[[Events here follow this post.]]
Delial stood by the railing overlooking the water, wisps of black hair wafted by the gentle afternoon breeze that rustled the leaves above. The pounding of the waterfall moistened the air around the Bobbing Cork, the cooling caress of the wind providing a soothing company for those who lingered on the side deck.
It had been almost a sennight since the meeting at the Sanctum of Twelve, where Roen had confronted her brother along side Delial and Kiht. The meeting ended on a note of animosity, somewhat reminiscent of a another encounter two years ago where the circumstances were eerily similar. Except Roen and Delial had opposed each other then, where the paladin held the Highlander responsible for the condition she found her brother in.
Now it was the opposite. Last they spoke, Delial had blamed Roen.
She had not spoken to Delial since, and it was with some measure of anxiety that the Highlander’s summons to Fallguard was received. The wooden boards of the deck creaked with the weight of the paladin’s armor, to which Delial turned her head slightly with a nod. Both did their best to keep their expressions neutral.
“Did I tell you?†Delial said as Roen came to stand beside her. She had a wine glass that was, oddly for her, daintily perched on her upheld hand. A wine bottle was precariously balanced on the railing. “I do not recall. Things grow… blurry of late. She came to me. Banurein.â€
Roen arched an eyebrow, although she was not altogether surprised. Kiht had told her much the same after all. “She has not quite lost interest then, as I had thought from all those months of absence.â€
“Never.†Delial took a generous swallow of wine. “It did not end as she wished it, of course. A loose thread that yet remains." Her gaze shifted to the paladin, then she glanced away just as quickly. "He wishes her demise. As do I, of course. Too dangerous to be left alone. There was something she did say, however, that has given me pause in all this. That Gharen's... affliction is not an affliction at all, no, and ought not be treated as such. That such a thing might not be excised as one might a leech."
Roen studied the woman from the corner of her eyes. "You are telling me this because of what I said to him. At the Sanctum."
Delial did not answer right away. The Highlander emptied her glass, then busied herself with pouring herself another. Apparently as an afterthought, she held the bottle out to the paladin. "Such shocking things were said. So very strange to have heard them coming from you. You understand that I cannot allow any of the, ah... mentioned things to happen, of course?"
A long exhale escaped through her nostrils as Roen shook her head. She too recalled those words, where she threatened to end the man she was speaking to. "Do you think I would actually run my own brother through with a blade?" She dipped her head and crossed her arms. "It was mostly bravado on my part."
“I thought it best to remain cautious.†Delial shrugged and set the bottle back on its perch on the railing. “None of us, I think, are who we were... and it becomes harder to read what may or may not come. I imagine most of what he said was likewise, bravado. Certainly fond of barking."
"He thought I was weak.†Roen frowned as her indignation leaked into her voice. “I am willing to do what needs to be done. But killing someone... even to save them from themselves… could I do it again?†She paused, her gaze absently watching the light ripple off the waters. She slowly shook her head. “The wound still bleeds."
"That rage of his, it is strong. It always has been, I am certain, but he has conquered it before. Conquered it again and again. It ought not be any different now. Only a matter of time." Again she looked Roen's way, though it lingered this time.
"I am not sure what will come of this.†The paladin sighed, her shoulders sagging. “Or what will happen. But you need not worry about me trying to kill whatever that stands in my brother's body. Despite my words."
Delial took another sip, then leaned against the railing to rest her elbows upon it. She looked down at the glass held between her hands, like it were an offering to the water below. It was after sometime that she spoke again. "I am inclined to believe one does not get over it. Such wounds. Else they would be more easily forgotten."
"You bore such a wound as well,†Roen murmured. "When does it stop bleeding?"
The Highlander let out a soft snort. "In my experience? Never. Though mayhap you find one day that the taste of copper does not turn your stomach, and it matters no more. That, I pray, is a line you need not cross in your lifetime."
Roen fell quiet as she pondered that for a moment. "You crossed that line some time ago. And yet here you stand, willing to defend a man turned murderer, from his sister's own blade." She canted her head in Delial’s direction. "Is it that you take sympathy in the broken? The warped? Or that you are not as warped as I think you to be?"
