Icy Blues and Amber Fires

by Ceye

Shandra's loss is heartbreaking. Spirits are low initially, but the rambunctious party isn't one to be tame for very long. The fight against the Shadow King must continue! Meanwhile, Casavir and Bishop have to sort out their own demons with each other...with Lily in tow. Rated M for absolutely everything that rated M stands for. Contains lots of Bishop, and lots of Casavir.

16. Chapter 16

* 16 * 4/9/12

Lily was back in the basement talking with Grobnar. She had changed into a beautiful set of clothing for the party, one that made her feel more refined and was more fitting for a princess than for a knight captain. She hadn't told the gnome what had happened, but given he now knew who she was upset with, he could make a reasonable guess as to the parties involved.

Sand had joined them, finally having stepped outside of his personal black hole that was the library. Aldanon had driven him crazy with his endless rambling and imprecise wording surrounding a subject the rest of them considered to be pretty important - the King of Shadows - so he'd decided to take a break for the night. He didn't think it'd hurt to check on Lily, either, since she hadn't seemed to be in the best of spirits.

But out one trap and into another.

"I just know it was in here somewhere." Grobnar was flipping through a new book, one that had nothing to do with golems. "Oh! There it is! 'The Magical Accoutrements of Jazendry'. I love this song! It tells the tale of a woman who left her clothes out to dry one afternoon, and that night, they had gotten loose and were dancing to the music she played on her flute! Kind of a song within a song, if you think about it. I think I'll play this tonight! It fits the occasion just swell, don't you think?"

Lily was grinning from ear to ear, trying not to laugh, but she was failing miserably. The absent-minded bard was doing a good job of cheering her up, and she appreciated it greatly.

Grobnar caught a glimpse of her, looking to see if he was having any effect. His face lightened and he breathed a sigh of relief, pleased by her reaction. He was always happy to be able to cheer up those around him, especially Lily.

When their Leader had stopped laughing, Sand spoke up. "I believe it would be best for us to return to the main hall now. The workers should have finished preparations for the celebration."

"I'm not so sure I'm up for a party," Lily admitted.

"Nonsense, you'll miss the rest of Jazendry's story! I picked it out with you in mind!"

Lily chuckled. "You're right; I would be missing your song. I'll go then," she said with a warm smile. "After all, the most selfish thing one can do is bring others down with them."