enjoying this talk against Yashia's foolish beliefs. The other two on the other hand, Sekani and Lauan, quickly tired of the exchange of words and quietly retreated from the ongoing discussion.

"Isn't the whole point of love that it does seem true to you when the feeling is there?" Thimbles argued on, while in the background some noises could be heard from a certain loud drunk and eager woman at the bar.

Juniper's conversational adversary had to think on those words. There was truth in what Yashia's small spectacled friend said, but it came with a distinguishable undertone of flippancy that she couldn't quite appreciate. "Well..." she started her response in order to get that little extra time to think of her own answer. "True love is something deeper. It's an emotion that's strong enough to become a reason to live for. A force that influences life as much if not more than any god can. Something that knows no boundaries and that nothing can break. Not even death."

"Nonsense. It never lasts long. How what's-his-name is now canoodling with his new friend and putting Annie on the side is proof of it."

"Osclow would never cheat on her.." Yashia said in firm denial.

Juney vividly nodded and pointed her finger past the blonde with an aim down the hallway. "Ah yes, I'm sure. That's why he is headed upstairs with her now."

Not believing it, Yashia turned around to see it with her own eyes. And there they Walked just like she said they were, Osclow supporting the woman on their way to the rentable sleeping chambers of the inn. "Wh-.. It's... it's not what it seems." she protested.

"Oh really?" sounded Juney's voice, amused.

She gave a stern nod and explained. "For sure. There might have been a time when Osclow was a bit.. well, 'flighty', but in Annie he has found someone he knows he can be happy with. And he is not about to throw that away."

"I'm still going to tell Annie. And she will not be pleased!" Juney tried to stir things in a different direction.

"If you do then so will I. And she is wise enough to see which version of the story rings true. They belong together and they both know it, so a rumor won't drive them apart."

"What if you're wrong?" questioned Juney in disagreement. "What if Annie belongs with Daelus?"

[Kaeldorn]

Yashia sighed, now finally seeing what the girl usually devoid of any seriousness was getting at. "Juney, it's kind of you that you want to help a friend find happiness, but Annie is just not the one for him. If you really want to make things better for him, then all you can do right now is try to be there for him as the friend that he needs. Just someone he can be himself with."

The gnome shuffled some on her feet, for a second casting her glance down to the tavern floor. "Yashia, let me ask you a few things..."

A small smile crossed the face of the woman she spoke to, she had a gut feeling that Juney was soon to talk to her about matters that kept touched her personally. And Yashia was always happy to lend her ear and humble opinion to help such case. "Sure," she said, "ask away."

Juney Thimbles gave a nod and stood firmly with her nose up, trying to be bigger than she really was. "Okay. First question: How well do you know Annie?"

"Quite well, I'd like to think." Yashia replied. "I've befriended her ever since I came to Sundren over two years ago. And since then, she and I have often shared our personal lives together. Trying to help with each other's problems and cheering each other up when we felt down."

Juniper listened to the elaborate answer, and seemed satisfied with it when it was fully spoken. "Okay, that sounds believable enough. Next question: How well do you know Daelus?"

"Hmm." the ex-paladin of Lathander frowned thoughtfully. "That's a more difficult one to answer, because around him I always get the feeling that he is trying to hide who he really is. Behind the sarcasm and big-talk of his surface that he uses as a shield to appear tough, I think there is actually a very sensitive man. One who feels the same feelings most people feel, but he is afraid to show it and live by them because he fears to face the possibility of failure and disappointment in matters of the heart."

The response Yashia gave nearly had Juney stunned. If anyone had given her a push to the head, she would surely have toppled over. "I agree." was all she could really utter. Though she was glad that the woman she decided to speak with about this took her seriously and seemed to understand more about people than would be expected from her somewhat shallow level of intellect. Enough to boldly ask one more question. "Then, there is one more thing."

Yashia nodded and made clear that she was still all ears, and Juney could proceed. "What makes you possibly think that he doesn't overlook me completely, that he would consider me at all? A mere, silly gnome who isn't exactly the apple of anyone's eye?"

