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<blockquote data-quote="Talindra" data-source="post: 217889" data-attributes="member: 155">10th day of The Claw of Winter, 1373 DRVallia’s Journal #17 (Part Two)It has been several days since I started this entry, and did not finish it.&nbsp; For a long time, I did not feel as though I could relate what had happened after Aliya returned, and yet, I know that it will help me to say it.&nbsp; I suppose I should begin where I left off, because if I start with how it ended, I will never be able to finish this entry.At the sound of Aliya’s voice, Misha silently put me down, and proceeded down the hallway, I assumed to find Silvara.&nbsp; He quickly returned without her, and sat silently in a chair in the far corner of the common room, silent, his eyes never leaving Aliya.&nbsp; She moved over to the table, and sat, propping her up on the chair.&nbsp; &quot;You don't appear happy to see me.&quot;&nbsp; She glanced around, a little nervously.&nbsp; &quot;And where's Karanaj?&quot;&quot;Petrified.&quot;&nbsp; Misha said softly.A little angry at her attitude, I said.&nbsp; &quot;Happy to see you? Should I be happy to see you?&quot;Aliya glanced at Misha for a moment.&nbsp; &quot;This is no time for jokes.&quot;I shook my head at her. &quot;No joke.&nbsp; Karanaj met a medusa's stare.&nbsp; He is a stone statue.&nbsp; That is what is wrapped in the blankets outside.&quot;Aliya sat up, tears filling her eyes.&nbsp; &quot;Oh, Kara...&quot; she said softly.Misha watched Aliya a moment and stood. &quot;I will bring him inside before he catches his death of cold...&quot;&nbsp; He headed outside, as I kept my gaze on Aliya.&quot;I am surprised to see you so upset, considering how you left.&quot; I said finally.Aliya looked up at me through tear-filled eyes.&nbsp; &quot;You know it wasn't my choice.&quot;&nbsp; She grimaced.&nbsp;&nbsp; &quot;Did you find the sword?&quot;I started to answer, but broke off as Misha and Gruush wrestled Kara’s statue inside, panting with the exertion.&nbsp; &quot;I hope we don't move him too often.”&nbsp; Gruush remarked.Aliya looked at the statue and moved over to touch his cheek.&nbsp; &quot;Kara.....&quot;At that moment, I made my decision. &quot;And all for nothing....the sword was gone.&quot;Aliya turned quickly, her face anxious.&nbsp; &quot;Gone?&nbsp; Gone where?&quot;Misha nodded in agreement and glanced at Gruush. &quot;Yeah, the sword slipped through our grasp...&quot;&nbsp; Gruush nodded too, just as we heard a rather loud thump in the courtyard.&quot;Now what?&quot;&nbsp; Misha said exasperatedly.&nbsp; Moments later, Silvara entered, smiling.&quot;Well, well, nice to see......good gods, what happened here?&quot;&nbsp; She exclaims.Gruush smiled at her &quot;Hello Sylvara.&quot;&quot;Karanaj locked eyes with the Medusa.&quot; Misha smirked.Silvara looked at Gruush a little anxiously.&nbsp; &quot;Were any of the rest of you hurt?&quot;&quot;Nothing time and Corellon's touch won't heal.&quot; Misha answered for him, as Gruush shook his head.&nbsp; Misha looked to Aliya, &quot;I am not sure about the prodigal daughter though.&quot;Silvara looked at Gruush a moment more, and then looked away.&nbsp; &quot;Ah, I see our wayward lass has returned and....my goodness!&quot;&nbsp; Silvara looked grim and nods.&nbsp; &quot;I see.&quot;Misha turned to walk outside... &quot;A rather bad day all around...&quot;“All of you move away from her, right now.&quot;&nbsp; Silvara commanded.&nbsp; I was confused, and I saw my own feelings mirrored on Aliya’s face.&nbsp; Silvara's eyes flashed, and her voice boomed.&nbsp; &quot;I SAID MOVE!!!&quot;&nbsp; Gruush backed away quickly, as I jumped, and almost ran to Silvara’s side.Aliya stood, her confusion clear.&nbsp; &quot;What is wrong?&nbsp; What's going on?&quot;&nbsp; Misha paused at the door and glanced over his shoulder, waiting.&nbsp; Silvara smiled, showing her teeth.&nbsp; &quot;I suggest you sit there child.&quot;&nbsp; Aliya frowned, but sat slowly.&nbsp; &quot;Misha, be a good boy, and tie her up, would you?&quot;Aliya stood again quickly, saying &quot;What?!?&quot; as Misha smiled.&nbsp; That smile angered me.&nbsp; He enjoys seeing her upset.Silvara looked back.&nbsp; &quot;Child, I told you to sit.&quot;&nbsp; Aliya looked at her face a long moment, and gulped, then sat slowly.Misha walked over and drew his keen blade. &quot;Sit still and you should be alright.&quot;Angrily, I grabbed Silvara's arm.&nbsp; &quot;What is going on?&quot;&nbsp; My eyes never left Misha, however, and I was ready to act should he do anything stupid.&nbsp; He tied Aliya up as best he could.Silvara barely spared me a glance, saying&nbsp; &quot;Gently now, Misha, but firmly.&nbsp; She is a spellcaster.&nbsp; Gag her as well.&quot;Misha nodded and ripped part of her sleeve, then stuffed it into her mouth. &quot;Sorry sister.&quot; He said sarcastically and shrugged.My tenuous hold on my temper slipping, I said commandingly.&nbsp; &quot;What is the meaning of this?&quot;Silvara raised an eyebrow at me, and for a moment, I wanted nothing more than to run and hide.&nbsp; I settled for holding my tongue. Finally, she moved to sit at the table.&nbsp; &quot;Bring me some tea, child.&quot;&nbsp; she says to me offhandedly.Seething, I poured some tea in a cup and carried it to her.&nbsp; Ever the mediator, Gruush asked &quot;Silvara, what's going on?&quot; as Misha sat, watching Aliya.&nbsp; She nodded her thanks to me and took the cup, taking a sip, sitting thoughtfully for a moment.&nbsp; &quot;There is a spell in her mind.&quot;&nbsp; She said finally.&nbsp; &quot;Her actions are not of her own will.&nbsp; Had I not been so...indisposed.....when you came, I would have noticed it then.&quot;Gruush frowned at that. &quot;What spell? Can you tell?&quot;She took another sip. &quot;Compulsion, but to do what and for what purpose I cannot say.&quot;&quot;So let us remove the spell.&quot; Misha said impatiently.&nbsp; &quot;Or is it not that simple?&quot;Silvara slowly smiled at him.&nbsp; &quot;Have you the power to do so?&quot;&quot;I have the power to take her head, if we can't remove the spell.&quot; he gestured to his blade. &quot;But that is not a choice I relish.&quot;&nbsp; My anger flared at this.&nbsp; He speaks of it so easily, her death, our death.&quot;Always you think of killing.&quot; I snapped.&quot;Easy Misha, she is still Ailya.&quot; Gruush warned.&quot;I am a warrior I settle things by the blade.&quot; Misha responded flippantly.Biting my lip, I thought about the problem, trying to ignore Misha as best I could.&nbsp; &quot;I think I can do it.&quot;&quot;Then try.&quot;&nbsp; Misha ordered, and my anger flared even brighter, and for a moment I wanted to kill him and be done with it.&quot;One day, the blade will settle you.&quot;&nbsp; I growled, then glanced at Silvara.&nbsp; &quot;I will need some time to pray.&quot; I said as I turned, moving towards my room.&quot;Aliya is not going anywhere.&quot; Misha called after me amusedly.&nbsp; I slammed the door behind me.I took a moment to collect myself and knelt to pray.&nbsp; I had been praying for quite some time, when I heard the door creak open slowly, and Misha entered.&nbsp; I glared up at him, as he said, &quot;Aliya is doing as well as could be expected.&quot;&nbsp;&quot;Fine.&quot; I said detachedly. “Perhaps you have a moment?&quot; Misha said, almost timidly, which gave me pause.&nbsp; I nodded.&quot;What is it?&quot;&nbsp; He walked over and kneeled beside me and enveloped me in a hug.&nbsp; I was stiff with shock for a moment, and then I hugged him back tightly, suddenly needing him so badly.&quot;How are you doing?&quot; he whispered.