9th of Desnus: The Gift of Love & Destiny's Chance
Love's Gift
The group is quiet as they pack up their belongings in the morning, and with some trepidation, they ascend the stairs to face whatever would be waiting for them. When they reach the top of the stairs, they find themselves at a dead end. Immediately in front of them is a round platform similar to the one that brought them up the tower to begin with. They see that in the ceiling above is a shaft that ascends further than they can see. Tarian steps forward, knowing what would happen, and the group watches as the platform begins to glow a bluish-green hue. They all step onto the platform, and with each member the platform glows brighter. When they are all on the platform, it begins to slowly rise into the shaft. The walls around them glow with a strange energy, and they see currents of power running up the wall as they continue to ascend. The platform finally slows down, and comes to a halt when it reaches the rooftop.
They feel a seaside breeze blow through their hair as they look out on an amazing panoramic vista of the island. When they step off the platform, they feel their strength and vigor return to them, lifting the pain and pressure from their shoulders. They look around at the rooftop, and see that there are columns arranged in a ring, and in the center of the columns stands a slender figure with the similar skin patterns as the previous trials. She has short metallic hair that drapes just past her ears, and is dressed in a robe of opalescent white. She smiles and slowly walks towards the group.
When she is standing before them, she says, "Welcome, Pathfinders. I am Love. We are the virtues, sent by the gods to test you. We had to be certain that you would be the ones that would bring us back from the brink. The world is yours, and as such the gods take a limited role in its fate. It is their belief that it is heroes like yourselves that will ultimately decide Golarion's future. No, it is more than that, not just their belief, but the mother goddess's belief as well, the one that created not only the gods, but all living souls on this world."
Love turns to Alex, and he lowers his eyes under her gaze as she continues, "Alex, you are the last to receive your gift. You have been pursuing love that you have lost."
At her words, Alex's armor begins to glow with a bright white intensity. When the glow recedes, he sees that the Songsteel symbols remain, but the symbols of Iomedae have been added to the motif. The armor glows brilliantly in the sun, and Poppet assesses it to be +4 Plate Mail Armor of Invulnerability, which she whispers to Alex as it emits a strong aura of magic. He would truly be impenetrable.
Alex's eyes well up in thanks, and he gives Love a bow and a quiet, "Thanks" for her gift.
She smiles at his words of thanks, then turns to the rest of the group and says, "If you have any questions, and I'm sure you do, I can answer some of them for you. If you do not have any questions, I still have much to tell you."
The group is silent for a while, taking in the sight of Love before them and the view from the top of the tower. With the tower's challenges and ordeals overcome, many were still reveling in the peace and rest that the rooftop gave them.
Myne finally finds her voice and says, "Where are we? When are we?"
Love says, "This place, this city, was home to the Azlanti until the Starstone fell. It then became home to a sect that believed it was Eden that had destroyed their homeland. Anger and fear led them to their worship of Abaddon, believing his resurrection would save them from Eden's wraith. This Organization, once known as the Shrouds of Abaddon, is led by Kyus, and has been for many years. He is merely a pawn, though a dangerous one at that.
"None at the time knew that it was, in fact, Abaddon that pulled the Starstone from the sky where Eden slumbered. In the Azlanti's greed for more power they partially unlocked the seal and chains that bound Abaddon. With even a portion of strength returned, Abaddon reached out for his nemesis, the slumbering Eden, and pulled her down from the sky, plunging her into the sea. Your scholars would reference this event as Earthfall. It would be thousands of years before the power of Aroden, the last true Azlanti and the living god, would be able to raise the Starstone out of the sea to rest in Absalom. At the same time, the Shrouds built their organization over the eons, and for a long time they remained on the outskirts of society. It was not until the death of Aroden that they found a weakened Absalom, and access to the Starstone. They would use the Starstone's power, Eden's power which sealed Abaddon away so long ago, to reverse the process and attempt to free him. The chains that bind Abaddon were put there through Eden, and it is through Eden that those chains can be broken. By combining the chaotic energies of Abaddon with Eden's own, it can be done. This was the Organization's first attempt to free him, and history repeated itself: when the chains of Abaddon weakened, he lashed out in rage, this time destroying the Starstone, sending its fragments scattering across the world, and resulting in the destruction of Absalom and much of the Inner Sea.
