Song of Sorrow Part Four

Evening was fast approaching when they reached Solace and dismounted near the stable where they housed their horses.

"Those last minuet preparations that you mentioned Brother, would you like a hand or would you rather take care of them yourself?" asked Marz as he helped Mara to dismount.

"Your company would be much appreciated brother" said Khurn.

"May I come also?" asked Mara, standing close to her husband and taking his hand. Khurn semi smiled at his sister.

"Of course you can. I go to see Him one last time before he is laid to rest tomorrow. The work done by the lady Arial and her Acolytes is very fine but there was only so much that they could do. The acid...I only want for you to be prepared when you see"

"The least said about that the better brother, please" there was a catch in Mara's voice and Marz gave her hand a comforting squeeze. Jarrin and Aldemere stood near their mother.

"We shall go too" Khurn smiled and then looked at Lance.

"And you my boy?" Lance returned his uncles gaze and was silent for long moments. He was not ready just yet.

"I...you all go on, I will catch up"

"If you need your own time with him Lance that is alright. I will tell the Acolytes to wait a while longer before making the final preparations"

"Thank you Uncle, I would greatly appreciate that"

"It shall be done then Lance" Khurn then looked to Da'Nia who nodded,

"I fought side by side with him Khurn. I would like to see him one last time, if I am permitted"

"You are and I am sure that he would appreciate it"

"Let us go then brother" this from Marz as he let go of his wife's hand only to place an arm about her shoulders. Khurn nodded and led the way toward the Temple. Lance watched them all go and then wandered in the direction of Lucas house, though he was all but sure he would not find him there.

They arrived at the Temple together. Aside from small groups of worshippers, groups of three at the largest, they were alone. The room which held Kalas's body was empty.

"Do any of you want to go in and have a few moments alone?" asked Khurn.

"I will go in with you brother, unless you would like a moment to yourself" said Mara, taking hold of one of Khurns hands. He squeezed her hand and said,

"We can go in together, all of us, and I can go again before Lance comes" everyone nodded agreement and Marz took hold of Mara's free hand as they entered the room with the lads following behind. Kalas's body had been placed in its casket by this time and he was dressed in full plate armour which had been made special for him. It served to make him look battle ready and proud but also covered up his horrific injuries. Da'Nia let out a quiet gasp at the sight of him. Sudden tears sprang from Mara's eyes and she buried her head in her husbands shoulder. Marz hugged her close.

"They did an excellent job" said Khurn as he placed a hand upon his sisters shoulder. Mara nodded and tried to smile through her tears. Jarrin stepped forward, a slight smile on his face.

"Rosemarta always said that he would look very fine in armour. It seems that she was right"

"Yes but she could never convince him to wear any even after Lucius went through the trouble to make the suit that you now see him in" the armour was of elven make and finely detailed, the bison head of Kiri Jolith was engraved upon the breastplate.

"She would have loved to have seen it" Aldemere raised a hand to his eyes and Jarrin placed a hand upon his brothers shoulder.

"Nephew?"

"I cant stop thinking about it. The moment when I realized that I wasn't dead and then when I found out that this was the cause, some Gods pact. Its all insane!"

"Aldemere he did it because he loved you, because he loved all of us. If I had known I would have taken his place and yours. Kalas always said 'We are family and it is what we do' I know that doesn't make it any easier but that is the way that he was. He would have done what he did for any of us. I would have also" Mara moved out of her husbands embrace to put her arms around Khurn. Aldemere wiped at his eyes, trying to get his emotions under control. Khurn lifted one arm and welcomed his youngest nephew into an embrace which the lad accepted gratefully. After a few moments Khurn eased his hold upon his sister and nephew and stepped back to look at them.

"Are you okay now?" he asked. Mara nodded and Aldemere took two steps away before nodding also.

"Yes Uncle"

"Jarrin?"

"Yes uncle I am fine"

"Do any of you have anything that you wish to say to him?"

"I have said all that I needed to say Brother" said Marz.

