A Cappella Part 324 - Epilogue

AC324-Epilogue

Well it's all right, even if you're old and gray
Well it's all right, you still got something to say
Well it's all right, remember to live and let live
Well it's all right, best you can do is forgive
Well it's all right, riding around in the breeze
Well it's all right, if you live the life you please
Well it's all right, even if the sun don't shine
Well it's all right, we're going to the end of the line

“End of the Line” The Traveling Wilburys

 

The tale of Anomen’s death brought him much fame, and many worshippers of Helm considered him a martyr who gave his life to prevent Bhaal’s return. His sacrifice inspired a swell of interest in the Watchers Over The Fallen, a small group of priests within Helm’s church dedicated to battlefield healing. Within a few years their numbers had grown greatly, and the reputation of these battlehealer priests for braving any danger to heal the wounded and recover bodies on the battlefield was widely known. They became a common sight striding through battles, frequently working with priests of Kelemvor to prevent the unraisable fallen from being turned into undead or desecrated by the enemy. They could fight fiercely when need be, but their first commitment was to healing the honorably wounded.

The Costmar family took great pride in claiming Anomen as one of their own, and over the years it was eventually forgotten that he had had any other name. Of the three claimants to the title of Lord Delryn, two dropped their claims when they discovered how little money there was to the estate. The remaining young man successfully attained the title, but died several years later when he tripped and fell down a shoddily repaired staircase. The mansion stood abandoned, for none wanted to live in a place rumored to be cursed. A tale began to spread that Cor’s ghost haunted the old ruin, crying out for his dead children to return to him. Eventually, a fire consumed the family mansion, and so the name Delryn faded from memory.

 

Valygar and Imoen settled into the transported Corthala Manor outside of Athkatla, where they were now considered of the highest nobility. Their reputation and the wealth they had amassed during their adventures made them stand out, and they found their advice sought on many matters.

Determined to change attitudes in Amn about magic, they used their land to put on an annual magic carnival, with displays of wonders and pyrotechnics that drew people from hundreds of miles away. Elminster even made a habit of wandering by every so often.

Happily, the assurance of the gods that Imoen would be able to have children was correct, and Valygar proved himself to be nearly as enthusiastic about fatherhood as Minsc. Five children later, Imoen informed him that enough was enough.

Their many offspring took their parent’s teachings to heart and became instruments of change. The Council of Six, the Shadow Thieves, the merchant lords, and the Cowled Wizards all came to feel the sweeping influence of the revitalized Corthala family.

 

Sarevok lived out his life in Brynnlaw. He frequently visited his former companions, but he never stayed away from the island for too long. Brynnlaw prospered under his leadership, becoming an important trading city rather than a haven for pirates and smugglers.

Of course, prosperous cities attract attention, and Brynnlaw occasionally found itself the target of pirate attacks, particularly from the Nelanther Isles. These raids were always turned back by the island’s forces, which had grown to include the priests of many churches and mages who had come to Brynnlaw for solitude and quiet. With Sarevok’s encouragement, a small temple of Helm flourished on the island, its priests teaching that duty, guardianship and watchfulness did not end at the shoreline.

Gyoukou grew to be a strong man like his father. He trained as a warrior under Sarevok’s tutelage and in time took over the Guard. Gyoukou led Brynnlaw after Sarevok’s passing, and was as highly revered as his sire.

 

Keldorn devoted himself wholeheartedly to rebuilding his marriage and to raising his daughters, feeling that this was what Torm expected of him. In time Leona and Vesper grew to adulthood, married, and had children of their own. Keldorn doted on his grandchildren, always reminding himself how fortunate he was to have lived to do so.

When he was not spending time with his own family, Keldorn acted as mentor and friend to Mazzy’s son. He enjoyed teaching the lad swordsmanship, and passed along whatever wisdom he could. Still, the twin losses of Anomen and Ajantis had left him saddened, and in meetings of the senior knights Keldorn became a voice of caution.

Keldorn lived a healthy and reasonably happy life for many more years, though his family did worry about him. They occasionally heard him talking to someone in his study late at night when they knew he was alone. He always seemed more cheerful the next day, however.