"Even after this shattering, the remnants of the Shrouds persisted, lurking in the shadows, abandoning their name and waiting for another opportunity to raise their god. That opportunity came with Kyus: an intelligent, and influential man who spent many of his days researching the past. He learned of the excavation by the Azlanti prior to Earthfall. He found the place where his master slumbers, and now intends to wake him.
"That place lies directly below the capital city of the empire you know as Isidore. Kyus is no fool, he has played this out in every way that puts him at the advantage. For years he built his influence with the ruling family of Isidore, becoming their top advisor. After the passing of the emperor that ended the Ten-Year War, he began to make his move. The empress fell under his spell, and he weaved his way to become the true power behind the empire. The resources of Isidore were put to work for his cause, excavating the ruins of Abaddon, collecting shards of the Starstone, and stirring up war, strengthening Abaddon from its chaos. You Seven are now ready to bring an end of Kyus's rule. The capital is your next and final destination."
Love looks around at the group after her explanation of where they were and what they were meant to do, and sees the group looking back at her with a mixture of understanding and trepidation at their task. They had to find their way to Isidore, stop Kyus from breaking open the seals that held Abaddon at bay, or risk the destruction of the world again.
Tarian flexes his blackened hand and says, "Does the black ichor have anything to do with his plans?"
Love nods and says, "It is the blood of Abaddon, and it seeps through the world unchecked."
Lo thinks on this and says, "Can we harness this power?"
Love grimaces and says, "Kyus is already tapping into this power using hardened crystals. They are the polar opposite of the Starstone. They are rare, since it requires time for the blood to solidify, but they are powerful."
Tarian continues this line of thought with, "Is there a way to counteract something that has been corrupted?"
Love nods at this, and says, "Only through Eden's power can it be completely obliterated. Eden still remains in a perilous state, since she used the remains of her strength to seal Abaddon away as the Starstone."
Tarian seems to understand the direness of his situation and asks, "Is there a way to return strength to Eden?"
Love seems to sigh and says, "She needs time."
Alex had been pensive since receiving his gift, and reflected back upon his hallucination, Was it even possible to see Sara whole again?
Out loud he says, "What has become of the body and soul of my love Sara?"
Love turns a caring face to Alex and says, "She remains trapped in the body that hers, but she is dwindling from it."
Alex sighs, and swallows hard as he asks, "How do we save her without killing her?"
Love gives him a look of concern as she says, "You must weaken her first, and then use the crystals to cleanse the demonic force that has taken over her."
Alex nods in understanding, feeling uplifted from her hopeful words. Not all hope was lost, and there was a way for them to get her back. It was within their power to do so.
Roth shifts his weight, crossing his arms, and thinks. Most of the time when presented with a formidable force of evil, he had done his best to prepare himself for facing that evil.
He looks at Love and says, "Does Kyus have any weaknesses?"
Love thinks for a moment before saying, "Kyus is intelligent and manipulative. He will depend upon those who work for him to be his first line of defense...He is not physically strong."
For Myne, the thoughts of Kyus bring forth the image of the red dragon that he rode upon, and she asks, "What of the dragon?"
Love sighs and says, "It will be a force to be reckoned with. It has been manipulated to aid Kyus's cause. The dragon sees the release of Abaddon to be a benefit to its own existence."
Tarian sighs, racking his brain for any more information that they can ask of Love, and finally says, "Will this be the last time we speak with you?"
Love nods and says, "It is likely..."
Tarian feels his sense of humor rise to the surface and pulls a card out of his pocket, handing it to Love and saying, "Well, here is my card. It will tell you everything you need to know about my guild, just in case."
He gives Love a wink, and Love gives him a look of complete incomprehension at his actions.
Alex gives Tarian a smack across the jaw for his display, and Love recovers from her confusion to say, "When you are ready, the platform behind you will take you out of the tower, and allow you to go wherever you want to go."
At her words, they turn to see the platform glow bright blue, and she continues, "It is your destiny."