&quot;As well as can be expected.&quot;&nbsp; I answered wryly, my voice muffled by his shirt.&quot;Corellon will see us through, ma'sheira.&quot;&nbsp; he said, and I felt a sudden surge of something at those words.&quot;Of course.&quot; I answered firmly.&nbsp; &quot;And if he does not, we will do it on our own.&quot;&quot;I do not doubt him.&quot; he replied, before kissing my forehead.&quot;Nor do I.&quot; I said, and smiled, though I am not sure I meant it.Misha pulled back,&nbsp; putting a hand on my stomach with a smile and asking &quot;How is our child?&quot;I put my hand over his.&nbsp; &quot;He does not like me to eat.&nbsp; But if his kicks are any indication, he is a strong one.&quot;Misha smiled at that.&nbsp; &quot;A son...&quot;&quot;Perhaps.&quot; I said, just before he kissed me.&nbsp; I held him close, kissing him with a desperation I didn’t know I felt.&nbsp; Almost as if I thought it would be the last time I would get to hold him.He pulled back. &quot;It does not matter.&nbsp; It will be our child, and that all that matters.&quot;I laughed as Misha kissed me yet again.&nbsp; “What do you think you are doing?”“We have some time... Karanaj is well,&quot; he said and I sat up in alarm.“He is?&quot;&quot;Yes...what is it?&quot;&quot;If he is awake...has he seen Aliya?&quot; I asked urgently.Misha shrugged, and then blinked as understanding washed over him. &quot;This will be bad...&quot;&quot;That is an understatement.&quot; I said as we both jumped up, heading for the door.We rushed into the common room just in time to hear Gruush say &quot;Be careful, she's under a compulsion spell.&quot;&quot;Yes she is!!!&quot; Misha said loudly, striding towards them.&nbsp; &quot;Step away from her Kara.&quot;Karanaj looked back at him sadly, &quot;You don't think I know that already?&quot;&quot;Well, I still would like you to step back.&quot;&nbsp; Misha said, taken aback at Kara’s words.&nbsp; &quot;Save the reunion for later.&nbsp; I am sorry but it is for the best.&quot;As I stood there, Silvara pressed a plate and cup into my hands, and I nodded my thanks and sat to eat.&nbsp; Karanaj sighed and stood, still staring at Aliya.&nbsp; &quot;Come and eat Kara.&quot; I said.&nbsp; &quot;She will be free soon enough.&quot;&nbsp; Silvara forced Misha to take plate and cup as well, shooing him towards the table.&nbsp; Karanaj closed his eyes and turned finally, walking over to the table, grabbing his cup and plate on the way.Karanaj sat, placing his food in front of him, picking at it.&nbsp; I picked at my food as well, trying to select those things I thought I might keep down.&nbsp; Misha placed his food on the table and watched Aliya, not eating.&nbsp; Gruush ate quickly, and broke the awkward silence, saying &quot;This is very good Silvara.&quot;Silvara smiled at that.&nbsp; &quot;I am pleased you like it.&quot;&quot;Well, this is a pleasant meal.&quot; Misha said, and turned to Karanaj, &quot;Kara...&quot; he started to say, but stopped, as Gruush spoke to an old man, whom I had not even noticed. I assumed he was the wizard who had saved Kara, and ignored the conversation, finishing my food and moving to Aliya’s side, to begin my spell.&nbsp; It took some time to complete, but finally, I felt something give way inside Aliya, and I stood, touching Aliya on the shoulder.&nbsp; Only then did I notice the tears running down her face.&nbsp; I glanced to Silvara and she nodded.“It is gone,” she confirmed.&nbsp; I pulled the gag from my sister's mouth, and cut her loose quickly.&nbsp; Al the while, I spoke with Aliya mentally, asking her what was wrong.&nbsp; She had difficulty explaining, but she told me that she had confided to Misha that during her long captivity, Kalanthor and Mantatlus had made her doubt which brother she loved, that they had brought her close to choosing Kalanthor over Karanaj.&nbsp; She said that she still dreams of Kalanthor, and had been unsure what she would do were we ever faced with him again.&nbsp; I asked if Kara knew this, and she said that only since her return had she admitted it to herself.&nbsp; She had confided in Misha, and he had betrayed her, telling Karanaj everything.&nbsp; I felt my anger at him swell again, as Aliya collapsed into my arms, weeping.&quot;What's wrong?&quot; Gruush asked, sounding confused.&quot;Misha is a fool.&quot;&nbsp; I hissed, as I pulled Aliya to her feet, not wanting the others to see her cry.&quot;That is not news.&quot; Gruush said, smiling at Misha, even as Misha said &quot;Tell me something I don't know.&quot;&nbsp; Their flippant attitude infuriated me even more.&quot;Aliya will be staying with me.&nbsp; Misha can sleep in the stables.&quot;&nbsp; I announced, as I guided Aliya from the room.&nbsp; She pulled away from me, and said she must speak with Kara, so I waited in the hallway, in case she had need of me, and listened to the conversation in the common room.&quot;What did you do this time?&quot;&nbsp; Gruush growled.&quot;Who knows?&quot; Misha quipped.&nbsp; &quot;Perhaps the stables have better company then my bedroom.”&quot;Do you know what is going on?&quot; I heard Gruush ask Silvara.&quot;I have a pretty good idea.&quot; She responded grimly.Gruush sounded confused.&nbsp; &quot;Would you let me in on it?&quot;&quot;I would say Misha told Karanaj something Aliya did not wish him to know.&quot; She replied.&quot;Something that kara needed to know.&quot;&nbsp; Misha said defensively.&quot;Something he needed to know from her!&quot; Silvara snapped.“People are too much for skirting around the truth.&quot;&nbsp; Misha said arrogantly.&nbsp; &quot;She wouldn't tell him.&quot;&quot;So the great and all knowing Misha did it for her.&quot;&nbsp; Silvara said bitingly.&nbsp; &quot;You cannot keep the peace in your own marriage, perhaps you should look to your own home before meddling in others.&quot;&nbsp; The words hurt me, but I could not deny the truth in them.&quot;Why did you really tell him Misha?&quot; Gruush asked.&quot;As I said before he needed to know, and I doubt his wife would tell him.&quot; Misha said, dismissively.&quot;You never gave her the chance.&quot; Silvara growled.&nbsp; &quot;She told&nbsp; you, didn't she?&nbsp; In trust?&nbsp; And you betrayed her.&quot;Stubbornly, Misha continued.&nbsp; “I did what I believed was the right thing.&nbsp; I never said for her to trust me.&quot;Silvara answered quietly.&nbsp; &quot;If you had betrayed me in such a way, I would have killed you.&quot;&quot;I told her as much, that I did not trust her.&quot; Misha almost whined.&quot;Perhaps she was trying to change that.&quot; Silvara said grimly.&quot;I don't want her trust... all I need from her is to fulfill her role in the prophecy.”&nbsp; The coldness in his voice shocked me.&nbsp; He thinks only to use her.&quot;You alienate one sister, you alienate both.&quot; Silvara stated.The wizard muttered. &quot;You are more a fool than I thought.&quot;&quot;You know nothing about me.&quot; Misha fumed.The wizard snorted.&nbsp; &quot;Don't I?&quot;And Vallia and I will reconcile, we always do.&quot; he continued, ignoring the old man.&nbsp; Misha assumes too much, he takes me for granted, I cannot have that.Quietly, I heard Silvara say&nbsp; &quot;Not this time.&quot;&quot;I know not who you are old man,&quot; Misha began threateningly.&nbsp; &quot;We have time to mend our wounds... for now we stay the course.&nbsp; This is bigger then bruised egos and coarse words.&quot;&quot;If you do not learn to work together, to trust, you will fail.&quot;&nbsp; said the old man softly.&quot;We must learn to trust each other before it is too late.&quot; Gruush wisely advised.&quot;I am trying.&quot;&nbsp; Misha said importantly.&quot;Trying?&nbsp; Bah!