Song of Sorrow: Final Parting and Comfort from the Shadow
Khurn was the first to wake the next morning, the morning had he had been dreading but that he had accepted. The sun was just barely beginning to rise. He sat up slowly then walked to the wash basin to throw cold water on his face to banish the last remnants of sleep. This done he picked out his old military dress from the tall dresser and made his way quietly as possible to one of the bedrooms.
Lance lay awake in his bed staring at the ceiling, he had no idea for how long. He thought of today and what it meant and wished that time would freeze so long as he remained in bed. Of course that would not happen. Time was cruel that way. He heard movement and knew that it must be his uncle Khurn, he was almost always the first one awake. What his uncle was feeling was surely deeper than his own sadness and he fixed that in his mind, using it to push himself out of bed. He stretched and rubbed his eyes before walking to the wash basin in his room. He scrutinized his reflection that looked back at him from the murky surface of the water. A dark Minotaur looked back at him and he smiled. He dressed himself in a fashion reminiscent of the military dress that he had seen his uncles wear. Once pleased with himself he picked up his grandfathers sword and walked out into the main room of the house to wait for the others.
Khurn came out of his room dressed in the full dress uniform of the Imperial League of Kiri Jolith. He had kept it all these years for occasions such as this, the emblem of the Minotaur God felt heavy up on his chest. He had Rose blade at his waist and the two chacrams that had been given to him by Mesai.
"Morning Uncle Khurn. I was thinking that all of us might go to the Inn for breakfast. I do not feel much like cooking. How does that sound?"
"That sounds fine my boy"
"Alright" Lance smiled slightly and turned his attention to the space above the fire place where his mothers harp hung.
"Have you decided yet what to do with your fathers axe?"
"The axe is in my room now uncle, sorry I suppose it slipped my mind with everything else that happened. It will be hung here next to mothers harp"
"It is the best place for it. I am sure that they would approve, as I do"
"Let us not forget uncle that it was your idea"
"It only seemed right"
"I am not disagreeing, only giving credit where it is due"
"You did all the work though my boy"
"Then let us say that the idea was ours" Khurn smiled and patted Lance on the shoulder,
"That suits me fine my boy" Lance smiled back and the two shared a almost comforting silence. Khurn then stepped back and looked toward the other bedrooms.
"I wonder if your aunt and uncle will be sleeping late today of all days?"
"Give them a few moments uncle, it may be that they are getting a slow start. Jarrin and Aldemere have yet to wake also" as if summoned by the mention of his name Jarrin walked out of the room that he had taken for the night. He was dressed in some formal wear that his mother had made for him, the sword that his father had forged for him was at his hip.
"Good morning uncle Khurn, Lance"
"Good morning Jarrin. Did you sleep well?"
"Well enough thank you uncle. Aldemere will be along soon, he is debating whether or not to take his mace along with him today"
"Why should he worry about that? I have no issue with it if he does. Do you Lance?" Lance shook his head,
"None at all in fact I think that it would be best if he brought it so that everyone could hear the message that it contains from father"
"You have to understand what it means for him Lance. He still torments himself over uncle Kalas's death. He wishes that his mace had never existed, though I do not think that would have changed anything"
"Really? It saved his life twice remember? I think that not having it with him would have changed something a great deal"
"Those two events would have happened just the same and uncle Kalas still would have died with or without the mace, as they were designed by the Gods" Lances expression became hard and Jarrin regretted his words. Khurn sighed,
"The Gods give with one hand while they take with the other, that is the way of things"
"I am sorry uncle but the Gods have given me nothing but pain. I have no reason to be favourable toward them or their designs"
"I am with you on that point cousin" this from Aldemere as he came to join them, with the mace upon his back, "After this day you will never see this weapon with me again"
"The three of you are still young, I promise you that life will show you different when you get older. I know your pain and I once thought as you did but he was my brother, I was raised by him. If anything at all I ask you to remember that" Lances expression softened and he looked away from his uncle as shame filled him. This would be the forth time that he had neglected to consider his uncle Khurns feelings before speaking.
"We do uncle and I apologies"
"As do I" said Jarrin and Aldemere together.
"No need my nephews and Lance I know that your pain is not lesser than my own" Khurn gave Lances shoulder a firm squeeze to reassure him. Lance smiled slightly and nodded to show that he understood. He then turned his head to watch Marz as he existed the Master Bedroom wearing his black and silver military uniform. His war scythe was upon his back and he also wore the jewelled dagger he had received upon being honourably discharged from service.
"Good morning Uncle Marz"
"Morning Lance, boys"
"Morning father"
"Morning brother, I hope that you and Mara slept well"
"Very well Khurn thank you. Mara will be along shortly she is...collecting herself"
"Still the last to get ready even after all these years" Khurn chuckled slightly.
"So it seems"
"She was always like that even when we were children"
"Well I can imagine that Princess was not much different, eh Lance?"
"Yes Mother tended to take a while also"
"And with good reason" this from Mara as she came out wearing a black gown and veil, lifted for the time being, "We women folk must take more care with our appearance"
"You look beautiful sister"
"Thank you Khurn, if only" Marz took hold of her hand then,
You do look beautiful my dear and for the events that will take place today that is a good thing. It is important to look ones best on days like this one so that one might feel that way, if only a little" Mara smiled and Marz kissed her cheek. Khurn nodded and Lance stepped forward from where he had been standing by the fire place.
"Well now that we are all ready Uncle Khurn and I thought it might be a nice idea to eat breakfast at the Inn this morning. Does everyone agree?"
"That sounds good to me Lance" said Marz, the others nodded in agreement. Lance nodded also and led the way downstairs, he held the door for everyone and then followed after.
Upon arriving at the Inn they sighted Lindon and Sarilban seated at a table. The ancient dark elf was wearing robes that looked practically brand new and stitched with silver runes. Lindon was dressed in fresh red robes with family runes on both sleeves. Sarilban smiled at them as they came through the door and raised one hand in greeting,
"Morning Lance, Khurn, Sir Marz, Lady Mara, boys"
"Morning Master Sarilban" said Lance.
"Good morning Lance, Khurn, Marz, Mara, Jarrin and Aldemere" said Lindon.
"Morning" Marz and Mara both bowed to the two mages while the brothers nodded their greetings.
"Would you mind if we joined you?"
"Not at all Lance, Please sit, all of you" said Sarilban. Lance nodded his thanks and took the remaining seat next to Sarilban while the others pulled chairs from nearby tables. Marz pulled out a chair for his wife then glanced toward the stairs as he heard someone coming down. The sound also drew Sarilbans attention. A very attractive lady red robed mage was descending the stairs which led up to the rooms. Her long wavy honey coloured hair gave her away at once.
"Angelique, well now here is a surprise. I did not know that you were here" said Sarilban.