The group begins to turn away towards the platform, with Alex and Myne dropping to a knee in thanks for Love's gifts before joining their companions on the platform. When they are all on the platform, it glows a brighter blue and then begins to descend at a frantic pace, leaving Love's figure behind. They watch in awe as it passes all the floors they labored and fought their way up through. When they reach the first floor, the look out on the entrance that started them on their way up the tower just days ago, and are amazed when the platform continues to descend. They see that they are in some kind of tunnel with green and blue line patterns that follow them down, and then they finally come out of the tunnel into a cave. The platform slows gently before settling into a base.
Destiny's Chance
The group stands still a moment, taking in the sight of the cave, and the nearby entrance where they can see blue skies and hear the crashing of waves. The entrance opens to the ocean, and they take in the refreshing salty air in great breaths. The other feature of the cave that has them awestruck is the sight of the magnificent form of a ship docked in the shallow waters. It is a 150-foot-long and 40-foot-wide war ship, complete with metal plating on the side of the hull, and a quarter deck enclosed with long windows. There are sails on the sides of the quarter deck, but they notice that there are no masts, instead there is a massive inflated sack hanging in netting above the deck from the bow to the stern. It looks as though it has been hidden away for many years, yet they notice a gangplank has been erected, and they see figures carrying supplies up onto the ship.
One figure stands at the base of the gangplank, seemingly directing everyone. He is wearing an extravagant hat, and the group recognizes the magnificent sight of Coronal.
As he lifts his head and sees the group, he gives them a huge, excited smile, pointing and exclaiming at the ship before saying, "Hey guys! Look at this ship!"
The group smile back at him, and find their feet responsive as they make their way towards Coronal.
When they get closer, Roth smiles at the sight of Coronal practically beside himself with glee and asks, "How did you get this ship? This is perfect!"
Coronal smiles and offers up an explanation by saying, "When you guys left, we continued searching the island, and I found this cave, and this ship!"
Tarian lets out a sigh of awe and enthusiasm over the sight of the magnificent ship, but notices Kamara's absence and carefully asks, "Where is Kamara?"
Coronal's face falls slightly at the mention of his wife, and he carefully says, "Keep your distance...she is not in a good mood. She's still upset about losing her ship."
He looks up to the deck of the ship, and the group follows his gaze, seeing the form of Kamara on the ship, wearing a pout as she organizes supplies. Lo grins as he looks the ship over and a thought occurs to him.
He turns to Coronal and asks, "Have you named the ship yet?"
Coronal's face brightens in realization as he says, "No! Not yet! But all it takes is a good name, a bottle of wine, and a prayer, right? We're almost ready to launch too!"
Tarian begins to paw through his pack for an unopened bottle of wine as the group thinks about a possible name for Coronal's new ship. Coronal stands, deep in thought with his hand on his chin as they begin talking over each other, rattling off potential names.
In the wash of words, Myne tentatively says, "Destiny's Chance?"
Coronal's eyes widen at the name, and says, "I have a name that's risky and grandiose: Destiny's Chance! Quick, where's the bottle? Okay, there's gotta be one person here that's on the good side of the gods, right? We need a prayer."
Tarian produces the bottle, handing it the Coronal, who holds the neck like a club as Myne steps forward shyly, dropping to her knees to offer up a prayer.
As Coronal smashes the bottle over the bow of the ship, Myne says, "May the sea rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your stern. May the sun shine warm upon your decks; the rains fall soft upon your sails and when you sail, may Gozreh hold you in the palm of their hand."
After she stands, Coronal claps his hands together excitedly and says, "Alright, let's board this vessel!"
Alex steps forward, "Coronal-"
"Captain Coronal...this is my ship!"
"Captain Coronal, we are still in great need of you. We must reach Isidore, and our best guess is that if we make it back through the fog, we will find ourselves back where we left. This place does not seem to exist in normal space and time, so we do not know what we will find on the other side of the fog."
Coronal nods and says, "We have a deal, paladin. I will get ye to your destination."
Coronal takes the lead, and the group follows him up the gangplank to begin exploring the new ship. It looks like any other ship for the most part, but they can tell that the vessel is of a master's quality and craftsmanship. The crew's quarters are much more spacious and private than what they were accustomed to, being larger and with only two beds per room, storage chests, and even a door that they could close behind them. They walk through other parts of the ship that they would have expected to find in any other vessel as well: a large and beautiful galley and mess hall, munitions room, and five canons on either side of the ship. When they make their way to the hull, they walk through a large cargo area before finding Kamara staring curiously at a massive eight-foot by eight-foot metal door set into a walled-off section of the hull.
