(A/N: Not much to say here, but this chapter is dedicated to The Lady Crysania. Thank you so much for your dedication to my story. I hope I can live up to your expectations.)

Caramon! Caramon wake up! They're coming for me! Please, make them go away!"

"Shh, Raist! It's ok!"

"No no they're out there! They're waiting for me!"

"No one's out there, Raist. Here, I'll even go look for you."

"No, don't leave me!" Raistlin clung to his brother with an unbelievably strong grip. "Don't let them get me…"

"It's ok, Raist…" Caramon mumbled, putting his arms around his brother. "They won't come for you. I'm here. Look--" He drowsily raised his hand and formed his fingers into what might have been a rabbit, had he been awake enough to hold his fingers straight. "—bunnies…"

Light filtered through his shut eyelids, and he winced. He tried to turn over and bury his face under the pillow, but he found that he couldn't move; there was a dead weight on top of him. He gave a sleepy chuckle, giving his brother's hand a squeeze and a pat.

"C'mon, Raist. I gotta turn over…if ya don't move…I'll squish you…" A huge, jaw cracking yawn split his face. "…like a bug…"

Then he remembered himself and where he was. Raistlin was dead. It was Tika who was seeking the comfort of his big arms, not his brother. Opening his eyes, he started to mentally slap himself for being so stupid.

He looked down.

Collapsed upon his chest in a tangle of black hair, was Raistlin. He looked different, but there was no doubt in his twin's mind that it was him. With a hoarse cry, Caramon pulled his unconscious brother into a tight but gentle embrace.

"Raistlin!"

"Did you hear that?" Tika said suddenly, looking up from her prayers.

"Hear what?" Tanis muttered. Blood still rushed in his ears, as he had tried numerous times, despite the protest of his companions, to penetrate the magical barrier.

"It sounded like…Caramon!" Tika stood up, her face shining with tears and hope in the waning firelight. The sun had sunk low upon the horizon, and it sleepily shone its fading light through the stained glass windows of the Inn. It had been hours since Raistlin had gone to his brother's side, and the group had been waiting in uneasy impatience.

"The barrier has been lowered," Riverwind reported. The tall warrior cautiously edged through the doorway, his dark eyes darting warily around. "We may proceed."

"Oh, thank Paladine!" Tika whispered. Brushing past Riverwind, she bolted down the hall to her husband's side.

"Yes," Crysania said softly, rising to her feet with somewhat less enthusiasm than her red-headed friend. "Thank Paladine." Two tears trickled down her cheeks, and she pressed a trembling hand over her eyes. "Oh, Raistlin," she said brokenly. "You knew it was me. Why didn't you tell me? Why did you keep me in the dark until it was too late…too late for me to tell you…"

The sound of a happy reunion drifted to her ears. Caramon's big booming voice was talking excitedly, but Crysania was too upset to comprehend what he was saying. Keeping her hand over her eyes, she turned to the fire. Only when a gentle hand was laid upon her arm did she look up, her eyes red with tears.

"Lady Crysania, please come with me." Goldmoon's voice twinkled "There's something I want to show you."

"Can it wait? Please…" She rubbed the cascading rivers from her cheeks. "I don't know if I'm up to a happy reunion just yet…"

"Oh, I think you are, Revered Daughter." Goldmoon's slender fingers curled around her elbow and pulled her gently toward the hallway. A radiant smile graced her lips. "Please, come with me."

Crysania heaved a great sigh, using her more effective robe sleeve to dry her eyes. "As you wish."

Goldmoon led Crysania down the dimly lit corridor and directed her into a room. Crysania heard Caramon try to struggle to his feet, grunting as if lifting a heavy load. Clasping her hands behind her back, the High Cleric of Paladine raised her sightless face with calm dignity. "I am happy to have you back, Caramon Majere," she said in a low voice. "Blessed Paladine has once again regarded you with favor."

"And you, milady," Caramon replied. She heard him shuffle forward. "Revered Daughter, might I ask you to hold out your arms? Well, you might wanna sit down first…"

Alarmed, Crysania took a step forward. "You aren't still hurt anywhere, are you, Caramon?" Her fingers moved to her medallion. "If so, of course I will--"

The others stifled a laugh, and Caramon's face broke into a broad grin. "No, my lady. I am not hurt. Please, do what I tell you."

