Wars of the Bhaalspawn

by Capt. Incredible

Complete! The Throne of Bhaal can no longer be left unoccupied- a war for the Throne has begun. With his closest companions at his side, one Bhaalspawn sorcerer moves ever closer to claiming the power of Bhaal for his own, regardless of desire or intent.

43. Part 2: Gods Among Us

"Imoen…"

The word rippled through the fabric of her mind as she awoke, opening her eyes to… nothing. An inky blackness that enveloped everything. Not like a Blindness spell- no, she had endured that before. This was different- she could literally see the darkness, if she were forced to describe it. The Void… it stretched before her, unforgiving and unending. Was… was this it? The final destination of the Bhaalspawn who had died? The last thing she could remember was falling… descending into darkness as her brother had broken the Throne of Bhaal itself, Amelyssan clutching at him, screaming obscenities.

She felt her limbs move, like trying to swim in an unending ocean, but the effort was scarcely worth it. Up, down, left or right, every direction was the same. There was no sign of life, no sign of anything beyond her own consciousness and her own body. The thought of an existence like this terrified the girl- it was all she could do to keep calm, to push her breathing down to a regular state. If this was it… an eternity of loneliness, simply existing with nothing else in sight… she didn't know if she could handle it. Better oblivion than… well, boredom.

"Imoen, hear my voice…"

There. That voice… familiar, and yet not. The tones were deep, all-encompassing. As though they were the only thing in this world of hers, and for all intents and purposes, that was true. It was everything she could sense, and it filled her with equal parts hope, curiosity, and fear. "I'm… I'm here. Who are you- where are you?" she called out, only wondering for the briefest of seconds if it was even air she was breathing, or if she was breathing in the traditional sense at all.

"Listen to me, Imoen. We do not have much time. You are in my grasp… protected, separated by me for singular purpose. We have come so far- and it is still not done. Amelyssan lives. She will come for us. She will exert the powers of Bhaal that she claimed and destroy everything and everyone you care for. I alone cannot stop her. But perhaps where one fails… two might succeed."

Imoen listened, feeling her blood rising with the prospect of doing battle against Amelyssan once more, to finality this time. The memory of her impaling Greywulf called the tones of the Slayer to mind- she pushed those away with effort, then nodded, for all the good that gesture did here. "If it means taking that witch down, you can count on me. I still don't know where you are, even who you are- Greywulf? Is it you? I don't recognize your voice…"

"That is because I am not him… not as you remember."The voice seemed to pause, unsure of what to say for the first time since she had heard it speak. "The aid I ask of you is no small thing- I will open your eyes, and you can make your decision. Walk with me, Imoen. Open your mind and tell me what you see."

Light flooded her view- Imoen shut her eyes instinctively, but managed to flutter them open enough to see… and the sight was enough to take her breath away as dread filled her heart. "Gods… it isn't you, is it? Not anymore… oh Greywulf, why…?"

"It was what needed to be done… there could be no other way. Hurry now, sister- Amelyssan wakes. I have only moments to share what I have learned, what I have become. Say the word and join me. Become more than you have ever been before… or do not. It is your choice."

Imoen looked up at the glowing visage before her- she bowed her head, inhaling sharply. "I… I never wanted this. You know that. Everyone did. But I said it once and I'll say it again. You and me, all the way to the end."

Imoen reached out and touched the being before her- light engulfed her and both disappeared from sight, enveloped in the flaps of a green cloak, red light beginning to shine from the folds within…

X

The echo of power rippling throughout the Void was enough to unsettle the floating form that drifted through the remains of the Throne of Bhaal. Deathstalker Amelyssan, greatest of Lord Bhaal's servants. Recently ascendant to godhood… and then thrown down violently as her seat of power crumbled above her. Amelyssan's eyes flashed open, golden light flickering in her pupils as she slowly took in her surroundings, memory flooding back to her in a maddening froth of frustration and rage. The god-child Greywulf… she seethed at the memory, watching as the Throne of Bhaal exploded and everything washed away in a haze of green deific energy. She clenched her bronze gauntleted fist, willing the energies she'd absorbed to flow- yes. There it was- Bhaal's power had not left her after all. For all of Greywulf's boasting, the Throne's destruction had not meant the end of her quest after all- it had simply delayed the inevitable.

She spun around in the midst of the Void, reaching out with her senses- it took a moment, eliciting a growl of frustration. The power was still there, still within her… just diminished. What had happened- ah. She let the events replay in her mind and it became clear. Greywulf had stolen power true, but not enough to challenge her. Enough to destroy the Throne… enough to break the bonds that tied the taint to its host, to the mortals that had wanted the power for their own. With that destroyed, it was only force of will that kept her godhood in place for now- at least, until she rebuilt the Throne. Retied her own divinity to the seat of Power in the planes- and she would have all the time in the world to do so.

There was no sign of the ants who had dared challenge her- no sign of Greywulf, Imoen or the others. But the remainder of the god-essence- it had dissipated through the realm, vanished into the Void until she could track it down. Until then she would be half a god, half the power she deserved to be. Not enough- she swore again, redoubling her efforts. Recreating a new seat of power would be much simpler if she were able to claim the rest of Bhaal's energy- if she concentrated, reached out with all her might- there. A flicker in the dark. The final piece of her incomplete power awaited… and if it turned out that it was that insect Bhaalspawn who yet remained, who still tried to deny her the destiny she deserved, there would be no more playing. No more mercy, or weakness permitted. Any of them who yet lived would be annihilated, and she would ascend. The Throne *would* be hers again…

X

"So… we yet live? I am… surprised." Solaufein murmured, running dark fingers down the walls of their… prison? Salvation? None of them were quite sure what to make of their surroundings- a small platform of rocky design, much like the floor of the Pocket Plane. The endless Abyss stretched out beyond them, threatening to devour their mortal frames in an instant- except for a hazy emerald light that covered them in a dome, preventing any entrance by the denizens of this dark Plane… and any exit.

"And yet… we are not whole, are we?" Haer'Dalis mused, resting one hand on his hip as he leaned against the dome walls, peering out into the abyss. "Our good raven is not among us… nor his wildflower sister. Perhaps Amelyssan claimed them despite everything?"

"Then why do we yet remain?" Anomen shook his head, letting his mace rest on the ground for a moment as he flexed his right hand, trying to shake off the blows Sendai had landed on him during their furious duel. "Nay… we are not done yet. The battle is not over- as much as we may have imagined it so."

"I wish I knew where they were; for the first time since… well, passing on, I can't see either of them." Aerie spoke quietly, her frame shimmering for a moment, drawing a look of concern from Minsc. "What is-? Oh….I see. The bonds tying us to this world- without Greywulf among us, they weaken. I… I do not think we have much time left… any of us."

Minsc swallowed heavily, turning to Dynaheir and Aerie, holding each one by the hand. "I… Minsc does not want to lose either of you. Not again. Please, do not go…"

"Oh, my protector… dost thou think thineself strong enough to defy death itself?" Dynaheir chuckled, running one hand up the ranger's arm, holding him and turning his increasingly miserable features to look at hers. "Minsc, when we departed from Rashemen… what oath did you make?"

"I... I swore to protect you." Minsc whispered, closing both of his massive hands around hers. "My sword and my soul, all of it to see you safely returned to our homeland when we had completed our journey. Minsc knows… he knows he has failed in this. There is no returning to Rashemen, not as Minsc is now-"

"Truly? Put aside thoughts of failure." Dynaheir shook her head. "After my death, how didst thou find purpose? What drove you forward when I was no longer there to guide your path?"

The big ranger paused, uncertain of what Dynaheir was getting at- Aerie spoke up, her soft features and tone so different from Dynaheir's commanding presence, yet the care and devotion to the ranger was just as apparent. "You met me, and chose to renew your vows… only now your protection would fall upon me. It would be my path you followed to glory before returning home. The times that we spent together- what did we do, Minsc? Do you remember?"

"We… we fought all manner of battles." Minsc began, his memories whirling back through the past six years. "The circus was where we first met- we faced a mighty magician gnome, and freed those within! And the savage trolls in De'Arnise Keep- that was a battle to remember, yes?"

"And Firkraag's den in the Windspear Hills- you saved Garren and Greywulf singlehandedly when they fell into that pit." Aerie smiled gently, pushing him onward. "Our fights with the undead beneath Athkatla, the Tree of Life in Suldenesselar…"

"At my side, you dealt with an entire fortress of gnolls, a mine full of bandits and kobolds." Dynaheir reminded him. "The madman Bassilus and his undead army… dost you need a reminder of the doppelgangers and assassins we fought in Baldur's Gate?"

"These were grand battles, yes indeed! Boo thrills at the memory of such fine moments!" Minsc smiled broadly, though his smile began to fade quickly, looking upon the glowing forms of Aerie and Dynaheir. "Fine battles yes… but without my witch, without you… Minsc is nothing…"

"Oh Minsc… how can we explain it to you?" Aerie whispered, coming to his side as her robes fluttered amidst the ether, fading in and out. "Do you really think your journey was meant for nothing but our protection? That it was your only goal these past years?"

"I do not understand-" the ranger began, shaking his head in confusion before Dynaheir sighed, smiling weakly.

"Thou art simple, Minsc… to a fault sometimes. We were never why you traveled. Thou didst strive for two things when we left our homeland- thou desired glory in battle, to prove your manhood. To be a righteous man, upholding your morals and values. And to protect me- was your oath to do so tied to the other two? Without me, did thou lose thine way?"

"No… no, Aerie came to me, after." Minsc thought back, meeting Aerie's smiling, beautiful features. "She gave me a new path to follow, a new purpose-"

"And was that purpose so different from what you and Dynaheir had shared?" Aerie asked. "Were you still striving for glory? To be a good man? Minsc, our deaths were not of your doing. No man could have done more to keep us safe… and yet, if we are lost, does it make you less of a good man? Does it diminish the glory of your past battles?"

