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A Cappella Part 297 - Goodbyes


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#1 Guest_Silrana_*

Posted 26 July 2005 - 03:47 AM

AC297-Goodbyes


Time, flowing like a river
Time, beckoning me
Who knows when we shall meet again, if ever
But time keeps flowing like a river
To the sea

Goodbye my friends, maybe for forever
Goodbye my friends, the stars wait for me
Who knows where we shall meet again, if ever
But time keeps flowing like a river (on and on)
To the sea, to the sea


“Time” Alan Parsons Project

 

The sun was shining brightly when the small group gathered in the courtyard behind the temple of Helm. Sarevok stood quietly as the others whispered to each other. He was grateful that Jarran had handled all the arrangements, because he would not have been able to keep his composure during the arguments over what sort of funeral Anomen should have.

After a great deal of what Jarran had politely termed ‘negotiations’, an agreement had been reached. The funeral had been open to any who wished to attend, and not even Oisig had expected the masses who had packed themselves into the temple. It had been decided, however, that only those with actual ties to Anomen, either through friendship or blood, would be allowed to be present at the burning of the priest’s pyre.

Sarevok let his eyes dwell for a moment on the column of smoke that still rose into the sky. The Helmites believed that the body should be consumed utterly, so even though the ceremony was officially over, the coals of the fire would be tended until only a small amount of ash remained.

Sarevok stepped out of the temple’s shadow into full sunshine and took a deep breath. The lengthy service had not been as difficult as he had feared. After all, it was the funeral of a stranger. As the speakers had droned endlessly on, it had been easy to forget who the ceremony was for. The person they spoke of was a soulless church functionary, a golem wearing a holy symbol. The priests knew nothing of Anomen the healer, Anomen the warrior, Anomen the lover… Anomen the man.

All who were present seemed hesitant to speak. There were a handful of knights and priests, as well as a group of people who had been pointed out to Sarevok as relatives of Anomen’s mother. One elderly lady, who he had been told was Anomen’s grandmother, had sobbed quietly into a handkerchief since the moment she had entered the temple.

Softly, Imoen said, “That… that was it? Just a lot of speeches and then a fire?” Her voice cracked on the last word, and Valygar put his arm around her protectively.

Sir Donalus gave her a sympathetic look and said, “My lady? What was it that you expected?”

“I… I’m not sure, but… Anomen was special. Shouldn’t there have been… signs from Helm? A booming voice from the sky, a giant eye… oh, something!”

Oisig gently took her hand and patted it. “My dear, nothing of the sort was required. Those of us who are Helm’s Faithful could feel the Great Watcher’s presence.”

Donalus nodded, his eyes slightly unfocused. “Indeed, I have never felt nearer to our Lord Helm. He seemed to… to fill the temple. That spoke louder than any symbols or wonders, good lady.”

The mourners turned to leave the courtyard. Wessalen made a sound of disgust and strode towards a large bush. “Come out this moment. Really, Sir Vachel, I am ashamed of you. Succumbing to morbid curiosity…”

A young knight stepped into view, his face even redder than his auburn curls. “Please, Prelate, I… I did know Sir Anomen, or at least… I knew his sister.”

Anomen’s grandmother, Lady Sirelle, gasped. “Moira? Were you… the person Anomen spoke to me about? The one she…” Her eyes overflowed with tears and she could no longer speak.

Vachel did not reply. He only nodded as tears began to trickle down his face.

Sarevok watched the exchange in confusion until he remembered that Anomen had told him that his sister had planned to run away with a young squire. Their plans had been dashed when Lord Cor had discovered Moira’s secret and accidentally killed her in a rage.

The elderly man who had leaned against Lady Sirelle for support shuffled forward. “My poor boy,” he said shakily, “of course you are welcome to join us.”

Wessalen said in a voice that tried to be gruff but failed, “Well, if you had a good reason to be here, why were you hiding? Come along, lad.”