She has two workers trying to pry the door open, and to the group and Coronal she says, "There is some kind of complex locking mechanism on the door... can you help me open this? Half of the hull's space is unaccounted for!"
Tarian whispers to Lo, "I need some time to examine the door, maybe we can get this open when no one else is around…"
Alex seems to guess at what the rogue was scheming, and attempts to figure out the door himself, but the complex series of locks and mechanisms was far beyond what he could figure out. Everyone near the door takes a step back when they hear a loud roaring sound from behind the door, and the hairs on the back of Poppet's neck stand up as she realizes that the sound was in Auran, the language of the air elementals. She listens intently to the roaring, and realizes that if it could swear, it was swearing up a storm.
With a tentative but urgent voice she says, "Step away from the door."
She holds her ground, eyes fixated on the door until she realizes that no one else has moved; everyone had turned a questioning look at the sylph.
Poppet takes a step forward, listening to shouting from beyond the metal and explains, "There is an air elemental locked inside, and it does not like being bound. If we open the door and release it, the best-case scenario is that the ship will simply cease to work…"
She trails off at a particularly vicious snarl from the elemental, her own anger rising with each shout. Poppet understood how much elementals of air loathed any sort of captivity; she had always taken efforts to avoid binding entities of air and winds in her summons, instead drawing forth beings of lightning that at least appreciated the opportunities to jump into battle. To hear the elemental beyond the lock…
She was upset about the elemental's imprisonment, and with a testy voice she continues, "Much of the ancient Azlanti technology seems to work by the binding and usage of the elementals' energy and force."
Kamara backs away and looks at Poppet seriously, asking, "So we should just let it be, then?"
Poppet sighs, knowing that despite her own nature demanding she free the elemental, she would have to simply let things be for now.
She eyes Tarian, who still has a look of curiosity on his face and points a delicate finger at him as she says, "Leave the door alone!"
Tarian raises his hands in mock supplication to the witch, and says, "Okay, okay, I promise."
They leave the hull as it is, with Poppet giving a lasting glance to the huge metal door before they all make their way to the upper levels of the ship.
One of the crew members approaches Coronal, saluting him and saying, "Everything is packed on board. We are ready for launch, Captain."
Coronal nods, and looks to the group saying, "If you have not seen the quarterdeck yet, it is quite the sight. Make your way there or up on the top deck. I imagine this launch will be something worth having a good view for."
Launching Towards Isidore
The group makes their way to the quarterdeck where they see complex-looking levers and other mechanisms in a large, comfortable room with an entire wall of glass for the group to look out upon the waves. Coronal nods and takes his place at the wheel, with Kamara examining the levers and gears. Most of the group decide to stay in the quarterdeck for launch, making themselves comfortable and watching Coronal and Kamara with interest, or gazing out the windows at the sea.
Roth stands near the windows to watch the water lap around the ship in deep thoughts of their brief rest and relief from their ordeal, with Isidore unseen on the horizon, but puts the thoughts away with a smile as he feels the soft touch of Myne when she takes his hand in hers and rests her head against his shoulder to watch the launch. Alex and Poppet decide they want to be on deck for launch, and hastily make their way topside, standing near the bow of the ship and taking in the sea air as it blows around them.
With the ship ready for launch, Coronal and Kamara at the helm, and the crew in place, Coronal gives the call to move ahead forward, and finds a switch mechanism that he plays with to work out the speed of the ship. Kamara cranks a shifter up, and the group feels a sense of movement as the ship slowly wades out of the cave.
When clear of the cave and the shallow waters of the shore, Coronal gives the call, "All ahead full!" and Kamara cranks the shifter to the floor.
The ship lurches forward with such force that Alex is knocked backwards, hitting the deck with a *clang* of armor. The rest of the group must steady themselves from the movement, but manage to stay on their feet as they watch the ship build up speed over the open water.