&nbsp; You do not try.&quot; the old man snapped.&quot;I am done trying.&quot;&nbsp; Misha gave up, like he always does, ready to run.&nbsp; &quot;If you will excuse me... I have a stable to tend to.&quot;&quot;What do you know of all this?&quot; Gruush asked the wizard.&nbsp;&quot;Then you will fail.&quot; the wizard does not seem to hear Gruush.&nbsp; &quot;All of your duty.....&quot;&quot;i will not fail.&quot; Misha stated positively.The wizard must have lost his patience at that point, because he shouted &quot;SILENCE!&quot; his voice thundering.&nbsp; &quot;Always you deny, always you refuse to listen!&nbsp; FOOL!&quot;&quot;I will not listen to words of failure.&quot; Misha stubbornly replied.&nbsp; &quot;Failure is not an option I can contemplate.&nbsp; I have come too far to fail now.&nbsp; All of us...&quot;&quot;You will not listen to anything!&quot; the wizard cut Misha off.&nbsp; &quot;And if you wish to succeed, you must contemplate failure.&quot;&quot;We have lost companions... many have died....&quot;&quot;And it will all be for nothing if you persist in your folly.&quot; the wizard promised.&quot;Folly!&quot; Misha exploded.&nbsp; &quot;I am a King in exile... what more folly is there then that?&quot;&quot;You are holding this group apart.&nbsp; You.&nbsp; Misha Koldun.&quot; the wizard pronounced.&nbsp; &quot;You divide when you should unite.&nbsp; You betray when you should trust.&quot;&quot;Fine.”&nbsp; Misha said angrily.&quot;Listen to him Misha.&quot; Gruush implored.&quot;That is all you have to say?&quot; the wizard asked.&quot;There is nothing let to say.&quot; Misha snarled.&nbsp; &quot;I have made mistakes that have nearly torn this group apart.&quot;&quot;You are a petulant little boy, too stubborn to listen to reason.&nbsp; And you pout, while the world burns.&quot;&quot;I do not pout I am making a decision.&quot; Misha responded.&quot;Oh?&quot; the old man said mockingly.&nbsp; &quot;You do not have a good track record at that, you know.&quot;Misha ignored him.&nbsp; &quot;Gruush, you are the warrior but you are also the heart.&nbsp; You have more compassion then any I have met. I leave them in your capable hands.&quot;&quot;So you are leaving then?&nbsp; Turning your back on your duty?&quot; the wizard said scornfully.&quot;I need time to reconcile the choices I have made.&quot;&nbsp; Misha says quietly.&nbsp; I listened, my heart breaking again, but I made no move to stop him, thinking it would be better if he were gone.Gruush sounded concerned.&nbsp; &quot;We cannot succeed without you.&quot;&quot;I am not leaving, but I must take time to reflect on the poor choices I have made as of late.&quot; Misha responded.&quot;See that you do not take too long.&quot; the wizard admonished him.&quot;I shall not be too long.&quot; He replied, and I heard the door close.&nbsp;&quot;Perhaps he is not the one.&quot; the wizard commented.&quot;Perhaps.&quot; Silvara answered.Gruush sighed.&nbsp; “Impetuous fool.&quot;&quot;You are very smart, best-beloved.&quot; she said to Gruush.&nbsp; I smiled at that.&nbsp; At least I can be happy for him.&nbsp; It’s all I have to be happy about, now.&quot;I am not worthy of that praise from one so great as you.&quot; Gruush said humbly.The wizard snorted.&nbsp; &quot;Great?&nbsp; Her?&nbsp; Bah...&quot;&quot;Yes, great.&quot; Gruush replied evenly.&quot;Your only fault is not taking enough credit, best-beloved.&quot; Silvara told Gruush.&quot;I don't deserve credit, I fail when I should easily succeed.&quot; Gruush answered.The wizard coughed.&nbsp; &quot;Is there a place I can rest?&quot;&quot;Just down the hall.&quot;&nbsp; Silvara said.&quot;Thank you.&quot;&nbsp; he said, and I heard him leave.&quot;I have never seen you fail best-beloved.&quot; she said tenderly.Gruush chuckled &quot;I had trouble with a single kobold, I was told it was quite funny to watch me miss him.&quot; &quot;Ah, I see.&nbsp; Well, everyone has an off day....even me.&quot; Silvara replied comfortingly.&quot;I doubt that.&quot; He laughed.&quot;You would be surprised.&quot; she responded.&nbsp; They began to discuss the wizard, but I couldn’t hear them, because suddenly some rather….well….embarrassing noises were coming from Kara and Aliya’s room.&nbsp; Soon I could not stand to stay outside their door any longer, and made my way back to the common room, red-faced.They looked up as I entered and Gruush asked &quot;Vallia, have Aliya &amp; Kara forgiven each other?&quot;I glanced back at the hallway and nodded.&nbsp; &quot;I would say so, despite Misha's interference.&quot;&quot;Speaking of Misha, what about you two?&quot; Gruush said.&quot;What about us?&quot; I said guardedly.&quot;Will you two make up when he returns?&quot; he probed.&quot;He betrayed my sister's trust.&quot; I said flatly.&nbsp; &quot;That is like betraying me.&quot;&quot;You knew that about Misha when you met, he can't be trusted with a secret.&quot;&nbsp; Gruush argued.&nbsp; “He didn't mean to hurt you.&quot;&quot;No?&quot; I seethed.&nbsp; &quot;He meant to hurt Aliya.&nbsp; And Karanaj.&quot;&quot;No, he actually thought he was doing good.&quot; Gruush corrected.Silvara shook her head.&nbsp; &quot;I disagree.&nbsp; I have seen the way he looks at Aliya.&nbsp; He does not like her.&quot;&quot;Why would he want to hurt them?&quot; Gruush sounded confused.&quot;Not them, just her.&quot; Silvara stated.&quot;Why hate her?&quot; he asked.&quot;I don't know.&quot; she said sadly.&quot;I don't understand why he would hate her for no reason.&quot; Gruush pressed.&quot;Nor do I.&quot; answered Silvara.Aliya entered just then, followed by Karanaj.&nbsp; &quot;Did I see food....I'm starving!&quot; Silvara jumped up, smiling, and got Aliya a plate.&nbsp; Karanaj sat, pulling Aliya over to sit next to him.&nbsp; Aliya sat, giggling, and began to eat.&nbsp; It hurt to watch them, and I turned away.&nbsp; “You wouldn't happen to have more food, would you? My appetite seems to have returned.&quot;&nbsp; Karanaj smiled.&quot;Of course.&quot;&nbsp; Silvara smiled back at him, and gave him a heaping plateful.“Aliya, why does Misha dislike you so?” Gruush asked bluntly.&nbsp; She shrugged. &quot;I don't know why he dislikes me so, except that perhaps I tell him truth.&quot;Gruush states &quot;We need him back.&quot; and Aliya snarled, even as he held up a hand, forestalling her oaths.&nbsp; &quot;I understand, but we need him to finish what we started.&quot;Karanaj sighed, leaning over and kissing Aliya's cheek.&nbsp;&nbsp; &quot;Five ride forth.&quot; she said softly.&quot;Both of you need to get along for the sake of what we do.&quot; Gruush lectured.&quot;I have tried.&quot; Aliya lamented.&nbsp; &quot;He stabs me in the back at every turn.&nbsp; He waits for only a chance to kill me.&quot;&quot;Unless we find out why he dislikes you and remedy the situation, we WILL fail.&quot;&nbsp; Gruush sighed. &quot;Now for the other matter, who put the compulsion spell on you and for what purpose?&quot;&quot;Mantatlus, of course.&quot; she answered.&nbsp; &quot;I was to retrieve the sword and return to him.&quot;Gruush glanced at the rest of us. &quot;I am tired of him, we should do something about him before he causes more trouble.&quot;&quot;That's easier said than done.&quot; Karanaj observed.&quot;I agree, maybe Slartibartfast can help us.&quot; Gruush offered.&quot;Perhaps.&quot; Silvara cautioned.&nbsp; &quot;He does things for his own reasons.&quot;&quot;He seems to care if we succeed.&quot; Gruush said hopefully.Misha entered then, he looked tired... but well.&nbsp; My body tensed as he walked in, and it felt as though every nerve in my body was exposed.&nbsp; Aliya frowned as Silvara fell silent.