"A…alright…" Crysania sank to the floor, arranging her soft white robes around her out of habit. Then, hesitantly, she held out her arms, feeling incredibly foolish. Her face burned red with embarrassment. "Caramon, I don't understand. What's going--"

She sensed Caramon kneeling beside her, and she stopped short as a warm, velvet robed figure was placed into her arms. The figure moaned, stirred within her startled embrace. Then, suddenly, she understood.

"Oh…Raistlin…" Tears formed once more behind her milky eyes. "You didn't leave me after all…" With a strangled cry, she pulled the mage close with a strength borne only of love. "Raistlin…Raistlin…" she said his name over and over, savoring it as it rolled across her tongue. Her slender hand tangled itself in his dark, dark hair as her lips kissed his porcelain forehead.

Caramon smiled, then backed up to give them space. He slipped over to Tika and put his arm around her, and she hugged him close, tears of joy forming a wet splotch on his shirt.

"I'm so happy you're back," she whispered, burying her nose in his shoulder.

"Raist saved me," he replied, resting his chin on her red curls. "It was Raistlin, Tika! He came…and he brought me back…"

"The first thing he's ever done right." She grinned up at him through her tears.

"N…not the first," he mumbled, his cheeks going as red as her hair. "There've been…other times…"

Tika laughed. "Of course, dear," she murmured, her emerald gaze shifting over to Crysania. "Of course."

Raistlin looked up at Crysania through bleary eyes. He tried to speak, but his voice caught in his throat. Wetting his lips, he tried again. "Wh…why am I here?" he asked hoarsely. Then, as if he had just discovered the meaning of what he just said, he pushed himself back from her as if she had been a poisonous snake. "Why am I still here!"

The fragile good mood was shattered by the sudden outburst. Dark glances were passed all around as Crysania's brow furrowed worriedly. "W-what do you mean?" she stammered, knowing full well what he meant but not wanting it to be true.

"I was supposed to be gone, the moment I saved Caramon!" Raistlin shrieked, scrambling back a little further. His unnaturally green eyes were wide. "Why do I remain! My brother is restored! This cannot be!"

"I…I don't know!" Crysania held her hands out to him helplessly. "Please, Raistlin--"

"No!" The mage clutched his head in his hands. "Something went wrong. I am not supposed to be here! My work here is finished!" Finding himself backed against a wall, Raistlin hunched his shoulders and stared at Crysania, who had let her hands fall limply to her sides.

"Raist…I mean, Raistlin…" Caramon took a tentative step toward his brother. "Perhaps this means you were not only supposed to save me…but for some reason, you still had another attachment to us. Maybe you were supposed to remain here…to make up for lost time."

Raistlin shot his brother a disgusted look from the depths of his black hood. "I lost no time by not being here, my dear brother," he sneered, lip curling. He shook his cowled head. "No. There must be another reason." He drew a deep breath, trying to clear his head of the blinding rage and fear.

Pursing his lips, Caramon looked back at Tika. His wife was biting the knuckle of her left index finger, her eyes glittering with undisguised contempt. Seeing his helpless glance, Tika made a face and turned away. Caramon sighed and turned his gaze back to his brother.

"So let me get this straight." Tanis strode across the room and squatted down beside the bedraggled mage. His almond eyes shone fiercely in the firelight. "You say you were supposed to be gone, but for some reason you're still here. How were you able to come back in the first place?"

"I take it you did not miss me much, Half-Elf."

"It's hard to miss someone who tried to become a god," Tanis shot back.

Raistlin chuckled malevolently. "I suppose not. In any case, does it matter how I returned to this miserable world? The only matter of true importance is that I am here, however misfortunate the occurrence might be. To you and me both," he added, his lips forming a thin, bitter smile.

Laurana now stepped forward, placing a calming hand on her husband's shoulder. "Then shouldn't you work on getting your unfinished business over and done with?"

"If only it were that easy, Lauranalanthalasa." Having somewhat regained his composure, Raistlin pushed himself to his feet, tucking his hands into the voluminous sleeves of his robes. The green eyes glimmered dangerously, and all but Crysania took an involuntary step back. "First, I must actually discover what it is I am meant to accomplish, then I will have to actually do it. And considering the kind of life I led, it does not bode to be an easy task."

"I wonder whose fault that would be?" Tika muttered.

"Mine, of course, woman," Raistlin returned. "And now that we have established the obvious, we can now move on to more pressing matters. First of all, if you would all leave, I would like some time to myself. There is much I need to consider."

"We will not leave you alone to plot more of your evil," Riverwind said quietly. His arm tightened its hold on his wife. Their children, who had been asleep in the common room until a few minutes ago, were clinging to their parents legs, their eyes wide.

