Future, Fate and Faith

[Alytys Lamar]

The fireplace no longer gave any warmth. Only a few small smoldering pieces of coal cast a diffuse glow on the ashes.

Aly sat in front of it, completely lost in herself. From time to time an icy shiver ran through her and every now and then a soft murmur could be heard.

"I have to stay strong, I just have to !"

Her thoughts flashed over each other like the waves of an ocean in turmoil.
She had glimpsed Prea, the first time - in the fire. The fire that had almost trapped Kaelyn and her.
A fire that activated streams of ice in her blood. Her iron will kept her from collapsing, as the face spoke, calling her a knight in shimmering armor.
She was being watched - something she had been suspecting for quite some time.
When the fire died out and the red skeleton emerged from Horace's grave, there was no reluctance - even when the voice sneered *Alas - poor Horace*
Neither Kaelyn nor she were fooled, the Undead died.

She now had to deal with the whole thing, Guir's request as an old friend, Kaelyn's testimony and the feeling that Kaelyn and she had a lot in common - not only Drathe.
There was also the issue of Eleanor, not to mention Mas and her worries about Inara and Cadomyr.

Suddenly she reached into her bag and pulled out several letters, looking at them attentively - only one was addressed to her.
The others she would simply store. If her name was not on them, she should not - and would not - have to look at them.
The letters had probably gotten here by a mistake and somebody would miss it and would be asking around.
A reluctant, feeble smile appeared on her lips as she read the few lines of the letter addressed to her.


"Dear Aly

it has been so long since I've written because I've been ill -have got injured from this experiment

I'm finally improving but can't come home yet

A lot probably happened to you and you've probably even gotten your house - I'm anxious to see it

I'm sorry such a short note but I'm still improving I'll write more when I get closer to coming home

Your friend the witch"

At least a glimmer of hope - even if she was concerned about Kyre.
A sound from the upper bedroom made her rise, taking a deep breath - Inara had enough troubles - she shouldn't be burdened with Aly's as well.

Aly braced herself as usual, banished her thoughts for a while to be for Inara what she wished to be - a substitute mother and a friend.

[Lacy Dracu]

(( english below ))


Meditation war das eine was ihren Tag bestimmte. Training für ihren Körper das andere was ihren Tag bestimmte.
Verarbeiten und die Kontrolle über diese Wut in sich behalten. Es war nicht leicht, aber es war wichtig. Mas war so nah, das sie es beinahe spüren konnte.
Nachdem was mit ihr geschehen war, machte sich Nish/Lacy, keine Illusionen, Mas konnte nur erschreckend und anstrengend werden.
Genau dafür, musste sie wieder auf den Beinen sein. Ihr Körper war eine Sache, aber ihr Geist eine andere.
Sie hatte viel Hilfe, natürlich. Dennoch brauchte sie das Alleinsein und die Ruhe. So wie heute, nach ihrem Training zu Pferd, saß sie wieder am Strand in der Illusion von Varshikar. Nur diesmal nicht mit einer Flasche Wein oder etwas anderem Alkoholischem. Nur mit einem Schlauch Wasser.

Nur Wasser? Wäre dir nicht nach was anderem mein Kind....so wie früher?

Sie zitterte und schloss die Augen, atmete tief durch und dennoch war ihre Stimme durchzogen von Zorn.

“Sei endlich still! Ich will nichts von dir oder meiner Vergangenheit hören!“

Sie bekam keine Antwort. Vielleicht hätte Nish/Lacy jetzt wirklich gerne etwas stärkeres zum trinken bei sich gehabt.
Sie brauchte zumindest einige Momente mit Blick auf das Meer und die Wellen, bis sie soweit war auf den Brief von Aly zu antworten.


Meine liebe Seelenschwester,

ich denke das wichtigste ist, mir geht es besser. Körperlich ist alles wieder beim alten. Sicher, mein geistiger Zustand ist...wankend. Ich habe bessere und schlechtere Tage. Wobei die besseren inzwischen überwiegen.
Ja, wer tut mir das an. Sicher ist, es hat mit meinem Vater zu tun, es hat mit Moshran oder eher nur noch mit der Essenz von Madrook oder seinem Meister zu tun.
Moshran....da kommt wieder viel Geschichte ins Spiel. Aber nicht meine. Nur das, was mir als Kind beigebracht worden ist.
Aber in dem Bezug, fällt mir sogar noch jemand ein. Der Hohepriester, welcher des öfteren bei uns zugegen war. Er war anders als die meisten Moshran Anhänger. Wahrscheinlich deswegen, weil er kein Mensch war. Er sah aus wie ein Mensch aber seine dämonische Präsenz konnte er spätestens nach meiner Weihe nicht mehr vor mir verbergen. Sein verändertes Aussehen bei meiner Flucht damals, ließ dann keinen Zweifel mehr übrig.
Er wäre also auch ein möglicher Urheber.
Jeruno geht es wieder gut und er macht mir auch keinerlei Vorwürfe obwohl ich es ihm nicht verübeln könnte.. Er und meine Mutter sind mein Anker im Moment. Jeruno natürlich mehr als meine Mutter. Aber auch der Gedanke an Inara.
Ich erinnere mich gut an Guir und auch an Ravenshadow. Wie geht es ihm inzwischen? All die Jahre, plagt ihn Ravenshadow immer noch oder hat er zumindest damit seinen Frieden?
Ich hoffe du kommst mit den Erinnerungen daran zurecht. Mit dem was Prea auch mit dir gemacht hatte. Es wird zeit auch dem endlich beizukommen...
Richte Guir meine Grüße und Glückwünsche aus. Er soll auf sich acht geben und nie nachgeben. Mögen seine Götter ihm gewogen sein.
Ja, Inara hat mir schon geschrieben. Mein hell strahlendes Licht in meinem Dunkel.
Ihr Brief, brach mir beinahe das Herz, weil ich nicht bei ihr sein konnte. Wieder etwas das ich, noch nie so gefühlt habe. Die Wut auf Bidukan hingegen, kannte ich sehr wohl von mir und im Moment schlimmer als sonst.
Ich habe Inara auch schon geantwortet. Ich könnte aber auch nicht stolzer auf sie sein, so wie sie sich schlägt und aus dieser Krise sogar noch stärker und gefestigter hervorgeht. Auch wenn ich ihr vieles von alledem gerne ersparen würde. Es ist ihr Wille der hier zählt. Ihr Glaube an die Götter und sich selbst.
Bidukan, ich fürchte er schaufelt sich so sein eigenes Grab, immer mehr ein wahrer Rothman.
Ich freue mich darauf euch beide wieder zu sehen. Und, bisher hat uns Mas nicht ins endgültige Grab geschickt und das wird auch jetzt nicht geschehen.

Aber, eben ein letztes noch, besser fühlen? Ich könnte sagen, ja ich fühle mich besser, so wie es mir körperlich natürlich besser geht....
Aber wem mache ich etwas vor? So einfach ist es dann doch nicht um ..doch noch ehrlich zu sein, zumindest ganz und gar zu dir meine Schwester...
Ich sehne mich, nach der Gewalt. Dem … Loslassen, mich gehen lassen. Nach dem Dunkel in mir. Und durch die Stimme, wird das nicht besser.
Ich muss das beenden und nach Mas werde ich das auch.
Immerhin, weiß ich mittlerweile mehr was die Stimme angeht. Ich höre sie und niemand sonst. Aber, wer auch immer das ist, hört mich nicht und nach allem was geschehen ist und wie lange das schon so geht, gehe ich davon aus, das derjenige nicht wirklich weiß, wo ich bin. Zumindest wusste er es am Anfang nicht, was mich dazu führt, wie es möglich ist, dass er soviel Macht auf mich ausüben kann und das wahrscheinlich auch über größere Entfernung. Er kann nicht das Tattoo meiner Weihe nutzen, da hat meine Mutter mit den Bannsprüchen, also weitere Tattoos, ganze Arbeit geleistet.
Nein, er nutzt mein Blut oder er hat mein Blut. Blutmagie, kennt in der Regel keine Entfernung. Vor allem dann nicht wenn man vielleicht sogar mehr hat als das Blut. Er kann mich nicht sehen, aber er ist mächtig genug mich zu erreichen. Und ja, ich denke er ist in Amat'aras, meinem zu Hause....das...das Reich in dem ich aufgewachsen bin.
Nach Mas, gehe ich dorthin und mache dem ganzen ein Ende. Keine Zurückhaltung mehr, keine Gnade, nur ein Schlussstrich. Er hat sich die Falsche für seine Spielchen ausgesucht.

Ja, ich werde grade wieder so...wütend. Umso beruhigender sind die Wellen und die Brandung, die Gerüche aus meinen Erinnerungen, welche die Illusion von Varshikar nur noch perfekter machen.

Auf bald meine Schwester, für den Fall, das keine Briefe uns mehr erreichen vor Mas, wünsche ich und hoffe ich das du und unsere Kleine alles gut überstehen. Mögen eure Götter euch beschützen..

~Nisha~

Nishadaa / Lacy atmete tiefer durch und den Brief würde Aratos dann später wieder nach Illarion bringen, so schnell ihn seine Schwingen tragen.
Sie selbst legt sich am Strand in den Sand, auf den Rücken und schloss die Augen. Sie breitete die Arme aus und fuhr mit den Händen durch den Sand. Konnte jemand erahnen wie beruhigend dies wirken konnte?


------------------------------------------------------------------------

Meditation was one thing that defined her day. Training for her body was the other thing that determined her day.
Processing and keeping control of that fury within her. It was not easy, but it was crucial. Mas was so close she could almost feel it.
After what happened to her, Nish/Lacy had no illusions, Mas could only become terrifying and exhausting.
Just for that, she needed to be back on her feet. Her body was one thing, but her spirit was another.
She had plenty of help, of course. Still, she needed to be on her own and rest. Just like today, after her practice on horseback, she sat on the beach again, in the illusion of Varshikar. But this time, not with a bottle of wine or anything else alcoholic. Just with a hose of water.


Just water? Wouldn't you fancy something else my child....just like in the old days?

She trembled and shut her eyes, taking a deep breath, yet her voice was laced with anger.

“Shut up already! I don't want to hear about you or my past!“

She got no response. Maybe Nish/Lacy would have truly liked to have something stronger to drink by now.
She needed at least a few moments overlooking the sea and the waves until she was prepared to answer Aly's letter.


My dear soul sister,

I think the most important thing is that I feel better. Body-wise, everything is back to the same as before. Sure, my mental state is... fickle. I have both better and worse days. The better ones now outweigh the worse.
Yes, who is doing this to me. Sure it has to do with my father, it has to do with Moshran or more likely just the essence of Madrook or his master.
Moshran .... there comes a lot of history into the picture again. But not mine. Just what I was being taught as a child.
But in that regard, somebody even comes to my mind. The high priest, who was often among us. He was unlike most Moshran followers. Probably because he was not human. He appeared to be human, but he could not hide his demonic presence from me after my ordination at the very latest. His changed appearance at my escape at that time, would then leave no doubt.
So he would also be a potential perpetrator.

Jeruno is well again and he is not blaming me for what happened, although I couldn't blame him. He and my mother are my anchors at the moment. Jeruno naturally more than my mother. But also the the thought about Inara.
I remember Guir well and also Ravenshadow. How is he doing in the meantime? All these years, does Ravenshadow still haunt him or is he at least at peace with it?
I hope you can deal with the memories of that. With what Prea had done to you. It's time to come to terms with that too...

Send my greetings and congratulations to Guir. He should be careful and never give in. May his gods be in his favor.
Yes, Inara has already written to me. My bright beaming light in all my darkness.
Her letter, almost broke my heart, because I could not be with her. Again, something I have personally never felt like this before. The anger at Bidukan, on the other hand, I knew well from myself and at the present moment worse than usual.
I also answered Inara already. But I also couldn't be any more proud of her, the way she's handling herself and coming out of this crisis even more strong and steadfast. Even if I would love to spare her a great deal from all of this. It is her will that matters here. Her faith in the gods and herself.
Bidukan, I fear is shovelling his own grave, more and more a true Rothman.
I look forward to seeing you both again. And, so far Mas has not sent us to the ultimate grave and it will not happen yet.

But, just one last thing, do I feel better? I could say, of course I feel better, as I am physically better....
But who am I fooling? It's not that easy to be honest, at the very least with you, my sister...
I long, for the violence. The ... letting go, allowing myself to let go. For the gloom inside me. And through the voice, it doesn't get any better.
I have to put an end to it, and after Mas, I will.
At least, I know more about the voice now. I can hear it and nobody else can. But, whoever it is, cannot hear me and after everything that has happened and how long this has been going on, I presume that they don't really know where I am. At least he didn't know in the beginning, which leads me to how it is possible that he can exert so much power on me and this probably also over a larger distance. He can't use the tattoo of my consecration, my mother did a great job with the spells, in other words, more tattoos.
No, he is using my blood or he has my blood. Blood magic, as a rule, knows no distance. Especially not when you might have even more than just the blood. He can't see me, but he is mighty enough to reach me. And yes, I think he is in Amat'aras, my home....that...the realm I grew up in.
After Mas, I'll go there and put an absolute end to all of this. No more withholding, no more mercy, just an ending. He has chosen the very wrong woman to play his dirty games with.

Yes, I'm just getting so... furious again. The more calming are the waves and the surf, the smells from my memories, that make the illusion of Varshikar even more flawless.

See you soon my sister, in case no more letters reach us before Mas, I wish and hope that you and our little one will overcome everything well. May you be protected by your gods...

~Nisha~"

Nishadaa / Lacy took a deep breath and the letter would be taken back to Illarion by Aratos later on, as fast as his wings would carry him.
She laid herself down in the sand on the beach, on the back and then closed her eyes. She stretched out her arms and ran her hands through the sand. Could anyone guess how calming this could be?

[Alytys Lamar]

She and Inara were back again.
Not too much had changed, except that the teleporter was finally clear again. The one in Runewick, however, was still not.
Aly was also worried about Guir and she hoped to catch up with him soon - there were rumors he was back in Cadomyr after his weird runaway after Mas.
She could pretty good guess what happened to him and hearing he was back was a good sign, so she hoped.
She also had to try to reach Kyre. The perilous adventure in Temran, to get Nish back to health, had left its mark.
She frequently had nightmares about what she had witnessed there, or what her friend had been doing - wrong - needed to do - to finally free herself from the nightmare.

And now they had to go to Letma soon - without the apples of Kyre... not good at all.
Even if the bloodbond helped in Temran a lot, it was always a very thin line, either he would kill her one day or she would just have to learn to live with it.
In Letma - against Prea - the deep fear was that he would rather kill her.

There was still a lot to do - preparations, explorations....

Sitting in front of the fireplace, she daydreamed about what she would tell the queen when she received the audience, what the queen might ask.
Then her thoughts drifted to Inara, she knew the girl was suffering from extreme heartache since Leland had vanished without a word.
Inara didn't want to talk about it either - and Aly just let her.

Very slowly she dozed off in front of the flickering and crackling fire - the last thought was - It's time to write to Nish -.

[Alytys Lamar]

She left Galmair without haste. Maybe the bone dust really gave them an advantage when they finally would march towards Letma.
"I hope we can do this before Gray comes back with his minions - what a punch that would be when we finally get his precious Prea out of the way and he's deserted her. "
she mused to herself

Then her thoughts turned to the two adventurers - Hadwin and Anton - she was really excited about the history of the treasure they had found together.
And she hoped the queen would be pleased about the return of it.

At home she took her quill and parchment to finally write a letter to Nish. As usual, she sat down by the chimney with a glass of red wine.

"My beloved friend,

everything is the same here - and yet different again. Preparations for marching against Letma are underway and I hope we will be ready to do so soon.
We are doing well, Inara has surely already written to you.

After our *adventure* I am probably better prepared than before - even if I sometimes still have unpleasant dreams about it.
I thought I was prepared for everything - but what I experienced with you - beyond belief.
I am very happy that we could free you from this *curse*, my soulsister !

How are you doing in the time since ? Were you able to clear out everything for yourself?
And how are your mother and Jeruno?

My friend Kyre still seems to be quite sick or hurt, I am very worried and I hear only sparsely from her.
But Bidukan seems to have left Illarion - not the most bad thing if you ask me.

I am looking forward to your answer and my thoughts are with you.

always yours ~Aly~"

[Lacy Dracu]

(( english below ))

Alles war beim Alten. Zumindest tagsüber. Das war es auch wirklich. Nish konnte wieder lachen, unter die Leute gehen und das Training der Stadtwache überwachen und daran teilnehmen. Alles ohne irgendwelche anderen Vorkommnisse.
Keine Stimmen, keine Visionen. Nichts was sie in eine Art von Angst versetzt, denjenigen die sie gern hat und liebt weh zu tun.
Es war vorbei und sie konnte durchatmen, augenscheinlich.
Nish traute dem ganzen noch nicht ganz.
Aber, sie konnte wieder abschalten., sich entspannen und Ruhe finden. Etwas was sie sich die letzten Monate ja nicht wirklich gegönnt hatte. Alles - nur um nicht nachzudenken, den Alpträumen nachzuhängen oder auf die Stimme zu achten.
Alpträume...ja, die waren noch immer da und es würde lange brauchen um diese los zu werden. In dem Punkt hatte die Dunkelheit ganze Arbeit geleistet.

Aber nicht jetzt. Jetzt saß Nish auf der Bank, welche Inara in ihrer Zeit hier mit Hilfe ihres Vaters gebaut und geschnitzt hatte. Wobei sitzen nicht ganz richtig war. Mit einem Kissen im Rücken lehnte sie an einem Teil des Drachen und hatte ihre Beine auf die Sitzfläche der Bank gelegt. Ja, eine Holzbank dessen Rücken und ein Seitenteil einen Drachen bildeten. Was auch sonst.
Aber so konnte sie hier entspannt am Abend ein Glas Wein trinken und den Brief ihrer Schwester Aly lesen und beantworten.



Meine liebe Schwester,

hier kehrt langsam wieder Normalität ein und dazu noch entspannter als zuvor. Das angespannt sein und diese Wut sind weitestgehend auf einem normalem Niveau. Eben, was für mich normal ist.
Ich verbringe mehr Zeit mit Jeruno und lass die Arbeit, Arbeit sein oder gebe das ein oder andere an meine Vertrauten weiter. Es ist ruhig hier. So ruhig das ich mir die Zeit an diesem Abend nehme, auf der neuen Bank liege, ein Glas Wein neben mir habe und dir einen Brief schreibe.
Ich wohne dem Training bei, mache selbst mit oder ich sitze auch mal Abends noch mit den anderen der Stadtwache zusammen. Auch mal in der Taverne.

Ich hoffe, Kyre wird es bald wieder besser gehen. So dass du dir da erstens weniger Sorgen machst und auch mal wieder jemanden hast wo du einfach hingehen und du selbst sein kannst. Ich denke, dass sie deine Gesellschaft genauso vermisst.

Bidukan...ich denke dazu muss ich nichts sagen. Ich bin eine Mutter, Inaras Mutter und deine Schwester und, Amelia ist so gesehen auch in die Familie aufgenommen also...schlechte Karten für diesen Herren, zumindest wenn ich ihm begegnen würde.

Inara, ja, sie hat mir schon geschrieben und auch wenn sie versichert das alles soweit in Ordnung ist, es seinen Gang geht, spüre ich, das sie leidet. Leland...aber sie will nicht darüber reden und keiner von uns kann sie dazu zwingen. Zumindest...eigentlich. Ich weiß nicht ob sie wirklich alleine damit zurecht kommt, egal wie stark sie ist. Liebe ist etwas das....kompliziert ist und einem das Herz und die Seele zerreißen kann...

Das Einzige, was mich noch belastet sind die Alpträume. Nein, die hören so schnell nicht auf. Nicht in der Weise wie dieses magische Gift sie mir beschert hat oder meinen Geist für solch einen Angriff auf mich geöffnet hat. Wie ich dir schon sagte, sie waren so...real. Und dann Jahre anstatt nur Wochen. Zumindest in diesen Alpträumen. Es brauch noch seine Zeit das...sagt auch Meister Kantel. Ja, ich habe deswegen, ohne zu sehr ins Detail zu gehen, Rat bei Kyle und Naira gesucht.
Es wird besser und dass es mir gut geht, was alle sehen, ist auch nicht gespielt und für die Nächte, ist Jeruno bei mir.
Es tut mir leid das dich all dies doch noch etwas verfolgt. Aber das war ein kleiner Blick hinter den Schleier. Dämonischer oder moshranischer Horror, wenngleich das nichts mit dem wahren Moshran zu tun hat, denn den wahren Moshran gibt es schon lange nicht mehr. Selbst ein Gott kann von solch etwas Bösen wie Madrooks Essenz irgendwann verschlungen werden.
Ich hoffe ihr findet solcherlei nicht auch in Letma.

Lhira geht es gut und sie regelt alles in Amat'ars nach meinem Willen. Dorthin, werde ich auch in den nächsten Tagen aufbrechen. Jeruno wird mich nach Hause begleiten. Für ihn das erste Mal und für mich, das letzte Mal. Meine Krieger werden mich begleiten, ein weiteres Mal. Kela wird auch dabei sein. Ihr geht es soweit wieder gut.

Du siehst, hier wendet sich alles zum Besseren, langsam aber sicher. Wenngleich dort draußen wahrscheinlich noch eine Gefahr lauert, mein Vater, irgendwo. Dessen bin ich mir fast sicher. Vielleicht lassen sich Anhaltspunkte dazu finden.

Wie wäre es zum Abschluss mal wieder mit einer Geschichtsstunde? Die letzte ist etwas länger her aber die Geschichte will auch zu Ende erzählt werden.

Wir waren also in Temran angekommen, ich hatte die Banditen vermöbelt und meine erste Nacht dort mit Jeruno verbracht.
Wir blieben in Temran. Zum einen sollte man nicht noch weiter reisen mit einer Schwangeren wenn man nicht mal wirklich weiß wohin, zum anderen, gefiel es mir tatsächlich. Ich kann nicht wirklich erklären oder beschreiben was mir dieser Ort gab. Vielleicht war es die Ruhe, der Zusammenhalt. Manches erinnerte wohl an Varshikar. Auch wenn die Wüste fehlte. In jedem Fall war es besser als...Ar-Sikar. Was mich dort erwarten würde, schreckte mich eben eher ab.
Wir bekamen ein leer stehendes Haus zugesprochen, wofür ich aber bezahlte, auch wenn sie es mir schenken wollten für das was ich tat, ich bestand auf der Bezahlung.
Es ist das gleiche Haus was du schon kennst nur gab es im Laufe der Jahre Veränderungen und Erweiterungen.
Jeden Tag kam Jeruno zu Besuch und wir lernten uns mehr und immer besser kennen. Er brachte mich wieder zum Lachen und eines ergab das andere.
Aber jeden Tag in diesem Jahr, sah ich auch Sira leiden. Also entschied ich mich für eine Reise. Nur Ylara und ich. Die kleine Selena war natürlich auch schon da aber Ylara wollte nicht das ich alleine gehe. Also, würde sich Sira um die Kleine kümmern und Ylara begleitete mich.
Wir bekamen 2 Pferde und noch einen Planwagen mit Pferden für die Reise.
Wir machten uns auf den Weg zu Lord Karhim Imrir Arnegra um Sira und ihre Familie freizukaufen. Notfalls mit etwas Nachdruck. Sira zweifelte daran, das ihre Familie noch lebte da die Frist abgelaufen war. Aber ich wollte es zumindest versuchen. Sollte dieser Lord dann gegen mich gehen, würde er ein weit größeres Problem haben.
Wir kamen bei dieser Burg an und ich hatte ein sehr ungutes Gefühl, genauer gesagt ein leichtes ...Prickeln im Rücken. Meinem Gefühl vertrauend, befahl ich Ylara im Wald zu warten und zu verschwinden wenn es für sie zu bedrohlich erschien. Zudem konnte es sein das es etwas feuriger zuging und das, musste Ylara sich nicht antun.
Also, nahm ich mir eines der Pferde und ritt zu dieser Burg. Sicher war ich bewaffnet und trug meine Lederrüstung oder eher eine davon. Ich hatte mir eine neue anfertigen lassen. In schwarz-silber und mit teilen von gehärtetem Leder. Eben ohne das Emblem von Varshikar. Aber immer noch 2 Schwerter und meine Dolche bei mir. Die würde ich auch nicht so ohne weiteres abgeben.
Am Tor nannte ich meinen Namen und halbwegs mein Anliegen. Ich wurde hinein gelassen. Ich sah Krieger, Sklaven, Adlige und spürte das Ziehen in meinem Rücken immer deutlicher. Ich wusste was mich erwartete und was ich tun würde und - auch was ich nicht tun würde....

