Chapter 23

Aribeth

It had been just under three months since we had left Neverwinter, and I was happy that I was alive. Ryltar had set out for Everseka, after we left. However, the coming winter forced him us to travel at a much slower rate. I was worried about the winter but Ryltar assured me that we could survive out in the woods, over the winter. Although he was glad that I was alive, I could tell the lost of Mayra, and Linu weighed heavily on his mind and heart. Many times during the nights he would toss and turn, crying out for the lost of his cloest frinends. He would often wake up and when I would try to talk to him he would cast away my words like nothing had happened. This saddened me, but I knew that given time he would apoligize.

We were traveling down an old beaten path when we were attacked by several bandits. Ryltar all day it seemed was in a bad mood and the slightest, argument or word, seemed like it would set him off. As I readied my bow, Ryltar moved to attack the bandits. They were no match for him and after two of them were killed, I watched in horror as Ryltar's face twitched and he followed by cruelling snapping the third bandit's neck. He leaped on the fourth one, and broke the man's arm. I was stunned beyond words and action as Ryltar tortured the bandit. "He's drifting into the realm of evil! He's losing himself to his power." I thought. Ryltar had told me how periods of great stress and emotional events seemed to make it harder for him to control himself. Recent events obviously would count as such an event. I rushed to Ryltar as he killed the last bandit. I grabbed him and forced his head under a nearby creek. He tried to force me off of him but the angle at which I held him prevented him from doing so. After several time of dunking him I allowed him up.

"What the hell was that for!" He cried.

I pointed to the dead bandits bodies. "THAT! Your allowing your powers to control you again." I said.

Ryltar looked downcast, "What does it matter? The woman I loved is dead, and the first friend I ever had on the surface as well. Because of this "Power" Ryltar said. "What's the point? Why should I go on living?" He said slamming his fist into a tree.

"Ryltar, Linu would not want to see you acting like this." I said, "She would want you to move on. Were elves, so I know that we are slow to forget friends, but allowing your powers to cause you to do such horrible acts is unexcuseable."

Ryltar looked at the ground, I saw several tears run down his face. This was the second time I had seen this, and it still looked out of place on him. He faced me once more and said. "Your right, Aribeth. Linu, and Mayra, would not wish to see me like I am. I have to find someone that can help me control this power I have." He said looking at his glowing hands.

"Come, Ryltar. Evereska is only a few days travel from here." I said placing a comforting hand on his shoulders. He sighed, then nodded and followed me in the direction I walked.

End Aribeth

Ryltar

It was several days later, and I had finally calmed down. Aribeth and I were resting for the coming night, another day or so journey and we would be at the portal that would take us to Evereska. I was organizing my pack when Linu's journal fell out, just seeing it caused my heart to ache intensify. I picked it up and for the first time since she had died, I read through a few entries.

Journal Entries

376th day out of Evereska,

My search for Sephaine's Chalice, has led me to a plague stricken city called Neverwinter. I'm sure with my help the city will pull through this horrible event.

385th day out of Evereska,

I've met a drow, of all things in this city. His name is Ryltar Kost'dora. It seems he is a druid or ranger of some type. He travels with an animal companion which he says is called Mayra. She seems like a nice wolf. But, I'm hesitant to fully trust Ryltar, because of his race. However, he genienuly seems to want to help the city, and is trusted by the Lady Aribeth, in finding the Cure components. So for now I will help him in his quest.

395th day out of evereska,

Events have passed quickly in the city, the plague has spread to all corners of the city in some fashion. During a dinner, Ryltar told me much about himself, he seems to have a mysterious nature about him, I'm determined to find out what it is. After we left a woman came to us and asked us to help stop a prison break in that district, Ryltar agreed to help, with no thought of a reward. I'm starting to wonder if he actually is different from other drow.Ryltar has promised the woman we would be back in a few hours, how he plans on accomplishing this I'm not sure. But from the looks of his fighting style and strength, and speed. He'll need my help.