"I cannot think of anything" said Mara. Aldemere shook his head,

"Nor can I"

"Uncle?" asked Jarrin.

"Then I guess I am the only one" Khurn turned to look upon his fallen brother then placed his hands upon the coffin and lowered himself to his knees. A small sob escaped him as he bowed his head. Mara knelt next to her brother and placed both of her hands upon his shoulders. He sobbed some more, his shoulders heaving,

"My brother...brother, my brother" Mara felt more tears come as she closed her eyes against her brothers pain. She suddenly felt like a child again trying desperately to comfort her older brother. Trying to be older, trying to be stronger. Marz watched the moment silently and placed an arm around each of his sons. He was grateful to have the both of them still but in his heart of hearts he still thought this very cruel. At last Khurn seemed to master himself and he said,

"Forgive me my weakness my family"

"It is not a weakness my brother, do not think of it that way" said Mara.

"All of those years with him, being raised by him, fighting at his side, drinking with him...all of it gone"

"You will always have the memories of those times my brother, as will we all. Also think on this, he has his wish at last, he is with Rosemarta again and she can never be taken from him again" Khurn smiled slightly,

"Yes, they are happy now. He was so very lonely without her" he dried his eyes and slowly stood up. "Thank you sister" Mara smiled and nodded,

"Any time" Khurn looked back at Kalas again and said,

"Goodbye my brother, until we meet again"

"Yes and don't get into too much trouble without us and make sure that Morgen behaves himself" added Mara. Marz chuckled,

"I think that Gremelkin will have that covered my dear"

"That stubborn old flea bag of a ginger cat will keep them all well out of trouble, if he keeps out of it himself that is" Khurn chuckled and Marz laughed,

"Right you are indeed brother" Jarrin and Aldemere smiled. A short silence passed and Khurn said,

"Well I think I am ready to leave if you all are"

"Oh I think we are about ready to return to the Inn, what say you boys?"

"Yes indeed father, I'm starved" said Jarrin.

"You always say that Jarrin" Aldemere laughed.

"Would you mind if I were to walk with you Khurn?" asked Mara.

"Of course not sister. To the Inn then" Mara took Khurns hand and walked toward the Inn with him ahead of the others. Marz deliberately kept the himself and the boys back, knowing that his wife wanted a privet word with her brother while she could.

"I am worried about Lance"

"As am I sister"

"It was hard for him when Rosemarta died but he was only a boy then. This is different. He has changed, a lot"

"Yes I know but I do not know what to do about it"

"You have talked to him?"

"Yes of course I have but it doesn't do any good, or so it seems. I am all out of ideas and open to suggestions if you have any sister"

"We cannot simply do nothing and leave him alone. That could crush him. We must keep reminding him that he does not have to feel as if he is burdening us with his feelings. He does not have to bare this all on his own"

"I have told him that. I told him also that I would have done the same if I had known but still it does not seem to reach him"

"That is not quite what I mean brother. I think he feels that because of how he is feeling right now that we are better off when he isn't around. That's why he walked away from all of us in Haven"

"If that is true then we will have to tell him otherwise when we see him sister"

"Agreed we must"

Having reached Luca's house Lance knocked upon the door and waited. There was no answer. Lance sighed and turned his steps back toward the main road. Nearing the Inn of the Last Home he sighted Boamin just finishing up his daily care of Rosemartas rose bush, the plant marked her resting place. It was next to this rose bush that Kalas would be laid to rest the next day. Tomorrow...the thought settled like a stone in Lances heart, it was so near now. Lance tried to shake off these thoughts as he lifted a hand in greeting to Boamin,

"Good evening, just finishing up?" the elf man turned and smiled,

"Good evening Lance yes just finishing up now" he moved to sit on a stool he had brought with him, "I hope that it is to your liking, I can add any tree or shrub that you like to it. How are you doing?"