The large group left the courtyard and passed through the now nearly empty temple to the street. Keldorn had invited them to join him at his home for a meal, and to have a chance to mourn their friend away from staring eyes.

Sarevok slowly walked away from the temple, keeping a little apart from the others. The companions had told the knights and priests that they would not participate in any other gatherings, and that they preferred to do their grieving in private. Sarevok knew that they were shielding him, that there was no polite way for him to refuse to attend any functions if the others were going.

He felt a hand on his shoulder, and he scowled when he saw that the hand belonged to a knight of the Order. Before Sarevok could snarl a rebuke, the paladin said quietly, “I am Sir Blethyn. Perhaps Anomen spoke of me?”

“Y-yes, I know who you are.”

“I wanted to offer you my condolences and my utmost sympathy. I have stood where you stand, and I know the pain in your heart.”

“I do not understand what you mean.”

“When a man remains dry-eyed when all around him are in tears, he either cares nothing… or cares too much.”

“Please, just leave me alone. You are speaking nonsense.”

Blethyn said bluntly, “You and Anomen were lovers. Do not bother to deny it. You do not have the look of a man who has lost a dear friend, but of one who has lost a part of himself.”

“You… you mean well, I know, but…”

“Sarevok, obviously you prefer not to speak of your relationship with Anomen, and I can understand that. I have not kept my love for men hidden, and I know that there are those in the Order who find that repugnant. I let their snide remarks fall on deaf ears, for I know that Tyr accepts my devotion and service without qualms. I will tell no one of this.”

“You understand nothing if you think that I have…” Sarevok snarled. He managed to bring his temper under control and said in a low voice, “Very well, Anomen was my lover. But my silence is not from cowardice. The opinions of strangers are of no importance to me, at least… for myself.”

Blethyn’s eyes lit with comprehension as he said, “You are protecting Anomen? I… see.”

“If Anomen was alive, I would stand at his side and dare anyone to speak ill of it, but he cannot defend himself now. I know what is being said about me, that death was not enough for my crimes, that I should be held accountable, perhaps turned over to Baldur’s Gate. To tie my name with his would destroy the reputation that drew all those people to his funeral.”

The knight gave Sarevok a slow smile and said, “It is obvious that you cared for him deeply. My cousin chose well.”

“I… Anomen spoke of you several times, and he admired your courage. He said that he wished he had your strength.”

“It was not always easy. Just before Anomen became my squire, I… I lost the man I had loved for many years. It would be foolish for two knights to expect to grow old together, but his death was almost more than I could bear. Nearly as painful was his family’s reaction. They had always disliked me. I think they preferred to think that had it not been for me, Darlan would have married and lived as they wished. An amusing thought, since he was already quite set in his ways when we met. But when he died, they pretended that I did not exist. They did not want me to come to his funeral and, when I came against their wishes, they behaved as if I was just one more brother knight, not the man who saw half his soul burning on a pyre.”

“I am sorry.”

“As… as am I. But I know in my heart that Darlan is in Tyr’s realm, and that I will know him, no matter what form his soul takes. I will find him again, I am sure of it.”

“I hope you do. Truly.”

“I certainly… ah.”

“What? What is wrong?”

“Lady Sirelle is approaching us. I fear… she has drawn the same conclusion that I have. She is a shrewd woman, and if any here could divine Anomen’s secrets, it is she.”

She marched up to the men, her face stern and uncompromising. “Sarevok Anchev, I believe? I am Lady Sirelle Costmar.”

“I know who you are.”

“Very well. Perhaps you can explain to me why a man I have been told was one of my grandson’s greatest friends cannot be bothered to shed a tear for him.”

“Sirelle,” Blethyn said in a warning tone.

She ignored him and continued. “I have heard many tales of you, and of the evil that you did in Baldur’s Gate. Yet Jarran, who is no fool, has assured me that you are a changed man. So, if you are not a heartless bastard who cannot grieve for a friend, then…” Her eyes filled with tears. “I have just comforted young Vachel, who still mourns for my granddaughter. Has Anomen left someone behind as well?”