That question would likely have invoked a burst of laughter from many an individual, yet the one it was asked kept totally calm and considerate. Just as Juney had hoped she would. "Perhaps if you give it time, keep supporting him and show him that you do care, he may eventually develop feelings for you too. It's not something that happens overnight, but not outside the realms of possibility either."

"Thanks, Yash." she said with a slightly suppressed smile. That was enough to show that she did really appreciate this talk that they had.

"No thanks necessary, I'm just glad I could help you. If only a little."

Yashia smiled down upon her significantly shorter friend who seemed to make ready to depart, hopefully to think her words over. With their goodbye, someone else with nearly perfect timing made his way to her. Cirion had been conversing with Sekani for a while and now had his mind, among other things, fixed on her. It was evident that he was glad to see her as was usual, and so was Yashia. And after expressing in words, hugs and kisses that they had missed each other during the half of a day they hadn't been together, they found the moon was high enough to excuse themselves to their private quarters at that other inn.

[Kaeldorn]

On a night that was not at all unusual, Yashia strolled into the Exigo Trading Post travellers' camp. What was unusual however, was seeing the face of a blue-haired elf she faintly recognized. It was not her first fiancé Sehron, but a woman he used to have regular contact with. A friend of his, she thought, but to herself Elusa hadn't been much more than an acquaintance. Yet something seemed different about her when they spoke, a suspicion which was soon proven to be well-founded.

At a weak moment Elusa had, like Yashia, fallen victim to the oft inexplicable shadows of the Lady of Loss. Unlike was the case with herself though, Her grasp over the former elven druidess had sadly taken a toll that had torn her permanently. Making her lose her memories, understanding of emotions and physically breaking her. The latter of which had for the greater part been mended already. Perhaps a longer exposure, and the elf's nature to want to take care of everything on her own had left her to deteriorate even further. Yashia couldn't help but think for a moment what could have become of to herself had it not been for Cirion swaying her back to a better path. A thought that was quickly cast aside as it was just a 'what if?' scenario, while Elusa's loss was a very real one.

What she sensed though, was that Elusa wasn't waiting at all for any pity. She wanted to learn from her mistakes and get on with her life. A very wise way to deal with her situation, the wandering woman believed. And for expressing her perceptions and being the first to actually see such, she was funnily labelled 'wise one' by Elusa herself. A title she was amused and honored by at the same time. The moon elven follower of Selune welcomed Yashia's trying to understand and giving her opinion on how to face her problems, and Yashia was as always happy to give it.

Finding back 'The One of Unity', as Elusa seemed to call the gathering of aspects of the lost remnants of her former self and the person she was now, was her primary aim at the current time. This, she tried to accomplish through a sort of seances when the moon was at its highest. During these she would read the old Elusa's thoughts, contained in a divinely touched book. To understand the errors and better herself through it. Yashia was there to observe one of these sessions. And after hearing her speak aloud the beautifully decorated symbols that glowed brightly in the light of the moon, Celestial as Yashia recognized but couldn't quite understand, the two of them shared a talk about what she had discovered.

A perhaps even more important part of re-establishing her soul, in Yashia's opinion, was to recall what feelings meant. And how people were emotionally affected by gestures and events they experienced. When a couple of days later Elusa asked the 'Wise One' and her friend Etria how to best show her gratitude and appreciation to the man who gave her a staff to walk with so the strain on her weakened legs was limited, it was the friend that had the smarts to figure it all out.

Etria had seen Peridan and her together and got the idea there might be more to it than just thankfulness. The blonde former paladin wanted to treat the assumptions carefully to ensure none would get hurt, and was initially afraid that Etria's bold inquiries would make the plan go awry. But instead she saw that her tactful, caring yet care-free way of approaching Elusa had exactly the desired effect. A kiss on the cheek was the sign Elusa was to give, as per Etria's advice. And how exactly that was done... she showed as an example on Yashia, who was mildly but pleasantly embarrassed by it. It was purely an innocent demonstration after all, which no-one would feel hurt or cheated by. And finding out some time later that it had done exactly what it was supposed to made it all the more worth it.

