Decision and Deception (Invite Only)

[Lady Elestirne]

Elestirne sank slowly to the ground,near a tree,and allowed herself to lean gingerly against it as she took slow,deep breaths to try to ease the stabbing agony in her side. She was only vaguely aware of Zigler getting some food out of a bag and tossing it to Storm, but not much else. She was focused too much on trying to determine the extent of her injuries. Her wrists were very tender-severely sprained at the very least,although the left could possibly be cracked. Her side...she probed it gingerly with the less injured hand and winced from the stabbing agony that resulted. Nothing seemed to be broken...but there could be a cracked rib or two. Both her side and wrists would have to be bandaged before she faced Telamon...but she couldn't do it,and Olore had no hands...

Her attention was brought abruptly back to the present as a scream of pure rage reached her ears;echoing from the city and,she somehow knew,the spire. She tensed reflexively-fighting to keep the agony from the sudden movement from showing on her face-and turned her head to see what appeared to be a cloud of dust near the spire,and a dark,winged form. Her face went grim.

"He's noticed I escaped," she murmured. Her voice was soft, but all heard her. "If not distracted by something else,he is bound to come hunting me soon. I cannot stay here and bring danger to all of you." Her silver eyes glittered and she made to stand. Her face went white as she tried to put her weight on her injured wrists to raise herself up though,and she sank back against the tree with her right hand pressed to her side and the left cradled to her chest again. "I need to face him before he comes seeking me."

[Lady Elestirne]

Olore's voice was sharp. The two of you will cross paths regardless whether he finds you or you call him out. There is no need to rush the encounter. You cannot fight him now as you are and, judging from the commotion,he is currently distracted by something. Take the time you have to rest and heal as best you might. Let Storm and Tsukasa bind your wounds and take some nourishment. Prepare for the fight to come Elestirne, instead of rushing into it. She nodded faintly, wearily; pressing her hand more tightly against her side as she winced from the throbbing in her wrists, and the sharp,stabbing pain in her side. She could see it would do her no good trying to argue.

The silver stallion nosed her gently. Rest while you can Elestirne, for you will need all of your strength and wits when you fight Telamon. Do not worry about endangering us. It is a choice we made and a risk we accepted when we came after you. Had it been only my choice I would have come alone, but the others insisted. And its useless to tell us to go back and leave you to deal with this on your own, for we will not and you know it.

Elestirne shook her head faintly. "You should not have come at all. Telamon used me as bait to draw you all out,away from the city." Her melodic voice held a certain bitterness,and her silver eyes dark with emotion. She took her hand from her side long enough to rub both wrists alternately; remembering the torment and chains, and thinking of the fight to come. An image came to her of a radiant silver star facing down a smothering darkness,and she shook her head a little to be rid of it. She had first dreamed of this the night after healing Tsukasa, and it had come to her a few times during uneasy sleep in her captivity, each time stronger and clearer. But there a was great unease there too...and memory of something she wanted to forget...

[telemachus]

Like the peering sun from behind the earth, the spirit of Elestirne came into view too Telamon. Not seen with the eyes, but within. The goodness and the light within her burned at his heart. His one desire is to stomp out that light. The opening came and he abandoned his fight with Banith.

The beast flew over the wall and out to Elestirne. Fire rained down temporarily isolating her from the others. He changed as he fell and his demon blade aching to split her in half, but defensively she reared out of the way.

His voice like a hot furnace, “This ends now! Too long I have let you be a blight in my world.”

[Lady Elestirne]

Elestirne had forced herself to sit still and allow Storm and Tsukasa to tend to her. Reluctantly, she also let herself be coaxed into taking some of the elven-bread and cordial that had been brought and soon felt stronger for it; the pain lessening. Once the two had finished their ministrations she ignored the urge to put as much distance between her and them as she could, and instead focused on talking Olore’s advice; settling-uneasily-into a healing, meditative trance that made the most possible of her innate ability under the circumstances while clearing and focusing her mind at the same time.

She let her awareness-physical and spiritual- spread out in a wide wave. She touched Olore and kept seeking, searching for the missing one of the group. She found the field-and found truth in the same instant-as the image of a broken hilt wrapped in a silver horse-hair came to her mind; imparted, she knew, by Olore. A gasp of dismay and shock escaped her and her bitterness increased as guilt joined it. Wrath began to burn in her. She turned her awareness towards the tower and saw the two battling there, and knew that Telamon ‘saw’ her. If her light was unbearable to him, the darkness he had embraced was beyond abhorrent to her. “Telemachus!” she cried to him; deliberately using his real name. The cry rang out as shrill and piercing as a hunting hawk; full of challenge. “It is time!”

As she opened her eyes, the silver orbs began to glitter and dance with their own inner fire. She schooled her face into a grim mask. Her hands went to her swords and they began to glow softly, one brighter than the other. The battered elf-queen herself seemed to be touched with a subtle silver radiance, even her crown and necklace glimmering with it. In her mind’s eye, she saw the familiar vision of a radiant silver star battling darkness, but did not push it away this time. Instead, she took a deep breath and lifted her chin resolutely. If it must be, then so let it be! Still she waited, hoarding her strength.