"I… I have lost my way." Minsc whispered, confusion, fear in his eyes as he looked down upon the women he had served. "Boo has been my guide… but without you, without a witch, I do not hear his voice, nor do I know the path to follow…"

"And yet, you must endure." Dynaheir declared, folding her arms. "There is no turning back now, my ever-addled ranger. I leave you with a command- endure. If you know not how, then learn. For my memory and Aerie's… return to Rashemen, and speak boldly of the battles you waged. Of the glory thou earned. Tell of the vengeance you took upon those who stole us from you- wilt thou be any less of a man should they deny you? Truly, Minsc… it will be they who art diminished, should our deaths be a block in their path. You sought approval from the Lodges- it shouldst be they who seekest thine approval now."

Across the plane, Jaheira sat with arms folded, turned away from the rest of the group… whether in meditation, or resting for what would assuredly a final battle, none could say. Almost none, rather. A calm voice from behind her was enough- she turned her head to see Khalid standing there, a weak smile on his features. "I k-know that look, Jaheira. I saw it often enough in years past… shall we talk? I do not think there is much t-time left for those of us who returned to life…"

Jaheira nodded quietly, gesturing for her fallen lover to come and sit; he nestled beside her, resting one hand on her knee- she seemed to stiffen for a moment, and he immediately withdrew, nodding gently. As his hand moved away, Jaheira cursed, shaking her head in anger. "Damn it- to think I would finally see you again, have you back for a moment… and the first thing I do is recoil at your touch. Not my finest moment…"

"You are too hard on yourself, love." Khalid offered, relaxing his posture.

"Sometimes I think I am not hard enough." Jaheira rolled her eyes, sighing as she managed a weak smile. "It… it is good to see you again. Losing you was… it- I was not certain I would have the strength to continue, once you were gone."

"I knew you would endure… you were too stubborn to d-do anything else." Khalid said with the faintest hint of a grin, eliciting a barked laugh from Jaheira despite herself.

"Truly? If I was stubborn, it was only to make up for your indecisiveness." She chastised, but the sparkle in her green eyes spoke to the teasing manner in which she meant it. Her laughter died quickly, turning solemn as she stared into his eyes, her fingers reaching to intertwine with his. "I… gods, I missed you. There was not a day that went by I did not think of you after it… well, after everything in Amn."

"I know." He nodded, head bowed. "I was watching… all of us w-were. Our ties to you let us follow, let us bear witness to this journey… all the way to the end."

"And… and you saw everything, then?" Jaheira inhaled sharply, the point she'd been trying to avoid ever since seeing Khalid return coming to a head. "I… I have dreaded this conversation ever since seeing your face again. You sit here with me and act as though everything is as it once was between us- if you saw everything from beyond, then you know that is… no longer true. I… I do not know what to say."

"Why?" Khalid questioned, turning to face her directly. "Tell me, Jaheira. What do you think I thought when I saw your relationship with Greywulf g-grow to what it has become now?"

A stricken look crossed her exotic features as the half-elf posed her the question simply, directly. She did not speak- the answers simply weren't there. "I don't know. I had imagined every reaction from you… betrayal, that you would think I was leaving you for the next warm body I had found. Perhaps that I had been planning this since before you died..."

"A rather exaggerated reaction, don't you think?" Khalid chuckled, getting Jaheira to let go of some of her panic, some of her stress despite the seriousness of their conversation.

"Perhaps. I had hoped that you would understand… that you would see our relationship not as a betrayal of what we shared, but me finding happiness after you were gone." Jaheira spoke, her mouth suddenly dry. "Silvanus, I never expected to be having this conversation… I had thought myself through with such doubts and fears…"

"Then you should be d-done with them." Khalid shrugged. "J-jaheira, you were the only woman I ever loved. I n-never met a woman as passionate or beautiful as you… I would have done anything for you… and if you found love after my passing, h-how could I possibly look down upon that?"

Jaheira smiled, her eyes closed in a vain attempt to stop tears from rolling down her tanned cheeks- Khalid leaned in and wiped them away, holding her close. "I will always love you, Jaheira. D-death will not change that. But you have a life to live, and it should be f-free from regret or fears. You and he… wherever he is now… you both have my blessing."

Jaheira did not speak for a moment- she grabbed Khalid and pulled him into a passionate kiss, husband and wife reunited for one last time. As their lips parted, she smiled weakly, looking into his eyes. "Thank you. He and I are… we are happy. But I will never forget you, Khalid. I promise that."

"Does it feel as satisfying as you had hoped?" The simple question turned Yoshimo's attention from the void where he had been staring into for the past few moments- without their summoner nearby, it was painfully obvious to all the spirits present that their ties to this world grew weaker- as did their ability to remain.

"Hmm? Ah… paladin Keldorn. It has been some time. It appears neither of us escaped the machinations of Irenicus unscathed." Yoshimo arched an eyebrow, leaning against the magic protection of this world as Keldorn approached with a nod. "Satisfaction… if you mean to ask whether or not I drew pleasure from seeing my arrow enter Irenicus' throat… then yes. I would say it has been the happiest moment I've felt since death, in fact."

Keldorn seemed to consider Yoshimo's answer for a moment, before nodding and turning past the rogue, resting one hand on his shoulder as he walked. "Normally I would counsel righteousness over revenge as a balm for the soul- given our current situations, I think I shall simply keep my advice to myself."

Yoshimo barked a laugh, glaring at Keldorn with a wry, easy grin. "Ah yes, ever the noble knight. Interesting, no? The oh-so-subtle differences between how you and I ended up? I in the depths of the Abyss, suffering the punishment of a traitor. You at the right hand of your god, serving in glory and reunited with your family. We both followed Greywulf, did we not? Apparently that counted for little in the grand scheme of things."

"It is not so simple, and you know that well." Keldorn shook his head. "The actions you took under Irenicus' command may have been coerced, but the punishment for one who betrays his fellows is-"

"Do not think to lecture me on the punishments of a traitor." Yoshimo's voice lost its cheer for a moment, his eyes deadly serious as he stared down the paladin. "I know them better than most, I think. I did not think you would still bear a grudge against me after all this time, Keldorn."

"Hmm… then I have been unclear." Keldorn took his hand off Yoshimo's shoulder, taking a step back and meeting his old companion's gaze. "I simply wished to know how the time you have spent in the afterlife had changed you. Some men would let their heart be consumed with bitterness, rage upon suffering what you have undergone. Some would have given themselves over to nothing but revenge- and I cannot judge you for wanting Irenicus to meet his end at your hand. I wanted nothing less for the dragon that killed my family- I simply wish to know what kind of man you are."

"Why?" Yoshimo seemed genuinely puzzled by the statement.

"Because." Keldorn smiled, offering his hand. "You were my friend, once. I prefer to think that given a final opportunity, here, to settle things between us, we would not waste the opportunity."

Yoshimo stared at the offered gesture for a few moments- he smiled again, shaking Keldorn's hand fiercely. "Why not? A few more spirits to speak well of me in the beyond could not hurt, eh? Very well, Sir Keldorn- you wish to know my true feelings? Here they are, for you to judge as you see fit. I have peace for the first time since my death. The visage of Irenicus will no longer haunt my vision, and I can claim some small shred of honor again, no matter how small. Regret… that will remain with me for all time. But I may be able to rest in my grave now, I think."

Keldorn listened quietly as Yoshimo finished speaking- he simply nodded, then bowed his head gently. "Then may you rest in peace when this is finished, Yoshimo. You have earned it."

"I am glad to hear it. A story of redemption always sells appeals to the crowds- I for one cannot wait to relay everything I have seen here to the masses- it shall be my finest tale yet. I imagine I shall scarcely need to exaggerate a word in order to enthrall my audiences." Haer'Dalis chuckled, sauntering towards the two spirits with a nod of the head to them both.

"Imagine my surprise when I died to discover you were not there waiting for me in the Hells." Yoshimo arched one eyebrow, stroking his goatee as he greeted the tiefling bard. "If I remember correctly, my daggers should have killed you in Spellhold, yes? I would be ashamed of myself for not making sure I'd finished the job, were I still living."

"Who says you didn't? Death is not always the end, dear bloodhound." Haer'Dalis laughed, gesturing towards the group all around them. "Your very presence here is evidence enough of that. We deal death each day, and expect the world to simply sit back and allow it? I should think the world mighty tired of our arrogance."

"You speak in riddles and parables, but you obviously cheated death somehow." Yoshimo said, his interest piqued. "Tell me, bard. What was your secret after all? Simple good fortune, or trickery I did not see? If you were able to steal a few more years on this earth, I do not doubt the other spirits amongst us would love to hear your methods."

"Heh. Not I." Keldorn shook his head as he folded his arms, smiling wryly. "I have seen enough conflict on the mortal plane for my lifetime. As another old warrior once told me, I've earned my right to be a cranky old man on my porch."

"As though you could sit still!" Haer'Dalis scoffed. "The Right Hand of Torm, trying to convince his former companions that he would prefer an afterlife filled with resting among the clouds and listening to the angels play their harps. Even I could not convince a tavern of drunks of that."

"Ah, so we have found the one thing that the great Haer'Dalis cannot do, eh?" Yoshimo laughed. "I should have tried to contact you long ago, paladin Keldorn. Look at us… three dead men, still unable to agree on a single thing. Is it any wonder we all met an early grave before the end?"

"Perhaps not." Keldorn admitted with a nod and a smile.

"You look well… for a dead man." Viconia smirked, walking to the still form of the druid Cernd, cross-legged and eyes closed as he meditated. "And you fought as well as I remember too- that is to say, still needing my help."

The half-insulting jest was absolutely designed to illicit a reaction- when the druid did not move whatsoever, Viconia snorted, beginning to turn away. "I am not used to being ignored, even by dead men. Have a fine afterlife, jaluk."

"Haha… that fiery temperament of yours could rival Jaheira's… not something I say lightly." Cernd uttered quietly, finally opening his eyes to look upon the drow as she turned back to him. "Hello, Viconia. Was there something you needed from me? The lack of nature in this place is… disturbing, to say the least. I was hoping I could sense something of the natural order in this place- a fool's errand, perhaps."

"No more so than this entire quest that Greywulf dragged us into from the beginning." Viconia snorted, refusing to sit, instead preferring to remain standing and towering over the druid. "I simply wished to let you know… I am sorry. For what happened to you back in Amkethran."