In the quarterdeck, the group watches as the windows begin to fog up, collecting dew as they enter the mysterious fog that they had entered just four days before. It seems to take them no time at all before the ship bursts through the quiet fog into the open sunlight and open waters, trailing vapor in their wake. On deck, Alex gasps as he sees Isidorian ships almost in the same place that he recalled seeing them four days ago.
He hears cannon fire, and in the quarterdeck the group hears Coronal shout, "In the name of Cayden Cailean! They're still here! What are we going to do?! I don't want them to blow up my beautiful ship!"
As if on cue, they hear a booming voice come over a cone-shaped apparatus in the cabin, "Leave this to me, you frail creatures! There is a latch at your foot; release it, Captain."
Coronal looks around the deck at Kamara and the group, and then down at his feet where he sees a pedal attached to the wheel. The group realize they are hearing the voice of the air elemental speaking to them in Common, and wonder at the power the elemental would unleash upon the Captain's release of the latch. Roth keeps hold of Myne as he pulls her with him to the side of the cabin to hold onto a railing. Myne steps into his arms, and Roth grips her with his free arm as she holds onto him, bracing for the force of the release. The rest of the group in the quarterdeck see the wisdom in Roth's decision to brace for the force, finding something in the room to brace themselves against while up on deck, the crew along with Poppet and Alex do likewise. Poppet secures Ellete in the folds of her cloak while Alex grips the railing. With excitement, Coronal presses the pedal with his foot, and the group watches as the wheel becomes free-moving on its sturdy base, and Coronal is able to pull the wheel back on a pivot. The group gasps as they feel the bow rise, pulling the ship out of the choppy waves. With incomprehensible speed, the group watches as the ship bolts forward, flying at incredible speeds towards the Isidorian vessels. Poppet gulps as she watches their ship graze the sails of one of the enemy ships, slicing through the sails and flying higher through the clouds. Without the drag of the water, the ship travels at a frantic pace, and Alex looks on in awe as he watches the sails on the sides of the ship shift to control the altitude of the ship with slow wing flaps.
Alex's Charm
With the danger of the Isidorian ships gone, Alex and Poppet see the sense in getting below deck for the rest of the voyage; the speed with which the vessel was traveling gave them a dizzying and windy experience on the exposed deck.
They both arrive in the quarterdeck in time to hear Commodore Coronal say, "We have some time before we reach Isidore. Go make yourselves comfortable. I'm unsure of how fast we are actually going, but Isidore is hundreds of miles away! We will take it from here."
The group all nod an understanding, but they do not move from their spots, still transfixed on the windows and the novelty of traveling through the clouds. As Alex scans the room, he spots Myne and Roth near the windows, with Roth leaning against the wall of the cabin and Myne being held gently in his arms as they watch out the window.
To his own surprise, Alex finds himself no longer angered by the sight, but it immediately fills him with memories of Sara, Didn't I have the same thing?
When Sara was lost to him, the emptiness filled him with anger at his own indiscretion. He had been distracted from his duties by her, and with her ripped away it had left a seething hatred of the act that he tried to fill with blind devotion to Iomedae. He had been convinced that she was gone, that death would have been better than what she was now. Any act that was not to their duty was considered frivolous, childish, and beneath him; and Myne had felt the worst of his wrath because her every act was for love, family, and companionship.
But now, Love incarnate had opened his eyes...he had been in pursuit of his love since Sara was taken. Back in Ano Liosia, when the group was coming up with their course of action, had it not been he who said to go after Isidore itself, where Sara was likely to be? Love had said that Sara could be restored; they could drive the demon out and she could survive.
I could have her again, if we can endure her.
Alex takes a deep breath, feeling hope for Sara's restoration well up inside of him, and perhaps a hope that he could take her in his arms again. He also had to accept the fact that he was not the only one that suffered.
Myne loved her cousin, had done everything in her power to pursue Sara, and had even put herself in danger to ensure their family knew of their predicament...she had never lost sight of hope, Was that so childish? I was a fool for thinking so. She deserves her cousin restored to her.
He presses his eyes closed as he realizes that he would do anything for Sara; he would do whatever it took to see her restored, but if he was to even have a chance, Kyus had to be ended. The evil and corruption needed to be suppressed, the chains binding Abaddon set back in place; Sara could then be saved, but at what price? If the price was his life, it would be done without a second thought.