[Kaeldorn]

There were many in the valley who had been struck hard by misfortune and personal grief, but fortunately most could - with the help of friends and friendly strangers - in the long run return to a life they could be happy with. Or at the least content. Yet there was one person in Yashia's life whom she had tried really hard to support and guide to a good life, but who always got lost somewhere along the way. Now to have given up pretty much any and all hope entirely. The girl who became a slave, the slave who found her freedom, and by freedom was repelled to become a Knight for her former enslavers. Lauan.

On the one hand, what she had become commanded the respect of many. She was a force to be feared. But on the other side of the coin, Lauan felt estranged from almost everyone. Including the ones she had once called friends or even family. "Happiness is not for me," was something she would say to Yashia whenever she tried to talk to her about it. "I am what I am and I can live with it."

She still loved Osclow. And whether that was because of the oath she had sworn to Helm or if there was more left in her personally, the bard was wrong in thinking that what she had sacrificed to him was the only good part. Yashia had seen it with her own eyes. The joy of her smile, the child-like playfulness she sported back on that peaceful night in the bathhouse.

It wasn't at all like that now.

"Lauan?" said Yashia with a worried undertone to the sweat-reeking knight of Thay who had tried to slip past her at the entrance of the Sundren Comfort inn. And whom she had heard groaning after the inquiry how many days Yashia had left paid for. "You don't normally walk past without saying a word of greeting. Is there something wrong?"

A shrug was the prelude to her answer. "I need a bath."

This invoked a little smile on Yashia's face when she remembered that last time. "We can go to the bathhouse if you like," she offered with a motion of her head, inclining it in the door's direction. "It's almost next door."

"I don't really want to walk there. Isn't there a bathroom up here? What does it cost to use?"

Lauan obviously needed privacy right now, so thought the blonde ex-foster mother of hers. "It's free..."

That must have seemed cheap enough for the knight, and she let herself be led up the stairs. Nearly there, Lauan requested for Yashia to talk to her as well. And so, after misunderstanding and spinning around on her heels to correct the mistake of heading for her room to wait until the would-be daughter that was older than herself was finished, Yashia joined her in the bathroom. Where she was asked to assist in getting the water going by working the pump. She didn't mind though. It was not an order like Lauan would be given back at the Enclave. Not that it was likely that she would even be allowed anywhere near Pyras when he needed his bath, her being 'lesser' and all.

Of course, getting her shower going wasn't the only reason Lauan wanted her along. She wanted to have a word. And got it, too. "Yashia," she said, "are you truly happy with the life you have now?"

Yashia bit on her bottom lip, facing away from the cabin and using it to stand against with her back turned. "Hmm. Well, I'm not quite there yet.. But I will be in time."

"You are always stuck in your self-pity. You used to be different." The knight tried to sound as stern as possible, yet still there was a touch of nostalgia as Yashia could hear even over the dripping waters.

She sighed. "I don't pity myself.. I've just had difficult things to cope with and fell to depression, but that's all in the past now. I only have to sort a few things out and everything will be better."

Apart from the showering and cleaning noises coming from Lauan's cabin, it stayed quiet between them until the lonely knight was done. She took the towel and dried, then dressed herself. And almost immediately made her way to the door. "I have to go." she said bluntly and walked away. Yashia tried to stop her to ask why, but already knew what her reason was. Lauan felt like she was speaking to a wall that wouldn't budge. That talking to the woman she got along with so well and called 'mommy' once only made her feel like her words and deeds were even less significant. If only she knew.

[Kaeldorn]

Lauan's distaste with how Yashia had changed, or maybe her dreams of a different Yashia again came to light no more than a few days later. The fallen paladin couple was modestly cuddling in public at the Post when she yet again mouthed her dissatisfaction, albeit starting a bit indirectly.

"Whatever happened to Sehron, Yashia?" she asked.

A glimpse of a moment the woman she spoke to smiled from fond memories, but it saddened almost right away. "He left for Silverymoon, to be there for his unrightfully imprisoned mother. As he had been told about her severe illness by his half-sister who came here to find him and Caelryth.."

"That's not what I meant." The Thayan made a grumbling sound that could well be a frustrated sigh. "Why did you and him separate? You were always so modest and still caring together. It was cute."

