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Message: <blockquote data-quote="simmo" data-source="post: 1433478" data-attributes="member: 9744">Chapter 2 Redemption of a Lost SoulThe shadowy outline of the guard from Curst appeared in front of Serena, Zakar and Roxanne. The hound archon growled softly in warning even though the pale shadow did not look threatening in any way. The man had a sorrowful expression on his face. His clothing appeared wet and he still wore the ugly armour that had dragged him to his death in the swamp outside of Curst."You are the man from Curst," Serena said unsure of what the shadow's name was."I am yes," the man replied, his voice sounding as if it came from somewhere beneath the ground."You were murdered," the seer made the statement in the hopes that the shadow would confirm her theory."I suppose that I got what was coming to me," the man did not bother to deny the truth of what happened to him."What is your name?" Serena asked."My name is Enrimas," the shadow of a man replied."I am Serena, you are welcome in my home." The seer smiled at the shadow and he felt as though he was moving closer whilst appearing to stay in the same place."But you do not know me," the man said incredulously."I do not need to," the seer shrugged her shoulders and smiled. She could tell that Zakar was not pleased with her decision and she chose to ignore him for the moment."I thank you," Enrimas said, truly grateful for the great reward that Serena had given him. Colour slowly seeped in to his form and his body became more substantial. Within moments he had become as real as Roxanne and Zakar in the Garden."Are you the presence that I felt in the lake?" Serena asked, thinking back to the feeling of something lurking at the edges that she'd experienced when she entered the Garden."No.” The man shook his head emphatically. “Would you like me to investigate it?""Well I'm certainly planning to investigate it before I leave. If you can help me with that would be fantastic." Serena had made up her mind to find out what else might be lurking in her Garden and wanted to sort out the situation in the lake as soon as possible.“Of course," the man replied. He experienced such a profound feeling of relief and happiness at being allowed fully in to the Garden that he was willing to do anything for this woman. He'd never felt love and acceptance as this before in his life."Zakar, can you find Inlia and bring her and Roxanne to the lake." Serena commanded her companion and got ready to set off back up the hill."Yes my Lady," the hound archon growled and cast an angry stare at the former shadow."Enrimas, will you please come with me." The seer held out her arm and the man gratefully escorted her up the hill and down the other side.As they walked the guards' armour and countenance changed. The leering faces on his armour became more noble. They transformed in to stern faces who were staunch guardians of love, honour and justice. His clothes dried out and gained a more colourful look, unlike the drab appearance that they had in life. By the time that they had reached the lake the man's appearance had altered to such an extent that he would not have looked out of place riding in to battle with the knights from the Order of Planar Militant. Even his stride became more confident."I have lived as a shadow of this place for some time.” Enrimas looked down at his changed appearance, although he was not surprised by the new image. “As a shadow I am aware that there are parts of us that we do not always want to reveal. It is  my belief that what lies in there is a part of you that you may not wish to confront at this time.""This is my Garden," Serena stated firmly."Yes it is," Enrimas agreed."In my Garden I am at peace. All of myself must be here." The seer felt as if she could express all the different and sometimes conflicting sides of herself here without fear of being judged by others."It is all here," Enrimas said confirmed."I must understand it and therefore confront it.” The seer sounded very determined and confident. “Thanks for your concern."When Serena arrived at the lake she was met by her father. He did not sweep her off her feet as he did last time and approached her more cautiously. At first he hugged her somewhat awkwardly, but when she hugged him back he felt more comfortable."Father, you do not have to be afraid of me." Serena tried to read his expression, but his eyes did not reveal the secrets that they hid."Well, we have been apart for so long that it does feel as if we are strangers sometimes." Serena's father was very grateful to be close to his daughter, but he knew that they had a long road ahead of them."I understand," the seer replied wisely."Are you sure that you are ready for this?" her father asked, still seeking to protect his daughter even from herself."I am as ready as I'll ever be." Serena straightened her shoulders and faced the lake."You should know that I will always be here for you," her father said quietly as he held his daughter's hand.The youthful Inlia, caring Roxanne and eternal Zakar joined them at the lake's edge. Serena waded in to the dark waters of the lake until it reached her hips and sensed that the bottom fell away sharply a short distance ahead."Reveal yourself,” she called out as she stood in the cold waters of the dark and deep lake.</blockquote>

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