Und hier, meine liebe Freundin, unterbrechen wir die Geschichte wiedereinmal. Sonst mag dies doch nur allzu lang werden.
Es gibt eben immer soviel zu erzählen aber das muss bis zum nächsten mal warten.

Ich freue mich darauf wieder von dir zu hören und falls ihr schon bis dahin gegen Letma gezogen seid, sind meine Gedanken bei euch und die Gebete der anderen.

Ich wünschte ich könnte auch euch beistehen, stehe ich doch tief in deiner Schuld für das was du für mich getan hast, wie du mir beigestanden hast Schwester...
Aber wenn du etwas brauchst, dann sag es nur.

Ich bin immer bei dir...

~Nisha~


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So everything was the same. At least during the day. It really was. Nish could laugh again, go out among the people and supervise and participate in the training of the city guard. All without any other happenings.
No voices, no visions. Nothing that put her in any kind of fear of harming those she loved and cared about.
It was over and she could take a breath, seemingly.
Nish didn't quite trust it all yet.
But she could relax and find peace again. Something she had not really granted to herself in the last months. Anything - just not to think, to indulge in nightmares or to pay attention to the voice.
Nightmares...yes, they were still there and it would take a long time to get rid of them. On that point, the darkness had done a good job.

Not now though. Now Nish was sitting on the bench, which Inara had built and carved, with the help of her father, during her time here. Whereas sitting was not quite right. With a pillow in her back, she was leaning against part of the dragon and had her legs resting on the seat of the bench. Yes, a wooden bench whose back and one side made a dragon. What else.
However, this way she could relax here in the evening, drinking a glass of wine and reading and replying to her sister Aly's letter.

My dear sister,

normality is slowly restoring here, and even more relaxed than before. Being tense and this rage are mostly at a normal level. In fact, what is normal for me.
I spend more time with Jeruno and let the work be work, or passing one or the other on to my trusted people. It is calm here. So calm that I take the time this evening, lie on the new bench, have a glass of wine next to me and write you a letter.
I participate in the training, I take active part in it myself or I sit together with the other members of the city guard in the evening. Even sometimes in the tavern.


I hope Kyre will get better soon. So - that first of all you don't worry so much - and also you have again someone where you can simply go and be yourself. I think she misses your company just as much.

Bidukan...I don't think I need to say anything about that. I'm a mother, Inara's mother and your sister and, Amelia is also included in the family so...bad cards for this gentleman, at least if I were to meet him.

Inara, yes, she has already written to me and even though she assures me that everything is fine so far, everything is going well, I feel that she is suffering. Leland...but she doesn't want to talk about it and none of us can force her to. At least... not really. I don't know if she can truly handle it on her own, no matter how strong she is. Love is something that is....complicated and can tear at your heart and soul....

The only thing that still troubles me are the nightmares. No, they won't stop anytime soon. Not in the way that this magical poison gave me or opened my mind to such an attack on me. Like I told you, they were so...real. And then years instead of just weeks. at least in these nightmares. It still takes time that...says Master Kantel, too. Yes, I sought advice from Kyle and Naira about that, not getting into too much detail.
It will get better and that I am well, which all can see, is not an act and for the nights, Jeruno is with me.
I'm sorry that all this still haunts you a little bit. But this was a little peek behind the veil. Demonic or Moshran horror, although this has nothing to do with the true Moshran, because the true Moshran no longer exists. Even a god can be devoured by something as evil as Madrook's essence at some point.
I hope you do not find such things in Letma as well.

Lhira is well and she is managing everything in Amat'ars according to my will. This is where I will be going in the next few days. Jeruno will accompany me home. For him the first time and for me, the final time. My warriors will accompany me, one more time. Kela will also be there. She is well again so far.

You see, everything is changing for the better here, slowly but surely. However, there is probably still a danger lurking out there, my father, somewhere. Of that I am almost sure. Maybe we can find some evidence of that.

How about a history lesson at the end? The last one was a little while ago, but the story also needs to be told to the end.

So we had arrived in Temran, I had beaten up the bandits and spent my first night there with Jeruno.
We stayed in Temran. On the one hand, you shouldn't travel further with a pregnant woman if you don't really know where to go, on the other hand, I actually liked it. I can't really explain or describe what this place gave me. Maybe it was the tranquility, the cohesion. I guess some things reminded me of Varshikar. Even if the desert was missing. In any case, it was better as...Ar-Sikar. I was deterred by what would await me there.
We were awarded an empty house, which I paid for, even if they offered it to me for free for what I did, I insisted on paying for it.
It's the same house you already know, only there have been changes and additions over the years.
Every day Jeruno came to visit and we got to know each other more and more. He made me laugh again and one thing led to another.
But every day during that year, I also saw Sira suffering. So I decided to go on a journey. Just Ylara and me. Little Selena was already born of course, but Ylara didn't want me to go alone. So, Sira would take care of the little one and Ylara accompanied me.
We got 2 horses and another carriage with horses for the journey.
We made our way to Lord Karhim Imrir Arnegra to buy the freedom of Sira and her family. If necessary, with some force. Sira doubted that her family was still alive since the deadline had passed. But I at least wanted to try. Should this lord then go against me, he would have a much bigger problem.
We arrived at this castle and I had a very bad feeling, or more precisely a slight ... prickling in my back. Trusting my feeling, I ordered Ylara to wait in the forest and to disappear if it seemed too threatening for her. Besides, it could be a bit more fiery and Ylara didn't need to do that to herself.
So, I took one of the horses and rode to the castle. Sure enough, I was armed and wearing my leather armor, or rather one of them. I had a new one made for me. In black-silver and with parts made of hardened leather. Just without the emblem of Varshikar. But still 2 swords and my daggers with me. I would not give them away so easily.
At the gate I gave my name and partly my request. I was let in. I saw warriors, slaves, nobles and felt the grip in my back more and more clearly. I knew what to expect and what I would do and - also what I was not going to do....

And here, my dear friend, we interrupt the story once again. Otherwise this might become far too long.
There is always so much to tell but it will have to wait til the next time.

I look forward to hearing from you again and if you have already moved against Letma by then, my thoughts are with you along with the prayers of the others.

I wish I could stand by your side as well, I am deeply in your debt for what you did for me, how you supported me sister....
But if you need anything, just say so.

I am always with you...

~Nisha~

[Alytys Lamar]

Aleytys rose quietly when the girl finally fell asleep. A completely unusual gentle gaze rested on Inara and Aly still heard her sobs in her mind.
She tenderly covered the, now tightly sleeping, girl and slipped downstairs.
There she lit the chimney, she herself could not find rest, so she would use the occasion to answer Nisha's letter.

*Dear Nish,

First of all, I would like to take away one of your concerns - Inara.
Somehow I managed to have her open up and all the pain and fear was coming out.
I hope it will help her - especially since I have been through these kinds of experiences painfully several times.
She has to learn to live with such disappointments, the pain that love can cause - without becoming hardened and closed.
I hope I can help her with it.

Everything is calm here. Rumor is, that some of Gray's helpers have become more active again - which gives Letma even more priority.
But finally concrete work is being done and we are close to go there.

A highlight was when we were able to return a found treasure to the queen.
I feel that there is a family secret behind it. Possibly an improper liaison or something similar.
Anyway, it's good the treasure is back in Cadomyr - even if it left more questions than answers.
I had the feeling that the queen was watching me carefully and noted for herself what part I played in this.

I hope you get your nightmares under control soon my dear - nothing is worse than those poisoned days after violent nightmares.
Your voyage to your birthplace will close a chapter - which may also help soothe you.

But now I am curious about the rest of your story - and I kind of suspect what might come.
I wait for your answer and greet Jeruno, Lhira and all the others most cordially from me.

~Yours Aly~


The morning began to draw pale rosy shadows into the room and so she stepped outside and whistled softly and sharply.
Aratos was on the spot after a little while and she sent him off to bring the message to Temran.

[Lacy Dracu]

(( english below ))

Vorbereitungen. Damit war Nishadaa beschäftigt. Nicht nur, was sie alles mitnehmen sollten auf die Reise, auch musste alles in Temran geklärt sein wenn sie länger abwesend war.
Im Hinterkopf war dennoch die Sorge um Inara, aber wenn sie nicht den ersten Schritt tat, war es sinnlos zu versuchen es zu erzwingen. Das waren Lektionen des Lebens, vor denen selbst ihre Mutter sie nicht bewahren konnte.
Auch wenn augenscheinlich in Amat'Aras alles unter Kontrolle war, ging Nish auf Nummer sicher. Rüstung, Waffen und natürlich ihre Kampftruppe. Alles war bereit. Nur Jeruno war wohl etwas nervös.
Dennoch wurde Nish nochmal überrascht als sie grade draußen im Garten war um einfach etwas durchzuatmen und den Kopf wieder etwas klarer zu bekommen.
Womit sie nicht rechnete, war, dass Aratos auf einmal auf dem Drachen landete, mit einem Brief von Aly. Nish konnte wohl nicht anders als schmunzeln. Sie nahm dem edlen Tier den Brief ab und gab ihm ein paar Streicheleinheiten bevor sie ihn gen Wald schickte. Dort war Jeruno derzeit um auch bei den Falken alles in Ordnung zu haben, so dass ein paar Tage Abwesenheit nichts ausmachten. Nish indes nahm den Brief und setzte sich damit in ihr Meditationszimmer. Denn wenn jetzt schon ein Brief kam, wollte sie diesen auch vor ihrer Abreise noch beantworten.

Liebe Aly

du siehst mich etwas überrascht. So schnell hatte ich mit einem weiteren Brief gar nicht gerechnet. Aber manchmal fehlen einem diese Gespräche einfach viel zu sehr und zu schnell oder nicht?

Ich bin mehr als froh, dass sich Inara dir gegenüber geöffnet hat. Es ist besser so als wenn das einfach nur in einem Brief der Fall gewesen wäre. Sie brauchte da jemanden an ihrer Seite und wohl auch jemanden der solche Gefühle besser versteht als ich. Meine Erfahrungen sind da begrenzt und das Verständnis für gewisse Gefühle ist auch, sagen wir, noch immer etwas schwierig. Zumal ich nur einen wirklich enttäuschenden Moment hatte und der endete mit einer Ohrfeige für...Gryphius.
Ich weiß das es unglaublich schwer ist los zu lassen. Vor allem wenn es so überwältigend ist wie das mit Leland wohl war. Aber ich weiß sie bei dir auch in guten Händen und vielleicht hilft ihr zusätzlich da auch eine Freundin wie Amelia.
Aber Inara weiß auch dass ich in Gedanken bei ihr bin. Ich kann ihr nur den Schmerz nicht abnehmen oder dass sie sich damit auseinander setzen muss, so sehr ich mir das auch wünsche.

Ich wünschte auch ich könnte einfach vorbei kommen und euch helfen was Letma angeht. Aber ich fürchte ich muss mich von dämonischen zunächst Einflüssen fernhalten . Ja ich hatte ein Gespräch mit meiner Mutter und auch mit Naira. Und daraus resultiert, dass ich einige Dinge ändern muss und das wird nicht leicht. Ich muss wieder mehr an Stärke gewinnen gegenüber der Dunkelheit...in mir.

Ein Schatz der königlichen Familie von Cadomyr ja? Verbunden mit einer, wie es scheint, heiklen Geschichte. Ich hoffe du kannst dich damit in einer eher, sagen wir, günstige Position manövrieren. Ich denke wir wissen beiden, wie solche Adelshäuser auf vielleicht etwas delikatere Geschichten der Vergangenheit reagieren können. Aber ich kenne eure Königin nicht gut genug um da zu mutmaßen. Ich wünsch dir nur alles Gute dabei. Vielleicht verschafft dir das aber auch gewisse Vorteile oder zumindest, wie sagt man, Pluspunkte?

Was mich angeht. Alles braucht Zeit. Es sind viele Dinge an denen ich wieder arbeiten muss. Von denen ich dachte sie wären abgeschlossen, zumindest bis vor ein paar Monaten. Es hat mir gezeigt, wie angreifbar ich doch noch bin und wie leicht sich alles ändern kann.
Aber ein Schritt nach dem anderen. Die Reise nochmal nach Hause...dem Ort an dem ich aufgewachsen bin, kommt zuerst. Im übrigen erwischst du mich auch grade dabei wie ich alles zusammen packe und die letzten Formalitäten regle für meine Abwesenheit und Jeruno genauso. Natürlich halte ich dich hier auch auf dem Laufenden.

Viel mehr Neues gibt es auch nicht zu schreiben. Deswegen gehen wir wohl über zur Geschichtsstunde.

Gut, ich war also in dieser Burg. Man half mir sogar vom Pferd und versorgte es. Meine Waffen, behielt ich tatsächlich. Sie fühlten sich offenbar sehr sicher.
Als ich in das Gebäude geleitet wurde, erntete ich von Bewohnern oder Gäste des öfteren recht abschätzige Blicke. Ich sah nur Menschen und, nun, ich verbarg meine Herkunft nicht.
Ich sah mich gründlich um und, der Reichtum, Schamlosigkeit, Überheblichkeit und der Hauch von Dekadenz war nicht zu übersehen. Ganz zu schweigen davon, wie mit den Bediensteten oder eher Sklaven umgegangen wurde. Hier würde ich Sira keine Minute wieder zurück lassen. Ebenso wenig wie ich ihre Familie hier lassen würde, komme was da wolle.
Ich wurde in ein Zimmer gebracht wo 2 Männer warteten. Der eine stellte sich als Rashid Romir Arnegra vor. Er teilte mir auch direkt mit das er der Burgherr sei seitdem Karhim Imrir Arnegra, sein Onkel, ...verstorben....sei.
Du kannst dir vorstellen, wie seltsam mir das erschien. Oh und der andere Herr war wohl so was wie sein Leibwächter, einfach nur zur Sicherheit. Nun solche Sicherheit würde ich mir auch beiseite stellen, hätte ich meinen Onkel ermordet.
Es gab nur ein leichtes Lächeln meinerseits, eine Beileidsbekundung und dann kam ich aber auch schon auf den Punkt. Sira, die Frau, die dieser Mann heiraten wollte. Nach einigen beiläufigen anderen Fragen an mich und nachdem wir uns gesetzt hatten. An Geld war er nicht interessiert aber an mir. Das war schon beinahe amüsant.
Meine Antwort war klar und sollte nicht wirklich überraschen, dennoch war da etwas in seinen Augen...Missfallen war es definitiv aber auch mehr als das. Ich brauche auch nicht zu sagen, das jenes ziehen in meinem Rücken, Bände sprach. Zudem hatte ich keine große Lust hier noch länger meine Zeit zu verschwenden. Das „Geplänkel“ ging schon lang genug. Ich ließ meinen Blick aber nochmal schweifen durch diesen, eher privaten und tatsächlich gemütlichen Verhandlungsraum.
Da war ein Gemälde welches offenbar eine Art von Jagdgesellschaft zeigte. Aber irgendetwas daran...ließ mich aufstehen und näher herantreten. Ich runzelte die Stirn. Rashid war mir gefolgt und erzählte voller Begeisterung von einer außergewöhnlichen Jagd. Ich erkannte auch ihn auf dem Bild und wohl auch seinen Onkel. Sie trugen Rüstungen, aber keine Helme, Blut war auch zu sehen, und ein weiterer blonder Mann. Ich atmete tiefer durch, während Rashid von dem guten Freund der Familie erzählte, einem Verbündeten und ich, nun mir rutschte etwas heraus. „Seid endlich still, ihr dummer Junge.“
Der Mann auf dem Bild, das Wappen das er trug, es war mein Vater.
Mit einem letzten Blick auf das Bild, sah ich noch ein Pferd, zu dessen Füßen ganz offenbar eine Leiche lag. Offenbar zu Tode gehetzt, zumindest war das meine Einschätzung.
Ich drehte mich um, schnell. Meine Hand an der Kehle von Rashid und mein Dolch war schon in meiner Drehung fast auf halben Weg zu seinem Leibwächter der gurgelnd zu Boden ging.
Das Bild hatte mir alles gesagt was ich wissen musste um eine Endscheidung zu treffen. Jetzt wollte ich nur noch wissen, wo Siras Familie war.
Ich drückte den überraschten Rashid gegen die Wand. Er brauchte einen Moment bevor er...zu lachen begann auf meine Frage nach Siras Familie hin. Mehr oder weniger bereitwillig, es brauchte etwas Nachdruck, die Verbrennungen durch meine Hand an seinem Hals ließen darauf schließen, das ich nicht zu Scherzen aufgelegt war. Dennoch grinste er nur als er meinte, dass ihre Eltern und älteren Brüder gute Beute bei der Jagd abgegeben hatten und Moshran sich über den Rest gefreut hatte. Das Gefühl hatte mich nicht getäuscht. Wieder ein Sumpf voller Dunkelheit.
Nur Siras 2 jüngere Brüder, Sean und Joshua, welche jetzt auch in Temran leben, waren zwar gebrandmarkt worden, aber noch am Leben, hier. Ich ließ Rashid los, trat zurück von ihm und drehte mich von ihm weg. Ich hatte versprochen ihm sein armseliges Leben zu lassen.
Ich hatte gelogen...
Während der Drehung wieder in seine Richtung zog ich mein Schwert und trennte seinen Kopf von seinen Schultern.
Tiefes ruhiges Durchatmen. Jetzt galt es die Jungs zu finden und alles hier...nieder zu brennen. Denn ich war sicher, das hier irgendwo auch noch ein Moshranschrein war und Schlimmeres. Sollte es in einem reinigenden Feuer verbrennen. Die Sklaven wollte ich retten und Gefangene aber alle anderen, waren mir egal. Viele verdienten wahrscheinlich auch dieses Schicksal. Sollten Cherga und Brágon über sie richten.
Ich verließ den Raum, aber nicht ohne ihn in Brand zusetzen. Angefangen bei diesem Bild. Ich verließ den Raum nachdem ich den Dolch aus diesem Leibwächter gezogen hatte und dann fragte ich mich durch. Ich fand schlussendlich die Jungs und erledigte jeden auf dem Weg nach draußen, der mich aufhalten wollte.
Kurz gesagt, ich habe versucht wirklich die zu retten, die gerettet werden sollten. Ich weiß nicht ob alle es geschafft haben. Wir stahlen noch ein Pferd und trafen im Wald auf Ylara. Die Burg brannte lichterloh, dafür hatte ich gesorgt. Nichts sollte davon übrig bleiben.
Also hatte ich eine gute Nachricht für Sira und eine schlechte. Aber ich bin sicher die Freude ihre jüngeren Brüder wieder bei sich zu haben überwog.

So endet zumindest dieser Part der Geschichte, nun ja meiner Geschichte wie es nach Gobaith weiter ging.
Das soll aber auch wirklich genügen jetzt. Immerhin erwartet mich noch eine Reise und ich bin sicher, davon gibt es dann auch genug zu berichten.

Gib auf dich acht Schwester und auf unsere Kleine. Mögen die Götter euch beistehen bei dem was euch mit Letma bevorsteht.
Meine Gedanken sind bei euch wie auch mein Herz.

~Nisha~


Nish faltete den Brief, der doch etwas länger geworden war und pfiff dann nach Aratos als sie an der offenen Tür stand die in den Garten führte. So schickte sie Aratos dann wieder auf den Weg und auch sie würde sich in 2 Tagen auf den Weg machen. Um zumindest einen Teil ihrer Vergangenheit endlich abzuschließen.


------------------------------------------------------------------------

Preparations. Nishadaa was busy with that. Not only what they should take with them on the journey, but also everything had to be settled in Temran when she was absent for a longer time.
In the back of her mind was still the concern for Inara, but if she didn't make the first move, there was no point in trying to force it. These were life lessons that not even her mother could save her from.
Even though, apparently, everything was under control in Amat'Aras, Nish played it safe. Armor, weapons, and of course her squad of fighters. Everything was ready. Only Jeruno seemed to be a bit on edge.
Nevertheless, Nish was surprised again when she was just outside in the garden to just take a breath and clear her head a bit.
What she didn't expect was that Aratos suddenly landed on the dragon with a letter from Aly. Nish probably couldn't help but grin. She took the letter from the noble bird and gave it a few caresses before sending it off to the forest. There Jeruno was at the moment to have everything in perfect order with the hawks as well, so a few days absence didn't matter. Nish took the letter and sat down with it in her meditation room. Because if a letter came now, she wanted to answer it before she departed.

Dear Aly

you see me a little bit surprised. So fast I had not at all expected another letter. But sometimes these conversations are just missed far too much and too quickly, aren't they?

I am more than glad that Inara opened up to you. It's better that way than if it had just been in a simple letter. She really needed someone by her side and probably someone who understands such feelings better than I do. My experience is limited and the understanding of certain feelings is also, let's say, still a bit complicated. Especially since I only had one really disheartening moment and it ended with a slap in the face for...Gryphius.
I know it's incredibly hard to let it go. Especially when it is as overwhelming as it must have been with Leland. But I know she is in good hands with you and maybe a friend like Amelia will help her as well.
But Inara also knows that my heart goes out to her. I just can't take the heartache away from her or that she has to face it, as much as I wish I really could.

I also wish I could just come over and help you regarding Letma. But I'm afraid I have to stay away from demonic influences at this point. Yes I had a talk with my mother and also with Naira. And as a result I have to change some of the things and that will not be an easy task. I have to gain more of strength against the darkness again... in me.

A treasure of the royal family of Cadomyr yes? Connected with what seems to be a sensitive story. I hope you can maneuver yourself into a rather, shall we say, favorable position with it. I think we both know how such noble houses can react to perhaps more delicately related stories of the past. But I don't know your queen well enough to presume. I just wish you all the best with it. But maybe that will give you some advantages, or at least, how do you say, plus points?

As for me. Everything needs time. There are many things I have to work on again. Things I thought I had finished, at least until a few months ago. It showed me how vulnerable I am after all and how easily things can change.
But step by step. The journey home again...the place where I grew up, comes first. By the way, you just caught me packing everything and arranging the last formalities for my absence and Jeruno as well. Of course I will also keep you up to date here.

There is not much more news to write. So I guess we'll move on to the history lesson.

