Well, here it is, the end of Tristram. I had meant to have this chapter up sooner but I found myself in a position where a bit of research on the previous two games was needed, seeing as how I have only played the third one. So any of you die hard Diablo fans out there, feel free to shame me because I probably deserve it. Lol. Well I will let you all get to it and I hope you enjoy, as always.
Leah was silent, but it was her silence that was speaking for her. She stood there, hands together in front of her lap, staring so emptily at her uncles grave as his body was being cremated. The light of the fire reflected off the little wet strings of drying tears on her face and Kormac placed a comforting hand upon her shoulder. She placed her own on his, closed her eyes and sighed. It was weird for her. Haedrig was there too as was Brother Malachi and for that she was grateful. She never faced a loss like this. She didn't know what to expect but she didn't expect to feel numb. Her mind was quiet, she had nothing more to say and had no energy to focus on anything. Right now, she was just…there. Standing in space, existing, breathing and heart beating. She didn't know if this was normal or not, but for now it would suffice, because nothing this past month was very verisimilar.
The Stranger, or Tyrael he said his name was an angel. Leah didn't believe it at first. There was no way how she could see that as something that was possible. She resented him when they came back from Leoric's manor. If it wasn't for him, none of the tragic events the befell Tristram and Wortham would have never happened. The undead would have never attacked, the Skeleton King would have stayed dead, Maghda would have never shown herself and her uncle – her uncle would still be alive.
It was so unfair that in her entire life, she was always the one who would lose the most out of everyone. She had time to think it all over and as she recalled her life; it appeared as if her life was meant to be a miserable one. She never asked for this; she didn't ask to be born. Why, in every period of her life did she have to suffer in one way or another. Didn't people eventually find peace in their lives, no matter how much they had to fight tooth and nail for it? Didn't people usually find happiness in the end that would last them the rest of their lives? To Leah, it was very heart breaking for her to believe that she may never find true happiness.
It didn't matter now. What little piece of happiness she had here in Tristram was gone. She had nothing left to lose and now she was lost. She didn't know where she was going to end up and the one person who could help her figure that out was down field at another grave.
Leah couldn't see Li-Ming in detail from where she was standing this night, but she could see her distinct silhouette standing in the field. She was some way down and Leah, if she listened carefully, believed she could hear the indistinct murmurs of a conversation coming from that way. Did Li-Ming talk to herself? She had never seen or heard it before but she guessed she wasn't surprised. Li-Ming was many things and normal was not one of them. Anyone who spent so much as a day with the woman would know that.
Li-Ming wasn't the only one who was attending to their own needs. Lyndon was off somewhere in town keeping his own mind busy and compiling his "habits", but it wasn't what any of them were exactly expecting of him. He was in the Slaughtered Calf, yes. He was drinking, yes. But, he was drinking from a glass and not a bottle and he was by himself inside a stall, looking out the window by candle light by himself.
He poured himself another drink and took a small sip - not a gulp - and thought about why he hadn't left yet. He sighed, rubbed his hand over his face and took another sip of his rum because he knew why he hadn't left yet. It was because Maghda got away. Why did he even care? He was Lyndon for crying out loud! The handsome, swashbuckling rouge who cared not for anyone or anything; so why did this matter so much! Sure, he didn't like what the coven did and found it vile, sadistic, cruel and evil but what did it matter? Things such as that happened all of the time in Tristram. Things happened and people moved on; that's how things worked.
He took another sip - a bigger sip - swished it around and swallowed.
He regretted meeting Li-Ming at all. If it wasn't for her, he would have never gotten tangled up in their affairs and he would never have had to come face to face with the harsh reality that he so often tried to avoid. He has killed people before meeting Li-Ming. Those times though were out of self-defense, not revenge or spite. He accepted those times as something inevitable and he never lost sleep over them, so what made these times so different?
Because The Coven slaughtered and massacred for fun. You saw what they did Wortham!
He could still see the mutilated bodies of those needlessly killed in the massacre. When he laid eyes on them, he didn't think it was going to be this bad but, those people didn't deserve to die like that. Maghda and The Coven needed to be stopped and he knew just how that was going to happen. Because, of Li-Ming. Of this he was certain. Li-Ming never stopped, no matter how dangerous the path ahead of her. He couldn't even recall a single moment where she looked scared or afraid. He's seen her concerned, irritated, stressed but never actually afraid.