Delial lowered her head as she forced out a low chuckle. "I will give you a confession. But I imagine you will only think me mad for it." The distant roar of the waterfall filled the space between them for a time, before the Highlander broke the silence. “The... war did do much good for my family. No, quite the opposite. It shattered it, as it did our nation. He was not the first man I -- that I lost," Delial drew out the word, stressing it, though she glanced elsewhere. "But my... my father, he..."
Delial paused, and Roen did not dare interrupt. The Highlander was frowning, her gaze fixed intently on the waterfall.
"The war did not seem real until he was gone. I did not know what I had done until then, I think. And to think it happening to your brother... It is mad, of course. They share a name. How infuriating it is. How maddening!" Her words had gained a frantic energy to them.
"What did you do...?"
"The Resistance... even then, cared not for peace. So I did what was... right. Garren Blackstone, and Westor as well, were dangerous. Fighting against the King only made them more so." The woman’s fingers seemed to tighten around her glass, her tone sobering. Her gaze did not rise to the paladin. "There is a certain heartbreak that comes when you destroy something beloved to you. I know your pirate did not leave the continent, despite what the Sergeant suggested. But when it is your blood, it does not leave you. It is a dark and heavy thing, and it poisons you until the day you die."
Roen stared long and hard at the Highlander. "And yet, to this sun, you believe you did the right thing."
Delial stared down at her hands. Moving slowly, she swallowed what wine remains in the glass, and then dropped the glass into the water. "My... conviction comes and goes. Some suns it is easier."
"Hindsight is a strange thing,†the paladin whispered. “It wears at your certainty." Another long pause fell between them, before she glanced at the woman again. "How do you deal with regret?"
Delial snickered, taking up the bottle and giving it a waggle. It sloshed noisily, before it too was dropped in the water. "Poorly, I should say. I think a normal, sensible person would have at least had the sense to find some.... some hobby to pour themselves into.â€
The Highlander watched the bottle bob and sway in the water for a moment before she admitted quietly, “All I have is Gharen. You. Kage, I suppose, that poor, poor man!"
Roen blinked, and it was with some effort that she let out a quiet, nonchalant snort. "I think Kage believes himself fortunate enough to know you and call you friend. Strange that," she murmured under her breath. "Considering how both of you began. I suppose, same could be said about the rest of us as well. Odd. Is it not?"
"Very strange. So very strange. I had always thought it an exaggeration that the... the world would cease to make sense as you grow older. And yet... here we are. Befuddled as ever."
Roen watched the bottle's journey as it spun in the water, before it tilted to the side and the water bubbled in. "I do not think you poisoned. Not completely."
"It is a kind thing to say, untrue as it may be.†Delial snorted weakly. “You are all the more lovely when you are being kind. Sometimes I find I miss it."
The paladin did not speak for a long time, her eyes now fixed on where the bottle had submerged under the water. Her voice was a raspy thing when she spoke again. "I thought kindness was my weakness. Only now… I find that my biggest regret... was my lack of mercy."
Roen Deneith grimaced, chiding herself for allowing her voice to waver. "I do not think I will ever be who I was before. But... even those who have done far worse than I could ever imagine, can still care. They come to the defense of a murderer.â€
"Such strange, bewildering times. Small blessings, mayhap, that we may still be surprised,†Delial said as she continued to look out over the water.
The two women allowed the waterfall to fill the silence again, a blue bird coming to perch on the wooden railing near them before taking to the air again. "I dreaded seeing him again," Roen murmured as her gaze absently followed the bird’s flight. "For too many reasons that I cannot say."
When Delial remained quiet, Roen inhaled deeply and continued. "But knowing you and Kiht were there... ready to aid him in whatever way that was needed… it made it easier, in truth." The paladin finally spared another glance towards the Highlander. "That even if I failed, he would not be lost. Not truly."
“It was... a good thing. Certainly a brave thing. For all the unkind things I said to you before, I know it must have been difficult." Delial lowered her head but turned slightly, her amber gaze peering up at Roen. She curled a small smirk. "I should think Kiht would have tried to strangle the poor dear for you had anything happened. She is so very worried for you. I think she would do nearly anything if it may make things easier for you."
The thought of the Keeper, even if it was fleeting, softened the paladin’s visage. "I owe her much.â€
“It is a fortunate thing to hold one so close. Even if she is, as he says, just... a touch dense. Very kind, however." Delial nodded.