 

Surrounded by friends and family but still left with a great sense of loss, Mazzy retired completely from the adventuring life. She gave up her dream of becoming a halfling paladin, content to raise one instead. Mazzy was far from idle, however, for she spent long hours at the Radiant Heart Hall teaching classes. She was treated as an honorary member of the Order for her contributions, but Mazzy brushed aside suggestions that a more formal arrangement be made.

Keldorn did much to encourage her son in following in his mother’s footsteps. In the minds of many knights, Mazzy’s son became the spiritual heir of Anomen, and they followed Keldorn’s lead in teaching the boy all that they could. It amused Mazzy that, no matter how often she denied a relationship with Anomen, she frequently encountered surprise that her son was not half-human.

It was the proudest day of her life when Anomen Fentan became the first halfling paladin to be accepted as a squire into the Most Noble Order of the Radiant Heart. Her son went on to his own adventures and, happily, retired a wealthy and well-respected knight. Mazzy spent many years known as Granny Mazzy to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

 

Minsc and Aerie lived many happy years together, raising a large family of seven children, their births spread out over the course of Minsc’s long life. Their youngest was only ten years old when Minsc passed away, still revered and loved by Imnesvale’s inhabitants.

Luckily for Boo, he and his female ‘friend’ Goldie hit it off splendidly, and soon the cabin was teeming with tiny residents. These unusually bright animals became popular as familiars and companions. As for Boo himself, he was an object of wonder, for he lived for as long as Minsc did. When Minsc was found, having peacefully died in his sleep, Boo was cold on his pillow, faithful to the end.

Aerie continued to live in their cabin long after Minsc’s death, so long that it was forgotten why she was called the village witch. She watched over her children and grandchildren, but grew restless when none were left in Imnesvale who remembered her beloved husband. She left the village to travel, becoming a wandering healer. Aerie always had a descendent of Boo to keep her company.

 

Jan’s great love, turnips, proved to be the secret to happiness. Through the combination of blind luck and even blinder luck that concocted a turnip wine that was palatable to non-gnomes, Jansen’s Turnibrosia swept Amn, creating a demand almost too great to meet. He grew wealthier than he had ever thought possible.

During a social gathering, Jan let drop that he had an incredible collection of jewels concealed in a trapped room in his mansion. In another conversation, he loudly commented that Vaelag had gotten too old and fat to handle his own ‘work’. A few days later, what was left of Vaelag’s body was found in that very room. There were no jewels, and Jan was heard telling the city guards, “So that’s where I left that baby dragon! Aunt Petunia will be so relieved. Blackie has been pining for her baby. Aunt Petunia didn’t even know Blackie was a she until she laid that egg. Did I mention Aunt Petunia was a ranger? There’s an interesting story behind that….”

 

Haer’Dalis wandered the planes, continuing on with his nomadic life. Amazingly, he managed to live a long life, much to his disappointment and surprise. He was still determined to enjoy everything in life that he always had, even after his blue-gray hair turned white and he traded his swords for a walking stick. He finally died jumping out a third-story window while being pursued by a jealous husband. It was how he always wanted to go.

 

Nalia and her husband reclaimed De’Arnise Hold. The Roenalls had let the fortress run to ruin, and were only too glad to be rid of it. The couple lived in a small portion of the keep, and farmed the land around it themselves. They never turned those in need away, and made the keep available to their neighbors in times of trouble for protection. Her Aunt Delcia never forgave Nalia for her deception, and refused to even admit that her niece was alive. Nalia was simply too busy farming and raising her family to care.

 

Viconia eventually agreed to give the Lathanderite church the information that they wanted from her. They fulfilled their word and escorted her to a small secluded community of surface drow. Having betrayed two goddesses, Viconia knew that life as a priestess was forever closed to her. Sullen and angry, she settled down on the small plot of land that the Lathanderites had purchased for her, rebuffing all friendly overtures from her neighbors. Viconia knew that all she could do was await death at the hands of an agent of Lolth or Shar.

When no attack came, she cautiously began to learn more about her fellow exiles, and found many with tales as painful as her own. Viconia was heartened to learn that the entire area was warded against spiders, for she was not the only one with reason to fear the Spider Queen. There were also a number of spells and alarms to protect the small village.