"You have done a fine job Boamin and I am grateful. As to how I am...I am not as well as some might think. I am not ready for tomorrow, that's the truth of it"

"Forgive me for saying so Lance but if we delay"

"I am aware of that Boamin, that is not what I meant" Lance tried to swallow the sudden anger that he felt, "It is that tomorrow it will be final. If there were a way for me to turn back time...but I suppose that would not change anything would it? It would still be either my father or Aldemere dead"

"This is one of the things that made Kalas such a well liked Man Lance. He cared more for others, his family and his friends, than for himself" And just look what it got him! Lance wanted to hiss. He was suddenly very angry again. He turned away from Boamin and the rose bush to get control of himself. Once calm he asked,

"How is Solana?" the trees reminded him of her. He had not seen her for a while now. Boamin was not so willing for the subject to change.

"After living with Moon for so long my friend I have learned a few of her ways. There are few of your thoughts that you could hide from me. You are angry because he is gone but think on this, now he is with your mother again and that was one of his fondest wishes. This is probably none of my business however, forgive me. Solana is well but she is worried about you" Lance nodded and chose his words with care,

"It was because I knew of that wish better than anyone that I let him go and that the life he would have had if he had lived would have been no kind of life for him. I know that she worries and I did not mean to make her cry, I only told her how I felt. I am no good to her or to anyone the way that I am now"

"She understands that Lance. What of that lad..your Blood Brother? Do you think that talking to him might help?"

"He isn't home"

"Have you tried the Inn? He is there now I believe, having tea" Lance looked over his shoulder at the Inn of the Last home, aglow with candlelight to stave off the night. The fire place would be roaring in a vain attempt to drown out the voices of the customers and he thought he heard the fain sound of music playing. He looked away and shook his head,

"Not tonight. I think that I will finish my walk and head over to the Temple. Thank you Boamin for all the hard work that you do and for listening. Say hello to Solana for me when you see her. Good Night" Boamin watched as Lance left and then spared a long glance in the direction of the Inn before making his way home. A few moments later Luca exited the Inn and headed in the direction of the Temple.

Lance walked paths off the main road to reach the Temple to avoid running into anyone, also to avoid his family if they were on their way back. He found little comfort in being alone with his thoughts but still it was better than subjecting others to them. He spied his family upon the main road heading back into town and moved into a shadowed area until they passed. Once sure they were well gone he walked up the Temple steps and went inside.

Luca was there, waiting for him in the corridor leading to the Temple proper. Luca smiled,

"Hello brother, I was wondering when you would come by"

"I was not going to at first but I know that uncle Khurn would have killed me if I hadn't" Luca's smile faded.

"I know that I cannot even begin to understand what you are feeling Lance and so anything that I might say would be meaningless but do you not think that you should see him at least one more time before it is done?" Lance nodded slowly,

"It was the thought of regretting not doing so that compelled me to come now"

"He would appreciate it brother" to this Lance made to reply. He walked passed his blood brother and through the doors that led to the chamber beyond. He reached the coffin and stared silently down as his father, a haze of emotions burning through him like a flame. A sudden breeze sprung up, Lanced looked around for the source but could find none, it carried with it the scent of roses. He looked back at his father, one emotion took over,

"Boamin was right father. You always did look out for everyone else, everyone but for yourself because Uncle Khurn, Uncle Marz, Aunt Mara, Sir Lucius and Mother were always there to do it for you. But not this time. Your selflessness cost you in the end didn't it?" his fathers voice answered him from an unseen place,

"I did, and I would do so again for anyone I considered my family"

"You really have no idea how tired I am of hearing that do you? From you, from everyone! You once told mother not to be selfish. To not risk her life so that she would be here for me. Ten years and then she died to save me. And then you go and do the exact same thing except that this time it was not for my sake" the anger felt good, the words poured out and he would not take them back even if he could.

"If it makes you feel better to be mad at me then so be it. You are entitled to your own way. Do you wish me to go? Then say so and I shall bother you no more"

"Oh don't to any trouble! This time I leave you" Lanced turned and was prepared to march out of the chamber when a pair of arms that he could not see but knew very well wrapped around him tight from behind.