All right, then I was in this castle. They even helped me off the horse and took care of it. My weapons, I actually did keep. They obviously felt very secure.
When I was led into the castle, I often received quite disdainful glances from the residents or guests. I saw only humans and, well, I didn't hide my origin.
I had a good look around and, the wealth, brazenness, arrogance and the hint of decadence could not be overlooked. Not to mention how the servants or rather slaves were being treated. I would not leave Sira here for a minute. Just as I would not leave her family here, whatever the case may be.
I was brought into a room where 2 men were waiting. One introduced himself as Rashid Romir Arnegra. He also told me directly that he was the lord of the castle since Karhim Imrir Arnegra, his uncle, ...died.....
You can imagine how strange that seemed to me. Oh and the other gentleman was probably something like his bodyguard, just for security. Well such kind of security I would also put to my side, had I murdered my uncle.
There was only a slight smile on my part, a condolence and then I got to the point. Sira, the woman this man wanted to marry. After a few casual other questions to me and after we had sat down. He wasn't interested in money but he was interested in me. It was almost humorous.
My answer was clear and shouldn't really surprise, yet there was something in his eyes... it was definitely displeasure but also more than that. I don't need to say that the pulling in my back spoke for itself. In addition, I had no great desire to squander my time here any longer. The "banter" went already long enough. But I let my gaze wander again through this rather private and actually cozy negotiation room.
There was a painting which obviously showed some kind of hunting party. But something about it... let me stand up and step closer. I was frowning. Rashid had followed me and was talking with enthusiasm about an outstanding hunt. I recognized him in the picture, too, and probably his uncle. They were wearing armor, but no helmets, blood was also visible, and another blond man. I took a more deep breath while Rashid told about the good friend of the family, an ally and I, well I then could help myself "Shut up already, you foolish boy."
The man in the picture, the crest he wore, it was my father.
With one last look at the picture, I saw another horse, at his feet quite obviously a dead body. Obviously hunted to death, at least that was my assessment.
I turned around, quickly. My hand on Rashid's throat and my dagger was already in my spin almost halfway to his bodyguard who went gurgling to the ground.
The image had told me everything I needed to know to make a final decision. Now all I wanted to know was where Sira's family was.
I pushed the surprised Rashid against the wall. It took him a moment before he...started laughing at my question about Sira's family. More or less reluctantly, it took some insistence, the burns from my hand on his neck suggesting that I was not in a kidding mood. Still, he only grinned when he said that their parents and older brothers had made good prey in their hunt and that Moshran had been pleased with the rest. The feeling had not been wrong. Again a swamp full of darkness.
Only Sira's 2 younger brothers, Sean and Joshua, who also live in Temran now, had been branded, but they were still alive, here. I released Rashid, stepped back and turned away from him. I had promised to let him live his pathetic life.
I had been lying...
While turning back in his direction, I drew my sword and separated his head from his shoulders.
Deep calm breathing. Now it was time to find the lads and burn everything here...down. Because I was sure that somewhere here was also a Moshran shrine and worse. Should it burn in a purifying fire. The slaves I wanted to save and prisoners but all others, I did not care. Many probably also deserved this fate. Cherga and Brágon should judge them.

I left the room, but not before setting it on fire. Starting with this painting. I left the room after pulling the dagger out of that bodyguard and then I was asking my way through it. I finally found the boys and dispatched anyone on the way out who was trying to stop me.
In a nutshell, I tried to really save the ones that needed saving. I don't know if all of them made it. We stole another horse and met Ylara in the forest. The castle was ablaze, I had made sure of that. Nothing should be left of it.
So I had good news for Sira and bad news. But I'm sure the joy of having her younger brothers back outweighed the bad.

So at least this part of the story ends, well my story how it went on after Gobaith.
But that should really be enough now. After all, another journey awaits me and I am sure there will be enough to write about.

Take care sister and of our little one. May the gods help you with what lies ahead of you with Letma.
My thoughts are with you as well as my heart.

~Nisha~


Nish folded the letter, which had become a bit longer, and then whistled to Aratos as she stood at the open door leading into the garden. So she then sent Aratos on his way again and she too would be on her way in 2 days. To finally close at least a part of her past.

[Alytys Lamar]

Aly looked pensively after Inara. It had been an interesting evening.
The fresh faces, like Fergro, Xannu, Clairette and Trowin, who had never dealt with demons before, and in between Guir and herself,
with lots of - also bitter - memories and experience in this direction.
Caiah did also show up, the elven knight, she had not seen for some time.
And - very late, this soldier - his name was Acerd. A strange man he was. And something how Katharina and him acted let her think there was more to it,
or a story from the past. She would ask one of them out of curiosity.
She had shifted the talk to the Inn, because she felt that discussing demons directly in front of Letma might be a very bad idea.
When Katharina told that Gray had launched a bloody raid on a New Year's party here - about a decade earlier - she felt sorry.
But where was it safe - it was not even directly in the cities. A lot of past events proved that.

Her thoughts drifted to Guir. The very serious gaze had said more than a thousand words - and she understood, even if they had been joking before.
He was her oldest friend and comrade-in-arms in Illarion. Still - one day he would have to fight without her.
His elven heritage would keep him alive longer, that was certain.

*It's time to write to Nish - I need to know how she is doing and how she feels.

So she took her usual place by the chimney, the obligatory glass of wine and writing materials beside her.

"My soul sister,

we are fully committed to the preparations for the march against Letma. Some things are still needed to give us every possible edge.
Since a long time it seems that finally all three realms are working together.
That means Inara is making wind arrows and I'm going into the mine. I notice that I don't have an inch of fat on my body, but I do have a few more muscles. But I can assure you that it is not my most favorite work.
Nevertheless, it keeps me fit and agile. The purpose for what it serves should not be overlooked.

How are things going for you? Are you already back from Amat'aras ? And above all, how are you feeling in the time since ?

The story about Sira has turned out to be quite unexpected. Good that you have erased this little sidekick at that time.

I am already looking forward to your answer, because I must confess I am curious. Amat'aras will always be in my memory and some things in there are - or have been - just the stuff of nightmares. I don't know what I would have become if I had been raised in such an environment.

I am with you friend, in my thoughts and with my heart.

~Aly~"



She read over what she had written once more, then folded it carefully and placed the letter on the table.
She would send it on its way at the crack of dawn tomorrow.

[Lacy Dracu]

(( english below ))

Nishadaa stand auf einem der Balkone der Burg. Sie hatte ein Glas Wein in der Hand und blickte dem Sonnenuntergang entgegen. Jeruno war gerade wieder hinein gegangen. Er half noch einige Dinge auf einen der Wägen zu verstauen. Morgen stand die Abreise an. Sie waren lange genug hier gewesen. Zumindest, versuchte Nish das deutlich zu machen. Ob sie das wirklich auch fühlte war etwas ganz anderes. Sie wusste was sie tun musste aber ob sie das konnte, das wusste sie nicht.
Sie seufzte und schüttelte den Kopf als sie sich dem Tisch mit den Laternen, die neben den Fackeln an den Wänden hier draußen Licht spendeten, zuwandte. Sie nahm Platz, füllte ihr Glas nochmals auf und nahm Alys Brief wieder in die Hand. Es wurde Zeit darauf endlich zu antworten....


Meine Schwester,

verzeih, dass ich dich wieder so lange warten ließ mit einer Antwort von mir aber grade ist es wiedermal alles andere als einfach. Aber das kannst du dir wohl denken? Zudem werden die Falken bis nach Amat'Aras wohl auch länger brauchen oder eben auch zurück.
Ich gehe erst einmal auf deinen Brief ein bevor ich dir von allem anderen hier erzähle.

Das die Reiche bei euch dieses mal endlich wirklich zusammen arbeiten erscheint mir fast als ein gutes Zeichen. Ich hoffe das dies so bleibt und ihr damit final gegen Letma und die Dämonen vorgehen könnt.
Zudem scheint ihr ja auch gut im Training, du wie auch Inara.
Ich hörte auch, dass ihr das ein oder andere taktische Training vollzogen habt, je nachdem wie die Gegebenheiten in Letma sein könnten. Das wird wahrscheinlich noch die größte Herausforderung sein.
Wenn ihr in dem Punkt noch irgendetwas braucht womit ich vielleicht aus der Ferne helfen kann, sag es nur.

Ja, das mit Sira war mehr als unerwartet aber zumindest sind ihre Brüder gerettet und leben nun auch in Temran und, das Ungeziefer wurde ausgemerzt. Aber ich gestehe, mein Zorn hatte mich dort wirklich etwas übermannt. Nicht das es in dem Moment was schlechtes war.

Nun, kommen wir zur aktuellen Lage und die ist...schwierig. Zumindest für mich.
Wir sind noch auf der Burg und wollen morgen oder übermorgen abreisen. Und das ganze hier in Flammen aufgehen lassen.
Soviel zumindest zur Theorie.
Wie ich mich fühle? Zerrissen.
Einerseits will ich diesen Ort begraben der soviel Leid verursacht hat. Der das reinste Horrorkabinett war in den Kellergewölben.
Andererseits, ist es mein zu Hause. Der Ort an dem ich geboren wurde, an dem ich aufgewachsen bin. Und so schrecklich das für Außenstehende erscheinen mag, das WIE ich aufgewachsen bin, das war es nie für mich.
Es war normal. Es fehlte mir an nichts. Ich muss auch eingestehen, das mein Vater immer für mich da war. Vielleicht hat er mir nicht grade typische Gute Nacht Geschichten vorgelesen als Kind aber....er war eben immer für mich da und hat mir nie ein Leid angetan. Als Kind nicht und auch als Jugendliche nicht oder später. Nie, bis ich eben Maliel traf.
Ich weiß nicht, ich kann vielleicht nicht erwarten, das man es versteht.
Aber wenn ich durch diese normalen Räume und Hallen schreite dann sind sie für mich voller...guter Erinnerungen. Und ich würde lügen würde ich sagen, dass ich diese Zeiten nicht vermisse irgendwie.
Vor allem in meinem Zimmer, kommt so vieles wieder hoch. Wie mein Vater mir nachts vorgelesen hat. Wie er einfach nur nach mir gesehen hat. Sicher, auch wie er mir diesen Glauben nahe gebracht hat aber eben nie mit Gewalt mir gegenüber. Aber schlussendlich eben auch wie er mich verraten hat.

Es wird mir nicht leicht fallen und es wird weh tun trotz allem, aber, ich werde die Burg niederbrennen.
Die unteren Gewölbe, welche Dir so Alpträume bereiten, die hat meine Mutter schon vorher räumen lassen und sagen wir auffüllen lassen. Jeruno musste das nicht sehen. Wenn hier alles niedergebrannt ist sorgen die Magier meiner Mutter dafür das hier wirklich nichts mehr übrig bleibt. Der Erdboden wird den Rest verschlingen und alles hier regelrecht umgraben. Zerstörung im großen Stil.

Ich habe vieles mitgenommen. Vor allem aus meinem Zimmer. Aber auch vieles anderes. Möbelstücke habe ich eher jenen die hier mehr oder weniger freiwillig gedient haben überlassen. Sofern sie es wollten, ebenso gewisse finanzielle Unterstützung geben. Die Schatzkammer war mehr als gut gefüllt. Und den Rest...nun ja, landet bei mir. Ich werde echt anbauen müssen und meine „Bibliothek“ oder wie man es nennen mag auch vergrößern müssen.

Es kommt eben einiges zusammen. Und ja ich bin im Moment sehr durcheinander. Meine Gefühle sind das reinste Chaos und ich gestehe, ohne Jeruno würde ich das hier nicht schaffen.

Und zu ihm sollte ich nun wohl auch gehen. Er wartet jetzt sicherlich schon auf mich. Ich..sollte mich ausruhen.

Wenn man all das Grauen dieses Ortes beiseite lässt, ist es eigentlich schön hier. Nun, wenn jetzt noch mehr wachsen würde um die Burg herum, wäre es wohl noch schöner. Aber vom Balkon hier sich den Sonnenuntergang bei einem Glas Wein ansehen....das lässt einen alles andere zumindest für diesen Augenblick vergessen.

Gib auf dich und unsere kleine Lady acht meine Seelenschwester. Meine Gedanken und mein Herz sind mit euch.

~Nisha~

Nish atmete nochmals tief durch als sie die Feder beiseite legte und den Blick nachdenklich in die Nacht richtete. Sie leerte ihr Glas und pfiff nach Aratos, der sich hier in der Umgebung aufhielt. Sie befestigte die Nachricht und strich ihm noch lächelnd durch das Gefieder bevor er sich in die Lüfte erhob. Er würde einige Tage brauchen um sein Ziel zu erreichen. Nish indes, ging nun hinein zu Jeruno.



------------------------------------------------------------------------


Nishadaa was standing on one of the balconies of the castle. She was holding a glass of wine and facing the sunset. Jeruno had just gone back inside. He was still helping to stow some things on one of the carts. Their departure was coming up tomorrow. They had been here for long enough. At least, Nish tried to make that clear. Whether she really felt it was a different matter. She knew what she had to do - but if she could do it, she didn't know.
So she sighed and shook her head as she turned to the table with the lanterns, which gave light in addition to the torches on the walls out here. She sat down, re-filled her glass and took Aly's letter in her hand one more time. It was time to respond to it finally....


My sister,

I'm sorry to keep you waiting so long with an answer from me, but right now it is once again all but easy. But you can probably guess that? Besides, the falcons will probably take longer to get to Amat'Aras or back.
I'll go into your letter first, before I tell you of everything else here.

The fact that the realms are finally working together this time seems to me to be a good indication. I hope that this will continue and that you will be able to take final action against Letma and the demon.
You also seem to be good at training, both - you and Inara.
I also heard that you have done some tactical training, depending on what the conditions in Letma might be like. That will probably be the most challenging part.
If there's anything else you need that I can help with from a distance, just let me know.

Yes, what happened to Sira was more than unexpected, but at least her brothers have been rescued and are now living in Temran, and the vermin have been eradicated. But I confess, my rage really got the better of me there. Not that it was a very bad thing at that moment.

Now, let's get to the current situation and it is... complicated. At least for me.
We are still in the castle and we want to leave tomorrow, or the day after tomorrow. And let the entire place go up in flames.
So much for the theory, at least.
What do I feel like? Torn.
On the one hand, I want to bury this place that has caused so much suffering. The basement vaults were a chamber of horrors.
On the other hand, it is my home. The place where I was born, where I grew up. And as horrible as that may seem to outsiders, the HOW I grew up, it had never been that for me.
It was normal. I didn't miss anything. I must also admit that my father was always there for me. Maybe he didn't read me typical good night stories when I was a child, but he was always there for me and never did me any harm. Not as a child and not as a teenager or later. Never, until I met Maliel.
I don't know, maybe I can't expect people to understand.
But when I walk through these ordinary rooms and halls they are full of...good memories for me. In fact, I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss those times in some way.
Especially in my room, so many memories are brought back to me. How my dad would read to me at night. How he just looked after me. Sure, also how he brought this religion close to me, but never with force against me. But ultimately also like he betrayed me.

It will not be easy for me and it will be painful in spite of everything, but I shall burn down the castle.
The lower vaults, which give you such nightmares, were cleared out by my mother beforehand and, let's say, filled in. Jeruno didn't need to see that. When everything here has completely been destroyed, my mother's mages will make sure that there is really nothing left. The ground will swallow up the rest and really dig up everything here. Devastation on a grand scale.


I have taken a lot of different things with me. Especially from my room. But also many other items. I left pieces of furniture rather to those who have served here more or less willingly. Provided they wanted it, as well as give certain financial support. The treasury was more than well stocked. And the rest...well, ends up in my place. I will have to build up and enlarge my "library" or whatever you want to call it.

A lot of stuff is coming together. And yes I am very unsettled at the moment. My feelings are pure chaos and I confess, without Jeruno I wouldn't be able to manage this.

And I think I should go to him now. He is certainly waiting for me already. I...should have a rest.

Putting all the horror of this place aside, it's really beautiful here. Well, if there would be more vegetation around the castle, it would be even more magnificent. But from the balcony here - watching the sunset with a glass of wine....that makes you forget everything else, at least for this very moment
.
Take care of you and our little lady my soul sister. My thoughts and heart are with you.

~Nisha~

Nish took one more deep breath as she set the quill aside and stared thoughtfully into the night. She drained her glass and whistled for Aratos who was in the area. She attached the message and brushed his feathers with a smile before he flew off into the air. It would take him a few days to reach his destination. Nish, in the meantime, went inside to Jeruno.

[Alytys Lamar]

After the treasure hunt, she had made herself comfortable.
Once again she had gone to her beloved desert with a bottle of wine, writing paper and parchment.
There she was now lying, looking up at the twinkling stars and finally realized for her own sake that she was filled with bitterness.
Yes, she finally confessed to herself that men were nothing but a disappointment.
What had just occurred to Inara, what Guir had said - all this finally made her think about it, after she had pushed the topic far aside for a very long time.

Bidukan was still * hard to bear *. Everything he had done and said had left her deeply wounded - then the passionate affair... she thought it would heal her, but this man again just disappeared ...

What - by the gods - was wrong with her ? Or was it normal ?

No, most definitely no, she thought as she took another sip of wine.
Nisha, Katharina, Oxiana - they seemed to have found their happiness.

*I hate love* she had said to Drathe - and it was true.
There was no one in sight who made even the smallest effort to get to know her personally. Men who really had to say something - well they were scarce.
And even then they had mostly hurt her - except Dalan, he was murdered and ripped away from her side.

With a heavy sigh, she picked up her writing equipment - before she got too drunk - and began to write the letter to Nisha.

*Dear Sister,

time is rushing by and I hope you have returned home in good shape.

We will soon finally restore the portal in Runewick - hopefully. And I also hope that after all the tactical training we will be able to move against Letma soon.

I just realized for myself that I really hate love. I envy you both, cherish it and don't let go of each other Nish - it is so precious.
I have to try - for Inara's sake - to swallow and enclose my bitterness. She should stay open - open to be loved and to love.

But I'm digressing too much.

On the one hand, I can well understand why it is difficult for you to burn down your old home.
My experiences and feelings were somewhat different.
My father always wanted to see only a son, raised me like a man.
My mother didn't even want to have anything to do with me.
There were only two people in Lamaros who loved me honestly - my nanny and my grandmaster, who taught me how to fight - both are dead.
After my father's betrayal I would have burned down this damned castle and everything that belongs to it without a second thought,
but at the age of 17 I just wanted to escape.
When I returned, there was nothing left that reminded me of our lineage. Nor was it desirable to stay there.

And yet I returned once again.... undetected, I destroyed everything, and killed everyone including the corrupted dictator,
just to give freedom back to the inhabitants there. I put someone in place who I thought was capable - as a last gift to my homeland, so to speak.
And then I said goodbye forever.

Cadomyr and Illarion is now my home and only in very rare moments I think back to my childhood.
My father and Negros destroyed everything - only hatred and fear remained.

Your friend whines too much today ....

I hope you are back safe and sound. Be proud of yourself, on what your will has let you accomplish. Keep the good memories as a distant melody.

I am with you in thoughts

~Aly~*


A sharp whistle made Aratos appear shortly after and the neatly folded message made its way to Temran.
Aly did what she always did when mental pain plagued her - she danced, she sang with the desert wind, and she drank - until, tired and worn out, she could finally find sleep.

[Lacy Dracu]

(( english below ))

Zu Hause...

Nisha war endlich wieder zu Hause. Schlussendlich war sie darüber froh und vor allem auch ihre Freunde. Die Stadt war froh, dass sie wieder da war.
Vielleicht zum ersten Mal merkte sie, dass es nicht nur deswegen war, was sie für die Stadt tat, sondern weil sie generell gemocht und geschätzt wurde.
Wahrlich - sie war nach Hause gekommen. So seltsam es war das so deutlich zu spüren, ebenso seltsam wie...Amat'Aras, dieser Ort verfolgte sie nicht mehr. Sie hatte es in andere Hände gegeben. Dieses Kapitel war geschlossen, größtenteils.
Es würde immer ein Teil von ihr sein. Ein dunkler Teil, den sie trotz allem wohl niemals unterschätzen sollte.
Aber nun, da sie schon einige Tage zu Hause war, wartete seit diesem Morgen ein Brief darauf gelesen und beantwortet zu werden. Das tat sie auch, in ihrem Garten, bei einer Tasse Tee.


Geliebte Schwester,

ich kann zumindest sagen, dass wir sicher und wohlbehalten wieder zu Hause angekommen sind. Wenngleich sich das Gefühl einstellt oder auch mehr als dass, dass ich wohl anbauen muss. Hier wie auch bei meiner „Bibliothek“.
Es war...schwer, unendlich schwer, dass zu Hause meiner Kindheit und meines Erwachsen werdens anzuzünden und zu sehen wie alles in Flammen aufging, niederbrannte und einstürzte. Ebenso mit anzusehen wie die Magier meiner Mutter dafür sorgten, dass nichts davon übrig blieb. Zu sehen wie die Erde jeden Rest der noch da war verschlang.
Ja, ich blieb die ganze Zeit, vielleicht musste das sein. Vielleicht brauchte ich das.
Und zum ersten mal fühlte es sich...wirklich so deutlich...an, nach Hause zu kommen als wir wieder in Temran waren.
Fühlen, ich fürchte das wird immer ein schwieriges Thema bei mir bleiben.
Ich kann dir nur sagen, dass ich vielleicht ein wenig das ein oder andere erkannte habe.
Hier, werde ich geschätzt und gemocht, habe Freunde. Die Bewohner von Temran schätzen mich eben nicht nur dafür, was ich für die Stadt tue. Das macht es wohl leicht dieses Gefühl zu haben, nach Hause zu kommen. Etwas was ich in Amat'Aras niemals erwarten könnte. Zudem habe ich das, was mir wichtig war, mitgenommen. Der Rest obliegt nun meiner Mutter und Ar-Sikar.
Es wird besser werden für mich, mit der Zeit. Ohnehin muss ich wohl... einiges ändern.
Schlussendlich habe ich mit meinem zu Hause das gleiche getan wie du. Ich übergab es jemanden der besser dafür geeignet ist als ich. Ich eigne mich nicht zum herrschen oder aber, ich eigne mich dafür zu gut. Also, lass ich es.
Unsere Kindheit, Jugendzeit, das Erwachsenwerden hat uns beide mehr als geprägt und, da ich noch sehr lange Leben werde, sollte ich diese Jahre wohl hinter mir lassen.

Wie ich es schon sagte, hoffe ich das eure Zusammenarbeit dann auch anhält und vor allem das ihr das sicher übersteht. Denn, natürlich mache ich mir Sorgen, vor allem um dich und Inara.

Hm Liebe....in dieses Thema abzuschweifen...daran sehe ich nichts falsches außer, das es auf gewisse weise schmerzt.
Hm, vor Maliel habe ich dem nie viel beigemessen und es dauerte auch einige Wochen bis ich ...bis da etwas war. Ein Anflug von Liebe. Aber wir wissen auch bei mir wie das endete und danach, wollte ich davon zunächst auch wieder nichts wissen. Denn ich ertrug kaum den Schmerz den ihr Verlust in mir ausgelöst hatte.
Einfach nur seinen Spaß dann und wann zu haben ist eben eine Sache, zu Lieben eine andere. Das erste mal das es wieder tiefer ging und nicht sonderlich von Erfolg gekrönt war, war Gryphius.
Naja und dann kam schon Jeruno. Du kannst sagen, wirklich geliebt, habe ich nur diese drei mal bisher. Das Konzept des Ganzen ist für mich eben immer noch....mit vielen Rätseln verbunden. Aber, ich werde es nicht loslassen, ihn nicht loslassen und alles tun um das zu bewahren was wir haben.
Ich wünschte nur, du hättest dieses Glück auch endlich wieder und dauerhafter. Du hast es mehr als verdient. Aber dennoch kann ich dich auch verstehen. Irgendwann ist es einfach genug.
Inara...hm. Sie ist jung aber genau das ist das Problem oder? Mir scheint sie hält an diesem Wunsch, Leland würde zurückkehren fest und kann es nicht loslassen. Ich weiß nicht ob ihr das gut tut auf Dauer.

Aly, meine geliebte Seelenschwester. Ich denke jeder hat das Recht dazu auch mal zu jammern. Wenngleich wir so was wohl kaum gerne anderen zeigen. Wie war das mit sogenannten Schwächen? Aber auch wir können nicht immer alles verbergen oder hinunterschlucken.

Ich gönne mir noch ein paar Tage Ruhe, mit Jeruno und damit eben in Erinnerungen zu schwelgen. Anreize dafür habe ich ja jetzt genug hier. Wahrscheinlich werde ich auch noch Pläne machen was eben Erweiterungen für das Haus angeht und die „Bibliothek“.

Gib nicht auf, sei stark und wenn du es einfach mal brauchst...dann schreib und jammer hier ruhig. Ich bin die letzte die das nicht verstehen kann.

Ich bin in Gedanken bei dir Aly und mein Herz ist ebenso mit dir und Inara.