When she heard the beating rush of heavy wings sweep overhead then stop suddenly, she knew he was here. She flung herself to the side with perfect timing as he dropped-his sword ready to cleave her- and he missed. She rolled and came back agilely to her feet to face him; her narrowed eyes sparking in anger. As she did so, she noticed the fire that cut the others off from her and her eyes narrowed still more. Her voice was icily cold and sharp; no longer bothering to conceal her disdain and contempt. “The same tricks Telemachus? I thought you might have learned better by now.” Her icy voice went still colder. “Yes: it ends. Too long it has been and I am through tolerating you. You’ve tried my patience and hurt my friends one too many times. I have given you enough chances and warnings.”

[telemachus]

He knew his fight with Banith wasn’t over and it would come soon, but an uncontrollable urge to destroy the light that shines so bright. The light spoke to him, a threat of some sort. The words didn’t matter it was light trying to extinguish the dark once again, a never-ending battle. No matter who fell here, there would be another to take its place.

“This is pointless…” this voice he hadn’t heard in some time.
It was the voice of Telemachus, the demon was in control, and he hadn’t realized it. He gave himself over to the darkness and within an old frail elf. His mind so quiet now the voices outside as if they were on the other side of a wall. Before it was a melding of souls and mind and desires, but Telemachus was in control, but to tap into the true power of Amon he’d have to give up the reins. And he did.

Before Elestirne stood a darkness. The eyes of it glow red against the charcoal skin. Along its chest and arms were cracks that seemed deep and orange light emitted.

It drug it’s blade along the gravel. Lifted and swung, she blocked with both blades and then kicked him back.

The Demon laughed and spun and swung again this time she blocked, but the force sent her rolling backwards and up to her feet as if it were a dance.

This time she attacked. She dove under his swing rolled and she slid the blade along his side as she went behind him. The move was swift and barely made a sound.

He touched the wound and grinned at her.

“First blood. My turn.”

[ziglerrobertson]

As the two combatants began their dance, Zigler fought against the ever increasing pain in his head while dragging both Storm and Tsukasa to the edge of the forest. Both of the men tried their best to escape the dwarf's strong grip and both were smartly hit upon the head for their endeavors until the realization dawned on them that their stockier friend was only trying to get them out of harms way.

Upon reaching the woods a good distance away, though not out of sight of the battle, Zigler uses what little strength he has left to toss Tsukasa high up into a tree, pinning him in the branches while he lasses Storm to the trunk. "Lad," Zigler says to the Samurai, "I know ye'd go ta help the Elvin lass, but 'tis not a fight for the likes of us." As Tsukasa struggles to get down from the tree in vain Zigler simply sits next to his shouting and angry friend, every once and awhile digging in the various pouches around his belt for medicinal roots and powders. Finally, coming up with a handful of nuts he offers one to Aki, "Peanut?"

[Lady Elestirne]

Elestirne felt a brief glimmer of triumph as she completed the move and spun back to see the bleeding cut on Telamon's side. Her wrists were burning with pain-her side too, where she had rolled-but she refused to acknowledge either. She took in his grinning face and tensed. A fleeting expression of mingled dismay and worry crossed her face as she saw that he had given in fully to the demon. What was left of Telemachus was buried deep. It reminded her painfully that-despite the boost of strength and health-she was still injured, and weak from the captivity yet. How could she hope to face this? At least with Aegruth she had been at full strength... Her and Telamon were exact opposites-light against the dark. But what did she have to counter the demonic? She shrank from the answer that presented itself, but could not hide from the truth of it. No. Not unless she had to. The demon could glimpse it no doubt, and Olore knew, but she feared the others' reactions. Especially Storm's.

She thought quickly. Odds weren't in her favor. Telamon was stronger, fresher-and more powerful in magic and spells-and she was injured. So I need to be faster and smarter. There was time only for that brief thought before Telamon was rushing her.

She blocked the heavy swing with Langrill and her left wrist screamed with hot pain from the force behind the strike. Unable to hold the block with her injury, the sword dipped before she could strike out with the other, and she dodged to the side. Telamon's sword scored a long cut down her arm and she punched out with Gildin in retaliation. The star sapphire in the ancient, heavenly sword flared with silver-blue light as she did, and the pommel left a sizable, livid-looking bruise on the charcoal cheek. Nimbly, she swung away and fell into a half-crouch. Both swords swept up into a guard, flaring with silver-blue and silver-white light respectively. Although she did not know it, she herself seemed touched with a faint silver glow.

For a moment only, the two stared at each other; silver and crimson orbs burning with equal intensity. They charged at the same time. Elestirne leapt over Telamon's first strike, then ducked the impossibly fast second as she landed. As the demon started to swing a third time, the elf dodged into the arc of the strike, quickly closing the distance between them before the blow could land. Instead of using the opportunity to strike though, she ducked under the demon's arm and leapt away as Telamon overbalanced slightly; his strike hitting nothing but air. As he spun with a snarl to face her, she realized that his last strike had caught her, and she touched the bleeding gash on her leg with a wince.