Yashia shut her eyes and brought her right hand to her forehead to rub it, really not wanting to reminded but feeling the responsibility to respond nonetheless. "We were just too different, Lauan. We tried, and tried again to stick together because we really wanted to keep what we had, but our ideologies clashed too often and in the end we only kept each other from finding happiness. So we decided to part ways."

The knight snorted, spitting on the thought that Yashia was lying. Or telling half-truths. "Sehron said something else to me. He said that he wanted kids, but that with your vows you couldn't have them. That seems to be no problem for you with him."

A frown was thrown on Lauan's part towards the Sunite, who gave her one right back. "Stop it, Lauan. She deserves better."

Yashia let a faint sob be heard, though not intentionally, taking the moment Cirion spoke up to recollect herself for an answer that better reflected her own place in this argument. "Who says... who says that it is all that different?"

She fell silent then, the message behind her words falling on deaf ears to both of the two others involved in the discussion. She was tired, which Cirion sought to amend by offering to take her home, but she was on her way alone already before he could really ready himself. He still had to gather his things and caught up with her somewhere along the road. Where he stood before her with a hand on each of her shoulders.

"Yashia, I know what it's like to have lost someone you loved. Who you still love." he said in a firm yet gentle voice. She merely looked at him with non-teary but definitely sad eyes. He then held her a few moments, to continue together to the Comfort and Yashia's room there not much later.

Once there, Cirion aided the exhausted love of his life in preparing for her rest. "Lauan didn't have the right to speak to you that way..." he said slightly hesitantly, knowing full well that Yashia would likely jump to her defense regardless.

Though this once, she didn't. At least not with explanation. Yet. "You're wrong, Cirion. You don't know her reasons. But we can talk about that in the morning, I'm too tired right now.."

"As you wish." The Sune Knight nodded and leaned in to kiss her softly between the eyes. "Just know that I want to be with you and only you. You mean too much to me."

For an instant her jaw was lowered without uttering anything, coupled with a single blink of her eyes. "I... I won't leave you, my love." she said and quickly formed a wry smile to cover her former apparent insecurity on how she should respond.

Cirion was quick to have her in his arms and hold her to him. And in whispers expressed to Yashia once more how happy he was to be with her. And so did she, though more in a gesture than in words. That would be their kiss goodnight. And although she was the more tired one, it was probably he who slept better.

[Kaeldorn]

In the days that passed, Yashia grew more restless. Yet at the same time she somehow became more secure as well. The former was noticed by the one who had given up everything just to be with her. And those perceptions instilled worry within him. He feared that she would again succumb to depression, and that was something he couldn't let happen. His memories of her misery haunted him still. But that lay in the past now, and his fear was an unnecessary one, Yashia assured him. Although she couldn't without at least letting him in on some of the things she had on her mind.

While what Lauan had said wasn't wholly true; to be happy with Cirion wasn't Yashia's only concern, there was a core of truth in it. She had been far too focused on herself and her miseries, and through being clouded by her depressions she had only alienated people dear to her, and hurt people as well. Including the man she loved. The life she lived now wouldn't really make anyone happy. She was not happy with her own life herself. Something had to be done. The former paladin had to change where she was lacking. That didn't mean she would love Cirion any less, but she had to love others more. And show it.

But how? The how still was an uncertainty.

[Kaeldorn]

Yashia wanted to draw the chapter that had been a downward slope in her life to an end. And for that, several loose ends had to be tied together themselves still. One that had been almost completely out of her hands presented itself at a time she had already begun to doubt that she would ever again hear anything of it. But then, the blonde wandered towards the Trade Post, to find a call-to-arms to take the fight to a 'powerful necromancer'. Something told her that this indeed had to be the death-mage Zher'Kul that had for so long eluded any attempts made to trace him. A gut feeling, like the ones that had rarely let her down. And even if they would this time, then it wouldn't change her will to lend her aid anyhow. Corruptors like these had to be dealt with by any means necessary.

It didn't take her long to discover that Cirion was in on the planned 'expedition' too, and together they prepared and headed to the gathering place as quickly as they could. In the beginning, only a select few were gathered by the well known campfire of the Trade Post, but their number steadily increased in a short while. They were to be led by a seemingly impatient halfling that had some ill repute, from what Yashia had heard about him. Yet his name somehow still eluded her regardless of the rumors told.

