A/N: From this point on, I refer to Raistlin as 'Palin', as that's what he's trying to pull off anyway.

Chapter Two
Merciful Deception

After awhile Raistlin got used to be being Palin. He had no other way to describe it. While he nearly caught himself calling Caramon by name, or worse yet 'My Brother', he was entirely too used to Palin's way of life. His nephew had it easy. Two parents that loved him dearly, two brothers and two sisters.

Granted, the two sisters were driving him crazy, but he could learn to live with little sisters. After being regarded as the 'youngest' for years, it was a refreshing change to be the elder. "Now, Dezra, it's not that bad."

"But Palin... the boat could tip..." pointed out a brother. "And Dezra can't swim."

Palin bit off the really sarcastic reply that had been on his tongue, and instead said, "Then I think it's time she learned how. Go get our sister, I have a feeling that if you don't know how to swim yet, then neither does she."

His elder brother, Sturm, followed him out. When they reached the shores of Crystalmir Lake he stripped down to his light pants and took off his boots. This raised an eyebrow from Sturm who watched Palin wade out. Dezra followed, dressed only in a short tunic and pants. Palin began to tread water, and let himself float on his back. Dezra stood there and watched him. "Now, lesson one. How to float. Just lean back and relax. Take a breath and hold it. That will keep you on the water..."

She took a breath, leaned back, and picked her feet off the bottom. Almost instinctively she treaded water like him, if a bit rapidly, but managed to keep afloat. When she realized she wasn't going to drown, she relaxed and floated a bit more on the surface. Raistlin smiled. Okay, so this was one less family member he had to worry about. He stood up and supported her as he said, "Now, try it on your stomach..."

Dezra slowly flipped over until she was on her stomach in the water. Raistlin kept her from going under and when he was satisfied that she wasn't going to sink, let her go. She paddled around, and then yelled out, "Look, Father, Palin taught me to swim!"

Raistlin actually smiled a little as he looked up at his worried brother. Dezra swam into shore and then ran onto the beach and pulled on Caramon, "Come on, it's fun."

"Yeah, I know it is, I think I hear your Mother calling you," he said as Raistlin, dripping wet and a bit cold, also came out of the water. "Palin, I have to say I'm a bit... surprised... at your patience with your sister."

Raistlin shrugged but filed that one away for future reference. "I needed a bath, and she didn't know how to swim. I figured it would be a good time for her to learn."

Caramon followed him back to the Inn of the Last Home in silence. For a moment, Raistlin was sure that he knew. He had to. For all the Gods sake, how could he not? Palin was his son, and Raistlin was, after all his twin. Could he see the differences that Raistlin, and indeed Palin, had noticed on seeing each other in the Abyss? A moment later, Caramon shrugged and threw an arm around Raistlin's shoulders with a hearty gaffaw, "And to think, your mother and I have been trying to get you to be more patient with them."

Raistlin stopped and looked at his brother in sadness, "Am I really that much of a loner?"

Caramon, for his part, knew that after the Test his son was different. Sadder, more mature. Granted, nothing like how Raistlin had been, but considering that Palin still was a White Robe, he guessed that Palin had been tested severely and passed where Raistlin had fallen. But the distressed expression was new, for either of them. Caramon stopped where he was walking. He had only ever seen his brother look at him like that and it had been after the deaths of their mother. It was entirely eerie. It was like he had been swept back into that time. Hell, he even felt like saying something to him like he would have said to Raistlin.

But this wasn't Raistlin. This was his son, Palin.

Hours later and changed into fresh robes, Raistlin stared down at the thin black stripe along the hem of the white robe. It was there to remind him of the thin razor sharp edge he now walked to hold up the merciful deception. To remind him of what would happen if he fell again. He looked up to the three moons and put his hands on either side of the window. He could still see Nuitari clearly and so was still claimed by the Dark.