Before he could rush her, she charged him. The light of her swords merged into one glowing pattern as they crossed and interwove with each other. Without warning, both darted out, each aiming for a side. Telamon parried one and the other scored only a glancing hit. Both came back lightning fast to catch and block his retaliating strike-and she almost buckled under the force of it. Her guard slipped briefly-long enough for the edge of his sword to nick her cheek. The cut seared like fire and she cried out from the pain as she disengaged; throwing his sword out wide and kicking him back while retaliating with a quick strike that opened up a gash on his own cheek, just below the eye.

Bringing her swords back into a guard, the elf-queen drew a slow, painful breath, and tossed a tress of midnight hair out of her eyes as she leveled an intently wary gaze on the demon. Her wrists were in agony now, but she fought to keep the pain from showing; knowing that Telamon would take advantage of any weakness she betrayed.

[telemachus]

They exchanged blow after blow. Her strikes weren’t like any other. Each hit burned the darkness within. He was desperate. Telamon pommeled the queen in the face she fell back and dropped her swords. He was coming to finish it. She tried to reach for one of the blades but she felt his boot crush her hand and then she was kicked away from them. She reeled holding her broken hand to her stomach. He lifted his blade. Finally he would snuff out the light, but before the sword fell an ax flew through the air and buried into his back spark and fire erupted from where it set. The glowing blood spewed and sprayed. Telamon gulped at the pain and turned to see Banith for an instance and then the Scepter erupted a ball of fire into his chest that sent him crashing several yards away.

The grass and bushes around them were burning. A haze covered everything. Telamon lifted his head and saw the Orc Warlord and the Elvin Princess standing side by side. A site to be seen that is for sure. Never have such opposites been on the same side before.

The demon clawed his way up and stood broken and beaten. Telemachus felt himself coming to the surface his eyes in wonder.

“You two are very cunning. An elf and an Orc….who would have thought it?”

He coughed up blood.

“Here I am nearly defeated, but I think my goal is still achieved. The Azoth Gate still evades you. It has fed enough to be used for the coming. It will find its way to the Seven Peaks in the lands beyond to the West. The gate to the underworld will be opened and this land will know true darkness.”

He roared as as fire flew from his hands towards the two.

[Lady Elestirne]

Elestirne bit back a muffled scream of pain as Telamon stepped on the hand she reached towards her swords;breaking both it and the wrist by the force of the stomp before kicking her back forcibly. Momentarily dazed by the pommel strike,she looked up to see his sword descending on her. Before it came near to landing though an ax appeared in his back and a gout of fire flung him away from her. Not wasting the opportunity, she dived for her swords-somehow reclaiming both-and was on her feet and standing near Banith by the time Telamon regained his bearings.

Dropping Langrill, she swept Gildin into a ready postition; The sword flared with brilliant silver-blue light from both blade and stone both. Her eyes glittered with silver fire in pain and anger. Seeming hardly conscious of the movement,the elf drew her battered frame up tall and straight;her fair features locking into a hard mask. Subtle, silver-blue light touched the elven-queen,seeming to halo her.

"You underestimate the ability for tolerance between those who band together to face a common foe." Her gaze flickered briefly to the orc before boring back into the demon. Her voice was deadly quiet but, even so, seemed faintly distant and echoing. She barely seemed to notice the fire around her. "Even enemies will set aside their differences when faced with a greater, mutual enemy. We hate you equally." A grim smile ghosted across her features. "But which of us do you hate more? Maybe yourself, for what you have allowed yourself to become?"

As he flung fire at her and Banith she dove out of the way. Painfully she regained her feet and flung her broken hand out; unconsciously shouting words in the ancient tongue. "Tolo gail!"

Gildin flared brighter in response,as did her own luminence. Light erupted from her hand in blinding silver-white radiance;banishing the haze and filling the area before shrinking in on itself to become a ring of dancing silver-white flames. While Telamon was blinded by the flare, she darted forward and struck swiftly. Runes on Gildin's blade flared to life as the heaven-forged sword contacted the demon's body; opening up his back in a long gash from shoulder to opposite hip and searing his flesh.

As he roared with agony and whipped around, Elestirne raised Gildin for another strike but hesitated as memories of her fight with Aegruth assaulted her. She shuddered reflexively. "Is it worth having this blood on my hands as well? He was-is-still an elf..." That shred of conscience went flying away as Telamon kicked her back with such force that it sent her hurtling backwards into a tree. Her head cracked sharply against the trunk and for a few moments all she saw was doubled. Branches and leaves rained down upon her as she crumpled at the tree's base.