"Are you? That seems rather unlike you, though I sense there is more to you than the coldness you project to those around you." Cernd smiled, resting his hands palm up on his knees. "I appreciate the sentiments, however. Tell me something, if you would- your home was a cold place, and you reflect its harshness well. It is well known that your people have fallen from grace in the eyes of the gods- yet there have been so many drow who reject its darkness and reach for a measure of what they once were. Do you think there is hope for your people? That the drow might once more embrace the surface world, or come to terms with their abandoned elven gods?"

"Hah!" Viconia sneered, shaking her head in disgust. "You speak of impossible things. Lolth has no intention of releasing her hold on my people. Why should she? And for what reason would the surface ever think to make peace with the drow? There is no common ground, no 'balance' for all of your theories and philosophizing."

"Just as you would never make peace with the any surfacers. And Solaufein would never betray Ust Natha. Or that fellow Drizzt would never leave his home for the world above." Cernd offered. "I do not expect that you would find my musings credible, or even possible. Still, I prefer to imagine a world where all races find their balance, even if it seems impossible now."

"Hmm. You are the only one, rivvil." Viconia grunted. "I see now why you kept to yourself in the forest- your ramblings would get you rejected by anyone in the cities."

"Perhaps. Would you care to sit with me for a time, at least until I and the others have passed?" Cernd offered. "I think we all know that our trials here have not ended- we would all do well to rest, recover our strength if we are able. If you are all right keeping company with a madman, of course."

Viconia paused for a moment- she rolled her eyes and sat down beside Cernd, crossing her legs as well. "Shar, why I put up with any of you is beyond my comprehension. Once this is all over, I should forget any of you even exist…"

Cernd did not bother to response, only closed his eyes and smiled, breathing deeply. Balance… achieved.

"Sir Anomen? I hadn't had a chance to greet you since our return- it is well to see you survived our venture through Watcher's Keep. Had we known it was the Demogorgon himself who lay at the bottom… well, I do not know how anxious I would have been to join you in the first place." Reynald took hold of Anomen's hand, shaking it firmly with Nalia following close behind him.

"Reynald… and Lady Nalia." Anomen nodded to them both in turn, though his smile could be seen as somewhat forced as he looked upon the former noblewoman. "The gods appear to have a strange sense of humor- that we would be parted so violently in the Keep of Helm only to be reunited here in the Planes seems… unlikely."

"To say the least, I think." Nalia smiled, though her cheer faded within moments. "Not many get the opportunity to communicate with those they have wronged after passing- I would be remiss not to take advantage, I think. I made… mistakes, in Watcher's Keep, Anomen. I abused our friendship for my own gain and chose power over reason. There is much I would atone for, were I still able."

"That is admirable… if somewhat late." Anomen frowned. "Lady Nalia, do not think me too judgmental of what happened back there. I have sought to restrain some of my overzealousness in recent months, and I do not believe you meant any of it to happen… but the facts are still clear. I cannot overlook what your actions cost us. What they cost your people- we saw what happened to the De'Arnise lands. What you did to those you had sworn to protect."

"As did we all… and yet, punishment was meted out, was it not?" Reynald offered, even as Nalia bowed her head in shame. "She met her end trying to undo the damage she had caused. Surely you can appreciate that. Perhaps I find myself biased, with my past as a fallen paladin- I can only say that forgiveness is a balm that heals many wounds. If not for her, then perhaps for those whom she will never be able to ask from?"

Anomen paused- he listened to the voice in his heart, tried to still the indignation that still beat strong within. It was easy to lay blame and condemn those who had fallen from their path; the Code demanded high standards and those who wanted to walk it were held above others for a reason. The All-Seeing Helm would have justice done for the crimes committed by Nalia De'Arnise. And yet, he would certainly look with approval on her attempts to make amends, short lived though they were. Wasn't that what she was trying to do, here, now?

"I… will understand, if you have little more to say to me, Anomen." Nalia managed, bowing as Reynald tucked one arm around her shoulders, his armor twinkling as their forms began gleaming, signs of fading quickly. "My deeds stand for themselves. I am not so naïve as to think that a few moments can change actions that affected so many. I have been judged already, you see- the gods did not think me fit to go to a reward, though I cannot fault them for that. Should this be our last moment together, I pray you think better of me in the future."

"M'lady… I do not doubt your sincerity- we have all made mistakes. I am perhaps the chief sinner amongst us all- my deeds and temperament should have thrown me from the Order long ago, I think." Anomen sighed. "I trusted you… perhaps that is why I took your actions so personally. And yet, empty words mean little, even if they are ones of forgiveness. I would not do you the injustice of telling you something simply because you wished to hear it, if I did not feel it in my heart. All I can offer you is this- I shall travel to the De'Arnise lands when all this is done. I shall tell the men and women that yet survive of your passing, and with the blessing of the Order, attempt to rebuild their lands."

"I… I thank you for that." Nalia whispered quietly, stepping back from Anomen with Reynald. "Please… do not tell my people of what their Lady brought upon them. Let them remember me kindly, if at all."

The Lady and Reynald did not wait for Anomen to answer- they turned and departed from him, leaving the squire alone to ponder Nalia's final request- Anomen heard other footfalls behind him and a commanding voice that brought a smile to his features. "Squire Anomen… you look troubled. Can I offer assistance, such as it is?"

The squire chuckled and turned to Keldorn, nodding to the old paladin. "There was a time when I would have seethed at the very insinuation I needed your advice, you know? How things have changed…"

"Indeed." Keldorn's lips curled upward in a smile, his gray hair still just visible as the light behind the spirits continued to fade. "I had wanted to come and say goodbye, before our time here ended."

"And instead you found yourself offering advice where it was quite possibly not wanted or needed. Things have not changed so much after all." Anomen laughed. "The Order misses your presence greatly, you know. A statue of you is being erected in the Hall of the Radiant Heart- it should be nearly finished by now."

"A statue? Waste of time and effort." Keldorn rolled his eyes with disdain. "The bloody prelate knew I didn't want one and he went ahead and did it anyway…"

"I believe he said as much when the announcement went out- 'Keldorn was not one for pomp or ceremony, but a knight of his nobility and glory deserves no less, whether he would agree or not. The fact he would protest the raising of this monument speaks to how well he deserved it'. I believe those were his words, though I may be paraphrasing a touch." Anomen recited.

"Hmph. He always did have a talent for blowing smoke at those funerals. Tell him he's a bull-headed fool for not listening to me when you get back, and if Torm allows it I'll be back to haunt his office." Keldorn folded his arms with a tight smile, waiting for Anomen to stop chuckling before continuing. "And… what of the people of De'Arnise? What will you be telling them, when you return?"

Anomen sighed, shaking his head. "I… am not certain. Surely it would not be right to lie to them about Nalia's actions. The blood of hundreds, perhaps thousands lies on her hands. Her lands are a waste- scorched earth, burned and desolate. I cannot simply cover up the truth."

"No… no, you cannot. To lie to the survivors would be certainly wrong… and yet, the truth is not always kind, is it?" Keldorn shrugged. "I do not claim to have all the answers, Anomen. I would ask only that you do as I tried to do in life: temper truth with kindness, justice with compassion, and seek to build up rather than tear down. Follow those precepts… and your future in the Order will be assured."

"You do realize that your advice was of no help at all, right?" Anomen arched one eyebrow, even as Keldorn began to sigh, shrugging the comment off. "Though as I've heard, good advice seldom is. Still… thank you, Keldorn. It is good to see you again, if only for a short time. I have missed your wisdom in these past days."

"If your handling of the incident at Watcher's Keep is any indication, you no longer need my guidance." Keldorn assured him. "I foresee you will become a great knight in the Order, Anomen. You need only the drive and confidence to make it so. And for better or worse, squire Anomen… confidence has never been something you lacked."

"Ah, my dear friends… it does an old man good to see both of you again. I cannot begin to tell you how much I appreciate everything you did on my behalf." Gorion greeted Khalid and Jaheira warmly, embracing them both in turn as he approached, the pair rising to greet him.

"It is good to see you as well- I do not know how many times we were faced with a specter wearing your face during our travels." Jaheira placed one hand on her hip, cocking her posture just slightly. "It is a fine thing to see the real you for once, even in such circumstances."

"You mean to say you all were so worried about what I thought, that you got spirits to take on my appearance? I certainly didn't get that kind of respect when I was alive." Gorion mused with a twinkle in his eye. "Do not fear… I have watched you all for some time now, and I my only regret was not being there to help Greywulf and Imoen along in their journey to this point. But in my place… I would have had nobody else watch over then. I owe you both more than I can say."

"It was our pleasure, Gorion. They were like children to us as well… how could we not do our b-best to protect them as you would have wanted?" Khalid offered.

"Perhaps… though I cannot help but think you no longer see them as such. Greywulf at least?" Gorion smiled, chuckling at the immediate blush filling Jaheira's features.

"Ghost or not, I will not hesitate to smack you for another comment like that." Jaheira growled, but seeing the faint smile on Khalid's face, she seemed to relent. "If they were here, I know they would have much to tell you. The question of whether or not you would have approved of the choices they made was often on their minds. To finally have you here and then to be… whisked somewhere else- it does not seem fair."

"No… but I do not think they are gone. Not yet. The fact we yet live should be evidence enough of that." Gorion mused. "I do admit, seeing Sarevok here was… surprising. More so that he has not turned on you yet."

"It was not by choice, believe me." Jaheira frowned, looking at Sarevok, the Deathbringer staring intently out into the void, off by himself. "If I had my way, he would be lying in a ditch somewhere right now. For all the aid he has been… I still see your blood on his hands whenever I look upon him. It is Greywulf's word alone that stays my hand."

"Y-you know, three years ago you would have ignored Greywulf entirely and killed him anyway." Khalid reminded her.

"He is a fine leader, now. That is not to say I still do not wish to drive my palm into his forehead daily, but… you would be proud. Both of you."

"All of you, to me!"

Sarevok's bellow rang through the entirety of the protective sphere that shielded them all- every man and woman within immediately ran to Sarevok's side, looking to him expectantly. "She is coming. Ready yourselves…"

Out in the dark, a glimmer of light was growing- as it grew larger, it became apparent that this was no aid on the way, no rescue descending from on high. Amelyssan the Blackhearted approached the globe of magic, her size dwarfing the sphere as she held it in the palm of her clawed brass gauntlet. Lifting it to eye level, she peered inside at the defiant mortals- a booming laugh echoed in the void, quickly followed by a disgusted sneer. "Still you remain, mortals. Still that worm attempts to protect you all. Why? Tell me… where is he hiding? Where has he taken the remainder of the god-essence? I sense the spirits among you beginning to fade- for those who retain flesh, I suggest you answer quickly, lest you join the dead."