Sarevok glared at the woman, so small that she had to crane her neck to look him in the eye. He should refuse to be interrogated by a woman he could break with one hand, and yet… in both Lady Sirelle and Sir Blethyn, he saw the same strength of spirit that he had found in his lover. Without a word, without truly understanding why, Sarevok pulled the chain around his neck to draw out the medallion that he had placed against his skin that morning.

With a trembling hand, Sirelle reached for the pendant, running her fingers over its surface. “This… has been blessed by Helm. I can feel the Watcher’s touch.” The elderly woman burst into tears.

Blethyn put his arm around her and said, “Come, Sirelle. Let me take you back to Lord Tarkomen.”

Sirelle brushed Blethyn’s hand away and said, “Why was I not told? I was led to believe that Anomen and Mazzy Fentan had some sort of understanding.”

“Would you want the Butcher of Baldur’s Gate in your family? Yes, I have heard that I am called that,” Sarevok said bluntly at Sirelle’s look of surprise. “Strangers would not understand what we shared. You saw how many people came to Anomen’s funeral, to honor the great martyr of Helm. Would they have come if it was whispered that his lover was a man like me?”

Sirelle studied his face for a long moment, then her gaze fell back to his medallion. Softly she said, “If you do not wish this to be public knowledge, then it will remain within the family. But know this… you are a part of the Costmars now. I…” She dabbed at her tears with a lacy handkerchief. “I have lost my daughter, and her entire family. Moirala, Moira, and Anomen, all gone now. All that I have left are the people who loved them.”

Blethyn said gently, “You still have your sons and their children, Sirelle.”

“I know that, but it still pains me that nothing of Moirala is left. Even her own grandchild is dead, lost before it could be born when Moira was murdered. It… it is a terrible thing to outlive even your great-grandchild. I feel very old today.”

As Sir Blethyn led Lady Sirelle back to her family, Sarevok turned to find Jarran at his side. “They knew, didn’t they?” the bard said softly.

“It was unavoidable. I… I could not cry there, brother, in front of all those strangers. I could not trust myself to… keep my composure.” Sarevok quickly shoved his pendant back under his armor.

“I understand. Come on, Keldorn’s home is this way.”

“I know. He… he was kind enough to invite me there after we spoke in the temple.”

“That sounds like Keldorn.”

After walking for a short time in silence, they reached the Firecam estate. As other visitors streamed through the door, Sarevok froze. Jarran looked at him questioningly.

“Jarran,” he pled, his throat too tight for more words.

The bard’s face twisted in sorrow. “I understand.”

The two men, rather than enter the house with the others, went around the corner of the building to find a secluded spot. Finally away from unknowing eyes, Sarevok sobbed painfully. Jarran put his arms around his brother, and together they wept.

#2 Guest_Mutant Mike_*

Posted 26 July 2005 - 04:21 AM

:shock:



Rats... I don't have any Kleenex here...



:) :) :) :) :twisted:

#3 Guest_IronDragon_*

Posted 26 July 2005 - 06:20 AM

Well now you’ve gone and made us all weepy…I hope your satisfied

#4 Guest_Majin_Baka_*

Posted 26 July 2005 - 09:05 AM

Meep. :)

#5 Guest_Kulyok_*

Posted 26 July 2005 - 11:54 AM

So, Anomen's tale is finally told. *sigh* I can't say I felt anything, though - I've probably burned out after his first death.

This piece, however, seemed wonderful to me:

Softly, Imoen said, “That… that was it? Just a lot of speeches and then a fire?” Her voice cracked on the last word, and Valygar put his arm around her protectively.


Not only because of the theme of Helm's presence, but also, because, until the last moment, there's this strange feeling of - not hope, but expectation - and then it's finally gone. And Imoen in your story expressed it perfectly. :shock:

#6 Guest_Silrana_*

Posted 26 July 2005 - 03:24 PM

:)



Rats... I don't have any Kleenex here...



