* 25 * 7/13/12

Khelgar had drunk many a time in his life, and he knew his drinking personality quite well. He was able to control himself when he really wanted to, though he didn't often really want to. Tonight, however, was one of those rare times.

Having bore witness to both the intimate events involving Blooden and Casavir's retreat this night, the shield dwarf was growing quite concerned with the state of affairs between two of his best battle partners. Bishop was always a wildcard, so Khelgar never fussed too much about what was going on with him. If the implacable ranger didn't have a reason to complain, he'd make one.

Khelgar wasn't worried if Lily was alone with Casavir. Khelgar trusted Casavir. The dwarf's trust wasn't easy to earn, but there was something about the paladin that just felt wholly dependable. Fighting alongside him had given Khelgar plenty of opportunity to witness how Casavir acted when his life and those of his friends were on the line. He could tell from the other's priorities on the battlefield that the paladin cared very much for the safety of those around him, and he cared very much for Lily. Before Casavir was part of their group, Khelgar had done most of the defending of their Leader; having someone to not only aid in that regard but also who was fully capable of doing it all by himself had led Khelgar to invest even more faith in the paladin's ability and character.

No, Khelgar was worried that Lily hadn't even been able to find Casavir. Sand's comment had kept the dwarf back for awhile, but ultimately, he thought of how abnormal Lily had been acting before she left the inn and remembered how lost he had been in his own mind when he first started getting drunk (a time that seemed to be centuries past, for sure). To put his worries to rest, he wanted to find Lily and make sure she got to the paladin without harm.

He began his search with the areas and buildings closest to the inn, but when that turned up no Lily, moved to the west to one of his favorite places: the Temple of Tyr.

Khelgar stepped inside, closing the heavy door slowly behind him. He was glad that Lily had chosen to build the temple, and he was sure that Casavir felt just as appreciative. Lily looked out for her team's desires and preferences both pertaining to equipment as well as those of less obvious significance. Having the temple here was good for the morale for her two main melee teammates, and the bright elf probably knew that.

The place was silent, even for a temple, for its normal two inhabitants were nowhere to be seen. They were likely in the Keep living out the last few hours of the celebration or, if they were anything like Khelgar, trying to get the workers to make more food in the kitchen. When their Leader called for a celebration, the whole Keep and all of its surroundings celebrated.

Khelgar was about to leave, satisfied that Lily wasn't here, before he heard a sigh coming from near or in the back-right room. Not quite sure who or what in particular would've made the sound, the dwarf walked farther into the temple and took a short peek inside. There, he found not only Lily, but Casavir as well.

Khelgar sighed, feeling better already. He turned around again and made his way out of the temple. "Well, that's a relief."

Suddenly, the significance of what he had just seen hit him all at once.

"Huh?!"