"Angelique" Lance stood up to see her, "It is good to see you. When did you arrive?" Angelique smiled and gave Lance a hug.
"It is good to see you Lance and I arrived last night. I was very tired from the journey so I got myself a room and was asleep not long after. Hello Master Sarilban, Sir Marz, Mara, Lindon, Khurn, boys...good to see you all"
"And you Angelique, it has been a while" Marz smiled and took his seat. Lance stepped out of Angelique embrace and found a seat for her. Angelique looked around the table as she sat.
"Where is Mistress Angola? She said that she would be here"
"She and Will are probably still in Palanthas, I suspect they will have breakfast at home before coming here to join us" Gems approached the table as everyone settled. She had abandoned her typical Inn keeping attire for a dark modest blouse and long skirt.
"What is it that I can do for my dear friends today?" she asked.
"Ham, eggs, and potatoes all around I think Gems, and a pot of tea...make that two. If that is agreeable to everyone?" asked Lance. Everyone nodded in agreement, even Sarilban which was a surprise. Gems nodded and hurried to the kitchen to assist the cook with the large order. A silence fell upon the table and Lance withdrew into himself thinking on what he would say and deciding that he was as prepared as he could hope to be. While his nephew lost himself in thought Khurn turned to his brother in law,
"Marz my brother, there is a job that I would like for you to do for me sometime soon. Once I have figured out exactly how I want it I shall have a drafts man make it out for me so I can give it to you"
"Any time brother but do you mind if I ask what it is that you would like me to make for you?"
"Plaques...for the head stones"
"Oh I see...yes of course I will make them brother"
"Thank you brother. I just feel that it would be better...a fitting memorial" Marz nodded,
"I understand brother and they deserve one. They shall be my finest work"
"Thank you brother. Once I know what I want to be said I shall give you the details"
"Very well and you are more than welcome" the door of the Inn opened then and everyone looked to see Ogwen, Dokah and Kurii walk in. Sighting the large group the three Minotaur walked toward them.
"Morning everyone, we just came by to see if any of you were here" said Ogwen. Lance smiled at the captain,
"Well here we are and you are all more than welcome to join us. I think that you three know everyone except I don't think you would have met Master Sarilban, Lindon or Angelique" Ogwen focused upon the Ancient dark elf mage and smiled broadly,
"Master Sarilban, it is good to see you once again. I trust that your quest to Adlatum was as successful as your one to Taladas?"
"It is good to see you again as well Ogwen, and you Dokah, a pleasure. Not as successful but good enough"
"It is good to see you Master Sarilban" said Dokah as he shook the ancient elf mages offered hand. Kurii smiled at him,
"Aye it is grand to see you again Master Sarilban" Sarilban returned her smile and Lance laughed,
"No introductions needed I see"
"We all met at sea Lance. Kurii returned Master Sarilban to Ansalon once his quest was completed" said Ogwen.
"Ah yes I think I do recall hearing of that now. The Gods were in a good mood the day that you came across these three Master Sarilban"
"Well at least one of them was"
"I for one was very impressed with your powers of Diplomacy and Persuasion" said Ogwen. Sarilban chuckled softly,
"What can I say except that I am my fathers son. He was a Librarian but he was also a Noble. He knew well how to conduct business and he handed the knowledge down to me"
"They are but a few of his many gifts Captain Ogwen" said Lindon. This caused Sarilban to laugh out loud.
"Cousin there are times when I think you praise me a little too highly"
"Not at all, merely giving credit where it is due" Sarilban chuckled some more and shook his head slightly before taking a drink of his tea.
"Whatever the case may be if you ever need assistance again Master Sarilban I promise you that Kurii and I shall be at your service"
"Thank you, I do appreciate it" as Ogwen and her group settled Khurn leaned over towards Lance,
"I have need to talk to you my boy, outside" he stood up then and addressed the table, "My pardon to you my friends and family but I need to speak to Lance alone" Lance rose silently to his feet and followed his uncle outside, wondering what he could possibly need to talk about that could not be said in front of the others. Once outside Khurn turned to Lance and said,
"I was asked my Lucius and Lady Arial whom we would like to carry your father to his place of rest. Would you like Me, Lucius, Marz, Magdar, Darius and yourself or would you prefer another arrangement"
"That sounds fine to me uncle, thank you for asking me"
"Then we need to tell your uncle Marz for he does not know yet"
"I'll fetch him then"
"Yes do that and I will tell Magdar when we see him" Lance nodded and went back into the Inn to fetch Marz from the table. Once outside with them Marz looked to Khurn,
"Lance says that there is something you wish to as me Brother"
"Yes Marz I was wondering if you would help Lance, Lucius, Darius, Magdar and I carry Kalas from the Temple to his place of rest? I feel that it would be appropriate for his friends and family to do so"
"Of course you are right Brother and I would be honoured" Khurn smiled and gave Marz a warriors handshake,
"Thank you Brother. It will be the perfect arrangement, three family and his three closest friends"
"I could not have refused brother, not that I would have"
"I am sure that he will appreciate it as well" Marz nodded but could think of nothing to say.
"If that is all decided then uncles should we not finish our breakfast and then move on to the Temple to prepare?"
"Sound advice indeed my boy. Let us do that" the three returned inside to find that Gems had already delivered their order to the table. Khurn grinned widely as he took his seat,
"Just in time" he said as he pulled one of the large platters of ham toward himself and began to fill his plate. Shared smiled and stifled laughter spread around the table as everyone helped themselves. As Lance was pouring himself a cup of tea he noticed Juspar and Linara as they entered with their two young sons.
Juspar had been living in Sanction with his older sister up until a few years ago. He had established a new life for himself as a law keeper and man tracker. With money filling his saddle bags and longing in his heart he had returned to Solace to fine Linara, who had waited for him as she had promised she would. Little Jaden had been born first not long after they had been wed and was followed by Tyran the following year. The boys were still toddlers and kept close to their mother. Juspar was dressed in his City Guard uniform while Lin and the boys were in their finest clothes. Juspar quickly scanned the room and then moved himself and his family toward the table where Lance and the others were seated.
"Good morning Lance. I know that it might be a little inappropriate at the moment but Linara and I have something that we would like to ask you"
"Ask"
"Well you see Linara is with child again and if the babe is a girl we would like to name her...Rose. But we will not do so if you do not approve" silence fell as all eyes turned to Lance. Khurn froze and he fought to keep the smile from his face as he awaited his nephews answer. To say that Lance was surprised would be a great understatement, of all the things he had expected today this certainly was not one. He was silent for a long few moments before rising to his feet to face Juspar. A smile spread across his face and he placed a hand upon Juspars shoulder,
"Rose is a fine name, my mother would be honoured" Juspar and Linara mirrored Lances smile and nodded their thanks before moving to another table. Lance retook his seat and noticed Sarilban smiling at him.
