Times had changed so suddenly. It had been a moment he had feared for so, so long.. but even that could not withdraw the crashing, thundering feeling it had left him with. The moment he arrived in the market to witness Celeir kneeling before the large crack that had haunted the ominous marketplace for months, he knew that time was upon them. The moment her hands touched the ground, the very air changed. This wasn't supposed to be happening. It couldn't be happening. The mixture of shock and pure fear seized Laith, and he was powerless to move. And then came the moment. Their last moment..

Celeir looks up only once to lock eyes with Laith before her focus returns to her task.

..and such a moment it was; even the screams erupting from the ground vanished in that single space of time. The world stopped, frozen in place as their eyes met. Now she was gone. But what struck Laith the hardest over Celeir's death was not so much the fact that she had died; that was something he would once have dealt with far better, even with the clutching, lingering hold he had on life. He didn't want to lose her, not even to Leoni, but once upon a time, that fate had been inevitable. Somehow, though, things had gone terribly wrong.

A large hand claws from the crack grabbing Celeir by the hand and dragging her in.

'But she was alive!' Laith shouted, at nobody in particular. Indeed, she certainly had been. Her death had not come by the hands of Valtera, nor by her serpent, nor any of her followers; the serpent had in fact absorbed Celeir's very essence. She lived within the creature. Her death had come from those that Laith once valued as close friends and allies. At least, this is how it appeared in his eyes. Whether through deception or truth, perhaps a mixture of both, Laith's mind was set. They killed her. Celeir. She was gone ..all because of them.

As the city erupted into panic, Laith calmly paced through the streets. The surrounding army of lizards mattered little to him. What use was life now? She had been taken from him. Stolen from him. What did anything matter now? But his fate was not to find him on this stretch of road. A far more cunning device had already been set into motion..

On Autumn Walk next to an alchemists shop The small circular building has strange plumes of smoke pouring out of it. A set of empty potion bottles rattles like some basic form of wind chime. You guess that this is the place for potions.
There is a locked door to the north
Obvious Exits: East West NorthEast NorthWest SouthWest

You shout '(stops outside an alchemists shop, watching a set of empty potion bottles rattling like some basic form of wind chime)'

Delphi comes out of hiding
Delphi taps Laith's shoulder.
Laith just stares at the bottles.
Delphi says 'Laith.'
Delphi asks 'What are you doing?'

Laith says 'I'm watching.'
Delphi asks 'Why?'
Laith says 'Why, why, why. Who knows, really? Who ever knows? Why. Why indeed.'
Delphi asks 'Why what?'
Laith says 'Yes. That's right.'

Laith says 'But, they're so fragile..'
Laith leans forwards, looking at the bottles.
Laith seems to all of a sudden have a knife to hand. He gives a quick cut across the string holding up the bottles.
Delphi says 'Of course they--'

Laith just drops the knife, letting it fall to the floor beside him.
Laith says 'They're all broken. I wonder why. They never asked for that.'
Delphi says 'Potentially, they did.'
Delphi says 'By just being there, they were asking for it'
Laith says 'Yes. Yes. Reason has nothing to do with anything or everything, and everything to do with nothing and nobody.'

Laith says 'In the end, who knows why? Who even cares? It doesn't matter, does it? No. Of course not.'
Laith crouches down, extending his hand to pick up a fragment of glass.

The voice in your head whispers, "He thinks Celeir got what she deserved"

Delphi says 'More Time.'
Delphi nods, shaking his head.
Delphi says 'Good evening, Laith.'

Delphi moves to the east
Laith grips the fragment tightly in his hand, drawing blood.
Laith says 'In time. More time. You're out of time. You'll get yours. All of you.'

The voice in your head whispers, "That's right, they will get theirs"

The day found Laith walking through the city to the market, lost amongst the ruined stalls and battle scarred remains of what once had been a thriving hub of activity for the city. Ever since that day he had felt himself inexorably drawn to the market place; no grave was marked here, but that mattered little to him. His day was not to go unnoticed, however, and after a message was received, seeming rather urgent, Laith agreed to meet with it's sender, if a little reluctantly. As with all things, nothing is ever quite so simple. Even within the vicinity of this ruinous place, people gather..