When her vision turned single again, she saw Telamon lunging for her,sword extended. Desperately, she threw herself to the side; feeling the sword graze her side and opening a long gash before stabbing into the tree as she regained her feet. As he yanked it back out,she ducked the swing and spun around behind his back;opening him on the opposite side with the same strike she had used earlier.

Sliding in under his arm as he made to swing at her, she uncoiled from the crouch up to full height and, in a lightning-quick movement, slashed the demon diagonally across the chest first, then just as quickly back up across his throat. As he started to fall, the two locked eyes and Telamon shot his hand out as though to grasp her by the throat but she evaded it with effort and slipped free;staggering backwards out of reach.

Making it to another tree several feet away, Elestirne collapsed heavily as the pain of her injuries caught up to her all at once;the odd, distant awareness and strength present during the fight disappearing. She watched the demon form crack and explode to reveal Telemachus as he had been and did not flinch as he pinned his dying gaze on her,though deep in her silver eyes was the barest trace of what might have been pity and sorrow.

Bowing her head-her hair spilling forward like a veil of star-dusted midnight to mantle her- the elf cradled her broken hand to her chest, and pressed the right one gingerly to the gash in her side;laying Gildin across her lap as she took slow,pained breaths with effort. The ring of flickering silver-white flame ebbed and died-opening the way for the others-even as the silver-blue luminence limning her slowly faded away to a subtle silvery shimmer. A few crystal tears trickled down her cheeks,glittering like diamonds.

[telemachus]

Shock…

That’s all that was left for Telemachus. His demon skin splintered and cracked and exploded in a flare of red light. The soul of Amon was destroyed. All was left was a frail old elf who’s days have finally come to an end. His legs stopped working and he crumbled to his knees. He had no more condescending words for his enemies that stood before him. His wounds prohibited from getting enough air to make any words. When he tried he just gargled and choked on his blood. His eyes pinned to Elestirne’s.

He grinned and then died. His body lifeless and cold and as the sound of wind calming and the light crackle of small fires.

Somewhere in a small room sat the Azoth Gate peaking out of a satchel. Its amber glow surged and inside it something stirred.

[Sir Storm Brightblade]

Storm sat and watched the battle between Telamon and his sister commence. With the ring of fire there was nothing he could do. But an unseen hand kept him seated where he was. He realized that this was not his fight. Sure he would have loved to show his family sword through the heart of the demon but his sister had been chosen to decide whether he lives or dies, not him. He watched his sister with concern as she battled for her life. The sight of Banith was a surprise but what mostly caught Storm's eye was the glowing that Elestirne had given off. He had never seen anything like this from her and he knew that he was going to have to ask questions on it later if the chance came.

All the sudden there was and explosion and the ring of fire dissipated. Zigler cut the ropes and storm was off to go to his sister. He ran over to the tree she had inspected her. Besides the broken hand she seemed fine.

"Are you alright oselle?"

She smiled as always and said "No need to worry Otorno, Telamon is dead. That makes me feel much better."

She winced when she tried to move and Storm realized that her hand was broken by the way she was holding it.

Storm smiled at her and chuckled, 'Always playing the martyr,' he thought. He bandaged her hand and tried to help her up.

[ziglerrobertson]

Zigler looked on after Aki, making sure he made it to the lady elf alright before yelling up a Tsukasa, "Laddie, yea kin come down now!"

The other man merely looked down angrily at the dwarf as with a grunt of effort he extracted himself from between the two branches and fell, landing slightly bent on his feet. Once upright Zigler slapped him on the back and motioned him to join the others as they gathered around Elestirne. Zigler slowly followed the other man as the recent death of the possessed elf Telamon had rattled the dwarf to his very core. When the demon had been slain Zigler was almost sure he saw....something. An obscure yet familiar room. But being unable to place his hand or mind upon it he quickly dismissed it and rejoined the group. Aki was seeing to Elestirne's wounds as Tsukasa, being ever practically minded was gathering up the horses for the journey back.

[Lady Elestirne]

Elestirne shuddered reflexively as images flitted through her mind. First was of the silver star-burning brighter and more radient then ever. Next were overlapping images of both the battle just fought and the one with Aegruth before she had become Queen, and she realized what Olore had told her about facing something unresolved from her past had turned out to be true. She shuddered again as memory of the curse came back;Aegruth's words hissing at her out of the past. My memory will come back to haunt you long after you had thought yourself rid of me.. That too,had proven true.. But what had been done was done now: Telamon was dead,new blood was on her hands now, Tatsumura was gone and she had... She shook her head, unwilling to think on it yet. She would not have won the battle without tapping into it, but it was possible no one had noticed.

Pulling herself back to the present with an effort she became aware of Storm speaking to her and raised her head a little. Registering the question,she shook her head faintly and,for his sake, tried a smile. It came out weak though,and she knew her heartbrother saw it. "Do not wory about me otorno. Telamon has been dealt with-that is what matters." She was not all right of course, but she refused to lie and tell him she was. She shifted and winced as pain from her injuries assaulted her;particularily her shattered hand and injured side. Her free hand tightened on it-it's injured wrist stabbing her with pain as she did so-and she realized blood was seeping between her fingers. The gash was deeper than she thought, and had also cut through the bandages.