396th day out of Evereska,

I was surprised, when I awoke this morning, Aribeth informed me that Ryltar was missing. Shortly after this he returned, and handed, Aribeth a lock of the Dryad's hair. He then handed me Sephaine's Cahlice! He had found it while searching for the Dryad in a mage's home. He has a fairly humorous side to him. He called me mistress in refrence to a drow female. I kind of like that idea on some level. Ryltar collapsed soon after from exhaustion. I'm worried for him, he pushes himself to hard. I'm worried that one day he will push himself to far and get himself killed.

Thoughts echo through my mind on what Rytlar did in finding Sephaine's chalice. What does he have to prove? Why did he do it? What is he hiding? These and many other questions I'm determined to answer. Worse yet I see how he is careful to keep both Mayra and I out of danger. It's as if he's afraid something will happen to Mayra... or me. I've decdided that I will ask him when he awakes.

397th day out of Evereska,

I've learned much more about Ryltar, it seems he trained under the famous drow ranger Drizzt Do'Urden shortly after coming to the surface. I've also learned he had a previous, love. She died because of his actions and it seems I remind Ryltar of her. I'm afraid to admit it but I consider Ryltar a friend. The others in Evereska would call me a traitor for what I have done, but Rytlar deserves a friend in these dark times. He's done much for the city over the past couple of weeks, and his only soliace is Mayra. I hop he will take my offer of friendship to heart. However, I'm more concered for myself, I feel that I am.. falling in love with him. I know I've known him only a short time, but he his so charming and caring. He reminds me so much of Seth.

Ryltar

I saw this last entry on the page filled with tear stains. Sorrow filled me as I skipped ahead several pages, continuing to read.

Journal

405th day out of Evereska,

It has been several days of figthing undead, Ryltar, Mayra, and I found the Yuan-ti and Cock-a-trice feathers. But the fight didn't end without a tradgedy. Ryltar fell in battle fighting the Yuan-ti. The clerics in the Temple of Tyr have been trying to resurect him for several hours now, without any change. Aribeth has directed me to rest, and that she will let me know if anything changes. My only fear is that I will never be able to tell Ryltar now, how I feel about him. I love him.

415th day out of Evereska,

It has been many days since I have written, events have passed, Fenthick was hung for trusting Desther, and after a long journey to a town called Port Last, Ryltar, and I were assigned to find the cult responsible. We did locating it in Luskan, before this Ryltar and I killed ourselves, to save the Spirt of the Woods in Neverwinter Forest. Before I did this, Ryltar killed himself, as his body grew still, it glowed a faint blue, what this was I am not sure. After we cured the Spirit, and returned to Aribeth, the next day we found she had left us. She seemed as peace after we last talked to her about the nightmares that had been troubling her. She gave Rytlar, and I a ring to remember her by, in case anything happened to her. What this meant I'm not sure, for now Ryltar, Mayra, and I must find Aribeth in Luskan.

Ryltar

I flipped through several other entries, about my gift that Linu mentioned, and how she loved me. Among other things. The last entry filled my heart with saddness.

Journal

512th Day out of evereska,

Ryltar and I are entering the Source Stone. We have conveinced Aribeth, to return to Lord Naher and help save the city, to atone for what she has done. I fear for some reason that this will be my last entry. I am not sure why this is, but whatever fate has in store for Ryltar, Mayra, and I. I know that all of us are ready to face it.

Ryltar

I closed the journal as Aribeth approached.

"You ok, Ryltar?" She asked me.

Drying the tears from my eyes. I said. "Yes, I'm fine. I was... reading through Linu's journal. I probably shouldn't have, but something told me I should." I said shaking my head.

"It's ok, I'm sure she wouldn't mind. Come, rest now. Tomorrow we will be entering Evereska, hopefully." Aribeth said.

I nodded and fell asleep soon after.

Ryltar's Dream

I was floating in the grey abyss once more. The image of Aribeth was the only one that created me this time. "You've done well chosen one." The image said.

I cast away her words. "Screw this chosen thing. It's because of it that the woman I love and the closest friend I ever had lay dead." I said in anger.

"We know. This was forseen..." the image of aribeth said.

I interrupted her. "WHAT! You knew abou this! And you said nothing!" I raged shocked at her words.

"Life is filled with sorrow, yours will be filled with much more. However, we offer you a chance to save the one you call Linu. She is dead as you know... However." The image said as i faded from view. I awoke with a start several swords pointing at my head. I saw Aribeth surrounded by several elves,

"Move one muscle drow, Just give us an excuse to end your life." A female said.

