Dam, Dam and Holey Hell

[Lilira]

I looked over to where Sotana had finally fallen asleep in her chair. I grabbed a blanket and gently covered the druid, grabbed my vault and silently slipped out the door.

The past days had been spent in this room of the Dead Orc, under the watchful gaze of Sotana.

****

Much had happened in the time since I had left Hills Edge to make my way back to Waterdeep. A trip to the far north, fending off the assassins that had attacked Lirela and myself in the woods, escorting the Weaver to the south, helping to defend against another attack, then traveling back to Waterdeep, not to mention avoiding the stares of pity my new appearance seemed to attract, kept me too busy to do anything but rush around. I had spent what little time I had remaining in practice, trying to regain the full use of my skill.

The last thing I remember clearly was sitting at the roc pond in the woods, talking to Sotana and humiliating myself by becoming distraught. During my moment of weakness, Teflor, fishing gear in hand, had stumbled over us. Overcome by embarrassment, I left, crashing through the underbrush to pause a short distance away in an effort to pull myself together. Sotana was right on my heels, clucking over me like a mother hen as I fought for control. She talked me into returning to the pond where Teflor had waited.

Cheeks burning, I sat on the edge of the pond, legs tucked up and chin resting on knees. I knew I looked like a mess, but I tried to be nonchalant,, failing miserably.

Teflor looked at me in my misery and said quietly, “Lilira, everything takes time to adjust to, even blessings.”

His words bashed opened a door in my mind I had tried to lock, filled with the vicious cycle of self-loathing, anger, grief, and the absolute knowledge that I had deserved every bit of my punishment, leaving them to overwhelm me.

“This is blessing,” I choked, pulling at my short hair. Indicating my face and ears I continued, “And these are blessings?” A maelstrom threatened to overwhelm me and I would not allow it to pull me under in front of these two. I scrambled to my feet, looked at Sotana who was throwing a look of total disgust at the ranger. “Sotana,, I ,, I have to go.”

I left that pond intending to run to Waterdeep. I have no memory of what occurred until I found myself in the woods, shivering with Ayra and Sotana looking at me, concerned expressions on their faces. Neither of them would tell me what had occurred. They questioned me closely, trying to learn what I could remember. The two women exchanged looks of concern at my answers.

After much conversation, most of it spent telling me I would heal with time (gods how I tire of those words), it was decided that I should return with Sotana to Waterdeep to rest. Ayra embraced me warmly and kissed my forehead before leaving. Knowing Teflor’s tendency for getting into trouble, I had asked Ayra to watch him, and keep him away from Cirath. I would not have anyone’s death on my conscience should they decide to hunt the assassin claiming to do so on my behalf.

***

And so, after the days spent away from practice, for I could not bear to have even Sotana’s gaze upon me as I attempted to relearn the movements to make my instruments sing, I slipped out of the room we had shared. Singing the song Mother and Aaral had taught me, passed down from a bard Mother had known in her youth, I flew out the eastern gates of the city in search of isolation. I headed for the mountains. North across a mountain lake I found a small cave, where my solitude would be assured. I checked it before settling down, and found a locked door farther in. I left it in peace and returned to the entrance, where I sat down, pulled out my lyre and lost myself in the one place I felt home… my music.

[Lahgen]

Death?

So that he'd just become a foot soldier for some lower planar lord's army?

I think not, dear bardess.

No...he shall know your pain, a million times over again.

Cruelty to the Cruel.

Butchery to the Butcher.

[Cirath]

ooc: Remember, kids, disfigurement is the gift that keeps on giving! /ooc

I am waiting, Lahgen. Just remember, your intentions, wrought of anger and shame, are my lifestyle. I may yet leave another set of mutt ears laying about, this time with the head still attached.

[Lilira]

Lahgen,

The assassin at least had a reason for his anger.

My ill treatment at your hands was unprovoked.

Find another slogan to shout while foolishly seeking him, as I’ll have no part of it.


Cirath,

Accept my humblest apologies for the attention aimed your direction. I have done all I can to dissuade those who believe my honor is in need of defending.


To all others,

The verse is ended, the song complete, melody played out. Focus your sights on the upcoming battle and let this drop. Seeking the death of the man who merely sought retribution for my sins against him will merely weaken the Alliance further through the cost of additional blades and hands to wield them.

It has been mentioned of course that Cirath might actually perform the favor of weeding out the foolish, saving the Alliance the trouble when its time for battle.

Keep your eyes on the goal, the defeat of Auzrom'tvorl.

Lilira

[Lahgen]

When I sought to kill you, I did only that, I did not try to prolong your agony.

When I stole from your hair, I did only that.

And they were done for the sake of the war, though perhaps both actions were misguided.

Unlike certain others, I do not make cruel sport of women, in their helplessness.

At any rate, it seems like you remembered my words from before. It also looks, for better or for worse, as though I was correct.

After all, you're apologizing to the man who hurt you.

If you won't avenge yourself, I'll do it.