"Lance please! Don't end it like this. I beg you"

"Mother"

"Lance what has happened to you?"

"I don't know" Lance hung his head in defeat, "I cannot seem to do or say anything right anymore. I'm no good to anyone, my family or my friends. They would be better off with me gone. It would be better if..."

"If you were in your fathers place?" Lance began to quiver and placed a hand over his eyes. "Lance think for a moment how losing you would have affected your father, Luca and everyone else here who loves you"

"They would be the same as they are now"

"Your father wouldn't be. He wouldn't have you or me anymore. His soul would have died while he still lived. You son, you are a grown man, you do not need us anymore"

"That isn't true!"

"We will always be here if you need us, you wont be alone. You're not really angry at your father are you? You're angry that it happened and that there was nothing you could do to stop it. That's why, isnt it?" Lance nodded and began to sob. Rosemarta held her son tightly, just as she had done when he was a boy. Kalas waited near by, his heart went out to his son but he was hurt still by what he had said. His sons next words brushed them away like sand,

"Forgive me father, please"

"I do son" Lanced laughed weakly and wiped his eyes,

"I must be going mad"

"No. Now that you have let go of your anger over what happened you can start healing again"

"That is easier said than it is done mother. I do not wish to burden the others with my feelings. They all feel bad enough over everything without me adding to it"

"You will not burden them son, trust me"

"You should see their eyes father. The worry and the pity there. I cannot bear knowing that I am the cause of it. I don't know what to do"

"You will" said Rosemarta

"It is not pity son, only concern for you and love" Lance took a deep breath and let it out in a sigh,

"I only wish that I could be more worthy of it" he felt his mothers arms loosen from around him and he turned to face his parents who were both smiling at him. Kalas took one of Rosemartas hands and kissed it.

"I once thought as you do son until your mother showed me different"

"But father I don't" Lance stopped as Solanas face suddenly came to him, "No I suppose that isn't true but I cannot become close to her like this. I cannot have with her what you and mother have, not right now" the two shared a smile but said nothing. Lance felt it was time to go.

"I am sorry to you both for the horrible things that I said and felt but forgive me if I say that my grief still lingers in my heart"

"Grief my son is a part of life. It will be with you for a while I fear but will fade with time"

"There is no shame in grief Lance. You can only let go of it when you are ready" Lance nodded and was silent for a while.

"I think I will go home now"

"Why not go to the Inn? You're Aunt and Uncles are there now with your Cousins"

"Not tonight mother I am too tired. Rest well father and I promise you that everything tomorrow will be perfect"

"Very well my son. Good night" their images faded then leaving Lance alone. He stood for a few moments before making his way back out into the main hall. Luca was still there and he looked quizzically at his blood brother.

"Are you alright Lance?"

"I wish that I could give you a true answer to that brother. My anger has fled from me but has been replaced by nothing"

"But Lance you were in there for all but ten seconds"

"Ten seconds?" that didn't make sense. Lanced looked over his shoulder, for a moment questioning if what had happened had been all in his head. He knew in his heart that it hadn't, "How strange, I could have sworn, well it does not matter, I did what I came here to do"

"I suppose you no longer need to talk then"

"Forgive me Luca I do not mean to be cold toward you. I am fine I promise you" Luca smiled,

"Very well then brother" Lance smiled back and placed a hand upon his blood brothers shoulder,

"Good night" Lance left Luca standing in the hall as he made his way out of the Temple and turned his steps toward home. He arrived to find that he was the only one there. The others must still be at the Inn as his mother had said. Upon reaching the upstairs he abandoned his first plan which had been to sleep and instead built up a fire in the old fire place and sat in his mothers chair. He watched the flames and allowed his mind to wander.

Around this same time at Rosemartas grave side two mages knelt in prayer, one a black robe and the other red. This would have been a truly odd sight to anyone that might have passed by without knowing who these two where and what their relationship was to one another. Both mages were elves and shared similar facial features that spoke to a familial tie but yet the two were complete opposites, one having dark hair while the other was fair. Once finished paying his respects the black robe rose to his feet.