:shock: :shock: :roll: :!: ;)


*passes over a hankie*

Thanks for commenting.

#7 Guest_Silrana_*

Posted 26 July 2005 - 03:25 PM

Well now you’ve gone and made us all weepy…I hope your satisfied


Well, er, yes. Yes, I am, it means I did my job. And thank you.

#8 Guest_Silrana_*

Posted 26 July 2005 - 03:26 PM

Meep. :shock:


*pats*

I couldn't let Ano go without a proper goodbye, after all.

Thanks for commenting.

#9 Guest_Silrana_*

Posted 26 July 2005 - 03:29 PM

So, Anomen's tale is finally told. *sigh* I can't say I felt anything, though - I've probably burned out after his first death.


And of course, you've had time to adjust to the idea that he is gone.

This piece, however, seemed wonderful to me:

Softly, Imoen said, “That… that was it? Just a lot of speeches and then a fire?” Her voice cracked on the last word, and Valygar put his arm around her protectively.


Not only because of the theme of Helm's presence, but also, because, until the last moment, there's this strange feeling of - not hope, but expectation - and then it's finally gone. And Imoen in your story expressed it perfectly. :shock:


Thank you. Yes, it would be so easy to expect some huge, last minute miracle to bring him back to them, but in the end it was time to let go and say goodbye.

#10 Guest_Finduilas_*

Posted 27 July 2005 - 01:55 PM

So, Anomen's tale is finally told. *sigh* I can't say I felt anything, though - I've probably burned out after his first death.


And of course, you've had time to adjust to the idea that he is gone.


Well, *I* still cried. For me, it's not just Anomen's passing, but the pain of all the people who loved him and miss him that makes it very sad.

BTW, I don't think I've mentioned this before, but you have done a marvelous job with the secondary characters in Anomen's life, like Sir Blethyn, Sir Vachel, and his grandmother. (Spelling from memory, so apologies in advance!) All your secondary characters are good, but it's nice to think that Anomen has all these people in his life who cared about him. In the game, he seems so alone.

Poor Grandmother Costmar, it must be devastating to lose a daughter, two grandchildren, and a great-grandchild like that. :twisted:

#11 Guest_Silrana_*

Posted 27 July 2005 - 04:17 PM

So, Anomen's tale is finally told. *sigh* I can't say I felt anything, though - I've probably burned out after his first death.


And of course, you've had time to adjust to the idea that he is gone.


Well, *I* still cried. For me, it's not just Anomen's passing, but the pain of all the people who loved him and miss him that makes it very sad.


I've heard it said that funerals aren't for the dead, they are for the living. I think that is very true. But death, much as we hate to see it, is a part of life.

BTW, I don't think I've mentioned this before, but you have done a marvelous job with the secondary characters in Anomen's life, like Sir Blethyn, Sir Vachel, and his grandmother. (Spelling from memory, so apologies in advance!) All your secondary characters are good, but it's nice to think that Anomen has all these people in his life who cared about him. In the game, he seems so alone.


Thank you. Looking at Anomen's character, and Moira's, it seemed to me that they had turned out awfully well for the rotten childhood that they had had. So I decided that there must have been *some* good influence in their lives. While the Costmars lived a long distance from the city, and Anomen didn't see them very often, they still gave him role models for a better sort of life.

Poor Grandmother Costmar, it must be devastating to lose a daughter, two grandchildren, and a great-grandchild like that. :twisted:


Yes, Sirelle has suffered a number of tragic losses in a short period of time. The entire Costmar family is grieving, as well.

Thanks for commenting!