~Nisha~


Nish atmete tiefer durch als sie nochmals über den Brief lass und ihn dann faltete. Sie brachte ihn zu Aratos in den Wald, wo er gerade war und ließ ihn diese Nachricht nachhause tragen. Sie jedoch verblieb noch im Falken Wald, bei Jeruno.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

At home...

Nisha was finally back home. In the end, she was happy about it and so were her friends. The city was happy that she was back.
Perhaps for the first time, she realized that it was not just because of what she did for the town, but because she was generally well liked and appreciated.
Truthfully - she had come home. As odd as it was to feel that so clearly, as odd as it was to feel...Amat'Aras, that place no longer haunted her. She had passed it on to other hands. That chapter was closed, for the most part.
It would always be a part of her. A dark part that she should probably never underestimate, despite everything.
But now that she had been home for a few days, a letter had been waiting to be read and answered since that morning. She did so, in her garden, with a cup of tea.


Beloved sister,

I can at least say that we have arrived back home safe and sound. Although the feeling arises, or even more than that, that I probably have to build on. Here as well as on my "library".
It was...hard, incredibly hard, to set fire to the home of my child- and adulthood and to see that everything went up in flames, burned down and collapsed. Also to see how my mother's magicians made sure that nothing remained of it. To see the earth swallow up any leftover.
Yes, I stayed the whole time, maybe I had to. Maybe I felt I needed that.
And for the first time it actually felt...so significantly... coming HOME when we were back in Temran.
Feeling, I'm afraid that will always be a very difficult subject for me.
I can only tell you that I may have realized a little of one or two things.
Here, I am appreciated and liked, I have friends. The people of Temran appreciate me not only for what I do for the city. I guess that makes it easy to have that feeling of coming home. Something I could never expect in Amat'Aras. Besides, I took what was most important for me home. The rest is now up to my mother and Ar-Sikar.
It will get better for me, over time. Anyway, I guess I have to... change some things.
In the end, I did the same thing with my home as you did. I handed it over to someone better suited for it than I am. I'm not fit to rule, or else I'm too suitable for it. So, I will let it go.
Our childhood, adolescence, growing up, has more than marked both of us and, since I'm going to live for a very long time, I should probably leave those years behind.

As I said before, I hope that your cooperation in Illarion will last and above all that you will get through it safely. Because, of course I am worried, especially about you and Inara.

Hm love....to stray into this topic...I don't see anything wrong with it, except that it hurts in a way.
Hm, before Maliel I never gave it much importance and it also took a few weeks until I ...until there was something. A touch of love. But we also know how that ended with me and afterwards, I didn't want to know anything about it at first either. Because I could hardly bear the pain that her loss triggered in me.
Just to have fun from time to time is one thing, to love is another. The first time it went deeper and was not crowned with success was Gryphius.

Well, and then came Jeruno. You can say, really loved, I have only these three times so far. The concept of the entire thing is for me just still....with a lot of mysteries connected.
But, I won't let it go, won't let him go, and will do everything I can to preserve what we have.
I just wish you could have this happiness finally again and more permanently. You have more than deserved it. But still I can also empathize with you. At some point it is simply enough.
Inara... hm. She is young but that is the problem, isn't it? It seems to me that she is holding on to this wish that Leland would return and can't let it go. I don't know if that's good for her in the long-term.

Aly, my beloved soul sister. I think everyone has the right to lament once in a while. Even though we hardly like to show it to others. What was that about so-called weaknesses? But even we can not always hide everything or just swallow it.

I allow myself a few more days of rest, with Jeruno and to reminisce. I have enough stimuli for that here now. I'll probably also make plans for extensions to the house and the "library".

Don't give up, be strong and if you just need it...then write and whine here freely. I am the last one who cannot comprehend this.

My thoughts are with you Aly and my heart is with you and Inara as well.

~Nisha~


Nish took a deeper breath as she read over the letter again and then folded it. She took it to Aratos in the forest, where he was, and let him take this message home. She, however, remained in the Falcon Forest, with Jeruno.

[Alytys Lamar]

Even simply lifting her head was incredibly painful.
Aswe had presumed it - concussion - no wonder if you are thrown around like a leaf in the wind but be significantly heavier than that.

At first it was actually going quite well. Yes, all the magicians were having problems and visions.
She knew how that felt - she had also seen Letma's legions marching in a vision.
Especially Inara was very worried about Clairette and so she called out encouraging words every now and then to bolster the resistance of her friend.

After two smaller explosions in which Guir, Inara and Deanna were thrown away, it remained calm at first, no injuries only bruises.
And the mages around Sarangerel actually managed to restore the manalines and extinguish the fires.
But Aleytys had a bad feeling - it was too quiet. Prea was certainly extremely irritated and upset.
Just when she thought Guir had handled it all pretty well, it happened. All of sudden and out of nowhere a violent blast wave hurled her over the top of the bridge
onto a tiny piece of rock, surrounded by the poisoned water of Runewick.
Her breath was taken away by the impact and after she had regained some composure, she thanked the gods that she had not broken her neck.
All ached, her ears rang and the ground spun beneath her.
She heard muffled sentences *Knight Aleytys use a book --- Aly and Islands --- use a book ...*

Somehow she tried to make sense of it, it was Sir S'rrt and Aswe, that at least she could make out.
At some point she rummaged for a portal book and opened it with difficulty, not even looking where it was going - so she ended up at the Hemp.
Borgate came outside and grinned in his grumpy way, gazing her concerned.
Then he handed her a strong schnapps - *So you can go back - pure medicine from herbs* he grumbled.
The stuff burned like hell in her throat but it woke her up.
With a quiet chuckle she gave Borgate a pat on the shoulder and then staggered to the ships to limp back.
She needed to know how Inara, Guir and the others were doing.

When she arrived in Yewdale, Aswe came along, obviously to search for her. The medic checked her reflexes and advised her to be careful.
It was quiet on the bridge and the others were doing well. Aly wasn't sure if the nausea was from the "flight" or if this bad feeling was evidence that it wasn't over yet.
So they left as soon as possible to have a look.

Inara gave her a worried look as Guir began to gesticulate and call out *Red skeletons, mages.... a lot ....*
Aly cursed harshly and jerked up her bow, which luckily had remained intact, to aim at the skeletons - two or three fell.
Then a mob came at her and Guir, hurling their magic blasts, and she could feel her head hitting the bridge wall. Then her consciousness faded.

Cherga did sent her back within a blink, not saying anything and she woke up next to Guir, who had gone down at the same time.
It was always painful to see such a strong man full of sense of duty, anger and frustration trying to get back on his feet.
Inara joined them, very worried, wanting to get them to the hospital or home. Aswe also advised this - urgently.
However, she was like Guir - the injury did not feel so bad - she had to go back and help.

As the white-bearded dwarf mage appeared at the cross, with many burns, Guir and Aly knew that there was no other way than to go back - by ship, to be on the safe side.
Well it was more a staggering than walking and the bridge of Runewick was paved with magical skeletons. Too many for Inara, Guir and herself.
They took the path around, through the forest and found Clairette and Sarangerel.
Lightnings flashed and Aly sought a safe position, raising her bow at the approaching army.
The nausea and dizziness grew stronger, but they still managed to finish off some of the skeletons.

Then came the point she was afraid of - she barely managed to run into the forest and threw up several times.
Weak as a little kitten, she curled up there, waves of nausea overtaking her, a whole mine of dwarves thundering in her head.
She gave Guir and Inara a quick sign that she could no longer fight, crawling to a safe spot in the forest - before opening a book to Cadomyr.

Finally home, the taste of defeat was as bitter as the taste of bile in her mouth.

Please let it end well .....

[Alytys Lamar]

The concussion had healed and she was feeling a little better.
The evening at the campfire as they told each other stories had been quite good for her.
It was time for a letter to Nisha, who was surely already worried, because she hadn't heard anything for a while.
In all likelihood, however, Inara had already written to her.

" Dear sister,

forgive me for waiting so long with an answer.
I have not been feeling well - and yes - once again a magical kick to the head has put me out of service. Damned mages all the time, oh how I hate them.

At least we put out the fire at the teleporter in Runewick and normal travel is possible again. But Prea was pissed off, so she just set off some explosions on the bridge -
I was thrown over the railing of the bridge onto a small rock.
The impact was - to say the least - very hard.
With some effort, and with the help of a portal book, I got off the tiny piece of rock, swimming in the poisoned water was totally out of the question.
When I was on my way back to the bridge, Aswe, an elf and medic, came to meet me and warned me about a concussion.
However, except for some deafness, slight neck and back pain, I was feeling quite well.
When we both arrived at the starting point, Prea gave vent to her obvious frustration and sent an army of skeletons, most of them Liches and Mages.
Guir and I went to Cherga almost at the same time as more than one had closed in on the two of us.
Well we woke up at the cross - Inara came, Aswe came too. But for both of us, our duty to Countess Katharina and the rescue of Runewick,
were clearly more important than our wounds.
We fought for a while against quite a crowd when I felt dizzy - and darkness came before my eyes.
It was becoming impossible to continue fighting as a whole battalion of hammers began to pound in my head.
Humiliating, I tell you - just humiliating.... having to leave the others alone.
However, everything turned out well as Inara and Guir told me.
Together with Katharina, they were able to finish off all the skeletons in the end.
Katharina amazes me, she is improving and becoming more and more courageous.

Well, as you can imagine, I felt really bad for a while. Thank the gods that Inara was there and took care of me.
But I must also tell you that the girl sometimes has a very commanding tone ....
Yes, and I am actually grinning here beloved friend.

I also have good news, Kyre is feeling better and we have assured each other of our friendship. It was so good to see her again.

I hope everything is slowly settling back to normal with you.

My heart is with you

~Aly~"


Aratos was already there, as if he had guessed that there was a message to bring to Temran. Nevertheless, Aly took her time and fed him, whispered soft words and simply took her time with the beautiful animal. Then it was time to let him fly.
*See you soon my beautiful one" she called after him softly "and come back safe and sound soon".

[Lacy Dracu]

(( english below ))

Arbeit. Davon gab es grade für Nishadaa einiges in Temran. Sei es das Training für die Stadtwache und vor allem jenes für die neuen Rekruten, oder die Banditen, die meinten Reisende auf den Wegen von und nach Temran zu überfallen.
Dazu kam noch das Bauvorhaben bei den Valdris und das Erweitern der Stadt wegen der Flüchtlinge. Der erste Spatenstich war für alles schon getan, aber vor allem für die Erweiterung am eigenen Haus hatte Nish doch speziellere Vorstellungen.
All das hatte in den letzten Wochen mehr als viel Zeit in Anspruch genommen. Inaras Briefe hatte dann doch auch mal Jeruno übernommen.
Aber gerade an diesem Abend nahm sich Nish endlich die Zeit sich um den Brief von Aly zu kümmern und auch andere. Es war doch so einiges liegen geblieben.

Meine liebe Schwester,

ich fürchte nun bin ich an der Reihe mich zu entschuldigen für die lange Wartezeit. Selbst Inaras Briefe wurden von Jeruno beantwortet. Wenngleich ich sie dennoch gelesen habe.

Bevor ich direkt auf deinen Brief eingehe, kann ich dir aber versichern, dass es mir gut geht, wie allen anderen soweit auch.

Inara hatte auch schon von dem Unterfangen am Teleporter berichtet. Halbwegs all das was du mir nun auch geschildert hast. Vor allem die Sorge um dich und Clairette.
Auch wenn dein Rückzug dir...nicht gefallen hat, hast du doch dein Bestes gegeben Aly. Zudem, ihr habt gewonnen, auf ganzer Linie und Prea gezeigt das ihr eben nicht aufgebt oder klein beigebt.
Ihr habt ihr erneut einen Schlag verpasst.
Wir sind eben aber auch nicht unverwundbar. Und so wie sich deine Verletzungen dann ausgewirkt haben wärst du noch zu einer Gefahr geworden. Inara würde alles tun um dich zu beschützen oder zu retten. Du hast also das richtige getan und das Vernünftigste.
Ich weiß, das ist für gewöhnlich nicht ganz unsere Art nicht wahr. …... Ja, ich grinse.

Was Inaras Ton angeht. Nunja, sie ist meine Tochter oder? Und von dir lernt sie mit Sicherheit auch das ein oder andere. Außerdem wird unsere Kleine wohl langsam erwachsen.
Offenbar habe ich mich wohl auch geirrt und sie verarbeitet das mit Leland wohl doch besser als ich dachte.
Ein Fakt ist auch, sie ist bei dir in den besten Händen - auf jede erdenkliche Weise. Dafür danke ich dir.

Es freut mich auch, das es Kyre besser geht und ihr euch auch getroffen habt. Ich bin sicher das habt ihr beide gebraucht, solch ein Gespräch unter Freunden. Ich hoffe sie ist bald wieder ganz auf den Beinen, bis dahin, weiterhin gute Genesung und mögen ihre Götter mit ihr sein.

Nun also zu mir.
Ich denke normal trifft es bei mir wohl nie so wirklich. Alles ist im Wandel, alles, entwickelt sich. Auch Temran.

Was hält mich die letzten Wochen so sehr auf Trapp? Einiges.
Natürlich habe ich mir zusammen mit Jeruno einige Zeit der Ruhe gegönnt aber, die Arbeit verschwindet deswegen ja nicht.
Da ist der Umbau der Stadtmauer. Eben wegen den neuen Häusern für die Flüchtlinge, die schon längst keine mehr sind, sondern Bewohner Temrans. Es gab da auch keine weiteren bösen Überraschungen wie mit dieser Attentäterin.
Dazu der Anbau oder Umbau unseres Hauses um mehr Platz zu schaffen. Ich habe die Zeichnungen dafür teilweise selbst angefertigt, aber, ich habe mir auch von unserem Baumeister helfen lassen.
Auch hier mussten Änderungen der Mauer her.
Die Spatenstiche für all das sind schon getan und alles ist in Arbeit. Auch, was meine geheime Bibliothek angeht.
Zudem haben wir da noch die neuen Rekruten der Stadtwache. Das Training und den Unterricht gestalte und halte ich zum Glück nicht allein. Dafür habe ich dort auch genug alte Hasen dabei. Dennoch lasse ich es mir natürlich nicht nehmen, ab und zu anwesend zu sein.
Bei städtischen Fragen werde ich immer mehr heran gezogen und mein Rat wird erbeten. Ich helfe in der Tat...gerne, denke ich.
Es ist in jedem Fall angenehmer als irgendwo als Königin zu regieren.

Es gibt nur einen unangenehmen Teil derzeit. Zwar wird Temran selbst nicht mehr von Banditen heimgesucht aber, sie überfallen die Bauern oder Händler auf den Straßen im Umland. Es ist kein wirklich weiter Weg bis zum nächsten Dorf oder Siedlung. Aber dennoch reicht es alle mal für einen Überfall.
Das erklärt auch warum wir eben die Stadtwache vergrößern. Damit wir auch im Umland, hier und da, etwas Präsenz zeigen können. Die Straßen sollen sicher sein.

Du siehst, es ist viel zu tun. Allerdings, tut es mir gut. Es ist so....normal und das ist es was ich vielleicht grade brauche.

Und ich werde es auch nicht übertreiben, versprochen. Ich denke da hat ohnehin Jeruno ein wachsames Auge drauf.

Ich hoffe euch geht es gut. Ich weiß das eure Offensive wohl immer näher rückt. Ich bin...vielleicht nicht immer mit den Gedanken grade bei euch aber mein Herz ist es in jedem Fall meine Schwester. Gib gut auf dich und auf unsere...Heranwachsende acht.

~Nisha~


Nisha faltete den Brief und trat nach draußen. Im Garten wartete Aratos schon ungeduldig, wie schon die letzten Tage immer mal wieder. Doch diesmal durfte der stolze Falke wieder nach Hause fliegen und ebenso einen Brief der Familie überbringen.

------------------------------------------------------------------------


Work. There was plenty of work for Nishadaa in Temran. Be it the training for the city guard and especially for the new recruits, or the bandits who meant to attack travelers on the way to and from Temran.
In addition, there was the construction project at the Valdris-Estate and the expansion of the city because of the refugees. The first groundbreaking was already done for everything, but especially for the expansion at her own house Nish had more specific ideas.
All this took more than a lot of time in the last weeks. Inara's letters had been taken over by Jeruno.
But this evening Nish finally decided to take the time to take care of Aly's letter and others. It had been so much remained unattended.

My dear sister,

I'm afraid it's my turn to apologize for the long wait. Even Inara's letters were answered by Jeruno. Although I read them nonetheless.

Before I respond directly to your letter, however, I can assure you that I am feeling fine, as is everyone else so far.

Inara had also written about the venture at the teleporter. More or less everything you have described to me as well. Especially the worries about you and Clairette.
Even if you didn't like your retreat, you did your utmost, Aly. Besides, you won,full-scvlae victory and showed Prea that you don't give up or give in.
Again you all have given her a punch.
But we are not indestructible either. And the way your injuries played out, you would have become a danger. Inara would do anything to protect or save you. So you did the right and most sensible thing.
I know that's not usually our way, is it? ...... Yeah, I'm actually grinning.

As for Inara's tone. Well, she's my daughter, isn't she? And she's sure to learn a thing or two from you. Besides, I guess our little girl is growing up.
Apparently, I was wrong and she's coping with Leland better than I thought.
It is also a fact that she is with you in the best hands - in every possible way. I want to thank you for that.

I am also glad to hear that Kyre is doing better and that you have met. I am sure you both needed it, such a talk between friends. I hope she will be back on her feet soon, until then, continuing to recover well and may her gods be with her.

Now about me.
I think *normal* never really applies to me. Everything is changing, everything is evolving. Temran too.

What keeps me so busy the last weeks? A couple of things.
Of course I took some time off with Jeruno, but the work doesn't disappear because of that.
There is the rebuilding of the city wall. This is because of the new houses for the refugees, who are no longer refugees, but residents of Temran. There were no more bad surprises like the one with the assassin.
In addition, the extension or reconstruction of our house, in order to create more space. I made some of the drawings myself, but I also had the master builder help me.
Again, changes had to be made to the wall.
The ground has already been prepared for all of this and the work is in progress. Also, as far as my secret library is involved.
In addition, we have the new recruits to the city guard. Fortunately, I do not organize and hold the training and lessons alone. I have enough experienced people there for that. Nevertheless, of course, I do not miss the opportunity to be present occasionally.
When it comes to urban issues, I am called upon more and more and my advice is sought. I do indeed help...gladly, I think.
In any case, it is more pleasant than ruling somewhere as a queen.

There is only one inconvenient part at the moment. Temran itself is no longer infested with bandits, but they do attack the farmers or merchants on the roads in the surrounding countryside. It is not really a long way to the next village or settlement. But still it is enough for a raid once in a while.
This also explains why we increase the size of the city guard. So we can show some presence in the surrounding area here and there. The streets should be safe.

You see, there is a lot to do. However, it feels good to me. It's so....normal and that's what I perhaps need right now.

And I won't overdo it, I promise. I think Jeruno has a watchful eye on it anyway.

I hope you are all well. I know that your campaign is getting closer and closer. I am...maybe not always thinking about you, but my heart is definitely with my sister. Take good care of yourself and our... young one.

~Nisha~

Nisha folded the letter and walked outside. In her garden, Aratos was already waiting with impatience, as he had been doing every now and then for the last few days. But this time the proud falcon was allowed to fly home again and also deliver a letter to the family.

[Alytys Lamar]

Aly sat in her favorite spot in the desert and listened to the sounds of the night.
She was looking forward to the tournament - even though she was aware that she would not win.
In the gleam of the crackling fire, she reread the response letter for Nish.
Aratos had been around for hours, as if he knew he would soon fly to Temran.

*Dearest soul sister,

first of all - don't apologize when you do so much good and work, that you didn't write sooner.
No one will understand this better than I do. I am pleased that you seem to be doing very well.

Everything is still quiet here, even though I'm already getting restless again because of Mas.
We are one step closer to successfully moving against Letma - a powerful artifact has been created.
I was there and it was impressive. Sarangerel is possibly the most powerful and - perhaps - the most dangerous mage/shaman living here.
Probably Inara has already told you about it. She was significantly involved in it -
and once again I am incredibly proud of her.

There is a tournament coming up very soon - I have signed up. I am certain that I will not win, because I am not good in all kinds of fighting.
But it will bring a welcome change and fun to the daily routine.

The unpleasant thing -- Bidukan is back in Runewick. Now he is also banned in Galmair - because he attacked a halfling for absolutely no reason.
Inara is a little nervous about him - but she shouldn't be afraid of him. I have a watchful eye on her - be assured of that.

Now to you and Temran - I hope your building projects are progressing quickly and without problems?
I am sure you will get these bandits under control. I know you too well, you will not rest until they give up or are extinguished.

Give my regards to your loved ones and Temran.
Take care of yourself - my heart is with you.

~Aly~

Aly unpacked some raw meat for Aratos, so he could eat his fill before heading out.
She nuzzled her winged friend's feathers briefly and then sent him on his way with the letter.

[Lacy Dracu]

(( english below ))

Neben all der Arbeit in Temran gab es aber auch mal etwas zu feiern. Eine große Feier, die wohl die ganze Stadt beinhaltete und mitten drin war auch Nish. Sie lachte, sie trank und schob hier einmal alle anderen Gedanken beiseite.
Dennoch war dies nicht ganz ihre Art. Aber sie blieb einige Stunden bevor sie sich zurück zog. Es war ja nicht so, das sie sich nicht freute und Spaß hatte, aber sie wusste immer wann es für sie genug war. So wie jetzt, wo sie nach Hause ging. Aber sie holte nur etwas aus dem Haus bevor sie sich bei dem Drachen im Garten nieder ließ.
Es wurde Zeit auch mal wieder zu schreiben.

Geliebte Schwester,

wieder ist wohl mehr Zeit vergangen als ich gewollt habe, aber du weißt das es hier derzeit viel zu tun gibt.
Zumindest komme ich wieder dazu Inaras Briefe selbst zu beantworten, wenngleich Jeruno es sich doch nicht nehmen lässt jetzt immer ein paar Zeilen ebenso hinzuzufügen. Aber ich denke es freut Inara und es ist gut wenn sie von uns beiden hört.

Ich kann dir aber zumindest versichern, dass es mir gut geht, bis auf Alpträume ab und zu. Wenigstens nicht mehr jede Nacht. Aber mich wundert es derzeit auch nicht. Mein Geburtstag ist so nah, wie auch Mas.
Auch für Mas werden die letzten Vorbereitungen abgeschlossen und die Mauer, ist schon wieder so gefestigt, dass sie dem Sturm standhalten wird.

Inara hat mir von der Schaffung des Artefakts schon berichtet und wie nervös sie war und wohl selbst auch etwas stolz darauf, das man eben gerade sie gefragt hat.
Aber es ist unbestreitbar, dass ihre Fertigkeiten in Schreinerarbeiten schon nahezu meisterlich sind. Sie lernt so schnell und ist bei ihrer Arbeit immer so konzentriert und genau. Vor allem nimmt sie sich Zeit und lässt sich nicht unter Druck setzen.
Ich weiß, ich schwärme grade etwas von meiner Tochter. Aber, so wie du, bin auch ich unglaublich stolz auf sie.

Auch scheint es als hätte sie...einen neuen und festeren Antrieb gefunden. Womöglich hat sie all das mit Leland halbwegs überwunden oder eben zumindest damit abgeschlossen. Ich denke alleine schon wegen Inara würde ich wohl nicht in seiner Haut stecken wollen falls er zurück kehrt. Mal ganz abgesehen was du oder ich mit dem Burschen anstellen würden.

Mach dich nicht kleiner als du bist Aly. Du bist eine herausragende Kriegerin und das wird man bei dem Turnier auch sicherlich sehen. Aber, gewinnen ist auch nicht alles. Die Herausforderung ist mehr wert als jeder Sieg. Und eben auch der „Spaß“ den man dabei hat. Nichts geht über das Gefühl eines Kampfes, selbst wenn es unter Freunden ist und nicht die Vernichtung des Gegners am Ende steht.
Ich wünsche dir Erfolg und die kleine Portion Glück die jeder Kampf brauch aber über die man nicht spricht.

