Several years had passed since she ascended; her thirst for power only slightly quenched as she took the throne of her dead sire, moulding the portfolio of murder into her own style. She delighted in dealing with death, pushing her threshold of acceptable interference as far as she could and angering Cyric, amongst others, with her determination.

But they didn't matter. She knew Ao was keeping an eye on her... she'd come to the planes as an unknown entity in many respects. The quiet, diminutive fighter, known for being selfish and quick to anger, who would never stay her blade. That's what they'd expected. The gods had been foolish, indeed, to underestimate her drive -- but now she was in her rightful place, and the tortured screams of those who had fallen victim to the purpose of her office echoed around her part of the abyss. Even Cespenar seemed to shrink away as she passed.

The solar still visited, but the occurrences were becoming few and far between. She didn't hide her distaste for Bree's actions, but was committed to at least attempting to offer guidance and support -- both of which were declined by the new goddess who preferred to learn for herself. And learn she did.

But despite the enjoyment she found in her new role, her thoughts would still drift back to her former companions. She watched as Edwin returned to Thay, involving himself in his homeland politics as he deftly avoided assassination. Forging a friendship with the new Goddess of Murder did have its perks, after all... Korgan led a band of likeminded individuals deep into Drow territory -- she allowed the dark-skinned elves to catch many of the paladins by surprise, but didn't extend her protection to her former dwarven companion. She knew he'd have taken offence to it, and when he fell, she gave him the chance to serve her in his afterlife. He accepted.

She'd never seen eye to eye with Viconia and had no interest in what the cleric did after they parted ways, but knew that Shar still offered her protection to her faithful. Bree had to admit she felt a degree of disappointment in this... had the drow been left alone and unprotected on the surface she would have become easy prey for the Goddess of Murder's minions. As it was, Bree had no wish to anger another powerful deity, and she was sure that Viconia would incur her own downfall at some point. Bree had time to wait -- and then she could offer her former comrade the chance of a place in the abyss, or an eternity serving her.

How the Drow would love to serve the halfling goddess.

Sarevok roamed the lands, as close to a Chosen as she'd ever allow. He was an excellent fighter, and had hand picked men to work with him of such a high calibre that their mere presence was feared. They stalked the lands, converting the unbelievers with threats and intimidation -- the only other option was death. Bree had grown in power due to their work, her followers rising in numbers sharply. She was adored out of fear and desperation.

Then there were her final two companions... Montaron and Xzar. The necromancer had suffered an 'accident' only months after her ascension, freeing her former lover from his duty to protect the Zhent. Sarevok had approached him, offering him a chance to fight in his band... but he had declined. Bree had shrieked as she watched from her throne, using her newly found divine powers to raze her surroundings. It had taken days to rebuild the domain, and she'd watched Montaron as he set off into the wilderness alone, surprised by his subdued manner.

Then she'd watched him weep as he sat alone, and call out her name. She felt revulsion and disgust... but the part of her that still remembered what it meant to be mortal felt pity. More than pity... it felt guilt.

For months before their travels ended, she'd allowed him to lay with her, ensuring Xzar was kept in line so she could use them both for her own means. She'd felt something for the warrior but suspected his actions were nothing more than a way of satisfying his own needs. When she'd ascended, he'd turned and walked away, not looking back. But she'd freed him from his obligations -- given him a chance to serve her and attain glory... and he'd refused.

She promised she'd never look down to him again and with every day that passed she lost more of her mortal memories. Her feelings and emotions were consumed slowly, but a lingering part remained. The reminder of what she'd once felt for him -- what she'd hoped, what she'd yearned for despite the futility. What she'd never expected him to be able to provide. But deep down, he had cared -- why he had, didn't matter; the fact that he had, even just slightly, was enough to play on her mind, distracting her from the complex web of intrigue and lies she became involved in with her power.

And so she had no choice but to act. Shrouded in robes, she visited Faerun, walking its lands once more even though she knew Ao would disapprove when he found out. She knew where he'd be and she walked there with a single minded purpose, approaching the meadow quietly and looking over to the river where he sat.

Her heart froze. In his arms was another; a halfling girl, giggling and laughing as he spoke. He turned to look down at his companion and his eyes were lit with something she'd never seen before -- he was happy. His cruelty and harshness had waned in the wake of her departure from his side, in the aftermath of Xzar's death and his freedom from the Zhentarim under her divine protection. He'd returned to Lurien, found his kin... he'd settled with someone else and forgotten his past.

Bree's eyes closed as a strange sensation came over them. They were stinging, they felt moist. With just one word she returned to her plane, returned to her throne and sat for a long time, ignoring Cespenar's worried enquiries. Then, at length, she stood and moved to her mirror, using it to gaze down on Sarevok and his men. They were to the east of Calimport, travelling with the merriment they displayed after putting unbelievers to death. She reached out to him, communing silently with her sibling, relaying her orders to him. His expression became grim, and she saw him nod before he turned to his men, informing them of their next destination.

It would take them weeks to get there, but she knew they'd travel as hard as they could to achieve her desire. In a month she would watch as her former lover was left feeling as empty and alone as she was now; Sarevok would ensure his new wife accepted Bree as her own goddess before he killed her, and the girl would come to serve for eternity, paying for her mistake. As for Montaron... Bree had time to think of a fate for him. What she had planned was enough... for now.