Desert Trek - The Missing Weeks ( I )

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[176] Nymaya: Desert Trek - The Missing Weeks I
Wed Aug 12 03:45:38 2009
To: New_Thalos All ( RP )
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The grove with the little pool was still and as untouched by time as it
always seemed to be. The sun was a shadow of itself, its light made misty
and dappled as it filtered through the still tree that gave its shade to the
occupants who stood below it. A gentle, warm fall of rain accompanied the
serene moment, dripping through the leafy boughs overhead.

There was no peace for her in this place. At least...not at first.

...Nymaya...

She wanted to turn away. So very badly did she want to turn away from this
but she knew it wouldn't do any good.

...You are mortal. We make mistakes...

The voice was so distant, the image of her conscience so faint and shadowy.
It drew sorrow up from the depth of her soul - for all that had passed and
all that never would.

...Accept this...and find peace...

It was the answer to her question. It seemed common sense but in the voice
of Linot - her murdered friend - it was merely a gentle revelation. Spoken
with a rueful smile, as if they were bantering at each other as usual.

She saw herself again; the lost, embittered Songkeeper...seeking the only
soul in the grove who she trusted to speak without judgment. Who would care
unconditionally even as she lectured you in wise, poetic tones about mortal
nature.

Then, a piece of one of the last memories she had had with Linot, returned
all at once.

"I am..bound by an oath."

And it began again...

"I understand this oath. It has been written upon my heart and soul."

The ghostly figure was closer now, her faded green eyes visible as they
stared beyond the feeble walls that had tried to contain these remembered
moments.

"..I have failed to teach the King the full importance of the Kyorl, this
oath and what they should mean to him and this kingdom."

How she wished the words hadn't ever been true. She had failed. Oh yes, but
not as anyone had accused her. She swallowed hard and in a small voice,
asked the apparition to stop. The ghostly form of Linot just smiled sadly.

...You were free...

"I did not want this..did not foresee...how it would tear me apart."

...Hind sight, my friend...

The tone was gently amused.

...But all is not lost. You have always had the answers...

And with that, a sweeping sense of peace finally stole through her. She had
time to close her eyes, to lift her face into the warm rain and glory in the
feel of the sun before the ground shuddered beneath her feet. She opened
her eyes to find that Linot was gone. The sense of warmth and peace
evaporated as darkness converged over the sky.

...Embrace Fatale's whispers, and the gods may grant you pain
everlasting...

Those last words whispered, haunted and empty, through the thickening
darkness and the meaning in them was not lost on her.

cont.