Bidukan also wieder. Nun ich denke Inara macht sich da mehr Sorgen als ich oder du. Es wäre mehr als dumm wohl grade ihr etwas zu tun, bei den Freundschaften, welche sie geschlossen hat. Aber, wie wir schon wissen kann er Inara ja auch anders Schaden als durch körperliche Gewalt. Dennoch, sie ist bei dir in guten Händen und bei jenen, die sie Freunde und Verbündete nennen kann.

Auch etwas das für mich schwer ist zu lernen, nicht angerannt kommen wenn Gefahr für meine kleine droht.

Nun, was gibt es hier sonst noch neues. Alle „Schätze“ aus Amat'Aras haben ihren Weg, gestapelter weise, in meine „Dunkle Bibliothek“ gefunden oder wie man es nennen möchte. Die Arbeiten dort dauern noch etwas länger, verständlicher weise aber, sie werden erst nach Mas fortgeführt und die Zugänge, also die Portale habe ich vorerst versiegelt. Nichts kommt rein und nichts da raus.

Was das Haus angeht, nun das wird noch etwas dauern. Die Mauer hatte Vorrang und die Heime unserer neuen Bewohner natürlich auch. Aber es wird. Zumindest gibt es dabei keine Probleme bisher. Ich hoffe das bleibt auch bis Mas so.

Die Banditenangriffe auf den Straßen wurden weniger. Wer weiß vielleicht haben sie sich erst mal etwas verlagert. Wir werden das nach Mas wieder genauer untersuchen. Soweit wie es in unserer Macht steht. Aber es trafen auch keine Berichte von anderen Dörfern ein, zumindest keine in der ein größeres Banditenproblem erwähnt wurde.

Es kommt einem wirklich vor, wie die Ruhe vor dem Sturm...

Aber, jetzt noch etwas erfreuliches. Heute bin ich ohnehin sehr gesprächig anscheinend aber das liegt wohl auch mit am Alkohol.
Ja, es gab heute eine Feier auf der die ganze Stadt und auch ich für einige Stunden zugegen war.
Alicia und Kendrick haben mit ihren Eltern zusammen, ihre Verlobung bekannt gegeben. Ich denke es war abzusehen. Aber dennoch ist es schön zu sehen wie glücklich Alicia wieder bei ihm sein kann. Etwas das doch gut ausgegangen ist.
Sie wollen Mitte nächsten oder übernächsten Jahres heiraten. Je nachdem was sich bis dahin ergibt. Allerdings, bist du dazu auch eingeladen, das soll ich dir nur schon mal vorab sagen, bevor die Einladung dich irgendwann erreicht.

Es fühlt sich gut an zu sehen wie sich alles entwickelt. Und auch wie ich mehr und mehr meine Schatten hinter mir lassen kann.

Also dann Schwester, gib auf dich acht und auf jene die dir nah sind.
Mein Herz ist bei dir.

~Nisha~

Nisha lächelte sacht als sie nochmals über den Brief lass. Ein Pfiff genügte und Aratos kam zu ihr geflogen als sie den Brief dann faltete. Sie sprach leise mit dem stolzen Tier und strich ihm vorsichtig durch das Gefieder, bevor er sich mit dem Brief in die Lüfte erhob. Nisha selbst, verlieb hier noch eine Weile und sah einfach hinauf in den Sternenhimmel.


------------------------------------------------------------------------


Besides all the work in Temran, there was also something to celebrate. A big celebration, which probably included the whole city and in the middle of it was also Nish. She laughed, drank and put all other thoughts aside.
Nevertheless, this was not quite her style. But she stayed for a few hours before retiring. It wasn't that she didn't enjoy herself and have fun, but she always knew when it was enough for her. Like now, when she went home. But she only got something out of the house before she settled down at the dragon in the garden.
It was time to write again.

Beloved sister,

again more time has passed than I wanted, but you know that there is a lot to do here at the moment.
At least I'm able to answer Inara's letters myself again, although Jeruno always adds a few lines as well now. But I think Inara is happy and it is good if she hears from both of us.

I can at least assure you that I'm fine, except for nightmares every now and then. At least not every night anymore. But I'm not surprised at the moment either. My birthday is so close, as is Mas.
Also for Mas the last preparations are concluded and the wall is already fortified again so that it will withstand the storm.

Inara has already told me about the creation of the artifact and how nervous she was, and probably a little proud of herself that she was asked.
But it is undeniable that her skills in carpentry are already almost masterful. She learns so quickly and is always so focused and precise in her work. Most importantly, she takes her time and doesn't allow herself to be pressured.
I know I'm romanticizing my daughter a bit right now. But, like you, I am incredibly proud of her.

Also, it seems like she has...found a new and firmer drive. Maybe she's halfway over all that with Leland, or at least over it. I think because of Inara alone, I probably wouldn't want to be in his shoes if he returned. Not to mention what you or I would do to the guy.

Don't make yourself smaller than you are Aly. You are an outstanding warrior and that will certainly be seen at the tournament. But, winning is not everything either. The challenge is worth more than any victory. And also the "fun" you have. Nothing beats the feeling of a fight, even if it is among friends and not the destruction of the opponent at the end.
I wish you success and the small portion of luck which every fight needs - but which is not talked about.

Bidukan again. Well, I think Inara is more worried than me or you. It would be more than stupid to hurt her now, with the friendships she has made. But, as we already know, he can harm Inara in other ways than physical violence. Still, she is in good hands with you and with those she can call friends and allies.

Also something that is hard for me to learn, not to come running when there is danger for my little one.

Well, what else is new here. All the "treasures" from Amat'Aras have found their way, stacked, into my "Dark Library" or whatever you want to call it. The work there will take a little longer, but naturally, it will be continued only after Mas and the entrances, the portals, I have sealed for the time being. Nothing gets in and nothing gets out.

As for the house, well that will take some time. The wall had priority and the homes of our new residents, of course. But it will. At least there are no problems so far. I hope it stays that way until Mas.

The bandit attacks on the streets became less. Who knows, maybe they have shifted a bit for now. We will investigate this again after Mas. As far as it is in our power. But there were no reports from other villages, at least none that mentioned a major bandit problem.

It really seems like the calm before the storm....

But, now something pleasant. Today I am very talkative anyway apparently, which is probably also due to the alcohol.
Yes, there was a celebration today on which the whole city and also I was present for a few hours.
Alicia and Kendrick announced their engagement together with their parents. I think it was a given. But still it's nice to see how happy Alicia can be with him again. Something that turned out well after all.
They want to get married in the middle of next year or the year after. Depending on what happens between now and then. However, you're invited to that too, I'm just supposed to tell you that in advance before the invitation reaches you anytime soon.

It feels good to see how everything is developing. And also how I can leave more and more of my shadows behind me.

So well then sister, take care of yourself and of those who are close to you.

My heart is with you.

~Nisha~

Nisha smiled gently as she read over the letter again. A whistle was enough and Aratos came flying over to her as she then folded the letter. She spoke softly to the proud animal and gently stroked his feathers before he took to the skies with the letter. Nisha herself, remained here for a while, simply looking up at the starry sky.

[Alytys Lamar]

The first round of the tournament was over. Luck had not been with her and she had to fight in heavy armor - she hated heavy armor.
The feeling of being locked in steel and not being able to *dance* with light feet - it used to leave a slight feeling of nausea.

Now she tried to relax, but she was worried about Kyre and ... about Drathe.
She wanted to talk to both of them soon.
Kyre was not very happy these days.

But she had also seen Drathe's searching glances, but Kaelyn was not there and had not been seen for a long time.
What was going on over there ?
She was still proud of her friend, he had finished second in the tournament. With luck, he could have taken first place -
but light armor was not his choice, never had been. Drugar had played it smart.

Runewick was in turmoil after Deanna left and she wondered if Lennier could manage the task of calming it all down.

Enough of all these thoughts, she scolded herself. Mas was very close and she wanted to write a letter to Nish beforehand.


*Dearest friend,

it is good to hear that you are doing well so far and your preparations for Mas are almost complete.
Honestly, I don't know what to expect this time.
It has been so quiet - too quiet - and it leaves me with a very bad feeling. Or maybe I don't tolerate peace and quiet very well.
I think the *dark library* needs careful planning - and I'm looking forward to seeing how it all turns out.

I am honored that Alicia and Kendrick are inviting me to their wedding - and yes I am looking forward to my visit to Temran.
Especially if it is such a happy occasion.

Unfortunately, luck was not with me in the tournament.
As you say *Who can fight in heavy armor?*
That's exactly what happened to me, unfortunately. The worst possible choice hit me - against a fighter who is proficient in this style. I had no chance.
There are still two tournaments to fight and maybe next time I will have a bit more luck.

I wish us both to survive Mas in full health - and I will protect Inara as best I can.

Maybe you will find the time and inspiration to write back before Mas. I would be pleased.

in love and in thoughts with you

~Aly~*

The letter was put on the shelf. Tomorrow in the early morning it would go on its journey. But for now it was time to find a few hours of sleep.

[Lacy Dracu]

(( english below ))

Die letzten Tage waren so ruhig gewesen. Viel zu ruhig nach Nishadaas Geschmack. Es wäre wohl besser gewesen wenn es so geblieben wäre.
Aber manchmal sahen Banditen sowas wohl anders. Ein Überfall in den sie hinein geplatzt war.
Noch immer blitzte der ganze Kampf immer wieder vor ihrem geistigen Auge auf, während Naira sich um ihre Verletzungen kümmerte. Eine Platzwunde am Kopf welche auch dafür gesorgt hatte, dass ihre Sicht blutig verschleiert worden war.
Nisha ließ Naira ihre Arbeit machen aber auch nur das nötigste. Ein Danke, ein leichtes Lächeln, nicht auf den zaghaften Einspruch Nairas achtend, zog sich Nisha dann auch nach hause zurück. In ihr Arbeitszimmer, ohne mit jemand anderen noch zu sprechen.
Waffen ablegen und, doch langsamer als gedacht, raus aus der Rüstung. Blaue Flecken, Blutergüsse, nichts was sie nicht kannte aber es war doch gerade etwas unangenehm.
Sie zog sich nur etwas Bequemeres an, bevor sie Platz an ihrem Schreibtisch nahm. Dort lag noch der Brief von Aly.
Warum nicht darauf antworten anstatt mit den Gedanken bei diesem....Massaker zu verweilen.

Meine liebe Aly

Ich sollte vielleicht sagen, gewinnen ist ja nicht alles aber, das ist doch echt scheiße. Und, definitiv mehr als nur Pech. Dennoch bleibt mir nur dir zu wünschen, dass es beim nächsten Turnier besser läuft.
Viel mehr muss man dazu auch nicht sagen. Auch nicht, was wir beide in einem echten Kampf am ehesten bevorzugen.

Alicia und Kendrick würden sich wirklich freuen wenn du kommen könntest auch, wenn das wohl noch etwas dauern wird und wer weiß ob du nicht sogar schon vorher mal vorbei schaust. So wie wohl auch einige andere sich freuen dich wieder zu sehen.
Meine Mutter meinte ja auch schon ich sollte dich einmal nach Ar-Sikar mitnehmen. Was eigentlich bedeutet das sie dir eine Einladung ausgesprochen hat.
Zudem denke ich, das auch Inara davon mehr als angetan wäre. Also eine Art Familienausflug?

Die „dunkle Bibliothek“...nun dafür liegen mir einige Vorschläge meines Zwergenfreundes Turas vor. Er hat sich mit einem Baumeister von Ar-Sikar beratschlagt und das brachte interessante Baukonzepte hervor. Wohl wird sie auch verlegt werden, damit man die Räume vernünftig bauen oder konstruieren kann. Aber das sollte alles kein Problem sein mit der Portal und Teleportmagie.
Oh und ich hatte es beinahe vergessen, die Waffenkammer und das Gebäude mit dem Trainingsgelände der Stadtwache wird auch noch erweitert. Bei dem was an Waffen und Rüstungen noch aus Amat'Aras mitgebracht worden ist, war das sinnvoll. Zumal wir auch neue Rekruten haben.

Was nun Mas angeht, ja es ist viel zu ruhig. Vor allem nachdem was wir getan haben. Was ich getan habe.
Zuviel Ruhe vor solchen Tagen, bringt immer einen Sturm mit sich. Ich gestehe ich bin unruhig. Wegen Mas und auch meinem Geburtstag, knapp 4 Tage vor Mas.
Sicher, die Vorbereitungen sind eigentlich hier abgeschlossen aber, ich lasse sie noch etwas, sagen wir verstärken mit der Hilfe meiner Mutter und ihren Magiern.

Außerdem, war es mit der Ruhe für mich heute irgendwie vorbei.
Keine Sorge mir geht es...halbwegs gut. Die einzigen Verletzungen waren eine stark blutende Wunde am Kopf, Blut das während des Kampfes in deine Augen läuft, wirklich sehr zu empfehlen und das auch noch bei Regen..., und einige blaue Flecken und Blutergüsse. Meine Rüstung abzulegen war, nicht ganz so einfach heute.
Aber, ich sage dir auch, du willst die anderen nicht sehen...
Es waren nur Banditen. Ich bin ausgeritten, einfach um dieses Gefühl wegen Mas, dass mich beschleicht, etwas loszuwerden. Oder um für mich allein zu sein.
Ich war auf der Straße nach Norden und schon gut 2 Stunden unterwegs als ich abseits der Straße auf etwas aufmerksam wurde. Banditen und der Wagen eines Händlers, schätze ich. Dazu drei Leichen.
Ich bin niemand der dann eben nichts tut, egal ob es zu spät es. Kurz gesagt trieb ich Ithildin an und sprang mit gezogenem Schwert von ihrem Rücken um den ersten zu erledigen und vom zweiten ziemlich hart eine verpasst zu bekommen. Ich glaube er hat mich mit einem Schild an der Schläfe erwischt. Ich war ziemlich benommen, aber, anstatt zu versuchen mich zu erledigen, prügelten sie doch eher auf mich ein, mit allem was sie da so hatten. Ich wundere mich nur das ich keinen Bruch erlitten habe. Ich schätze, da ich mein Schwert verloren hatte, dass ich mit meinem Dolchen aber trotzdem den ein oder anderen erwischt habe. Durch den Regen und das Blut in meinen Augen war es mehr ein blinder Kampf für mich. Du kennst mich, das wäre auch nicht so unbedingt ein Problem. Aber ein Schlag, den ich mit meinen Unterarmschienen abfing, schleuderte mich regelrecht gegen einen Baum und trieb mir die Luft aus den Lungen.
Meine Unterarme sehen echt gut aus...blau bis violett und ganz gut Schmerzen.
Dann sah ich diesen Hühnen mit seinem..Hammer. Schon wieder. Was haben die immer mit solchen Waffen.
Aber er interessierte mich kaum als ich sah, das welche der anderen Ithildin zu Boden zwingen wollten um sie ruhig zu stellen oder Schlimmeres. Ich weiß nicht was.....
Es tut mir leid Aly...
Nicht das, was ich mit diesen Banditen tat.
Nein, nur wie ich es tat.
Der Hühne bekam mein Feuer zu spüren. Aber diese immense aufwallende Wut in mir und...dazu dieser Rausch in den ich nun beim Kampf verfiel, ich nutzte was ich kannte und beherrschte. Also ließ ich sie auch meine dunkle Magie spüren.
Es ist nicht so, dass sie es nicht verdient hätten aber schlussendlich war es ein Massaker. 10 tote Banditen.
Selbst bei Ithildin brauchte ich einige Augenblicke bevor sie wieder Vertrauen zu mir fasste und ich mich auf den Rückweg machen konnte.
Naira kümmerte sich um meine Kopfwunde als ich zu Hause war und dann...habe ich mich schweigend zurück gezogen.

Seit wir aus Amat'Aras zurück sind, hatte ich mich von...dieser Art von Magie fern gehalten. Selbst als jetzt in den letzten Tagen das ziehen des Mals auf meinem Rücken immer deutlicher wurde.
Doch dieser Vorfall zeigte mir, das ein Funke ausreichen kann.
Ich gebe deswegen nicht auf aber, es wird noch ein langer Weg sein. Und ja, vielleicht fürchte ich sogar dieses Mas, zum allerersten mal.

Ich hoffe für uns alle das Beste aber ich erwarte...Schlimmes..

Und ich bin froh, dass Inara bei dir ist. Gebt beide gut aufeinander acht. Ich bin stolz auf Inara und auch auf dich Schwester. Mögen die Götter bei euch sein. Meine Gedanken, mein Herz und damit meine Liebe, ist es auf jeden Fall.

~Nisha~


Nish atmete tiefer durch und faltete den Brief. Aratos saß am offenen Fenster und nachdem auch er seine Streicheleinheiten bekommen hatte und Nish ihm noch zugeflüstert hatte, flog er eiligst davon um diese Nachricht zu überbringen. Nish sah ihm nach und merkte auch nicht wie Jeruno eintrat. Er sagte nichts, sondern schloss nur die Arme von hinten um seine Frau. Nish schloss die Augen und lehnte sich einfach nur an ihn, der Dinge harrend die nun folgen würden.


------------------------------------------------------------------------


The last few days had been so quiet. Much too quiet according to Nishadaas taste. It would have been better if it had stayed that way.
But sometimes bandits saw things very differently. A robbery into which she had burst.
The whole fight still flashed before her mental eye again and again, while Naira took care of her injuries. A laceration on her head which had also caused her sight to be blurred with blood.
Nisha let Naira do her work but only the most necessary. A thank you, a light smile, not paying attention to Naira's gentle objection, Nisha then retired to her home. Into her study, without speaking to anyone else.
Weapons off and, but slower than expected, out of the armor. Bruises, hematomas, nothing she didn't know, but it was a little uncomfortable right now.
She just put on something more comfortable before taking a seat at her desk. There was still the letter from Aly.
Why not reply to it instead of lingering with her thoughts on this....massacre.

My dear Aly.

I should probably say, winning isn't everything but, this really sucks.
And, definitely more than just bad luck. Still, all I can do is wish you that things go better at the next tournament.
There is not much more to say about it. Neither is what we both prefer most in a real fight.

Alicia and Kendrick would be really happy if you could come, even if it will probably take a while and who knows if you won't even drop by before then. Just like some others are looking forward to seeing you again.
My mother already told me that I should take you to Ar-Sikar. Which actually means that she has extended an invitation to you.
I also think that Inara would be more than pleased. So some kind of family trip?

The "dark library"...well for that I have some suggestions from my dwarf friend Turas. He consulted with one of Ar-Sikar's master builders and that yielded some interesting construction concepts. Probably it will also be moved, so that one can build or construct the rooms reasonably. But all that shouldn't be a problem with the portal and teleport magic.
Oh and I almost forgot, the armory and the building with the city guard training area will be expanded as well. With the amount of weapons and armor still brought from Amat'Aras, that made sense. Especially since we also have new recruits.


As for Mas now, yes it is way too quiet. Especially after what we did. What I did.
Too much calm before such days, always brings a storm. I confess I am restless. Because of Mas and also my birthday, barely 4 days before Mas.
Sure, the preparations are actually finished here but, I'm still letting them strengthen a bit, let's say with the help of my mother and her mages.

Besides, it was kind of over with the rest for me today.
Don't worry I'm doing... moderately well. The only injuries were a heavily bleeding wound on my head, blood running into my eyes during the fight, really highly recommended and that too in the rain..., and some bruises and hematomas. Taking off my armor was, not so easy today.
But, I also tell you, you don't want to see the others....
They were just bandits. I rode out, just to get rid of this feeling about Mas that creeps up on me. Or to be alone for myself.
I was on the road north and had been riding for a solid 2 hours when something off the road caught my attention. Bandits and a merchant's wagon, I guess. In addition three corpses.
I am not someone who just does nothing, no matter if it is too late. In short, I spurred Ithildin on and jumped off her back with my sword drawn to finish off the first one and get hit pretty hard by the second. I think he caught me in the temple with a shield. I was quite dazed, but, instead of trying to finish me off, they rather hit me with everything they had. I'm just surprised I didn't suffer a fracture. I guess, since I had lost my sword, that I still got one or the other with my daggers. With the rain and blood in my eyes, it was more of a blind fight for me. You know me, that wouldn't necessarily be a problem either. But one punch, which I absorbed with my forearm bracers, really hurled me against a tree and knocked the air out of my lungs.
My forearms are looking really good...blue to purple and hurting pretty damn good.
Then I saw this guy with his...hammer. Again. What do they always have with weapons like that.
But he hardly interested me as I saw some of the others trying to force Ithildin to the ground to immobilize her or worse. I don't know what.....
I'm sorry Aly...
Not what I did to those bandits.
No, just how I did it.
The scoundrel got to feel my fire. But this immense surging rage inside me in addition to...this frenzy I was now falling into while fighting, I was using what I knew and could control. So I let them feel my dark magic too.
It's not that they didn't deserve it but in the end it was a massacre. Ten dead bandits.
Even Ithildin needed a few moments before she trusted me again and I could start my way back.
Naira tended to my head wound when I got home and then...I silently retreated.

Ever since we returned from Amat'Aras, I had stayed away from...that kind of magic. Even as now in the last few days the pull on my back from the mark became more and more apparent.
But this incident showed me that one spark can be enough.
I don't give up because of that but, it will still be a long way. And yes, maybe I even fear this Mas, for the very first time.

I hope for the best for all of us but I expect...bad things.

And I am glad that Inara is with you. Take good care of each other. I am proud of Inara and also of you sister. May the gods be with you. My thoughts, my heart, and therefore my love, definitely is.

~Nisha~


Nish took a deeper breath and folded the letter. Aratos was sitting by the open window and after getting his cuddles as well, Nish whispered to him some more, he hurriedly flew away to deliver this message. Nish watched him and did not notice Jeruno entering. He said nothing, but only wrapped his arms around his wife from behind. Nish closed her eyes and just leaned against him, waiting for the things that would follow.

[Alytys Lamar]

She slept, collapsed - her armor carelessly next to the bed. Dirty, bloody, dusty - Mas had left clear traces.
However, soon the pain in her arms woke Aly up again. Never before had her knowledge as an archer been so important,
and never before had she used the bow so intensively for days.
With a soft groan, she crossed her aching arms behind her neck - after trying to stretch the joints to get a little relief.
But even that didn't help much - A hot bath....
After this very short sleep, she was still exhausted to the bone.
Wearily, tiredly, she got dressed, grabbed soap and towels and went to the bathhouse.

*We need to renovate the villa - we need our own hot tub*
she thought as she slipped into the well-tempered bath with a blissful sigh.

Her thoughts drifted back - to the dwarf's stories which unfortunately had turned out to be much more -
the doors of her villa, almost coal with deep grooves of claws,---- Inara !
It should have struck her - not Inara. She had felt the hot breath on her neck in Runewick, had felt the searching eyes, got the chill in her bones
.... but then it hit Inara.
This damned beast was invisible ! How could one fight something like that ?

She knew Inara was in good hands with Amelia - she frowned briefly. The argument with Amelia - or rather that Amelia had simply assumed something.
Aly wanted to help her and then something like this ? She had attacked her like a little furie.
Aly couldn't just accept the apology, she was too tired for that. But it didn't matter, it wasn't important, she didn't hold a grudge.
Amelia didn't have nerves of steel like Aly, and she had fought for hours for Oxiana's life, who had been poisoned.
She fervently hoped he would survive the assassination or whatever had happened.
The matter was unimportant after what Amelia had accomplished. Once again, the girl had proven how important she was, even taking on Gray verbally.

Somehow it was almost a * cozy * Mas at first. On the first day, she stayed behind to guard Cadomyr as the others rushed to Runewick's aid - and it remained strangely quiet.
It was good to have Jakob back in Runewick. She even took a little nap in the guardhouse - very shallow and always on the alert for any strange sound to be heard.