Honestly, he found it all baffling. She was one in a million, she was. He had never met anyone exactly like her before. He chuckled and took another drink.
The grave facing her read "Captain I. Rumford." Li-Ming knelt down and set a fresh red rose onto the soil that was still soft from the digging of Rumford's grave. Li-Ming felt bad that she missing Cain's service. She wanted to be there for Leah but she felt compelled to attend Rumford's. She would have attended Cain's until Leah gave her the assurance that she would be fine without her and so there was nothing left keeping Li-Ming from doing what she felt she had to do. Li-Ming knelt down and delicately placed her hand on the tomb stone.
"Be at peace." She said before making her way to Leah and the others.
Leah heard the rustling of footsteps through the tall grass and saw Li-Ming step into the light of the fire where she could be seen. Li-Ming went to her and the two embraced each other tightly. Li-Ming backed away and said, "When all of this is over Leah; you should go home and rest, we have an early day tomorrow." They were leaving for Caldeum first thing in the morning.
"Heh!" Leah rubbed her face with her palm and said. "You're the last one who should tell me to wake up early." Both girls laughed lightly and it delighted Li-Ming that Leah was making jokes. "But, you're right. I'll head home and rest soon, okay." Li-Ming patted Leah's shoulder and smiled.
"Li-Ming." Tyrael said. "A word if you will." The wizard and the angel walked around the graves, just far enough to keep their conversation private. "I thank you for all that you have done. There are not very many people who would stick their necks out the way you did for those they do not know. It is a rare sight. Not even my brothers in the Angiris Council would have done the same."
"You are very welcome, Tyrael. But, what does this have to do with anything?"
"Li-Ming, how familiar are you with the Lords of Hell?"
"I know of the three Prime Evil's. Baal, Mephisto and Diablo, the Lords of Destruction, Hatred and Terror. Who, by their own kin, were exiled from the Burning Hells."
"Yes! The Prime Evils were turned against after the Sin War. The Lesser Evils believed that Diablo, Mephisto and Baal had Forsaken the Eternal Conflict to focus on humanity, and the Burning Hells broke out into civil war."
"The Prime Evils on one side, and the Lesser Evils on the other." Li-Ming added.
"Exactly. The Prime Evils, while outnumbered did not lose so easily. So powerful are they that, they fought with devastating power and destroyed a third of Hell's treacherous legions before they were finally defeated and banished to the mortal realm, they called this the Dark Exile. Little did the Lesser Evils know that, that was what the Prime Evils intended." Li-Ming was quiet in contemplation. Tyrael had stopped talking just for the moment to see what Li-Ming's response would be and all she did was stare in the distance, into space with her arms crossed. "The Prime Evil's planned to be cast out so that they may attempt to use humanity against the High Heavens."
"And, how did they plan to do that?" Li-Ming asked.
"By corrupting the worldstone, the reason for the eternal conflict between the High Heavens and the Burning Hells." Li-Ming had known about the world-stone but any details she had were vague at best. "You see, the worldstone had the power to change and alter reality, create life and new worlds without restriction."
"So, control the worldstone and basically control creation itself. "
"That's one way you can put it, yes. When the Prime Evils were casted out of hell, I created three soulstones from the worldstone so that we could capture the souls of Mephisto, Baal and Diablo. I left them in the care of the Horadrim. We eventually succeeded in capturing the Prime Evils thanks to the help of a group of adventurers", Li-Ming perked up and wondered if he was referring to a certain someone. "But, in the end we all still suffered a great price."
"Wait, Tyrael! Was one of the adventurers you speak of a sorceress?"
Tyrael was surprised at her sudden inquiry. "Yes, actually, but how would you…"
"Her name was Isendra wasn't it? As a matter of fact, you don't need to answer that one because I know for a fact it was her. "
"Li-Ming, how would you know that?"
"Isendra took me into the Yshari Sanctum when I was seven years old. She was my tutor and dearest friend. She used to tell me tales of her quest to stop the Prime Evils and she told me that an angel was with her but she never told me which one. You were that angel, weren't you?"
Tyrael was silent for a second before saying, "Yes, I was, but that's not important right now. The reason I'm telling all of this is because I need to make sure that you're aware of the lengths the Lords of the Burning Hells will go to achieve their objectives. They are very tenacious and are master schemers; all of them."