"I surrender to your laws elves. However, I mean you no harm." I said. Slowly raising my hands. "If you would allow me to explain..."

I was interrupted. "SILENCE! Foul drow! You will not fill our heads with your lies. You will come with us, and be placed on trial for crimes of your race." a male elf said allowing me up.

Several hours later in a Temple of Sephaine Moonbow

"You lie priest! This thing is drow!" the male elf told the priest. "The only "good" drow is a dead one!"

"This it seems is not true." The priest said. "I hold here an offical letter magicaly sent by the mages of the City of Neverwinter explaining who these two are." He said pointing at me. "This is Ryltar Kost'dora, Hero Of Neverwinter, Destroyer of the Old Ones. His companion, is the Lady Aribeth."

The male elf guard turned to me. He looked me over. "So this is the famed Hero of Neverwinter? You probably had to use some strong charm magics to get them to help you, eh drow?"

"No, I didn't. I am a druid and ranger warrior of nature. I help whoever I can, I ask for no rewards other then acceptance. I know I can never truly be forgiven for what my race has done. But I am not like my kind. Surely the company I keep must at least show that." I said looking at Aribeth.

"Your weapons then, and amour? And this strange blue glow you have. What are they? And where did you get them?" the elf asked.

"If you pull either of my scimitars out you will see the enscription of clan Battlehammer on them. They were a gift from Brueonor Battlehammer. As for my amour I purchased it in the city of Neverwinter." I looked at my hands. "As for this blue glow... well it's hard to explain. It seems this "power" is a rare gift passed down from generations, through thousands of years. I'm not sure where it comes from. But I do know it allows me to move faster, stronger, and sustain more serious wounds then any normal person."

"This gift as you say has some odd tastes. Very well, what is your business in Evereska." The elf said.

"If you would allow me, do you have a name?" I asked.

"My name, drow is Elamor. Further then that you need not know." He said.

"Very well Elamor, I have journeied here to return three items to the lands. The Chalice of Sephaine Moonbow, a sacred seed for ancient oaks, and a male elf's journal named Seth."

"Where did you find these items, drow tell me!" Elamor said in anger.

"They were items, that were tasked to be found by Linu LA'neral, a cleric from these lands of Sephaine Moonbow. She was a companion of mine that helped me greatly in defeating the Old Ones... sadly she did not survive. I have come here to finish the quests she started on. AS well as to inform her parents of what happened to her, and what occurred between us." I said the last part carefully, not sure how to say it.

Elamor came up to me and slammed me against the wall. "What do you mean drow. "Occured between you?" he asked.

"I'm sorry I will not say to anyone but Linu's parents. That is for their ears only." I said not afraid.

Elamor snapped his fingers guards left the room, and as the last one left he said. "Call for my wife." The guard nodded and left.

Elamor moved back from me. Studying Aribeth, and I. A few moments later an almost striking image of Linu, though much older, walked into the room. "A drow!" She said.

"Calm yourself, dear. At least for the moment. It seems this... Ryltar. Has news for us, concerning our daughter. Be warned drow, that I will be able to tell if you are lying." Elamor said.

"I am to take it you are Linu's mother? And you her father?" I asked looking at both of them.

"Yes, we are. Highmages of Everseka. Now tell me drow what has happened to our daughter?" Elamor said.

After several hours of retelling my entire adventure in saving Neverwinter, and Linu's mother looking through her daughter's journal to confirm much of what I said, and finally after several truth spells. Both Linu's parents broke down into tears. I wasn't sure what to say besides. "I am truly sorry for your lose. Please know that her death weighs heavily on my heart, and that I would do anything to bring her back... anything." Aribeth through all of my story except for certain parts to be clarified by her point of view, had remained quiet.

"Please, you both must understand that Ryltar did everything in his power, to save her. You must agree that he is not like other drow, at the very least?" Aribeth said.

Elamor, Linu's father spoke up. "Yes, you are right. I'm sorry for distrusting you Ryltar." He looked me over. "You said you would do anything right? To bring back our daughter."