"You are a fool, to think we would betray those we have fought alongside for so long." Gorion declared. "I doubt any of us truly know where Greywulf and Imoen are now… only that they are beyond your reach."

"Nothing is beyond my reach, little man." Amelyssan hissed, squeezing the globe tightly as cracks began forming on its surface. "I will ask once more before I end your pathetic lives. Where are they?!"

Nobody spoke- until, at long last, Aerie stepped forward, the ethereal frame she wore growing fainter by the second. Amelyssan looked to her with suspicion, waiting for her to speak… "When Greywulf and Imoen return, they're going to kick your ass."

Aerie glanced back at Minsc, sharing a final smile to her protector as they all prepared for the end- a tendril of emerald magic leapt from the void surrounding them all and engulfed the globe Amelyssan held, snatching it from her grasp and encasing it in hard crystal. A massive cloaked form began taking shape in the darkness- green hood and cloak surrounding a gray wraith, eyes glowing bright yellow in the midst of the hood. The visage was humanoid, and the features familiar, but the being within glowed with the power of Bhaal- those amidst the group knew instinctively the identity of this god as it spoke. "These mortals are mine to protect, Amelyssan. You wished to do battle for the essence of Bhaal? Then face a god, if you dare."

Jaheira's throat dried up as she looked upon what had been Greywulf- no longer. He had fully embraced the powers of his blood, and taken up divinity… or at least, part of it. His ethereal body seemed almost mist or smoke under the green cloak, but Amelyssan showed no fear, if she felt any at all. "You? A god? You are half of I! Less than that! I can sense the power you possess- it is a fraction of what I control! You think to challenge Murder itself?!"

Amelyssan leapt at Greywulf, her spear forming in her hands as she soared towards him, the spear impaling his misty form, sending yellow lightning bursting from within his cloak. His glowing, wispy features wrinkled, pain filling them- with effort, he grabbed hold of the spear shaft and tore it from his form, letting the wound close and fill itself with wisps of smoke and fog. "I am no god of murder, Amelyssan. I am a god of Vengeance. Your sins are many- it is time you paid the price for them."

His cloak stretched out to envelop her, bringing darkness in its wake- she tore and clawed at the godly power attempting to bind her, before thrusting both arms and legs out as lightning spears tore through the entrapment and sent Greywulf tumbling back, smoking as he reformed himself beside his companions. He was on one knee, turning quickly to ensure the safety of the others- a glimmer of power from his eyes and the forms of those spirits who had come to his aid solidified again, rejuvenated in this place once more.

"I cannot fathom how you can continue to care for these worms." Amelyssan shook her head, raising her spear as it began to crackle with purple energy. "Look at you! You are beyond them! Far greater than anything they could dream of! And still you pay them attention? They are ants to be trampled underfoot, nothing more. And if they are ants to you, what are they to me! What are any of you?!"

The bolt of energy surged out towards the protections Greywulf had created- the god thrust himself in front of them, gritting his teeth as the destructive force ate away at his form, the back of his cloak beginning to glow bright white as his powers waned. "They are... enough! They taught me everything I needed on this earth… and you will not have them!"

His words were brave, his power undeniable- but Amelyssan was right about one thing. He was half the god she was- and with a final burst of energy, Greywulf burst into flame, his godly form falling to ash before them as the essence of Bhaal began pooling out from under him, fluttering back and forth as though trying to decide whether to remain within Greywulf or retreat to Amelyssan. Amelyssan lowered her spear in triumph, stalking over to the fallen god, his form trying to rebuild itself but going far, far too slowly as the goddess of Murder stood over top of him. "I have tolerated much from you all… more than I should have. No more games. Now you die your final death."

Amelyssan's spear hurtled downward to snuff out the last embers of Greywulf's life force- a red shield solidified above the fallen god, deflecting Amelyssan's blow completely. "Hehehe… did you really imagine us that unprepared? Come brother, stand to your feet. We are not through with this one."

"Imoen? Is… is that you?" Aerie's voice was the faintest of whispers in the dark as a feminine form appeared from the ether, skin like ruby and glistening like crystal. Atop ebony hair was a golden tiara that seemed to run down her back, splitting out on either side. Glowing green gauntlets and boots sat upon her wrists and feet and a silver wand was clutched in either of her long nailed hands.

"Perhaps… but not as you remember." Imoen replied quietly, before moving to action again, thrusting both wands to send twin spirals of ruby crystal to encase the goddess of Murder- the energy held her within as Greywulf slowly reformed himself, his smoky form floating over to join Imoen. "Now, brother?"

"Now." He nodded, raising his arms as his cloak unfurled, green tendrils leaping out from his body and burrowing through the red crystal around Amelyssan, seeking out her body within – as they reached her, burrowing into her skin and past her armor, golden essence began pouring out from the wounds, lurching out into the void and towards the two gods as they worked to hold Amelyssan, to drain her of the god essence she'd claimed so far-

"Enough!" Amelyssan screamed as she shattered her prison, sending both gods flying back. Imoen did a somersault in mid-air and landed in a crouched position, one wand already sending a twisting dragon of ruby towards the enraged goddess, the other creating a massive set of walls to cover their old companions even further.

Amelyssan swung her spear and shattered the ruby dragon with the shaft of the weapon, then caught the questing tendrils of Greywulf's cloak in one hand, pulling hard and yanking the god over to her where she smashed him in the face with her elbow. A ruby swarm of harpies descended upon Amelyssan as Imoen leapt from her stance, positioning herself in front of the others. One wand formed itself into a ruby shield in her hand, the other lengthened itself into a massive blade. Imoen slammed the two together as Amelyssan ripped at the harpies clawing her skin, shattering them into the void in seconds. "You will fail, goddess of Murder. I am the one who protects, an eye for an eye. I am Retribution given form."

"You disgust me. Both of you!" Amelyssan spat, a glob of vile acid that burned on the shield Imoen carried. "You try to justify your use of the taint by channeling it to different forms- yet all of it, still overshadowed by the violence you yearn to feel. Vengeance! Retribution! Say it and be done! You seek to Murder! You always have!"

The goddess leapt at Imoen, letting her spear be deflected by Imoen's sword for a moment before spinning and clutching at Imoen's back with her hand, black smoke beginning to erupt from her palm and infesting the crystalline form of the goddess of Retribution. Imoen gasped, trying to separate herself as Amelyssan's hand vibrated, sinking further and further into the small of Imoen's back, tar-like poison spreading amidst her insides while the ruby weapons she carried dissolved into their original wand states- gray smoke poured out from Greywulf's cloak and filled the air around Amelyssan, the goddess gasping as the smoke began pouring down her nostrils and throat, gagging her- Greywulf's voice boomed through the air, "You are not the only one who can infest another, Amelyssan. Feel my presence enter you, choke the life from your body. Surrender your essence to us! Let Vengeance take you!"

Amelyssan staggered away from Imoen with the sound of shattering glass, a gaping hole left in Imoen's back as the goddess fell to the ground, struggling to stand as new crystal grew in place of the old, her ruby tone still dim and tainted, but gradually returning to normal. The empty cloak Greywulf had left moved on its own accord, sending razor like tendrils to cut and slash at the goddess of Murder, opening little cuts along her arms and torso as she tried to fend them off while gagging on the mist and smoke that continued to pour inside her- She opened her mouth wide and a gout of flame bellowed out, expelling Greywulf's wraith-like form as it reunited beneath its cloak, next to Imoen. "She will… not relent. We have gathered much, but even together, we are half her strength."

"If even that." Amelyssan wiped a fluttering of the essence of Bhaal from her mouth, drawing into herself once more. "I see your minds now, little godlings. You thought that in the absence of the Throne, you could steal my essence and divert it to yourself. Cunning. Bold, even. And ultimately doomed. I have too much of the essence- splitting the remainder between the two of you only weakened your chances! If one of you had claimed it all for yourself, you may have stood a chance! As it is… your deaths are simply a matter of time. Come now, and be murdered…"

X

The battle of gods before them was like nothing any of them had ever witnessed. No longer Greywulf and Imoen, but two gods, one a deity of Vengeance and one a bringer of Retribution. One made of smoke and mist, barely human features present in the gray midst and hidden under a green cloak. One crystal and ruby, bright and vibrant as her spirit in life. Both outmatched by the power of the goddess of Murder, Amelyssan.

Imoen slammed to the ground with the shaft of Amelyssan's spear crunching into her stomach, cracks beginning to spread across her chest and torso. Solaufein slammed his fist against the prison that surrounded and protected them, one hand at his sword, no matter how futile the gesture. "We cannot simply stand here and watch!" he growled. "There must be something, anything-!"

"I… I fear there is nothing to be done." Gorion shook his head. "The magic that separates us from them also shields us from this place. Were we to stride the Abyss as they do, our forms would be destroyed in seconds. That we yet remain is testament to their newfound powers… powers I had hoped they might not ever grow to wield."

"Your points are well stated… but even more so, do any of us truly wish to interfere with that?" Yoshimo winced as the whole of Greywulf's form began to spin, flattening out and encircling Amelyssan, small needlelike extensions erupting from his body to impale the goddess repeatedly as she tried to tear him away from her while Imoen pushed herself off the ground, out from under Amelyssan's spear.

"I did not… I could not imagine that both of them would ascend. Or that I would see it happen- perhaps I was naïve. I assumed there was a way out…" Jaheira murmured, looking upon her lover as Khalid held her hand, the two unable to protect them any longer.

"W-we always knew this was a possibility, didn't we? We can only pray they find a way to prevail- what happens afterwards… that remains to be seen, doesn't it?"

