Subject: Stories involving my characters... 418 views

[Quilyassa]

((There were originally posted elsewhere, I am posting them here for everyone to see.))

Some time ago...


"Lady Blythe, are you alright?" The man at arms sitting at the corner table asked her. Vanaya had been drinking heavily on this evening, five empty tankards sat on the table in front of her.
"I'm okay, shee?" She slurred as she looked at him. They were sitting in the Naughty Griffin tavern in Haven's Point. Vanaya had recently returned from Silverymoon after dealing with a funeral for someone she didn't know, but had information she needed. She was dressed sloppily, which was unusual for her, in the peasant's clothes she'd been handed when she arrived in Neverwinter.

The tavern wasn't very busy that night, thankfully, so she had no fear of being seen in this sorry state she was in. She muttered something under her breath. The man at arms at her table wasn't wearing much in terms of armor. He'd only come along to support her after she told him to come. He stroked his beard in concern. "I think you've had enough." He stated.

"What do you know? You're jusssh hired musshle." She told him.
"Now look, I know you mentioned meeting your uncle in Silverymoon, and you've managed to look normal for others, but this isn't you. I've never seen you like this, and I've been by your side for quite a long time."
"Maybe you shhhouldn't be anymore." She growled.
"Lady Ellarian." He said.
She stared at him hard. "You did not jusssh..."
"Yes. I used your elven name. I'm taking you to your room and you're resting this off."
She threw up her hands. "Fine. Take me. But I'm firing you in the morning."
"As you wish, milady." He gestured for her to take his hand so he could help her, and she did.


She wobbled as she walked. "Room'sh shhpinnin" She told him.
"Yeah it is. You can't hold your liquor well, girl."
He held on to her by putting one of his arms around her shoulders and the other one around her waist.
"No funny ideas, Giles." She told him, with a serious undertone.
"I would never." He told her.

He took her up to one of the rooms and she told him, in no few words, where he could go and shove his sword. She'd switched from Common to Elvish while doing so as well. He only politely took her verbal abuse and left her be. She collapsed on the bed. "I don't know what to think anymore." She muttered softly. The alcohol had taken effect now and she fell fast asleep. Her dreams became the nightmares of her past.

She saw herself as a child in Cormanthor, at a small elven outpost with her father. It was here, she remembered, that her father went when he needed time to himself, and on occasion, he'd take her with him. Her father was a moon elven wizard, this much she knew from his room and his teachings as he tried to show her the way. His school of magic, as she knew it, was evocation. He stood at five feet, eleven inches, with green eyes, medium length brown hair and pale skin.

"Alright Vanaya, I need to go train a few others in wizardry. Are you sure you don't want to go play with the other children?"
"They're mean! They hate me! They call me names!" She insisted.
Her father sighed. "I suppose we'll have to find something for you to stay out of trouble, no?"

A voice called her father's name in elvish. She couldn't understand it, as she did not speak elven. She turned to it's speaker. The sun elf walking over had short coppery hair, a slim, toned build and was shorter than her father, about five foot five. Her father greeted him in kind and the two embraced. The sun elf took note of her, and she could only interpret his displeasure towards her.
"Vanaya, this is Kerisyr Soryn. A friend of mine." Her father said as he switched to common.
"Hullo." She managed. The sun elf only stared at her indifferently, and then turned to her father and spoke in elvish again. Vanaya sighed. This was common in some parts of Cormanthor. She was scorned for her human blood in some places, and welcomed in others, but most sun elves, and there were few, ignored her completely and it seemed her father's friend was going to do the same.

"It has been too long, my brother." Another voice spoke from behind them and Vanaya brightened as she saw him.
"Osu'tan!" She called to him and ran up to him and he smiled. The word meant "uncle" in elvish, and was one of the few elvish words she knew.
"Ah, good to see you brother. I was hoping you'd be around." Vanaya's father walked over and clasped his brother's hands, but the elder elf pulled him in for a hug. "You are always away for far too long that I never get a chance to see my niece, Daenae."

"Renoro, I would never keep her from you. Her mother insists that she stays in the Dalelands." Daenae shrugged. He switched to elven then and Vanaya looked between the two brothers to figure out what they were saying for a moment before looking back over in Kerisyr's direction. The sun elf looked rather bored to her, and he said something to the btohers who then nodded to one another and her father smiled and looked at her.
"Vanaya, I need to go help Lord Soryn hone some apprentice's skills. You will stay with Renoro for now, okay?"
She nodded, sadly, as she dearly wanted to watch them, but looked up to Renoro. He was an inch taller than his brother, and had blue eyes instead of green and long brown hair. "Well then, let us go inside and get a drink of tea, shall we?" He suggested.
Vanaya pouted. "His friend don't like me."