"That was very kind of you Lance. Your parents would be proud of you" Marz nodded his agreement. Khurn also gave Lance an approving smile.
"Well done my boy"
"I really had no grounds to refuse them. I do not own her name, her memory will not be taken from me if another were to share it" he smiled again, "Besides that it made them happy" he spared a glance for the young family before returning to his breakfast. Everyone did the same. Once finished Lance pushed aside his plate and poured himself a second cup of tea while he waited for his uncles. Marz was the last to clear his plate. Once sure that both of his uncles were ready Lance drained his cup and stood up.
"Are you ready uncles?"
"As ready as I can be Lance" said Marz as he rose from his seat.
"Uncle Khurn?"
"Yes, let us be on our way" Khurn got up then and headed for the door. Lance turned to the rest of the table and said,
"We shall see you all in an hours time" he then followed Marz out the door where they joined with Khurn and made their way toward the Temple. Those that they passed on the way stopped to bow their heads or to otherwise greet them. Lance tried his best to show appreciation for every offer of condolence that was shown to them as they continued walking but the closer they got to the Temple the slower his heart seemed to beat.
Magdar was waiting for them by the main entrance to the Temple wearing his finest armour. Upon siting them the large Minotaur placed a fist over his heart and bowed to them. Khurn and the others mirrored his greeting and Lance afforded Magdar a grateful smile. Magdar nodded at Lance and took Khurns hand,
"Thank you for doing this my friend" said Khurn,
"It is my honour Khurn" Lance continued on to the entrance hall of the Temple and searched it for Luca. He did not have to look far for the young elf was there in full Paladin armour, idly fussing with his sword belt. Lance smiled slightly and walked to stand with his blood brother.
"I was hoping that you would be here"
"I was paying my final respects while I still could"
"He would have appreciated that"
"Do you need a moment with him?"
"No I have said all that I needed to say to him already. I only hope that I can make it through the service and say what I need to in honour of his memory. I would like for you to stand with me when the time comes brother, if that is alright with you"
"I would be proud to brother" Lance smiled again and placed a hand upon Luca's shoulder,
"Thank you" when the others entered the Temple Khurn led the way to Lady Arials office where they would discuss the proceedings. Lance listened absently as it was all rather common practice and he had no arguments about anything. Lady Arial would speak first and then anyone who wished to say something or to offer a prayer would be welcomed to do so. At one point Lance spotted Vallun of the Phoenixes out in the hall beyond Arials office. He rose from the table and bowed,
"I beg everyone's pardon but there is...a last minuet detail that I must attend to, excuse me" he left the room then and approached Vallun with a steely gaze, "I need to have a word with you" uncharacteristically Vallun didn't say a word and followed Lance out onto the Temple grounds. Marz's gaze lingered longer than the others upon Lance as he departed but then returned to the matters at hand.
"I am only sorry that I could not get some of my former command here or my Uncle Orin. I was focused more upon Mara and my sons and did not really think about it till recently" Lucius nodded,
"I too wish that we had thought of that Marz but we were hard pressed to come up with something in quick order"
"Do not worry over it Lucius I figure we have more than enough here to give him a proper send off and I shall represent my men as well as my uncle"
"Marz you are more than that, you are family" said Khurn. Marz smiled,
"Yes I know brother"
"But if you mean that you would also like to represent your uncle and the army of Mithas then I am most honoured"
"It is the best that I can do brother and rest assured that they shall have a fine representative in me" Khurn smiled,
"I do not doubt that"
Once outside and certain they were out of earshot of anyone who might care to listen Lance turned to Vallun and said,
"I don't want any trouble today Vallun. You keep yourself and your men out of my way and I will be willing to call a temporary armistice between us. Are we agreed?" Vallun looked surprised,
"We came to pay our respects to your father Lance. All of my men and myself thought he was a great man. I agree to your terms but I wish this could be a permanent armistice"
"I do not know if that is ever likely to happen but you have my thanks. Now if you excuse me" Lance afforded Vallun a small nod before returning to Arials office and wordlessly retaking his seat.
"I have a question for you though my brother. Was Kalas known to the army of Mithas?"
"Through myself and my uncle yes, if you remember the wedding day of Mara and I my whole company was present, as was my uncle Orin. Before then I am sure that your name as well as his might have come up in discussions of past battles"
"I only asked because I remembered an old saying suddenly 'If your name is well known by both your friends and your enemies it shall be remembered'"
"That is a saying that I would agree with brother"
"As would I" put in Lance with a smile. Khurn smiled also and nodded his appreciation.
"If there is nothing further to discuss Lady Ariel I think that we should get ready, its almost time"
"Yes you are right Lance. Aurora is in the main chamber now waiting for us" Lance nodded and stood to lead the way out.
In the main Temple chamber Aurora was indeed waiting for them. She was dressed in her priestess robes and stood next to a sturdy coffin. She looked up as they all entered and Lance could see that she had been crying. She bowed to all of them,
"He is ready to be moved now" Lance nodded and silently took his place. The others followed suit and Lance took a breath, waiting for the funeral march to sound. A trio of priests, two with flutes and the third with a small drum, began to play and Lance lifted his fathers coffin together with the others, slowly they began the march with Ariel and the others following respectfully behind them. Lance took another breath and kept his eyes trained upon Khurns strong back, it was the only way to keep his emotions in check and he was glad of his Minotaur shape, how it disgised his expressions.
Rows of Paladins lined the way from the Temple to the grave site. Lance nodded his appreciation to those among the Paladins that he recognized, he had known some of them since he was a boy. A crowd had formed by this point and they stood in a semi circle around the grave of his mother and the freshly dug grave that would be his fathers. All of them, from the smallest children to the elders, had their voices raised in song. Lance found Juspar and his family among them and in them he found some strength. He also spotted Moon in the crowd, he had not seen her since the battle. She looked at him as he passed and he offered her a small smile.