Sarevok barely heard the nervous conversation behind him as he continued to bear witness to the clash of gods before them all. This was… maddening. To see the power he had striven for after so long, and in the hands of Greywulf? Imoen? To see them ascend and not him was… it made his stomach curl up in knots. Made him wish he were anywhere else… the Deathbringer snarled, shaking the feeling off. Petty jealousy, nothing more. He knew that his chance at the Throne had ended with his death… and for all his attempts to push himself back into the prophecy after his resurrection, none of it had amounted to anything. Even more than that, his hatred for Greywulf and Imoen, though still as bright and burning as ever, was tempered with respect. They had accomplished everything he'd been driven to do, but in a way he'd never dreamed possible. They'd held onto whatever moral code Gorion had drilled into them, surrounded themselves with friends, not lackeys. Every one of their group was weak, according to the standards he'd held himself to for his whole life… and yet, here at the end, he was forced to admit that his way had failed. Should they finally succeed and he survive all this… he would be forced to reevaluate things. What he would end up doing with his life… finding a purpose of his own.

"Brother. Brother, hear us."

Sarevok's eyes widened as he heard the voices of Greywulf and Imoen enter his mind, echo in his head as Amelyssan screamed, driving Greywulf off of her with a burst of godly power that flattened both of her opponents.

"Amelyssan's power is too much. We have a portion of Bhaal's taint powering us, split amidst us both… it is not enough. We have conferred. We have considered. We need your help."

Sarevok listened- a wicked smile crept across his face as he folded his arms. "And… why should I? You two are already weakened gods- splitting your powers a third time to me would leave us scarcely able to scratch her."

"It will require perfect timing. It is our final chance. Aid us, or watch as Amelyssan claims the Throne for her own. Choose, brother. Choose."

Amelyssan strode to the two fallen gods, planting her spear in the middle of Greywulf's cloak, its magic crackling and holding the wraithlike form in place. She leaned down and picked up Imoen's ruby form by the neck, squeezing tightly as magic channeled from her other hand and arced over the top of her from the spear shaft to her hand, splintering Imoen's crystalline features with each jolt.

"It ends now." Amelyssan hissed, watching as her foes faded faster and faster, unable to reform themselves under the constant barrage of destructive force. There… a hint of flesh began showing beneath that wretched crystalline form- golden flecks of Bhaal's essence began abandoning Imoen's body, loosing themselves and leaving her exposed, vulnerable… human. Amelyssan glanced down to the writhing form of Greywulf on the ground, laughing madly as she saw the same happening to the so-called god of Vengeance- as their powers ebbed, she closed her eyes, waiting for the power to engulf and enter her…

Nobody said a word. Nobody made the slightest hint of a sound as the form of Sarevok turned to black, turned to flame and phased out from the globe of magic that they were encased in. They knew what had happened, what the final gambit was that Greywulf and Imoen were willing to play. And the sight of a creature of dark flame, made of coal and embers that burned black and red was enough to make them sick… and yet, as a sword that glowed with blue fire erupted from the void and thrust itself into Amelyssan's back, they could not help but feel the faintest hint of hope as well.

"Now." Greywulf snarled, immediately stretching out one hand to siphon the god-essence pouring from Amelyssan's back, rejuvenating his body and power.

"Now." Imoen echoed, the flesh and skin covered and made whole once more as bright red crystal encased her and golden magic flowed from the back of her head once again, like silken hair in the dark.

"Now!" Sarevok boomed, his features finally clear as he pulled more and more of the bleeding Amelyssan's power to himself. His features were bestial, eyes red and mouth full of razor fangs, like a great demon from the Hells. His shoulders and arms burned with an intensity like no other flame, and his chest seemed covered made of ember and coal themselves. He was fire and shadow and death- Amelyssan wrenched herself off of Sarevok's blade and hurled a globe of energy behind her to throw the burgeoning god off in desperation.

"By Helm… they truly did it." Anomen swallowed, looking up at Sarevok's glowing form in fear. "They gave the madman the power he sought for so long… this will not end well for anyone."

"What choice did they have?" Viconia shook her head in disgust. "I would do anything to find victory here, rivvil. As they would, it seems. Anything to secure the powers of the Throne- no price is too high, now."

Viconia's words hung in the air as the four deities continued to do battle- and yet, it was the connotations of what the drow had said that stuck with those who had known them best for so long. There were lines Greywulf didn't cross. Lines Imoen wouldn't toe. That they would do so now willingly spoke to an undeniable truth that was apparent from anybody who cared to look- they were not the same two they had been a mere hour ago. Those two beings were… gone. Changed. What they were now, the god of Vengeance and goddess of Retribution… it remained to be seen.

"You dare?! Another false god- I care not! Split your powers till you are legion, it makes little difference! Your powers will flow to me when I stand upon your desolate corpses!" Amelyssan seethed, clutching her closing chest wound as she struggled back to her feet, the power that Sarevok had stolen from Amelyssan settling evenly between all three of her opponents. They looked as strong as they'd been before granting Sarevok the majority of their own divinity- stronger perhaps. The portion of the taint they possessed compared to hers was growing… for the first time, Amelyssan felt fear.

"No, Amelyssan… it shall not." Greywulf intoned coldly as he rose into the upper echelons of the Void Plane, his form growing to encompass all- "You have shed the blood of millions to satisfy your lust for power. Their voices cry out to me for Vengeance."

Greywulf hurtled downwards, a grasping claw extending from his emerald cloak and impaling Amelyssan on it- she screeched and tried to tear the solidifying claw out of her- Imoen's wands formed into ruby whips, lashing around Amelyssan's arm and yanking it away, from Greywulf, the goddess' eyes flashing bright yellow as her crystalline features hardened. "Everyone we care about has met harm or threats from your forces. You have brought death to those who did not deserve it, and payment shall be made clear. Retribution… an eye for an eye."

With that, one of the whips reformed into a curved scythe, Imoen immediately thrusting it forward and impaling Amelyssan's left eye with it. The goddess of Murder screamed as power lurched from her wounded form, slowly entering the three gods surrounding her- a wave of divinity threw every one of them off and still Amelyssan remained, wounded, panting… mad with pain and drunk on power. "When… when will you learn?! I am a Goddess! The new Lord of Murder! How dare you strike at me- it was my power to hold, to claim! Who are you? Who are any of you to deny me this moment?!"

"We are the Children of Bhaal." Sarevok hissed, his shadow sword blazing with hellfire as he hefted it, circling around behind the wounded woman, Greywulf and Imoen moving to the other sides of her. "We are your final judgment, usurper. More than that…"

Sarevok thrust his blade out at Amelyssan- she tried to dodge it but smoke and mist solidified around her arms and held her tightly in place as the cloak of Greywulf tangled itself around her legs. Imoen raised one wand- it extended into the long shaft of a bow even as she raised the other wand to it- an arrow of crimson formed upon it and leapt from the string, sinking deep into the back of Amelyssan's head as Sarevok's blade found its mark, tearing out Amelyssan's stomach and allowing the essence of divinity to pour from her. "We are the gods of Murder."

Amelyssan screamed and fell to her knees, vomiting up more and more of the taint- it was flowing as if imbued with life and thought of its own- she scrambled with her hands, trying to clutch at it but there was no use- the full measure of Bhaal's taint was finally here, gathered in one spot- and it knew its home. It knew the vessels most fitting- three mortals, each given a full third of the powers of a dead god- Amelyssan's godly form shattered and she was left floating in the void, her human form only sustained by a sudden wave of the hand from Greywulf, the woman enclosed in the same protection that sustained the others.

She looked down at her body, red and shaking with the sudden lurching of divinity from it. A primal scream echoed from her raw throat as she looked up at the forms of the three deities before her- there was nothing but cold anger in the eyes of the wraith that had been Greywulf. Satisfied justice in the golden sheaths covering Imoen's eyes. Eager bloodlust in Sarevok's burning gaze. "It cannot end this way!"

Amelyssan tried to stand, but the armor she was wearing, the brass plating- without the divinity of Bhaal it was too heavy, too obtrusive. It mattered little- in moments it splintered and left her in nothing but rags and leathers. "And now… it ends." Greywulf intoned, his hand reaching through the shielding and enclosing the woman in his iron grasp- she struggled, insanity-borne strength driving her to fight, but to no avail.

"No! The Bhaalspawn have NOT won! I refuse to believe it!" Amelyssan choked out, but air was rapidly leaving her lungs- her words were but whispers as she continued. "I would die, first!"

"Then we condemn you to death, Amelyssan the Blackhearted." Imoen spat, raising both hands and creating a bridge of protective energy that allowed Amelyssan to float from Greywulf's clutches to Sarevok. She finally stopped her struggles as she settled in front of this new being… this new Lord of Murder.

Sarevok did not say anything- he simply put his hand, palm up, underneath her feet so that she might stand. The moment her heels touched his palm, his entire hand went up in flame, emblazoned with black fire. Amelyssan screamed as the dark fire consumed her- hair, skin, blood and bone. After a brief moment, all that remained was bloody ash- and then, nothing at all.

"So." Greywulf studied the Void around them, as though waiting for another challenger to appear.

"It is finished." Imoen rotated around the void, finally coming to a rest beside the enclosure that held their friends and allies.

"Aye… all pretenders to the Throne have been vanquished… and yet, three still remain. This was… unexpected." Sarevok murmured, his bestial form rippling in frustration. "To share power for eternity with you two… it is… not a pleasant thought."

"Do you think to test your might against us, murder-Lord?" Greywulf queried darkly, his cloak fluttering behind him as he began to hover, rising above Sarevok. "You have murdered many as well- perhaps my first task as god of Vengeance should be the delivery of your soul to the abyss…"

"Stop! All of you… please, we need to talk with you!"

Aerie's tones echoed through the Abyss, drawing their attention, if just for a moment- the three glanced upon one another as though ready to resume battle once more- with hesitation, they descended, slowly phasing into the platform where the others had watched everything take place. Stepping in, their forms were overwhelming- Greywulf's aura was enough to drive anyone to their knees with weakness, while Imoen's body glowed with an intensity enough to blind one if they looked at it directly. Sarevok seemed to absorb any light in the area, leaving an icy chill his wake as he walked to the center with the other two- Sarevok gestured towards all of them to Greywulf and Imoen. "This is no longer their affair. Is it not time to end the prophecies of our Father? To let the Realms see a new divinity made whole?"

"They are of us… even if we are no longer of them." Greywulf countered- if the effect his words had on those listening was felt by the formless god, he did not show it. "They deserve to see the ending here, more than any others. We were borne of their words, their actions."