"Ah. Kerisyr is a sun elf, Vanaya. Your human blood fouls his senses. While we, as moon elves, are tolerant of humans, many others would rather have no contact with them. It is best you do not engage in conversation with him."
"He prolly doesn't understand common."
Her uncle smiled. "Oh, he does. He will never speak it openly though."
"How do you know?"
"I've heard him, once."
"Huh. So, what kind of tea do you have?" She smiled and took his hand.

The dream faded to a rainy day within the forest of Cormanthor. Vanaya stood over the burial of her father, holding back all of her emotions. She held a small medallion with Kelemvor's symbol. She spoke softly. "Kelemvor guide you to Arvandor, father." She'd recently been talking to the priests and doomguides of Kelemvor, and wore an outfit befitting of an acolyte. She heard laughter, and it didn't sound friendly.

"You should not be here." The sun elf stood in the rain dressed in a fine robe adorned with Corellon's star and varying other symbols of those within the Seldarine.
"Daenae Ellarian was my father, Lord Soryn. I have a right to be here as much as you do."
"And yet you disrespect him by using your mother's name. You dishonor him, by becoming an acolyte of the Lord of the Dead."
Vanaya stared at him. "Why do you do this, Lord Soryn? How have I offended you? Please tell me, and I will make it right."

"Bah! You are not worth my time. Lle holma ve' edan. Amin feuya ten' lle. In case you did not hear, your father's belongings have been given to Renoro, and you are no longer welcome here."
It was true. The others had merely tolerated her, and without her father, she was not welcomed. The elven insult, however, wasn't needed. She clenched her fists. She wanted to yell at him, to tell him how she felt about his recent behavior to him.
"Lle naa haran e' nausalle!" She told him, and he snapped. For a brief second, his eyes looked like there was a flare of blue spellfire and he reached out and hit her, hard, across her face. It sent her to the ground. Such strength! He weighed so little compared to her and yet he'd struck her with the force of an orc. She slowly got up, and she could taste blood from her lips.
"Let that be a warning. Do not ever cross my path. You have taken away something that I loved dearly and will never get back. I swear, if I find you, I will kill you. Your divine magic will not save you from my spells. Leave now, or I shall be forced to call the guard upon you."
Vanaya nodded to him. The pain of what he'd done coupled with the loss of her father had been too much on her. She walked away, letting the rain mix with her tears.

The dream faded once more and now she saw herself just outside of Neverwinter. A familiar voice spoke.
"Looks like our paths have crossed."
She turned around and saw him. Kerisyr. It was just the same as she'd remembered that rainy day, and his eyes were flared with the blue glow of the spellplague, part of being spellscarred. While he didn't have it when she'd last saw him, this, she assumed, was part of his progression into madness.
"Kelemvor watch over me." She muttered and started a quick cast of an astral shield to ward from his damaging spells, but he was quicker.

His quick spell took hold on her before she could even bring forth the divine. She found herself over five feet off the ground struggling to breathe. He cast another spell shortly after that, a cold whirlwind of power surrounded her as she fell to the ground, which was now covered in ice and froze her in place. How was he doing this so fast? She unfroze before she saw him do a sign and looked up to see a large knife made of ice heading towards her and she woke up screaming.

And with a very large headache. She went to the dresser and pulled out her knapsack, grabbing some potions and quaffing them down to get rid of the effects. She sighed. What she needed right now was a friend. Someone she could trust. Someone she knew. Her mind wandered to Lysendros and she sighed once more. He meant more to her than she thought. She wanted to hold him in her arms, and tell him how she felt about him, but it would have to wait. After all, he would still need time to digest that Myrawen had gone off to find herself. She was still reeling over the dream, however. She then asked herself. "Was it a dream or a premonition?" She shook her head and prepared herself for the day ahead. Perhaps a visit to Lysendros would do her good.


ELVEN TRANSLATION:

Lle holma ve' edan. Amin feuya ten' lle. - You smell like a human. you disgust me.

Lle naa haran e' nausalle - You are king in your imagination.

[Quilyassa]

Elsewhere in the Sword Coast... (Part 2 of the story above)

Kerisyr slept beside his new partner, comforted not only by his presence, but his warm embrace. The sun elf had found himself in the arms of what his people would consider an enemy, a drow. Normally he would've never given the man a shot, but after his encounter with one shopkeeper named Seldsa Arabarn, he'd found himself being lenient towards them. There was also the aranea who told him to "Look for good in those you meet." Besides, Relontyrr was very attractive even if he was a drow, and Kerisyr was easily smitten by him.