The next day was also quiet until they decided to patrol - Runewick was flooded with rats - she had never seen anything like it. In between, a crazy rat kept shouting for cheese.
And then the demon beasts came - hordes. Ol'Scucca pounced as the dragons came - and it hit Inara.
She almost went insane with concern - but she couldn't just run away from it. S'rrt, the already injured Exelous and she set out to attack the hordes from the other side.
Her bow was buzzing over and over, and when necessary she quickly and safely switched to shield and axe. In both she was almost masterful.
At some point Runewick was safe and Katharina decided to inspect the other towns and the Hemp with her soldiers.
They didn't get far - Galmair was overrun - the teleporter almost a death trap.
Dark paladins and other vermin blocked Galmair. Then Oxiana - he collapsed, some poison. Drugar took over the command.
Then, when the bone-sack Gray showed up as well, it was enough. S'rrt lost patience - wanted to attack single-handedly from the Inn. Aly did not understand.
Wasn't he the one who had preached to act thoughtfully, to stay with the group? She shook her head - it was a mistake he paid for, by being sent to Cherga.
Had he stayed, they might have defeated Gray completely. So there remained only the satisfaction of seeing the Bonepile Lord flee.
Runewick forces - first and foremost Bidukan - had rushed through the mine tunnels to aid and assist.
Bidukan had surprised her - and they actually exchanged a few words.
Even though she had told Inara she wasn't sure if she would save his ass - she did.
Her arrows found the necessary targets every time he was surrounded. And in the end it was once again Jefferson Gray - who thought he was invincible - who had to flee.
Katharina's and her arrows, as well as Bidukan, Drugar, Aswe and Titus - united they held against it. The planned dark ritual remained unfinished,
Ra'Shaz, the traitor, was sent to Cherga - and with satisfaction Gray was watched fleeing.
Together with Bidukan and Guir, they eliminated the last dangerous enemies, dragons and paladins, to make Galmair safe again.

A short visit to Inara and Titus, who had also been injured, then she hurried to Oxiana.
She was glad to see him at least awake and oriented. All of them were in good hands with Amelia - she knew that.

Back in Cadomyr she took up her position on the wall again, waiting.
Katharina hoped for a quiet Mas here - how deeply she would be disappointed - and how much she would outgrow herself.
Aly was already tired after the many hours of fighting when the portals appeared.
She found the Countess in the hospital with an injured S'rrt. His leg and muzzle were bandaged, speech hardly possible for him.

She still had the magic jewels Katharina had given her in Galmair and pocketed them along with the other supplies.
Her feeling should not deceive her. Aratos brought the news to the other cities that now Cadomyr was under siege.

The battle for Cadomyr began - too much happened in all those hours.
The Lizards Chirch and S'rrt fought and were injured, fighting on. It was fragments that remained in her memory.
Gray appeared again in his theatrical way, at his side Khuth. This one could be eliminated.
Katharina and the others, they fought against a superior force and still stood their ground.
Chirch - with his brave, if uncoordinated fighting style, the one she knew didn't think highly of the humans.
S'rrt - with his desperate effort to make Chirch understand that he had to throw away the corrupting fire element - otherwise all would be lost.
Aswe wounded, Amelia - the brave - who kept providing supplies, shouting insults at Gray.
Katharina who literally declared war on Gray - those accursed creatures of madness, which made it so hard to aim accurately.
Her shoulder and arm protesting every now and then.
Reinforcements rushed in, many names and faces, Drathe, Jacob, Orren, Yasna, Clairette, Hur,
an annoying black-haired elfess - who thought this would be a good place for field studies - and of course the Rat.
She still wasn't sure if it was actually Wynter - that Rat had turned against them joining forces with Gray - for freakin' cheese....

A faint smile appeared on her lips. She rose from the bath and tousled her hair a little dry.

Her arrows almost always found their target, and it was especially satisfying when she used them to keep Gray and his hordes at bay, got a precise headshot on her targets.
Gray chanted at a safe distance, opening gates....
Yasna screamed at Gray - giving him the name *Teabag*.
She herself surrounded by creatures of madness, Gray shooting at the same to increase their numbers.
Chirch and Horatio managed to free her from this precarious situation and Gray was once again the loser of this game, called her a slippery sand girl.

The question which did rose in her - WHO DID SUPPLY Gray and his minions with potions and charged jewellry ??????

She gathered up the damp towels, the soap, the brush found its way into the long, silky hair, she was proud of. At home - no Inara, she was alone.

She looked at herself in the mirror. She was still beautiful, matured, her skin smooth. Her finger ran thoughtfully over her full lips.
Drathe - what had gotten into her when she had asked him for a motivational kiss ? She didn't care who saw it or what remarks were made
- she wanted *that one* kiss. She wanted to feel the fire inside her.
Asking for deeper reasons would've been rather pointless - and she denied herself to ask for it. It was Mas - and it had worked.

Bidukan was the next strange factor here - they had even joked with each other.
All after Valherian had been send to Cherga and Gray on the run - with a handful of warriors under Katharinas leadership.
Perhaps if Bidukan would apologize to Inara - at least a neutral beginning could be possible ?

She went back to bed, fatigue returned with overwhelming strength - the last thought was Inara.
How should she explain to Nish that Inara was now marked, that she has failed in her task to protect the girl ...
Katharina promised her to help in finding a solution...

*the rest passes into muddled thoughts and then finally into deep sleep*

[Inara Valdris]

Mas....

Inara sat cross-legged on the guest bed in Amelia's apartment. She was meditating.
It helped sort out everything that had happened in her mind, for one thing, and for another, it also
made her forget the pain a little, even without the light Sibanac tea. At least it all worked when Lil,
Ami's dog, let her.

Mas had largely bypassed Inara. She had still helped defend Runewick, 2 times, but then a serious
injury - that couldn't or wouldn't really be expected - had gotten her sent to Galmair's hospital.
But actually this had started a few days before Mas, hadn't it?
With the dwarf who had shown up at Galmair. The one who talked about legends, stories, telling
them and that finally turned out to be true.
Starting the same evening when Inara had come home, with the burned doors of the villa with deep
claw marks. Still not fully believing this but, she nevertheless laid out raw meat to dissuade that
demonic dog Ol'Scucca from her and Aly, but in the end that had not worked.
At first everything had been quiet at Mas. Too calm, actually. But then came the call for help from
Runewick. Aly stayed behind and Inara accompanied Lady Katharina and Jakob.
The area with the fields, the bridge directly to Runewick and on the water, Beholders were
everywhere. It took a while to get them under control, as they kept popping up. But Inara did her
very best, dodged the attacks of the Beholders and her arrows flew fast and almost always struck their mark.
But still, of course, her arms hurt when it was finally over. There had been so many of them.
The next day didn't get any better. Even though Inara joined later, this mass of opponents was
unbelievable.
The Ratkins had missed Inara. Wynter, on the other hand, had apparently turned into one of the
Ratkins and was asking for cheddar all the time. It was something, weird.
It wasn't long before the howling of dogs was heard. But it wasn't this demonic dog, it was rather
those demonic and partially ghostly beasts that still vaguely had similarities with dogs. They were
uncountable...
But here the many treasure hunts, Inara had participated in, were paying off. Retreat from the
enemy, keep your distance to be able to take a good shot. Watching out for the melee fighters,
protecting them if necessary and changing position again and again to catch only the enemies.
Hour after hour was fought and it did not stop. After these beasts, those Dark Paladins also
appeared, preparing a ritual.
These knights, Paladins were then also relatively quickly finished, left behind only this circle with
the candles. Inara still did not understand why Sir S'rrt gave the order to stand in a circle and in a
proper distance to the candles. Why did one risk such a danger at all? And then there was this
feeling...
Like a hot breath on the back of the neck, coldness that overcame you and the feeling as if
something was roaming around with a searching look. It sent a shiver down Inara's spine and she
saw that Aly felt the similar way. Or she just knew it, as well as that no one else had felt this.
Inara sighed slightly. She hadn't reacted fast enough, hadn't thought about what the old dwarf had
said. If she had closed her eyes at that moment, perhaps nothing would have happened...but it
turned out differently.
Flames suddenly shot up, almost burning Lennier. First only 3 columns of flames and then more
and more and - the undead dragons came. But Inara didn't really notice most of it. Inara's world
was engulfed in pain shortly after the first flames appeared.
For his master, Ol'Scucca had found what he was looking for and struck. Inara frowned, trying to
remember more clearly. Perhaps there had been a low growl, though no less threatening. Then the
blow to her back came as the beast slammed its claws into her back and Inara went down bleeding
and screaming.
Inara took a deep breath at the memory of it, almost feeling a pull in her back, at the wounds.
Much of what came next was blurry and Inara was only conscious of it as if through some cotton
wool. She got up again when she was called, as the dragons appeared and she dragged herself to the
bridge. Only to collapse there again. A young man asked if everything was all right and then, there
was Lady Katharina.
It was Katharina who helped Inara get through a portal to Galmair, to Amelia and her more than
capable medico abilities.
Her memories are fuzzy, but she then found herself in Galmair's hospital with Lady Katharina's and
Drugar's help.
Amelia gave Inara something to ease the pain before they set about removing the armor. The armor,
just new and now totally destroyed by the continuous claw marks on the back.
Amelia and probably Lady Katharina were shocked for a moment to see the wounds that beast had
ripped. But Katharina also stayed to help Ami, while for Inara everything became somehow, numb
and heavy. Not only her body, also somehow her thoughts. She had never felt like this before.
Was being drunk anything like this? After all, it was not so easy for her to answer Ami's questions
and it took her some time to do it at all.
But when Amelia started to treat and stitch the wounds, after they were cleaned, Inara was
supposed to tell Katharina about home. Inara should be distracted and now, she was also glad
about it, no matter what she had told and how.
Inara talked about the wooden dragon in the garden and about the bench, that also had a dragon on
the back. But Inara also mentioned dragon eggs, not very much, but Lady Katharina promised not
to tell anyone about it.
Inara was only half aware of the commotion outside. She drifted away more and more, because of
the Sibanac, that Amelia gave her and finally made her sleep.
She could hardly remember what happened next. Fighting noises and shouts, yelling from outside.
She herself - how she had left the hospital in Galmair and came up to the depot. Familiar faces, Aly
among others. She was brought back and Aly was with her then, but everything remained
somewhat hazy in her memory. Until it was quiet again in the room.
However, only until she herself then spoke. Still very woozy from the Sibanac drink, she mumbled
something halfway intelligible into her pillow....

"Hmm...Brágon? Tell me, are you theeeeere? How could you miss the giant
beast there....you could have sent a little flame or something. A smaaaaaall warning? Yes? No?
OK...hmm, but don't say you didn't see it?! It can't be...can it? I take part in a lot of things, but come
on, that really didn't have to happen. Do you have any idea how much it hurts?!!! Hrmm...I think
I'll be gone in a minute. Everything is getting so blurry again....BUT! There are still consequences
my dear....God. ....ByeBye... "

Meanwhile, even before the meditation now, she had already apologized a bit to Brágon for that.
At the very least for the way she did it. She was incredibly embarrassed and uncomfortable, and
yet she couldn't help but smile about it.

But Mas had not been over yet. Galmair was no longer in danger, but Cadomir was. Amelia came
to Inara to bring her normal clothing that she could wear. In addition, Aly needed the potions that
Inara still had with her and the arrows from her depot in Galmair. Amelia helped her to hand them
out and some fresh air did her good.
It was not easy for Inara to hear what was happening and how hard the fight was this time - not be
able to do anything herself.
Amelia made her way back with wind arrows and potions as Inara was lying in bed again.
At the same time Clairette came over and they had a long talk, which was more than good for
Inara and the friendship/alliance of the two. On the one hand, it was first about what had happened
to Inara. Clairette was also worried now, as some probably were in the meantime.
Inara smiled when she opened her eyes again and thought of the conversation with Clairette. It had
really done her good, both of them probably.
Inara stood up and stepped out onto the balcony by Ami's apartment. She took a deep breath.
Mas was over. But the fight was far from it. Especially since all this still had after-effects.
Cadomir was still under siege because of portals all over the desert.
Gray was still out there.
And herself?
Inara felt the terror sitting in her neck all too clearly. But she didn't show it, didn't let it dictate her
further path.
Yes, she had been marked by this beast, for his master. And this one, was as old as the old gods
themselves. According to the legends.
There were still hard times ahead and one would see how it developed.
But one thing Inara would not do. She would never give up!

[Alytys Lamar]

With a sigh she removed her armor and slipped into something comfortable.
Every day she was outside - sometimes alone, sometimes with other warriors or with Katharina, to fight the skeletons.
Somehow, the fatigue never ended, nor did the skeletons that was spewed from the portals.
The smell of burning, which emanated from the ruined doors, did not want to weaken either.
She knew she should be concerned that the beast may have been after her, too.
But she did forsake this thought.

This conversation with Bidukan - she was still surprised about it. Was he really interested in how she was - how she was doing?
And - could she really trust him? He had disappointed her so often - with his twisted views of pride, his arrogance that allowed only one opinion.
Had Runewick changed him ? Or the influence of the people there?
Had he changed at all or was it just a good phase ?

Time would tell.
Just as time would show what forces were at play in the desert and behind this demon hound Ol'Scucca.

At least she knew that Inara and Kyre were safe.
Kyre was still struggling with the end of her relationship to Caswir.
The mighty witch did not recognize that she does not have to rely on love or men.
As often as she could spare some time, she spent it with one or the other.
Both had to heal, each in their own way, closing their wounds.

With another sigh, she lit the fireplace, took a glass of wine and also a quill and parchment.
She had to write to Nish, confessing that she had failed to protect Inara.

*My soul sister,

I have never written a letter to you as difficult as this one.
I failed, I missed my goal to protect Inara.

It was an order in Mas, given by our commander, that caused it.
Right now there are forces at work here that I don't understand. A storytelling dwarf, a demon dog named Ol'Scucca, flour that suddenly turns black
- and another dwarf who tampers with corpses. They are not legends - I felt the chilling cold in my spine and searching eyes, along with hot breething in my neck.
If this is true then the legend is true aswell, that the dog marks his victims for his master, as old as the elder gods.
Whoever is behind this has just added to our problems with Letma, Prea and Gray.

But I digress - Inara was separated from me by that very order to group us around a ritual circle...
Then he struck - the beast is - damnation - invisible...it should have hit me and certainly would have, if I had stayed by Inara's side.
Both doors of our villa had been *marked* before. I fear because he/she / it.... look for both, Inara and me. I suppose we did piss someone really off.
But it hit Inara - Nish it hurts me infinitely and I am so deeply sorry that I did not protect her.
I think about sending her home to you, just to get her out of the line of fire. But I'm afraid our little fire-head has an opinion of her own about that.

Incontrovertible fact: she's marked...
Amelia certainly did the best she could to clean and stitch the wounds, but the scars will remain.
And I wasn't even with her in the hospital.... The battles here were brutal - and they didn't end with Mas this time.
Gray has resurfaced, we have portals in the eastern desert spewing undead incessantly- an army.

Yes I am tired, my arms ache without ceasing, the bow is always in my hand. This is how we keep them at bay. This is how we won small victories.
Three of Gray's minions could be eliminated. I hope Cherga keeps them and locks them away.

But enough of us here. If you can forgive me, I would like to know how you fared? Was it this time over there as violent as here ?

Before I return to my duties and the already quite damaged bow in my hand - I would like to add something concerning your last letter.

You write you are trying to stay away from that kind of magic, understandably.
But I think you should try it in another way. This magic is a part of you, makes you out in some way.
And if you use it then for a *good* cause.
Is this magic still black if you use it for the right purpose ?
Maybe you should really start to control it completely, to control yourself and consider it as a *normal* part of you.
It would soften the burden you carry. Channel that power and use it to do good with it.

Maybe I am just too tired - and it is wishful thinking.
Besides, I have forfeited any right to give advice when I have failed miserably in protecting Inara.

I wish you can and will send me better news and that all of you are doing well.
With love and asking for your forgiveness

~Aly~*

The morning sun was already beginning to cast shadows as Aly folded the letter and went back outside in her armor.
The charred doors made her scowl each time.
The soft whistle summoned Aratos, the letter set off and with a heavy heart Aly watched her faithful feathered friend until he disappeared into the rosy light blue of the horizon.

[Lacy Dracu]

(( english below ))


Mas war vorbei und das schon eine kleine Weile. Überraschenderweise hatte es Temran nicht mal wirklich schlimm erwischt. Es hatte etwas von … “Normal für Mas“.
Sicher hatte es Kämpfe mit Untoten gegeben und Banditen die meinten jetzt ihre Chance zu nutzen.
Es gab nur leichte Verletzungen für die Bewohner. Sie hatten dieses mal wirklich Glück gehabt.
Selbst Nish hatte nur Schrammen davon getragen.
Allerdings trat bei der Behandlung durch Naira etwas anderes zu Tage und das, belastete sie grade genauso, wie der Brief von Aly.
Tagelang hatte sie jetzt schon versucht eine „gute“ Antwort zu schreiben. Aber jedes mal dann diese doch wieder verworfen. Nish war in Sorge, am zweifeln und noch mehr.
Es war mitten in der Nacht und sie stand am Fenster ihres Arbeitszimmers und sah einfach hinaus.
Die Gedanken rasten hin und her aber schlussendlich, ging ihr Blick doch wieder zu ihrem Schreibtisch und dem inzwischen erkaltetem Tee.
Nish seufzte und nahm dort wieder Platz. Sie schloss ihre Hand um die Tasse und erhitzte den Tee nochmals bevor sie einen Schluck nahm und sich dem Brief wieder widmete.


Geliebte Schwester,

hast du eine Vorstellung davon, wie oft ich diesen Brief schon begonnen habe und ebenso oft wieder verworfen?
Das ist mir wohl wahrlich noch nie so schwer gefallen die richtigen Worte zu finden. Zuallererst, kann ich dir sagen, dass es mir den Umständen entsprechend gut geht. Wir haben hier Mas sehr gut überstanden. Zumal es ein „normaler“ Mas war? Kann man das so sagen?
Nichts von dem was ich befürchtet hatte traf ein. Keine Vergeltung durch Kultisten oder Moshran Anhänger oder Anhängern meines Vaters, wie auch immer.
Nur leichte Verletzungen, kaum Beschädigungen.
Auch die Wochen jetzt nach Mas waren ruhig. Vielleicht für mich zu ruhig aber, Jeruno hat eh ein Auge darauf, das ich es nicht übertreibe. Das tägliche Training mit der Stadtwache ist wohl auch grade noch das aufregendste, nun bis auf deinen Brief.
Ich weiß nicht worauf ich grade zuerst reagieren soll.
Vielleicht mit dem was am wichtigsten ist, du hast keine Schuld daran und auch nicht versagt Aly. Um ehrlich zu sein, hättest du wohl nichts tun können. Genauso könnte ich sagen, dass es meine Schuld ist.
Sind wir doch mal ehrlich, es ist nur eine Frage der Zeit bis die Schatten meiner Vergangenheit meine Familie einholen.
Ja ich bin...bestürzt, schockiert, das es überhaupt passiert ist. Und ich würde grade am liebsten alles stehen und liegen lassen und zu euch kommen aber....ich kann nicht. Ich sollte nicht.
Inara ist bei dir in guten Händen und ich....bin mehr als froh....glücklich, das sie noch lebt. Wenngleich die ….Angst da ist, dass noch etwas folgen wird.
Warum ich schreibe was ich schreibe? Das du keine Schuld trägst und es nicht hättest verhindern können? Das ich mir auch nicht wirklich die Schuld geben kann? Ich kenne diese Legenden.
Von dem schwarzen Mehl, habe ich nur gehört wenn wir in einem der Dörfer waren oder durch Berichte von Kultisten aus anderen Teilen der Welt.
Diesen Zwerg der auf Schlachtfeldern herumlungert und seinen Hut in das Herzblut von Toten taucht um daraus Macht und Lebenskraft zuziehen. Ihn habe ich selbst aus der Ferne gesehen. Schon davor hörte ich Geschichten über ihn aber nie etwas genaueres.
Aber das Problem ergibt sich auch eher aus der dritten Legende. Ol'Scucca.
Über ihn weiß ich wohl noch das meiste. Ob es hilft ist wohl fraglich. Die Legende unter den Moshran Anhängern ist nicht sehr ergiebig, dafür aber das was die Priester zu erzählen hatten.
Einiges hast du schon selbst gesagt, ich kann nur versuchen es zu ergänzen. Ich selbst bin diesem Wesen nie begegnet und ob alles was man sich so als Schutzmaßnahme erzählt wahr ist, wäre auch fraglich.
Ol'Scucca ist eine große dämonische Wolf oder hundähnliche Kreatur. Sie hat einen Meister, von dem gesagt wird, und das ist wohl leider auch sicher, dass er so alt wie die alten Götter ist. Ol'Scucca hört auf jedes Wort seines Meisters, zudem scheint es da auch eine Verbindung der beiden zu geben, so dass er eben weiß was sein Meister will oder wen. Die Kreatur markiert die Türen derer die er holt oder die er für seinen Meister markieren wird.
Es gibt Gerüchte, dass es helfen soll feines Fleisch an einen Ort abzulegen wo Ol'Scucca nicht gesehen werden kann um diesem Schicksal zu entgehen. Ich glaube jedoch nicht das dies funktioniert. Diese Kreatur ist speziell und die Verbindung zu seinem Meister....tiefgehend.
Die Kreatur ist auf normalem Weg nicht zu sehen. Sie ist unsichtbar für das blosse Auge, wie ihr leider schon festgestellt habt.
Es heißt in dem Moment wo man sich der Nähe der Kreatur bewusst wird, durch den heißen Atem im Nacken oder dem Gefühl das etwas einen sucht oder der Kälte die einem in die Glieder fährt oder schlicht dem Knurren hinter einem, soll man die Augen schließen. So das die Kreatur einen dann nicht mehr wahrnehmen kann. Warum das funktionieren soll, ist mir ein Rätsel.
Sie markiert einen mit den Klauen mit denen sie dann zuschlägt und einen schwer verletzt. Im Normalfall, wenn es jemand ist den die Kreatur für den Meister sucht, tötet sie nicht.
Die Arbeit von Ol'Scucca ist damit getan und sein Meister ist es dann der das Opfer aufsucht oder einfach holt.
Ich habe..keinen Rat für euch und es wäre gelogen würde ich sagen ich hätte keine Angst um Inara.
Denn selbst Bjolmur mit all ihren Tricks hat es nicht geschafft diese Kreatur für sich zu gewinnen oder irgendwie an sie heran zu kommen. Auch Moshran nicht, obwohl er, laut dem Priester, großes Interesse an der Kreatur und dem Meister hegt.
Also die Frage, wie mächtig müssen Kreatur und Meister dann wohl sein...
Nichts hätte ändern können das Inara markiert wird. Und vielleicht du auch noch. Denn nur weil beide Türen markiert wurden, heisst es nicht, das er euch beide will. Aber Inara wohl mit Sicherheit.

Was deine Ideen in Bezug auf meine Magie angeht, nicht alles an meiner Magie ist schwarz und dunkel und entstammt Moshran. Die einfachen Dinge eben nicht. Die Nekromantie und andere Besonderheiten....sie geben mir ein seltsames Gefühl. Und der Ursprung ändert sich leider eben nicht egal für was oder wie man es einsetzt. Irgendetwas, endet immer im Tod. In einem Tribut aus Blut und Knochen. Ich denke, mich davon doch fernzuhalten ist die bessere Idee.
Es bleibt noch das, was mir Pellandria beibrachte und die Magische Akademie von Gobaith.
Feuer ist ein Element was ich gut beherrsche und diese Telekinese eben und noch andere kleinere Tricks. Es muss reichen. Alles andere, zieht mich nur zurück ins Dunkel und das, darf nicht sein.