"Amelyssan was right about one thing- you continue to treat them as though they matter when your power dwarfs all in this place." Sarevok sneered. "We are, all three of us, more than we have ever been before. If we are to battle and decide that the power is but for one to hold, it should be done now. The time for waiting is over. They have no place in this- our combat would do nothing but break them and leave them as scattered as Amelyssan's remains. I offer you the chance to remove them from this realm first, as a token of respect, brother."

A ruby strand wormed its way around Sarevok's throat, hurling him onto his back with a thud- he growled a challenge but was immediately cut off as Imoen slammed her emerald boot down upon his throat, cutting off his words. "Always you forget about me, brother." Imoen tsked, a hint of her old teasing tone in those booming words. "Should you decide to fight one here, it would be two that you face. I think you would find us more than a match for your powers. One sign of weakness, one slip up and we would drain you as quickly as we did Amelyssan."

A guttural noise issued from Sarevok's throat as Imoen let him up- he rubbed his neck and glowered at the two other gods before taking his hand off of the hilt of his sword. "Perhaps. It brings us no closer to the end of this. Will it be thus, then? Three dwelling in the Throne of Murder for eternity?"

"Perhaps. And perhaps not… you have, all of you, done well. And if answers are what you seek- I return to you to provide them all, at long last."

A soft, familiar voice erupted out of the platform where the remainder of their companions waited- an ethereal figure stepped out, barely visible but unmistakeable upon sight. The Solar, smiling and bowing to the three with respect.

"Solar… we thought you were gone! Lost in battle with the Demogorgon…" Solaufein exclaimed, moving to touch the celestial- his hand passed through her with no resistance, leaving a trail of wisp in the wake of his fingers.

"I was… the powers of the Abyss along with Demogorgon's strength tore my physical form apart. My soul, however… Lord Ao saw fit to rescue that from utter destruction and bring me here, to play the role of your guide one last time." The Solar bowed her head in gratitude.

"And the Demogorgon?" Jaheira asked, her interest piqued.

"Perhaps as good an outcome as could have been expected- had we slain his physical form, his spirit would have returned to the Hells where he could have rejuvenated and reigned supreme once more. He now lies within Realms, tumbling through the Void and unreachable by any other than the strongest of gods." The Solar smiled with the slightest hint of a smirk at the edge of her azure colored lips. "But now the time that was mentioned has come, godchildren. There is a choice before you...you have prevailed against all that have assailed you, and now you must decide your fate."

"Tell us then, Solar. Let the wars of the Bhaalspawn finally end." Greywulf uttered, his cloak closing to wrap itself around the indistinct wraith within.

"You have come to the final stage of the Throne with not one, but two other siblings. Sarevok's portion of the taint was insignificant next to yours, only the slightest echo that Imoen gave up when she volunteered to raise him from the dead. And yet- here he stands, holding an equal portion of the power beside you. The first option that I present to you three is this- finish the fight, as you have done with so many others of your kin. Slaughter yourselves until but one remains. The victor will have the full powers of Bhaal, and reign supreme in this place." The Solar declared, even as looks of worry crossed the faces of their companions.

"That's no choice!" Jaheira snapped, slashing the air in front of her with a hand. "They would never… tell her! You would not… I know you would not…"

Greywulf seemed to regard Jaheira's fading anger and growing worry with what appeared on the surface to be pity- he floated to her, glowing eyes in the midst of smoke and fog showing no sign of humanity left, and yet… his tone said otherwise. "Do not fear, Jaheira. I have not lost so very much of what you remember of me. Everything within me cries for vengeance against Sarevok, and yet I find my sister innocent. She will not meet her end here, not by my hand. Him, though…"

"I seek Retribution for those who have harmed the innocent. For the murderers of those I protect." Imoen declared, coming to the ghostly forms of Gorion, Khalid, Aerie and Dynaheir. "You decide… should I seek Retribution for you? Should Sarevok die for his crimes? I will be your avenging goddess if you wish me to be."

"I… maybe I would have said yes, before all this." Aerie swallowed, looking up at what had once been her best friend in the world. "I would have welcomed his death… but I can't ask you to do that. Not like this- his portion of the taint will be yours and Greywulf's… and then what?"

"We would be but two. Twin gods seeking those who have wronged the innocent and punishing the guilty." Greywulf growled, spinning to regard Sarevok- the beastial god had been watching with seething power at his fingertips, simply waiting for the first strike.

"You presume much, brother." Sarevok laughed. "That you and she might take my head so easily? I would make you work for every ounce of power, every drop of my divinity. I did not come all this way to simply abandon it."

"I am not the man you've bested in the past." Greywulf rose up, already preparing to do battle. "They would see your head fly from your shoulders if they but knew the crawling filth in your soul as I see it- I can hear the cries of every victim you slaughtered, the pleas for vengeance that echo in my heart…"

"My son… if anyone should desire vengeance against that thing, it is I." Gorion's quiet tones turned Greywulf's attention immediately- he floated back from Sarevok and down to his father's side, an audible whistling of wind in the air as the wraith drew close. "I will add my voice to Aerie's… let it go. There has been enough death for one day."

"Why?!" Greywulf asked incredulously as Imoen landed to join him, one always keeping an eye on their brother as they listened to the last vestiges of their mortal connections speak. "We all know the guilt he bears- his soul deserves my wrath more than any other I can feel. Sister, can you not feel the burden as well?"

"Retribution… for Gorion. For our friends in Candlekeep." Imoen nodded, fingering her wands as she folded her arms. "It is decided, then…"

"And then?" Keldorn asked, shaking his head. "You have decided, in your deific wisdom, that this man needs to die here, now. The call of blood is strong within you- how much more so shall it be when his portion of the taint flows within your souls?"

"It is not for his sake that we ask you to stay your hand… it is for your own sake." Anomen nodded. "You have become… so much more than you were, and yet, that which we knew of you is nearly gone."

"Sarevok is not a good man. But there is more within him than evil, Boo thinks." Minsc shrugged, resting one hand on Dynaheir and one on Aerie. "Boo thinks… he says that if you do this, there will be no going back. You will be lost to the heavens, gone from us forever. We will no longer fight evil together… and we will miss you both. Forever shall we hang our heads in sadness in remembrance of our great butt-kicking friend."

"There is… I…. I feel. I feel what they say, brother." Imoen murmured, shaking her head slightly. "Do you… do you sense it? There is a spark left within me, within you… but it is almost faded."

"That is your humanity, sister." Sarevok grunted, walking over to the two gods as they glanced at Sarevok warily, but the god of Murder did not make any threats or try to strike. "We all yet remain human… if only in the slightest of fashions. That the taint is split amongst three does enough to keep the reminder of your old self from being lost completely. I feel it as well- but unlike the two of you, I welcome its demise. I would be rid of my mortal self in an instant to take on the mantle of divinity."

For a moment, the group thought Sarevok's words would signal a final confrontation, a battle they'd been expecting and dreading from the moment he had shared in the taint once again… and yet, he remained still. "I am no fool. I know that I would not survive against both of you. I stand by what I said before- anyone who blocks your path meets their end. I do not imagine that godhood will change that."

"If you will not fight amongst one another, then two options yet remain." The Solar continued, apparently pleased with their choice. "You may remain as you are, three aspects ruling one Throne as Vengeance, Retribution, and Murder. I will bring these whom you loved back to the world of mortals… and when my body has been rejuvenated, I shall come and guide the three of you. I will show you how to rebuild your Throne, how to guide this divinity as you see fit until you can stand upon your own godly powers."

As the Solar finished speaking, a silence filled the air- nobody wanted to speak, afraid of what the gods might say… or do, in the moments as they ticked by. Greywulf glanced at his siblings- they looked back. Imoen's features were hard, cold as she spoke again. "And the final option, Solar?"

"Freedom, of course." The Solar raised her hands, and a portal of light erupted into the Abyss they were in, shining down upon all three gods. "You all may choose to surrender the essence that remains within you. It would be kept hidden by the gods in the halls of Mount Celestial, removing its evil taint from the Realms and forever preventing it from soiling further souls. The three of you would be made mortals once more, free to continue your life with destinies of your own choosing. The manipulations of gods will no longer be your concern and your souls would be cleansed. This, however… must be a unanimous decision."

"Madness… to think that I would come so far, to reach the heights of my ambition and be subject to a fate such as this." Sarevok shook his head, regarding his siblings with what may have been pleading. "I do not imagine you need to be told what I would do, were I in complete control of your decisions. The power is at hand- all that remains is for us to take hold. And yet… to refuse it would mean that you are finally free to live the life you wished for after so long. Make your choice, and I shall live with the consequences. I will say no more."

"I… did not expect that." Greywulf glanced at Sarevok in uncertainty. "I do not know. I no longer have perspective on this matter, I think. Sister?"

"I feel the same." Imoen uttered, shaking her head lightly. "It is as though I can see everything, how the world fits together and the souls within that resonate with our purpose… and yet, everything else grows strangely dim in the light of this divinity."

"You… all of you, were instrumental in leading us here. In bringing us to this moment. And now that it arrives, I can scarcely remember who we were or why we would have turned down this power." Greywulf looked out upon the group as a whole, faces all so familiar, so loved… and yet, even that, those relationships began to fade as well. He knew them all, didn't he? How much had he lost in such a short time with this power? It had all been so important, once… there was only one way to remember why, now. "So it falls to you. Each one of you deserves this much. Speak to us. Tell us what Greywulf would have done. Tell us what Imoen would have said. Remind us of what our mortal selves once were… and we will judge."

X

Voices echoed across the planescape of their minds. Imoen and Greywulf… both joined together as one, taking the final measure of what was said. Their eyes were open, but they did not see- all their attention was focused inward, on the words that rippled around them like drops of dew on a lake. Every one of their companions had said their peace; the words were engrained in their memories now. It was as though the two of them were standing in a darkened room, aware of everything and nothing, only hearing that which they wanted to hear- those familiar voices one last time. A decision had to be made- "Once more, sister. One more time, let us listen. Let us decide."