A group of about a dozen able-bodied or spirited men and women set out into the woods of Viridale, following the hin-man's lead. That things were out of the ordinary all too soon became apparent, with the dire beasts of the forest - though not yet dead - having clearly been touched by a sort of necromantic taint. Their trail led them to what seemed to be a long dead tree. A dead end. Though with his kind seeking life beyond death, this would not quite be the final of their journey.

Far from it. As the unholy site was defiled by their efforts to pass into the lair they were searching for, vines reeking of rot portruded from the surface beneath their feet. And no matter the efforts they made to fight against this unexpected enemy, more and more came out of nowhere. Each one slain brought two more to grasp at their ankles in return, at least. That someone would be dragged away was nearly inevitable, and it was just that that did happen. When there was no immediate way to get her out and she disappeared from sight in the coiling mass of angry vines, the group was given yet another reason to go on into the lion's maw.

None knew for some time what to do, because all they did only seemed to make things harder. Until finally a strange figure came out of nowhere to join them. And stated his thoughts that instead of resisting it, they should embrace the ways of their nemesis to overcome his trials.

"Necromancy? We have to stoop to his level in order to continue? Bowing before him will only get us caught in whatever plans he has for any intruders into his domain. We won't help anyone that way!" Yashia objected, but to no avail. A wizard stepped forward and used his magics as suggested to soothe the plans by a touch of death on the branches of the dead tree. And where Yashia's holy water had failed, his dark magic succeeded. It even seemed fairly safe for them to go in. Into the dark bowels beneath the earth. Where a meeting with Zher'Kul - and his fate- awaited them.

[Kaeldorn]

As was to be expected, what they found down below weren't at all the omens for a glorious, victorious day. The darkness alone already didn't bode well, and what was worse, the wards the group found to be in place meant death to all magic bar the magic of death itself. Necromancy, the power that Zher'Kul himself mastered. The draining feeling they all had to experience when entering his lair was only the beginning.

It didn't take long before the subterranean road branched off in two directions. One into the damning darkness, the other into the light. False hope, was what immediately crossed Yashia's mind. "He wants us to choose the way that seems easiest," she suggested, "so we should try to do what he doesn't expect us to."

Her words were already met with opposition even before she stepped forward to lead the way. And then, when her, Osclow's and Cirion's skins were burnt by a foul magic that held the black clouds in place and they were forced to step back, none listened to her idea to use Death Ward to try and breach the barrier. A necromantic spell to protect against negative energy itself. They simply didn't seem to have faith in her judgement anymore at all, if they ever had. This was not a time where she could stand alone, however. And so she joined the others, to see this through to the end and hopefully steer the group away from foolish mistakes. To prevent them from being led astray by the wrong kind of emotions: fear and despair.

The rather oddly varied party of adventurers made its way through the underground halls, eventually stumbling upon what looked like an altar. The halfling that brought them here read the inscription out loud, and all the eyes were focused on the bowl stationed in front. A sacrifice of the blood of the innocent was what the riddle asked for, to be spilled into the sacred cup. Yashia believed it to be somewhat poetic, a test of their worth and their devotion to their cause. She thought of the children that had been taken, souls of the utmost purity as Cybil had described them. There was only one of their blood here, and that was the father. Cirion. Her answer was the right one, that led to part of the draining weight on their shoulders being lifted. The blonde wanderer wasn't yet aware of the true nature of these 'tests', but that was soon to change.

A second altar loomed through the veil of shadows. The initial observation of it was handled in the same way as the last. Praise the name of the True Power and watch in awe the iron fist of his rightful rule, this one demanded. Decorations were placed around this unholy site. Banners portraying the black hand of Bane. She couldn't believe everyone had missed any signs at the last. Then again, not all might have cared equally much. It was clear now, step by step they had to plunge deeper into submission to this god of tyranny.

"This is unacceptable," Yashia spoke frustratedly. "And pointless, because we won't -"

"All hail to Bane!" sounded a voice that interrupted her from behind the altar, far too akin to their 'guide's' voice to be anyone else's. Another vague figure walked up to the group from whence they came, whom the fallen paladin recognised as the same who had earlier suggested to use necromantic magic to put the vines at ease. He too said his praises, in such elaborate words that Yashia wouldn't even dare to remember them. They sounded truthful. One more from their group followed suit. Had they all gone mad? What had she gotten herself into...