"Come Lindon, if you are ready, let us go to the Inn. I find myself in need of a cup of tea" Lindon stood.

"What a loss. First Rosemarta and now Kalas. Separated by years yes but still...I wonder how Lance is holding up"

"We shall know soon enough cousin" Sarilban turned and began walking toward the Inn. Lindon took a last look upon the rose bush before following his cousin. The Inn of the Last Home was busy but even so it did not take Sarilban long to spot Khurn and his family at a table. Sarilban smiled and gently nudged his cousin, directing the younger elf's gaze toward the table. Lindon smiled and nodded, motioning for his elder to proceed him. Sarilban nodded and walked toward the table. He motioned for the others at the table to be silent as he came to stop behind Khurn.

"Would you mind if my cousin and I were to join you my friend?" Khurn turned and then got quickly to his feet, taking one of Sarilbans hands in both of his.

"Of course you may join us Master Sarilban and you also of course Master Lindon" Sarilban smiled.

"Thank you Khurn. I am glad to see all of you again, though I wish that it were for a different reason"

"As do we Master Sarilban" said Marz as he too rose to shake hands with the ancient dark elf while Jarrin fetched two more chairs.

"Thank you Jarrin" said Sarilban as he settled into his chair, Lindon did the same. Khurn raised his arm to summon Cynthia,

"What will you have to drink Master Mages?"

"Just a cup of tea for me please, thank you" said Sarilban.

"Yes the same for me also please" Khurn nodded and gave Cynthia their order. The bar maid nodded and wove her way through the crowd toward the kitchen. Sarilban looked over the table and then turned to Khurn.

"Where is Lance?"

"He is out and about somewhere with his own thoughts"

"I see...well I suppose that is to be expected"

"As he is their son it is" replied Khurn sullenly. Sarilban gave Khurn an odd look and was going to reply but thought better of it and turned his gaze to the table.

"Say what is on your mind Master Sarilban, it is alright"

"I was only going to ask if you are at all concerned about him. Your tone just then...it sounded as if you are willing to accept the way that he is feeling or acting and leave him to it"

"We have all spoken to him Master Sarilban but he is too full of anger to talk to. When he gets like this no one can reach him. Even my brother, Gods Rest, had a hard time with him during times such as these"

"Princess could talk to him. She always knew how" this from Marz as he sipped his ale.

"You are not wrong brother. She was the only one that could reason with him at times such as this"

"I remember Gremelkin being rather good at it too" said Jarrin.

"But neither one of them is here now so what is there for us to do?" asked Aldemere.

"Well perhaps I should consider talking to him. If anyone knows what grief and anger can do unchecked it is I"

"By all means Master Sarilban, if you think that you can help him it would be greatly appreciated"

"I will do what I can Khurn. I cannot imagine anyone choosing to willing walk the path that I had once chosen for myself"

"I only hope that you can help Master Sarilban"

"We shall see. I will watch him tomorrow and determine then if my intervention will have a positive outcome"

"Thank you Master Sarilban. We cant ask for more than that"

"You are all more than welcome. As the son of my former apprentice I can hardly do less for him" Cynthia arrived then with two cups of tea and a full tea pot as well as some cream and sugar. Sarilban, as he enjoyed his tea black, picked up his cup and took a sip. Lindon on the other hand added cream and sugar to his before drinking.

"You said some words during Rosemartas ceremony Master Sarilban, I wonder if you plan to do the same for my brother?"

"I shall have to think about it Khurn. I knew Rosemarta far better than I knew Kalas"

"My apologies Master Sarilban, I should not have placed you on the spot like that. If you chose not to say anything tomorrow I will not hold it against you"

"No need to apologize Khurn. If I do decide to say a few words I shall do my very best. You have my word"

"Fair enough" Khurn smiled and drank his ale. Sarilban smiled slightly also and sipped his tea.

"Is anyone else expected to arrive for tomorrow? Or have all arrived already?"