His dreams had always been plagued by something or other since he'd been spellscarred years ago. Sometimes they were good, taking his imagination to strange heights and leaving him waking refreshed and happy, and then there were nightmares, but not as bad as this night.

The dream started in his home in Myth Drannor, where his best friend had come to tell him some important news. "I am going to be a father!"
"Oh? And who is the lucky woman? You did not tell me you were seeing someone else."
"I have been in the Dalelands, you remember this, no?"
"I do. I had wondered why you have not been here by my side."
The moon elf smiled. "I am sorry, Keri. You have been there for me for years, but I found this woman. A human woman. Evet Blythe. She made me feel something I had not felt since the first time I met you."
"You fell for a human? Daenae, why? They are short lived, she will die many years before you do."
"That's just it. We have many years ahead of us Keri. We can do as we please, and I found myself loving her."
"When were you planning to tell me this?"
"I meant to tell you sooner, but I wanted to be with her more and more. I am sorry, I would have thought you would have moved on?"
Kerisyr frowned and moved away from him, heading to a window nearby. His home was lavishly furnished and extravagant, befitting of a noble.
"I don't want anyone else. You know how some are only after me because of my blood. They do not care about me, the wizard known as Kerisyr."
"I have always cared about you, Kerisyr, despite your bloodlines."
Kerisyr muttered. "Not enough, apparently."
"Look, can we just celebrate the fact that I will be having a child?"
Kerisyr sighed and turned around, his arms folded across his chest. "Fine. Congratulations on your half breed."
Daenae frowned. "Keri..."
"Look, I'm excited for you. I am glad you have a legacy to precede you, but I am not glad that you found a human and decided that i no longer matter to you. I am hurt. I loved you Daenae. You have been my love for years. I just do not know how to feel when the man I have loved for so long disappears for many months and returns to tell me that he has bred with a filthy human sleeper."
"Kerisyr Soryn. I don't like your tone, but I understand how upset you must be. I should leave you be then, I am very sorry."
Kerisyr sighed. "I do not want you to leave me, but I understand that with the child there will be responsibilities. Promise me that you will come and see me when you can, please?"
Daenae crossed the room and put his hands on Kerisyr's shoulders. "I promise. As long as you'll have me, I will be here."
"Good. Come to bed with me then." Kerisyr took his hands and lead him away.

The scene shifted to Daenae's funeral, and his encounter with his daughter, Vanaya. That had been ugly when he struck her, but her birth and her mother had taken a part of him from him, or so he thought. Daenae was his love and very important to him, and his death was because of Vanaya, Kerisyr was sure of it, though he did not remember exactly how his friend died, just that his body had been found, torn asunder as if a spell had gone awry from within. As he watched her leave he made his vow and said his prayers to Corellon over the grave before heading back to his mount to head to Myth Drannor. As he was walking he sensed he wasn't alone, and he was right as suddenly he was hit in his head from behind very hard.

The shock of the strike left him dazed, but he wasn't in that state for long, and as he was about to make his move he felt himself being held against his will, a dagger to his belly and a hand over his mouth. The hand was black as night. A drow! A feminine voice spoke into his ear.
"You listen to me, Soryn. I heard what you said, I saw what you did. You are d**ned lucky I was not close enough to touch you. Here is my warning, you harm Vanaya or come near her and I will know about it. I will gut you like the cowardly bastard you are, and I will enjoy doing it. I have no qualms about taking the life of a disgusting sun elf like yourself. Now, you're going to get on your unicorn and ride back to Myth Drannor and hopefully, I will never see nor hear of you again." She bit his ear hard and dropped a smoke bomb, disappearing before he could regain his wits to defend himself.
"d**ned drow pregnant dog." He muttered and ran towards his mount now, not wanting to be caught by those daggers again.

It shifted to Neverwinter now. The woods were dark and he'd spotted Vanaya there. He called out to her. "Vanaya, I need to..."
"It's a trap!" A familiar voice called out.
Before he could even react, the drow woman had returned. he could not see her features, the dream obscured them, but she came at him with a flurry of blades like he'd never seen before. He didn't even have a chance to defend himself before she'd stabbed him several times, and then shoved her blade deep into his gut, twisting it. She whispered to him, "Lucky for you, your death will be swift, and in the presence of a cleric of Kelemvor, not that you deserve any of her last rites." Kerisyr was falling to the ground, he couldn't move, his lifesblood flowing freely from the wound as the drow yanked her blade out. He managed, "I'm sorry, Van-aya."