Alex exhales, knowing that he needed to talk to Myne. The girl was probably having similar heavy thoughts as they sped towards Isidore: they would likely have to face Sara, but could they endure her, could she be saved, and at what cost? He sets his resolve, and strides towards the two figures quietly embracing next to the windows. The clank of his armor must have announced his presence, because Roth and Myne both turn to watch him approach. Myne stands up straight at the sight of him with Roth standing up behind her. Alex feels his heart break over the way he had treated her. Her face, with eyes downcast as she bit her lower lip, revealed how he made her feel: apprehensive, intimidated, and cowed.
When he steps close to her, he takes a deep breath, trying to even out his tone before he says carefully, softly, and with his voice cracking with emotion, "Myne...I... I need to speak with you privately, please."
Myne looks up at him, her large green-blue eyes seeking out his intentions, and not missing the tender tone he tried to put into his words. Roth puts his hand on her shoulder, looking over her to give Alex a nod of acknowledgement, seeing the pain in Alex's eyes, and hearing the torment in his voice. Alex nods back at Roth, appreciating the ranger's ability to see Alex's attempt to right his wrongs now that he had found his way again. Myne squeezes Roth's hand, and he wordlessly steps away from the windows to allow her and Alex a moment to speak.
Not missing the fact that some of the group were still gathered throughout the quarterdeck, Alex steps close to Myne and softens his voice for only her to hear and says, "Simbelmyne, I do not think words can truly do justice to what I'm feeling, nor can they easily mend the wounds inflicted upon you. I need to explain my actions, but I know that doesn't make them right."
Myne lets out a soft sigh, and leans against the wall for support; Alex can tell it is taking every ounce of willpower she possesses to not burst into tears.
He steps a little bit closer to her so that he can speak softly and continues, "I thought Sara was lost to me, just as I have lost most things that matter to me. My mother, my grandfather, even my father. Sara was something new, something unexpected on this mission of ours…"
Alex feels himself redden at having to discuss his love with someone else and continues, "We were lovers only briefly, but it was amazing...and with her ripped away so quickly after that...I... immediately filled it with a distaste for the act...I just wanted to drown myself. But you, I grieved with you; and in some ways, I think I have bound myself to you over our love for Sara."
He watches as Myne slowly slides down the wall to seat herself on the floor, her eyes beginning to well up with tears.
Alex kneels next to her, keeping his eyes on her as he swallows down his own emotion and continues, "This group matters very little to me in the end. The mission is of the utmost priority, and I will help lead us through it, but some in our group do not give this mission the level of importance that it requires. When Iomedae graced me again, I devoted my entire existence to our mission and to protecting the one thing I had left that mattered to me: you. I...I treated you like a child because it was easier to justify my need to protect you. I was enraged when you left for Kassen...you were out of my control, out of my reach, and you could have compromised the mission; I couldn't handle it. I thought that I knew best for everything...and I ruined you in the process. I... Myne...I am so sorry."
Myne carefully watches him as he takes a deep breath, and swallows his emotion again.
She nearly mimics him before shakily saying, "And what now, sir paladin? What prompted this need for redemption?"
Alex gives her a hopeful smile and says, "I think I can return Sara to you, and that has given me hope...and a realization of what the loss of Sara has done to me. I won't look any further ahead than that, but I will do everything in my power to see her restored to you. I promise."
Alex curses her ability to read him, her eyes widening at his promise.
Myne wipes tears away from her cheek and says, "Alex, are we going to die?"
Alex shakes his head adamantly as soon as he hears the question and replies, "No, no, you are going to get out of here. I will make sure that you make it through this, and Sara is returned to you. Just think: you and Roth will have very long, happy lives together...your father is even a part of your life now, for what that is worth. But Sara is my drive...this evil will be cast down, and I will make sure you and Sara are able to safely walk away from this."
Myne stands with a determined look on her face, wiping a tear from her cheek and says, "Come with me, Alex, now."
Myne doesn't wait for a response, rushing out of the quarterdeck and making her way down to the cabins with Alex following wordlessly in her wake. She throws open the door to her cabin, and without looking back at him begins to upheave the contents of her pack. She pulls out random assortments of her pack's contents, and Alex watches her with interest as everything from rations to extra breeches are pulled out.