Reaching the grave site Lance and the others set the coffin down gently next to the dug out grave and waited for the music to quiet. Looking out at the enormous crowd Lance was amazed that his father that touched so many in his life. Though he had lived here for much of that time and so he supposed that he should not have been that surprised, almost everyone in Solace knew him as they had known Rosemarta. Lance searched the crowd for Solana and found her standing close by with Luca. Just the sight of them both gave him strength. When at last the music quieted Lance sighted Lady Arial as she approached with two of her Clerics. She stopped before the grave and addressed the crowd,
"Family and Friends of our resident Dasrenvairs, we have all gathered here today to pay our respects to a great man who was a Protector not just of Solace but of all of those who needed it" as she spoke Lance watched as some in the crowd bowed their heads while others squared their shoulders. Vallan and Thorn sat near Rosemartas grave where their own father had been laid to rest with her. "He never shirked his duty and was always there for friends and family alike. He was a great man of honour and of values" as Arial went on Lance found Juspar and his family. Juspar held his wife close with one arm as tears began to fall in a steady stream down her cheeks. His free hand rested upon the shoulder of his eldest son. The boys had no tears to shed, they were both too young to have known Kalas well but both stood quietly, probably wondering why everyone was so sad. Kyra, Juspars sister was with them also. Suddenly Lance remembered Angola and began to search for her. He found her standing with Will, who had an arm about her shoulders. Both stood with heads bowed. Arial called for a moment of silence and Lance used it to steel himself and prepare what he had to say. Arial called for the family to speak a few words and then stepped aside. Lance glanced and Khurn and subtly motioned for him to speak first. Khurn nodded and patted Lance on the shoulder before stepping forward.
"I had planned to say a few words but the Lady Arial already said much of what I had planned and so instead I feel I should tell you all a story of the travels that I had with my brother and how we came to Solace" as Khurn began his tale Lance found himself smiling in spite of himself. He had always loved his uncles stories, since he was a boy. This story however ended with Kalas and Rosemarta meeting, falling in love and then coming to live in Solace together. It was over sooner than Lance had thought it would be and as his uncle stepped away to offer him the place of honour before the crowd he could almost hear all of the words that he had prepared evaporating from his mind. Suddenly, as if summoned there, both Solana and Luca were with him, one on either side, both smiling encouragement. Lance took a breath to calm himself and remembered what he had planned to say.
"What is there for me to say about my father that you all do not already know? He was one of the greatest men I have ever known and I do not just say that because I am his son. He was an honourable man, a noble warrior, a loyal friend and a loving husband and father. The only people he loved more than his friends where his family, my uncles, my aunt, my cousins and my mother and I. My mother called him Noble Heart, he would smile and joke it off but only because he did not know how right she was. No man is perfect but I believe that my father came close. I would like to thank you all for coming here today, I know that he would have appreciated it" one by one all raised weapons, hats or hands in salute to Lance but also to his fallen father. Lance nodded gratefully to all of them and fought against tears that were trying to work their way free. He smiled at Solana and placed a hand upon Luca's shoulder as a way of thanking them both. Luca nodded in return. Lance bade a silent farewell to them before moving back to stand with his uncles. It was almost time.
A sort of anticipation charged silence settled over those gathered for the service, they waited to see if anyone else would come forward to speak. Seeing no one step forward Aldemere took the chance and came forward with his mace held out before him,
"I do not have much to say but I think I have something that all of you should hear, though some of you have heard it before" having said this he lifted his mace high and asked it to repeat the message that Kalas has left behind. All who had heard the message before watched with calm expressions as the image of Kalas retold its story of how the mace had been made by is request after receiving a warning from the Paladin Nabzif, who was by this time well known in Solace though oddly absent from the days proceedings. When the message was concluded Aldemere found himself without the power to speak and slow he quietly moved back to stand with his mother and Jarrin.
As Aldemere stepped away Lance noticed a lone grey wolf making his way through the crowd and knew that it was Sol, one of Moons wolves, a respected member of her pack and one that shared her shape changing abilities. Sol came and sat near Lance, it was clear that he wished to speak but Magdar, who had not noticed him, came forward instead. Lance smiled sadly down at Sol,
"Sorry but it looks like you will have to wait a little longer friend" he thought, knowing that Sol would hear him. The wolf replied,
"It is alright. If I must wait I shall do so gladly for him" the wolf looked upon Magdar with respect and waited to hear what he would say with interest. Lance nodded his understanding before turning his attention to Magdar also.
"For the benefit of those of you that do not know me I am Magdar Ironfist High Grand Marshal and War Master of the Imperial League on Taladas. I have known Kalas for a great number of years before and after he joined our forces. I can say that I had the great honour and privilege of fighting side by side with him. I could not have asked for a better and more trustworthy friend, I say this of his brother Khurn also. I shall miss him greatly, as will the Imperial League" Magdar turned to gaze upon the coffin "Farewell my Brother in Arms until at last we meet again in the place where souls go to rest" Magdar, his men and Khurn all struck their breasts with a fist and raised their heads to bellow a loud roar which shook the tops of the near by trees. Sols pack answered the roar with a howl and Sol joined them. Lance would have raised his voice with the others if he felt he could have made a sound past the lump in his throat. Instead he waited silently for it to end and settled his gaze upon Sol. When it was quiet again Magdar stepped down and rejoined his men. At last Sol had his chance. As he stepped forward to speak he began to slowly change until when he faced the crowd he was a lanky blond man clad in furs and leather. He was nervous, not used to speaking to people let alone so many but he summoned his courage and hid his twitching hands behind his back as he spoke,
"Many of you might have seen me around but more likely as a wolf. My name is Solomon, most call me Sol" he licked his lips then continued, "I first met Kalas through Moon but later as I grew to know him better he became a close friend of mine. Moon had told me to keep an eye upon him and Lance after Lady Rosemartas death. Kalas found me watching one night and we got to talking. We spoke of nothing in particular, I had the feeling that he just wanted to talk to someone. After that day I let myself be seen, I think that he knew this and it became sort of a habit between us. In one of our conversations he happened to mention how he had come to Solace and how he had fallen in love with this city and with its people. It is also where he met the love of his life, pulled her by fate as he had been" Sols voice began to falter as he throat tightened with emotion. He fought through it to continue, "He had a heart big enough to fit the whole of this city within it and still more besides. He was so passionate...he cared so much" Sol shook his head as his emotions overcame him. He took a shuddering breath and managed, "I just needed to say that" slowly he shifted back to his wolf form. He padded over to Lance and brushed against him before dashing back to Moon and nuzzling close to her. Hardly anyone had ever heard Sol speak and never had he said so much. Lance understood how hard it had been for him and knew that he could never voice his appreciation properly. Unexpectedly Marz stepped forward from his place,
"I had not planned upon speaking today but just now I thought that perhaps I should. I am Marz Stonesheild, brother in law to Kalas and Khurn. I heard Kalas's name when I was still in the Imperial Army of Mithas and I am glad that I never met him on the field of battle for it would have made my marriage to his sister even more difficult than it was" he smiled, "We had our differences always but we were family. Even so I never once thought...I owe my sons life to him now and that is a debt that I shall never be able to repay but I shall try for the rest of my days" Marz looked to his family before rejoining them. Ogwen and a few others stepped forward to offer their own final goodbyes and words but Lance was too wrapped up in his own thoughts to hear them. A few moments of silence passed and Arial announced the conclusion of the funeral proceedings. Lance moved to join his uncles and the others charged with lowering the casket into its resting place. At a signal from Lady Arial they all lifted the casket with ropes and lowered it slowly into the waiting grave. All was silence as the casket touched home, the ropes were removed and earth shovelled back into the grave until it was filled and covered over. The crowd began to slowly disperse, many offering their condolences to Lance and the others as they did so.
