Sacrifices: Innocence Regained

We've seen our share of ups and downs
Oh how quickly life can turn around
In an instant
It feels so good to reunite
What's in yourself and within your mind
Let's find peace there

Excerpt from Creed, "My Sacrifice"

The entrance to Suldanesselar may have been hidden from outsiders, but not from the creatures of the forest. Liam took in a deep breath of the sweet, fragrant air and listened to the shrill victory calls of yet another successful nocturnal hunter. The warm night of the elven city was calming. Here, situated in the canopy of a lush and vibrant forest, Liam could relax. He was able to feel insignificant among the giant coniferous and deciduous trees that shrouded the sacred city. The rogue paladin leaned on the marble railing and looked for the ground. His dizzied senses couldn't detect it.

He heard the unmistakable sound of small, light footsteps coming towards him and Liam turned around. The sight that befell him took his breath away; Imoen had never looked so beautiful. She had put aside her usual black leathers, and donned on a simple cut dress. It was made of a glistening sapphire silk, dyed to match her eye colour. It accentuated the sway of her hips and the curves of her body. Her shoulder length flame red hair was simply left in a braid, but a few strands had managed to escape.

She must have noticed his gaze, for she flushed before deciding to plop herself on the marble ground. Liam smiled at the gesture.

"You've changed, Lee." she spoke the words in an order to break the uncomfortable silence that lingered between them.

Liam nodded sadly at the use of the childhood name. The name Imoen used to call him when they were being raised together. "We both have, Im."

"Everything is so different now... we're different."

"No." Liam smiled bitterly, "We were always the same. We were always siblings." he looked towards the heavens, "Bhaal must be loving this right now."

Imoen smirked, "Somehow, I don't think he's residing up there."

"True."

There was another awkward silence.

"Liam, I meant what I said, I do love you, but now..."

Liam's smile was despondent. Some things did not need to be said. "I know. I'm not sure what to do either."

He sat down beside her, and could feel the lustrous material of her dress on his hands. She leaned closer and rested her head on his shoulder. He was cloaked in the intoxicating scent of vanilla, and her warmth flooded through his light tunic and down his trousers. "I love you, Imoen, I can't help the way I feel..."

"Neither can I."

She turned from him, and Liam instinctively knew that she was crying. He cupped her face in his hands and wiped away the tears away with his fingers. She huddled closer to him, and rested her head in his lap. He could hear her weeping and pulled her closer. Liam let his own tears fall into her hair.

As her lamentation subsided, Liam brought his hands to ears and smoothed out the wisps of unruly hair that had fallen out of the braid. The closeness left Liam feeling bittersweet; he had Imoen in his arms but could do little else.

Imoen broke the embrace and searched Liam's eyes, she inched her neck closer. Both of them found themselves in the middle of a kiss. Liam felt hesitant at first, but soon he found himself matching Imoen's desire. When they parted, they both knew what the other wanted.

"Are you sure, Imoen?"

She smiled, and for the first time since leaving Baldur's Gate, Liam felt at peace. Torm had never answered his prayers about Imoen, but Liam felt that this night his god had given him resolution. Slowly, the paladin rose and offered his arm to his lover.

She took it willingly. "You know, we haven't been alone in a while. That is, if your paladin code could take such a lewd act..."

Liam grinned in response, but there was something vexing him. "Imoen, how did you know where to find me?"

"I know you." her eyes searching into his, "I know your mind, your soul and your body."

Liam saw her blush and loved her all the more for it. There was just one more thing he needed to make sure of, for his security if not hers. "And the others; are you sure? What if they don't..."

She rested her fingertips on his lips. "Then damn them."