He hears her give an exalted, "Ha!" and pulls out a folded handkerchief from a side pocket.
He watches her carefully unfold the soft cotton, revealing a thin band of gold. Alex gasps as he recognizes the ring that Sara would fidget with when she was nervous, that she had told him was her mother's, that she had never been without.
Myne finally turns to acknowledge his presence, and he notices the young half-elf holding out her hand to him as she says, "Remove your gauntlet please."
He sees her eyes shine with pride and vigor as he pulls the armor off his hand, and then places his hand in hers. She turns his hand over, palm up, and with a heavy sigh deposits the ring in his hand, closing his fingers over it.
With fresh tears in her eyes she says, "I think Sara knew she was losing herself...when she left me the crystal...this was in the leather pouch with it. Listen to me very carefully, Alex. If your plan is to bring her back...bring her back not just for me...bring her back for us. That part about living through this applies to you too, you gods-damned stubborn paladin!"
She laughs and cries as the last words stumble out of her mouth, and she covers her face with her hands. Alex grips the tiny ring in his hand, feeling the reassuring warm metal on his palm, and then pulls Myne's hands away from her face to look her in the eyes.
He whispers, "I want that very much, Myne."
She steps into his arms, giving him a warm hug that was even more reassuring than the ring, and he closes his arms around her to return the feeling.
From his chest he hears her whisper, "You could be like a brother to me...get Sara back, and care for her as I have done. She is yours now."
Alex held her for longer than he thought he should, but he could not bring himself to let her go. He knew that the two of them would fight tooth, claw, and sword to get Sara back, and this embrace might be their last if the sacrifice for Sara would be as great as Alex anticipates. He finally steps away from her, and she wipes away another tear when he frees her. He focuses his attention on the ring in his hand, and immediately feels the need to know that he can keep it close to him, but safe. He surreptitiously puts his hand up to his heart in search of something like a pocket, and feels the solid chain and pendent of Iomedae under his armor.
Myne watches him closely, questioning his movements with her eyes, and he says, "I need a place to keep this…can you help me?"
Alex finds the chain at the back of his neck, and pulls it out from underneath his shirt, turning around for Myne's assistance in unclasping the chain. She nods and obliges, and he gives himself the pleasure of a smile as he feels the tickle of her short hair and soft fingers at the back of his neck as she releases the clasp. He pulls the pendant out in front of him, and with care slides the ring through one end of the chain. With a *jingle* the ring comes to a rest like a halo over the pendant, draping over Iomedae's sunburst and the top of the sword hilt, and Alex smiles at Myne over the effect. She gives him a smile back, and then turns him around to clasp the chain together again. When she releases the chain, he feels the weight of the pendant once more, and tucks it back under his shirt with a sigh.
He closes his eyes as he puts his hand to his chest over the pendant, and says, "Iomedae and my love are near me always now…"
He feels Myne place her hand over his, folding her fingers in between his and says, "Gozreh and Iomedae guide our hands, and let forces beyond us to be at our call to end this."
He feels her release his hand, and hears her footsteps as she leaves him in solitude. He stands there with his eyes closed, letting the silence fill him.
He swallows down his emotion once more and says out loud, "Sara, you are lost to evil, trapped and alone...but you have those that love you and will save you at all costs. Lower your defenses, let us in, and we will help you find your way back. You're the only one that I will ever love, and if I cannot have you, I have nothing. If you can be restored, and there is a price to be paid, it shall be paid with my blood."
A Fast Flight to Isidore
After eight hours of flight, the group is called up to the quarterdeck, and they gasp as they see a landmass on the horizon. They are shocked when they realize it is the Isidorian mainland. Coronal lets out an exclamation as he realizes that they had traveled at over 50 miles an hour, traveling the estimated 400 miles left of their journey by his maps. The group looks out on the landmass, and as it grows on the horizon, they see something strange in the distance. They realize that they are looking at a fleet of ships docked on the coast, and Kamara pulls out a telescope to get a better view of the fleet.
She gasps as she catches sight of the flags flying from the masts and then shouts, "Shit! Those are not Isidorian forces, those are part of the Alliance!"