Lance barely took notice of them. He stood with his head bowed, staring down at his fathers grave knowing that the others were with him and yet feeling incredibly alone. He felt a hand upon his shoulder and looked up into Aldemeres face,
"Are you going to be alright Lance? If it would be easier for you, if it would ease your pain even a little, to hate me instead of a God then do it, I beg you"
"Aldemere there is no cause for me to hate you. How many times do you have to be told? It wasn't your fault. To say that would be to say that it was your fault for being born. Even if you had escaped everything something else would have happened and this would have been the end result because it was what Sargonnas wanted" Lance turned to embrace his cousin, "I could never hate you" Aldemere returned Lances embrace with tears welling in his eyes. After a few moments Lance stepped out of his cousins embrace. He watched as others began to make their way toward the Inn of the Last Home. He forced a smile and said, "Go to the Inn with the others cousin I will be alright"
"Are you not coming too?" Lance shook his head,
"No, I am sorry" he patted Aldemeres shoulder before turning and walking the the opposite direction toward home. Watching this from a distance Sarilban sighed and shook his head. It seemed that he would have to intervene after all.
"Cousin?" Sarilban turned to find Lindon regarding him from a few feet away. He had obviously begun walking to join the others but then had stopped once he noticed the old dark elf was not following,
"Go on without me Lindon, there is something that I must do. I will meet you at the Inn later"
"Very well" Lindon turned and continued walking. Sarilban watched him for a while before slowly making his way toward the Dasrenvair family home.
Lance arrived to a darkened house which suited his mood but was also cold. He built up the fire before taking a seat in his mothers chair and staring up at the ceiling. The warmth of the fire was a small comfort in the quiet house, a house that held so many memories and that he doubted would ever be so happy again. He felt his fathers presence in the room before he heard his voice,
"Would you like to talk my son? Or would you rather be alone?"
"I just cannot face all of it now. The Inn was where some of the happiest moments in my life took place. I just cant, not with so many. They do not need me there anyway"
"I understand if you cannot be there tonight my son I was referring to you and I. I can come back later if you would prefer"
"I did not think that there was anything left for us to talk about father. However if you wish to we can, I am not tired"
"I came only to see that you were okay. Your mother wanted to know" Lance thought for a moment, he was not sure how he felt.
"I'm...I honestly don't know, its like my heart has forgotten how to feel anything but emptiness and sorrow. I do love you father, no matter what I said the other day"
"That incident is forgotten my son, let us talk no more of it" Lance nodded and then was silent for a long space of time,
"I am a man with an empty heart in an empty house with nothing to fill either one. I must go on with my life but I do not know to where or with what"
"I had the same trouble before I came to Ansalon"
"Yes I remember you telling me so"
"Only time and patients will tell my son. Although patients is not one of our family virtues" Lance chuckled at that,
"That father is an understatement if I ever heard one"
"Indeed, your parentage shows most strongly in that way" Lance laughed softly,
"No word of a lie" a knock came to the door of the shop downstairs. Lance stood up and walked to the top of the stairs, calling out "Who is it?"
"Lance, it is Sarilban. May I come in? I wish to talk to you" Lance wondered at this for a moment then called down,
"Yes Master Sarilban come inside, the door is not locked" having said this Lance returned to his chair to await his unexpected guest. The ancient dark elf slowly climbed the stairs and entered the main room of the house. He smiled to himself as he felt the familiar presence in the room.
"May I sit down?"
"Please do Master Sarilban. Can I get you anything? A glass of wine? Tea?"
"Oh no thank you, I will not be staying long" while saying this Sarilban settled himself into the chair opposite Lance. "I hope that I am not intruding upon anything"
"Not at all Master Sarilban" the dark elf mage grinned and said,
"Is that so Kalas my friend?" out loud to the empty room which of course was not really empty. Kalas's voice replied,
"It is so my friend. We were only talking"
"I see"
"What is the purpose of your visit Master Sarilban?"
"You Lance. Your mother asked me to come and talk to you and I also promised your uncle Khurn that I would. They are all very worried about you and so am I" Lance looked uncomfortable and turned his attention to the fire. Sarilban would not be deterred however, "It is not good for you to be alone here Lance, especially tonight. I know how much pain you are in, perhaps more so than anyone, but isolating yourself from those that love you wont help"
"I am not doing this for myself I am doing it for them. They cannot move on while I remain trapped like this"
"You do not know how wrong you are Lance. You are only adding worry for you on top of everything else that they are feeling now and you are hurting yourself also" Lance glanced briefly at Sarilban but then looked quickly away, "Take it from one who knows my young friend. A life of solitude would not suit you" Sarilban allowed Lance to keep his silence for a while, hoping that what he had already said was working its way through to him. Finally, after long moments had passed, he spoke again,
"How much did your mother tell you about me Lance? About who I am and where I come from?"
"Admittedly not very much. She told me only what she felt you would not mind her letting on and said that if I wanted to know more that I would have to ask you one day. She respected your privacy Master Sarilban"
"I see...well then I feel that I should tell you a story" it was Sarilbans turn to gaze contemplatively into the fire before he continued, "I was once married and I lived in Silvanost, a respected lord from a good family. I was a white robe then but my ambition led me down a different road. When I was found out I was banished. As I was being led away, blindfolded and chained, I could hear my wife calling out to me, pleading for me to be allowed to remain or for her to be allowed to join me. Suddenly her voice was silenced and I could hear a single voice laughing. She was murdered and my heart was broken. I shut myself away from the world because I believed that it held nothing for me anymore. Without my wife life meant nothing and I was content to live out the rest of my days in solitude, it was better than I deserved. Your mother once asked me how I could bare it but she was talking about loneliness and there is a difference between that and solitude. The difference is that at the time I felt myself conditioned for solitude, my past haunted me nightly and I had few friends and of those few only one knew the cause of my pain. That is until I met your mother. It was your mother Lance, and later on my cousin Lindon, who convinced me to return to the world and live, because they cared about me and they saw how much pain I was in. Don't be like me Lance, not when you have so many people that love and care for you"
"You have people that care for you also Master Sarilban"
"Not like you Lance. Lindon is the only family that I have but you have many and good friends besides, you should be with them" a soft, quiet sort of smile spread across Lances lips,
"You loved my mother, didn't you Master Sarilban?" the question caught the ancient dark elf off guard and he thought to lie but instead he bowed his head and slowly nodded.
"Yes I did"
"Then why did you not marry her?"