"That reminds me. Is there anything that you can tell me about Belial and Azmodan, specifically?" Li-Ming knew little about these two. The Lesser Evils didn't strike her as interesting as the Prime Evils did and Isendra never spoke of them much either.
"Belial is the Lord of Lies. He desires power over all other things, and his thousand schemes are designed toward this end. His brother, Azmodan, reigns over the other half of Hell as the Lord of Sin. I sense his influence in this world, but I do not yet know where he will strike."
"Perhaps when I kill Belial, Azmodan will show himself." Tyrael didn't seem put off by Li-Ming's confidence, unlike what usually happens when Li-Ming says something outlandish. Instead he slightly tilted his head and raised his eyebrow.
"They are more rivals than allies in these days, but I pray that you are right."
"Sure I am. If any of your angels were defeated by a mortal; then wouldn't you find it worth investigating?"
Tyrael rubbed his chin and said, "I have never considered it. It is extremely unlikely that a mortal could defeat an angel in battle, but I suppose I see your point. Azmodan will most likely catch wind of his brother's defeat should we succeed but, he will be even more prepared and it will make things more complicated for us."
"Try as he might; he will not win."
Leah and the others came from behind them. Li-Ming turned and greeted them with a smile. "Hey!" Leah said. "We're all very tired. We're going to head in for the night."
"That is a great idea Leah. You will all need your rest for the trip to Caldeum." Tyrael said.
"Haedrig. You do have everything you need right?" Li-Ming asked.
"Aye. My caravan's all stocked and packed up and ready to go. I'll wake early and double check everything before we leave. I wouldn't want to accidentally leave something behind. God knows, I'm not coming back to this place again."
"Okay. Have a good night, Haedrig." Li-Ming said politely.
"To you as well, Li-Ming and too the rest of you." Haedrig said before he walked away to his home.
"I suppose I'll head home as well. I have much research that needs attending too." Malachi said and began walking away.
Li-Ming thought for a moment and then suddenly ran to him. "Malachi, wait!" He turned and Li-Ming said. "I have a proposition for you."
"Oh, and what is that?"
"Would you care to come with us. We could use your skills in medicine should we need it."
"Really? You want me to go with you?" He didn't believe her to be serious. He was but an old man. He would not be able to help them with much. He was no warrior and he would not be able to defend himself should he get into trouble with any enemy with the likes they faced. He would hold them back more if anything.
"Yes. Your medical knowledge could be valuable. With what we're about to face; we could use your help."
"I-I don't know what to say."
"Just say, yes."
Malachi's expression fell flat then he smiled. "I'd be honored."
"Good. Then we'll see you tomorrow." Malachi nodded with a small smile and left.
"So, what are you planning on doing for the rest of the night?" Leah asked. She wasn't sure what Li-Ming had planned. There was nothing left for her now that she got what she came here for and Li-Ming was most likely not going to go to bed at a reasonable hour no matter how early they needed to rise.
"I don't know. There is much to plan and I need to get organized. Starting with that treasure goblin."
The Treasure Goblin was locked in Deckard Cain's home. It was a pain staking effort to get him into town without being seen. He was not the most cooperative creature in the world much like the person he was bound to. When they finally got him there, Kormac literally chucked him into the house which unfortunately made Li-Ming's head hurt and made her very dizzy. They locked him in a storage closet before they left to prepare for Deckard Cain's funeral and Kormac had the common since to move a heavy dresser in front of the door in case the little bugger had the fortitude to find a way out.
Li-Ming, Leah and Tyrael walked into the house; Kormac having went to the Inn to get some sleep; and Tyrael moved the dresser away from the closet. When they opened it, they found the demon sitting against the wall, looking up at the ceiling with its mouth wide open and drool running down it's jaw. It barely even noticed them.
"Ugh!" Li-Ming nudged the creature with her foot and it jumped. "Hey! You can come out now. We're back."
The treasure goblin crawled out like it was struggling to move and made little grunting noises as it did but it was just being over dramatic. Tyrael watched it cautiously. Treasure goblins usually ran away when they could but there have been occasions when they would lash out and attack. They may be small and insignificant as far as the demons went but, they could still seriously harm and kill mortals if they wanted. Luckily this one appeared very docile and unlikely to hurt anyone.