Raistlin opened his mouth to let fly a vile remark; but Crysania spoke first, making everyone, including the mage, jump in surprise. "We will leave him be," she murmured. Slowly she stood, her hands clasped in front of her. "He will plot no further evil. Of this we can be sure."

"I don't see how you can say that with such conviction, Revered Daughter," Tanis said, still fixing the wizard with a penetrating stare. "We all know what evil acts he's capable of committing."

"And we all know that he is capable of doing good as well. Come, we will leave him alone. For now, let us trust him. Perhaps that is all he ever really wanted."

"You are a foolish woman," Raistlin snarled, but with only half-hearted conviction. Crysania merely smiled and held out her hand to be led from the room. Goldmoon gently pulled away from Riverwind and took the cleric's slender hand, and, placing it upon her arm, began to lead her from the room. The others filed out ahead of them, each casting their own meaningful look at the mage who stood by the wall.

"Be careful, Raist," Caramon murmured. "And…thanks."

"Don't be stupid, my brother," Raistlin grated. "I did this only out of necessity."

His twin sighed. "Yeah yeah, I know. Whatever you say, Raist." He turned to go. Reaching the threshold, he stopped and looked back. Unwitting tears tickled his eyes as he regarded his brother's thin, pale form with sympathy.

Raistlin caught the look and made a face. "What?" he demanded.

After a moment's hesitation, Caramon quickly crossed the room and pulled his brother into a gentle embrace. Raistlin stiffened, but Caramon still held on. A tear escaped from his eye and fell into Raistlin's soft, black hair.

"Raist…" the warrior choked, blinking back another hapless drop. "I…it's good to see you again. And…I know that you didn't sacrifice yourself for me or anyone else…but…I'm glad. I'm glad you did the right thing, even if it was for the wrong reasons."

"You are a sentimental fool, my brother," Raistlin said softly. Though his hands remained limp at his sides, the wizard allowed his dark head to rest briefly against his brother's broad shoulder. He drew a shaky breath. "Nothing but a sentimental fool."

Feeling his brother's weak attempt at a hug, Caramon grinned through his tears. "Maybe I am a sentimental fool. But Raist…" He pulled back, his big hands resting on his twin's slender arms. "Take care of yourself."

"My brother, I am dead. I hardly think it matters."

"Well…you never know what the future may hold. Maybe, like I said before, you're still here because you need to be with us for a while." Caramon was loathe to let go of his brother, but Raistlin took a step back, his eyes once more mirrors that showed no emotion.

"Don't get your hopes up. Leave me now."

Caramon nodded numbly and turned to go. But his brother's soft voice stopped him as he reached the door.

"Caramon…" Raistlin ventured, his pale cheeks somewhat flushed in the flickering light. "I would ask you to send for Lady Crysania."

The big man broke into a smile. "Sure, Raist. I'll send her in." Then he walked out, headed for the common room.

Raistlin sauntered over to the fire. Sinking down into one of the wicker chairs arranged by the hearth, he put his head in his hands. A wry smile touched his lips. "Now who is the sentimental fool?" he asked the flames. "Tell me. Who is it now?"

A few minutes later, Crysania padded silently into the room. Her milky eyes instinctively flicked around the chamber, and her breath came in short, excited puffs. "Raistlin?" she called softly.

"I am here." Raistlin looked up from dancing blaze and let his gaze rest upon her, trying to take in every detail at once. Rising, he took a step toward her.

Crysania twisted her robes between nervous hands. "I…I'm happy you called for me. Where are you exactly? Forgive me, I cannot see…"

"It is I who should be asking your forgiveness." Raistlin wet his lips, the words uncomfortable upon his rough tongue. "For your blindness is no one's fault but my own."

Walking toward his voice, Crysania held out a searching hand. "I followed you of my own accord, Raistlin. I knew you would betray me, I just could not bring my heart to believe my mind."

Raistlin stopped. "Then why do you still come to me?" he demanded suddenly, his anger washing over her like a tidal wave. "After all I have done, you have every right to hate me! Why do you still--"

"Love you?" she finished for him. "Because love is blind." Her outstretched hand found his face, and her smooth fingers ran themselves over the delicate features. She felt him shiver under her touch and begin to pull away. Quickly she reached out her other hand and slipped it around his waist, resting her head against his velvet robed chest. "You owe me a great debt, Raistlin Majere," she whispered, letting the hand that had been caressing his face fall around his shoulders. "And I ask you to repay it now. All I want…is your embrace. Please, it will be more than enough."