The scene of a fierce battle
The slime has once again taken over. Its tendrils reach for you as you make your way through town center. The fence across the way has crumbled to the ground.
The smell of death is strong here.
Obvious Exits: North South East West NorthEast NorthWest SouthEast SouthWest

Dieba exclaims 'Hello!'
Delphi asks 'What are you two doing?'
Krithjir enters from out of nowhere
Delphi says 'Hello, Krithjir.'
Dieba says ' I saw him before, when lizardmen where attackin' the city...he was just staring at a shattered fence'
Laith doesn't seem to be paying attention, looking off down the street.
Krithjir says 'Greetings, Sir Delphi'
Dieba exclaims 'so i spoke to him, he's standing here again...so i'm speaking to him again!'
Dieba says ' sort of...'
Dieba bows towards Delphi.
You see Delphi twitch with anger, maybe it's best to leave Delphi alone.
Delphi says 'No Sir.'
Dieba bows towards Krithjir.
Krithjir says 'ah...then Guildmaster Delphi'
Krithjir nods at Dieba.

Laith says 'He prefers 'Lord'.'
Laith keeps on peering down the street, speaking none the less. Paying attention after all!
Dieba asks 'wheres the missile Delphi? have the fighters found it?'
Krithjir says 'so do I, but no one offers that to me'
Laith says 'You're not a Knight.'
Krithjir asks 'so, just because i'm no Knight, i cannot be a Lord?'
Dieba gives a thoughtful "Hmm... "
Dieba asks 'he's not a Knight?'
Krithjir says 'thanks for the slap to the face'
You see Dieba peer at Delphi.
Laith says 'You're a dragon. A spawn. Something twisted by the hands of the Gods. Make up your own mind.'
Dieba says ' have more respect for Lord Krithjir'
Dieba gives a little giggle.

Krithjir says 'how wrong you are, Laith'
Krithjir says 'you have no idea what i've been through'
Krithjir says 'or what i command'
Delphi says 'I wish Lord, if you must be formal, because that is the title I was given, Krithjir.'
Delphi says 'Not Sir.'
Laith chuckles slightly, finding some minor, if a little twisted, amusement in his words.
Laith says 'You've been through all the troubles of the world, no doubt.'
Delphi says 'I also would wish not to force formality.'

A voice whispers in your head, "Oh poor thing, perhaps you could end it all for him and he would be happy"

Laith's face lightens slightly, though he remains silent this time. He seems to smile at something.

Meanwhile, the subject of Laith's reason for a meeting having arrived, the conversation takes a swift turn, and events unfold in an entirely new direction. He remains oblivious to the others, though paying at least a little attention to Xavian.

Xavian ponders on the problem for a moment.
Xavian asks 'Laith?'
Xavian leans towards you to listen.
Laith turns to look at Xavian.
Laith says 'Xavian, I assume.'
Xavian nods towards you.
Laith says 'What do you want?'
Xavian says 'Follow me, if you will.'
Xavian ponders on the problem for a moment.
Laith seems oddly willing to humour Xavian, following him without the usual further questions.

A short time later, they arrive within very familiar territory.

Alcove
This room has been closed from the light and is radiating a strong feel of darkness and power.
You see blood dripping from a small fountain.
Obvious Exits: South
Players here: Xavian
There is a sign here

Xavian leans back against the wall, lowering his cowl.
Xavian says 'You know where we are, I assume.'
Laith again humours the question, lacking his usual sarcasm.
Laith says 'I do.'
Xavian gives a sly smile.
Xavian says 'Good.'
Xavian says 'A personal question, if I may...'

Laith just watches him, awaiting.
Xavian asks 'What emotion does this ground inspire in you?'
Xavian watches Laith from the shadow of his hood.
Laith says 'It inspires nothing in me.'
Xavian lightly taps his chin.
Laith's words seem every bit the truth of that, lacking any passion, or any real emotion at all. Simply stating the words.