Nalia De'Arnise's- she sounded calm, but sad somehow… like a bittersweet memory in the back of the mind. Her voice did not waver once. "You would be powerful, all of you… but what would you use the power for? What will it use *you* for? I accepted the powers of the Machine of Lum the Mad because I wanted to help people...we all saw how that turned out. "If you intend to keep the power… then you can never lose control. Even for a second. You will affect the lives of millions… and yet, will that even matter to you, in the end?"

Minsc, their stalwart friend for so long- only just now was he returned to his former self. Would that change when Aerie and Dynaheir left this plane once more? "Who is Minsc to say what you should do? If you go, we will miss you both. But what is a sword to the gods above? If you choose this, then we shall always remember you. Boo and I will say we knew the heroes Imoen and Greywulf. And people will of course not believe us. And maybe, they will look at us more strangely than they do now. Or maybe not."

"He truly sees with the eyes of a child. He looks more to the breaking of the group than our own ascension."

"In his mind, is that not what matters most? Is that so wrong?"

"I… perhaps not."

Anomen, the squire of the Order. He had spoken with equal parts awe and apprehension- his devotion to the gods was coloring his vision of them as well, that much was obvious. Did that give him perspective that the others lacked? "What I have feared since meeting you all is coming to pass- the darkness of Bhaal's taint could be wiped away in an instant, and yet I would be remiss not to encourage you to take up this challenge; who could refuse such an offer? The good you might do among the Heavens is unmatched by anything we might accomplish as mortals... if you are willing to sacrifice all that remains of your humanity to do so."

"Is that all? Humanity… was that what held us back for so long? What made us fear what we are now?"

"Surely it must have been more."

"He says it as though it means something to us now… as though the mere utterance of the word would be enough."

Haer'Dalis, the bard. The rogue. The unreliable tiefling whose loyalties were never apparent- that he hadn't betrayed them despite his worship of entropy was a surprise unto itself, though did that speak to their new roles now? Agents of chaos? "Ah, my dear raven… truly, the garb of the gods doth suit you well. And my wildflower- grown to a cherry tree in full bloom! The call of the Planes is like a siren, haunting, melodic- I can scarcely believe I have stayed in the Prime for so long. And you two… the opportunity to stride it like giants- the stories they'll tell, the sights you'll see! Take the step, my friends. Step into a new life and a new journey, and don't look back."

Yoshimo, the fallen traitor who had betrayed them to Irenicus. A man who'd valued honor above all… and who'd begged for forgiveness despite his actions. If anyone deserved Retribution, or the hand of Vengeance, it was him. "To live a life amongst the gods… it is not something I had ever dreamed of, nor could I ever imagine. To know there would be one in the heavens who sought justice for the crimes and criminals I often sought myself is a comforting thing… and yet, who am I to really advise you on your path? I am grateful for you giving me the chance to have made this small attempt at redemption- I wonder if you would have done so as you are now. Perhaps the world has less grays and more black and white from your new eyes."

"He is… not wrong, you know."

"About the world being black and white now, or not giving him the chance to redeem himself, if we had been as we are now?"

"Both, I think."

Viconia- the temptress, the exile. A creature of beauty, and yet unfathomably dangerous. A balance of light and dark, good and evil- she was the strangest dichotomy of them all. Her brow was knit, her words uncertain. She was strangely earnest, contemplative as she spoke, not the brash unyielding woman she showed everyone on the surface. "So… victory comes at long last, does it? And such a choice to make… once, there would have been no question as to what I thought the two of you should do. If power exists, it exists to be taken. To do so otherwise is to show weakness and invite death. But… I am not the same drow I once was. The times I spent with you on the surface have changed me, as loathe as I may be to admit it. Having seen you grow from wandering children to powerful warriors, and now this… I do not know. Power came to you when you did not seek it. When you openly spurned it. To accept it now, after fighting it for so long… would that be your true display of weakness?"

"Weakness… in what we are now? It seems ridiculous, does it not?"

"Yes… to divine ears."

Reynald de Chatillon- fallen paladin. Only their ally for a short time, but as courageous a man as any other who had traveled at their side. He knew more than most the consequences of a poor decision- he bore the weight of his own each day he had lived outside the Order. "I chose my own selfish desires over what I knew to be right, once. It haunted me the rest of my life… if you decide to follow this road, to let yourself become the gods you claim to be now… let it be for the right reasons. I took a woman who was not mine to take, and gave up everything I'd held dear for it. Godhood will claim everything you once held dear… let it be worth it."

Solaufein of Ust Natha- their ally in the depths of the Underdark. Another drow who found a better way, a path free from hatred and darkness. A man who had traded the hatred of one race for the bigotry and hatred of another. "You two gave me a new life here on the surface. I would be dead or worse, had I remained down there. No amount of praying to the gods would have turned me from my path- even Eilistraee had to use mortals to accomplish her will. You were her instruments- I see that now. If you wish to help people, to save them… then stay with us, wear mortal flesh and change this world. If you wish to punish, to avenge, to visit the wrath that so many rightly deserve… then stay as you are now. The world could use both all too often."

Dynaheir- Minsc's witch from the day they set foot outside Rashemen, and one of their wisest companions. So powerful, yet so reserved- whenever she spoke, it was with purpose, with reason. Her opinion had meant much to them when she had lived… "Thou lookest to me for wisdom now? Here, in this place… I fear you will find me lacking. For what shall I say to help you decide the fate of thine own immortal soul? Wilt thou stay mortal at the behest of a woman years since dead? Or decide to join the pantheon of gods because of my words? Thou must make a path that suits thee well- that is the best I can offer you. Whichever path that is… may you walk it well, and walk it together. There is little worse than a road traveled alone."

"What we once said… the two of us. What was it, now…?"

"You don't remember? It was… the two of us. All the way to the end."

"Yes… of course. I simply… it fades, doesn't it? The light of everything we once were. It fades in the glory of the now. Of what we are, together."

"Together… promise me this much, brother. No matter what we decide… together. Always."

"I… promise."

Keldorn Firecam, the Right Hand of Torm. The power of the god of Justice could be felt in his presence, clinging to him. It was… not the same as their power. Vengeance and retribution, it seemed, were two very different things than justice. "To become a power that would walk the planes at will… I cannot imagine facing such a choice myself, and I do not envy you two the task. I stand in awe at the glory of my Lord Torm, and yet… the reward awaiting me each moment is an eternity in the arms of my beloved Maria and my children. I do not know if our gods feel such love, such emotions as we do… to leave that kind of love behind? I could not endure it. No… it would not be for me."

Cernd… Jaheira's old companion, a druid as dedicated to the balance as she and yet so very different from her. Like polar opposites in temperament, yet still serving in as rightly a fashion as they could both deem. "The balance creaks and sways with the very footsteps you take. I can feel the pull of this world as the taint of Bhaal makes its presence known- a presence you will bring with you for the rest of eternity, should you choose godhood. I know what it is to have a beast inside of me… getting rid of it was never an option. You have been given the chance to rid yourselves of the beast that has plagued you both since birth- do not waste this opportunity, for there are few who receive it."

"A beast… the Slayer. The Ravager. The Laughing Death. All parts of us, now made whole in full godhood."

"Not full godhood… not yet. But if we choose that path, who is to say that those parts of us do not re-emerge?"

"Would you simply devour part of your own soul? That part of the taint is of us, and we of it."

"Only now, for the first time… it does not have to be."

Aerie, the wingless Avariel, struck down from her people and burdened with the weight of a world she didn't want. The strength it had taken for her to lift herself up out of the mud and the mire and grow into a woman who would face down a dragon alone, who would give her life to save others in an instant… she could hardly be called the same woman they'd met in Athkatla so long ago. "You both meant the world to me, you know that? Imoen… you were my sister. Every day I tried to be a little more like you. Confident. Powerful. Beautiful… and Greywulf. I thought I loved you… I may have. I don't know… you've fought for so long to get to this point, but if you choose to keep all this power, there will be nothing more than more fighting for you both... I couldn't do it. I wouldn't want to. What a frightening thing to become. More than anything, I want you both to be happy… will this truly bring that to you?"

"She was… special, wasn't she?"

"Yes. I felt more for her than I'd ever imagined- she was a guide to more than just Minsc. She was my humanity as well. She tied me to this world."

"They all did, didn't they? Without them… this choice would be simple, wouldn't it."

Khalid- their stuttering, smiling friend. A man who could put their minds at ease with a simple word of comfort, who would struggle to get out the simplest of phrases, who would strike down any who dared threaten the lives of his loved ones. His love for Jaheira was undimmed by death- to bring him back now, to remind Jaheira of what she lost, when she might potentially lose another love seemed cruel, almost. "W-we always wondered what would happen if this day were to come. If e-either of you managed to r-reach the Throne of Bhaal… what we would s-say to you. How we would t-try to counsel you. And now, here it is, and I c-can't think of anything to say. If you choose to ascend, do not forget the ones you have left b-behind. I ask o-only that."

Gorion… father. Protector. His death the spurring of every action that had led them to this moment. His guidance and morals the only thing that had brought them this far. "My children… my beloved children. I cannot tell you how long I have waited to see you one last time… to tell you how proud I am of what you both accomplished. The joy of any father is to see his children surpass him- you have both done that and more. If you take this final step, you do so with my blessing… and if you decide to stay mortal, than you will feel no shame or judgment from me. You have long since passed the time where you needed my wisdom to decide your path. Greywulf, Imoen… I love you both so very much."

"Father… how many nights did we spend wondering what he would have thought of our actions? What he might've thought of our choices?"

"He was the architect of everything we were. Without him…"

"We would've been Sarevok. We would've been like every other one of our fallen siblings."

"There is… one more, is there not?"

Jaheira. A mother to one of them. A lover to the other. Their most tireless companion, at their side through everything from beginning to end. If there were any ties left in them to the mortal plane and human flesh, it was defined through this one woman. "So… it seems we have finally reached the end. What comes next will change you both forever, and dictate your… our, futures. I have not always been who you needed me to be… either of you. I do not want to lose you, and yet… this is your destiny to decide. Not mine. Not the gods. Yours. Only yours… only you can make this decision."

"That… that wasn't it. She had more, for me to hear. Not for the others…"

"And not for me."

"No… but I need you to hear it. I need another to listen… to tell me what I think I still know to be truth."

"Greywulf… can you hear me?"