Nun, ohnehin muss ich mich langsam mit allem zurück halten. Mit der Magie, mit dem Kämpfen oder mich zu sehr aufzuregen.
Meine Gefühle, Emotionen brechen sich immer öfter Bahn und veranstalten in mir das reinste Chaos. Jeruno hat es schwer mit mir derzeit und auch gesundheitlich geht es mir nicht immer gut seit ein paar Monaten.
Allerdings kennt Jeruno das ja schon und es ist der vorrangigste Grund, der mich zurück hält euch aufzusuchen. Ich würde sonst vielleicht nicht nur euch und mich in Gefahr bringen....
Ich bin...schwanger Aly, so wie Naira sagt schon seit einigen Monaten, 4 oder 5.
Ich sollte mich freuen oder? Jeruno tut es.
Dennoch ist da vor allem jetzt das was mit Inara geschah...ein schreckliches Gefühl als würde ich ein Kind gegen das andere eintauschen weil ich die Gefahr nicht eingehe Inara zu helfen.
Und ja, meine Emotionen gehen mit mir durch. Emotionen von denen ich immer noch nur die Hälfte wirklich verstehe.

Aber damit kommen wir auch erst einmal zum Ende. Der Brief wurde sehr lang aber das ist wohl kein Wunder.
Was meine Vergebung anbelangt, die brauchst du nicht. Es gibt nichts zu vergeben, weil ich weiß das du alles für Inara tun würdest was du kannst. Nur leider gibt es manchmal Dinge vor denen es keinen Schutz gibt, vor allem nicht wenn man erwählt wurde.

Gebt bitte dennoch weiterhin auf euch acht und ich hoffe das ihr diese Belagerung überstehen werden. Inara schreibe ich auch noch einen Brief...den habe ich fast genauso oft angefangen wie diesen hier.

Mögen eure Götter mit euch sein, mein Herz ist es und meine Gedanken auch.

~Nisha~

Nish las nochmal den Brief und nickte dann schlicht. Was sollte sie mehr tun und bevor sie es sich wieder anders überlegte, ließ sie Aratos wieder nach Hause fliegen mit dieser Nachricht.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mas was over and had already been for a little while.
Surprisingly, Temran hadn't even really had it all that bad. It was something like ... "normal for Mas".
Sure there had been fights with undead and bandits who thought now to use their opportunity.
There were only light injuries for the villagers. They had truly been fortunate this time.
Even Nish had only been scratched.
However, something else came to light during Naira's treatment and that burdened her just as much as the letter from Aly.
For days she had tried to write a "good" answer. But each time she discarded it. Nish was worried, doubtful and more than that.
It was the middle of the night and she stood at the window of her workroom and just looked out.
Her thoughts were running back and forth, but finally, her eyes went back to her desk and the meanwhile cooled tea.
Nish sighed and took a seat there again. She closed her hand around the cup and heated the tea again before taking a sip and turning her attention back to the letter.


Beloved sister,

do you have any idea how many times I have started this letter and just as often discarded it?
It has never been so difficult for me to find the right words. First of all, I can tell you that I am well, considering the circumstances. We have survived Mas quite nicely here. Especially since it was a "normal" Mas? Can one say that?
None of the things I feared happened. No retaliation by cultists or Moshran followers or followers of my father, whatsoever.
Only minor injuries, hardly any damage.
Even the weeks now after Mas were quiet. Maybe too calm for me, but Jeruno has an eye on it anyway, that I don't overdo it. The daily training with the city guard is probably the most exciting thing right now, except for your letter.
I don't know what to respond to first.
Maybe with what is most important, you are not to blame and you did not fail Aly. To be honest, there was nothing you could have done. I could just as easily say it's my fault.
Let's face it, it's only a matter of time before the shadows of my past catch up with my family.
Yes, I am... shocked, horrified that it happened at all. And I would love to drop everything and come to you right now but....I can't. I shouldn't.
Inara is in good hands with you and I....am more than happy that she is still alive. Although the ....fear is there that something else will follow.
Why I write what I write? That you are not to blame and could not have prevented it? That I can't really blame myself either? I have heard these legends.
About the black flour, I have only heard when we were in one of the villages or through reports of cultists from other parts of the world.
This dwarf who roams the battlefields and dips his hat into the heart blood of the dead to draw power and life force from it. I have seen him myself from afar. Even before that I heard stories about him but never anything more specific.
But the problem arises more from the third legend. Ol'Scucca.
About him I know probably the most. Whether it helps is probably debatable. The legends among the Moshran followers are not very productive, but what the priests had to share is.
You have already said some things yourself, I can only try to add to it. I myself have never met this being, and whether everything that is told as a protective measure is true would also be questionable.
Ol'Scucca is a large demonic wolf or dog-like creature. It has a master who is said, and unfortunately this is probably certain, to be as old as the old gods. Ol'Scucca listens to every word his master says, moreover there seems to be a connection between the two, so he just knows what his master wants or who. The creature marks the doors of those he will fetch or mark for his master.
There are rumors that it helps to place fine meat in a place where Ol'Scucca cannot be seen to avoid this fate. However, I do not believe this will work. This creature is special and the connection to its master....very deep.
The creature cannot be seen in the normal way. It is invisible to the bare eye, as you have unfortunately already discovered.
It is said that the moment you become aware of the proximity of the creature, by the hot breath in your neck, or the feeling that something is looking for you, by the cold that drives into your limbs, or simply by the growling behind you, you should close your eyes. So that the creature can no longer perceive you. But why that should work is a mystery to me.
It marks you with its claws which it then uses to strike and severely injure you. Normally, if it's someone the creature is looking for the master, it doesn't slay.
Ol'Scucca's work is done and it is his master who then seeks out or simply fetches the victim.
I have..no advices for you and I would be lying if I said I am not afraid for Inara.
Because even Bjolmur with all her tricks didn't manage to win this creature for herself or to get to her somehow. Nor has Moshran, even though, according to the cleric, he has great interest in the creature and its master.
So the big question is, how powerful must the creature and its master then be?
Nothing could have changed that Inara would be marked. And maybe you too. Just because both doors were marked, it doesn't mean he wants both of you. But Inara for sure.

As for your ideas about my magic, not everything about my magic is black and dark and comes from Moshran.
The easy things just aren't. The necromancy and other specialties....they give me a strange feeling. And the origin, unfortunately, just does not change, regardless of what or how you use it. Something, always ends in death. In a tribute of blood and bone. I think to stay away from it is the better idea.
There remains what Pellandria taught me and the Magic Academy of Gobaith.
Fire is an element I'm good at and this telekinesis and other smaller tricks. It must be enough. Everything else just pulls me back into the darkness and that is not acceptable.

Well, anyway, I have to hold back slowly with everything. With magic, with fighting or getting too excited.
My feelings, emotions are increasingly breaking out and creating chaos in me. Jeruno has a hard time with me at the moment and also my health is not always good since a few months.
However, Jeruno is aware of this and it is the primary reason that keeps me from coming to see you. Otherwise I might not only put you and me in danger....
I am...pregnant Aly, like Naira says for a few months now, 4 or 5.
I should be happy right? Jeruno is.
Yet there is above all now what happened with Inara...a terrible feeling like I am trading one child for another, because I am not taking the danger of helping Inara.
And yes, my feelings are running away with me. Emotions of which I still only really half understand.

But that brings us to the end. The letter became very long but that's no surprise.
As for my forgiveness, you don't need it. There is nothing to forgive because I know you would do anything you can for Inara.
But unfortunately, sometimes there are things from which you cannot be protected, especially if you have been chosen.

Please continue to take care of yourselves and I hope that you will survive this siege. I will also write a letter to Inara...which I have started almost as many times as this one.

May your gods be with you, my heart is and my thoughts too.

~Nisha~

Nish read the letter again and then nodded simply. What more could she do and before she changed her mind again, she let Aratos fly back home with this message.

[Alytys Lamar]

The Cherry Blossom Festival was over. There was still that melancholy sting, that feeling of being alone and seeing something beautiful fade away,
as the flowers slowly followed the stream of the water, carrying the light of hopes with them.
The concern for Inara also caused long and sleepless nights.
She had thought that after the doors were replaced, it would be better, but in the light of what was found out so far, this also failed to have its impact.

The sweet triumph over Gray was short-lived, and she paid for it with a severe headache and the feeling that she had not gotten Katharina safely out of the dangerous zone.

She hoped this advantage would be used and they could finally move against Letma.
Not to let time pass again, not to wait again. Since she was back in Illarion, she sometimes thought her life would only a consist of waiting.

Waiting for decisions, waiting for news, waiting for ... everything ?
Or was she just tired?
She had even reached out to Bidukan for reconciliation, for a new chapter, after Inara had done that and his ban in Cadomyr was lifted. The feeling of waiting remained --

Kyre -- she missed her friend and when she could talk to her it was usually not for very long. Waiting again ...

Drathe -- even if she didn't like to admit it, she missed him, even if he stood by her side when she had to fight. This endless waiting ...

At least Nish had sent a pleasant message with the last letter, one that made her smile.
So - Nish should not wait, she would answer the letter and try not to mention anything about the strange dilemma she was in.

*Dear Soul Sister,

it's great !!! Can I say that ? I know you are probably suffering but I think Inara has already written how happy she is to have a sibling.
Therefore, I congratulate you with all my heart and hope you get through this confusing time, which I know only by hearsay, as you know.

Also, thank you for the information about Ol'Scucca.
With joint forces we will try to protect Inara, and if possible, find out more about these creatures and their master.

You will also like that we did sent Gray where he belongs - 20 feets underground. With combined forces and a long fight.
Now I look forward - Letma. We have to use this advantage - not that this bone sack returns and everything starts all over again.

Oh damn, the peace and concern for Inara is not doing me any good right now.
I've already fought so many battles, maybe I'm just tired.

By the way, I respect your decision regarding the magic you carry.
The tribute of blood and bone as you wrote - and the toll of your soul - is too high to push any further.
Probably your mother can help you to deal with it better and better. Especially now that you are pregnant.

Inara is already drawing designs for a dragon swing.
She is my foothold and the thing for that it is worth to fight over and over again.

My heart is with you Nish, take good care of yourself.

Yours
~ Aly~

She carefully folded the letter to send it on its way with Aratos in the early morning.
Then she went to the beach in Cadomyr, listening to the gentle waves and hoping to find some inner peace.

[Lacy Dracu]

(( english below ))

Nish ging weiterhin ihrer Arbeit nach. Besprechungen der Stadtwache, Training, Papierkram und auch Patrouillen Ausritte. Sie brauchte diese Ablenkung. Nach dem was in Illarion mit Ol'Scucca vor sich ging und das Aly und Inara so tief darin verstrickt waren, erst recht. Schlimmer noch, Inara war markiert und niemand wusste was daraus resultieren würde.
Nish machte sich große Sorgen. Sie wollte zu ihrer Tochter, zu ihrer Seelenschwester. Sie musste doch helfen wenn sie konnte. Ja, wenn sie konnte.
Vielleicht waren all diese Gedanken schuld an dem Unfall. Vielleicht, konnte sie auch nicht eingestehen, dass es ihr schlechter ging als alle dachten oder Nish es zeigte.
So endete das Training mit einer Verletzung und damit, das Nish wohl nun doch schon das Haus hüten musste.
Aber immerhin liebevoll von allen umsorgt vor allem von ihrem Gefährten Jeruno. So bleibt Nish erst einmal nur der Papierkram aber, da war eben auch ein Brief von Aly. Etwas das trotz allem, Nishs Gefühlswelt etwas besänftigen konnte.
Aber auch ihr selbst half der ein oder anderen Wahrheit ins Gesicht zu sehen und zu akzeptieren.
Jetzt war Nish in ihrem Schlafgemach und lag im Bett. Tee stand auf dem Nachttisch und sie, begann die Antwort an Aly zu schreiben.

Meine Liebe Schwester,

was soll ich sagen? Trotz allem was ich jetzt noch eine weile durchleiden muss, möchte ich es nicht anders haben.
Inara hat schon zurück geschrieben und sie war wohl sehr aufgeregt dabei. Sie freut sich sehr darauf die große Schwester spielen zu können. Ich will gar nicht dran denken was sie vor hat den beiden alles beizubringen.
Und ja, du liest schon richtig. So wie es aussieht und Naira mir heute erst sagte, sind es wohl Zwillinge. Naira meinte erst sie wäre sich nicht komplett sicher aber, sie sollte wirklich mehr auf ihr Gefühl hören.
Also, Zwillinge. Nach der Geburt sehen wir dann wie das weiter geht. Da hat es jetzt seinen Vorteil das wir ohnehin am An- und Umbauen sind. Demnach noch ein Zimmer mehr.

Ich hoffe einfach, bei all meine Sorge, dass ihr einen Weg findet das Problem zu lösen und die Gefahr die durch Ol'Scuccas Meister ausgeht abzuwenden.
Immer noch fällt es mir schwer, dass ich selbst nichts weiter tun kann. Ich kann grade auch nicht noch weiter die alten Schriften und Bücher durchforsten. Das lässt mein Zustand nicht zu.

Ich bin jedoch froh, dass ihr zumindest Gray, vorerst, los seid. Letma und Prea sind also wieder eine Frage der Zeit, wenngleich, wie du schon sagst, man jetzt nicht so lange damit warten sollte.
Warten ist immer so eine Sache nicht wahr? Es gibt Dinge für die man nicht gemacht ist und das gehört wohl dazu. Wenngleich man auch da abwägen muss natürlich. Dennoch, ich wünsche Euch das dies nun endlich schneller vorran geht und nicht wieder so lange dauert, dass schon der nächste Mas da ist.

Aber, so wie es auch dir geht, tut mir auch diese Sorge nicht gut. Mich zerreisst es fast innerlich. Die Zeiten grade sind schwierig und meine Schwangerschaft macht es nicht leichter. Bei dir, könnte auch mal eine Pause gut tun. Aber das ist bei dem was getan werden muss wohl auch die nächste Zeit nicht möglich.

Aber dann ist da immer wieder Inara die....so einmalig mit alledem umgeht nicht wahr? So anders als wie man es selbst täte oder es erwarten würde. Das sieht man wohl auch daran, das sie sich grade auch mehr Gedanken um mich und ihre ungeborenen Geschwister macht als um alles andere und wie du schreibst dann auch mal eben einen Schaukeldrachen entwirft. Wobei es jetzt wohl 2 werden müssen.
Ich weiß sie hat innerlich dennoch Angst aber, trotzdem geht sie damit ganz anders um als ich es erwarten würde. Dann auch noch ihr Glaube, nicht nur an die Götter sondern auch an die welche um sie sind und die sie gern hat oder liebt. Unsere Kleine ist schon etwas besonderes, im positiven wie auch manchmal im negativen Sinne.

Meine Mutter ist im übrigen auch hier und hilft, auch bei dem Problem mit meiner Magie. Aber das steht gerade eher hinten an. Das einzige was ich hier und da mache ist mir mal vielleicht einen Tee wieder aufwärmen aber mehr auch nicht.

Ich denke nicht das ich es einfach nicht erwähnen kann und du ohnehin nachfragen würdest spätestens im nächsten Brief.
Wie mein Zustand wirklich ist.
Nun beim Training gab es einen Unfall, an dem niemand ausser mir selbst wirklich Schuld hat. So schlimm ist es nicht aber, es hat mein Bein erwischt. Schon wieder, und ja, DAS Bein.
Es ist nicht gebrochen aber es reicht um zu erkennen das ich jetzt wohl eher zu Hause bleiben werde. Die Vernunft siegt?
Ehrlich gesagt geht es mir eh nicht gut. Schmerzen im Rücken, Fieber, Schwindelanfälle und noch mehr Schmerzen. Den Babys geht es gut, nur mir nicht. Aber nichts was ich nicht überstehen würde.
Man kann es vielleicht als meine Bestrafung sehen.
Ja durch Moshran oder hier durch einen teil der Magie die im Weihesymbol noch wirksam ist.
Es ist nichts, was ich nicht wusste. Erging es mir bei der Schwangerschaft mit Inara doch genauso. Nun gut, diesmal ist es...stärker. Das schreibe ich mal den Zwillingen zu.
Ich widersetze mich eben einigen...Forderungen, die die Priester oder Moshran an mich hatten.
Aber als wenn Schmerzen und Unwohlsein davon abhalten würden zu leben wie ich es jetzt für richtig erachte.
Mach dir nicht zu viele Sorgen deswegen, spätestens nach der Geburt wird es auch mir wieder besser gehen. Solange halte ich mich daran mich auszuruhen. Ausserdem muss ich das Bein jetzt eh schonen.

Meine Gedanken sind bei euch, wie auch mein Herz. Gib gut auch auf dich acht Aly!

Deine

~Nisha~


Nish atmete tiefer durch und bereitete alles so vor, dass Jeruno den Brief Aratos mitgeben konnte. Sie selbst würde versuchen etwas zu schlafen.
Jeruno würde auch später nach ihr sehen, sie aber schlafen lassen und nur den Brief mitnehmen und diesen auf den Weg schicken.


------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nish continued to do her work. City guard meetings, training, paperwork and also patrol rides. She needed this distraction. After what was going on in Illarion with Ol'Scucca and that Aly and Inara were so deeply involved, even more so. Worse, Inara was marked and no one knew the outcome.
Nish was very worried. She wanted to go to her daughter, to her soul sister. She had to help if she could. Yes, IF she could.
Maybe all these thoughts were to blame for the accident. Maybe, she also couldn't admit that she was worse off than everyone thought or Nish was showing.
So the training ended with an injury and with the fact that Nish probably had to stay in the house.
But at least lovingly by all cared especially by her mate Jeruno. So Nish only has the paperwork, but there was also a letter from Aly. Something that, despite everything, could calm Nish's emotions a bit.
But it also helped her to face some truths and to accept them.
Now Nish was in her bedchamber, lying in bed.Tea was on the nightstand and she began to write the reply to Aly.


My dear sister,

what can I say? Despite everything I have to suffer through for a while now, I wouldn't have it any other way.
Inara has already written back and she must have been very excited about it. She is really looking forward to being able to play the big sister. I don't even want to think about what she is going to teach them.
And yes, you are reading correctly. As it looks and Naira told me today, they are twins. Naira said she was not completely sure, but she should really listen to her feelings.
So, twins. After the birth we will see where this goes. Now it has its advantage that we are anyway at the construction and remodeling. Accordingly, one more room.

I just hope, with all my worries, that you will find a way to solve the problem and avert the danger posed by Ol'Scucca's master.
I still find it hard that I can't do anything else myself. I can't go on searching through the old writings and books right now. My condition does not allow that.

However, I am glad that you are at least for now rid of Gray. So Letma and Prea are again a question of time, although, as you say, one should not wait so long now.
Waiting is always a thing, isn't it? There are things you're not made for, and that's one of them. Although one must weigh also there of course. Nevertheless, I wish you that this finally goes faster and does not last again so long that already the next Mas is present.

But, as it is also you, this worry does not do me any good. It almost tears me apart inside. Times are difficult right now and my pregnancy doesn't make it any easier. With you, a break could also do you good. But with all that has to be done, that's probably not possible in the near future.

But then there is always Inara who....so uniquely deals with it all, right? So different from how you would do it yourself or would expect it. You can see that by the fact that she is more concerned about me and her unborn siblings than about anything else and, as you wrote, designs a swing dragon. Whereby it must become now probably 2.
I know she is still afraid inside but, nonetheless, she is dealing with it in a completely different way than I would expect. Then there is also her faith, not only in the gods but also in those who are around her and whom she likes or loves. Our little one is already something special, in the positive as well as sometimes in the negative sense.

My mother is also here and helps, including with the problems concerning my magic. But that is rather in the back of my mind right now. The only thing I do here and there is maybe warm up some tea, but nothing more.

I don't think I can just not mention it and you would ask anyway at the latest in the next letter.
How my condition really is.
Well at the training there was an accident which nobody but myself is really to blame for. It's not that bad though, it hit my leg. Again, and yes, THE leg.
It's not broken but it's enough to realize that I'll better stay at home now. Reason wins?
To be honest, I don't feel well anyway. Pain in my back, fever, dizziness and more pain. The babies are fine, just not me. But nothing I can't get through.
Maybe you can see it as my punishment.
Yes by Moshran - or in this case by some of the magic that is still active in the consecration symbol.
It is nothing that I did not know. It was the same with the Inara pregnancy. Well, this time it is...stronger. I will attribute that to the twins.
I just resist some...demands that the priests or Moshran had on me.
But as if pain and discomfort would prevent me from living as I see fit now.
Don't worry too much about it, at the very latest after the birth I will be better again. In the meantime, I am going to rest. Besides, I have to take care of my leg now anyway.

My thoughts are with you, as well as my heart. Take good care of yourself Aly!

Yours

~Nisha~


Nish took a bigger breath and prepared everything so that Jeruno could give the letter to Aratos. She herself would try to get some sleep.
Jeruno would also check on her later, but let her sleep and only take the letter to send it on its way.

[Alytys Lamar]

With a soft sigh, Aly absently rubbed at the deep nick on her forehead again.
Then she carefully rolled up the papers and handed them to the queen's waiting courier.
He bowed and went on his way, closing the new door quietly behind him.
Aly rose and locked the door, then took a glass of water and sat down by the chimney.
She still experienced a weakness, as if her legs no longer wanted to carry her and a feeling as if all the strength was being torn out of her back.

But she did not want to, no she could not, show this weakness to others.
She had to talk to Katharina, she would surely understand why Inara - and therefore she as her *mother* - had acted as she did.
But Exelous was right, she should have been more forward-thinking.
But who could see into the future?
It should all have been a small investigation - to see if Inara's scars had magical traces.
The fact that it then turned into a - for the monster - surely provocative ritual...
No, she had not and could not have expected that.
Nevertheless, she gave Exelous her word, no, she had made a vow to discuss such steps with him in the future, whether they seemed dangerous or not.
And she would do the same with Katharina. Inara probably thought the same by now.
The consideration Inara had wanted to take in order to protect others, nearly ended in a catastrophe.
Nevertheless, she would always put herself before Inara again, before her little lady, and her decisions.

With a sad look, she picked up the message from Kyre. She had probably left Illarion for a while, just now she could have used her friend
- or damn it, a man by her side. A man she could trust, who shared these burdens with her, with whom she could be *Aly*.
Even Drathe has dropped out, she barely met him again.

Tiredness was tugging at her again, and she actually had wanted to answer Nish's letter.
But her thoughts became heavy and sluggish, like her movements, and she dragged herself up the stairs.
Better now, before Inara came back from work and scolded her.

Barely curled up in bed, she fell asleep, haunted by the confused dreams that had plagued her since the attack.
Tomorrow she would get up again - go on with her work and routine, look after Cadomyr and the new recruit -
and not let anyone see behind the facade she was so good at keeping up.

[Kyre]

Dear Aly,
I don't have much time to write, it's been busy since I got here first finding a guard that wasn't scared of witches then packing for the long trip away from the city. No horses were available to rent and it has been the drudge of walking these past days. So far no rumors of the village I look for yet I remain hopeful.

A lot of monsters are around hence we stop to fight or hide almost every day (more hide then fight). Another witch accompanies us who is not a mage but hunting the same village seems to be also important to her though we haven't talked much. Strangely there is a companion with four legs, purple hair or fur, and three ears seeming to understand our spoken words. The other witch thinks he is either human or elf spelled and yes, a definite he.

I'll try to write more if poss.........

[Alytys Lamar]

As Aly walked towards her villa, she noticed a Raven squawking excitedly. Next to it was a small parchment, closely written.
Picking it up, she noticed Kyre's handwriting with a slight smile.
Unfortunately, the Raven had immediately moved a few steps away, tilted its head and eyed her with wariness

*Wait here, Raven - I'll read it and give you an answer...*

she said as she unlocked the door.
Since it was the middle of the night, she tried to be quiet in case Inara was asleep upstairs, but that was never certain.
Sometimes the girl was on the roof - outside - or in Galmair with Amelia.
The candles cast a warm glow on the writing and Aly read it carefully. Her gaze changed from relief to concern when the last sentence suddenly broke off.
Since she had intended to finally answer Nish anyway, she took several parchments and the quill, as well as a glass of wine and went to the chimney - this was lit -
and then she made herself comfortable, thinking about which letter she should answer first.
As the Raven seemed to be waiting outside, she decided on Kyre.