Xavian says 'A voice.'
Xavian says 'It spoke to me. Although I think I may have simply been a recipient to an emanation widely broadcasted...'
Xavian says 'It seems I the only one having chosen to heed it.'
Xavian says 'This...voice. It was unsettlingly vague. Still, it offered me something to consider.'
Xavian says 'And with that consideration, it delivered me a name.'
Xavian asks 'Can you guess what name that is?'
Xavian leans towards you to listen.
Laith says 'I'm sure you're going to tell me.'
Xavian chuckles away.
Xavian says 'It told me your name, Laith.'
Xavian says 'Nearis.'
Xavian says 'Whatever you wish to be called.'
Laith says 'A name is but a name. Call me what you will.'

Laith's mind was only mildly into the conversation at this point. Voices being heard within the mind were hardly a new device in his world. He had dealt with those and far worse these last few years; the matter that a stranger had heard his name from one such voice, and saught him out because of it.. well, once it would have caught his rapt attention. Now, it hardly even mattered.

Xavian glances sideways, eyes narrowed.
Xavian says 'Why thank you. I assumed the immortals had turned a blind eye to me.'
With silent and rapid precision hundreds of arrows are sent into the unaware lizard encampment.
Vanimar glides in from the northeast upon a dragon formed of shadow and darkness.
Xavian bows his head in mocking appreciation.
Xavian nods at Vanimar.
Vanimar says 'Hmm.'
Xavian says 'Anyhow, this voice...this voice who professes to watch me even now.'
Xavian says 'It stated that I might placate my goddess in delivering you a simple message.'
Laith says 'I oft wonder of the sanity of those who hear voices. A message.'
Vanimar glides to the south, leaving a trail of webs and shadow from the dragon.
Xavian says 'Odd that this message is so...cryptic and vague, but I imagine it will strike a chord in you.'

Xavian lowers his hood, the sun having receded. His face is a mask of malign amusement as he feigns a helpless voice.

Xavian exclaims 'Help!'
Xavian says 'Help.'
Xavian says 'Help....'

Xavian gives a sly smile.
Laith simply stares.
Xavian asks 'No?'
Xavian says 'You are to help Valtera. The 'voices' demand that you help.'

A voice whispers in your head, "He is mistaken"

Laith shakes his head, very slightly.
Laith says 'You believe these 'voices' so readily?'
Xavian asks 'What matter is it?'
Xavian asks 'What price do I pay in informing you of their request?'
Laith says 'Look around you, Xavian. Stroll the city walls. Does it seem to you, that even in the slightest..'
Laith says 'Valtera would need my help?'
Xavian asks 'The destruction she desires goes back to Loki's creation of time, does it not?'

The voice whispers, "Next time perhaps he should listen more closely to the message before he jumps to conclusions

Xavian says 'Crumbling walls and cracking streets are hardly a pittance to her designs.'
Xavian says 'They're words were a bit unclear, to speak frankly.'
Xavian says 'Either it was....'
Laith says 'Perhaps you should have listened harder.'
Xavian says 'The voices send you to help.'
Xavian says 'Or the voices send me to help you.'
Xavian shrugs his shoulders.
Xavian says 'I would opt for the former.'
Laith says 'The voices may help themselves. I have my own affairs to attend to.'

What up until this point had been just another conversation in Laith's eyes, suddenly took on a slightly new twist. A much more useful twist. Sent to help him.. yes. That would be useful. He could make use of this one. But he would not be easily manipulated.. yet, the Gods- do they play a hand in this? Trust is not so easily gained, but Laith was certainly a little less distanced from the conversation, now..

Laith tilts his head slightly, for the first time in the conversation, it seems his interest has been piqued.
Laith says 'Help me? How would you propose you do that?'
Xavian says 'I suppose that depends entirely on what you desire help...with.'
Laith says 'That would depend on what you are willing and capable of doing.'
Xavian says 'As of now, my raw power is limited.'
Xavian says 'Still, I posess a cunning tongue and a sharp wit.'
Xavian gives a sly smile.
Xavian says 'Mental resource pales the blade.'
Laith says 'Power revolves around perception. Step beyond that, and you grow far stronger, far quicker..'
Xavian says 'Duly noted, Laith.'
Laith says 'And trust. How do I even know I can trust you?'

The voice whispers, "Does he have a taste for death?"