"Because even if we had not been Master and Apprentice it would not have been the right thing to do. Your mother was such a free spirit. I could not have chained her to the Tower or to me. The life I could have given her would have been one of dark rooms, books, and old pains, she deserved more than that. I knew that I had made the right choice the day that I met your father and when I saw how happy she was with him" Sarilban lifted his head then to address Kalas, "You gave her what I never could have and I am as grateful to you now as I was then. Thank you Kalas, my friend"
"It was fate. It was as if we had been specially made for each other. We made one another happy in ways that others never could. She had told me of her feelings for you and what you had told her. There is no need to thank me Master Sarilban. I could not help loving her" Sarilban smiled and nodded then turned his attention back to Lance.
"And think on this Lance, if I had kept your mother for myself you might never have been born"
"Or I might have been your son Master Sarilban" the ancient dark elf had obviously not expected Lance to say that and was momentarily stunned. The thought sprouted warmth in his heart but he shook his head and said,
"You would have been the son of an Archivist instead of a Warrior? No, it would not have suited you. You might also have never met your uncles or any of those you now know as your family and friends. You should think on that and then decide whether or not to be with all of them tonight" he rose to his feet then and said, "I feel that I have said all that I can, now it is up to you" Sarilban smiled at Lance, bowed to Kalas's invisible presence and then turned without another word and made for the door, he had not gone a few steps down the stairs when Lance called after him,
"In another life Master Sarilban, I would have been proud to be your son" a small shaft of pain struck Sarilbans heart, chilling the warmth that had been there before but that still lingered stubbornly. It twisted his features with sorrow and he was glad that Lance could not see it. He was glad also that it passed quickly and he continued down the stairs and out into the fading afternoon.
Lance listened to him depart and then sat for long quiet moments that seemed to stretch on for hours. Finally he said,
"Do you agree with him father?"
"Son?"
"Do you think that being at the Inn with everyone might help me?"
"I do but as he said in the end the choice is yours son. I cannot make it for you" Lance took a long breath in and let it out slowly in a sigh before getting to his feet at last.
"I will go then if only to show them that I have not lost my mind" Lance felt a light touch upon his shoulder then and smiled. He put out the fire before heading downstairs. He locked the door of the shop before making his way toward the Inn.
The walks of Solace were empty as if the whole of the town had gone to the Inn of the Last Home to remember Kalas and mourn his passing from them. It seemed so even more when Lance arrived at the Inn. There were so many people that they had poured out into the outdoor seating area and beyond. He had to politely muscle his way inside. He spotted his uncle Khurn easily enough despite the crush of bodies and made his way toward the table where he and the others sat, one of the largest that the Inn had to offer. Upon reaching the table he placed a hand upon his uncles shoulder and said,
"Would you mind if I were to join you uncle Khurn?" Khurn grinned and stood up to place his hands upon his nephews shoulders,
"You are most welcome my boy, most welcome" Lance returned his uncles smile and then embraced him. Khurns strong arms squeezed him tight and he felt more than heard a soft sob escape his uncles chest. From his place at the table Sarilban smiled and took a sip of the wine that Lindon had ordered for him. Lance stepped out of his uncles embrace and moved to take one of the last remaining seats. Marz stood up suddenly and stopped him, then he smiled and offered Lance his own chair which was right next to Khurn. Lance smiled back before taking the offered seat. Marz squeezed Lances shoulder before taking the last remaining seat for himself. Mara was away from the table talking to Moon and some others. Khurn nodded his thanks to Marz for letting Lance have his seat. Marz smiled at Khurn then called out for another round of ales.
It was then that Lance noticed Steven the minstrel was here with his wife Bird. They were at Moon and Boamins table and it was there that his aunt Mara had gone. She was talking with Bird, about what he could not tell. Steven was a friend of Marz. He had also done some travelling with Jarrin, years ago. His uncles were talking about Mesais ale and Khurn brought up the drinking contest that he had had with Moon. A contest which he had lost, even in her human form Moon was still a dragon and so had the drinking capacity of one. Lance had heard the story before and so was not really paying attention but talk of Moon made him think of Solana. He searched for her and spotted her seated at a separate table talking to Da Nia. As she was already occupied Lance decided to wait to talk to her. It was at that moment that Mara returned to their table. Lance smiled at her and said,
"Did you enjoy your talk with Bird Aunt Mara?"
"Yes very much so Lance, thank you" as she seated her self Mara caught her brothers eye and saw the questioning concerned look in them. Mara smiled at him in a way which said that she would be alright. Khurn smiled back and nodded. The table dissolved into silence even as the talk in the Inn continued.
As Sarilban sipped his wine he looked about the Inn. Even with all of the talk it was still rather too quiet for his liking. The ancient dark elf sat back in his chair and with a elegant wave of his hand summoned up a flute and a fiddle into the middle of the Inns common room. He commanded them to play and a soft and soothing music filled the Inn, meant to soothe it filled the gaps in the talk pleasantly. Sarilban smiled, pleased with himself.
"Thank you Master Sarilban, you are a mind reader" Khurn smiled and raised his glass to the mage. Sarilban chuckled,
"It is a gift" Khurn chuckled also and drank. The music reminded Lance of his mothers harp playing and how much he had loved it. He felt a small pang of longing in his heart. Khurn noted the look upon his nephews face and knew what he was thinking. He too remembered the music his sister in law used to play, the songs she had written for him and Kalas, for Kalas and herself and also the one that she had written for their son when he was born. He too missed that music.
Over at Moons table Boamin noticed Stevens attention captivated by the enchanted music and how he touched his mandolin, his eyes bright with the words of a song. Boamin smiled and leaned over the table toward him,
"I know well that look Steven. If you wish to play I am sure that Lance and Khurn would approve. Would you like for me to ask them for you?" Steven chuckled,
"Am I that obvious?"
"Like a blow to the head" Moon chimed in before Boamin could say anything. Steven laughed loudly at this and said,
"Then I will concede. Yes Boamin my friend I would be most glad if you did"
"Very well then, excuse me" Boamin rose from his table and made his way across the common room toward Lance and his family, "My friends" he said as he approached, "a mutual friend of ours has asked me to inquire of you" Marz interrupted him loudly,
"Oh none of that! Tell that raskle Steven that if he wants to play he may do so. Isn't that right Lance?"
"Of course it is uncle. Tell him we have no objections Boamin" the elf gardener grinned and turned to give Steven a thumbs up. Lance turned to see Steven rise from his chair beaming as if he had been offered the greatest possible honour. Lance chuckled and took a drink of his ale,
"Did he really think that we would say no?"
"You know Steven my boy. He is very considerate of individuals, he just wanted to be sure that it was alright by us" said Khurn.
"If that lout was as considerate as you say he would have come and said a few words to an old friend of his" this from Marz as he finished off his ale in a gulp.