Leah hunched down and poked the demon curiously in the side and the demon pushed her hand away. "Looks like he gets bored if he stands still too long too, just as you do, Li-Ming." Li-Ming said nothing back. She didn't want to talk about any comparisons between her and the treasure goblin. "Have you decided what to name it?" Leah asked not looking away from the demon.
"What?" Li-Ming laughed. "Leah, this is a demon. Not a pet. It deserves no such curtesy."
"I'm certain this creature already has a name." Tyrael informed. "Most demon's ever created have names and titles."
Leah got up and shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know! I think it would make things easier to name it instead of whatever sobriquet you guys decide call it at any given moment." Leah looked at the demon that was still splayed out on the floor and said, "I think Constantine will do." She then ran her index finger down its spine and the demon stretched, enjoying the sensation.
"Leah, what has possessed you?" Li-Ming couldn't believe that Leah was smitten with this ugly critter. If Li-Ming was able she would have thrown it into one of the furnaces inside Leoric's castle. She really believed that all of them would share her distaste for the creature but Leah proved her wrong in that regard.
Leah giggled. "Hey, I actually think he's kind of cute."
"You've gone mad." Li-Ming said quietly.
"Leah, it is not a wise idea to become attached to a demon. No matter who it is bound too." Tyrael said.
"Who said anything about getting attached now? I just said it would be easier to give him a name." She replied and the treasure goblin seemed content with it as well as he jumped and danced.
"I see." Li-Ming wasn't convinced. "Okay then. I guess I'll leave you two here for the night. Tyrael, are you staying in here for the night?"
"Yes. Leah has granted me permission to stay for the night. She thought it would be more convenient seeing as how yourself and Kormac already share Leah's room and we doubt Lyndon will have the patience to share his own."
"hehe! I don't think he would either. Well, you guys have a good rest then and please make sure not to let "Constantine" leave the house."
"We will. Good night, Li-Ming!" Leah said and waved as Li-Ming walked out of the house.
Tyrael sat himself down on a comfortable arm chair and leaned back. Feeling tired and worn out was such a strange sensation. He had never felt it before previously and he didn't much like it. How were mortals supposed to be prepared for an ambush if they weakened themselves so easily and so quickly? Now that he felt it, he was surprised that humanity has lasted as long as it has. Though he personally had a hand in helping humanity survive on occasions, he still found it remarkable that a frail and fragile lifeform was capable standing up to the Burning Hells and the High Heavens. The Human race surely was a remarkable creation.
"Here you go, Tyrael." Leah came with a blanket and a pillow in each hand for him and set them on his lap.
"Thank you, Leah." Tyrael said with a smile. "I appreciate your generosity towards me despite everything."
"No need to thank me. My uncle would have done the same." She said as she began to walk away.
Tyrael didn't know if he should say anything at first. He frowned and almost let Leah walk away until he thought he should at least say something so he could at least alleviate his own guilt.
"I am sorry, Leah." Leah stopped walking to listen but she did not face him. "I am sorry for what happened to your uncle. He was a great man. I can't ask for your forgiveness but I hope you understand that all that happened; I never intended."
Leah's hands turned to fists and Constantine grabbed her fist in his hands. "It's okay Tyrael. You're already forgiven." Leah said nothing more and went to bed with Constantine behind her. Tyrael stayed up a while longer and thought on what was to come and Li-Ming's and Leah's involvement in it all.
Xxxxx
Lyndon still had half of the bottle of rum to go. He sat and stared at the glass in his hand and focused on the swirling beverage as he held the glass by the finger tips and rotated his hand in circular patterns. He heard the bell ring when someone walked in and for the first time he wasn't too excited to see that Li-Ming was the one who had walked in. Kormac had walked in a little earlier ago and Kormac simply nodded his head at him and left him be, but he was not so lucky with Li-Ming. He supposed he couldn't expect the same luck twice.
She came back with a clean glass of her own and said, "Hey!" As she plopped down next to him and poured herself a drink. She didn't even ask; of all the nerve! "Lyndon, are you alright?" Li-Ming did not fail to notice his lethargy after she poured herself a glass and found it concerning. In the time that he's been with him this kind of mood was very uncharacteristic of him.
"Why does it matter to you?" He replied without even looking at her.
Li-Ming scratched the back of her head and too a drink of her glass and said, "Well, you seem…not yourself. Isn't the custom to see if one is alright if they appear as if they're not? Or, have you forgotten?"