But even he could admit that every passing day the dark shape of Nuitari was getting hard to see and soon he would not see it at all if he continued this new path.

He closed his eyes.

Raistlin had never, ever considered when he left the Red Robes behind to become a renegade Black Robe that he would be welcome in the Tower of Wayreth again. And now the Council of Wizards, and Justarius, was making it clear that he should come to join his place as part of them.

He snorted, amused, in the thought of it. For a moment he was nervous. Would they see through the facade? Any wizard worth their mettle would have to see that he was far higher in skills than a fledgling wizard really should be.

Raistlin walked down the stairs, cloak in hand and a plain staff strapped to his back. Either way he was far overdue to head there. Caramon, and half of the patrons in the common room, looked up at his entrance. Tika closed her eyes and looked down at the floor. Raistlin looked around one last time, before donning the cloak and walking out into the night.

This was where he should have belonged, where he would have walked without a second thought in the world but now it seemed almost too dark even for him.

He walked down to the ground and from the stable picked out Palin's horse and saddled it.

Movement at the stable doors alerted him to his brother's presences. "Palin, where are you going?" asked Sturm.

Raistlin said, "You don't have to come with me. I wouldn't blame you, or make you if you didn't want to go."

He almost added, Not that I really want you to come with me and learn the true fate of your brother before I can tell you. Not like this...

...Or watch me get hamstrung for daring to walk Krynn again...

But he watched as they saddled their horses. Dezra handed them each a bag of trailbread as they rode out in silence, Raistlin in the lead. When they had almost ridden out of sight, Raistlin looked back to see in the doorway of the Inn of the Last Home two figures outlined in the light from the doorway. Then he turned to face the path away with a small sigh. So this was what it was like to not only leave with brothers who loved, but didn't smother, and two parents who, while concerned, knew when boys became men...

For some reason Raistlin missed what life had been like before his fall. With a sad smile. Maybe this time I can make up for the time lost...

He never even noticed as the black line on the hem thinned and faded from ebony to a dark grey.

It wasn't a very long journey to the Tower of Sorcery in Wayreth Forest, but it was as hard as Raistlin remembered. His nephews seemed to get nervous when the trail appeared out of nowhere and a bit surprised at his calm. "Hey, Palin, are you sure this is the way?" came Tanin's voice from behind him.

Raistlin turned to them and nodded, "We are invited."

The three rode in silence until the trees of Wayreth could be seen. Raistlin found himself instantly thinking about the first time he had seen the great trees.

Invited.

It was a bit unsettling to ride under their boughs. Raistlin touched the ring on his finger, moving the stone around and into his palm so that it appeared to be only a golden ring. He had learned a long time ago that when the stone was hidden in his hand the ring appeared as a simple gold ring, of no magic and of no consequence.

Almost as if it knew to hide itself from sight. He had no doubt that the ring was magic enough, holy enough, to actually be intelligent in it's own right. Often enough it was the whispering conscience that kept him from doing a great many things that would have damned him beyond redemption. It also seemed to warn of dangers, of things that would kill him.

He rode quietly, wondering if Justarius and the others would see his thin deception. He found this worried him even more than of what they would do if they did know. A short moment later they were at the gates and a lone red robe opened them to admit the trio into the courtyard. A familiar voice called out, "It's nice to see that you're not too unlike your Uncle in that respect, Palin."

Raistlin looked up at his former apprentice, Dalamar.

Dalamar looked at who he thought as Palin. Now that he had the chance to truly see Palin in the daylight he saw that Palin and Raistlin were more twins in appearance than Caramon and Raistlin had been. Palin had the same shape, the same long fingers, the same almost disdainful look on his face. Then again, that could be due to the fact that he was a White Robe. Who knew?

For his part, Raistlin looked at his former apprentice, who, over the years had grown into a more adult elf. "I don't know what you mean," said Raistlin.