"I would travel through the outher planes itself, to the Nine Hells, to bring her back. I would not give up till I had brought her back, or perished in the attempt." I said simply.

"Your words ring true to my senses, Ryltar." Linu mother said. "I see by your very stature that you are telling the truth. Would you wish for the chance to bring her back?"

I leaped from the chair that I was sitting on. "Tell me what I must do and I will do it." I said.

After a half hour of explaining what must be done. Both Aribeth and i nodded. "Send me as well, Ryltar will need all the help he can get, and it is the only thing I can think of the repay him for saving my life."

All three of us nodded. "Very well, Ryltar, Aribeth, Please give us a few moments to prepare." Linu's mother and father said. Leaving the room.

"So what do you think we'll have to do?" Aribeth asked me.

"Well, seems that they believe that not only Linu's spirit but also a physical manifestation of her body is trapped in a sort of Limbo on the planes. Basically they want us to go there deal with anything that's dangerous, and retreive Linu. There's even a chance that Mayra will be there as well!" I said excited.

"So basically, enter a protal that we have no idea will lead us to this Limbo. Hack, and slash our way through possibly legions of monsters all that probably want us dead, and then find Linu and possibly Mayra, return through said portal, all in the hopes that it will remain open long enough for us to return?" Aribeth said grinning.

"Yep, that pretty much sums it up." I said returning her grin.

"Oh, is that all, and here I thought it would be hard." Aribehth said now laughing.

Several hours later Aribeth, and I were pacing around the room we had been left in.

"What in the name of all the Spirit is taking them so long?" I said. "They said a few moments! It's been several hours!"

"Patientence Ryltar, they said they needed time to prepare. I'm sure they'll return the second they are ready for us." Aribeth said to me. I sat down on an oaken chair, sighing. I'm sorry, Aribeth, its just... well I guess I can't wait to try to bring back Linu, and maybe Mayra as well."

"To what plane do you think we will be traveling to?" Aribeth asked me.

"I'm not sure, but if it means facing Lolth herself, plus all of her servants to bring back Linu and Mayra, then that is what I'll do." I said crackig my fists.

"Sucks to be Lolth then." Aribeth said laughing.

I looked at her confused. "What do you mean?" I asked.

"Think about it Ryltar. You're probably a match for her, or more. She should fear you." Aribeth explained.

"One thing I've learned in life is never underestimate, your enemy. No matter how weak they may seem. It is when you let down your guard that they will defeat you." I said.

Aribeht nodded. "You are correct, Ryltar."

Shortly there after, Linu's parents plus several elven guards came into the room. "If your ready Ryltar, Aribeth? We're ready for you in the summoning chamber." I nodded and stood up.

I readied myself but stopped looking at the guards. I handed them my scimitars. "As a sign of good faith I will allow you to carry, my weapons to the chambers. If you have anhy concerns that I may attack you." Everyone was surprised by my words.

The guards finally took my scimitars and belt and we proceeded to the summoning room. Once there I equipped myself, and stood ready to do whatever it was I had to do, with Aribeth by my side. Several moments later several elves formed a circle around me and Aribeth, a portal appeared in front of us. "Quickly, go through we'll only be able to keep it open so long." One of the elves cried.

Pulling out my scimitar's I said to Aribeth, "Once more unto the breach." And leaped through the portal.

End Ryltar

Elamour

"Once more unto the breach." Ryltar cried and leaped into the portal. Aribeth followed a split second later.

I turned to Elaeth, my wife. "Now, it is all up to Aribeth, and Ryltar, to bring our daughter back to us." I said.

End Elamour

Aribeth

Ryltar and I emerged, from the portal in a dark empty realm. I saw that Ryltar was uneasy about the surroundings, around us. "Something, wrong? ryltar?" I asked.

"Well, its just that whenever I see those images, explaining my destiny and what not, It's usually in a similar setting." Ryltar explained to me. He had told me about his dreams where, Linu, Mayra, and I were used to represent different beings of some kind. I looked around not seeing anything but Ryltar and I.

"Well it seems its only you and I, Ryltar, so let's take a look around." I said heading off in what I hoped was a northerly direction. Ryltar followed me.