Xavian says 'You may trust that I have deigned to trust you.'
Laith says 'I see before me a mage of Moorgate, who hears voices crying for help.'
Xavian laughs happily.
Laith looks to consider something.
Xavian says 'Voices that speak your name, ranger.'

Laith says 'What do you think on Moorgate's current ...situation, Xavian?'
Xavian says 'Furthermore, it is not so very often that a disembodied voice intrudes my mind with an ordain.'
Xavian says 'I view it as a cleansing of sorts.'
Laith says 'Do you agree with this 'cleansing'?'
Xavian says 'Valtera seeks to undo the complacency that sits like a plague on this city.'
Xavian says 'I do agree.'

Laith says 'What of all those poor, innocent souls, stripped from this world, and presented to the next?'
Xavian asks 'Innocent?'
Xavian asks 'By who's rules are they deemed innocent?'
Xavian says 'Kali? She has proven herself incompetent in judging character.'
Xavian gives a sly smile.
Laith just gives a slight nod in that answer, face as rigid as ever.
Laith says 'Are you afraid of death, Xavian? Or do you embrace it?'
Xavian says 'I neither fear it or embrace it.'
Xavian says 'Death will be the outcome of my own folly.'
Xavian says 'When I die, I will deserve it.'
Laith says 'And what of others? Will you invoke their folly? Will you kill to get what you wish of them?'
Xavian growls like a wounded bear.

Xavian asks 'And who are YOU to write such decrees?'
Xavian says 'Petty, indeed.'
Laith says 'I merely ask a question.'
Xavian curls his lip up for a moment before returning his attention to Laith.
Xavian says 'I prefer to keep my options limitless.'

Limitless. He would kill, perhaps, or at least stretch beyond the bounds of the commonly accepted morals in the city. Useful.. very useful. But only if he could be trusted. Laith couldn't help but give an odd look every once in a while, unable to ignore how much this stranger seemed to act as a mere pawn. Perhaps there was more. He'd find out, of that much he was sure.

Laith says 'How do you know Nareth?'
Xavian says 'She is my mentor, so to speak.'
Xavian growls like a wounded bear.
Xavian asks 'Why am I plagued by this insufferable nag?'
Xavian asks 'Why am I pestered with naive defense of insects?'
Xavian says 'No thought is given to the slaughtered wolf, the trampled ant.'
Laith says 'Or the screaming priestess. You're quite right.'
Laith says 'But then, she didn't scream, did she?'
Laith ponders, peering off at something.

A brief glimpse flashed through Laith's mind, back when all this was beginning. The simple act of slaying a Priestess. Sending her soul to Valtera. He couldn't even remember what he was fighting for back then, nor whom, nor why.. but he remembered her. The priestess, lifelessly in his arms. That mere moment was forever imprinted on his mind, though it had yet to hinder him. No conscience had caught up to him of that deed, no remorse. She never even had the chance to scream.. the moment would last with him, significantly. Xavian's following discussion was a mystery to Laith, though one he neither persued nor even seemed to pay much heed to. It would seem, however, that the mage had found more than he had expected in the alcove, and a discussion began.

Xavian spits out the last word as a sneer, lip curled and eyes narrowed as they quickly sweep the alcove.
Xavian says 'Ah, that is what I wish to hear.'
Xavian asks 'I am your child...and you will destroy me at a whim, no?'
Xavian asks 'You make clear the power you have! What stalwart example you set. Who's child am I but Kali's- Valtera's?'
Xavian says 'Or is this elf who stands before me the instrument of your menace.'
Xavian's gaze quickly shifts over Laith, brow arched.

Laith says 'Are you listening more carefully, this time?'
Laith doesn't look at Xavian as he speaks, still watching the fountain.