Dalamar's eyes thinned in momentary suspicion, and Raistlin took a breath and held it. He knew that this was the test of how well he was doing as Palin. Suddenly Dalamar seemed to shake himself, "Now I know why your father was so dead set against you becoming a wizard. I look forward to seeing you grow into your skills, Palin Majere."

Raistlin inwardly sighed in relief, knowing how close he had been to being caught.

Dalamar walked into Justarius' suite in the Tower of Wayreth after being admitted to it. Inclining his head in respect, he said, "The young Majere his here with his two elder brothers."

Justarius looked from the window and to Dalamar, "Amazing how genetics work. Here is a prime example. I remember Raistlin before his Test. When Palin rode in I had to remind me that he was a nephew, so much alike they look. There was no adverse to the Test after the Disruption, you say?"

"I am fairly certain of it," answered Dalamar. "There is no doubt that whatever happened in there tested him. His attitude coming out was definitely more mature than going in."

Dalamar frowned. "I can't help but wonder what happened in there. The Guardians refuse to tell me, almost as if they are afraid to. I still can't enter the lab, so I am still not the true Master of the Tower. Who can say? Perhaps Palin's met his Uncle and it was not the reunion he expected."

"I can definitely agree with that thought," Justarius pulled the curtain back. "I see he still wears the White Robes, though."

"Except for one thing," Dalamar walked to the window and pointed down. "His robes are white except for the thin band of black on the hem of the robe and sleeves. Everything he will wear will be forever tainted like that. I think more happened than we care to admit in his Test. He is walking a thin line, and that serves as his reminder...."

They were ushered into a receiving area and their cloaks taken. Raistlin stood with either brother flanking him. It had been many years since he had been in Wayreth. In fact, he could only think of one visit in his entire life. A black robe came out and said, "Dalamar would have a word with you before you meet with Justarius."

"Of course," Raistlin smiled a bit.

He might have known he would not escape his apprentice's attention. Drawing himself up to his full height and determined that if he was to be punished he would take it like a Majere. Tanin and Sturm started to follow, but the same Black Robe said, "Alone, Majere."

Raistlin turned to them and said, "Why don't you see after our horses? I should be back shortly."

Tanin nodded then walked out with Sturm.

Tanin, once they were at the stables, asked, "Why do I get the feeling that Palin expects to be punished or something?"

Sturm looked at Tanin, "You got that feeling from him too, eh? I don't know. Something happened during that Test. Even father was scared when they brought him back..."

Raistlin followed the Black Robe up stairs and around corridors. Finally she stopped at a door and knocked. Pushing the door open, she beckoned for Raistlin to enter. He did, and stopped just inside the door. Dalamar turned from the window, "Palin, nice of you to come up. Would you like some wine?"

"No," answered Raistlin. "I still have a meeting with Justarius. Perhaps after."

"How much like your Uncle you are," said Dalamar as he sat in a chair.

Perhaps it was the way that Dalamar sat, perhaps in his entire attitude, but at that precise moment Raistlin realized that he had not figured anything out at all. The secret was still safe. Suspicious the Dark Elf might be, but not about who actually stood in his chambers wearing White Robes and going by the name Palin Majere. So, this is how you act when I don't see you, apprentice, thought Raistlin darkly. Enjoy it while you can, because it won't be long.

For a moment the battle of wills played out. Raistlin allowed himself a small inward smile of satisfaction as Dalamar turned away with vague surprise when he lost. "May I ask why you called me here?"

Dalamar turned back to him, "I never really got the chance to talk to you before. You were too wrapped up with your Test. With your father being so close I figured it would not be a good idea to test a theory."

"And what theory would that be?"

"How much like your Uncle you are, of course," said Dalamar. "To see if, after your Test, if your would be interested in apprenticing under me in the Tower, your Uncle's Tower, in Palanthas."