"Hmmhmhm!" Lyndon laughed and took a drink of his own glass before saying, "Do you ever doubt your choices?"
Li-Ming didn't know if he was tyring to avoid the topic by answering her question with another question but she went along with it and answered honestly. "Often, but I make them anyway."
His lips stretched to a frown before he said, "Things never seem to turn out like I hope they will."
"You must be bold and move forward."
Lyndon looked up and sighed. Li-Ming was so sure of herself and everything she said that she failed to understand the point. She was indeed young, but he thought she was wise, at least in certain areas and it seemed helping others with personal issues was not one of them.
"Be bold and move forward, huh? You think it's that easy." Li-Ming nodded. "Ha! Try living in the slums before you lecture to me about being able to move forward.
"I have, when I was a child."
Lyndon looked at her and he thought she was lying. People always say that they understand when they really had no idea what people like him have been through. They always say they understand when they understand about as much as he is a saint. "Really?" Lyndon looked her up and down and said, "I don't think you have. I mean, you don't look or act the part."
"Oh, and how is one supposed to act or look having grown up poor? People react to their past experiences differently, Lyndon. You saw thievery as your only option where as I took to studying magic. I would expect a grown man like you to have known that." Somewhere, Lyndon had struck a delicate chord. He was used to it. He has offended many people in many ways either because he didn't care or in rare cases, he didn't mean to.
"And, that's what I don't get. How does someone who grows up underprivileged obtain that sort of luxury?"
Li-Ming took another – bigger – drink of her rum. She held her eyes shut for a moment, waiting for the burn of the alcohol to go away and sighed. "You know I'm Xian, right?"
"Xian? I thought it was Xiansian."
"No." Li-Ming laughed lightly. "My people are called the Xian. Anyway, when I was a girl, I was visited by a member of the Zann Esu Clan. They are a group of powerful sorceresses and every seven years they send scouts out to look for new talents and I was one of those talents."
The clans of Zann Esu went to great lengths to make sure that their practices and whereabouts remained secret. No one understood why they only sent people out every seven years, or why they chose only daughters of seven years old who met their qualifications.
"And, your parent's just went along with this?" Lyndon asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Of course! They say that when a girl is offered apprenticeship by the Zann Esu, then the families of the daughters chosen may enjoy a lifetime of good fortune and my parents were very proud that I was chosen." It was one of the few times that Li-Ming could remember of her parents being proud of her. "You see, when I lived on Xiansai; I lived in a place called the Heron River Valley and ever since I could remember it was very dry there."
"Were your parents' farmers?"
"Yes, they were." Li-Ming remembered it all still. The one room shanty shack they called home and the congesting smell of dust and sand mixed with the odor of malnourished farm animals and their fly infested droppings. It was a stink she was used too because she was with the animals every day; cleaning their pins and shoveling up their dung. During a hard day's work, she would try to wipe sweat from her brow only to end up rubbing sand across her head.
What she hated most about it was when an animal would die and she would be left to figure out how to get it out of the pin. They had a rope for her to tie around the carcass and she would then have to pull it to get the carcass out but being as young she was it was a hard task for her to do. The smaller animals she could get out fine, but whenever the larger ones died, she would have to find her father to do it for her or one of neighboring adults if her father was unavailable.
When dusk came around, Li-Ming would walk into her home with her eyes closed, exhausted from working covered head to toe in dirt and animal feces and her parents would already have supper prepared which was more like a ration. But, before she could eat, it was straight to washing up. There would be a small pale full of water from the dying well in the village and Li-Ming was always too tired to bother but it was either wash up or don't eat.
Eventually, Li-Ming got used to it and as she got older she wasn't as tired as she used to get from working, but she never the less, never enjoyed.
"So, dry land means no water or rain and no water means no crops." Lyndon said,
"Exactly! My parents worked tirelessly with little reward until the Zann Esu showed up and that's when everything changed." Li-Ming didn't tell him about her training and how quickly her power and understanding grew in just a few short months. One of the Zann Esu once told her that she was, "As sharp as a whip." The praise she constantly received for her feats in her training pushed her ever onward and she began to believe that she had the potential to change the world. That was when she got the idea to bring water back to the Heron River Valley.
"Ah! Well, I apologize for misjudging you."
