Song of Sorrow (Part One)
They arrived back home ahead of the armies. Solace was dark, its inhabitants yet unaware of the horror and tragedy that had taken place far away in Neraka. Luca followed them as far as the front door of Rosemarta`s Mage Wear Shop before saying some parting words and heading for his parents home. Lance led the way inside, through the shop and up the stairs into the house. Lance felt as though his heart were made of lead, so heavy had it grown in his chest. He looked around at the main room of the home he had grown up in and the silence was almost too much to bear. He turned to face Solana and Will, who had accompanied him and his uncle Khurn.
"Will the two of you be staying here? Or will you be going to the Inn? Or...wherever" Will looked hurt but replied,
"We were hoping you might put us up here Lance but if you would rather not we can go to the Inn" Lance shook his head.
"Dont be ridiculous of course you may stay" he passed a hand over his eyes and sighed, "I'm sorry...I..I am tired. Two of the guest rooms are yours and of course your room is waiting for you Uncle"
"Fear not for me nephew. Once the Memorial and Ceremony are over I shall be returning to Taladas for good" this news caused Lances heart to grow all the heavier but he nodded.
"I thought as much but it is here for you tonight if you still want it"
"Tonight is fine. I doubt I would be able to make it to the Inn anyhow" his uncles tone spoke of how he was less than pleased with Lances choice of words but at the moment Lance was too tired to address it.
"Alright. If it is all the same to everyone else I think that I shall sit up for a while"
"Do you want some company Lance?" asked Solana. Lance shook his head.
"Thank you but no, not tonight. You get some sleep. I'll be fine" he managed a small smile.
"Alright but if you change your mind you know where to find me" she touched Lances arm before walking into the room assigned to her and closing the door. Khurn muttered a good night before departing to his room also. Will did the same and soon Lance was alone in the dark house. He stood in silence for a while before walking toward his mothers study. The curtain was drawn, blocking off the entrance, as it had been since her death and it would remain so. He pushed the curtain aside and passed into the quiet emptiness beyond. He walked to the desk and ran his hands over its smooth cool surface. He looked to Gremelkins long empty bed. The departed felines mate Mishka was likely at the Temple with her sons. Memories came flooding back to him by the thousands driving him to his knees and causing him to tremble with grief. He wanted to scream but dared not in case he wake the others so he remained upon the floor and wept. Through the fog of his grief his parents voices came to him,
"Do not grieve son. I am with your mother at last and I am happy"
"We will always be with you"
"Then why to I feel so alone?" asked Lance, choking on a sudden sob that threatened to escape him. "Three days from now...I wont have anyone anymore. My life is falling apart all over again. Why...why cant the Gods just leave me alone?"
"If you must blame someone my son then blame me. It was my choice to take Aldemeres place. Would you rather that it had been him?"
"No. I...I don't know. He is so young and uncle Marz, aunt Mara and Jarrin they would have been devastated. I couldn't have wished that upon them. But I wish that it had not been you"
"I did it for Khurn also. I wanted him to live. He has been a good brother to me and I wished for him to continue on. Take my word son that he will not stay away in Taladas for long"
"I do hope that you are right father. The thought of him staying away hurts me all the more"
"He will return, trust me"
"I will miss him all the same" Lance had stopped weeping by this time and wiped a hand over his eyes before a yawn escaped him. Too tired suddenly to move he settled himself more comfortably upon the floor and settled into a dreamless sleep.
Meanwhile near the far end of Solace, almost on the outskirts, Linara and Juspar appeared outside of their home. Even weakened from battle she had had enough power to transport herself and her husband back home. Abyss would follow at her own pace and likely arrive soon to settle in her stable. Juspar assisted his wife inside. Clerics that had been present back in Neraka had managed to heal his wounds but they had not seen to his wife, she had not let them. They did not know the secret that they now held. Linara was with child again. Neither of them had known before the start of the battle. Any sane man, himself included, would never have let their pregnant wife enter into an armed conflict, though he would have liked to see any man try and stop her even if she had known. At least for most of the battle she had been in her dragon form meaning that the child had had if not perfect protection at least some where as it would have had none if she had remained in her elfin form. Only once the battle had ended had she even thought she might be pregnant given her sudden shift in mood and fatigue which could not be attributed to battle alone.
"Help me get all of this crap off so we can go to the Temple and find out if the baby is alright" said Linara as she began to tug at her battle armour. Juspar nodded and moved to assist her. "Do you want to know what it is this time? Or keep it a surprise?" Juspar smiled,
"I enjoy surprises love so let it be like last time. Are you sure you want to go tonight love? Its late and you should rest. There might not even be anyone awake"
"Yes I definitely want to go tonight" while saying this Lin pulled on a loose fitting dress then turned to face him, "If anything has happened it will be better to know now rather than later" she looked down at her stomach then and was surprised at how far along she seemed to be given that she had not even known that morning that she was pregnant, "I'm scared" Juspar placed his arms around her shoulders and held her close.
"I know love but remember I am right here" Linara buried her face in his shoulder and was quiet for a few moments until the baby decided that was the perfect moment to begin kicking.
"Geez!" she exclaimed and Juspar chuckled, though he too had felt the kick.
"It seems healthy to me love"
"Please, I want a second opinion" Juspar nodded,
"I was not thinking of denying you love. Here" gently he let her go and moved to fetch her cloak, "Put this on and we will go" Linara nodded and pulled the cloak around her shoulders. Juspar did the same with his own before following her out into the night. They made their way to the Temple in silence. Had Linara been a human woman this would not have been happening, she would still be un aware of being pregnant, but Lins people went through pregnancy and giving birth far faster than humans and the excitement of the battle might even have accelerated that time further. It was something that had always confused Juspar but he had come to accept it. The Temple was mostly dark as many of the Paladins were gone and the priests and priestesses asleep. While searching the Temple they came upon the office of the head priestess, as that position was now Maurillas they had expected to find the room empty but instead found,
"Lady Ariel, what are, you and Lucius left this land, I had thought" said Juspar. Ariel smiled and rose from where she had been sitting.