End Aribeth

Ryltar

Two Hours later

Aribeth and I had fought our way through several stranger monsters, that she nor I had seen before. We had yet to find any sign of either Linu or Mayra. I had kept an excellent direction of where the portal was at all times in relation to where we were. I was convident that all three of us would be able to get back to the protal without any trouble.

"LINU!" I cried hoping that maybe she was within ear shot of my voice.

Aribeth did the same and we contiued in our "northerly" Direction. Concern and worry for Linu's safety foremost in my mind. Whatever I would have to do to bring her back, I would do. Even if it mean't sacrificing myself.

End Ryltar

Linu

I was aimlessly wondering this strange void. I recalled jumping in front of an magical engery blast to prevent Ryltar froming being hurt. I felt it impact with my body, and burn through me, killing me I assumed. Know though I was in this starange void, with all of my normal equipment, "Is this death? Did I really die? Or is this some strange hallucenation, before I see Sephaine Moonbow, my godess." I said out loud, I felt compelled to head in a southernly direction though and that was what I was doing now. "Did Ryltar, defeat Morag? Is Neverwinter safe?..." I thought these and many other thoughts running through my head at an incrediable speed.

I came upon an odd building which I entered, inside was a hooded figure. "Hail the dead." It said to me

I readied my mace, in case it attacked me. "Who are you... what are you?" I asked.

"I am... the reaper, in your tongue. Two search for you even now, one contains the power to destroy the world, the other... could be a hero, or a powerful villan." The reaper said to me.

"I ask that you bring them to me know, or tell me where I may find them, and put an end to their evil ways before they start, dear." I said.

There was two flashes of light and two figures appeared. "Sephaine, protect, your faithful servant." I cried moving to attack them.

End Linu

Aribeth

I saw that Linu was moving at attack us. Not haivng anything but my bow and the ready I dropped back behind Ryltar, who brought up his scimitar's to block her blows. "Linu Stop its Ryltar and Aribeth!" He cried.

Linu moved back. "Show yourself to be who you say you are!" She demanded.

Ryltar sheathed his scimitar's and lowered his hood, I did the same. Linu dropped to her knees crying, "Ry... Ryltar... Aribeth? How... how did you get here... wherever here is!" Linu said. Ryltar rushed to her side hugging her tightly.

"Linu, oh my love, I've missed you." Ryltar said.

After several minutes of explaining how we got here, the shourded figure said. "For her life to be returned, one of you must stay. There must be a balance in this world, if she leaves this balance will be destroyed."

I thought quickly, "Ryltar, will sacrifice himself to allow Linu returning to life... I have nothing to live for. I should be the one to stay." Before Ryltar could open his mouth. To utter the words that I knew were coming out. I slammed my combined fists into his head. He sttagered back falling hard against the wall. This caused him to fall to the ground unconsies. I looked to Linu's shocked face. "Sorry, Linu. But you know Ryltar would have said that he was the one staying." I said, explainning my actions.

Linu nodded saying "I know dear. It's good to see Ryltar was able to save you." The reaper walked up to me.

"I am to assume you are the one that is staying?" it said.

I nodded, "Yes." I said. I turned back to Linu. "Keep him safe. When you leave here, you will be back in Evereska. Your parents anxiously await your safe return." I gave both Linu and Rylta'rs unconises form a gentle kiss and a hug. "You've both saved, me. Now your lives will both have meaning. Mine has none." I said.

Linu nodded as she picked up Ryltar. "We'll find a way to bring you back, dear."

I shook my head, "No, I doubt that..." I said a funny feeling came over me then that this would not be the last time I would see them "However, perhaps we'll see each other some other time." I turned to the Reaper. "Return them to Evereska, Reaper."

A flash of light encompassed Linu and Ryltar's bodies. As they dissapeared, another door appeared before me, it emitted a blasting cold wind that chilled me to the bone. "Your life ends here, elf. Walk forward and join the land of the dead. "The reaper said to me, as I felt my body fade, as I entered the door way.

End Aribeth

(A/N: And there's Chapter 23 short again I know. Like before short chapters probably till SOU starts. Linu's back by popular demand. So those that flooded my e-mail account in protest can stop now. Check back on Thurs. or Sat. for chapter 24.)