“And I owe you as well,†Roen gave Delial a side eye. “Once this ordeal is over, perhaps some time of rest is needed. For everyone." She let out a long sigh. "But let us get through this first. However it plays out."
The Highlander snorted. "Kage has already insisted that he and I have ourselves a trip to Costa del Sol when all is done. I think I shall take him up on it."
Roen just raised an eyebrow. "You should take him up on it,†she said blankly. Somehow she could not imagine the two of them sunbathing together in the sand. She found it oddly amusing.
"Perhaps you and the others might come as well? You could use a little sun, I think. Gharen, too, once he overcomes this… a little fun may do him some good. Though I imagine he would head straight for that waterfall he was so fond of."
Roen regarded Delial, and to her surprise, a protest did not readily leave her lips. Her eyes wandered, giving it some thought. "I think I have forgotten what warm sun truly feels like."
Delial pushed herself back up straight, with considerable effort. "A travesty. If the Gods are kind and merciful, you may never again feel ice in your bones. Nor will I ever, ever, see another of these damned trees again!" Roen almost thought the Highlander would raises her fist to the woods.
The paladin snorted, a hint of an ironic grin touching her lips. "I call it an act of attrition."
She was answered with an ornery harrumph from the Highlander. "As you say. We need to have a talk, Kiht and I... and Gharen and I, too, supposing I did not anger him out of any thoughts of cooperation. Temporary, to be sure - he always was too charitable for his own good."
“Keep me informed.†The paladin nodded, stepping back from the railing. “I believe I have lingered here too long.â€
"Thank you for meeting with me. And, err..." The dark woman’s lips twisted as she seemed to search for a word, an effort that that only left her with a deeper frown. "That is, allowing me to... ramble."
Roen canted her head, and the edges of her eyes softened. "It is a side of you that you do not allow often, if at all. It brought me some measure of comfort, whether you meant to or not. You should allow yourself to do so more often."
When Delial narrowed her eyes but maintained her silence, Roen nodded with a teasing curl to her lips. “I will bid you farewell on this rare note between us. Stay well, Delial.â€
Delial stood by the railing overlooking the water, wisps of black hair wafted by the gentle afternoon breeze that rustled the leaves above. The pounding of the waterfall moistened the air around the Bobbing Cork, the cooling caress of the wind providing a soothing company for those who lingered on the side deck.
It had been almost a sennight since the meeting at the Sanctum of Twelve, where Roen had confronted her brother along side Delial and Kiht. The meeting ended on a note of animosity, somewhat reminiscent of a another encounter two years ago where the circumstances were eerily similar. Except Roen and Delial had opposed each other then, where the paladin held the Highlander responsible for the condition she found her brother in.
Now it was the opposite. Last they spoke, Delial had blamed Roen.
She had not spoken to Delial since, and it was with some measure of anxiety that the Highlander’s summons to Fallguard was received. The wooden boards of the deck creaked with the weight of the paladin’s armor, to which Delial turned her head slightly with a nod. Both did their best to keep their expressions neutral.
“Did I tell you?†Delial said as Roen came to stand beside her. She had a wine glass that was, oddly for her, daintily perched on her upheld hand. A wine bottle was precariously balanced on the railing. “I do not recall. Things grow… blurry of late. She came to me. Banurein.â€
Roen arched an eyebrow, although she was not altogether surprised. Kiht had told her much the same after all. “She has not quite lost interest then, as I had thought from all those months of absence.â€
“Never.†Delial took a generous swallow of wine. “It did not end as she wished it, of course. A loose thread that yet remains." Her gaze shifted to the paladin, then she glanced away just as quickly. "He wishes her demise. As do I, of course. Too dangerous to be left alone. There was something she did say, however, that has given me pause in all this. That Gharen's... affliction is not an affliction at all, no, and ought not be treated as such. That such a thing might not be excised as one might a leech."
Roen studied the woman from the corner of her eyes. "You are telling me this because of what I said to him. At the Sanctum."
Delial did not answer right away. The Highlander emptied her glass, then busied herself with pouring herself another. Apparently as an afterthought, she held the bottle out to the paladin. "Such shocking things were said. So very strange to have heard them coming from you. You understand that I cannot allow any of the, ah... mentioned things to happen, of course?"