Raistlin blinked in surprise. Then again, maybe he wasn't all that surprised. Surprised at Dalamar's gall. "Even though I am quite obviously a Wizard under Solinari? I never realized Nuitari was so short on followers, Dalamar," said Raistlin with a small chortle.

If Dalamar thought it odd to be answered like an equal, he said nothing. "Are you?" Dalamar pointed to the black hem on Raistlin's robe. "If you were, that wouldn't be there to remind you of the very thin line you walk. It seems, unlike most wizards, if you slip up, Lunitari won't even catch you and Solinari will forsake you, but one will answer your call to magic. I bet you can even see the Dark Moon, White Robe."

Raistlin's eyes thinned and for a moment he would stuck down Dalamar where he stood for suggesting that someone so good like Palin could fall. Not only was he surprised at his willingness to defend Palin, but Dalamar's eyes were wide in shock.

Raistlin looked at his hands and saw they were clenched, but more than that...

... they were gold.

"Sha... Shalafi?!" came Dalamar's choked cry. "You're alive!"

Then he whispered, "Are you insane? If they find out you're here, they will kill you."

Raistlin regained his composure and the gold faded. "That's why you are not going to say anything."

"I don't understand," said Dalamar. "How... is such a thing possible?"

"Palin Majere is dead," began Raistlin. "The Dark Queen lured him into the Abyss. When he entered she was waiting. He lived long enough for me to find them, then she killed him."

For a moment Raistlin was quiet as he looked out the window, "I have no idea how I came to be on the floor of my own lab, alive and wearing the robes of Solinari. I think Lunitari had something to do with it, but I have no proof."

"How much can you remember?"

Raistlin shook his head, "Not much, I'm afraid. Someone, or something, blocked my memory. Perhaps to spare me, or perhaps even them."

"Then why the charade?" asked Dalamar. "Unless, you have some plan..."

Raistlin laughed hollowly, "No plan. In fact, I nearly told my brother the truth when I came to in Solace. But I didn't. There was something in his eyes... he was so proud of Palin. I didn't have the heart to tell them the truth."

He turned to a disbelieving Dalamar, "That's it?"

"And what in the Abyss is wrong with that? I gave up victory over the Dark Queen to save Krynn from the destruction that I would have caused," Raistlin rolled his eyes. "Is it so hard to believe that I would give up my name and live as someone else to spare a family their grief?"

"From you, yes," said Dalamar matter of factly.

Raistlin snorted then said, "I have stayed here too long and Justarius is waiting. One more thing, apprentice, I want my staff. I am sure the Guardian will let you pass if only to let you bring that to me in Solace."

"Yes... Palin."

As Raistlin left, he couldn't stifle the small smile on his lips. The same Black Robe guided him to Justarius's chambers. Suddenly realizing that the slightest slip in control and temper would bring back the curse, if that was what it was, into full force he resolved then and there not to ever let his temper get the better of him.

Justarius sat at a table with a White Robe with dark skin. Suddenly Raistlin hoped that he would have to remember said White Robe's name. He bowed to both. "Dunbar tells me that Dalamar called you to meet with him first," stated Justarius. "What, pray tell, would he want?"

"Need we ask?" said the White Robe, Dunbar. "Let me guess, Palin, he called on your family loyalty, perhaps even some pride, to tell you that if you wanted it the Tower of High Sorcery in Palanthas would be yours. But, oh yes, you would have to be evil like your Uncle Raistlin. Perhaps tried to lure you into it by telling you that at least he would be proud of you."

"With respect," began Raistlin, holding up one slender hand. "I serious doubt that my... Uncle... would be proud if I fell to the same temptations he did. Actually, I would think he would be quite the opposite."

They raised their eyebrows. "Really?" Justarius asked as he leaned back in his chair. "What makes you say that."

Raistlin thought for a moment, trying to not only put the truth in Palin's words, but also convey what he himself would have thought had Palin allied with darkness. Finally, the words came, "He told me so himself, moments after I didn't fall to temptation."