"Most everyone is already here Master Sarilban. Magdar and his men as well as Ogwen and her crew arrived yesterday. Angelique said that she would be here, she should arrive soon"

"Tomorrow should go as planned then"

"I hope so"

"Do you anticipate trouble?"

"I do not know. There is ongoing discord between some locals but nothing major"

"I see. Well I am sure that those certain individuals shall be respectful enough to set aside differences for one day at least"

"If they don't I shall soon put a stop to it"

"With my assistance, if you find yourself in need of it" Sarilban chuckled.

"That is a good idea. A sleeping spell never hurt"

"As good as done Khurn, only give the word"

"I shall keep that in mind, thank you" Sarilban smiled wider, a rare sight, and took another sip of his tea.

"Lance will be happy that you are here Master Sarilban. You just being here might cheer him" said Jarrin as he finished his ale.

"It has been some time since I last saw him"

"He must be quite grown by now" said Lindon

"Like a weed" replied Khurn. Sarilban laughed,

"Well that will be interesting to see"

"Lance grown up or as a weed?"

"Well more so the first rather than the second but the second would be infinitely more interesting"

There are times when I think that he is a weed due to his odorous humour"

"He has changed that much?"

"No not so much, really it is the most recent event which had effected his moods the most"

"I can imagine then that it would be the same for anyone"

"Grief is more prevalent in me. Anger has passed and even if I still felt it I would refrain from taking it out upon my family and my friends" Sarilban drank the last of his tea and thought on those words.

"I would bet you money Khurn that if you could have seen me before...all that happened, you would not have recognized me. If not for Lindon I would have remained in the Tower till the end of my days came at last, consumed by my grief and hate" Khurn gazed silently at the old mage and then smiled slightly.

"Solana..." Sarilban smiled also,

"Indeed, she might help him yet. There is something there though Lance might try to deny it"

"I could see her doing a world of good for him"

"One can only hope but he has to let her in first and that is another matter entirely"

"It will take some time I'm sure but I have seen them together and he really does change when she is near"

"Like a little boy afraid to talk to girls I'm sure but we must be careful not to interfere too much. They must do this in their own time, Lances own time"

"Ha! He will be an old man by then" this caused a laugh to pass around the table. Sarilban himself chuckled.

"Perhaps but I am willing to give him the benefit of the doubt for his and Solanas sake"

"I will allow nature to take its course as it were Master Sarilban. I only hope it does not take too long"

"Hopefully not as long as we all think. One can never tell with love"

"Indeed" Sarilban nodded and poured himself another cup of tea from the pot on the table. Jarrin leaned forward in his seat then.

"Master Sarilban, I wonder if I might ask you a question"

"Of course you may Jarrin"

"You were married once, how did you know that she was the one?" Sarilban raised an eyebrow in surprise, of all questions he had not expected that one. Jarrin sat back. He realized that perhaps this had not been the best time to ask such a question considering what would be taking place tomorrow but that also would make tomorrow even worse timing and he wanted to hear what the ancient dark elf would say. Sarilbans expression relaxed as he sat back in his chair and took a sip of tea, his mind drifting back through an ocean of time.

"I would have to say from the first moment that I saw her. I came upon her by chance in the Garden of the Tower of the Stars. When the sun came out from behind the clouds a shower of white butterflies rose up around her. She looked like a Goddess come to earth. I knew in that moment that I loved her with all my heart and soul. That was a few years before we were betrothed, I did not even know who she was" when this revelation did not bring a response Sarilban brought himself back from memories and turned his attention to Jarrin, "Might I ask what brought this question to mind Jarrin?"

"Talk of Lance and Solana got me thinking about it. I was curious"

"I see"

"Has someone caught your interest Nephew?" asked Khurn.