In time, Viconia realized that she had achieved the quiet life that she had tried to find on her farm near Beregost. While the years could not be described as tranquil, she had found a measure of peace.

 

Cernd traveled to Athkatla to reclaim his son, Ahsdale. When he returned to his grove, he discovered only scorched trees and the mutilated corpses of his fellow druids. Cernd managed to elude the stragglers of the army that had decimated his grove and made his way towards Trademeet to warn them of the danger. When he saw the column of smoke on the horizon before him, he knew he was already too late.

Cernd made his way north, devastated by the loss of his comrades and his beloved grove. Eventually he settled in a small wood near a town. He tended the trees and raised his son. Ahsdale found his own path after he reached adulthood, and Cernd took up a contemplative hermit’s existence.

 

Edwina was thrilled when Imoen persuaded Valygar to let Dekaras come to Corthala Manor as an apprentice, and even more delighted when Imoen gave her a teleportation ring attuned to the estate so that she could visit her son. That decision proved a blessing for young Dekaras.

One day when Dekaras was a youth, a bleeding Edwina appeared in the manor, her body wracked by foul magic. She managed to gasp out a warning that the Red Wizards were coming for both of them before losing consciousness. At that moment, the wards on the edge of the property alerted Imoen and Valygar that intruders were attempting to come onto the estate.

Before Valygar could lead the guards to the danger, Imoen had already transported herself and her apprentices to the Red Wizards. A fierce magical dual broke out. In his rage, Dekaras discovered that his magical aptitude came from more than one source as spells appeared in his mind unbidden. Even though the Thayvians had superior numbers, they fell before the defenders.

They raced back to the manor to find Edwina dying from the necromantic magic she had been subjected to. She told Dekaras that the hunting party had included the boy’s own grandparents out to erase the stain on their family reputation. Edwina died in her son’s arms.

Imoen and Valygar raised Dekaras as their own, teaching him to master his sorcery as well as wizardry. He grew into a powerful arcanist and fierce enemy of Thay, and it is said that his name was used to frighten young Red Wizard apprentices into studying more diligently.

 

Jarran and his companions never encountered Korgan. The dwarf left with a group of adventurers and never returned to Athkatla. His fate is unknown.

 

And what of Yoshimo, and his tormented soul? As Ilmater told Jarran, Yoshimo’s penance could not be completed until he could forgive himself for his mistakes and misdeeds. Burdened by the knowledge of the pain and suffering that his actions had brought others, Yoshimo found it very difficult to let go of the guilt he carried in his heart. Forgiveness came slowly.

But it came.

AC324-Epilogue

Well, my feeling from the previous chapter was that it'd end on Jarran's deathbed. I am glad I was wrong

A tale began to spread that Cor’s ghost haunted the old ruin, crying out for his dead children to return to him. Eventually, a fire consumed the family mansion, and so the name Delryn faded from memory.

Good riddance.

Happily, the assurance of the gods that Imoen would be able to have children was correct, and Valygar proved himself to be nearly as enthusiastic about fatherhood as Minsc. Five children later, Imoen informed him that enough was enough.

Their many offspring took their parent’s teachings to heart and became instruments of change. The Council of Six, the Shadow Thieves, the merchant lords, and the Cowled Wizards all came to feel the sweeping influence of the revitalized Corthala family.

Excellent.

Sarevok lived out his life in Brynnlaw. He frequently visited his former companions, but he never stayed away from the island for too long. Brynnlaw prospered under his leadership, becoming an important trading city rather than a haven for pirates and smugglers.

Of course, prosperous cities attract attention, and Brynnlaw occasionally found itself the target of pirate attacks, particularly from the Nelanther Isles. These raids were always turned back by the island’s forces, which had grown to include the priests of many churches and mages who had come to Brynnlaw for solitude and quiet. With Sarevok’s encouragement, a small temple of Helm flourished on the island, its priests teaching that duty, guardianship and watchfulness did not end at the shoreline.

I imagine nobody would be able to recognize the old home of Spellhold.