"You are correct we did but news reached us of Kalas`s passing, we could not sit by and not be here for our son and also for Lance and his family. I shall be assisting my daughter in preparing his body"
"I see. Well I had not, we had not meant to disturb you. We were looking for someone to help us, help Linara rather"
"Oh? What is the trouble?"
"Linara is with child again and she fears that there might be something wrong"
"I see. Could I ask you to please leave the room Juspar?" the half elf nodded and kissed his wife on the forehead before leaving the small room and closing the door behind him. While he waited Juspar wandered a way down the corridor. He had never had any use for these places in his former life or for the Gods and Goddesses they were dedicated to. His business had involved accepting money in payment to end lives, places like this one had been at the least a hindrance and at worst a damnable neusanse, not that many mages had ever fled to them for protection. He was still not an overly faithful man but he had a respect for this place now and for the people who found their faith there, like the Lady Ariel, that Linara and his sister had helped to instill in him. In the passing of a few moments the door of the head priestesses office opened and Juspar turned to see Linara coming out with a look of relief upon her face and Ariel following close behind her.
"What news?"
"You're wife is just fine and so is the baby. Nothing that a good nights rest wont fix. Juspar I am entrusting you with ensuring that she gets that rest"
"Dont you worry Lady Ariel as soon as we get home she will be going straight to bed. Right love?" Linara nodded and Ariel smiled some more. Linara walked to stand next to Juspar and turned to look at Ariel.
"How are our boys? They were good for you I hope"
"They were as well behaved as boys can be and they are fine. They can also wait to go home till morning, you need to take care of yourself first"
"That suits me alright, I would rather not wake them in anyhow. We will come for them in the morning" Ariel nodded and bid the both of them good night before returning to her office. Juspar took hold of one of his wife's hands and led her back home.
"I am glad to know that nothing is wrong. Perhaps I should listen to you more though husband"
"Yes perhaps you should" Juspar smiled and placed an arm around his wife's shoulders, pulling her close to kiss her hair. "But it does not matter right now love. What does matter is that you and the babe are going to be just fine" Linara stretched up on her toes to kiss his cheek.
"Why do you have to be so tall?"
"Luck of the draw I suppose love" Juspar chuckled.
"Are you happy? That this is happening again?" she asked this remembering his reservations the first time she had told him she was with child. However Juspar nodded and added quickly,
"Yes I am. How could I be otherwise? Fatherhood has suited me well, I like it. The thought of adding another to our already happy family gives me great joy love"
"Good because I love being a mother, well most of the time. Did I tell you yet what Jaden did a few days ago?" she went into a story which involved their eldest son getting into a sack of flour in the kitchen, "It took me hours to clean it up" Juspar laughed and shook his head.
"Sorry love I know I shouldn't laugh but the things our boys get into sometimes. Its rather funny when you think about it. I shall have a talk with him though if you like"
"Dont worry about it"
"Alright" by this time they had arrived home. Juspar closed and locked the door before leading his wife upstairs to their bedroom. "I'm going to wash up, you get to bed love" he gave Linara a kiss on the cheek before walking into the bathroom where he removed his clothes and gave himself a quick scrub down with a cloth and some soap. It didn't feel as good as a bath but it would do. He exited the bathroom to find his wife already in bed and also in tears. He settled into the bed next to her and took her into his arms. He did not need to ask what the matter was, he knew. He also knew that she hated to cry but,
"Its alright love. Let it out. Let yourself feel this. I'm right here" she shifted in his arms to rest her head on his shoulder before letting everything go. He held her tight and stroked her hair resting his cheek upon the crown of her head. Gradually her sobs quieted and she said,
"I just cant believe that he`s gone. First Rosemarta and now Kalas. Akoran too...all of them will die and I will still be here. How is that fair?"
"It isn't love. Neither Kalas nor Rosemarta deserved the fates that befell them. Akoran chose for himself what he thought was best. All we can do love is remember and try to find comfort in the thought, in the hope, that they are in a happier place now, no matter how much it hurts" he stroked her hair some more as she wiped her eyes. She was quiet for a little while then,
"Have I told you lately how much I love you?" Juspar smiled,
"Not lately" he chuckled and hugged her, "I love you too love"
"I love you more" Linara laughed. Juspar chuckled again.
"Is that so?" she nodded and Juspar placed a gentile hand under her chin to lift her head. He looked into her eyes for a moment before kissing her. She smiled and kissed him back, wrapping her arms around him. Juspar chuckled softly and moved his arms about her waist, guiding her gently down onto the bed. She let him remove her night gown and sighed happily as he explored her body gently. Once their love making was over Juspar pulled the covers up over the both of them and held her close.
"I love you. What say we get some sleep now though" Linara smiled and nodded her agreement, snuggling closer to him before closing her eyes.
"I still love you more" she whispered before drifting asleep. Juspar smiled and kissed her forehead.
"Goodnight love"
Lance woke when morning light broke through the large bay window of the study. Slowly, with a care for his aching body, he moved to his knees and looked around him. This room would hold the memories of two lives now. It had primarily been his mothers but pieces of his father were in everything his eyes settled upon. Both had been so dear to him and both now were gone. He would need all of the support he could get in the days to come but to get it he would first have some apologizing to do. A brief listen told him that he was the first up so he would start by making breakfast. As he made his way out into the main room he found Khurn who had just come out of his room.
"Morning nephew"
"Morning Uncle. About my behaviour last night, I am sorry. I did not mean to sound so cold. I will say the same to Will and Solana when they wake. Forgive me"
"And just what are you sorry for nephew?"
"For being so distant, for brushing you off without any care. I did not mean to. The way that I felt last night, the way that I feel now, I hope that you understand Uncle" the look upon Khurns face told that he did and more.
"Only too well nephew, he was my brother before he was your father. It will not be easy for either of us. I was up half of the night and I came to a decision and that is that I will go back to Taladas but only to sell the house and gather some personal things from it before returning here" Lance smiled slightly.