So much had been true. Raistlin had been proud of the way Palin refused to beg for mercy from Takhisis. Refused to make any deals for his life, or power. Refused to fall, but willing to die for ideals that perhaps Raistlin should have been. Raistlin had a feeling he knew exactly what Palin would have told Fistandantilus if he had have been truly given Raistlin's Test.

And Raistlin would have stood and watched in pride, even as the same fireball that turned his own skin gold, taken Palin in his final glory. But perhaps even then Palin had as much in common: In which case Palin's shade of gold would have been untarnished and pure.

But... thanks to Takhisis... that was a moot point. Raistlin, even as he had screamed his fury at the Dark Queen for killing his nephew had felt his heart swell at Palin's stoic calm.

The two wizards could not have known this. They had not seen. Only Raistlin, the Dark Queen, and the Gods of Magic had seen.

And then Raistlin had woken on the floor of his lab... with everyone thinking he was Palin.

Justarius and Dunbar looked at each other, and with a slight motion of his hand, pointed to the hem of Raistlin's robe. "What of that, Majere?"

"I nearly did fall, but in the end I did not," answered Raistlin, lying this time. "The hem reminds of what I nearly did do."

Actually it was: It reminds me of what will happen again if I fail this time around.

But Raistlin was determined not to fail. This time if he did, he not only failed himself and tarnished his own reputation, but as Palin he brought him down with him. Perhaps even the rest of the Majere family. This time there was far more than himself at stake and if he had to sacrifice himself to redeem Palin, then so he would.

He owed his nephew that much for failing to rescue him, for putting him the danger to begin with. Dunbar nodded his head, "Was this before or after you met Raistlin?"

"Before," answered Raistlin, who sat down to begin his tale.

The sun was setting by the time an exhausted Raistlin found his way back out to the courtyard where his nephews waited for him. "Palin, are you all right?" asked Sturm.

Raistlin smiled and nodded, "Yes, it was just a long day. I guess, thanks to our Uncle, my Test was a little different than the norm."

"So, what happens now? Can we go home?" asked Tanin.

"Yes," answered Raistlin. "Let's."

Sturm went to get the three horses, which were refreshed and eager to leave the enchanted wood and its Tower. Just as Raistlin mounted, an elven voice called out, "Diyas gola Nela. Tal rashin ila Shalafi."

The three turned to face Dalamar who held out a long package that was about six feet in length and, due to the wrapping, about three inches thick. "What'd he say, Palin?" whispered Tanin.

"The Gods of Magic go with you. My Master sends you a gift," answered Raistlin as he deftly took the package from Dalamar's hands. "Sola."

Dalamar bowed then retreated back into the Tower. Raistlin said, "I would rather open this later, perhaps in the comfort of an Inn down the road, eh?"

The two smiled in agreement and they rode away. A few hours later, and many hours away from Wayreth, they found an Inn to stay the night. Once the room was rented, the three sat in their room as Raistlin unwrapped the package. The two brothers sucked in a gasp, and Sturm said, "So that's what he meant by 'a gift from his Master'."

Raistlin held the Staff of Magius to him, then leaned upon it a bit. "Shirak."

The orb lit the room brighter than the candles. "Dulak," the light of the staff went out and he looked at them. "This changes things, you know."

Thank you to everyone who reviewed!

MysticDragonstar: I think GM's as a rule are demented. Why else would they GM/DM?

Guan: the humor is a hard thing to carry off without getting silly. I have to really, really watch or it gets stupid. It will get serious, though. This is a lighthearted beginning.

Chetwynd: I don't think he's going to, but he will try for Palin. And yes, Blue Star is mine. This is it's sequel, or it's the prequel to this.... Blue Star was one of those stories that got away from me and got silly too fast and the actual story was lost. I will repost once I rework it to be the way I wanted it.

A/N from Terrence: We're happy people are reading this! We love the reviews, it feeds our egos.