"And what is stopping you from doing so father?" asked Jarrin, a wide grin on his face.
"I am currently occupied with family matters" Jarrin laughed and his father soon joined him. Steven moved to stand between the magic flute and fiddle. He tuned his mandolin while he waited for them to cease their playing. Both instruments turned toward the minstrel to await his lead. Steven nodded at them thankfully and addressed those assembled at the Inn,
"I play this next for Kalas's family" he nodded toward Lances table, "and for those who knew him well. I learned it from Kalas years ago. Many of you will have heard it before for it was written for him by his Rose" he tested the strings of his mandolin with a strum and then began the song, soft then strong, slow then fast, the love song that Rosemarta had written for her lover and husband. Marz raised his empty ale mug to Steven and silently signalled a bar maid to bring another, Lance did the same. Aldemere rubbed his eyes and Jarrin placed a hand upon his brothers shoulder. Khurn smiled sadly as he remembered the day that Rosemarta had first played the song for him and Kalas. Sweet memories came flooding back with every note and few of them were tinged with sorrow. Lance paid for his new ale when it came a tried hard not to let his emotions show.
A lute joined Stevens mandolin and Lance, along with many others in the room, turned his eyes toward the door of the Inn to see a tall golden haired man dressed all in blue standing there, with a scarlet feather in his wide brimmed hat. Undaunted by the eyes upon him the new comer continued to play but he remained in the doorway until the song was over. Steven finished with Kalas's song and seamlessly led into another of Rosemartas songs which sounded like spring time. The new comer joined in this also and kept up with Steven till the end. Once that song ended Steven bowed to his surprise fellow preformer who bowed back and then strode forward to introduce himself.
"You play very well sir. Allow me to please introduce myself. My name is Jay, Jay Bird. I was a friend of Rosemartas" he offered his hand and grinned. Steven took the offered hand and shook it enthusiastically.
"Well then Jay Bird I must take you to meet her family. Come"
"Indeed sir yes please do though I have met them all before it was only once and some time ago when I came for Rosemartas funeral. Lance was only a boy then, the might not remember me" as the two minstrels left the floor the flute and fiddle began their own music again. When Steven reached the table he said,
"Everyone I would like to introduce to you my fellow player Mr. Jay Bird" Jay removed his hat with a flourish and bowed.
"It has been many years since I last saw all of you. Not since the sad day of Rosemartas funeral. I know not if any of you will remember me"
"I do sir, though I was still a child. I doubt that anyone could forget a fellow such as yourself. My mother spoke of you in the stories of her travels" said Lance as he rose to his feet and offered a hand to Jay, a hand which was taken warmly in both of the minstrels own.
"She did did she? Well I am glad of that. I am so sorry that I was not here sooner. Word was late reaching me of Kalas's death and I was unable to make it here on time. I hope that you will allow me to stay and to make up for it"
"Most certainly, we would be honoured if you stayed. Right Uncle Khurn?"
"Of course" Khurn stood up also and held out his hand for Jay, "It has been a few years Jay, it is good to see you. As Lance has said my sister in law spoke of you many times"
"She was a fine harpist, I was proud to call her a friend of mine. I would have brought Bess along with me and my brother Robin but I was away from home when I heard and could not send for them in time"
"That is quite alright my friend, do not think on it" while saying this Lance fetched a chair for Jay so he could sit at their table. Khurn nodded approvingly.
"Yes indeed. Sit and have an ale with us Jay"
"Thank you I will"
"Well if everyone is settled here I shall return to my own table and my lovely wife. I hope to see you more this evening my friends" Steven smiled at Marz before departing from the table and returning in gladness to his own. Marz watched Steven as he departed and made a mental note to spend some time with him before the day was done.
"Are you still travelling then Jay?" asked Khurn,
"Not as often as I used to but yes, I have to earn a living somehow and sometimes there just isn't enough call for my talents close to home. I try to stay in Sanction with Bess for at least a few months before I think of going anywhere. She would rather that I was home all the time but she understands"
"Do you have children Jay?" asked Marz.
"Yes, two of them. Both grown old enough to understand why their father does what he does"
"You should visit Steven in Palanthas some time. I am sure that he would enjoy having someone to preform with if you asked him" said Jarrin.
"I might do just that, it would be a nice change. Perhaps I will put the question to him later, sit a while with him and his lady wife" evening was soon upon them and some of the mourners departed to their homes while others remained and ordered some of the Inns fine fair for their evening meal. Lance and his table decided to stay and so they ordered food, more ale and wine. As the evening wore on Lance lost track of how many ales had been placed before him and how many empty tankards had been taken away, it was not important enough for him to care about. He leaned back in his chair to look for Solana again. He found her easily and looked upon her for a few moments. She sensed his eyes and turned to smile at him. Lance returned her smile and waved for her to come and join them, he feared that if he went to her he would fall flat on his face. Solana excused herself from Da'Nias company and walked over to the table Lance and his family still occupied.
"Is there room for me?"
"Of course, pull up a chair Solana" said Lance. She moved to do so when Jay stood up and said,
"Oh no, please my dear lady take mine" he offered his chair to her with a bow, "I was just about to go and call upon a potential business partner anyhow"
"Thank you good sir but are you sure?"
"Quite sure my dear lady, quite sure" while saying this Jay gracefully took one of Solanas hands and guided her into the waiting chair. He then took up his ale and bowed to the table before seeking out Steven and Bird at their table. Solana watched the minstrel depart with a smile before turning to Lance,
"How are you faring?" she asked. Lance smiled at her, freely and openly though aided by too much ale.
"Better now I am sure"
"What was that I just heard? That is the first even slightly romantic thing that I have ever heard you say to that poor woman" said Jarrin, overly loud as he had drunk far more than Lance.
"And if you don't shut your mouth cousin it shall be the last. Besides that it was meant to be nothing of the sort"
"Whatever you say cousin"
"Hush up Jarrin!" hissed Aldemere harshly. Jarrin side glanced at his younger brother and shrugged before draining his ale mug. Solana leaned slightly over the table to regard Jarrin with an air of mischief,
"Jarrin dear, I know that you have had a few too many so I am willing to let that go but I am also willing to allow you to sleep it off at the top of a Vallenwood tree tonight if you say something like that again" she might have been smiling but her tone let it be known how serious she was. Jarrin cleared his throat and nodded. Lance laughed and was joined by Marz and Mara.