"Forgive me if I say uncle that those last few words have gladdened me slightly. You've no idea how the thought of you staying away forever hurt me"
"I aught to have known better. Solace will always be home. I knew so the night your father first told me that he had feelings for Rosemarta. It happened right in this room"
"I remember the story uncle. It was before you and father went with her to confront Par Salain and mother nearly sacrificed herself to save father"
"And their love only grew after that"
"There were nights after her death, after we returned home, that he would sit up in her study alone remembering" Lance looked thought full for a few moments then said, "Was I selfish uncle? To want him here with me for as long as time could afford even knowing how much he missed her?" Khurn shook his head.
"No. He told me himself that he never regretted it. He cherished the time that he had with you, his only son. He could not have left you, no matter how much he missed her" Lace felt tears coming again and he bowed his head. The two stood in silence for a short time until Khurn said,
"Lance there is something I would like to do but if it is too painful for you I can wait"
"What is it uncle?"
"I would like to hang your mothers harp and your fathers axe together over the fire place. Would that be suitable?"
"That is a good idea uncle. We can retrieve fathers axe from the Temple and mothers harp is in her study. Over the fire is the only fitting place, we can move the ships wheel"
"It is settled then and I am sure they will appreciate it"
"As am I uncle"
"Now about that breakfast nephew" Lance chuckled,
"How many eggs would you like uncle?"
"Six to start please Lance" Lance laughed this time and shook his head,
"Coming right up uncle" he smiled before vanishing into the kitchen. Khurn took a seat at the table to wait. In the kitchen Lance cut thick pieces off of a cured ham before peeling some potatoes. Not too much time later Lance came out of the kitchen again with a large plate of six eggs, fried potatoes and two slices of ham with onions. "Here you are uncle, enjoy"
"Is this the appetizer?" Lance laughed.
"Let me finish with the breakfasts for the late risers and myself and then if you wish for more uncle I will gladly accommodate you" Khurn laughed also.
"I was jesting Lance, I wanted to see that look on your face is all. This will be enough and thank you"
"You are more than welcome uncle" Lance smiled before returning to the kitchen wondering when the other two would join them. Before Khurn had gotten half way through his meal Solana came into the main room dressed and with her hair pulled back. She smiled at Khurn,
"Morning"
"Good morning"
"Morning Solana. I'm just fixing breakfast, I hope your hungry"
"Starved" Solana chuckled and took a seat at the table. Lance was out of the kitchen again a short moment or two later with a plate for her.
"I would like to take this time to say that I am sorry"
"What ever for Lance?" asked Solana, taking her eyes from the plate in front of her to look at him.
"For what I said last night. I did not mean to sound as if you and Will are unwelcome in this house. You have been and you both always will be. I ask your forgiveness"
"It was forgotten the moment my head hit the pillow Lance, please don't trouble your self further over it" she smiled at him again and then turned her attention to her breakfast. Khurn smiled also and watched as Lance returned to the kitchen almost at the exact same time as Will finally came out of his room. The young mage looked slightly dishevelled still but otherwise wide awake.
"Morning everyone"
"Good morning Will and to you goes my most heart felt apology of all. I did not meant to be hurtful toward you or make you feel unwelcome. I ask your forgiveness also"
"Forgiveness Lance? For what? For having a moment of emotional lapse? It is forgotten Lance, in totality"
"Very well then, I am glad" as Will took his seat at the table Lance returned once more with the final two plates, a pot of tea and some cups. Lance settled into his mothers chair before pouring the tea for everyone and starting on his own breakfast.
"Thank you Lance" Solana leaned over in her chair to kiss Lance on the cheek. He coloured slightly and smiled at her,
"You are welcome Solana"
"Yes thank you nephew but do not expect a kiss from me also" said Khurn to which Will chuckled. Lance laughed softly.
"The thought never crossed my mind uncle I assure you and you are also welcome. I felt that it was the least that I could do for all of you"
"We are all family Lance, as your father said it is what we do" Lance's expression became somber again and he focused once more upon his breakfast. Khurn finished his and pushed the plate aside.
"I know that you don't want to hear this Lance but your father sacrificed himself for one of the family and he would have done the same over again for any of us. For a Minotaur that is most honourable"
"I know why he did it uncle and I understand but that does not make this any easier to bare"
"I know full well of that Lance and believe me I too am hurt but that thought helps me. Mayhap you will find something that will help you, in due time" Khurn drank the last of his tea and the room drifted into silence.
"I do believe you uncle and I do not mean to sound as if your pain does not matter to me, it does. As to the other matter...I don't know" inwardly Lance cursed himself, it was as if he could no longer say anything right. Khurn moved his chair close to Lance then placed his arm around him and hugged him close.
"I know what you meant nephew. It is a burden that we will all have to live with and in time it will not be as heavy" Lance felt cool hands upon his other shoulder and saw that Solana had moved closer to him also.
"Lance I am, we are all, here for you. Never forget that" Lance smiled faintly and returns his uncles embrace before looking back to Solana. He took up one of her hands and kissed it before looking to Will who had not moved from his place but who was also regarding him with a certain love in his eyes that was a comfort.
"I am glad and don't know how to thank you all" Will smiled,
"We are family, remember?"
"In other words no thanks needed but I will give them anyway" he gave one of Solanas hands a gentile squeeze and she lifted one of his to her cheek. Lance caressed her cheek gently and she smiled at him again. In spite of anything that he had ever said he would have kissed her then he knew if Will and his uncle had not been in the room. Instead he offered her another smile before turning back to his plate.
"I had best finish up before this gets cold and then I think I will go over to the Temple and see Luca, I have some things to talk to him about. Will anyone be coming with me?"
"I will Lance, if only to keep you company" said Solana.
"I will be glad of it, thank you"
"I shall go also nephew. I too have some things I would like to discus with Luca and I am sure that Lucius, Ariel, Darius and Aurora shall be there"
"How so uncle? They all have not lived here for years how could they know of fathers passing and already be here?"