&nbsp; He paused at the door. &quot;I am sorry.&quot;&nbsp; He glanced at Silvara.&nbsp; “The wizard had to go.&nbsp; He sends his thanks.”&nbsp; He looked back at the rest of us.&nbsp;&nbsp; &quot;Again, I am sorry.&quot; He moved towards our room.&nbsp; &quot;I just need to grab a few things to make the stable nice and comfortable.&quot;&quot;Misha you need to stay and talk about this.&quot; Gruush said quietly.&quot;I said I was sorry, I was wrong.&quot; Misha replied softly.&quot;Wrong about what?&quot;&nbsp; asked Aliya.Misha turned away. &quot;Vallia and Aliya have all the right in the world to hold me in contempt for my actions.&nbsp; I betrayed their trust.&quot;&nbsp; Aliya looked surprised as Misha turned to gather his things.&quot;Why the sudden change of heart?&quot; she asked.Misha called back over his shoulder, &quot;It is the right thing to do.&quot; as he continued down the hall.&quot;Everyone thinks you hate Aliya. Is this true?&quot; Gruush yelled after him.Misha returned after a few moments with his things in hand.&nbsp; &quot;I don't hate her.&quot;&nbsp; I frowned at that.&nbsp; &quot;I dislike her.&nbsp; We are different... we always will be.&quot;&quot;Why, what has she done?&quot; inquired Gruush.&quot;She sees me as undeserving of Vallia.&nbsp; Maybe she is right, maybe not.&quot; Misha shrugged.Gruush turned to Aliya &quot;Is this true?&quot;Misha slung his large satchel over his shoulder. &quot;It isn't her fault. As I said before, I am at fault.&nbsp; I have made bad decisions. She only looks out for her sister out of concern.&quot;Gruush stood. &quot;Stop, we have to work this out tonight. Running off to the stable solves nothing.&nbsp; If we won't work together...all of us...there is no need to proceed further.&quot;Misha dropped his bag on the floor. &quot;I want to make this work, so I am doing my part to stay out of their way.&quot;Aliya spoke, finally answering Gruush’s question.&nbsp; &quot;It is true...if he continues to put other things first.&quot;&quot;Before what? Speak clearly.&quot; Gruush commanded.&quot;Before i hurt Vallia again.&quot; Misha muttered.&nbsp; &quot;I must put her first before duty, faith and country.&quot;&quot;Aliya, do you put Karanaj before everything else? Vallia, do you put Misha before everything else?&quot; Gruush looked at each of us in turn.&quot;Yes.&quot; I answered without hesitation, Aliya echoing me a second later.&quot;I put you all before myself.&quot;&nbsp; Misha said, looking at Aliya.&nbsp; &quot;I have for some time now.&quot;&nbsp; Aliya frowned at this.&nbsp; &quot;Frown all you want, Aliya.&nbsp; I have and will continue to do so.&quot;&quot;We did not ask about the rest of us.&quot; Aliya responded.&quot;I don't care.&quot; Misha said, almost petulantly, as he dropped his satchel.&nbsp; &quot;Gruush is right.&nbsp; We must all trust each other, first and foremost.&quot;&nbsp; Aliya stood as he spoke, and said through gritted teeth.&nbsp; &quot;I did.&quot; before she moved to leave the room. I knew my sister was right in her anger, and I stood as well.&nbsp; &quot;It is a mistake she will not make again.&quot;&quot;SIT DOWN ALIYA!&quot; Gruush roared.&nbsp; &quot;THIS CONVERSATION IS NOT OVER!&quot;Misha smirked.&nbsp; &quot;Gruush is right. Leaving will solve nothing, Aliya.&quot;Aliya stopped at the doorway, taking a deep breath.&nbsp; &quot;It will keep me from killing you.&quot;A dangerous light flashed in Misha’s eyes, and my hand tightened on my sword.&nbsp; &quot;Will it?'&quot;We work this out tonight, or tomorrow we go our own way.&quot; Gruush declared.Misha nodded. &quot;Agreed.&quot;Aliya snarled.&nbsp; &quot;Do so then.&nbsp; Go your own way.&nbsp; Prove yourselves untrustworthy yet again.&quot;&quot;Aliya, Misha is trying to bend, if you don't bend also there is no point on continuing.&quot; Gruush replied.&quot;Trying?&nbsp; In what way?&quot; She retorted.&nbsp; &quot;Still he attacks me every time I speak.&nbsp; I have seen no remorse for betraying a trust I was hesitant to give him in the first place.&nbsp; And still he cannot bring himself to say that he puts Vallia first.&quot;&quot;You also look for every opportunity to find fault with him.&quot; Gruush admonished her.&quot;Every opportunity?&quot; She said wryly.&nbsp; &quot;Hardly.&quot;&quot;He has never, in either life, had to put someone above himself.&quot; Gruush glanced at Misha.&nbsp; &quot;Will you put Vallia ahead of yourself?&quot;&quot;It is not above himself that concerns me.&quot; Aliya interjected before Misha could answer.&quot;I put you all before me.&quot; Misha replied.&nbsp; &quot;My concerns matter little to yours.&quot;&quot;And that is not the problem!&quot; Aliya shouted.&quot;Then what is the problem?&quot; Misha asked testily.&quot;He puts us before himself, but duty before us.&nbsp; He would sacrifice us all to fulfill his duty.&quot;&nbsp; Aliya spat.I was feeling worse and worse with each passing moment, their words hitting me like bricks.&nbsp; &quot;I think,&quot;&nbsp; I said distinctly, &quot;I'm going to be sick.&quot;&quot;That is what duty is sometimes.&quot; Gruush said to Aliya.&quot;Then the two of you are welcome to each other.&quot; she answered, as Karanaj pulled me away from the others, and Aliya turned to help.&quot;Karanaj can help her.&quot; Gruush ordered.Aliya looked back at him.&nbsp; &quot;When did you become my master?&quot;&quot;What do want from Misha?&quot;&nbsp; Gruush ignored her comment.Their arguing pounded in my head as Aliya pulled back my hair, and I threw up into a bucket.&quot;Gruush, perhaps our words are wasted.&quot; I heard Misha say, and my stomach twisted again.&quot;I have heard few words from you.&quot; Aliya replied.&quot;In the morning, if things have not changed, we shall head for the Citadel and finish this ourselves.&quot; Misha continued, ignoring Aliya, and suddenly my feeling resolved themselves, snapping into place, and I knew what I must do.&nbsp; &quot;I know that is my destination.&quot; he finished.&quot;She was hurt by you very badly, that is hard to forgive.&quot; Gruush said to Misha.“I know&quot; Misha acknowledged.&quot;You must work hard to prove you can change and earn her trust, and Vallia's.&quot;Misha nodded.&nbsp; &quot;I shall, but as it stands I am not welcome here.&nbsp; In the morning I ride for the citadel.&quot;I straightened at this, pushing Kara away.&nbsp; &quot;So you leave again?&quot; I asked.Misha nodded again. &quot;I don't expect any of you to follow.&quot; he grabbed his satchel. &quot;I am sorry Aliya... Vallia. I go for the sake of Aliya.&nbsp; The four of you can manage to keep the peace.&quot;&quot;Go, then, if you wish, but we will not follow.&quot;&nbsp; I said decisively.&nbsp; &quot;Run, Misha, I am done chasing you.&quot;The fool nodded a third time. &quot;I got to strike at the heart of the matter.&quot;It has gotten more and more difficult to write as this entry goes on.&nbsp; The pain is still too fresh, too raw.