"Oh…gods…" the mage breathed, feeling an impossible wave of desire well up from the depths of his soul. His hands involuntarily encircled her slender form. A shiver of delight traveled up his spine as she nestled closer; he could feel every curve, every inch of her body as it pressed against his.

Crysania lifted her sightless face and smiled dreamily. "Raistlin, I love you…" Leaning forward, her soft lips found his. Raistlin leaned forward hungrily, allowing his own lips to part in ecstasy. Crysania lapped gently at his mouth, letting the kiss grow deeper and deeper, stoking the fire that was growing within them both. Before they knew it, they had collapsed onto the floor, hopelessly entwined in each other's arms. Raistlin felt her hips dig into his as she pulled herself as close as possible, and he let out a groan of pleasure.

"Raistlin…" Crysania breathed, kissing along his jawline and down his neck.

He swallowed hard, his head tilting back in a tangle of black, glossy hair. Whether it was his or Crysania's, he couldn't be sure, but for the moment it seemed as if they were one and the same. His mind reeled, and the world spun before his eyes. "Yes…" he replied huskily, tilting her head back in turn so he could do the same to her. His fevered lips rained kisses around her collarbone, and his hands held tightly to her waist. "Yes, Crysania…"

"I want…your love…" she whispered, resting her chin upon his masses of black locks, her eyes closed. "Love me, Raistlin…that's all I ask…" Her slender arms gently encircled his neck, cradling his head against her breast. "Stay with me forever…"

Raistlin opened his mouth to tell her that he would do as she asked. He drew a breath and formed his lips to the words. He cracked his eyelids a slit so he could look into her beautiful face…

The medallion of Paladine glowed brightly upon her breast, searing his eyes with a brilliant light. With a howl of pain and self disgust, Raistlin shoved her away and clambered backwards, his hands pressed over his throbbing eyes.

"What!" Crysania lunged forward, desperately feeling around for him. "Raistlin, what's wrong!"

"Th…the medallion!" the mage hissed, letting his fingers slip down ever so slightly so he could fix her with a furious glare. "You witch! You are using the medallion of Paladine against me! You are trying to purge me, aren't you!"

"N-no!" Crysania's searching hand found the edge of Raistlin's robe and clutched at it feverishly. Drawing herself closer, she hastily tried to stuff the medallion down the front of her robes. "Raistlin, I did nothing of the sort! You have to believe me!"

"Do I?" he asked bitterly, snatching his cloak away from her. "Do I, Crysania? No one has ever told me the truth. Why should I think you would be the first, you lying wretch!"

"Raistlin--!"

"No!" the mage shrieked. "Get away! Get out of my sight!"

In desperation, Crysania tore at the medallion. "Raistlin, look at me! I will get rid of it! Burn it, if I have to! All I want is you! I don't care if I burn forever in the bowels of the Abyss, I just want to be with you!"

Raistlin snorted. "Easier said than done, my dear. You may say that now, when the fires of lust burn bright within your heart; but we'll see how it goes when you are prostrated before your god and he turns his face away! You will deny you ever knew my name!"

Tears flowed unchecked down Crysania's cheeks. Again she tugged at the medallion, but this time only half-heartedly. Eventually her hand ceased its futile task and moved to cover her eyes. Sobs wracked her entire body as she cried tears that came from her very soul.

Raistlin turned away, letting a curtain of dark hair fall before his eyes. The reflection of the blinding, painful light still cast seething shadows across the back of his eyelids. The sound of his heart in his ears drowned out all else; all but Crysania's anguished cries. Silently he cursed himself for falling once more into the trap that should have been so easy to avoid, and yet ensnared him time and time again.

"Raistlin Majere. The Sly One. How well you live up to your name."

The room burst into brilliant light – the same light that had near blinded him not moments before. Raistlin narrowed his eyes and tried to look into the heart of the shimmering aura, only to find himself repulsed and forced to look away.

"You needn't look. You already know who I am."

Raistlin's lip curled even as he ducked his head away from the light. "Indeed, I do know who you are. None but you would stop time to aid one of your servants."

Paladine smiled slightly, his radiant face stern but understanding. The god moved silently behind Crysania, pulling his beloved cleric into a fatherly embrace. Frozen in time, Crysania did not respond. Paladine gently brushed away her tears, his flowing golden hair wafting against her face like a graceful spiderweb floating on a spring breeze. Then he looked up at the mage who was huddled against the wall, the frozen firelight shimmering on his dark hair. "You know," the god said with mock amiability, "black hair suits you better. It goes well with your soul."