"You seem to forget the strength of Aurora's powers. They will be here nephew I guarantee it" Lance was still not entirely convinced. Unlike Lucius and Lady Ariel, Sir Darius and Lady Aurora had not lived in Solace or even upon the Continent of Ansalon since before he had been born. Lance had never really understood it, where they had been. He had heard it called the Undying Lands but what that meant he had no idea. Lucius and Ariel had gone to join them not long ago, leaving Luca and Muriella to take their places respectively. Aurora he knew had been Head Priestess before Lady Ariel and that her powers of healing and for sight had been such to make her a legend in her own time but how that could lead to her knowing what had happened to Kalas was beyond him. Choosing to keep these thoughts to himself Lance stood up and cleared the table, once sure that everyone was finished. Deciding to leave the cleaning for later Lance offered his arm to Solana and they led the way out of the house and toward the Temple grounds.
The Temple grounds were empty and from within they could all hear a song of memorial being sung. Inside they found the main hall of worship abandoned, the voices raised in song were coming from else where. Khurn took the lead and went down a hallway to a smaller chamber, likely used for more privet or intimate services. There they found Kalas`s body laying in state upon a large table covered by a shroud. Around him in a circle stood Luca and Muriella together with Lucius, Ariel, Darius, Aurora, Mayrissa, Aurik, Clea and Ilena who were all singing. Lance and the others stood and waited for the song to finish. Lance bowed his head and closed his eyes to hold back sudden tears. Lucius was the first to notice them and broke the circle to welcome them all to join it. Khurn was the first to step forward and he took Aurora`s hand. Solana and Will followed but Lance hesitated. He had never done anything like this before and was sure his singing would be ruinous. Seeing his hesitation Luca smiled at him.
"You do not have to sing brother. Only join the circle and hum along if you wish" while saying this Luca held out his hand. After a few more moments Lance nodded and accepted Luca`s hand, completing the circle and the song began again. After what seemed like forever the song ended again and the hands were dropped. Lucius and Darius both turned to Lance and Khurn and placed hands upon their shoulders, one upon each, but it was Lucius who spoke,
"Khurn, Lance, we are all with you at this time. As already decided we shall have his funeral service in two days. There are others on their way here now as we speak. When the day comes all those who loved him and called him friend shall be here"
"We are very grateful to the both of you, for being here and for what you have done. Thank you" said Lance.
"It was the least we could do for you and for him. He was a very dear friend and he will always live in our hearts"
"Yes he will always be a part of us" said Darius and he squeezed Lances shoulder meaningfully. Lance nodded again.
"So long as the both of you are here I would like to request that he be buried next to my mother. I know that having another tree growing so close to the Inn might cause a problem in the future but I know its what he would have wanted"
"It will be as you request. As for the tree I think Boamin will be able to handle that. He is a grounds keeper without peer that one" Darius grinned and Lance laughed lightly.
"He certainly is and thank you. Sir Lucius I would like to have a privet word with Luca and Muriella if you don't mind"
"Not at all Lance, be it as you wish" without further words Lucius led Khurn and the others out of the chamber to allow Lance the time he had asked for. Once sure none would over hear Lance turned to face his two childhood friends. He was silent for long moments, choosing his words, his gaze falling upon the body of his father. At last he braced himself and looked to Luca,
"Luca, brother, in the coming days I shall need your strength more than I ever have before for my own is all but gone. I am a broken man and I feel as if I have lost everything, though I know that is not so" seeing the pain that Lance was in Luca placed a hand upon his blood brothers chest, over his heart.
"You are my brother and so you shall never be alone. We made a pact you and I and I shall hold to it till my last breath" Lances heart filled with pride as he placed a hand upon Luca`s shoulder.
"I knew that I could count on you" he squeezed Luca`s shoulder before turning to Muriella, "Do not think that I have forgotten you Muriella. I want to thank you for doing all that you could to save him and then for easing his passing. You don't know how much it means to me that you tried. I should have said so before" Muriella smiled and touched Lances cheek.
"No need Lance" a look of confliction clouded her features briefly but after a moment she gathered herself and continued, "I could have saved him I think. But the extent of his wounds would have made it impossible for him to care for himself ever after" Lace nodded.
"I judged as much. He would not have wanted that kind of life. No matter how much I wanted him to live I could not have done that to him and kept him from mother" Muriella nodded and a few tears fled down her cheeks.
"He missed her for so long" Lance blinked back his own tears and nodded again.
"He loved her so much. Gods...by some power may we all find a love such as they had" Luca eyed him briefly, wanting to tell him that he could have that love if he would only reach out for and accept it, but he looked swiftly away to banish the words from his thoughts. It was not the time.
"Well that is all that I wished to say to you both. You know how much I value the both of you, not just as friends but as family. I am somehow blessed to have the both of you with me"
"With the bond between us three as well as that of our parents to yours how could we do less Lance?" Luca nodded agreement with his sisters words.
"Indeed" Lance stepped away from them and looked again upon his fathers body before heaving a sigh and turning back to them, "I suppose there is nothing more to be done here. I really had not thought of what I would do after this or with the rest of the day"
"Well for now why don't you come with me back to my parents home? We can talk more there if you want or share a pot of tea. What say you brother?"
"I say lead the way. Will you not be joining us Muriella?"
"Later perhaps. You two go a head" Lance gave her a hug before following Luca out into a day that was turning out to be very sunny and warm. Lance was quiet as they walked and Luca let him know that they would have the house to themselves at least for a short while.
"So we will be able to talk more openly. I know you have more you still wish to say" Lance smiled.
"You always could read me brother" Luca chuckled and placed an arm around Lances shoulders.
"As we are brothers is that not to be expected?"
"I suppose"
"This news might cheer you a bit brother. My mother has made a large batch of her sweet oatmeal cookies. Do you remember how we loved them as boys?" Lances smile grew.
"How could I forget?"
