I Urge You to Take My Old Goal

- "The end is drawing closer... we both know this to be true. Yaga-Shura is only the beginning." Sarevok's eyes were so intense, his face so full of purpose and enthusiasm. No wonder he had fought his way from the very Abyss. Peri felt a flash of deep appreciation, something she felt easier to accept now after praying to Gorion and talking with Keldorn.

- "My ambition to become the new Lord of Murder was everything to me once, but that died with the loss of my taint. I no longer expect that greatness to myself, but I have spent some time in your company now, sister..." Sarevok ceased talking for a second, his eyes conveying the same appreciation Peri had felt, "and I have come to... really appreciate you. A true leader, a fearsome warrior, a courageous soul, a woman of character and spirit... I can, without resentment, say that you are worthy of the divinity in your blood no longer present in mine. And this is what my proposition relates to."

- "Go ahead." Peri opted to say nothing more, even though Sarevok's words touched her deeply.

- "I do not know what you plan to do, but you have realized by now that you can't turn your back to destiny. In a way or another, you are one of those who shape the fate of the Realms. I urge you to take my old goal, sister. Become Lady of Murder, for I cannot imagine anyone more deserving! And allow me to stand by you, to be your right hand! Imagine, sister and brother in arms, spreading ultimate terror, ruling all over..." Sarevok went on, his eyes shining, the intensity even more focused.

- "Sarevok... Sarevok! Toril calling! Down here!" Peri waved her hand in front of Sarevok's eyes.

Sarevok stopped talking, frowning. His expression was nonplussed.

- "You still don't get it, do you." Peri sounded incredulous, shaking her head.

- "Get what?" Sarevok was genuinely puzzled.

- "I have no such plan. I do not want to become a deity at all, much less one as nasty as Bhaal," Peri explained, patiently and articulating clearly, as if talking to a child.

- "But... why? Why?!" Sarevok was frustrated beyond belief. "It is all within your reach... rule over lesser men and your own destiny, the real power to make the world bend to your will instead of you bending to destiny's!"

- "I do not want to be a tyrant lording over others. I do not believe I have a right to do so, that anyone has such a right. I don't believe there are any 'lesser men', though I will always prefer those I love and care about."

- "But if you were a deity... you could do anything you wanted."

- "You still believe that? I can already tell you are extremely intelligent, Sarevok, but you do have some astounding blind spots. It is such arrogance to think extreme power doesn't corrupt and take away one's own will. It molds, it lures... for heavens' sake, YOU should know! Bhaal played you like a violin, and you ruined your own life along with countless others... do you still remember Tamoko?"

- "I.. what happened to Tamoko?" Sarevok's voice was quiet now, his expression taken aback.

- "I was forced to slay her, Sarevok. She wouldn't have it another way, as she still loved you, and would have lost her honor if she didn't fight to protect you. Such love, and you spit on it because of the madness you wallowed in. She died for you. For her, originally, I would have spared your life."

Sarevok's shoulders were shaking. He remembered the sad almond eyes, more and more suffering apparent in them towards the end. Such anger he had felt about her betrayal... but did she do it for love? Because she knew Bhaal was manipulating him, and she wanted to give him something better. Sarevok missed her suddenly so much. And she would never be with him again. Because Peri had slain her.

- "You!" The anger in his eyes, but it went away as soon as it had come. "No... of course. It was I who drove her away. And of course she fought... she was a samurai, Peri. Her honor was the thing defining her. She... she always was worried about dying on this foreign soil... said her spirit would not get peace if she was not buried in her ancestral lands..." Sarevok's face crumbled and the tears started to pour. So much locked inside of him. So much he had not dared to think about. Tamoko... Tamoko... forever lost to him, because of his ambition. How much he had wanted to control his destiny, and yet he had been but a puppet to the malevolent one, who knew where to hit him. He cried profusely, too drained to try to prevent it.

Then he felt Peri's arms around his shoulders.

- "Brother... she is buried in the Undercity of Baldur's Gate. I arranged a proper burial for her. There is an urn, and her weapons. If we survive, once all this is over, I promise to show you where they are."

- "I swear... I swear that I will travel to Kara-Tur, if I only live to do so, and bury you to the soil of your ancestors, my love. I swear, Tamoko... and forgive me..." Sarevok continued sobbing, Peri's comforting arm never leaving his shoulders.

- "Sarevok... I begin to see a glimpse of the man Tamoko loved. What I said to that wraith is true, you are not the same man anymore. Don't ruin your second chance by foolish goals. I... I care about you, brother," Peri said quietly.

- "Thank you... I must think hard..." Sarevok put his arm around Peri's shoulders as well. They comforted each other, sitting quietly and their minds in turmoil.