While this was going on Sarilban was searching the Inn for Will and Angola. As if summoned by his thoughts they appeared with Shellandrya, Rosemartas former apprentice, in the doorway of the Inn. The ancient dark elf rose from his seat and waved them over. Will noticed him and led the two women toward the large table. Lance noticed Sarilbans actions and turned to see who was coming. Seeing that it was Will and Angola he rose to his feet to greet them. Angola looked far older than she was, sorrow had etched deep lines upon her face, taking some of her beauty. She looked tired and frail, she leaned constantly upon her son for support. Will looked well in spite of the sadness of the day and supported his mother without complaint. Shellandrya was a dark flower who still shown beautifully.
"Hello Khurn, Lance, Master Sarilban" said Angola.
"It is good to see you Aunt Angola, welcome" said Lance.
"Greetings Angola, it has been many years" said Sarilban.
"Indeed yes it has been Master Sarilban"
"Hello Lance" said Will as he placed a hand upon Lances shoulder.
"Hello cousin, you had me worried when you disappeared but I figured that you had returned home"
"Please have a seat with us Mistress Angola, you as well Will" said Marz.
"It has also been a number of years since I saw you Shellandrya. I do not recall if you met my cousin Lindon" while saying this Sarilban placed a hand upon Lindons shoulder. Shellandrya smiled and said,
"It is good to see you again Master Sarilban and good to meet you Lindon" Lindon smiled at her and nodded.
"Would you care for a glass of wine Shellandrya? I was just about to order another one for myself" while saying this Sarilban was fetching chairs for their new guests.
"Wine would be lovely, thank you"
"I will have the same" said Angola as she settled into a chair.
"And I will have an ale please" said Will. Once everyone had their drinks the table settled into conversation, mostly to do with how Angola was faring, the state of her shop and so on. As the conversations continued Marz took note of the rapid pace that Lance set with his drinking. He leaned over the table and said,
"Don't you think you had better slow down nephew?"
"Why? You worry too much uncle, besides Jarrin has had more than I"
"Jarrin has a few years on you Lance, I need not worry over him as much"
"Leave him be father" said Jarrin, in his eyes what the thought that everyone shared, that ale this night was for more than just drinking. Solana smiled and said,
"No one need worry. If Lance needs help later tonight I will aid him"
"You see father? Now have another yourself" while saying this Jarrin placed another full mug of ale before his father. Marz sighed but didn't say anything more.
At another table, where Juspar sat with his family, the lateness of the hour was beginning to take hold. Little Tyran had fallen asleep in his fathers lap and Jaden, the toddler, was half asleep himself seated next to his mother. Juspar and Linara shared a glance which said that it was time for them to head for home. Quietly they got up from their table, Ty in his fathers arms, and made there way over to Lances table,
"We should get the boys home for the night. Good night Lance. Our greatest condolences once again"
"Thank you Juspar, Linara, and good night" Khurn stood up and offered Juspar his hand,
"Thank you both for coming" Juspar shifted Ty and took Khurns hand.
"Of course Khurn. Kalas was a great man, it would have been wrong not to attend his service"
"I agree" said Linara,
"Thank you"
"Remember that you are all welcome at our home, come and see us any time" said Linara. Khurn smiled,
"We will"
"We will look forward to seeing you. Goodnight to you all" said Juspar to all at the table before he and his small family departed from the Inn, exchanging farewells and good nights with others on their way.
Lance now sat with his head in his hands and Marz placed a hand upon his shoulder,
"Perhaps it is time that you called it a night also Lance"
"I think that you may be right uncle" replied Lance, slightly slurring his words. Khurn chuckled softly and stood up,
"Let us go home then my boy" Solana stood up also and they waited for Lance to do the same. Lance rose shakily to his feet and staggered, grabbing his chair to steady himself. Marz and Jarrin half rose from their chairs but Lance raised a hand to stay them,
"I will be alright, just one moment" he took a breath then straightened, tried walking then stumbled again this time catching himself by placing a hand upon Solanas shoulder. "Sorry" he muttered. Solana smiled, shook her head then placed an arm round Lance to give him support.
"Not at all Lance dear" he smiled at her and nodded his thanks. He waved to his family and friends who remained at the table, all of them waved back.
"Goodnight Brother, Lance, I will be by in the morning with Marz and our sons to say goodbye before we depart for Palanthas" said Mara.
"Okay my sister, see you on the morrow" this said Khurn led the way out of the Inn. It was quite dark by now of course and the stars were out though it was not very late. Lance side glanced at Solana as they walked, attempting to keep himself going straight so as not to put any strain upon her.
"Thank you for helping me"
"It is no trouble" she smiled at him again and Lance felt warmth pass through him that had nothing to do with the alcohol that he had consumed. Khurn opened the door of the shop when they arrived and stood aside for Lance and Solana to enter. He did the same at the top of the stairs that lead up to the house, catching hold of Lance when one of his feet caught on a step and he stumbled forward.
"Easy nephew"
"Sorry uncle. Are you alright Solana?"
"I am fine Lance but we should get you to bed I think"
"I agree" said Khurn as he opened the door wider and stepped inside.
"You wont hear an argument from me" said Lance as Solana led him to his room. "I don't think that I can, I mean I think that if I try to take my boots off I might fall through the floor" while saying this Lance struggled to remove the upper half of his uniform. After having pulled it over his head he fell back onto the bed. "See what I mean?" he laughed. Solana laughed also,
"Yes I see, let me help you" she knelt and slowly removed his boots.
"Thank you" he sat up and noticed Solanas gaze upon his now bare chest. They sat quietly for a moment then Lance said, "Could I ask you for a favour Solana?"
"Yes of course Lance" he was silent for a few long moments, not sure if he should ask but unable to stop himself, the effects of the ale and his grief opening his heart to her in a way that it never had before. He reached out to take hold of one of her hands, "Please don't go. Don't leave me Solana. I...I just feel so...alone. I wont do anything I swear just please don't leave me. Stay with me Solana, I beg you" he was sobbing now, unable to stop himself. Quietly Solana moved and sat next to him. She placed her arms around him and slowly combed his hair, which was long, black and curled in his human form, with her fingers.
"Okay, I will stay here with you" Lance gently placed his arms around her and rested his head upon her shoulder.
"Thank you" he said, his voice was soft like a child's and it melted her heart. She held him close and moved so that they were both lying down upon the bed comfortably. Khurn watched all of this and felt his heart ache for his nephew. He closed the door of Lances room quietly and retired to his own. Gradually Lances sobs quieted as he held Solana and took comfort in being held by her. He felt at peace and knew that sleep would be upon him soon.
"I wont let anything be taken from me again, I wont" these words were barely a murmur as sleep at last took hold and he drifted off. Solana held him closer and gazed silently out of his bedroom window. Only once she was sure he was sound asleep did she allow herself to drift off. Out in the night Kalas and Rosemarta looked in upon their slumbering son before joining hands and departing together. The only one to see this, and old grey robed wizard blowing smoke rings into the still night air, promised them silently that he would continue to watch over all of them in their stead.