"We ate a whole batch the day we swore our blood oath"
"To this day I don't know what Lady Ariel was more upset about, that we had eaten almost all of her cookies or that we had done such a thing at our age"
"Oh it was our blood oath that bothered her more I promise you that"
"My own mother wasn't exactly pleased either" Lance shook his head and smiled at the memory.
"I heard that your father spent a good deal of time that night calming her"
"Well she went to bed early that is certain. Once sure that she was asleep though my father told me that he was proud of the both of us. Not so much over how we did it but why"
"Did you not find that odd brother? My own fathers reaction was much the same"
"Back then I probably did but I understand it more now. I think they took it as a show of what sort of men we would grow up to be" they had arrived at Luca`s home that he had shared with his parents by now and Lance followed him inside. Wordlessly Lance settled himself near the unlit fire place and looked around. "Would it surprise you to hear that I envy you brother?"
"Me? Why is that Lance?"
"Well...you still have both of your parents. That is really my only reason though it shames me to admit it" Luca didn't know what to say. He too had loved Kalas and Rosemarta the way that his own parents had done and being alone with Lance now and hearing him say such things cause a pang of guilt to build in his heart. He felt in some way responsible for what had happened, after all he had called all of them together to face the budding threat. Lance allowed Luca his thoughts before speaking again,
"I do not blame you brother, for anything. It is as my uncle Khurn said, father made the choice himself. He did what he thought was right, though it took him from me"
"Do you not feel that the choice he made was the right one?"
"I do not wish that Aldemere had died. He has so much living left to do and I could not wish the pain his passing would have brought upon my Uncle Marz, Aunt Mara or Jarrin. But I do wish that there had been another way. That my father" Lance broke off as his throat suddenly constricted so that he could not continue.
"There might not have been another way. You heard the message of the mace the same as myself brother. If Sargonnas was angered and wanted a sacrifice as payment he was going to get one. Either way we all would have lost someone"
"And how the Gods love taking things from me" a look of awful bitterness came across Lances face then, "Who will it be next I wonder. Uncle Khurn? You my brother? Solana" her name was something of a surprise and lingered in the air like vapour for a few moments, "Perhaps when they have finally succeeded in tearing my life down all around me, maybe then they will leave me be"
"The Gods do as they please Lance but the one of the Darkness are worse. Its all the others can do to keep them in check as it is. Your mother even fought Nuitari once as you know"
"Yes it was a story she was fond of telling. Not because of the battle itself but how she was able to return because of the love she shared with my father"
"With a little help from your grandmother on his side if I remember correctly"
"Yes but this was none of Nuitari`s doing brother"
"I'm aware but his nature is not so much different from Sargonass which was my point"
"All this reminds me of what I was going to ask you brother. What became of my fathers axe? I did not see it with him"
"As I understand my father and Lord Darius were intending to present it to you on the day Sir Kalas is laid to rest. I can talk to them and arrange something else if you would prefer"
"No that is fine my uncle only wishes to hang it over the fireplace at home next to my mothers harp. It can wait"
"I can see that you would rather that it didn't. I am sure it will be fine and that they will both understand if we were to go there now and ask for it" Lance thought for a few moments then nodded.
"Alright"
"Let us return then and see the axe safely home where it belongs" Lance smiled and got to his feet to follow Luca back to the Temple. As Luca had said it was no problem retrieving the axe, both Lucius and Darius were understanding of Lances wishes as well as those of his uncle and respected them. The axe hummed softly in Lances hands but soon fell quiet as they left the Temple again and made their way together to Lances home. Luca took a seat in the main room of the home while Lance placed his fathers axe in the study so that it could be easily found to be put up later. Returning to the main room himself Lance stopped a few paces from his blood brothers chair and asked,
"Is there anything you would like while you are here brother?"
"An ale sounds nice, if its not too early in the day for you Lance"
"Not at all, I rather think I would like that"
"Very well. Shall I do the honours or would you like to?"
"I'll do it, after all you are a guest in my house" having said this Lance walked into the kitchen. He returned a few moments later with two full mugs of ale, one of which he handed to Luca before seating himself. Luca smiled and raised his mug to Lance before drinking. Lance smiled and did the same. After a few peaceful moments Lance eased back a little more, placing his mug upon the arm of his chair.
"Do you remember brother when we were children? How we would sit for hours and listen to our fathers and my uncles tell stories of their adventures together?"
"Of course I do, how could I ever forget? Though now that I am older I can better understand some of them. They got themselves into quite a lot of interesting trouble"
"No doubting that. Do you also remember then the plans that we made? Our excitement over when we would be old enough to go out adventuring ourselves and bring back stories that we would one day tell to our own children. Do you remember all of that?" Luca chuckled softly,
"We are both young yet brother with many life experiences yet to come" Lance sighed,
"I know. I thought that it would be the same. When you called everyone together I felt that same excitement. But it wasn't like I remembered at all" a somber feeling crept into the room then and neither went unaffected by it.
"I reason that it is never quite the same when you lose someone in battle especially if it is a good friend or family. My father lost his father and one uncle in the attack at the Temple in Taladas. He has only his sister now and the few others that survived"
"My father was too young to know what had happened to his own father so many long years gone. Those were the stories that they never told us, of the friends and the family that they lost. Perhaps if they had we would have decided against it all"
"Your grandfather died protecting his family, is the way I heard it" Lance shrugged and took a drink of his ale.
"I don't remember the story all that well"
"Nor do I. It was Sir Kalas`s story to tell and since he never did I never asked"
"My point is though that perhaps he should have. We would not have got it into our heads that battle was honourable or exciting if only they had told us of the other side, of the consequences, of" Lance broke off as he noticed the look of discomfort upon Luca`s face as he took another drink. Lance sighed and leaned back in his chair, not having even noticed that his passions had carried him forward. "I am sorry brother. Forgive me. You may leave any time you wish. I'll not hold it against you" Luca eyed Lance for a moment then smiled.
"Why would I want to leave brother?"
"Are you not getting tired of listening to me?"
"Lance my brother I have been listening to you for all of our lives and I am still here am I not?" Luca chuckled. Lance found himself coaxed into smiling,
"Truth enough in that to be sure" the two exchanged looks and then shared a good natured laugh. Lance drank the last of his ale and rose to his feet.
