The next day, V was gone. When Haley went looking for them, she found a note next to a blood stained puddle below a third story balcony with a broken railing. It read:
Elan, Haley, and Roy,
This letter is to inform you of my resignation as party wizard in The Order of the Stick.
I am very grateful for the wonderful years we've shared as a group. Unfortunately, the manner in which we accomplished our goals has left no room for the mutual trust I require of my adventuring companions.
Goodbye, and good luck,
Vaarsuvius and Blackwing
"So we're The Order of the Stick now? Us and Roy?" Haley asked Elan sadly after she showed him the note.
"I don't think this is going to happen."
Haley frowned.
"What do you mean you don't think this is going to happen? It's happening right now."
"Hmm. To explain, I would have to tell you what the Oracle told me. But I can't tell you what I asked the Oracle, because then it won't come true!"
"Elan, sweetie, you're thinking of the rules for blowing out birthday candles. You can tell me the question you asked the Oracle."
Elan perked up at her logic and kissed her hand in appreciation.
"Thanks, Haley. You're so smart. The reason I don't think this scenario is likely—"
"—even though this scene is literally playing out as we speak—"
"—is because I asked the Oracle if our story would have a happy ending. And he said, yes, for you. Now, I'm not expecting all my fantasies to come true. But unless 'happy' just means 'doesn't die,' this ain't it, sister. The Order of the Stick can't just disband after everything we've been through! At least... not like this."
Haley struggled to remain strong for Elan. Losing Belkar, Durkon, and now Vaarsuvius, one of her closest friends in the group, was a devastating blow to her, too. Working with the group had been doing wonders for her self esteem and abandonment issues. But she was determined not to backslide into insecurity and despair.
She took Elan's hand and held it in her own. She didn't have any words for him. She couldn't deny that even though it felt like The Order of the Stick couldn't just disband… it also felt like they just did.