Xavian says 'As I told the ranger, my death will be the outcome of my overuse.'
Xavian spits his words with a drawling disdain.
Xavian asks 'What- you seek to convert my sensibilities with this divine?'
Xavian says 'I am flattered, but there must be more to it.'
Xavian says 'Allow me a mortal's confession.'
Xavian asks 'Stronger for their ignorance?'
Xavian asks 'Stronger because of their contentment?'
Xavian says 'They are fodder, ignorant of their own unimportance, pleased to amble on as sheep.'
Xavian says 'Ah, such a charming song you sing.'
Xavian says 'Perhaps you will etch those words upon everyone of their tombstones.'
Xavian says 'May that phrase be as remembered as they never will be.'
Xavian says 'Ordinary folk, as you call them, become legends when they decide to make their lot in life.'
Xavian says 'I have lived a century and more to realize that all things they place value in repays with nothing.'
Xavian says 'That fortitude and resilence in the face of adversity warrants nothing more than further adversity.'
Xavian says 'That contentment eventually leads to grim revelation.'
Xavian says 'They are fortunate to be murdered so early in life.'
Xavian says 'They may die believing what you say of them.'
Xavian says 'When I die, I will have learned of Kali's hideous mistake.'
Xavian gives a quick smirk!
Xavian says 'I welcome your pity.'

Laith speaks in barely a whisper, still strangely occupied with the fountain; "Perhaps it wasn't a mistake."
Xavian turns to Laith.
Xavian says 'It was a mistake, just as was Valtera.'
Laith says 'Is that so?'
Xavian says 'As the Dark Queen once tore her flesh, she shall rend this earth...'
Xavian says 'In that regard, she is final.'
Laith says 'All things have an end. I do not believe time, nor even creation itself, to be limitless.'
Xavian says 'Something we agree upon.'

It was curious, none the less, that whatever force was at play here had chosen Xavian to act through, or with, or by.. An apparent stranger, sent with a message for Laith. Another mystery, and this time one that he cared at least a little for. Nothing seemed to matter much anymore, yet he would not let himself become wholey callous. That, he could not afford. Times ahead would be difficult if he wished to achieve his goal. He would make use of what was available to him. Perhaps Xavian was fated to be a part of his plans, after all. The conversation had drawn on for far longer than Laith had expected of it, though his perception of time was all but gone at that moment. It was one long, empty waking moment, spaced by fragments of sleep. What seperated this day from the next? From the last? There was little left. He knew he had little proof that his enquirer could be trusted, but at the same time he felt no need to hide his intentions. He need not give them away in their entirety, but who was to know..?

Xavian raises a brow.
Xavian asks 'Is that all?'
Xavian turns to Laith.
Laith is finally broken from his rapt attention, peering over at Xavian.
Xavian asks 'And what of you?'
Laith says 'What of me?'
Laith says 'What of me, indeed.'
Xavian says 'You have made your inquiry.'
Xavian says 'I make mine.'

There was only one thing left, now. They had taken her, taken her far out of reach of one such as he. Now he was alone. The misery had yet to surface, it wasn't through an act of mourning that his reactions were ignited. This went far deeper. This was of betrayal. Of broken promises. Of lies. Corruption. Deception. He wouldn't stand for it. No. They wouldn't get away with murdering his beloved Celeir. Not one of them. This was not some hateful reaction in attempts to conceal his inability to cope with the loss of his world.

Xavian asks 'What is your intention?'
Laith says '..Justice.'

Upon arrival was a rather different scene than might be expected. Familiar faces.. but welcome ones? He was not so sure on the latter. Valerie, Hunthor, and Delphi; all gathered to discuss some issue of entering other guilds. Laith didn't particularly pay much heed to the reasons of being there. It wasn't until he realized quite what they were discussing that the force of the situation slammed into him. Celeir, and the operation that Valerie had performed in attempts to drain the blood within her that had come from Valtera's pool. It had been a long, painful night, and given the recent circumstances.. Laith was none too impressed at being brought into this for no good reason, to say the least. Yet brought into it he was. After listening to Delphi recount his version of events, Hunthor asked Laith to do the same. Again, he obliged- he stated to the best of his knowledge the events that happened, before falling silent once more. If only they could hear the screams burning to be released from within.

Heartless, all of them.

Suddenly, Laith was snapped out of his state of remembrance within the bunk room, a familiar and intrusive voice resounding through his mind. It didn't get to him in the same was as it once had, anymore. At one point, the voices caused hairs to stand on end as a cold shiver ran up his spine. No longer. What did it matter, now?