&nbsp; I can pinpoint the moment when I began to have my doubts about Misha. It was that night, when I awoke, watching him with Noriya. I felt as though a part of me was dying that night, and a small piece of me has died every day since. I feel as though I carry a heart of stone in my chest. Perhaps it is from that the numbness arises.For a long time, I felt numb.The agony washed over me in waves when I realized what Aliya had seen all along: that Misha does not love me as I love him. For Misha, I would have turned my back on my people and my god, I would have betrayed them, I would have died. For Misha, I would have let the world burn...Misha would not have allowed this, I see that now. He would have killed me to prevent it, so strong is his love for duty, so much has it enslaved him. I had forgotten that Misha was not an elf when we fell in love, that perhaps the transformation wrought on his body had not changed his soul. The love’s magic does not reside in him; it never did. He does not feel its pull, understand its need. I know now why my people look at elves that love humans with such pity in their eyes. It does not have to do with the shortness of their lifespan. It has to do with their nature.It should not have been such a revelation, but the magic blinded me to the truth. The agony was there, beneath the surface. It had built with each passing day, but I had ignored it, pushed away the signs. The argument between Aliya and Misha is done. It would gall him to know that she bought him more time than he deserved, pushing him the way that she did. So intent was I on their bickering that I did not see the underlying cause. Too selfish was he and too involved in his duty to see that what Aliya did, she did out of love.When finally I realized what I had been a fool to ignore for so long, I felt as though I was drowning in an ocean of red waves. For a brief moment, my hand tightened on my sword, and I wanted nothing more in the world than to strike Misha down. In that moment, I hated him with just as much passion as I had loved him. The agony disappeared as my rage threatened to overwhelm me. Red bordered my vision, and I was shaking as I stood, and nodded to Aliya, to let her know that finally I accepted the offer she had made. As she laid her hand on me, and gripped Kara’s shoulder, I looked Misha in the eye, for what I hope was the last time and said, &quot;This marriage is over.&nbsp; Goodbye.&quot;&nbsp; I said softly.&nbsp; His face was the last thing I saw as I felt a terrible wrenching in my stomach and knew that Aliya had transported us far from the dragon’s keep, far from Misha.I had never imagined the torment of this. I feel as though my soul is on fire, as though my heart has been forged into stone. I remember something my mother told me once, long ago. She said that of the strongest love comes the purest hate. I understand that now.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="Talindra, post: 217889, member: 155"] 10th day of The Claw of Winter, 1373 DR Vallia’s Journal #17 (Part Two) It has been several days since I started this entry, and did not finish it. For a long time, I did not feel as though I could relate what had happened after Aliya returned, and yet, I know that it will help me to say it. I suppose I should begin where I left off, because if I start with how it ended, I will never be able to finish this entry. At the sound of Aliya’s voice, Misha silently put me down, and proceeded down the hallway, I assumed to find Silvara. He quickly returned without her, and sat silently in a chair in the far corner of the common room, silent, his eyes never leaving Aliya. She moved over to the table, and sat, propping her up on the chair. "You don't appear happy to see me." She glanced around, a little nervously. "And where's Karanaj?" "Petrified." Misha said softly. A little angry at her attitude, I said. "Happy to see you? Should I be happy to see you?" Aliya glanced at Misha for a moment. "This is no time for jokes." I shook my head at her. "No joke. Karanaj met a medusa's stare. He is a stone statue. That is what is wrapped in the blankets outside." Aliya sat up, tears filling her eyes. "Oh, Kara..." she said softly. Misha watched Aliya a moment and stood. "I will bring him inside before he catches his death of cold..." He headed outside, as I kept my gaze on Aliya. "I am surprised to see you so upset, considering how you left." I said finally. Aliya looked up at me through tear-filled eyes. "You know it wasn't my choice." She grimaced. "Did you find the sword?" I started to answer, but broke off as Misha and Gruush wrestled Kara’s statue inside, panting with the exertion. "I hope we don't move him too often.” Gruush remarked. Aliya looked at the statue and moved over to touch his cheek. "Kara....." At that moment, I made my decision. "And all for nothing....the sword was gone." Aliya turned quickly, her face anxious. "Gone? Gone where?" Misha nodded in agreement and glanced at Gruush. "Yeah, the sword slipped through our grasp..." Gruush nodded too, just as we heard a rather loud thump in the courtyard. "Now what?" Misha said exasperatedly. Moments later, Silvara entered, smiling. "Well, well, nice to see......good gods, what happened here?" She exclaims. Gruush smiled at her "Hello Sylvara." "Karanaj locked eyes with the Medusa." Misha smirked. Silvara looked at Gruush a little anxiously. "Were any of the rest of you hurt?" "Nothing time and Corellon's touch won't heal." Misha answered for him, as Gruush shook his head. Misha looked to Aliya, "I am not sure about the prodigal daughter though." Silvara looked at Gruush a moment more, and then looked away. "Ah, I see our wayward lass has returned and....my goodness!" Silvara looked grim and nods. "I see." Misha turned to walk outside... "A rather bad day all around..." “All of you move away from her, right now." Silvara commanded. I was confused, and I saw my own feelings mirrored on Aliya’s face. Silvara's eyes flashed, and her voice boomed. "I SAID MOVE!!!" Gruush backed away quickly, as I jumped, and almost ran to Silvara’s side. Aliya stood, her confusion clear. "What is wrong? What's going on?" Misha paused at the door and glanced over his shoulder, waiting. Silvara smiled, showing her teeth. "I suggest you sit there child." Aliya frowned, but sat slowly. "Misha, be a good boy, and tie her up, would you?" Aliya stood again quickly, saying "What?!?" as Misha smiled. That smile angered me. He enjoys seeing her upset. Silvara looked back. "Child, I told you to sit." Aliya looked at her face a long moment, and gulped, then sat slowly. Misha walked over and drew his keen blade. "Sit still and you should be alright." Angrily, I grabbed Silvara's arm. "What is going on?" My eyes never left Misha, however, and I was ready to act should he do anything stupid. He tied Aliya up as best he could. Silvara barely spared me a glance, saying "Gently now, Misha, but firmly. She is a spellcaster. Gag her as well." Misha nodded and ripped part of her sleeve, then stuffed it into her mouth. "Sorry sister." He said sarcastically and shrugged. My tenuous hold on my temper slipping, I said commandingly. "What is the meaning of this?" Silvara raised an eyebrow at me, and for a moment, I wanted nothing more than to run and hide. I settled for holding my tongue. Finally, she moved to sit at the table. "Bring me some tea, child." she says to me offhandedly. Seething, I poured some tea in a cup and carried it to her. Ever the mediator, Gruush asked "Silvara, what's going on?" as Misha sat, watching Aliya. She nodded her thanks to me and took the cup, taking a sip, sitting thoughtfully for a moment. "There is a spell in her mind." She said finally. "Her actions are not of her own will. Had I not been so...indisposed.....when you came, I would have noticed it then." Gruush frowned at that. "What spell? Can you tell?" She took another sip. "Compulsion, but to do what and for what purpose I cannot say." "So let us remove the spell." Misha said impatiently. "Or is it not that simple?" Silvara slowly smiled at him. "Have you the power to do so?" "I have the power to take her head, if we can't remove the spell." he gestured to his blade. "But that is not a choice I relish." My anger flared at this. He speaks of it so easily, her death, our death. "Always you think of killing." I snapped. "Easy Misha, she is still Ailya." Gruush warned. "I am a warrior I settle things by the blade." Misha