A long exhale escaped through her nostrils as Roen shook her head. She too recalled those words, where she threatened to end the man she was speaking to. "Do you think I would actually run my own brother through with a blade?" She dipped her head and crossed her arms. "It was mostly bravado on my part."
“I thought it best to remain cautious.†Delial shrugged and set the bottle back on its perch on the railing. “None of us, I think, are who we were... and it becomes harder to read what may or may not come. I imagine most of what he said was likewise, bravado. Certainly fond of barking."
"He thought I was weak.†Roen frowned as her indignation leaked into her voice. “I am willing to do what needs to be done. But killing someone... even to save them from themselves… could I do it again?†She paused, her gaze absently watching the light ripple off the waters. She slowly shook her head. “The wound still bleeds."
"That rage of his, it is strong. It always has been, I am certain, but he has conquered it before. Conquered it again and again. It ought not be any different now. Only a matter of time." Again she looked Roen's way, though it lingered this time.
"I am not sure what will come of this.†The paladin sighed, her shoulders sagging. “Or what will happen. But you need not worry about me trying to kill whatever that stands in my brother's body. Despite my words."
Delial took another sip, then leaned against the railing to rest her elbows upon it. She looked down at the glass held between her hands, like it were an offering to the water below. It was after sometime that she spoke again. "I am inclined to believe one does not get over it. Such wounds. Else they would be more easily forgotten."
"You bore such a wound as well,†Roen murmured. "When does it stop bleeding?"
The Highlander let out a soft snort. "In my experience? Never. Though mayhap you find one day that the taste of copper does not turn your stomach, and it matters no more. That, I pray, is a line you need not cross in your lifetime."
Roen fell quiet as she pondered that for a moment. "You crossed that line some time ago. And yet here you stand, willing to defend a man turned murderer, from his sister's own blade." She canted her head in Delial’s direction. "Is it that you take sympathy in the broken? The warped? Or that you are not as warped as I think you to be?"
Delial lowered her head as she forced out a low chuckle. "I will give you a confession. But I imagine you will only think me mad for it." The distant roar of the waterfall filled the space between them for a time, before the Highlander broke the silence. “The... war did do much good for my family. No, quite the opposite. It shattered it, as it did our nation. He was not the first man I -- that I lost," Delial drew out the word, stressing it, though she glanced elsewhere. "But my... my father, he..."
Delial paused, and Roen did not dare interrupt. The Highlander was frowning, her gaze fixed intently on the waterfall.
"The war did not seem real until he was gone. I did not know what I had done until then, I think. And to think it happening to your brother... It is mad, of course. They share a name. How infuriating it is. How maddening!" Her words had gained a frantic energy to them.
"What did you do...?"
"The Resistance... even then, cared not for peace. So I did what was... right. Garren Blackstone, and Westor as well, were dangerous. Fighting against the King only made them more so." The woman’s fingers seemed to tighten around her glass, her tone sobering. Her gaze did not rise to the paladin. "There is a certain heartbreak that comes when you destroy something beloved to you. I know your pirate did not leave the continent, despite what the Sergeant suggested. But when it is your blood, it does not leave you. It is a dark and heavy thing, and it poisons you until the day you die."
Roen stared long and hard at the Highlander. "And yet, to this sun, you believe you did the right thing."
Delial stared down at her hands. Moving slowly, she swallowed what wine remains in the glass, and then dropped the glass into the water. "My... conviction comes and goes. Some suns it is easier."
"Hindsight is a strange thing,†the paladin whispered. “It wears at your certainty." Another long pause fell between them, before she glanced at the woman again. "How do you deal with regret?"
Delial snickered, taking up the bottle and giving it a waggle. It sloshed noisily, before it too was dropped in the water. "Poorly, I should say. I think a normal, sensible person would have at least had the sense to find some.... some hobby to pour themselves into.â€
The Highlander watched the bottle bob and sway in the water for a moment before she admitted quietly, “All I have is Gharen. You. Kage, I suppose, that poor, poor man!"
Roen blinked, and it was with some effort that she let out a quiet, nonchalant snort. "I think Kage believes himself fortunate enough to know you and call you friend. Strange that," she murmured under her breath. "Considering how both of you began. I suppose, same could be said about the rest of us as well. Odd. Is it not?"
