She stands on the porch outside of their home listening to the waterfall, her back to the sleeping form of the Nalfein inside. Sipping her tea she lets her mind wander over the things she needs to do to prepare in the next few hours. Her thoughts slip for a moment into a darker place —the idea of failure or the very real threat of not being able to return from the Shadowland rises in her mind and throat like the tide rises onto shore. Her hand trembles slightly, tea spilling over the rim of the cup before she catches herself.

“No, that will not be how I spend the time between now and then. I am stronger than that”. She shoves the thoughts out of her mind and instead lets turns them to Sarvia. She mulls over all the things she has learned from her over the last year. She mentally clicks down the list of tools she has been taught by the Sylvan Blood Mage and her heart swells with gratitude and love for her friend and mentor. She feels a pang of anguish when she considers what this end must mean for her, given how long she’s been fighting the fight against Shadows and darkness—and all those who she has loved and lost as a result.

With a deep sigh she stills herself and begins to reinforce her mental shields as she has done every morning and every night for the past several months. She glances over at the still form of her love and says a quick prayer to Jastev, that he might guide Altheorn in the coming days—whether or not she is able to remain by his side. Ending her prayer in thanks for the guidance she has received, and the protection she attributes to her Lord’s sight she sets the tea down and heads towards town. She appreciates each sight on her way, realizing that there is a chance—no matter how small—that she will not see them the same way, or at all, ever again.

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PS: ONCE again--my first born for a damned edit button! GARGH!

~Nichoel, the Muse.

Nature of rebellion, means to an end. Sometimes men are tempted by money and power and they forget what end they're serving. ~Brendan Roarke, SOA Irish King

AIM: LdyStrmyRn