"Apology accepted." Li-Ming took another drink and laid her head on her arms on the table and said, "What about you?"
"Me?"
"Who else?" She mocked. "What was growing up in Kingsport like?"
"To start it wasn't like Xiansai." He said before finishing his glass.
"Oh, how so?"
"Well instead of dry and warm it was wet and cold." They both chuckled. A slight, comfortable pause followed the Lyndon said, "There was this store, a store my brother and I would sneak into all of the time when we were kids. "Rubin's Pastries" and let me tell you," Lyndon leaned towards her and covered one side of his mouth with the back of his hand like he was telling a secret. "You have never known cinnamon rolls until you've tried Rubin's." Li-Ming smiled softly. "During the day, my brother and I would look through the window of that bakery and drool over the exquisite delicacies!"
"Is that where you also learned to fight? In Kingsport?"
Lyndon nodded. "My brother taught me when we were younger. He also showed me how to use a crossbow because he believed it was the best weapon for me since it would give me time to run away if I botched things to badly." He said with a dramatic flair and wavy hand gestures.
"Where is he now?"
"Oh, he's still in Kingsport." Lyndon's attitude lost its humor and became more deadpan. He grabbed the bottle of rum and poured himself another glass. "I expect he's going to be there for a good long time."
"Did something happen?"
"I'd rather not talk about it."
"You miss him, don't you?"
"He's my brother, Li-Ming. The only person who ever looked out for me. Naturally I am going to miss him, but things happen sometimes that are beyond our control."
"I understand, Lyndon."
"Well now, I believe it when you say that."
Li-Ming finished her glass and scooted it away from her. Lyndon took it and held onto it, planning to leave it on the bar when he was finished.
"You done?" Lyndon asked.
"Yeah." Li-Ming yawned. "It's late and I need to prepare to leave for Caldeum in the morning." She looked at Lyndon and a thought suddenly came to her. "Hey! You're coming with us right?"
"I was thinking about that earlier, and to tell you the truth I didn't know what I wanted. But, since you ask; yes. After everything I have seen these past few days, Maghda has become my enemy too. No one such as her should be allowed to do what she has done and be able to get away with it."
People would think she was crazy, but Li-Ming was growing to really like Lyndon. On the outside was a man that people saw as a no-good womanizing thief but, Li-Ming was suspecting that deep down; Lyndon secretly had a big heart that for some reason, he had buried away from the world.
"Okay then. You should be getting some sleep too soon." Li-Ming suggested.
"I'll lay down when I finish this glass." Li-Ming nodded and as she was walking away she heard Lyndon say, "Li-Ming!" She turned around and she couldn't see his face. Lyndon was looking out the window with his chin resting on his palm and he said, "Thank you…for uh…talking with me." He didn't know exactly how it was going to sound but it needed to be said. He was genuinely feeling a whole lot better now than before Li-Ming walked in.
Li-Ming smiled and said, "Anytime, Lyndon. Have a good night." He did not respond this time and Li-Ming walked up the stairs and to Leah's room.
Xxxxx
It was a peaceful morning and the had barely began to rise, Haedrig looked up at the sky where plenty if starts still shined and wondered how peaceful Tristram will be now since Maghda has left and the threat of the undead had been eradicated. He looked around the town that he had called home for many years and admitted that he was going to miss this place. He had so many good memories here. The time he shared with his wife here were times he would never forget.
He fondly remembered how Mira would take too tending to her garden in the afternoon and how hard she worked to make her flowers as beautiful as she could make them. That garden was tended by a master for her flowers were beautiful. He loved walking up to her after a long day and bringing her in for a passionate kiss before they ate dinner. He already missed waking up in the morning to find her sleeping next to him. She was his reason and now he had none. He had but one option and that was to leave. He didn't think he could bare much longer if he stayed.
In a strange way, Li-Ming had saved him as well. When he was unable to kill his Mira as she lay sick and dying from her infection, Li-Ming was there to help him and she has allowed him some modicum of reprieve from his repentance, and that was about as much as he could have asked for.
Headrig was sorting through his inventory and checking his numbers, making sure he had enough to sell when need be and Leah came with her satchel filled at its at most capacity and another bag on her back; accompanied by Tyrael, who carried no luggage but his sword. Behind them – Haedrog raised his eyebrow and stepped back – was Constantine. Haedrig was warned of a treasure goblin having to come along but it wasn't what he was expecting. When he thought of goblins he thought green skinned midgets with long, ugly noses. It was still ugly, but he wasn't expecting it to look like a walking demonic looking toad.