"Jaheira… I hear you."

"Of… of course you can hear my thoughts. You are… you are a god now. I wanted to speak… just between us. For what we shared, I needed to say goodbye."

"You think I should go, then?"

"I… damn you. I do not know. I have questioned our future at every move. With all that has been learned, I do not know what we could even do, were you to stay. I do know this: there is no place for me at your side if you accept the power. It would be... hard... to lose you, just as hard as it was to say good-bye to... to Khalid. Bastards...both of you, to do this to me. I feared our marriage for this very reason. I knew this would..."

""Jaheira."

"*Ahem.* I knew this would happen, that I would lose you. Not that I could see this coming, of course. Seems the gods themselves conspire to... to... no. This is ridiculous. This is not about me. This is about you. I won't ask you to stay and I won't make your choice for you. You worked for this, fought through so much..."

""And yet… it was with you at my side."

"If it is important, then go. I will not have you stay and regret it later. I will not be the great mistake that forever follows you. I have... too many of those to wish them on another. Go. Both of you, be the gods that you were born to be, and just… remember me in the heavens. Do what you must. I... I love you."

"She gives of herself. Willingly. Absolves you of all the pain she desperately feels within."

"I could… I could find a way to bring her with us. We are just now learning of the powers that we possess- who is to say there is not room for-"

"She would never agree."

"No… she would not. And I think… I think I would know that, if I were still myself."

The Solar's voice seemed to intrude upon their solitude, her presence shining past the cocoon they'd created for themselves. "The time has come to make your decision. Choose, and let the Realms see the final outcome of the Children of Bhaal."

The two figures remained in the darkness of their own minds for what seemed like hours- in reality, it was mere seconds. They'd heard the advice, the testimony, the pleas of those they'd traveled alongside. Those who had died. Those who had lived. Those they'd hated. Those they'd loved. All of it and more- "Shall we bring him in with us?"

"We should. In one accord."

"Where- ah. So this is where your consciousness's have been collaborating. I did not expect to be invited in."

"We have decided. But it is as the Solar said. We must all be aligned. There cannot be dissent."

"And what then, have you decided? You know we must all be in agreement…"

"We trust you shall come to see our point of view."

"Or I shall not be seeing much at all? There is not so much difference between us in the end, is there, sister?"

A god of Vengeance. A god of Retribution. A god of Murder. Together, they considered. Together, they agreed. Together... power shifted, and the essence of Bhaal flared as it erupted from within them. Cries of alarm and surprise faded as the world turned white, all sound muted as the essence of three gods made a singular choice.

"Wh... what happened? Where are we?"

Jaheira rubbed her eyes, trying to see as her vision slowly returned, blinded by the outpouring of Bhaal's essence in the midst of the Throne's Realm. She had seen the three gods begin to glow, their forms expanding until they engulfed everything- smoke and darkness and crystal- all of it, gone. Before her were the slowly rising bodies of Anomen, Minsc and Viconia. Underneath her hands- she glanced down and looked- grass. Green grass, trees and fields as far as the eye could see. She breathed in sharply, trying to stand- glancing behind her, there were Solaufein and Haer'Dalis. They were atop a hill, and off in the distance- Athkatla. Back in Amn, as though none of it had happened at all. As though she hadn't just lost the most important people in her life.

"It's… it's over then. I guess they made their choice…" Solaufein whispered, climbing to his feet and running one hand through his white hair as the breeze sent a few strands fluttering.

"Of course they did." Anomen spoke tightly, the growl in his voice enough to show the feelings he was trying to hide. "They chose the only path they could see. The only path that… that they-"

"No more!" Jaheira snapped, pointing at the squire as she fought back tears. "We will not stand here and mourn over their decisions. None of us know what they felt, what being in their situation was like. We will… we will not let our last memory of them be an accusation of what we may or may not have wished. I will not allow it."

Minsc dusted himself off as he stood, looking amidst the group sadly- as though there were someone he'd been expecting to see, and yet… was no longer there. A faint squeak echoed from his shoulder- he glanced up to see the black glittering eyes of his hamster, and he nodded with a weak smile, opening his mouth to speak...

He froze, looking at a figure who was stepping out from behind a few trees that dotted the hillside they'd been deposited upon. It was a long distance out from him, and the sun was in his eyes, but it was… no. It couldn't be. Her golden hair. Her slender figure, her light blue robes… and as the woman took flight, wings flapping through the air like an eagle at dawn, Minsc felt his throat catch, and all words escaped him.

"By the gods… it cannot be…" Anomen breathed as Aerie descended upon their group, her broad white wings folding up behind her as she alighted upon the ground in their midst, a tear-filled smile on her beautiful elven features.

"Aerie… you are… you are returned to us? And your wings are… healed? Restored? I do not understand… how is this possible?" Minsc whispered as he took hold of Aerie's outstretched hands, embracing her tightly in confusion and joy."

"A gift… a final parting gift from the Solar and the gods." Aerie managed through tears. "The release of one soul who had passed beyond- of all those who died, only I truly wished to return… I had business that I could not leave unfinished, Minsc."

Minsc's face burst into a wide grin, looking down into Aerie's- he picked her up and spun her around in a circle with booms of laughter escaping the ranger- even Viconia could not help but nod in approval at the returned levity of their Rashemani friend. Jaheira watched with mixed feelings- the only one who had wished to return, she'd said. The others… all of them had embraced their final reward, then, or accepted the fate they'd come to, in the end. Khalid… to lose him and Greywulf both at the same time, once more- no. Not in front of the others, not right now. Shut it off. Ignore the grief, ignore the pain, bottle it up, turn it hard and keep it way down inside-

"A cold heart does not suit you, you know…"

That voice. Jaheira shivered, feeling a radiation of warmth behind her- the entire group turned to gaze upon the appearing forms of Greywulf, Imoen and Sarevok- their godly bodies smaller now, almost human sized... and rapidly dimming. "We made our decision. We chose a mortal life. All of us."Imoen spoke, her ruby skin and crystal face smoothing by the second, golden scales over her eyes turning translucent.

"The last vestiges of the essence of Bhaal are returning to Mount Celestial… and with it, so shall these forms. We shall be as we were… but before that, we needed you to know." Greywulf smiled, the smoke and fog clearing under his cloak, the fabric itself decaying and rapidly turning gray and threadbare. "It was you… you who reminded us of what mattered. Of why we came so far in the first place."

"All my life I struggled for power. And at every turn, they struggled against it." Sarevok's black fur was fading, revealing flesh and human form once again, while he glanced at Greywulf and Imoen. "They succeeded where I failed- they sought freedom where I sought only the same captivity to Bhaal's power that every spawn did. A life lived with my own purpose will be... enough."

A final implosion of energy and the three Children of Bhaal who remained were left simply mortal once again. Greywulf stood with his gray cloak over his shoulders, robes hanging off him underneath. Imoen wiped pink hair from her eyes before looking up at the high noon sun with a grin, inhaling the air sharply. Sarevok simply sheathed his sword, looking down at his hands as though having lost something he had desperately needed… and something he'd desperately hated.

"We did it. We did it!" Imoen shouted with glee, turning to embrace Greywulf with unbridled excitement. "Can you feel it? The taint of Bhaal, it's… it's gone!"

Greywulf smiled, nodding as he wiped tears from his eyes, laughing despite himself as he felt within himself- nothing. The darkness that had been there from day one, from ever since he could remember, always gnawing at him, always whispering at him- nothing. The Slayer, the taint… all of it. Like he'd lost a great burden, or dropped a heavy weight from his back. He felt he could fly- Jaheira came to him, eyes wide with hope and love. "I don't… I don't understand…"

He shook his head and said as earnestly as he could manage, "All that power... the gods... that's somewhere else. You are here... real, and I'm not leaving."

Jaheira embraced him tightly, pressing her lips against his as Imoen turned and bounded over towards Aerie, launching herself at the young Avariel with glee. "Aerie! I'm so glad to see you again, I missed you so much…"

The two girls tumbled to the ground as Aerie joined the laughter, her robes all tangled as they finally came to a rest, her blonde locks filled with grass as she gazed into Imoen's eyes. "I missed you too, Imoen. Gods, I missed you…"

Solaufein watched with a satisfied smile as Imoen and Greywulf reunited with their closest friends first- so they chose to stay after all. He'd had a feeling… not a confident one, granted, but a feeling nonetheless. Sarevok, on the other hand- he turned to look at the Deathbringer, still looking around as though lost in the midst of the tearful reunion. "Hell of a choice."

Sarevok glanced at Solaufein, as though hearing him speak had snapped him out of a trance. "I… yes. It was. The fate of my sire has finally reached its conclusion… and perhaps the tale has ended as it should? The taint is no longer within me- and I feel… weightless. It always drove me forward, provided the fire in my veins, the passion behind my strikes. Without it, I…"

"You'll find another purpose." Solaufein felt a brief moment of kinship with the former Bhaalspawn- they weren't friends, and probably never would be. But here, in this moment… he was as lost as Solaufein had been upon leaving the Underdark. It was a feeling he could relate to. "Stick around long enough… I imagine they'll help you find one, if you like. They did the same for me."

"And so the tale comes to a close." Haer'Dalis laughed with folded arms, glancing at Viconia who had watched the proceedings with her cloak and hood up. "What's the matter, my dusky maiden? Afraid they'll rope you into their levity if you get too close? That you might have to actually smile?"

"Keep talking, jaluk, and I shall summon a sword spider to lay its eggs in your nostrils when next you sleep." Viconia threatened. "They have been through much. It is… nice, to see them reach a final reward, if this is what they truly desired. Few people can claim the same."

"I just realized… after all that, we've ended up on the road again. This will be the first time we'll be able to pick our own path since we left Candlekeep! I can't wait!" Imoen laughed as she walked with one arm around Minsc, the other around Aerie, all three uniting with Greywulf and Jaheira as the others approached to form a group, whole once more. "We landed right outside Athkatla, right? Where to?"

"Well… there's a certain tavern we haven't seen in some time that might be a fine place to start." Greywulf grinned, looking out at the far city in the distance. "Come on everyone… first round at the Copper Coronet is on me."

Author's Post Script: We're almost there, folks- one little epilogue left and that's the end! I hope everyone's enjoyed the ride!