"Care for another?" he asked.
"Since you offered yes" Lance smiled and took Lucas mug back into the kitchen with him, handing it back upon his return and retaking his seat. Luca nodded his thanks and took a drink, Lance did the same.
"This ale hasn't changed at all. Mesais recipe must be kept quite safe. I see you managed to talk someone into supplying it for you Lance"
"Not me, my father. My mother never had ale in the house before she married, with the exception of a small cask for company. After they were married my father arranged to have a barrel of Mesais ale delivered here from the Inn. I suppose that will change now that he is gone"
"I am sure that Khurn will find a way to keep it coming. You know him" Lance laughed again and nodded,
"Yes you may well be right about that"
"And you did say that he would be coming back did you not?"
"That is what he said this morning, though last night he made it sound as if he did not intend to return. The thought of that hurt even more so on top of everything else"
"I am sure that it was his grief talking for him brother"
"That is pretty well what he said. This place has become as much his home as it is mine. He said that when he returns he will likely be here until his dying day"
"I am glad to hear that Lance. He needs the company of family and friends whether he knows it or not"
"As do I" Lance took another drink and a calm silence filled the room for a while. After taking another drink himself Luca settled more at ease in his chair and voiced his thoughts,
"What are your plans now brother? What will life hold after the next three days are gone?" Lance shrugged,
"Honestly I don't know. The shop is Wills and I have no intention of taking it from him even if I could. I'd never given much thought as to what I would do past our adventuring"
"Did you not make any plans for before the battle?"
"No, nothing serious or set"
"Why not do some travelling then brother? Go from city to city and see something of the world" Lance looked quizzical,
"That is what we did isn't it? But then I suppose we never did get very far. Perhaps then, just to finish what we started. Not right away though I don't think. I wouldn't be any good in a fight in this state and I don't know for how long this will last"
"Well it would not have to be right away Lance. We could start a month from now or even a year. What say you?"
"You would come with me?"
"Of course, someone has to look out for you" Luca smiled and Lance returned it.
"Indeed. It sounds fine to me brother"
"Just the two of us, as it was to begin with" Lance nodded but then laughed softly.
"Will and the others will be sore at us for leaving them behind"
"They could join us later if they wished to or if you would rather"
"They may join us later" Lance gently cut in, "But for the first month or so I would like it better if it were just you and I. We will explain it to them" Luca nodded his agreement and took a drink. Lance did the same and smiled again.
"I do believe that the trip might do me good"
"As so I brother" a few moments of silence lingered as the two finished their ales and set their mugs aside.
"Did you have any plans for the rest of the day Luca?"
"Aside from cleaning the stable and taking care of Adira no not really. Why? Did you have something in mind?"
"Oh nothing I was just wondering" Luca regarded his blood brother intently for a few moments and a sudden thought occurred to him. This was something that he and Lance had not done together for many years and they had so enjoyed it when they had been children. He was sure it was something that would lift Lances mood if even for a short while.
"Do you feel up to doing a little fishing my brother?" a look of surprise came across Lances face but was soon replaced by yet another smile.
"I think I might, it has been a long time"
"Indeed it has" while saying this Luca rose to his feet, "You wouldn't happen to still have our old fishing poles about somewhere would you?" Lance`s smile became a grin as he stood up also and walked into his bedroom. He returned with two well worn fishing poles.
"Did you really think I would have gotten rid of them?" Luca chuckled,
"A foolish question indeed"
"Ready when you are brother"
"Lead the way then" Luca rose to his feet and followed Lance to the door which led down to the shop.
"To make this really like old times we'll snitch a jar of black beetles from the shop"
"And don't forget the worms!" the two shared a laugh as memories of Rosemarta becoming upset with them for taking her valuable spell components for fish bait came back to them from across the years. Once properly supplied the two made their way to the lake. It felt like stepping into another world, completely separate from the troubles of the other. The sun had come out from behind the clouds to heat the air and the water of the lake was calm and shimmering. Its stillness brought a peace to Lances heart that he knew would be fleeting but didn't care and he welcomed it with his whole being as he sat down, removing the lid from the jar of beetles with his pole across his lap. Luca settled next to him and baited his hook with a worm before casting his line. The young elf sighed contentedly,
"I sure could spend a lot of hours doing this brother"
"And you have, we both have. I can remember us staying out until sun set. Father having to bring us our meals because if mother had done it she would have brought us back home with her"
"Both yours and mine. We are fortunate we had fathers who could sooth our mothers down some"
"Very lucky indeed. I fear that if we hadn't our childhoods might have been far less interesting"
"I don't know if I would say that brother, boys will be boys after all"
"Gods, how many times did we hear our fathers say the same?"
"Once a week I'd say" Lance laughed so that he found himself unable to stop and was joined by Luca. Once his laughter subsided Lance turned to Luca and smiled.
"Thank you for this brother" Luca smiled back and placed a hand upon Lances shoulder.
"My pleasure" as both of them turned their attention back to their fishing poles Lance knew that over the next few days and the years to come, no matter what happened, Luca would perhaps be his only constant, his left arm and his rock. His brother. With this comforting thought Lance leaned back upon one arm to watch his wavering line. After a few moments Luca lifted his line up and re cast.
"They are being a bit stubborn today"
"Or perhaps because we have fished here so often the fish have gotten wise to us. Remember though brother that most of the fisherman's time is spent waiting"
"Well so long as we are waiting" Luca reached into the pouch at his waist and pulled out some dried pork. He handed one piece to Lance and kept the other for himself.
"Thank you brother" Lance took the offered snack and began to eat slowly. Unsure of how much time had passed Lance suddenly felt a tug on his line and sat up more straight. "Got one! Feels big too"
"Well I guess they prefer beetles today then" while saying this Luca pulled up his line, removed the worm from the hook and began to place a black beetle on it instead. With one strong tug a large brown trout rose up out of the water on Lances line.