Keldorn lived a healthy and reasonably happy life for many more years, though his family did worry about him. They occasionally heard him talking to someone in his study late at night when they knew he was alone. He always seemed more cheerful the next day, however.

Aww

Keldorn did much to encourage her son in following in his mother’s footsteps. In the minds of many knights, Mazzy’s son became the spiritual heir of Anomen, and they followed Keldorn’s lead in teaching the boy all that they could. It amused Mazzy that, no matter how often she denied a relationship with Anomen, she frequently encountered surprise that her son was not half-human.

It was the proudest day of her life when Anomen Fentan became the first halfling paladin to be accepted as a squire into the Most Noble Order of the Radiant Heart. Her son went on to his own adventures and, happily, retired a wealthy and well-respected knight. Mazzy spent many years known as Granny Mazzy to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Yay for halfling paladins! (I had one in Everquest way back when)

Minsc and Aerie lived many happy years together, raising a large family of seven children, their births spread out over the course of Minsc’s long life. Their youngest was only ten years old when Minsc passed away, still revered and loved by Imnesvale’s inhabitants.

Luckily for Boo, he and his female ‘friend’ Goldie hit it off splendidly, and soon the cabin was teeming with tiny residents. These unusually bright animals became popular as familiars and companions. As for Boo himself, he was an object of wonder, for he lived for as long as Minsc did. When Minsc was found, having peacefully died in his sleep, Boo was cold on his pillow, faithful to the end.

Aerie continued to live in their cabin long after Minsc’s death, so long that it was forgotten why she was called the village witch. She watched over her children and grandchildren, but grew restless when none were left in Imnesvale who remembered her beloved husband. She left the village to travel, becoming a wandering healer. Aerie always had a descendent of Boo to keep her company.

I wonder how long she did that for?

Jan’s great love, turnips, proved to be the secret to happiness. Through the combination of blind luck and even blinder luck that concocted a turnip wine that was palatable to non-gnomes, Jansen’s Turnibrosia swept Amn, creating a demand almost too great to meet. He grew wealthier than he had ever thought possible.

Gaaah! I hate wine and I hate turnips

During a social gathering, Jan let drop that he had an incredible collection of jewels concealed in a trapped room in his mansion. In another conversation, he loudly commented that Vaelag had gotten too old and fat to handle his own ‘work’. A few days later, what was left of Vaelag’s body was found in that very room. There were no jewels, and Jan was heard telling the city guards, “So that’s were I left that baby dragon! Aunt Petunia will be so relieved. Blackie has been pining for her baby. Aunt Petunia didn’t even know Blackie was a she until she laid that egg. Did I mention Aunt Petunia was a ranger? There’s an interesting story behind that….”

*gouges out ears*

Haer’Dalis wandered the planes, continuing on with his nomadic life. Amazingly, he managed to live a long life, much to his disappointment and surprise. He was still determined to enjoy everything in life that he always had, even after his blue-gray hair turned white and he traded his swords for a walking stick. He finally died jumping out a third-story window while being pursued by a jealous husband. It was how he always wanted to go.

Ahhh, perfect. And yes, he really would have wanted that

Her Aunt Delcia never forgave Nalia for her deception, and refused to even admit that her niece was alive. Nalia was simply too busy farming and raising her family to care.

Well, that's Delcia's problem.

In time, Viconia realized that she had achieved the quiet life that she had tried to find on her farm near Beregost. While the years could not be described as tranquil, she had found a measure of peace.

I'm glad

Cernd traveled to Athkatla to reclaim his son, Ahsdale. When he returned to his grove, he discovered only scorched trees and the mutilated corpses of his fellow druids. Cernd managed to elude the stragglers of the army that had decimated his grove and made his way towards Trademeet to warn them of the danger. When he saw the column of smoke on the horizon before him, he knew he was already too late.

Ugh I presume this attack on Trademeet/the burning orphanage stuff is from some FR source?

Cernd made his way north, devastated by the loss of his comrades and his beloved grove. Eventually he settled in a small wood near a town. He tended the trees and raised his son. Ahsdale found his own path after he reached adulthood, and Cernd took up a contemplative hermit’s existence.