To an outside observer, settling with the fact that he was hearing voices wasn't even the issue, now. But that he accepted them, no longer flinching at their arrival.. another step towards insanity, perhaps? His own thoughts evaded such opinions. Laith didn't even see himself as working with or for Valtera, nor her cause. He had his own cause, his own agenda. At present, it benefited him to aid Her. After all, she was the only one who hadn't betrayed his trust. Hadn't lied to him..

The voices informed Laith that a group had gathered in the city, specifically naming Hunthor. Laith simply nodded, and, gathering his things, he set off to find them. Every drop of information that he might use against them was of the utmost importance.

An odd green film covers the ground.
Several steps force you to exert some energy through the crowds, up this street. The air is musty, while the heat is unbearable.
There is a locked door to the north
Obvious Exits: East West NorthWest SouthWest
Players here: Hunthor Jiska Nareth Delphi Shaggmar(mounted upon a butterfly) Hexxan(sitting) Hein(mounted upon a dragon) Ischade(mounted upon a pony) Trixsy(mounted upon a puma)

Hunthor says 'And the seige is not just at the gates, it extends around the whole city, except the sea.'
You ponder on the problem for a moment.
Laith slips over to Delphi.
Hexxan says 'I sure could use something to refresh my memory'
Hexxan nods.
Hunthor says 'Mining charges are small explosives.'

You whisper 'What's happening?' to delphi

Nareth says 'Then we are back to square one.'
Nareth gives a quick grin.

Delphi Whispers 'We're discussing ways to best end the siege.' to you

Nareth says 'And I should go to looking up how to make the items 'ee require.'
You nod your head at Delphi.
Hexxan starts to mutter things towards you.

You whisper 'What are the thoughts so far?' to delphi

Shaggmar says 'Well let me know when'
Hunthor says 'Saltpetre. Making it is a piece of...'
Hunthor gives out a nervous cough.

Delphi Whispers 'Nothing clear and cut. Plenty of gibberish about many different ideas.' to you

You whisper 'No progress, then.' to delphi

He was hardly surprised, but what came next piqued his interest somewhat. Information that really would be of use to him. Laith continued to listen intently, quite comfortable under the guise of one wishing to offer his help.
Hexxan asks 'So basically you want enough explosives do drill a tunnel underneath the walls?'
Hunthor says 'No, we want to dig the tunnels, not blast them.'
Nareth says 'No, we want enough to have them blow up.'
Nareth says 'We're planning on digging underneath the army.'

Instantly plans began to swarm through Laith's mind. This would be the perfect opportunity. The conversation quickly dwindled, leaning towards matters of purging from Moorgate Valtera's followers and those such as the Dark Flames who would wish harm upon the city. Laith remained until the bitter end of the conversation, participating with a strange enthusiasm. Unbeknownst to the citizens he aided, though, each of his ideas, whilst perhaps helpful, worked at getting him closer to his twisted obsession of Justice.

If the whole city had to fall in order for those few to be sentenced, then so be it.

By a ruined wall in Tymore Hills
A large wall stands to each side of the trail here and it is difficult to see the very top of it. The wall is in urgent need of repair and you hurry past in case pieces of masonry begin to fall.
Obvious Exits: North SouthWest

The voices awake in your head

Laith slows, peering around.

The voices begin one at a time, each getting louder and louder

Laith looks around a little suspiciously, before restringing his bow.
Laith lets out a breath, less shocked at the voices than he once was.

One voice breaks out above the rest, "Nareth and Hunthor are plotting"

Laith says 'The tunnels? Is there more, now?'

The voice continues to whisper, "Nareth has been visited by Andaria and given a book"

Laith says 'Hm.. a book. On what?'

The voice continues, "Ruining our plans"

Laith says 'I may have to pay Nareth a little visit.'

The voice continues to whisper, "It becomes more imperative to "Get rid" of the studying bother"

Laith says 'How close is she to any actual result? How damaging is this book?'

The voice continues, "They could start the plans tomorrow, they are that close"

Laith says 'What of Hunthor? Where is he fitting into this, now?'

The voice continues, "She has sought out his help"

Laith says 'Nareth remains the immediate problem, then. I will see what I can do about that.'

The voice whispers, "Find out what they have planned so that we can intervene before you take care of her"

Laith says 'Did you hear of the tunnels? Whether their plans reached a finality is questionable, but they sounded serious enough.'