*My beloved friend,

I am immensely glad to hear from you.
Even though I am worried about you - what happened that you stopped writing so suddenly, leaving the letter unfinished?
And what is this ominous thing that accompanies you?
Any new findings?
I hope nothing dramatic happened and you are well.

Your departure was very sudden, but I understand why you left.
After the break with Caswir it was good to dedicate yourself to a task - and finding your hometown is certainly one of them.

Inara and I need to deal with a demonic invisible dog called Ol'Scucca. He and his master must be very very old - have you ever heard this name?
If you can answer let me know.
And answer soon, because I am very worried.

My thoughts are with you
~Aly~*

She folded the message and went out quietly to see if the Raven was still waiting in the darkness.
Yes - indeed he was still sitting there.
She put the letter on the ground and some food for the bird and retreated.
Back in the villa, she went to the window to watch him. He cautiously hopped back and forth, then took the food after a long look at it.
He then took the letter in his beak and almost silently rose into the night sky.

*I hope it arrives and that you are well, Kyre...*

With a quiet sigh she went back to the fireplace, sat down and read the lines Nish had written again before she started to answer.

*My beloved Nish,

how have you been so far? How is the pregnancy going ? Are you doing well ?
And how is your leg?
I don't know if it can be seen as a punishment that you feel unwell during pregnancy - but I don't want to exclude the after-effects of your past.
I am glad that you have the right people by your side with Jeruno and your mother, dear.

Inara has surely already written to you about the ritual and the seal ? I assume so.
I have now felt first hand what it is like to have your life literally ripped out of your back ...
I can't describe it any other way.The feeling is burnt into my mind and whether the notch on my forehead is a warning or a mark remains to be seen.
I try not to think about it too often.

I also had to justify myself to the Countess and Knight Exelous ( a close confidant and friend ).
Unfortunately, I did not have the necessary foresight. It was meant to be a harmless investigation - and unfortunately it turned out otherwise.
It would have been my duty to at least send them a little note, even if Inara didn't want that.
Actually, I of all people should know how quickly such things slip out of one's hand - I was too careless- acting like a normal Mother, not like a Knight.
That won't happen to me again, Nish!

Kyre is not here at the moment either and is in search of her old hometown - from which she was once abducted.
After the separation from her long-term partner it was only normal that she looked for a task - far away from Illarion.
But I miss her terribly.

Take care of yourself and I hope to hear from you soon.

My thoughts are always with you

~Aly~*

The letter was folded and placed on the table. Tomorrow it would start its journey to Temran.
Aly quietly devoted herself to her wine and her thoughts ...

[Lacy Dracu]

(( english below ))

Monate waren schon wieder vergangen und Nishs Schwangerschaft auch entsprechend voran geschritten. Ebenso war es ihre sonstige Verfassung.
Jeder der sie sah würde sagen sie sähe krank aus und mehr als erschöpft. Aber ebenso würde man es nur der Schwangerschaft zuschreiben. Immerhin war eine Schwangerschaft mit Zwillingen nicht so einfach.
Nish und alle hier zu Hause, auch Naira, wussten es besser. Ihr Unwohlsein, die Schwäche, die Schmerzen, kamen eben nicht alle nur durch eine normale Schwangerschaft.
Gerade entspannte Nish im Garten ihres Hauses oder sie versuchte es. Ganz funktionierte es nicht, waren die Kleinen doch sehr aktiv. Das war auch kein Wunder, denn solange war die Geburt wahrscheinlich auch nicht mehr hin.
Die anderen, Jeruno, ihre Mutter, Sira oder auch die Druidin Naira, ließen sie ohnehin kaum aus den Augen.
Vielleicht konnte sie zumindest auf den Brief antworten, den Aly gesandt hatte.

Meine geliebte Schwester,

wie es mir geht? Nun, schieben wir einen Moment die bestrafenden Effekte beiseite, zu denen du auch noch eine genauere Erklärung erhalten wirst, dann fühle ich mich so ungelenk und schwerfällig wie noch nie zuvor.
Und ich muss selbst über diese Aussage gerade lachen aber, sie trifft den Nagel auf den Kopf. Eine normale Schwangerschaft ist schon recht anstrengend aber mit Zwillingen?....
Mir fehlt dafür glaube ich die passende Beschreibung.
Ich kann nur sagen, den Kleinen geht es gut und das wird es mir auch wieder nach der Geburt.
Zudem hast du recht, da sind genug Freunde und Familie an meiner Seite, die auf mich aufpassen. Ich bin auch zu erschöpft und müde um ihre Fürsorge abzulehnen wie ich es in anderen Situationen wohl öfter mache.

Was die Situation bei euch angeht, so, ja, Inara, hat mich dahingehend schon über einiges informiert. Ich hoffe das Siegel hält was es verspricht, aber, aufgrund dessen mit was ihr es zu tun habt, bin ich mir da nicht so sicher.
Ich wünschte mir dass zumindest dir solch eine Erfahrung erspart geblieben wäre. Aber ich kann dir sagen...verfünffache es und du weißt wie es sich anfühlt wenn du Jahre deines Lebens verlierst...
Aber ich verstehe nur zu gut, dass du nicht daran denken willst und dennoch das Gefühl nicht vergessen kannst.
Inara hat mir davon auch erzählt. Das Gespräch mit Lady Katharina und das mit jenem Sir Exelous. Manchmal ist sie obwohl ihr Erfahrung und eine gewisse Weitsicht fehlt, doch sehr erwachsen. Wir stellen das wohl immer wieder fest.
Aly, ich sage dir, es kann dir immer mal wieder passieren. Das ist es mir auch und wird es auch wieder. Nicht immer alles mit der Klarheit eines Kriegers zu sehen sondern einfach als Mutter ist...verwirrend und war auch für mich im ersten Moment fast erschreckend. Aber deswegen ist es nicht falsch. Es macht uns zu fühlenden und liebenden Eltern. Es zeigt das wir nicht perfekt sind und...das ist sogar gut so.
Oh man merkt wie emotional ich derzeit sein kann, selbst beim Briefe schreiben. Da bröckelt etwas meine sonst so nun, kühlere Art.
Oh und Kyre, ich wünsche ihr das Beste und hoffe sie wird fündig auf ihrer Suche und vielleicht auch in einem positiven Sinn.

Aber gut, es fehlt noch die Erklärung. Zuerst, diese, sagen wir, zusätzlichen Schmerzen gehen alle von diesem Weihesymbol auf mei.......

An dieser Stelle bricht die Schrift ab mit einem wellenartigen langgezogenem Strich vom letzten Buchstaben nach unten über das Pergament.
Ohnehin schien die Schrift teilweise etwas zittriger gewesen zu sein die letzten paar Abschnitte. So wundert es wohl nicht, das es eine andere bekannte Handschrift ist, die den Brief vollendet.

Verehrte Aleytys,

verzeiht bitte das ich den Brief anstelle meiner geliebten Nish beenden muss. Macht Euch keine zu großen Sorgen. Die Wehen haben mitten im Schreiben eingesetzt und das durchaus sehr schmerzhaft. Wohl selbst für Nishs Verhältnisse.
Alles an dieser Schwangerschaft war bisher schwieriger als jene mit Inara. Aber wir schaffen das. Ihr kennt ja Nish.
Lhira und Naira sind nun bei ihr und sie rufen mich sobald ich auch dazu kann. Das ich nervös bin trotz allem wäre wohl die Untertreibung des Jahrhunderts.
Ich verspreche Euch ihr bekommt Nachricht sobald es geht. Also wohl schon kurz auf diese hier nehme ich an oder sobald Nish selbst schreiben kann.
Ich kann euch sagen, sie ist in den besten Händen.
Gebt unserer Kleinen einen Kuss von uns und gebt auf euch beide acht!

~Jeruno & Nish ~

Jeruno sah nervös zum Haus aber pfiff dann nach Aratos, damit dieser den Brief gleich nach Hause bringen konnte.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Months had already passed and Nish's pregnancy had progressed accordingly. So was her other condition.
Everyone who saw her would say she seemed sick and more than exhausted. But equally they would only attribute it to the pregnancy. After all, being pregnant with twins was not that easy.
Nish and everyone here at home, including Naira, knew better. Her discomfort, the weakness, the pain, were not all just from a normal pregnancy.
Right now Nish was relaxing in the garden of her house, or she was trying to. It didn't quite work, the little ones were very active after all. That was also no miracle, because the childbirth was probably also not so long ahead.
The others, Jeruno, her mother, Sira or even the druid Naira, hardly let her out of their sight anyway.
Maybe she could at least answer the letter Aly sent.

My beloved sister,

how am I doing? Well, putting aside for a moment the punishing effects, to which you will also receive a more detailed explanation, I feel more clumsy and sluggish than ever before.
And I have to laugh at this statement myself but it hits the nail on the head. A normal pregnancy is already quite exhausting but with twins?....
I don't think I have the right description for that.
I can only say that the babies are fine and I will be again after the birth.
Besides, you're right, there are enough friends and family by my side to take care of me. I'm also too exhausted and tired to turn down their care like I do more often in other situations I guess.

As for the situation with you, yes, Inara has already informed me about some things in that regard. I hope the seal delivers what it promises, but, given what you're up against, I'm not so sure.
I wish that at least you would have been spared such an experience. But I can tell you... multiply it by five and you know what it feels like to lose years of your life....
But I understand all too well that you don't want to think about it and you still can't forget the feeling.
Inara told me about that, too. The conversation with Lady Katharina and the one with this Sir Exelous. Sometimes, although she lacks experience and a certain foresight, she is still very mature. I think we notice that all the time.
Aly, I tell you, it can always happen to you. It has happened to me and it will again. Not always seeing everything with the clarity of a warrior but simply as a mother is...confusing and was also almost frightening for me at first. But because of that it is not wrong. It makes us sensitive and loving parents. It shows that we are not perfect and...that is even good.
Oh you notice how emotional I can be at the moment, even when writing letters. There is some crumbling of my normally cool nature.

Oh and Kyre, I wish her the best and hope she finds what she is looking for and hopefully in a positive way.

But well, there is still the explanation missing. First, these, shall we say, extra pains all go from this consecration symbol on my.........

At this point, the writing breaks off with a wavy drawn-out stroke from the last letter down across the parchment.
The writing seemed to be a bit more shaky the last few paragraphs anyway. So it is probably not surprising that it is another known handwriting that completes the letter.

Dear Aleytys,

please forgive me for having to finish the letter instead of my beloved Nish. Do not worry too much. The contractions have started in the middle of writing and that definitely very painful. Probably even by Nish's standards.
Everything about this pregnancy has been more difficult than the one with Inara. But we will manage. You know Nish.
Lhira and Naira are with her now and they call me as soon as I can join them. That I am nervous despite everything would be the understatement of the century.
I promise you will get news as soon as I can. So probably shortly on this one I suppose - or as soon as Nish can do the writing herself.
I can tell you she is in the best hands.
Give our little one a kiss from us and take care of both of you!

~Jeruno & Nish ~

Jeruno looked to the house nervously but then whistled for Aratos to bring the letter home right away.

[Alytys Lamar]

With a thoughtful gaze, she examined the pictures Inara had brought from home.
Then she gently put a finger on the picture of the little female elf baby.

*So - they named you after me - Maliel Aleytys Valdris - an unexpected honor.
I hope these names bring you more happiness than it brought Maliel or me. I do wish this for you with my whole heart*.

Then she put the pictures aside. Her thoughts just turned in circles, because she felt that Inara - although very happy about the twins -
was also driven by fear. The fear of harming someone because of the damn beast.

She had talked about it with Kyre for a long time, including the fact that her blood bond did not react to the beast.
At least a sign that it was not under Moshran's control. Kyre had done a test and could not find anything in her blood.
But she was a blood witch and certainly not a magician in that sense.
Aly was very happy to have her friend by her side again. Inara had agreed to show Kyre her "mark" and the seal.
Maybe Kyre had an idea?

Aly missed Drathe - and when she met him it felt distant... had they become estranged?
She decided to send him a request for a meeting - why the hell was he the only man she missed - every time he disappeared from her reach.

Another sigh escaped her as she had to lit the candles again, then she mustered herself to write a letter to Nish - this one was long overdue.

*Dearest soul sister,

my heartfelt congratulations on the wonderful twins. I bet Jeruno and your mother are terribly proud.
I wonder how you came up with the idea of naming the girl after me?
That is almost too much honor dearest friend.
But yes - the surprise was successful.

I am worried about our little lady - Inara is restless, sometimes almost afraid, but she is also brave and tries not to think about the marking all the time.
My conversation with the orc shaman Sarangerel was interesting nonetheless.
We really should always have ink or flour with us.

The fact that she wants to trap the beast - well I'm sure it won't be as easy as she thinks.
And then to negotiate with the beast ? I don't know - I have my doubts that the shaman is burdening herself with too much.
Can you negotiate with a demon dog when it becomes visible ?

Unfortunately, the elf I wrote to - in order to see Inara's seal - hasn't answered yet.
Either because of arrogance or because he wants to do some research first... no idea.
A short answer would be better than uncertainty.
At least he already has some knowledge about Ol'Scucca.

But I don't want to tire you too much. The birth was difficult and you must take care of yourself, my dear.
Kiss the little ones and give my regards to all of them - my thanks also to Sira for thinking of me again.
I will come to visiting soon - I promise.

In thoughts always with you

~Aly~*

Now she had become tired - maybe she could sleep some hours again.
Lately she had problems with that. So she folded the letter carefully, went out to the balcony and whistled.
Aratos was quickly on the spot and headed for Temran.
Sighing, she turned over, looking for the way to bed in the dark to get some rest.

[Lacy Dracu]

(( english below ))

Nish saß draussen, in der Sonne auf der Bank die Inara gefertigt hatte. Sie genoß das gerade wirklich. Die Sonne mit geschlossenen Augen. Vielleicht ein doch ungewohnter Anblick gerade bei ihr?
Es ging ihr besser, wirklich besser und da die beiden Kleinen gerade schliefen, gönnte sie sich diese Augenblicke.
Ohnehin hatte sie sich bisher nur um die Zwillinge gekümmert und um sich selbst. Zwar war da wohl etwas „Aufsicht“ durch Jeruno nötig gewesen aber es hatte funktioniert. Alles nur damit sie es nicht übertreibt und gleichzeitig auch noch arbeitet.
War es ungewohnt? Noch immer? Ja. Irgendwie sogar fast mehr als vorher.
Ein kühler Windhauch streifte Nish und sie runzelte die Stirn, öffnete die Augen und richtete sich ganz auf. Sie sah sich vorsichtig und wachsam um. So etwas war eben bei ihr nicht herauszubekommen. Auch das seltsame Gefühl das sie grade hatte nicht, aber, es war einfach nichts zu sehen.
Sie atmete tiefer durch und erhob sich, nur um zu dem Stuhl und Tisch zu gehen die auch hier draußen standen. Dort wartete ein Brief auf sie und, bevor die Zwerge wieder anfingen Terror zu schieben, sie schmunzelte selbst bei diesem Gedanken, sollte sie Aly eine Antwort schreiben.

Meine liebste Seelenschwester,

zu aller erst, mir geht es wieder gut, besser. Ich bin wieder auf den Beinen, aber ich meide noch die Arbeit unter den wachsamen Augen von Jeruno.
Oh und ja, sie sind alle stolz und total vernarrt in die Kleinen. Ich auch. Knallharte und eiskalte Kriegerin mal ganz anders.
Aber ich kann dir auch sagen, so schnell, werde ich sicherlich nicht nochmal schwanger. Die Geburt war die Hölle in vielerlei Hinsicht. Zudem muss meine Mutter wohl nach den Siegeln sehen, ich fürchte das einige nicht mehr so wirken wie sie sollen.
Aber, dennoch kann ich dir sagen, die beiden dann im Arm zu halten, machte das alles trotzdem wert. Ich kann dieses Gefühl kaum beschreiben.
Allerdings ein Gefühl war sehr schnell da, als ich meiner Kleinen über die Wange strich. Das Gefühl für den Namen.
In meinem Leben gibt und gab es nur 3 immens außergewöhnliche Frauen. Die mir auch sehr viel bedeuten. Starke Frauen, die alles geben für die, welche ihnen nahe stehen. Die das richtige zu tun wissen und das nötige und deren Herz am richtigen Fleck sitzt und alle haben mein Leben gerettet in mehr als nur einer Weise. Maliel, du und meine Mutter.
Du speziell? Du stehst mir so nah, wie kaum sonst jemand. Ich höre sogar auf dich. Wir sind uns so...ähnlich und teilen soviel mehr. Ausserdem bist du neben ihrer Familie hier, der wichtigste Mensch in dem Leben meiner anderen Tochter.
Also wäre die Frage eher, warum nicht du?
Genügt dir das als Antwort?
Ja, ich schmunzel!

Und nun, wieder zu ernsteren Dingen.
Ich habe die Narben auf ihrem Rücken gesehen, berührt und ich fühlte und nun, „sah“ auch das Siegel auch wenn es normal nicht zu sehen ist natürlich. Magie und so.
Ich spüre auch was in diesen Narben steckt und … es ist so anders. Es ist nichts was ich kenne. Nichts was ich vorher schon mal gespürt hätte. Und ich fürchte, dass dieses Siegel vielleicht nicht halten wird. Viel mehr kann ich aber auch nicht dazu sagen. In meinem Zustand zu dem Zeitpunkt...war nicht mehr möglich.
Inara blieb diese Nacht dann sogar bei mir und als sie schon schlief, kamen mir sogar die Tränen deswegen. Wegen dem, dass Inara überhaupt so schwer verletzt worden war und nein! Es ist nicht deine Schuld! Komm nicht mal auf die Idee das nochmal zu denken!

Sarangerel...nach allem was auch Inara erzählt hat, weiß ich nicht, was ich von ihr halten soll. Farbe oder Mehl um das Biest sichtbar zu machen. Ihm eine Falle stellen...
Sie will etwas tun was in tausenden von Jahren niemand geschafft hat oder niemand versucht hat? Wobei ich denke das man es versucht hat nur niemand da war um es aufzuschreiben. Du verstehst?

Oh und was wenn das Biest wenn es sichtbar wird, nicht noch viel stärker ist? Was wenn es seine Macht einschränkt wenn es unsichtbar ist?
Oder, was wenn es gar nicht sichtbar werden kann. Sicher mit Mehl und ähnlichem würde man es dann vielleicht sehen, wenn es so an ihm haften bleibt, das es sichtbar ist.
Die Frage ist nur, wenn man das versucht, wie wütend wird das Biest dann?

Fragen über Fragen aber so wenig Antworten. Und die wichtigste Frage, was wollen dieses Biest und sein Meister von Inara und Dir. Denn es ist nicht euer Tod oder eure Lebensenergie.
Ich schätze das was das Biest dir entzogen hat und der Kratzer auf der Stirn, waren wirklich nur eine Warnung und eine Demonstration von Macht im allgemeinen.

Ich hoffe ihr findet mehr heraus. Vielleicht muss man ein Gespräch mit den Göttern suchen oder gar mit dem Biest und dem Meister selbst um Licht in dieses Dunkel zu bringen.

Seid vorsichtig und gebt auf euch acht. Unsere Gedanken sind bei euch und Lhira versucht auch mehr herauszufinden.

Oh, Sira ist froh das es dir so zusagt. Und auch von allen hier gehen Grüße mit auf den Weg zu dir.
Und jetzt rufen Maliel Aleytys und Darius Kiohel nach mir.

Mein Herz und meine Gedanken sind bei dir Schwester.

~Nish~


Mit Beenden des Briefes, sah sie auf zu Jeruno, welcher die beiden glucksenden Babys im Arm hatte. Nish lächelte einfach nur sanft und setzte sich wieder auf die Bank wo sie ihre Zwillinge in den Arm nahm. Fütterungszeit.
So würde sich Jeruno darum kümmern, dass Aratos den Brief erhielt um sich auf den Heimweg nach Cadomyr zu machen.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nish sat outside, in the sun on the bench Inara had made. She was really enjoying it right now. Sun with her eyes closed. Maybe an unusual sight for her right now?
She felt better, really better, and since the two little ones were asleep, she allowed herself these moments.
Anyway, so far she had only taken care of the twins and herself. Some "supervision" by Jeruno had been necessary, but it had worked. Everything just so she wouldn't overdo it and work at the same time.
Was it unusual? Still? Yes. Almost more so than before.
A cool breeze brushed Nish and she frowned, opened her eyes and straightened up fully. She glanced around warily and vigilantly. She was unable to get something like this out of her. Not even the strange feeling she had just now, but, there was simply nothing to be seen.
She took a deep breath and rose, only to go to the chair and table that were also out here. There was a letter waiting for her and, before the dwarves started terrorising her again, she smirked even at the thought, she should write an answer to Aly.

My dearest soul sister,

first of all, I am well again, better. I'm back on my feet but still avoiding work under the watchful eye of Jeruno.
Oh and yes, they are all proud and totally smitten by the little ones. Me too. Badass and ice-cold warrior woman in a completely different way.
But I can also tell you that I will definitely not become pregnant so quickly again. The birth was hell in many ways. Besides, my mother will have to check the seals, I'm afraid that some of them no longer work as they should.
But, nevertheless, I can tell you that holding the two of them in my arms was worth it all. I can hardly describe that feeling.
However, one emotion came very quickly as I stroked my little one's cheek. The feeling for the name.
In my life there are and have been only 3 immensely extraordinary women. Who also mean a lot to me. Strong women who give everything for those close to them. Who know the the right and necessary thing to do and have their hearts in the right place and all of them have saved my life in more ways than one. Maliel, you and my mother.
You in particular? You're closer to me than almost anyone. I even listen to you. We're so... alike and share so much more. Besides, next to her family here, you are the most important person in my other daughter's life.
So the question is, why not you?
Is that enough of an answer for you?
Yes, I'm smiling!

And now, back to more serious matters.
I saw the scars on her back, touched and I felt and well, "saw" the seal too even though it's not normally seen of course. Magic and all that.
I also feel what is in these scars and ... it is so different. It's nothing I recognise. Nothing I've felt before. And I'm afraid that this seal might not last. But I can't say much more about it. In my condition at the time...it wasn't more possible.
Inara even stayed with me that night and when she was already asleep, I even started to cry because of it. About Inara being hurt so badly in the first place and no! It's not your fault! Don't even think about it again!

Sarangerel...after everything Inara told me too, I don't know what to think of her. Dye or flour to make the beast visible. Setting a trap for it...
She wants to do something that no one has done in thousands of years, or tried to do? Although I think it's been tried, just no one's been there to write it down. You know what I mean?
Oh, and what if the beast, when it becomes visible, is even more powerful? What if it limits its power when it's invisible?
Or, what if it can't become visible at all. Surely with flour and the like you might then see it, if it sticks to it in such a way that it becomes visible.
The question is, if you try that, how rabid will the beast become?

Questions over questions but so few answers. And the most important of all, what do this beast and its master actually seek from Inara and you. For it is not your death or your life energy.
I guess what the beast took from you and the scrape on your forehead were really just a warning and a demonstration of power in general.

I hope you find out more. Perhaps you need to seek a conversation with the gods or even the beast and the master himself to shed light on this darkness.

Be careful and take care of yourselves. Our thoughts are with you and Lhira is trying to find out more too.

Oh, Sira is glad you like it so much. And greetings from everyone here on the way to you.
And now Maliel Aleytys and Darius Kiohel are calling for me.

My heart and my thoughts are with you, sister.

~Nish~


Finishing the letter, she looked up at Jeruno who had the two gurgling babies in his arms. Nish just smiled gently and sat back down on the bench where she held her twins. Feeding time.
So Jeruno would see to it that Aratos received the letter to make his way home to Cadomyr.