At least they didn't end up killing each other, I presume.

They raced back to the manor to find Edwina dying from the necromantic magic she had been subjected to. She told Dekaras that the hunting party had included the boy’s own grandparents out to erase the stain on their family reputation. Edwina died in her son’s arms.

Poor Edwina

Imoen and Valygar raised Dekaras as their own, teaching him to master his sorcery as well as wizardry. He grew into a powerful arcanist and fierce enemy of Thay, and it is said that his name was used to frighten young Red Wizard apprentices into studying more diligently.

Jarran and his companions never encountered Korgan. The dwarf left with a group of adventurers and never returned to Athkatla. His fate is unknown.

I never could abide that dwarf.

And what of Yoshimo, and his tormented soul? As Ilmater told Jarran, Yoshimo’s penance could not be completed until he could forgive himself for his mistakes and misdeeds. Burdened by the knowledge of the pain and suffering that his actions had brought others, Yoshimo found it very difficult to let go of the guilt he carried in his heart. Forgiveness came slowly.

But it came.

*sniff*

*applause*

And so it ends...



I like this type of epilogue, one that shows ultimately what happened to everyone. It's so sad, though, to hear eveyrone's passing... Sarevok... Minsc and Boo... Aerie's wanderings... Very well done.



Thanks for the story, Sil... Now, about putting A Cappella in a bound book -



The Mutant

*applauds* It seems like most lives ended well, even for Haer’Dalis in a roundabout way.

It has been a good read, I look forward to whatever comes next.

AC324-Epilogue

Well, my feeling from the previous chapter was that it'd end on Jarran's deathbed. I am glad I was wrong

Nope.

A tale began to spread that Cor’s ghost haunted the old ruin, crying out for his dead children to return to him. Eventually, a fire consumed the family mansion, and so the name Delryn faded from memory.

Good riddance.

I doubt anyone will miss it.

Happily, the assurance of the gods that Imoen would be able to have children was correct, and Valygar proved himself to be nearly as enthusiastic about fatherhood as Minsc. Five children later, Imoen informed him that enough was enough.

Imoen: I wanted kids, but I have my limits!

Their many offspring took their parent’s teachings to heart and became instruments of change. The Council of Six, the Shadow Thieves, the merchant lords, and the Cowled Wizards all came to feel the sweeping influence of the revitalized Corthala family.

Excellent.

Can you imagine their kids *not* going out and kicking tail?

Sarevok lived out his life in Brynnlaw. He frequently visited his former companions, but he never stayed away from the island for too long. Brynnlaw prospered under his leadership, becoming an important trading city rather than a haven for pirates and smugglers.

Of course, prosperous cities attract attention, and Brynnlaw occasionally found itself the target of pirate attacks, particularly from the Nelanther Isles. These raids were always turned back by the island’s forces, which had grown to include the priests of many churches and mages who had come to Brynnlaw for solitude and quiet. With Sarevok’s encouragement, a small temple of Helm flourished on the island, its priests teaching that duty, guardianship and watchfulness did not end at the shoreline.

I imagine nobody would be able to recognize the old home of Spellhold.

I'm sure over the years that there was a lot of remodeling.

Keldorn lived a healthy and reasonably happy life for many more years, though his family did worry about him. They occasionally heard him talking to someone in his study late at night when they knew he was alone. He always seemed more cheerful the next day, however.

Aww

*My* Keldorn dies in bed where he belongs. After all the trouble he went through to rebuild his marriage, I'm not letting his peace get snatched away.

Keldorn did much to encourage her son in following in his mother’s footsteps. In the minds of many knights, Mazzy’s son became the spiritual heir of Anomen, and they followed Keldorn’s lead in teaching the boy all that they could. It amused Mazzy that, no matter how often she denied a relationship with Anomen, she frequently encountered surprise that her son was not half-human.

It was the proudest day of her life when Anomen Fentan became the first halfling paladin to be accepted as a squire into the Most Noble Order of the Radiant Heart. Her son went on to his own adventures and, happily, retired a wealthy and well-respected knight. Mazzy spent many years known as Granny Mazzy to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Yay for halfling paladins! (I had one in Everquest way back when)

Sounds like fun.