"Very strange. So very strange. I had always thought it an exaggeration that the... the world would cease to make sense as you grow older. And yet... here we are. Befuddled as ever."
Roen watched the bottle's journey as it spun in the water, before it tilted to the side and the water bubbled in. "I do not think you poisoned. Not completely."
"It is a kind thing to say, untrue as it may be.†Delial snorted weakly. “You are all the more lovely when you are being kind. Sometimes I find I miss it."
The paladin did not speak for a long time, her eyes now fixed on where the bottle had submerged under the water. Her voice was a raspy thing when she spoke again. "I thought kindness was my weakness. Only now… I find that my biggest regret... was my lack of mercy."
Roen Deneith grimaced, chiding herself for allowing her voice to waver. "I do not think I will ever be who I was before. But... even those who have done far worse than I could ever imagine, can still care. They come to the defense of a murderer.â€
"Such strange, bewildering times. Small blessings, mayhap, that we may still be surprised,†Delial said as she continued to look out over the water.
The two women allowed the waterfall to fill the silence again, a blue bird coming to perch on the wooden railing near them before taking to the air again. "I dreaded seeing him again," Roen murmured as her gaze absently followed the bird’s flight. "For too many reasons that I cannot say."
When Delial remained quiet, Roen inhaled deeply and continued. "But knowing you and Kiht were there... ready to aid him in whatever way that was needed… it made it easier, in truth." The paladin finally spared another glance towards the Highlander. "That even if I failed, he would not be lost. Not truly."
“It was... a good thing. Certainly a brave thing. For all the unkind things I said to you before, I know it must have been difficult." Delial lowered her head but turned slightly, her amber gaze peering up at Roen. She curled a small smirk. "I should think Kiht would have tried to strangle the poor dear for you had anything happened. She is so very worried for you. I think she would do nearly anything if it may make things easier for you."
The thought of the Keeper, even if it was fleeting, softened the paladin’s visage. "I owe her much.â€
“It is a fortunate thing to hold one so close. Even if she is, as he says, just... a touch dense. Very kind, however." Delial nodded.
“And I owe you as well,†Roen gave Delial a side eye. “Once this ordeal is over, perhaps some time of rest is needed. For everyone." She let out a long sigh. "But let us get through this first. However it plays out."
The Highlander snorted. "Kage has already insisted that he and I have ourselves a trip to Costa del Sol when all is done. I think I shall take him up on it."
Roen just raised an eyebrow. "You should take him up on it,†she said blankly. Somehow she could not imagine the two of them sunbathing together in the sand. She found it oddly amusing.
"Perhaps you and the others might come as well? You could use a little sun, I think. Gharen, too, once he overcomes this… a little fun may do him some good. Though I imagine he would head straight for that waterfall he was so fond of."
Roen regarded Delial, and to her surprise, a protest did not readily leave her lips. Her eyes wandered, giving it some thought. "I think I have forgotten what warm sun truly feels like."
Delial pushed herself back up straight, with considerable effort. "A travesty. If the Gods are kind and merciful, you may never again feel ice in your bones. Nor will I ever, ever, see another of these damned trees again!" Roen almost thought the Highlander would raises her fist to the woods.
The paladin snorted, a hint of an ironic grin touching her lips. "I call it an act of attrition."
She was answered with an ornery harrumph from the Highlander. "As you say. We need to have a talk, Kiht and I... and Gharen and I, too, supposing I did not anger him out of any thoughts of cooperation. Temporary, to be sure - he always was too charitable for his own good."
“Keep me informed.†The paladin nodded, stepping back from the railing. “I believe I have lingered here too long.â€
"Thank you for meeting with me. And, err..." The dark woman’s lips twisted as she seemed to search for a word, an effort that that only left her with a deeper frown. "That is, allowing me to... ramble."
Roen canted her head, and the edges of her eyes softened. "It is a side of you that you do not allow often, if at all. It brought me some measure of comfort, whether you meant to or not. You should allow yourself to do so more often."
When Delial narrowed her eyes but maintained her silence, Roen nodded with a teasing curl to her lips. “I will bid you farewell on this rare note between us. Stay well, Delial.â€