By the way, when you stopped commenting after we disagreed over the Keldorn story, I was afraid I had accidentally scared you off the board. I want to make it clear to you and anyone else that I don't mind discussing points in my stories. Just because I don't agree doesn't mean you aren't welcome to give your opinion. :twisted:

#12 Weyoun

Posted 27 July 2005 - 05:35 PM

Sir Donalus gave her a sympathetic look and said, “My lady? What was it that you expected?”


“I… I’m not sure, but… Anomen was special. Shouldn’t there have been… signs from Helm? A booming voice from the sky, a giant eye… oh, something!”


Told ya Helm was a bum. :shock: He could have, at least, sent a card.

“I do not understand what you mean.”


“When a man remains dry-eyed when all around him are in tears, he either cares nothing… or cares too much.”


“Please, just leave me alone. You are speaking nonsense.”


Blethyn said bluntly, “You and Anomen were lovers. Do not bother to deny it. You do not have the look of a man who has lost a dear friend, but of one who has lost a part of himself.”


Empathic response.

“It was not always easy. Just before Anomen became my squire, I… I lost the man I had loved for many years. It would be foolish for two knights to expect to grow old together, but his death was almost more than I could bear. Nearly as painful was his family’s reaction. They had always disliked me. I think they preferred to think that had it not been for me, Darlan would have married and lived as they wished. An amusing thought, since he was already quite set in his ways when we met. But when he died, they pretended that I did not exist. They did not want me to come to his funeral and, when I came against their wishes, they behaved as if I was just one more brother knight, not the man who saw half his soul burning on a pyre.”


:twisted: Man, you certainly have been dealing in sad stories these past few parts.

She ignored him and continued. “I have heard many tales of you, and of the evil that you did in Baldur’s Gate. Yet Jarran, who is no fool, has assured me that you are a changed man. So, if you are not a heartless bastard who cannot grieve for a friend, then…” Her eyes filled with tears. “I have just comforted young Vachel, who still mourns for my granddaughter. Has Anomen left someone behind as well?”


Straight to the point, then. :twisted:

Blethyn said gently, “You still have your sons and their children, Sirelle.”


“I know that, but it still pains me that nothing of Moirala is left. Even her own grandchild is dead, lost before it could be born when Moira was murdered. It… it is a terrible thing to outlive even your great-grandchild. I feel very old today.”


Like I said... you deal in sad stories these days.

The two men, rather than enter the house with the others, went around the corner of the building to find a secluded spot. Finally away from unknowing eyes, Sarevok sobbed painfully. Jarran put his arms around his brother, and together they wept.


:oops:
TnT Enhanced Edition: http://www.fanfictio...rds-and-Tempers

---
Sith Warrior - Master, I can sense your anger.

Darth Baras - A blind, comotose lobotomy-patient could sense my anger!

---

"The New Age? It's just the old age stuck in a microwave oven for fifteen seconds" - James Randi

#13 Guest_Silrana_*

Posted 27 July 2005 - 06:31 PM


Sir Donalus gave her a sympathetic look and said, “My lady? What was it that you expected?”

“I… I’m not sure, but… Anomen was special. Shouldn’t there have been… signs from Helm? A booming voice from the sky, a giant eye… oh, something!”


Told ya Helm was a bum. :) He could have, at least, sent a card.


Oh, he was there. Imoen just couldn't feel him like the Helmites could.


“I do not understand what you mean.”

“When a man remains dry-eyed when all around him are in tears, he either cares nothing… or cares too much.”

“Please, just leave me alone. You are speaking nonsense.”

Blethyn said bluntly, “You and Anomen were lovers. Do not bother to deny it. You do not have the look of a man who has lost a dear friend, but of one who has lost a part of himself.”


Empathic response.


And observant. He could see that Sarevok wasn't grieving the same way that the others were, and came to the right conclusion.