"What do you think brother? Is it a keeper?"
"Definitely a good sized supper for you brother"
"I think so too. However I will still need to catch a for more for my uncle" Lance chuckled as he removed the fish, placing it in the basket they had brought for their catch, before re baiting his line and casting again. "Now whether or not the lake will deliver is another story"
"We shall see brother" said Luca as he cast again. Lance nodded and placed his fishing pole against a well placed rock before laying back upon the grass to stare at the sky. In the peaceful silence that followed Lances mind began to wander to the many that would be coming to his fathers funeral, some he had not seen since he was a boy. He also began to wonder about what he would say for of course he would be expected to say something.
"Shall I plan what I will say brother, during my fathers service, or let it come from the heart?" if Luca was surprised by this sudden question he did not show it.
"From the heart is always best I think brother. Just say whatever comes to you, as it might be easiest"
"You are probably right. I will have more than enough to think about without agonizing over words" Luca nodded his agreement.
"I know that Magdar and is men are likely to be on the way but I wonder if Master Sarilban will come. I suppose not"
"You never know, he might"
"As a favour to my mother perhaps he shall but if he does I doubt he will stay long"
"Again he might since Lord Magdar will be here and the two of them did do some travel together while Master Sarilban was looking for the Lost Archives"
"I had almost forgotten that brother. Even so I would like to see him again. It has been a long time"
"Master Lindon is sure to come with him. He is hardly ever not with Master Sarilban and he fought beside your father if I recall"
"So many...I do wish they were all coming her for a happier reason"
"He touched many lives"
"They both did, as did Morgen and Gremalkin. Not even thirty and I've buried both of my parents, my grandfather and one of my dearest friends" lost for words Luca allowed the silence to return and Lance let him be, returning his focus to his fishing rod.
"The fish are being picky now brother, not so much as a nibble" said Luca at last, pulling his beetle out of the water to find it completely whole still.
"Well" Lance sat up, "Perhaps we might have better luck in a different spot"
"How about that deep pool near that large bowlder we used to dive off of when we were boys?"
"Worth a try" Lance pulled up his line and got to his feet, taking the jar of beetles in one hand. Luca led the way to the bowlder and settled down next to it before re casting his line.
"Now lets see if this makes any difference" wordlessly Lance settled himself next to Luca and cast in his own line. "And if all else fails we can always go swimming" Lance nodded.
"Thats something else we have not done for a long time" Luca smiled sadly.
"I am sorry my brother. My new duties did take up a lot of my time and they still do. Its not like I was when I first started my training"
"No need to be sorry, I understand. Things change, that's just the way it is. Nothing is the same as it used to be if you think about it. Not really"
"Well there is one thing that is the same, if not stronger than it ever was" Lance glanced at his blood brother then smiled as he realized what he meant.
"You are right brother. That one thing will never change" Luca nodded and Lance turned his attention back to his line, which bobbed and twitched a few times, a sign that the fish were coming to nibble and then swimming away. Lance snorted and pulled in his line to re cast it farther out.
"Smart fish" said Luca.
"Indeed" Lance began to jerk his fishing pole up and down to make it look as if the beetle were alive, a trick that his father had taught him. Luca watched for a few moments before turning his attention suddenly back to his own line which had just given a sharp twitch. Taking a firm grasp on the rod Luca pulled in another trout, not as big as the first Lance had caught but good enough. At the same time Lance also caught a fish and pulled it out of the water.
"Now that's more like it and good catch brother" while saying this Lance placed this second fish with the first. A large rainbow trout followed the first fish Luca had caught, a definite keeper. Lance placed another beetle on his line, one of the fish had swallowed the first one. "What do you think brother? Catch one or two more then head back to the house?"
"Agreed" Luca recast his own line after watching Lance do the same. Half an hour of time past before Lance got another tug on his line and pulled up another fine catch.
"That was quicker than the last one"
"Indeed, you are three to my one now, though I think I could only eat one myself"
"I am not a man of big appetite either really. I'm catching more for my uncle who as you know can eat as much as three men"while saying this Lance placed his fish with the others and considered casting again.
"Might as well try for at least one more then" Lance nodded his agreement and cast. After a short time his thoughts began to wander again but this time to Solana, what had happened between them in a short time and what it meant.
"What do you think of Solana Luca?" asked Lance as he absently bobbed his line.
"Think of her? What do you mean?"
"I mean do you think she has changed much? Do you think shes...beautiful?"
"Why ask me? Can you not judge for yourself?"
"Humour me please brother"
"Well then, yes I think so. She was a lovely young lady and now is I think a very beautiful woman" Lance chuckled, "Though I will say that I would not like to get on her bad side after seeing how she can handle herself in a battle"
"No doubt of that. She has certainly become stronger" Lance cast further out, "I don't know how I feel about her now. So many years. And you know how much I hated my father and uncles match maker nonsense"
"Putting that aside brother you were alone with her from time to time, how did you feel then?"
"My feelings for her as a friend have been conflicting with how beautiful she has become and things she has said to me so at first I wasn't sure, I tried to focus as much as possible upon what our mission was. Later though when we had a few moments to ourselves I felt...happy, contented with her by my side. I've never felt that way before"
"If you pardon me for saying so Lance it sounds like you finally allowed yourself to open up a little. I suppose I was at fault too for teasing you about her when we were boys. I would like to take this chance to say that I am sorry. I should never have done that to you" Lance shook his head,
"Do not say that brother. We were children then it does not matter now" he was silent again for a few moments, contemplating the stillness of the water, "I didn't tell her anything, about how I was feeling. I did tell her I was glad she was there with me, which was the truth but it was the sort of thing that I might have told to you or to anyone. The way I am now, I cannot be the man that she wants or needs"
"So certain of that are you brother? Has she ever said so?"
"No but then she has not had the chance to yet"
"She may not feel that way at all brother. From what I have seen she seems rather taken with you"
"Gods know why" Lance sighed. Luca chuckled.