responded flippantly. Biting my lip, I thought about the problem, trying to ignore Misha as best I could. "I think I can do it." "Then try." Misha ordered, and my anger flared even brighter, and for a moment I wanted to kill him and be done with it. "One day, the blade will settle you." I growled, then glanced at Silvara. "I will need some time to pray." I said as I turned, moving towards my room. "Aliya is not going anywhere." Misha called after me amusedly. I slammed the door behind me. I took a moment to collect myself and knelt to pray. I had been praying for quite some time, when I heard the door creak open slowly, and Misha entered. I glared up at him, as he said, "Aliya is doing as well as could be expected." "Fine." I said detachedly. “Perhaps you have a moment?" Misha said, almost timidly, which gave me pause. I nodded. "What is it?" He walked over and kneeled beside me and enveloped me in a hug. I was stiff with shock for a moment, and then I hugged him back tightly, suddenly needing him so badly. "How are you doing?" he whispered. "As well as can be expected." I answered wryly, my voice muffled by his shirt. "Corellon will see us through, ma'sheira." he said, and I felt a sudden surge of something at those words. "Of course." I answered firmly. "And if he does not, we will do it on our own." "I do not doubt him." he replied, before kissing my forehead. "Nor do I." I said, and smiled, though I am not sure I meant it. Misha pulled back, putting a hand on my stomach with a smile and asking "How is our child?" I put my hand over his. "He does not like me to eat. But if his kicks are any indication, he is a strong one." Misha smiled at that. "A son..." "Perhaps." I said, just before he kissed me. I held him close, kissing him with a desperation I didn’t know I felt. Almost as if I thought it would be the last time I would get to hold him. He pulled back. "It does not matter. It will be our child, and that all that matters." I laughed as Misha kissed me yet again. “What do you think you are doing?” “We have some time... Karanaj is well," he said and I sat up in alarm. “He is?" "Yes...what is it?" "If he is awake...has he seen Aliya?" I asked urgently. Misha shrugged, and then blinked as understanding washed over him. "This will be bad..." "That is an understatement." I said as we both jumped up, heading for the door. We rushed into the common room just in time to hear Gruush say "Be careful, she's under a compulsion spell." "Yes she is!!!" Misha said loudly, striding towards them. "Step away from her Kara." Karanaj looked back at him sadly, "You don't think I know that already?" "Well, I still would like you to step back." Misha said, taken aback at Kara’s words. "Save the reunion for later. I am sorry but it is for the best." As I stood there, Silvara pressed a plate and cup into my hands, and I nodded my thanks and sat to eat. Karanaj sighed and stood, still staring at Aliya. "Come and eat Kara." I said. "She will be free soon enough." Silvara forced Misha to take plate and cup as well, shooing him towards the table. Karanaj closed his eyes and turned finally, walking over to the table, grabbing his cup and plate on the way. Karanaj sat, placing his food in front of him, picking at it. I picked at my food as well, trying to select those things I thought I might keep down. Misha placed his food on the table and watched Aliya, not eating. Gruush ate quickly, and broke the awkward silence, saying "This is very good Silvara." Silvara smiled at that. "I am pleased you like it." "Well, this is a pleasant meal." Misha said, and turned to Karanaj, "Kara..." he started to say, but stopped, as Gruush spoke to an old man, whom I had not even noticed. I assumed he was the wizard who had saved Kara, and ignored the conversation, finishing my food and moving to Aliya’s side, to begin my spell. It took some time to complete, but finally, I felt something give way inside Aliya, and I stood, touching Aliya on the shoulder. Only then did I notice the tears running down her face. I glanced to Silvara and she nodded. “It is gone,” she confirmed. I pulled the gag from my sister's mouth, and cut her loose quickly. Al the while, I spoke with Aliya mentally, asking her what was wrong. She had difficulty explaining, but she told me that she had confided to Misha that during her long captivity, Kalanthor and Mantatlus had made her doubt which brother she loved, that they had brought her close to choosing Kalanthor over Karanaj. She said that she still dreams of Kalanthor, and had been unsure what she would do were we ever faced with him again. I asked if Kara knew this, and she said that only since her return had she admitted it to herself. She had confided in Misha, and he had betrayed her, telling Karanaj everything. I felt my anger at him swell again, as Aliya collapsed into my arms, weeping. "What's wrong?" Gruush asked, sounding confused. "Misha is a fool." I hissed, as I pulled Aliya to her feet, not wanting the others to see her cry. "That is not news." Gruush said, smiling at Misha, even as Misha said "Tell me something I don't know." Their flippant attitude infuriated me even more. "Aliya will be staying with me. Misha can sleep in the stables." I announced, as I guided Aliya from the room. She pulled away from me, and said she must speak with Kara, so I waited in the hallway, in case she had need of me, and listened to the conversation in the common room. "What did you do this time?" Gruush growled. "Who knows?" Misha quipped. "Perhaps the stables have better company then my bedroom.” "Do you know what is going on?" I heard Gruush ask Silvara. "I have a pretty good idea." She responded grimly. Gruush sounded confused. "Would you let me in on it?" "I would say Misha told Karanaj something Aliya did not wish him to know." She replied. "Something that kara needed to know." Misha said defensively. "Something he needed to know from her!" Silvara snapped. “People are too much for skirting around the truth." Misha said arrogantly. "She wouldn't tell him." "So the great and all knowing Misha did it for her." Silvara said bitingly. "You cannot keep the peace in your own marriage, perhaps you should look to your own home before meddling in others." The words hurt me, but I could not deny the truth in them. "Why did you really tell him Misha?" Gruush asked. "As I said before he needed to know, and I doubt his wife would tell him." Misha said, dismissively. "You never gave her the chance." Silvara growled. "She told you, didn't she? In trust? And you betrayed her." Stubbornly, Misha continued. “I did what I believed was the right thing. I never said for her to trust me." Silvara answered quietly. "If you had betrayed me in such a way, I would have killed you." "I told her as much, that I did not trust her." Misha almost whined. "Perhaps she was trying to change that." Silvara said grimly. "I don't want her trust... all I need from her is to fulfill her role in the prophecy.” The coldness in his voice shocked me. He thinks only to use her. "You alienate one sister, you alienate both." Silvara stated. The wizard muttered. "You are more a fool than I thought." "You know nothing about me." Misha fumed. The wizard snorted. "Don't I? "And Vallia and I will reconcile, we always do." he continued, ignoring the old man. Misha assumes too much, he takes me for granted, I cannot have that. Quietly, I heard Silvara say "Not this time." "I know not who you are old man," Misha began threateningly. "We have time to mend our wounds... for now we stay the course. This is bigger then bruised egos and coarse words." "If you do not learn to work together, to trust, you will fail." said the old man softly. "We must learn to trust each