“It was not always easy. Just before Anomen became my squire, I… I lost the man I had loved for many years. It would be foolish for two knights to expect to grow old together, but his death was almost more than I could bear. Nearly as painful was his family’s reaction. They had always disliked me. I think they preferred to think that had it not been for me, Darlan would have married and lived as they wished. An amusing thought, since he was already quite set in his ways when we met. But when he died, they pretended that I did not exist. They did not want me to come to his funeral and, when I came against their wishes, they behaved as if I was just one more brother knight, not the man who saw half his soul burning on a pyre.”


:lol: Man, you certainly have been dealing in sad stories these past few parts.


Well, Blethyn mentioned Darlan back when I introduced his character. He's just giving us more details.


She ignored him and continued. “I have heard many tales of you, and of the evil that you did in Baldur’s Gate. Yet Jarran, who is no fool, has assured me that you are a changed man. So, if you are not a heartless bastard who cannot grieve for a friend, then…” Her eyes filled with tears. “I have just comforted young Vachel, who still mourns for my granddaughter. Has Anomen left someone behind as well?”


Straight to the point, then. :)


Sirelle knows there is a time for subtlety, and a time for bluntness.


Blethyn said gently, “You still have your sons and their children, Sirelle.”

“I know that, but it still pains me that nothing of Moirala is left. Even her own grandchild is dead, lost before it could be born when Moira was murdered. It… it is a terrible thing to outlive even your great-grandchild. I feel very old today.”


Like I said... you deal in sad stories these days.


It will get better. Even Sarevok has some happiness in his future. Just wait and see.


The two men, rather than enter the house with the others, went around the corner of the building to find a secluded spot. Finally away from unknowing eyes, Sarevok sobbed painfully. Jarran put his arms around his brother, and together they wept.


:?


Sarevok needs his time alone. But there are still twists in our group's lives to come. You'll see before too long.

#14 Laufey

Posted 27 July 2005 - 06:44 PM

Sarevok stepped out of the temple’s shadow into full sunshine and took a deep breath. The lengthy service had not been as difficult as he had feared. After all, it was the funeral of a stranger. As the speakers had droned endlessly on, it had been easy to forget who the ceremony was for. The person they spoke of was a soulless church functionary, a golem wearing a holy symbol. The priests knew nothing of Anomen the healer, Anomen the warrior, Anomen the lover… Anomen the man.


Poor Sarevok... :lol: It's a good thing that at least *some* people know what Anomen was to him.


Softly, Imoen said, “That… that was it? Just a lot of speeches and then a fire?” Her voice cracked on the last word, and Valygar put his arm around her protectively.


Major sadness. :)


Vachel did not reply. He only nodded as tears began to trickle down his face.


Sarevok watched the exchange in confusion until he remembered that Anomen had told him that his sister had planned to run away with a young squire. Their plans had been dashed when Lord Cor had discovered Moira’s secret and accidentally killed her in a rage.


Both children met tragic deaths - seems there's really a curse on the family. :(


Sarevok slowly walked away from the temple, keeping a little apart from the others. The companions had told the knights and priests that they would not participate in any other gatherings, and that they preferred to do their grieving in private. Sarevok knew that they were shielding him, that there was no polite way for him to refuse to attend any functions if the others were going.


Somebody needs a hug. :(


“If Anomen was alive, I would stand at his side and dare anyone to speak ill of it, but he cannot defend himself now. I know what is being said about me, that death was not enough for my crimes, that I should be held accountable, perhaps turned over to Baldur’s Gate. To tie my name with his would destroy the reputation that drew all those people to his funeral.”


The knight gave Sarevok a slow smile and said, “It is obvious that you cared for him deeply. My cousin chose well.”


Aw...I really like Blethyn. :)


“Very well. Perhaps you can explain to me why a man I have been told was one of my grandson’s greatest friends cannot be bothered to shed a tear for him.”


Blunt. :)


“Jarran,” he pled, his throat too tight for more words.


The bard’s face twisted in sorrow. “I understand.”


The two men, rather than enter the house with the others, went around the corner of the building to find a secluded spot. Finally away from unknowing eyes, Sarevok sobbed painfully. Jarran put his arms around his brother, and together they wept.