"Why thank you," Raistlin returned dryly, "I'll be sure to keep that in mind. Now tell me; what did you really come here to do? Surely wiping a few tears and commenting on my appearance didn't bring you here from your immortal plane."

"I came to tell you that I am aware of your little scheme." Kissing Crysania's black locks, Paladine moved away from her to stand in front of Raistlin. The mage could sense the god's power, and he felt his soul throw up its hands in worship and surrender. Stubbornly he held his ground, allowing his head only a slight bow of reverence.

"I am flattered that you would take an interest in plans such as mine. However, it seems you have come a bit late. Fistandantilus has been destroyed, and I will soon return to the Abyss to report to my lord Nuitari."

"Ah, that is where you are wrong, my dear Black Robe. You know as well as I that you are still here for a reason." Paladine reached out and pulled back the curtain of black hair that covered the wizard's face. With a finger that burned to the touch, he roughly made Raistlin look him in the face. "That is what brings me here. I am going to impart to you the second half of your duty here on Krynn. You must know that there are two parts to what you will have to accomplish. One to the world…and one to your own heart."

Raistlin blinked, trying to rid himself of the tears that formed at the god's brilliance. His eyes burned terribly in the searing light. "Do tell, Great One," he grated, a sarcastic edge sounding in his voice, "what is this miraculous task I am supposed to undertake?"

Paladine hesitated. The flawless brow furrowed as if he could not bear to relate what needed to be done. Then, with a hollow, heartfelt sigh, he began to speak.

"There is a girl that serves in my temple," the god said at last. "Her name is Senan. I believe you know of her."

"Yes. What of her?" The god's roundabout way of speaking was beginning to get on Raistlin's nerves. Silently he asked Nuitari for patience as he fought the urge to pull away from the loathsome touch.

"Over the years, Senan has lost her ability to communicate with me," Paladine went on, oblivious to or not caring about the mage's inner struggle. "In her faithlessness, she has begun to hear instead the voice of my sister. Through her, Takhisis has kept careful watch on the happenings of Krynn. And now, through the unwitting cooperation of her son, she has found a way to reenter the world at last."

Raistlin snorted. "What has this to do with me? I will be gone from this world soon enough."

"No, you will not. It is your fault Takhisis received this chance at all, and thus you will be forced to make reparations for the problem."

"And just how is this my fault?" the wizard demanded angrily, pulling away at last. "I have had nothing to do with the foolish girl, aside from exchanging a few sharp words."

"Those 'few sharp words' have cost her her heart," Paladine said quietly. His glimmering eyes flicked briefly across the motionless Crysania, and his lips pressed themselves into a thin line. Turning back to Raistlin, the god folded his arms in front of him and continued on. "She has fallen in love with you, and she will do anything – even sacrifice Crysania's soul to the Dark Queen – to win your affections."

Raistlin stared at the deity, his jaw going momentarily slack.

Paladine gave a rueful smile. "Yes, my dear Raistlin Majere, you've done it again."

After a few moments in stunned silence, Raistlin let his head fall back against the wall with a thunk. Silent laughter convulsed his thin frame.

The god was surprised, then angry. "What in the Abyss is so funny?" he roared.

"Funny you should mention the Abyss," Raistlin gasped through his mirth. His green eyes glittered mockingly. "For that seems to be where all your clerics are headed. I've done it again, have I? Bah! I've done nothing. It is no fault of mine that they are fools."

"Nevertheless, because of you, the Dark Queen has found her entrance into the world. And my clerics are not fools. They are merely overly trusting, too loving for their own good. Which brings me to the second duty – the one you owe to your own heart…and Crysania's."

Raistlin's laughter died. Drawing himself up, the magic user found himself leaning forward. "Well?"

"Stand, and I shall tell you. There can be no mistake." Paladine waited until the mage had hefted himself to his feet before leaning forward to whisper into his ear.

Raistlin's eyes went wide. "What!" Stumbling back, he gave the god an astonished, almost terrified look. "N…no! I cannot!"

"Would that it weren't true, Majere," Paladine said tiredly. "Believe me, if there was any other way, I would gladly have taken it. But there are some things even gods cannot control. Go; take her in your arms. You will have very few chances before the Dark Queen makes her appearance, and it is vital that you complete your task within that time."