"Unfortunately Uncle, no. I am not as lucky as my little brother when it comes to these matters it seems"

"Oh come now brother, don't say that. She's a dancer, I'm not likely to see her again. That isn't so lucky" Khurn chuckled,

"Ah, her"

"Yes her but as I said as I am unlikely to see her again I'm trying not to think of her overmuch"

"At least there is a woman interested in you brother, in all of Palanthas there does not seem to be a woman that will have me"

"Well Aldemere you could always just happen to be in Heaven again, just passing by"

"What are the chances that she will be there again Uncle?"

"Well I would say that so long as her job there is well paid and stable she will be there. Dancing is her livelihood after all"

"I shall have to think on it then uncle"

"Do not think for too long brother or you may end up like me" Jarrin laughed.

"She was I think rather taken by you Aldemere, what would you say Marz?"

"I would agree. She even gave you her name son" Marz smiled at his youngest son and Khurn nodded.

"I shall still need time to think about it, once all of this is over and I've a chance to clear my head"

"You wont be seeing her for at least a year then" Jarrin laughed some more and Aldemere punched him in the arm. Khurn chuckled and was suddenly reminded of himself and Kalas. Sarilban chuckled also and finished his tea before rising to his feet.

"I think that I shall call it a night. I shall see you all in the morning"

"Good night then Master Sarilban and...well thank you for coming" said Khurn. Sarilban nodded.

"I would never have forgiven myself if I had not" the ancient elf bowed before turning and making his way up the stairs to his room. As Khurn watched the ancient mage depart Marz drank the last of his ale and looked around the table.

"I would say that is it time for all of us to call it a night. Would you not say so brother?"

"Yes I would agree Marz"

"We shall see you in the morning then Khurn" said Mara as she rose from her seat.

"But there is room at the house sister" Khurn stood up also, followed by all but Lindon.

"We have already paid for our rooms here and it is late. We would not want to trouble you"

"It is no trouble, we are family. We can get your payment back from Gems I know that she will understand given the circumstances"

"But brother you would have to help us carry everything and it is the middle of the night"

"When do we start?" Khurn grinned. Marz and Mara exchanged a slightly embarrassed look. Khurns smile faded slightly.

"What is the matter?"

"Nothing, only that it is a sudden invitation and we had not planned to"

"I am sorry sister. I should have extended the invitation to you sooner but so much happened and...I had taken it for granted that you would be staying with Lance and I"

"No need to be sorry brother. The fault is mine. I had told Lance when we arrived at your home this morning that we had purchased rooms at the Inn. I must have forgotten to tell you" said Marz, scratching the back of his large neck with a bashful smile on his face. Khurn laughed and walked over to throw an arm about his brother in laws shoulders.

"Come and help me with my sisters bags brother" Marz laughed also,

"Very well you talked us into it. You're just lucky that we haven't unpacked anything yet. Come along boys" Jarrin and Aldemere shrugged before following their father and uncle up the stairs. Mara smiled and shook her head before turning to Lindon.

"It seems that we shall be leaving you here alone sir mage. I am sorry"

"That is quite alright Lady Mara. I shall be heading along to bed myself soon once I finish my tea"

"Alright" she smiled then turned her attention back to the stair way as Marz came down first with both his own bags and hers over his shoulders. "Thank you my dear" Marz smiled,

"Its nothing but you are welcome my love" Jarrin and Aldemere came after him carrying their own bags. Khurn was the last down the stairs with whatever the other three could not take with them.

"Some of these are rather heavy Mara. Did you bring your kitchen basin?"

"Everything but" laughed Marz as Mara hit him lightly on the shoulder.

"Never either of you mind what I packed" while saying this she took a few bags from Marz and looked to Khurn, "Shall we?"

"Yes, unless you left Marz's anvil up there somewhere"

"Here now that isn't funny. I know how to separate my work from my privet life"

"So is that why you sometimes bring small projects home to complete them?" said Jarrin, Aldemere chuckled.

"I am sorry brother but I could not resist" said Khurn.

"I know. Come on lets get moving, it is late" Marz turned to bow to Lindon, "And a good night to you Lindon"

"Good night" Lindon bowed his head in farewell. Mara and her sons returned Lindons bow before departing from the Inn with all of their bags in tow. By the time they all reached the house they found that Lance had drifted off to sleep in his chair.