Minsc and Aerie lived many happy years together, raising a large family of seven children, their births spread out over the course of Minsc’s long life. Their youngest was only ten years old when Minsc passed away, still revered and loved by Imnesvale’s inhabitants.

*pets*

Luckily for Boo, he and his female ‘friend’ Goldie hit it off splendidly, and soon the cabin was teeming with tiny residents. These unusually bright animals became popular as familiars and companions. As for Boo himself, he was an object of wonder, for he lived for as long as Minsc did. When Minsc was found, having peacefully died in his sleep, Boo was cold on his pillow, faithful to the end.

All good things must come to an end.

Aerie continued to live in their cabin long after Minsc’s death, so long that it was forgotten why she was called the village witch. She watched over her children and grandchildren, but grew restless when none were left in Imnesvale who remembered her beloved husband. She left the village to travel, becoming a wandering healer. Aerie always had a descendent of Boo to keep her company.

I wonder how long she did that for?

Only Aerie knows for sure.

Jan’s great love, turnips, proved to be the secret to happiness. Through the combination of blind luck and even blinder luck that concocted a turnip wine that was palatable to non-gnomes, Jansen’s Turnibrosia swept Amn, creating a demand almost too great to meet. He grew wealthier than he had ever thought possible.

Gaaah! I hate wine and I hate turnips

*snicker* I don't mind a good wine, but I don't like turnips.

During a social gathering, Jan let drop that he had an incredible collection of jewels concealed in a trapped room in his mansion. In another conversation, he loudly commented that Vaelag had gotten too old and fat to handle his own ‘work’. A few days later, what was left of Vaelag’s body was found in that very room. There were no jewels, and Jan was heard telling the city guards, “So that’s were I left that baby dragon! Aunt Petunia will be so relieved. Blackie has been pining for her baby. Aunt Petunia didn’t even know Blackie was a she until she laid that egg. Did I mention Aunt Petunia was a ranger? There’s an interesting story behind that….”

*gouges out ears*

Hee!

Haer’Dalis wandered the planes, continuing on with his nomadic life. Amazingly, he managed to live a long life, much to his disappointment and surprise. He was still determined to enjoy everything in life that he always had, even after his blue-gray hair turned white and he traded his swords for a walking stick. He finally died jumping out a third-story window while being pursued by a jealous husband. It was how he always wanted to go.

Ahhh, perfect. And yes, he really would have wanted that

It's a cliche, but a cliche he lived by.

Her Aunt Delcia never forgave Nalia for her deception, and refused to even admit that her niece was alive. Nalia was simply too busy farming and raising her family to care.

Well, that's Delcia's problem.

Yep. She had only her snobbery to keep her company in her old age.

In time, Viconia realized that she had achieved the quiet life that she had tried to find on her farm near Beregost. While the years could not be described as tranquil, she had found a measure of peace.

I'm glad

Cernd traveled to Athkatla to reclaim his son, Ahsdale. When he returned to his grove, he discovered only scorched trees and the mutilated corpses of his fellow druids. Cernd managed to elude the stragglers of the army that had decimated his grove and made his way towards Trademeet to warn them of the danger. When he saw the column of smoke on the horizon before him, he knew he was already too late.

Ugh I presume this attack on Trademeet/the burning orphanage stuff is from some FR source?

Actually, yes. It's covered in the old Lands of Intrigue sourcebook.

Cernd made his way north, devastated by the loss of his comrades and his beloved grove. Eventually he settled in a small wood near a town. He tended the trees and raised his son. Ahsdale found his own path after he reached adulthood, and Cernd took up a contemplative hermit’s existence.

At least they didn't end up killing each other, I presume.

No, thankfully they didn't get to that bad a relationship.

They raced back to the manor to find Edwina dying from the necromantic magic she had been subjected to. She told Dekaras that the hunting party had included the boy’s own grandparents out to erase the stain on their family reputation. Edwina died in her son’s arms.

Poor Edwina

*hugs*

Imoen and Valygar raised Dekaras as their own, teaching him to master his sorcery as well as wizardry. He grew into a powerful arcanist and fierce enemy of Thay, and it is said that his name was used to frighten young Red Wizard apprentices into studying more diligently.