"I don't see how it's 'vital'," Raistlin snarled, standing rigid. "Besides, it will take much longer for the--"

"Trust me," the deity interrupted. "I think I know what I am talking about. Now I must bid you farewell; there is much to be done on the immortal plane that cannot wait any longer. I must confront Nuitari and his cousins – you will need the magical assistance of all three if you are to defeat Takhisis." With one last nod, Paladine disappeared in a flash of light.

Time started up again. The fire crackled loudly once more. The wind rushed through the leaves of the vallenwood, singing a soft, lulling melody to the stars. Raistlin could hear Crysania crying…crying softly…

"Crysania." Crossing the few feet of floorspace between them, he knelt down beside her. With a trembling hand, he pushed her hair behind her shoulder, and, leaning forward, gently kissed her bare neck. "F…forgive me. I was…angry…that the medallion should hurt me so. I needed someone to blame…someone other than…Paladine." He spat the name from between gritted teeth. In his mind, he was cursing the god in numerous colorful ways.

Crysania turned her tear-stained face to him and formed a small smile. "Paladine was here, was he not?" she asked softly, brushing the back of her hand across her eyes. A hiccup shook her body as she tried to quell her tears.

Again the wizard cursed the deity, this time with more vehemence. "Y—yes."

"And he told you what your final task was."

"Yes." How could she know? Could she have heard?

"Raistlin, I know what you have to do," she whispered, clinging to his arms. Her sightless eyes were wide with excitement. "Please, believe me when I say that I will accept with all my heart and soul."

"Damn you, Paladine," Raistlin muttered.

Crysania blinked. "What?"

"Never mind." The wizard drew a deep breath.

The cleric leaned closer. "Raistlin…you will do what Paladine says, won't you?" A shadow of what could have been fear fell across her pearly features. "Won't you?" she pressed.

"Perhaps," he said vaguely, training his eyes on the door, hoping that someone would conveniently interrupt their disturbing conversation.

"You can't deny the will of a god, Raistlin!" Crysania almost shouted in exasperation. "Think of it as repaying the debt you owe to me."

"I thought I did that when I held you earlier," he returned sardonically. "I seem to remember you saying something of similar nature."

Crysania shook her head incredulously. "You're impossible. However, I, for one, intend to carry out my god's wishes, whether you want to or not. Paladine must have had good reason for bestowing this task upon you, and I will not let his mission fail, no matter how much of a conniving fool you are." Leaning forward suddenly, she kissed him hard, her hand finding his and bringing it up to rest upon her full, round breast. Raistlin pulled away, a mocking smile touching his lips.

"Are you really doing this for your god, Revered Daughter?" he hissed. "Or are you doing this for yourself?"

"F…for my god, of course!" she stammered, her face flushing a faint pink. Then, a look of determination settling into her eyes, she met his gaze with unwavering resolve. "True, I have loved you for a long time. But the fact remains that you used me to further your own ends, and when it came down to the wire, you left me to die. These are actions that are hard to forgive, if you take my meaning." She drew a deep, shuddering breath. "But, as I have been reminded countless times over the last few weeks by my own aching heart, lovers are just fools with a fancy name. And thus, I remain, my dear Raistlin. Thus I remain."

The sardonic smile slipped from Raistlin's face and turned into a gaze of wonder and grudging respect. Was this truly the same woman that had thrown herself blindly at his feet not a month ago?

"I see you have grown in more than your faith, Revered Daughter," he said softly, drawing his hands into the velvet sleeves of his robes. "You no longer play the part of the desperate harlot." Upon saying this, he watched her face intently. She did not show any emotion; and whether that was borne of blindness or strength of heart, it was hard to tell. Crysania remained silent. Raistlin bit his lip contemptuously – he did not enjoy this gentle rebuke. "Well?" he demanded at last. "Are you just going to sit there and do nothing? Whatever became of your precious god's will?"

"Your words are like cherry blossoms floating on the wind," she murmured, her milky gaze turning eerily upon the mage. "They flow in raging torrents with the gales, but in the end, all they can do is lodge themselves in my hair long enough to be brushed away." She touched his face with a steady hand, tracing the porcelain features with a slender finger. Her fingertips found his mouth, which was pressed into a firm line tinged with bitterness. "Only when you learn to speak with more than words will anyone truly listen." Then, leaning forward, she tenderly kissed his thin lips. When she backed up and stood to leave, her face glowed with the same godly radiance that had surrounded Paladine. The resemblance was unsettling.

"I will be waiting for you. In time you will come to your senses. When that day comes, you can come to me." Trailing a finger along the wooden wall, she walked slowly out of the room.