"Do you think that we should move him?" asked Mara. Marz shook his head.

"He'll be fine, let him sleep. Which room shall we take brother?"

"If they were here I am sure that they would offer, and would be honoured if you would take the Master Bedroom for yourself and my sister Marz. The boys can have one of the spares to share"

"The Master Bedroom? But Khurn...are you sure? We would be just as happy with one of the spares ourselves"

"I am sure" Khurn smiled, "Please" Marz looked to his wife who smiled knowingly and nodded.

"Very well then Khurn if you insist we shall"

"It is settled then" Marz watched as Mara stepped forward to embrace her brother.

"Good night Khurn" Khurn returned her embrace

"Good night Sister, you as well Marz" the black Minotaur nodded.

"And to you Khurn. Good night my sons"

"Good night father, mother, uncle" said Jarrin and Aldemere as they departed for the room that they had been given. Mara let go of her brother and led the way into the Master Bedroom. Marz squeezed his brother in laws shoulder as he passed him, following his wife and closing the bedroom door behind them. Once sure that he was alone Khurn moved to stand next to the still sleeping Lance wondering, despite Marz's assurance otherwise, if he should wake him. He looked so peaceful while asleep, so untroubled as though tomorrow were an eternity away, how cruel to wake a face reality in which he felt so lost and alone. In only a few days Lance had changed so much. Khurn wondered if he would ever be the same as he had been. Suddenly he felt a hand upon his shoulder and a familiar voice in his ear.

"He will be his old self again Khurn, you'll see" he was startled for a moment but soon recovered and asked,

"Should I wake him sister?"

"It would be best I think, he might wake very stiff in the morning if he is left here" Khurn nodded and Rosemartas presence faded. He placed a hand upon his nephews shoulder.

"Lance?" Lance groaned and then stirred in his sleep, blinking slowly awake. He rubbed his eyes then settled and unfocused gaze upon his uncle.

"Uncle Khurn?"

"Indeed, I thought you might be more comfortable in your room and so you know I convinced your aunt and uncle as well as your cousins to come and stay here with us. Mara and Marz took the Master bedroom and the boys are in one of the spares"

"Alright" Lance nodded and rubbed his neck, "I think that you are right uncle. I had not meant to fall asleep here, it just happened" he rubbed his eyes again before rising from his chair and stretching.

"No explanations needed my boy. I have found myself dozing here more times than I care to relate" Lance laughed lightly as he remembered his father doing the same. His cast a tired glance upon the chair he had been napping in before looking back at his uncle,

"I have a question for you uncle"

"What is it?"

"Do you see my father when you look at me? Or do you see me?"

"That's two questions I think but of course I see you. However your eyes and temper are certainly your mothers" Khurn chuckled and placed a hand upon Lances shoulder to let him know that he was jesting. Lance smiled at his uncle and nodded. Khurn became sombre. "Why such a question my boy?"

"It is one of my fears uncle. That people may look to me to be my father, his replacement if you will"

"I have seen no evidence of that"

"Perhaps not yet and I hope it never does because I cannot be him and I don't want to try"

"It wont happen nephew I swear that to you. You are your fathers son but you are not your father and no one could expect you to be" Lance nodded and Khurn squeezed his shoulder,

"It was only a fear, as I said. Entirely unfounded. Thank you uncle"

"You are welcome my boy and remember this, those who truly value you will always see you as who you are"

"I shall uncle and thank you" Lance lifted a hand then to stifle a yawn, "I beg your pardon uncle"

"No need Lance. It is time that we both retired. It shall be a long and busy day tomorrow" Lance nodded,

"Indeed it will be. Good night Uncle"

"Good night Lance" Khurn have his nephews shoulder another squeeze before going to his room. Lance waited to hear the sound of his uncles door close before turning his attention to the fire. Once it had died down more he walked to his room and slowly undressed before climbing into bed. It took an hour for sleep to come to him again.