As Storm noticed the wince and moved instinctively to tend to her,she tried to wave him off,but knew it was futile. Instead,she let him have his way;gritting her teeth to keep from crying out as he bandaged and splinted her hand as best as he could,then rebandaged her side before tending to her other cuts. Olore had come forward by then and watched calmly as Storm helped her up. With effort,she stood, but immediently sagged back against the tree. One leg didn't want to support her very much without pain-obviously she had injured it somehow during the fight without being aware-and her vision blurred briefly;her surroundings seeming to double. She dropped Gildin and her right hand came up to her head;her features a mask of pain as she closed her eyes and took in a pained,labored breath.

Elestirne, sit down before you fall down. Olore's voice was gentle, but held an unexpected edge. Storm, you should not have made her move yet. She is hurt more than you know. And we will not leave yet anyway. There are things unfinished that ought to be seen to. Privately, to Elestirne only;sensing her thoughts. Do not dwell on it Elestirne. What is done cannot now be changed, though you might wish it. You did what you had to, what he forced you to. There is no blood on your hands,even if you think otherwise-for your actions were justified. You must accept what you are though, or you'll never have any peace within yourself The battered elf heard the words, but only distantly; still caught up in memories of past and and replaying the recent events in her mind.

[Sir Storm Brightblade]

Storm looked at Olore, "Yes I guess you are right, I thought she might have been well enough to get onto you so we could leave. But we should rest,' Storm looked over at Banith standing there, "that is if we are allowed to rest without having to leave further into the forest without fear of harassment."

Banith smiled and shrugged, "For now human. Tomorrow though, I might send somebody out looking for a little fun. Never know how I'll feel in the morning."

With that Banith walked across the battle field towards his city of monsters.

Storm sighs, "Well that was a bit of relief, at least we'll get some sleep before we have to move and gives everyone a chance to recover. So lets set up for the night."

With that Storm sets off to his horse and grabs bedroll. Setting up his place for the night he walks over to Olore and pats his head.

"What did you mean by unfinished business, old friend?" Storm asked while setting up Elestirne's accommodations for the night

[Lady Elestirne]

I mean Tatsumura. Olore waited until the others had joined them before continuing. He cast a quick glance to Elestirne, who had sunk back down to the ground as everyone had readied the campsite. He slipped away at dawn to engage Telamon. This all of you know. I could have gone with to aid but did not, for my concern was for Elestirne, and getting to her. Before he slipped away though, Tatsumura gave me an ice scepter. It was meant for Elestirne but I did not give it to her and she did not need it. The elf flinched at the hint but otherwise gave no sign of awareness; keeping her head bowed. Olore knew she was listening though.

Shaking out his mane, the silver stallion paused briefly. While in the city I received another token from the wind-walker. This. With a shimmer of silver, the broken hilt materialized between the stallion's hooves; the single hair wrapped around it glimmering brightly. He is lost to us, and it will do no good to search for a body. Nor will it do any good to offer to kill yourself in shame for perceived failure. The stallion's depthless indigo eyes settled unwaveringly on Storm as though he guessed the warrior might be contemplating such a thing. His path was his to choose and he was fully aware of what the probable outcome would be. He would not have allowed any of us to accompany anyway. Lowering his fine head, Olore nudged the hilt towards Storm. You take this. Someone will have to tell the Shogunate of his fall and you are the most obvious choice.

"This is my fault." Elestirne's interruption was so soft it was a few moments before they registered she had spoken. Her silver eyes were glittering with pain and something else as she raised her head to regard them; a haunted look in them. "All of this." Her tone was bitter. "If Telamon had not captured me and used me as bait to draw all of you out, none of you would have endangered yourselves by coming after me unnecessarily. And Tatsumura would be here still, and not have had to face Telamon."

Her eyes went dark with grief, guilt, and anger. Pain rippled across her features as she unconsciously clenched her hands, but she seemed to be refusing to acknowledge it. "None of you should have come. If there is any failure here it is mine, as a friend and ally-for drawing all of you into danger because of me. Especially Tatsumura. I could have endured Telamon's torture and beatings on my own-I knew he would not kill me, despite his threats to do so. He would not have been able to."

Her face turned grim, the bitterness in her melodic voice clearly pronounced now. A few crystal tears carved glistening tracks down pale cheeks. She shook her head faintly before bowing it again; her shoulders sagging as if burdened by heavy weight. "I am responsible for this. This blood is on my hands."

[Sir Storm Brightblade]

Storm looked at the hilt and his world shattered.

He was shocked. He couldn't believe it. Tatsamura wasn't around at all and all that was left the handle. Storm picked up the handle and stood up.

“I need to be alone.”

With that he walked away from the group.

He didn’t know how long he had been walking. All he knew was that he was come to the realization that his lord was dead and how he needed to cope with it.