"Well you do have some...shall we say endearing qualities brother"
"I'm almost afraid to ask you what they are" Lance chuckled also.
"You're secret is safe with me brother"
"Oh I am sure"
"Without a doubt"
"You do know I haven't any idea what secret you're talking about right?" there was a tug on the line then and Lance held his breath to see if it would happen again. Sure enough there it was and Lance pulled hard, "Four"
"A good catch brother, a fine salmon"
"Thank you" Lance placed the salmon with the three trout, "I think that will be my limit for today, that one could count as two more" having said this Lance began packing away his pole. Luca pulled up his own line to find the beetle he had been using gone.
"Sneaky fish" Lance laughed,
"Must have heard my dumb fish comment and decided to teach us otherwise" Luca finished packing away his own things before shaking his fist in the direction of the water,
"I'll be back!" Lance laughed some more and set off back towards home with Luca following. It was odd to walk in and find the shop still closed for business.
"Uncle Khurn? Are you hear?" called Lance as he entered and made his way toward the stairs leading up to the house.
"Yes nephew I am home" came Khurns voice from his room.
"I just got back from the lake and I have Luca with me. We were thinking of having the fish we caught for lunch. Are you hungry?" while saying this Lance placed his basket with the fish in it in the kitchen and put the fishing poles back where they belonged. Khurn chuckled loudly,
"When have I never been Lance?" Lance chuckled also,
"A good point uncle. Shall I call you when its ready or will you be coming out here to wait?"
"I'll be out in a few moments, just straightening out my room a bit" in the kitchen Lance quickly washed his hands before cleaning the fish.
"I wonder brother if you might give me a hand and get some potatoes going while I prepare and cook the fish"
"Happy to help brother" Luca found the potato box and set to work peeling and dicing.
"Anything I can help with?" asked Khurn as he popped his head into the kitchen. Lance smiled at him.
"Thank you uncle but I am sure Luca and I can manage"
"Alright then, I will take seat then shall I?"
"Wont be long uncle" Khurn nodded and returned to the sitting room. Lance found black pepper, coriander and thyme for the fish while Luca roasted the potatoes. Lance spiced the salmon and trout all the same but placed them on separate plates for serving. The potatoes were placed in a pan, finished off with some oil. "That looks very good brother now would you mind fetching the bread and butter for me? I am nearly finished here" Luca nodded and did as he was asked while Lace placed the last pieces of fish upon the plates. Once everything was placed upon the serving tray Lance put out the cooking fires and fetched plates and utensils before walking out into the sitting room with Luca following behind. "Lunch is ready uncle"
"It smells delicious Lance" while saying this Khurn moved to the table where Lance had set the tray and was now setting out the plates. The white Minotaur helped himself to two pieces of fish, one salmon and the other trout, and potatoes before taking his seat. Lance sliced the bread and handed one to his uncle before cutting two more for himself and for Luca who had also filled his plate and seated himself. Lance returned once more to the kitchen to make a pot of tea, returning with it a few minuets later and three cups. "Have a seat nephew before the fish gets cold, Luca and I can serve ourselves from here" Luca nodded his consent to this and so Lance seated himself and filled his plate. Khurn smiled and filled is cup before continuing with his meal.
"You should come fishing with us the next time sir Khurn"
"I just might do that Luca"
"We would be more than happy to have you uncle" while saying this Lance took another piece of the salmon for himself.
"This is very good by the way Lance"
"Agreed, nothing quite like fresh cooked fish" said Luca as he took took another piece for himself.
"I am glad that you both like it. These potatoes turned out well also brother"
"Oh that was nothing. Potatoes might be one of the simplest things"
"Not so brother. Cooking anything can become a disaster if you don't know what you are doing. Right uncle?" Lance chuckled.
"Indeed it can happen if one is not paying attention"
"Like in that story that Gremelkin used to tell us. Remember?"
"Depends which one you are referring to"
"Of mother and her first time baking"
"When she almost set the whole room on fire?"
"And mistook salt for sugar after all that, making half the mages in the tower sick" Khurn chuckled,
"Ah yes. As I recall she did not like being reminded of it"
"Though that never stopped Gremelkin. Mother could laugh about it, eventually"
"My brother would tease her out of her moods if she did not" Lance nodded and took another piece of bread. That he supposed was what he would remember most about the both of them. How much they loved each other and the love they had shown him in those years now passed. All three lapsed into silence for awhile, finishing off their food and tea. Lances attention wandered out one of the windows where the sun had moved past mid day and was drifting into the late afternoon.
"When do you think Magdar and the others will make port uncle?"
"Well" Khurn smiled, "If I know my old friend as well as I do I would say they are almost at port now"
"So soon?" said Luca, clearly surprised.
"They have known of Kalas`s passing for about a day and a half now, they would have set sail before we arrived home so yes I would say that I am right"
"I see"
"I was thinking that we might meet them when they arrive, what say you uncle?" Khurn glanced at his nephew then broke into a large grin.
"You are your fathers son my boy, a brilliant idea. When can you be ready to leave?"
"I can be ready in fifteen minuets, I will just have to go home and fetch Adira" put in Luca who was already half way out of his chair. Lance chuckled softly.
"Fifteen minuets should be good enough for me too uncle, clean up this lot then rent two horses"
"I will see you out front then" Khurn got to his feet and followed Luca down the stairs to the shop and then out. Lance gathered up all of the dishes and cleaned them before changing into some riding clothes and fetching his sword. He checked the house before walking outside to wait for his brother and uncle. Luca came riding up on Adira with some supplies in his saddle bags a few moments later.
"Didn't expect you to be here before me Lance"
"Well it is a short trip, there is not much to bring. The dishes took me the longest" Luca laughed.
"Brother next time I will do the dishes"
"Not of you are a guest in my house you wont. It was no trouble" both then spotted Khurn coming up the road with two horses in tow. "That was fast work uncle"
"It helps to have Paladin friends Lance. Shall we?" Lance nodded and mounted up, Khurn did the same and motioned for Lance to take the lead which he did and in time turned down the road leading to Port O Call.