Oh... :? Much as I enjoy good angst, dare we hope for something a bit happier soon? I'll run out of hankies otherwise.
Rogues do it from behind.

#15 Guest_Finduilas_*

Posted 27 July 2005 - 07:42 PM

By the way, when you stopped commenting after we disagreed over the Keldorn story, I was afraid I had accidentally scared you off the board. I want to make it clear to you and anyone else that I don't mind discussing points in my stories. Just because I don't agree doesn't mean you aren't welcome to give your opinion. :lol:


Thanks, but I don't scare that easily! :) I have been traveling a lot in the last few weeks, and trying to get my story finished over at fanfiction.net, so although I've been reading faithfully, (and impatient if I have to wait too long for the next chapter!) I don't always have time to comment.

But the sad chapters can always lure me into commenting, especially if they're about Anomen! Now I'm eagerly waiting to find out what Sarevok is going to do with the rest of his life.

#16 Guest_Silrana_*

Posted 27 July 2005 - 10:16 PM


Sarevok stepped out of the temple’s shadow into full sunshine and took a deep breath. The lengthy service had not been as difficult as he had feared. After all, it was the funeral of a stranger. As the speakers had droned endlessly on, it had been easy to forget who the ceremony was for. The person they spoke of was a soulless church functionary, a golem wearing a holy symbol. The priests knew nothing of Anomen the healer, Anomen the warrior, Anomen the lover… Anomen the man.


Poor Sarevok... :lol: It's a good thing that at least *some* people know what Anomen was to him.


The people who are important to him know, and that's all he cares about.


Softly, Imoen said, “That… that was it? Just a lot of speeches and then a fire?” Her voice cracked on the last word, and Valygar put his arm around her protectively.


Major sadness. :)


Goodbyes always are. :(


Vachel did not reply. He only nodded as tears began to trickle down his face.

Sarevok watched the exchange in confusion until he remembered that Anomen had told him that his sister had planned to run away with a young squire. Their plans had been dashed when Lord Cor had discovered Moira’s secret and accidentally killed her in a rage.


Both children met tragic deaths - seems there's really a curse on the family. :(


For Moirala and Moira, that curse was named 'Cor'. With Anomen... people who lead dangerous lives know that someday the risks might catch up to them.


Sarevok slowly walked away from the temple, keeping a little apart from the others. The companions had told the knights and priests that they would not participate in any other gatherings, and that they preferred to do their grieving in private. Sarevok knew that they were shielding him, that there was no polite way for him to refuse to attend any functions if the others were going.


Somebody needs a hug. :(


Unfortunately, the person he wants the hug from isn't there to give it to him.


“If Anomen was alive, I would stand at his side and dare anyone to speak ill of it, but he cannot defend himself now. I know what is being said about me, that death was not enough for my crimes, that I should be held accountable, perhaps turned over to Baldur’s Gate. To tie my name with his would destroy the reputation that drew all those people to his funeral.”

The knight gave Sarevok a slow smile and said, “It is obvious that you cared for him deeply. My cousin chose well.”


Aw...I really like Blethyn. :)


He's a decent guy.


“Very well. Perhaps you can explain to me why a man I have been told was one of my grandson’s greatest friends cannot be bothered to shed a tear for him.”


Blunt. :)


Very. Just like the aunt I base her on. :D


“Jarran,” he pled, his throat too tight for more words.

The bard’s face twisted in sorrow. “I understand.”

The two men, rather than enter the house with the others, went around the corner of the building to find a secluded spot. Finally away from unknowing eyes, Sarevok sobbed painfully. Jarran put his arms around his brother, and together they wept.


Oh... :? Much as I enjoy good angst, dare we hope for something a bit happier soon? I'll run out of hankies otherwise.


The next chapter has some rough spots, but after that things will lighten up a bit. Soon the chapters will be 'markers' to show points over the next several years to show where the characters end up.




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