'How could this have happened?' he thought as he craddled the handle into his arms, 'I was supposed to protect him and I failed in my duty.'

Storm not watching where he was going tripped and laid there on the ground.

And started to cry. It was uncontrollable, he just cried for everything that had happened.

He raised his head suddenly and yelled, "Tatsamura!"

He held his head in shame, what was he supposed to do now? The very thing he swore to protect above his sister was gone and he had failed in his duty. The thing that the samurai would do is commit seppukku, honorable suicide. Storm picked up the sword and held it above his heart. Elestirne would mourn, but she would understand. Duty above all else. Storm started to plunge the sword in but there was a flash of white light and Storm was blinded.

When he looked he saw before him the Platinum Dragon, Paladine. Standing left of him was his grandfather, Sturm Brightblade and on his right was his father, Steel Brightblade.

"Why do you do this?" Paladine asked as a loving father would to his child.

Storm was speechless. He lowered his head in both reverence but in shame.

"I have failed my duty, and the code I now follow demands that I give up my life for my failure."

Steel walked over to his son and lifted his head, "Son, there's nothing to be ashamed about. Your lord did his duty, he tried to save your life among your friend's. There is no shame in what he did. All we have is each other son, don't forget that."

Sturm walked over and pulled his grandson off the ground.

"Though we never met, Paladine says great things about you. You are a defender of all people and those you love. If you kill yourself, who will be there to protect them Storm? Nobody will, which is why you must be strong and defend others no matter what. Like I did, and like your father after me."

Paladine smiled and rested his nose on the knight's head, "Your commitment and service to your lord is commendable my child. You hold him with high regard and may he return to his gods with honor. Would you dishonor his sacrifice for your companions with your death?"

Storm was appalled by what he was doing, "Of course not Blessed Paladine."

Paladine snaked his head back and looked at the knight.

"Storm Brightblade, do not go down this course for it is only one of pain and misery for those around you. Continue to defend others and be a beacon. Return to your castle and inform you order of your lords death but keep the sword as a reminder of what we have said. Mourn for your lord, but do not stray from your course. Know that we are watching over you Storm."

With that there was another flash of light and the three were gone.

Storm couldn’t believe what he had just saw, was it real? Did his god and family just stop him from killing himself, even though his order demanded it from a failure of this degree? He felt his holy symbol and it was warm beyond belief. It must have happened. Storm stood and picked up the handle with new vigor and walked back to the group. He saw Elestirne looking for him from her spot and quickened his pace and sat down.

He looked at her and said, “I need to go back to the castle, I need to inform everyone of what has happened.”

[Lady Elestirne]

Elestirne watched sorrowfully as Storm took the hilt and abruptly walked off. His words reached her only distantly and she was sure he had not heard anything she had said. She yearned to follow but could not, so she leaned back against the tree and closed her eyes. The deep grief and shock she sensed from Storm was just as keenly present within herself but it was, she reflected almost distantly,much worse for him. She had not served the samurai leader, nor lived with him and so, had not gotten to know him as well. Three years was a decent length of time to mortals and, given Storm's deep code of honor and loyalty it was no surprise he was in such shock. For herself though, her bitterness, shock and sense of guilt threatened to overwhelm her. It was the first time dealing with the loss of a friend and the suddenness of it made her reel at the same time that it baffled her. She couldn't make sense of it. One moment Tatsumura had been here, the next... She had not even gotten to say goodbye. And it was all her fault.

This is what happens when you befriend mortals, an unbidden voice whispered to her. They are there for a moment, then gone when you blink. Whether by sword or the slow decay of age it will happen to all of them. You will lose all of them-both the ones you have now and the ones you make in the future. Why even bother? Eventually you will be utterly alone for, though you are elf you are also something much more. This is but the first loss and sorrow of many.

Out of the past it seemed to her that she heard the cruel, mocking laughter of Aegruth as he pronounced his curse with his dying breath, and she shuddered; dropping her head into her hands. For the first time, Elestirne felt the full weight of being elven and-though she was still quite young as elves account things-she felt in that moment suddenly old and weary with the knowledge that she would linger on long after others have passed. I curse you with sadness and sorrow... came the malicious hiss from the past. She shook her head with a small, mental cry and second shudder;trying to banish the unwelcome memory. And then there was the knowledge that she would have to come to terms with the hidden part of her;whose power she had unconsiously drawn on to win the fight...

Dragging herself back to half-awareness with effort, the elf did not stir;keeping her head bowed as she thought over things. Her grief remained mercifully distant yet-she would mourn this loss later, privately when there was time. Now was not the proper time. Her bitterness and guilt were strong-dominant-along with the sense of blame. If she had not been captured it would have all been avoided... Or if they had only not come after her... This was her fault-her failure-and not anyone else's. The pain of having failed as a friend and ally burned her almost as much as the pain of her wounds. Distantly,she was aware of musing that, if they did not take care with the cuts inflicted by the demon sword they may fester and bring on a fever-especially the gash in her side...