I thought it was fitting.

Jarran and his companions never encountered Korgan. The dwarf left with a group of adventurers and never returned to Athkatla. His fate is unknown.

I never could abide that dwarf.

Let's face it, to like him you have to only recognize the comical elements and ignore the fact that he is pretty vile.

And what of Yoshimo, and his tormented soul? As Ilmater told Jarran, Yoshimo’s penance could not be completed until he could forgive himself for his mistakes and misdeeds. Burdened by the knowledge of the pain and suffering that his actions had brought others, Yoshimo found it very difficult to let go of the guilt he carried in his heart. Forgiveness came slowly.

But it came.

*sniff*

*smiles*

*applause*

*takes a bow*

Of course... I never said this was the last chapter...

AC324-Epilogue

Well, my feeling from the previous chapter was that it'd end on Jarran's deathbed. I am glad I was wrong

Nope.

*sigh* Was wondering why his and Jaheira's fates weren't mentioned.

Their many offspring took their parent’s teachings to heart and became instruments of change. The Council of Six, the Shadow Thieves, the merchant lords, and the Cowled Wizards all came to feel the sweeping influence of the revitalized Corthala family.

Excellent.

Can you imagine their kids *not* going out and kicking tail?

In a word; no

Keldorn lived a healthy and reasonably happy life for many more years, though his family did worry about him. They occasionally heard him talking to someone in his study late at night when they knew he was alone. He always seemed more cheerful the next day, however.

Aww

*My* Keldorn dies in bed where he belongs. After all the trouble he went through to rebuild his marriage, I'm not letting his peace get snatched away.

Yeah, his game epilogue does suck. It fits a Keldor that loses his wife, but not the converted homemaker

It was the proudest day of her life when Anomen Fentan became the first halfling paladin to be accepted as a squire into the Most Noble Order of the Radiant Heart. Her son went on to his own adventures and, happily, retired a wealthy and well-respected knight. Mazzy spent many years known as Granny Mazzy to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Yay for halfling paladins! (I had one in Everquest way back when)

Sounds like fun.

She was a cutie. I had her run around with a large sword that had several branching blades, and fed her pie.

Luckily for Boo, he and his female ‘friend’ Goldie hit it off splendidly, and soon the cabin was teeming with tiny residents. These unusually bright animals became popular as familiars and companions. As for Boo himself, he was an object of wonder, for he lived for as long as Minsc did. When Minsc was found, having peacefully died in his sleep, Boo was cold on his pillow, faithful to the end.

All good things must come to an end.

Very fitting that the end for those two came at the same time.

Cernd traveled to Athkatla to reclaim his son, Ahsdale. When he returned to his grove, he discovered only scorched trees and the mutilated corpses of his fellow druids. Cernd managed to elude the stragglers of the army that had decimated his grove and made his way towards Trademeet to warn them of the danger. When he saw the column of smoke on the horizon before him, he knew he was already too late.

Ugh I presume this attack on Trademeet/the burning orphanage stuff is from some FR source?

Actually, yes. It's covered in the old Lands of Intrigue sourcebook.

I have pdf's of three of them now, just to keep the deities reasonably straight. There will probably be a lot of FR stuff that I skip or mess up in my ignorance as I go along. Good thing I don't care too much

Jarran and his companions never encountered Korgan. The dwarf left with a group of adventurers and never returned to Athkatla. His fate is unknown.

I never could abide that dwarf.

Let's face it, to like him you have to only recognize the comical elements and ignore the fact that he is pretty vile.

True. He did work perfectly when paired with Aerie in my party from the abyss, after all

*applause*

*takes a bow*

Of course... I never said this was the last chapter...

You, madam, are evil. Chapter 325: Epilogue Epilogue?

And so it ends...

Not quite.

*pets* Hankie?

I like this type of epilogue, one that shows ultimately what happened to everyone. It's so sad, though, to hear eveyrone's passing... Sarevok... Minsc and Boo... Aerie's wanderings... Very well done.

And yet... two characters are conspicuous in their absence.