other before it is too late." Gruush wisely advised. "I am trying." Misha said importantly. "Trying? Bah! You do not try." the old man snapped. "I am done trying." Misha gave up, like he always does, ready to run. "If you will excuse me... I have a stable to tend to." "What do you know of all this?" Gruush asked the wizard. "Then you will fail." the wizard does not seem to hear Gruush. "All of your duty....." "i will not fail." Misha stated positively. The wizard must have lost his patience at that point, because he shouted "SILENCE!" his voice thundering. "Always you deny, always you refuse to listen! FOOL!" "I will not listen to words of failure." Misha stubbornly replied. "Failure is not an option I can contemplate. I have come too far to fail now. All of us..." "You will not listen to anything!" the wizard cut Misha off. "And if you wish to succeed, you must contemplate failure." "We have lost companions... many have died...." "And it will all be for nothing if you persist in your folly." the wizard promised. "Folly!" Misha exploded. "I am a King in exile... what more folly is there then that?" "You are holding this group apart. You. Misha Koldun." the wizard pronounced. "You divide when you should unite. You betray when you should trust." "Fine.” Misha said angrily. "Listen to him Misha." Gruush implored. "That is all you have to say?" the wizard asked. "There is nothing let to say." Misha snarled. "I have made mistakes that have nearly torn this group apart." "You are a petulant little boy, too stubborn to listen to reason. And you pout, while the world burns." "I do not pout I am making a decision." Misha responded. "Oh?" the old man said mockingly. "You do not have a good track record at that, you know." Misha ignored him. "Gruush, you are the warrior but you are also the heart. You have more compassion then any I have met. I leave them in your capable hands." "So you are leaving then? Turning your back on your duty?" the wizard said scornfully. "I need time to reconcile the choices I have made." Misha says quietly. I listened, my heart breaking again, but I made no move to stop him, thinking it would be better if he were gone. Gruush sounded concerned. "We cannot succeed without you." "I am not leaving, but I must take time to reflect on the poor choices I have made as of late." Misha responded. "See that you do not take too long." the wizard admonished him. "I shall not be too long." He replied, and I heard the door close. "Perhaps he is not the one." the wizard commented. "Perhaps." Silvara answered. Gruush sighed. “Impetuous fool." "You are very smart, best-beloved." she said to Gruush. I smiled at that. At least I can be happy for him. It’s all I have to be happy about, now. "I am not worthy of that praise from one so great as you." Gruush said humbly. The wizard snorted. "Great? Her? Bah..." "Yes, great." Gruush replied evenly. "Your only fault is not taking enough credit, best-beloved." Silvara told Gruush. "I don't deserve credit, I fail when I should easily succeed." Gruush answered. The wizard coughed. "Is there a place I can rest?" "Just down the hall." Silvara said. "Thank you." he said, and I heard him leave. "I have never seen you fail best-beloved." she said tenderly. Gruush chuckled "I had trouble with a single kobold, I was told it was quite funny to watch me miss him." "Ah, I see. Well, everyone has an off day....even me." Silvara replied comfortingly. "I doubt that." He laughed. "You would be surprised." she responded. They began to discuss the wizard, but I couldn’t hear them, because suddenly some rather….well….embarrassing noises were coming from Kara and Aliya’s room. Soon I could not stand to stay outside their door any longer, and made my way back to the common room, red-faced. They looked up as I entered and Gruush asked "Vallia, have Aliya & Kara forgiven each other?" I glanced back at the hallway and nodded. "I would say so, despite Misha's interference." "Speaking of Misha, what about you two?" Gruush said. "What about us?" I said guardedly. "Will you two make up when he returns?" he probed. "He betrayed my sister's trust." I said flatly. "That is like betraying me." "You knew that about Misha when you met, he can't be trusted with a secret." Gruush argued. “He didn't mean to hurt you." "No?" I seethed. "He meant to hurt Aliya. And Karanaj." "No, he actually thought he was doing good." Gruush corrected. Silvara shook her head. "I disagree. I have seen the way he looks at Aliya. He does not like her." "Why would he want to hurt them?" Gruush sounded confused. "Not them, just her." Silvara stated. "Why hate her?" he asked. "I don't know." she said sadly. "I don't understand why he would hate her for no reason." Gruush pressed. "Nor do I." answered Silvara. Aliya entered just then, followed by Karanaj. "Did I see food....I'm starving!" Silvara jumped up, smiling, and got Aliya a plate. Karanaj sat, pulling Aliya over to sit next to him. Aliya sat, giggling, and began to eat. It hurt to watch them, and I turned away. “You wouldn't happen to have more food, would you? My appetite seems to have returned." Karanaj smiled. "Of course." Silvara smiled back at him, and gave him a heaping plateful. “Aliya, why does Misha dislike you so?” Gruush asked bluntly. She shrugged. "I don't know why he dislikes me so, except that perhaps I tell him truth." Gruush states "We need him back." and Aliya snarled, even as he held up a hand, forestalling her oaths. "I understand, but we need him to finish what we started." Karanaj sighed, leaning over and kissing Aliya's cheek. "Five ride forth." she said softly. "Both of you need to get along for the sake of what we do." Gruush lectured. "I have tried." Aliya lamented. "He stabs me in the back at every turn. He waits for only a chance to kill me." "Unless we find out why he dislikes you and remedy the situation, we WILL fail." Gruush sighed. "Now for the other matter, who put the compulsion spell on you and for what purpose?" "Mantatlus, of course." she answered. "I was to retrieve the sword and return to him." Gruush glanced at the rest of us. "I am tired of him, we should do something about him before he causes more trouble." "That's easier said than done." Karanaj observed. "I agree, maybe Slartibartfast can help us." Gruush offered. "Perhaps." Silvara cautioned. "He does things for his own reasons." "He seems to care if we succeed." Gruush said hopefully. Misha entered then, he looked tired... but well. My body tensed as he walked in, and it felt as though every nerve in my body was exposed. Aliya frowned as Silvara fell silent. He paused at the door. "I am sorry." He glanced at Silvara. “The wizard had to go. He sends his thanks.” He looked back at the rest of us. "Again, I am sorry." He moved towards our room. "I just need to grab a few things to make the stable nice and comfortable." "Misha you need to stay and talk about this." Gruush said quietly. "I said I was sorry, I was wrong." Misha replied softly. "Wrong about what?" asked Aliya. Misha turned away. "Vallia and Aliya have all the right in the world to hold me in contempt for my actions. I betrayed their trust." Aliya looked surprised as Misha turned to gather his things. "Why the sudden change of heart?" she asked. Misha called back over his shoulder, "It is the right thing to do." as he continued down the hall. "Everyone thinks you hate Aliya. Is this true?" Gruush yelled after him. Misha returned after a few moments with his things in hand. "I don't hate her." I frowned at that. "I dislike her. We are different... we always will be." "Why, what has she done?" inquired Gruush. "She sees me as undeserving of Vallia. Maybe she is right, maybe not." Misha shrugged. Gruush turned to