Haedrig looked around to double check no one was around and Leah was quick to hide Constantine in Haedrig's caravan. Haedrig didn't mind, but he prayed that the ugly thing wouldn't make a mess up or steal anything.
"Ready to go, Las?"
"Yeah." Leah was anxious because this would be the first time in her life that she had left without her uncle there to be with her. For as long as she had lived with him, Leah had always been with her uncle; never leaving his side. They watched over each other and now she was leaving Tristram without him. She looked back at the graveyard where her uncle had been cremated and pondered what her life would have been like had he not been there for her and raised her like he did. To him she would forever be grateful and she will always remember him fondly. "I'm ready."
"Hey, you're not alone, Leah. I'm leaving town for the same reason's you are. If there is ever anybody you need to talk too I am here for you. And, I am sure that Kormac and Li-Ming will be there for you as well." Li-Ming, Haedrig and now Leah had all lost someone they loved dearly, she knew she wasn't alone. She needn't reassurance of it. Li-Ming out of all them had known it longer than the rest of them and Leah was sure that she would have the wisdom to share to get through it, should the pain become too much.
"Someone should check to see if Li-Ming is up and getting ready, otherwise we may end up waiting 'til noon for her to rise." Haedrig suggested.
"I'll do it." Leah offered. "She's used to me waking her up sometimes anyway." Leah set her bags down and went into the Slaughtered Calf inn. When she entered hew room she was greeted with seeing not only Li-Ming still sleeping but Kormac as well. Li-Ming's bad habits must be rubbing off on the man. Leah popped her hip out to one side and set her hand on it before shaking Kormac awake.
He stirred and he quickly sat up when he realized he should have been getting ready. "How long have I over slept?"
"Not long. We're still getting set outside. Go ahead and grab what you need then head out." KOrmac nodded and Leah sat on her bed where a sleeping Li-Ming snored quietly and Leah brushed her bangs from her eyes before shaking her shoulder. Li-Ming whined and faced the other way, but Leah was not going to leave her alone. She contined to shake Li-Ming until she finally opened her eyes and sat up.
"Wakey wakey, sleepy head."
"Hmmm." Li-Ming replied as she lazily sat up and her eyes fluttered shut.
"It's time to go. Get ready and meet me outside." Li-Ming waved her hand and Leah got up. Before she left the room she saw her journal sitting closed on her desk. She thought for a moment and took it in her arms. She had much to write about and she was going to have many more entries to follow soon enough. She wanted to have it in case, sometime down the road; something was to happen to her. She figured she may have something for someone to remember her by and know of the event's that transpired beforehand.
Li-Ming roughly rubbed her face so that she could wake up enough to get dressed and get ready. She buckled her armor and threw her robes on and grabbed her satchel. She and Kormac were walking down the hallway when they saw Lyndon walking out from his own room, looking just as tired as Li-Ming did; neither of them were fond of mornings. The others were all packed and ready to go and Brother Malachi came riding in on his with his own bags filled to the brim with who knows what and Li-Ming thought she kind of felt sorry for the horse.
"Ready to get going guys?" Haedrig asked.
Li-Ming and Leah sat with Haedrig while Kormac, Lyndon and Tyrael rode in the back of the Caravan. Li-Ming did not take long to fall back to sleep and she fell against Leah and Leah did just let her rest. She had no way of knowing what was going to happen once they got to Caldeum, but she was happy to have been granted a second another chance to do things right. No longer would she dismiss all the legends as mere fables. No longer will she secretly mock all that Li-Ming and her uncle had talked about. She knew the truth now. The war between the angels and demons was real, Tyrael was all the proof she needed now, and she had her friend – Li-Ming – To thank for it and she was glad for it.
Okay, we are finally on our way to Caldeum! FUCKING WOOOOOOOOOOOO! I can't believe I have gotten this far in the story and I hope you all are as excited as I am because I have so much planned for Caldeum. So many important things that I have been planning for a long time will take place in Caldeum and I can not wait to write them. AHHHHH!
Well I hope you all liked and enjoyed this chapter and I will be back the chapter 21 hopefully sooner rather than later. PEACE