The voice continues, "She will come to you and you can tell her"

Laith nods in response to that.

With that the voices go silent

Yet again, Laith is left with a thoughtful mind. Not even a thread of concern had been left for Nareth, whilst once he would've spent every last breath protecting her, now her well being was the farthest thing from his mind. He had no intention of killing her, though. He didn't really have an immediate intention of killing any of them.

To offer them Death would be far too kind.

Just as the 'click' of a door shutting sounded through the hall, Laith turned to find himself presented with a messenger, looking at him expectantly. Peculiar timing, he thought, as he accepted the piece of rather hastily written parchment. His mind was elsewhere, not even noticing as the note's means of delivery slipped back out of the hallway and down the steps. He'd just spent a rather long and sleepless night within an all too unoccupied room. Celeir's room. But, this time, something was a little different. He hadn't spent the night brooding, nor even mourning for her. It had been a quiet place to sit and think, and a place where not even Ronnin would have bothered him. There was always the odd knock at his own door, regardless of the late hour.. but not here. Whether they were too considerate or simply worried over how unstable he seemed to have been in recent times, he went undisturbed.

Spending the most part of the night watching over the glass cabinet, Laith let his mind wander. Again, the circumstance was different. He allowed his thoughts to drift over the last moments of her life, but the faces he saw around the dreary scene no longer seemed lined with guilt. Murderers they might well have been, at least some of them. But not murderers of Celeir. Perhaps he'd wanted to believe they were. Perhaps he'd needed a place for the blame, an outlet for the rage. But when it came to the all important question of just who was at fault, a single conclusion came to mind.

Did it matter?

She was gone. He was not going to be able to change that. The only thing that stuck in his mind was the cause of her death. She had died as some twisted sacrifice in the orchestration of summoning the Nûlumanô Calahat. Valtera's Serpent. ..and yet, he didn't hold blame over Valtera, either. It was at this moment that a subject crept back to the surface of Laith's thoughts. The anger came when he realized how her sacrifice had been in vain. She had worked tirelessly, manipulating others into the single cause of aiding Valtera's serpent in its birth to the city. Yet it had fallen so suddenly. Not only had she been taken, it had all been for nothing short of a few deaths.

As he continued to consider the events that had twisted and turned his world, one more recent memory seemed to rise up above the others. Of all the places he might have expected advice or a useful comment, the memory of his conversation with Artemisia stuck out. She had found him, bundled in the dark depths of the library, staring into empty space. Pathetic, she had called him, and indeed he was, it was a sorry state to be in. It had not been until that moment that he truly realized one of the more obvious facts surrounding Celeir's demise. There served no purpose nor use in mourning for her. Would she have wanted that? No. Had she been around to view it, she would hardly have looked kindly on the act. It was long overdue for him to snap out of his hopeless, dreary state, and pull himself together, as it were.

In the time since he had spoken with Artemisia, the situation had developed somewhat. The attacks had continued against the city, but finally the city was retaliating with force. The peculiar thing to Laith was how passionately he was able to fight. On this battlefield, he thrived- as if the lizards did not deserve to win. Whether it was the overwhelming odds that snared him, or the simple fact that they were the useless cause that Celeir had died for, he found himself fighting every battle he could. Sadly, they were by no means winning- but it hardly mattered. The battle invigorated him with a sense of purpose, a sense of life, even. He hadn't decided quite where he wanted to end up out of all this, not yet. But at least now he had decide a course of action. One that would assist his search. In this end, he would fight their war with them. He would perhaps even call it his own war. Until now, it had simply been the lizards, and the city. He sided with neither, regardless of his own actions. Perhaps it was time that changed. But beyond all that, accepting that the world would not wait for him, Laith's mind struck out with a final sense of clarity. When the dust settled, he had to simply accept what is done, is done. She wasn't coming back, but that did not have to mean that his journey of the world of the living died with her. Many things remained unclear for Laith, from matters of religion to the intricacies surrounding the finer points of the war.. but for now, he would not tear himself apart in search of answers. When the time was right, he would find them. Till then, he would follow what situations demanded attention the most.

..and, well, there is a war, after all.