Aliya "Is this true?" Misha slung his large satchel over his shoulder. "It isn't her fault. As I said before, I am at fault. I have made bad decisions. She only looks out for her sister out of concern." Gruush stood. "Stop, we have to work this out tonight. Running off to the stable solves nothing. If we won't work together...all of us...there is no need to proceed further." Misha dropped his bag on the floor. "I want to make this work, so I am doing my part to stay out of their way." Aliya spoke, finally answering Gruush’s question. "It is true...if he continues to put other things first." "Before what? Speak clearly." Gruush commanded. "Before i hurt Vallia again." Misha muttered. "I must put her first before duty, faith and country." "Aliya, do you put Karanaj before everything else? Vallia, do you put Misha before everything else?" Gruush looked at each of us in turn. "Yes." I answered without hesitation, Aliya echoing me a second later. "I put you all before myself." Misha said, looking at Aliya. "I have for some time now." Aliya frowned at this. "Frown all you want, Aliya. I have and will continue to do so." "We did not ask about the rest of us." Aliya responded. "I don't care." Misha said, almost petulantly, as he dropped his satchel. "Gruush is right. We must all trust each other, first and foremost." Aliya stood as he spoke, and said through gritted teeth. "I did." before she moved to leave the room. I knew my sister was right in her anger, and I stood as well. "It is a mistake she will not make again." "SIT DOWN ALIYA!" Gruush roared. "THIS CONVERSATION IS NOT OVER!" Misha smirked. "Gruush is right. Leaving will solve nothing, Aliya." Aliya stopped at the doorway, taking a deep breath. "It will keep me from killing you." A dangerous light flashed in Misha’s eyes, and my hand tightened on my sword. "Will it?' "We work this out tonight, or tomorrow we go our own way." Gruush declared. Misha nodded. "Agreed." Aliya snarled. "Do so then. Go your own way. Prove yourselves untrustworthy yet again." "Aliya, Misha is trying to bend, if you don't bend also there is no point on continuing." Gruush replied. "Trying? In what way?" She retorted. "Still he attacks me every time I speak. I have seen no remorse for betraying a trust I was hesitant to give him in the first place. And still he cannot bring himself to say that he puts Vallia first." "You also look for every opportunity to find fault with him." Gruush admonished her. "Every opportunity?" She said wryly. "Hardly." "He has never, in either life, had to put someone above himself." Gruush glanced at Misha. "Will you put Vallia ahead of yourself?" "It is not above himself that concerns me." Aliya interjected before Misha could answer. "I put you all before me." Misha replied. "My concerns matter little to yours." "And that is not the problem!" Aliya shouted. "Then what is the problem?" Misha asked testily. "He puts us before himself, but duty before us. He would sacrifice us all to fulfill his duty." Aliya spat. I was feeling worse and worse with each passing moment, their words hitting me like bricks. "I think," I said distinctly, "I'm going to be sick." "That is what duty is sometimes." Gruush said to Aliya. "Then the two of you are welcome to each other." she answered, as Karanaj pulled me away from the others, and Aliya turned to help. "Karanaj can help her." Gruush ordered. Aliya looked back at him. "When did you become my master?" "What do want from Misha?" Gruush ignored her comment. Their arguing pounded in my head as Aliya pulled back my hair, and I threw up into a bucket. "Gruush, perhaps our words are wasted." I heard Misha say, and my stomach twisted again. "I have heard few words from you." Aliya replied. "In the morning, if things have not changed, we shall head for the Citadel and finish this ourselves." Misha continued, ignoring Aliya, and suddenly my feeling resolved themselves, snapping into place, and I knew what I must do. "I know that is my destination." he finished. "She was hurt by you very badly, that is hard to forgive." Gruush said to Misha. “I know" Misha acknowledged. "You must work hard to prove you can change and earn her trust, and Vallia's." Misha nodded. "I shall, but as it stands I am not welcome here. In the morning I ride for the citadel." I straightened at this, pushing Kara away. "So you leave again?" I asked. Misha nodded again. "I don't expect any of you to follow." he grabbed his satchel. "I am sorry Aliya... Vallia. I go for the sake of Aliya. The four of you can manage to keep the peace." "Go, then, if you wish, but we will not follow." I said decisively. "Run, Misha, I am done chasing you." The fool nodded a third time. "I got to strike at the heart of the matter." It has gotten more and more difficult to write as this entry goes on. The pain is still too fresh, too raw. I can pinpoint the moment when I began to have my doubts about Misha. It was that night, when I awoke, watching him with Noriya. I felt as though a part of me was dying that night, and a small piece of me has died every day since. I feel as though I carry a heart of stone in my chest. Perhaps it is from that the numbness arises. For a long time, I felt numb. The agony washed over me in waves when I realized what Aliya had seen all along: that Misha does not love me as I love him. For Misha, I would have turned my back on my people and my god, I would have betrayed them, I would have died. For Misha, I would have let the world burn... Misha would not have allowed this, I see that now. He would have killed me to prevent it, so strong is his love for duty, so much has it enslaved him. I had forgotten that Misha was not an elf when we fell in love, that perhaps the transformation wrought on his body had not changed his soul. The love’s magic does not reside in him; it never did. He does not feel its pull, understand its need. I know now why my people look at elves that love humans with such pity in their eyes. It does not have to do with the shortness of their lifespan. It has to do with their nature. It should not have been such a revelation, but the magic blinded me to the truth. The agony was there, beneath the surface. It had built with each passing day, but I had ignored it, pushed away the signs. The argument between Aliya and Misha is done. It would gall him to know that she bought him more time than he deserved, pushing him the way that she did. So intent was I on their bickering that I did not see the underlying cause. Too selfish was he and too involved in his duty to see that what Aliya did, she did out of love. When finally I realized what I had been a fool to ignore for so long, I felt as though I was drowning in an ocean of red waves. For a brief moment, my hand tightened on my sword, and I wanted nothing more in the world than to strike Misha down. In that moment, I hated him with just as much passion as I had loved him. The agony disappeared as my rage threatened to overwhelm me. Red bordered my vision, and I was shaking as I stood, and nodded to Aliya, to let her know that finally I accepted the offer she had made. As she laid her hand on me, and gripped Kara’s shoulder, I looked Misha in the eye, for what I hope was the last time and said, "This marriage is over. Goodbye." I said softly. His face was the last thing I saw as I felt a terrible wrenching in my stomach and knew that Aliya had transported us far from the dragon’s keep, far from Misha. I had never imagined the torment of this. I feel as though my soul is on fire, as though my heart has been forged into stone. I remember something my mother told me once, long ago. She said that of the strongest love comes the purest hate. I understand that now. [/QUOTE]

Verification