The image of a room and a small object flaring with amber light that she had recieved when killing Telamon came back to her now, and she inhaled softly in dismay. Mittelmarch... The Azoth Gate. The undead that had been marching... How did the city fare? Had it fallen or was it still standing? What of the inhabitants and her elves? They should not linger here any longer. Yes, she needed the rest to restore her energy and allow her wounds to start healing, but the city was more important than her well-being...

She drew in a labored, pained breath as feeling returned with awareness and sharp pain stabbed her side,wrists and hand. She was concious of a dull headache too,and remembered hitting her head rather hard. Possibly a concussion,she mused dazedly. But it can't be helped now. There are more important things. She opened her eyes, the silver orbs glittering-but her gaze seemed oddly distant and unfocused. "We should leave this place," she said softly; wincing as she shifted. "We've spent too long here. And I can rest as we ride."

[Tsukasa]

Tsukasa sat quietly, reflecting on what just happened. This battle was one but it was at a great cost. Tsukasa did not know Tatsumura personally but he had great respect for the man. He could also sense that he was close to both Lady Elestirne and Storm. Tsukasa decided to give everyone their space and allow them to grieve the way they saw fit.

Then there was the image of Elestirne starting to glow. Tsukasa did not know a lot about elves, but it seem very strange. He put it in the back of his mind to ask someone about that later.

I hope everything is well in Mittelmarch. It may not be my home, but it is the closest thing to a home I have.

Just then he heard Lady Elestirne call for everyone to prepare to leave. He could not agree with her more. They have spent to much time here and they need to return.

[ziglerrobertson]

Zigler chuckles at the mixed reactions to Elestirne 's desire to leave quickly. But in truth the whole journey had been a tiring affair for the dwarf. Despite the chances it gave him to exercise his new-found abilities, he really did not care for the endeavor, nor its outcome. Though part demon himself now, it was Telamon and Cathan who had given him the chance to be gifted with those abilities. Had it not been for Aki and the torturing of an innocent the dwarf may well have been beside Telamon in the demented elf's final moments.

"Well, if'n we be going, we be goin'. Aki, pack up yer stuff laddie, I'll hold yer reins while ye nap on the trip back. And if'n ye all don't mind, "he addresses the group at large" I'll be gettin' back to mah Inn once yer all back at the Kyuden."

With that Zigler helps Storm pack his gear, then mounts his own horse and begins riding towards the Kyuden.

[Sir Storm Brightblade]

Storm not happy at the sudden change to leave so soon gives in reluctantly.

"Yes Uncle.'

He is tired as much as everyone else and begins to pack his things and load them on the horse. He mounts the horse and lets Zigler take the reins as he sits there trying to get a nap. Before he falls into sleep he wonders about how he is going to tell the lords of the castle about what happened to Tatsamura...

[Baethor]

Pushing open his heavy door slowly the dwarf began to feel the years on his shoulders, the work at rebuilding and fortifying the walls of mittelmarch was no small task. With the aid of stout dwarves though it was completed on time before the first winters snow, and the dwarf was ready for a stiff drink. Peeling off his leather apron something chanced his eye.

A faint amber glow peering through a crack in his large trunk. he approached it cautiously, reaching down and tracing the rune which locked it, a slight click signaled the trunk opening for its master. Opening it slowly he see's the source of the light...

Gleaming inside one of his knapsacks lay the Azoth gate, a powerful carved gem once held by cathan...Baethor had happened upon it in the forest after cathan had dissappeared and decided to keep it secret in hopes that dwarven magic could unlock its secrets. but for so long the thing had just lay there, a large ring of gemstone that showed no glimpse of power...but now it glowed just slightly, though in a fashion that made the light seem almost alive...

"Hmm...Curious..."

The dwarf reached into the bag and drew out the item, glittering in an amber glow that almost seemed to react to his touch...he stared at it for a long while watching it sparkle, as dwarves are prone to do, deciding that he would need to examine it more over the winter he gingerly placed the gem back in his trunk...he glimpsed just before closing the trunks lid, the flashes of light in the ruby took the form of a small pair of amber eyes, though he dismissed it immediatly knowing that he needed a good drink and some rest more then ever...suddenly he had never felt so tired...

[Lady Elestirne]

Elestirne had said little after reclaiming her swords and somehow hoisting herself into Olore's saddle as the group had set out. Storm too, had been quiet and seemed both reluctant and displeased to be leaving without resting. His grief, she sensed, was no means lessened, though it seemed contained. Tsukasa seemed merely baffled and confused. Zigler she could not read and there seemed to be a touch of the demonic to him that made her very uneasy.