< applause > < standing O >

*bows*

Thanks for the story, Sil... Now, about putting A Cappella in a bound book -



The Mutant

*chuckles* What, and get into trouble like that idiot who put her Star Wars fanfic on Amazon?

However, I might consider a free pdf version. I've been planning on looking into Lulu.com.

*applauds* It seems like most lives ended well, even for Haer’Dalis in a roundabout way.

I thought so, too.

It has been a good read, I look forward to whatever comes next.

Thankee. But I do have a little more to come.

AC324-
Of course... I never said this was the last chapter...

You, madam, are evil. Chapter 325: Epilogue Epilogue?

*chuckles* Good guess, you are very close to right.

Nice. Very Nice.

Must feel good to have gotten this far with it, hmm? Congrats.

Nice. Very Nice.

Thankee.

Must feel good to have gotten this far with it, hmm? Congrats.

Yes, just one more chapter to go. My feelings are... mixed. A friend compared it to Empty Nest Syndrome, and she was probably right. Thrilled that I finished such a big project, but at the same time feeling a bit sad that Jarran and crew won't be a regular part of my life any more.

Thanks for commenting!

Now I come to think of the end of the return of the king.

"and here our paths diverge, I won't say "Do not cry" for not all tears are an evil"

why?

'cause I cry

The TOB epilogues left me with both joy and sadness- just all round evocative and emotional, and your epilogues are no different! I joined the AC journey pretty late - will have to catch up someday, but thank you all the same. Another congrats for finishing such a massive project - may I ask, where to from now?

All I can say is:

*applause for 6 hours*

Awesome Sil, simply awesome. I've read this from beginning to end and not one chapter lacked the genius that you've put into this novel. Thank you and I look forward to the final one.

-Kat (theacefes)

Now I come to think of the end of the return of the king.

"and here our paths diverge, I won't say "Do not cry" for not all tears are an evil"

why?

'cause I cry

I was just thinking the same thing. It's like you're at the end of that movie and it was so damn cool, but you don't want it to end

Nice. Very Nice.

Thankee.

Must feel good to have gotten this far with it, hmm? Congrats.

Yes, just one more chapter to go. My feelings are... mixed. A friend compared it to Empty Nest Syndrome, and she was probably right. Thrilled that I finished such a big project, but at the same time feeling a bit sad that Jarran and crew won't be a regular part of my life any more.

Thanks for commenting!

Who says they won't be a regular part of your life?

I'm all for the kind of endings like in Labyrinth.

Now I come to think of the end of the return of the king.

"and here our paths diverge, I won't say "Do not cry" for not all tears are an evil"

why?

'cause I cry

Aw. *pats*

Nothing goes on forever, and Jarran has had a nice long run. But thank you for caring so much about his tale.

The TOB epilogues left me with both joy and sadness- just all round evocative and emotional, and your epilogues are no different! I joined the AC journey pretty late - will have to catch up someday, but thank you all the same. Another congrats for finishing such a massive project - may I ask, where to from now?

Thank you, I'm glad you liked them. And the link in my signature will lead you to the page with the complete novel... well, almost complete, I need to add the last chapters, and I'm re-writing some of the early chapters to clean them up a bit.

Where to now? Plowing into an original manuscript so that maybe, just maybe, my writing can get nice comments *and* money.

All I can say is:

*applause for 6 hours*

Wow! Your hands must hurt!

Awesome Sil, simply awesome. I've read this from beginning to end and not one chapter lacked the genius that you've put into this novel. Thank you and I look forward to the final one.

-Kat (theacefes)

Thank you. And really, that's what I did it for, to give people an enjoyable read. It's nice to know that I made one creative contribution to the world.

Now I come to think of the end of the return of the king.

"and here our paths diverge, I won't say "Do not cry" for not all tears are an evil"

why?

'cause I cry

I was just thinking the same thing. It's like you're at the end of that movie and it was so damn cool, but you don't want it to end

Unfortunately, all things have to come to an end. But even though I am a bit sad to have Jarran's tale nearly finished, I'm very happy to finally be able to turn my full attention to my new writing. As the saying goes, as one door closes another opens.