Never knowingly associate with evil, for its paths and yours shall inevitably cross to come in conflict. And even though you may remain true throughout its attempts at manipulating and swaying you off-course, a choice shall eventually be forced between two evils of your own.

The once-paladin remembered that snippet of the Code she had once vowed to uphold. Even after all that had happened, it was something that she missed. The three that praised Bane claimed they had only done such to be able to press on, that it was for her and for Cirion that they said these things. She didn't trust them, but was unable to judge them without knowing for sure. If only she could have known what lay in their hearts. Still, there was no turning back now. Not after they fought their way through the deathless shadows that slowly seemed to reform behind them. To continue and oppose the wrong choices with what she had, that's all that could be done.

[Kaeldorn]

More rituals followed, more warnings given but no heed paid to them. And though finally the burden was almost lifted, the greatest disappointment had yet to come. One more altar, with a tiny hole inside. Offer your eternal soul to Bane, was in short what the writings requested. Something she knew none here were prepared to do. Not out of their own free will. Thus it came unexpected that Osclow stepped forward, with a sparkle of curiosity in his eyes.

"Could this be it?" he uttered, utterly lost in an ectasy for finding what was to be 'the solution'. The key to opening a final door. "Is this what it was meant for all along?" he went on as he revealed a tiny gem in the same shape as the keyhole.

Yashia knew right away what this meant. Whether it was gut feeling or common sense, it mattered not. She stepped forward and in front of the bard to make him think twice before going through with what he was about to do. "Osclow... if that gemstone has souls trapped within it, then what gives you the right to decide for them that they should be sacrificed for any cause at all?"

"But they did have a choice in the matter, Yashia." he replied. "Their fate has already been set in stone. This is just meant to be."

She shook her head, her mouth falling open. Perplexed. "I... this is..." The blonde briefly looked over all the others' faces, and most if not all but two had by now gotten more than a little annoyed with her interferences. "Unbelievable." That was the only word that could describe what she felt. And even before she could regain her composure, the sacrifice had already been made. The way to the wizard Zher'Kul now open.

There he stood, all on his own and the last of his servants cut down in the caverns behind. All this hunting, searching for months and now they finally found him he was alone and vulnerable, unwilling to even fight for whatever cause he had condemned his heart and those of the children to. It was apparent that he tried not to show his fear, but it was there. He was as meek as a newborn lamb.

"I surrender."

Those were his words. Who would ever have thought of this anti-climactic ending? Neither Cirion nor Cybil, whom Yashia had allowed to stand in front to face their nemesis, could strike him down. It was wrong to do so now.

For one though, nothing seemed to be wrong enough to stop him. A crossbow bolt flew through the air, striking the death wizard perfectly in the middle of his eye. Felled in a single shot. The hin, who had taken them along on this quest for retribution, had his own agenda.

It took a moment before any could really fathom or respond to the situation. And it was Cybil who was first to break free. "What were you thinking?!" she shouted to the hin. "He was our only chance!"

"He had to die for what he did." said the cloaked halfling, annoyed. "That's the only sure way to stop him from bothering anyone again."

The arguments and hard looks lingered on for a short while, although all of it was easily outdone by the appearance of a menacing figure and her retinue of tormented souls. Yashia had never seen her before, but from the impression she didn't take long to realize who it was. Lady Mestra of the Black Advance, with her equally black Coterie. Upon finishing her entrance, she thanked the adventurers for dispatching of the 'little upstart necromancer' that now lay dead at their feet. Visibly entertained by the looks on their faces.

"What did you do to our children?" was the first question both Cybil and Cirion asked, both in their own way, while all turned their backs on the hin rogue and their disagreements with him. Mestra swiftly introduced to them a young boy at her side. To be prepared to join her army. With a sharp cackle, the Banite and her entourage left the scene. As far as the eye could see, only leaving behind one of the Coterie to deal with them.

And one was enough. But the dead know no fear.