She herself rode in a half-trance for the most part, only semi-aware of things. The ordinary injuries that she had suffered had healed swiftly,after she had had enough rest to let her healing ability work. The slashes she had gotten from the demon sword though, and her bruised ribs and shattered wrist and hand had not and were paining her immensly. Worse still-even though Storm or Tsukasa had carefully dressed and rebandaged the injuries each time they stopped, the sword slash across her injured ribs seemed to be festering. She could feel the heat of it through the bandages and knew it did not bode well. She tried to hide the pain under a stoic face, but felt sure that Storm at least saw through it. The young warrior knew her well enough by now. And occasionally she thought she saw Tsukasa cast her a curious glance or two. Both men had to have seen her and her swords glowing during the battle and, owing to the curious nature of mortals, were bound to ask soon. For now, shock over recent events still held sway.

When they did ask though? Elestirne shuddered faintly. She dreaded telling what she had kept secret from everyone-even Storm and Authnor-and dreaded the reactions the revelations might bring. Especially from Storm. And there was still her guilt, grief and bitterness to deal with-the sense that the whole thing was her fault. Especially Tatsumura's death. The elf bowed her head wearily, shoulders slumping a little. Suppose the Shogunate blamed her for the lord's death? Mortals were unpredictable like that. What punishment might they try to demand?

They cannot and will not blame you, came Olore's reassuring voice. You have done too much for them and they honor you too highly. If anything, they will honor you more highly now, for ending the life of the one that took their lord from them.

Elestirne shuddered profoundly;flinching at the reminder of what she had done, and the blood on her hands. Olore added more words, his tone slightly more urgent. Remember Elestirne: we cannot change what or who we are born, only who and what we become, and what we are remembered for. Do not hide from what you are, the hidden part of you that you keep secret. It is a part of you and you should embrace it, not fear or deny it. It helped you in the battle against Telamon after all.

If his words reached Elestirne at all, the elf gave no sign; her silver eyes dark and bleak as she sank deeper into herself, the guilt, the bitterness and her dread of what would come. Not to mention the fever that was growing.

[Lady Elestirne]

The lethargy that seemed to have settled on the small group as they made their way back was broken suddenly when Olore came to an abrupt halt; raising his head and flaring his nostrils. The kyuden is not too far ahead, he noted, answering the unspoken question. If we press on, we can reach it soon. Zigler I know desires to go on to Mittelmarch, and Storm feels he must stop at the kyuden, but what path shall Tsukasa take? Either is open to him.

"Tsukasa can go wherever he wills," Elestirne's soft interuption was unexpected. "He is not bound to either road. You and I,Olore, go with Storm to face the Shogunate and break the news. If there is going to be blame laid for Tatsumura's death I should face it. I won't have them blaming Storm unjustly." The elf shook her head minimally. "And my wounds are festering. Better that I have them properly seen to here,than in Mittelmarch. And there is something unfinished I must do as well."

[ziglerrobertson]

Zigler nods having heard the twos discussion. Storm had sens woken up and was directing his horse by himself.

"Methinks its about time I went back ta Cedric's and minded me own knitting for awhile. "
says Zigler, With that his says goodbyes to the rest of the party and strikes off toward Mittelmarch, home, and a REAL bed.

[Sir Storm Brightblade]

Storm waved to his uncle with little enthusiasm. He wished right now his job were as easy as his. Taking the reins he led the way home. The sun was rising and it was going to be a long trip home.

Without even realizing the group traveled at a fast pace, Storm looked up to see the castle in front of him. He loathed what he was about to face but at the same time realized that it had a beauty to it. He could imagine Tatsamura walking the ramparts early in the morning like he usually did and overlooking everything of his beloved castle. Looking down at the katana handle and nudged his horse forward towards the gate. The guards saluted as the group rode past and Storm nodded. He rode to the stables and tied up his horse and started to desaddle her when the captain of the guard walked in.

"Welcome back my lord, I'm glad to see you made it back with Lady Elestirne-sama safe and sound. Where is our Tatsamura-dono at though?"

Storm said nothing and merely looked at the katana handle. The captain following his gaze saw and understood with a bowed head.

"I shall see to it that the lords are assembled, they must hear about this."

Storm nodded and watched as the captain went to do his duties. He unhooked the final strap and took the saddle off. Reaching into the food bag he pulled out a handful and fed her.

"Well old girl, wish me luck." and Storm left to go to his room to prepare for what was about to come.

After a few minutes of walking he reached his room and opened his door. Every thing was in place where he had left it. He walked in the room and stripped of his traveling clothes and put on his most eloquent robes. He slowly put them on, trying to delay the inevitable. The samurai sat down on his matwith his eyes closed, deep in meditation. After an hour Storm realized it was time. He stood up and placed his two swords on his belt and opens the door. He walks down the hall again slowly faintly hearing heated discussions. Storm walks in and sees the lords puzzled trying to figure. They see Storm enter and they take their seats.

He walked to the center of the room and reached for the katana handle. Unsheathing the broken sword he holds it above his head for everyone to see.

"My lords, this is all that remains of our faithful Shogun. He met his end by the hands of the demon possessed elf, Telemachus. The same elf that battled our lord years before and severely injured him as a result. Sadly though, our lord was not able to defeat him. The tale of his ending I do not know, all I can tell you that he is dead."

The room was ablaze with arguments.