He cried out as he awoke, trembling and began to sob.

[Quilyassa]

Backstory Post - Vanaya Blythe

Evet Blythe lived in the Dalelands serving as reserve militia whenever she could, otherwise she usually ended up in the local taverns as a serving wench. She had medium length red hair, blue eyes, large build, and tanned skin. She avoided advances from rowdy customers whenever she could, but occasionally would cause a brawl. She was known for having one hell of a right hook and once a man discovered that after harassing her for far too long, he generally left her alone. It was the elf, Daenae Ellarian, who caught her eye several nights in a row as he frequented the tavern she was in. She'd discovered he was staying there as well, and was amused to learn the moon elf was merely just wandering about and meeting other folks. He spotted her on guard duty once, admiring her in her armor with her sword and shield and asked her a few questions, which she picked up on much too late the he was indeed trying to get to know her in a clever way. Finding her working in the tavern later, she'd whispered to him to meet with her later, and their relationship began.

When Evet was carrying his child, she had to take a break from guard duty, and it disappointed her, but she also had to be careful in the tavern. Daenae bounced between Myth Drannor and the Dales, never staying for more than a couple of weeks in either place and telling Evet what she should do in order to protect their child. Evet was never fond of being told what to do, but the elf was, at the very least, giving her money so she would not have to work. She only feared that he would take her child from her.

Once she'd given birth, she admired the child who now had both her and Daenae's qualities. She knew, however, that because of her heritage, the child would have trouble fitting in. She decided the best chance would be to give Vanaya a human name. "Aya. My beautiful Aya." She said.
"Evet, my dear, I've returned..." Daenae entered the small house Evet called home and stared at her and at the small baby she held. He gasped.
"Meet Aya." She told him.
"Aya? Oh no, she deserves an elven name." He approached and held out his hands to hold her.
"She's already gonna get called names for being a half elf, giving her some elven name might make it worse!" Evet denied him from taking the child from her.
"Then let's combine the two."
"What do you suggest?"
"Something with a V. And add Aya to that. Vanaya."
"Vanaya, hmm."
The baby giggled.
"I think she likes it."
"Alright, Vanaya it is."
"Mind if I take her? I want to show my brother."
"No. She needs me. She's my child."
"And mine." Daenae frowned.
"She's not old enough to go without me."
"I could-"
"No." She said, angrily. Vanaya began to cry.
"You're upsetting her." He said.
"No, YOU are upsetting her. Leave."
"Fine. If that is how you wish to be, so be it. She's my daughter too, and I'll be d**ned if I can't see my child." He stormed out of the house, slamming the door.
Evet rocked Vanaya in her arms, signing a soft lullaby for her to sleep to.

Vanaya was around three years of age when her father came back. Evet noticed how much Vanaya seemed to pick up on things with ease and react to them accordingly. Though Evet still received money from Daenae, she had went back to working as a guard and as a tavern wench, having a friend of hers watch over Vanaya. Her friend, however, wasn't very good, often leaving Vanaya by herself. Vana often found her own amusement with ease however. It was one day when Daenae came into the house while the sitter was away. Vanaya spotted him and looked at him curiously. He frowned and she followed it. He walked over to her and picked her up. "I think it's time you came with me to Cormanthor, hmm?" Vanaya only stared at him, her eyes wide. He left the house and went over to the guard shack where Evet was. Evet saw him.
"And just what in the nine hells do you think you're doing?"
"I'm taking Vanaya with me for a while."
"And how long is a while? You've been out of her life for three years."
"I know. I mean to fix that."
"She doesn't know you!"
"She will."
Evet glared at him and he only smiled. "Evet, love, you don't have to worry. i am here for her now. I always have been."
"Money isn't you being there for her. Gods, if you don't come back with her, I swear-"
He kissed her. "I will bring her back. She'll be fine."

It would turn out that her parents made a split decision and she would be with her father for half a year and mother for another half, but not all at once. For Vanaya, she loved being in the Dalelands. She'd made friends with an orphaned half drow boy and a human girl with ease. She talked with other children and got along with them, but rarely ever made friends, they were more like acquaintances to her. It was when she went to Cormanthor that she struggled. Sun elven children were vicious, and some of the moon elven children, while curious, were too boisterous for Vanaya to handle. Her father was often leaving her alone, much like her mother, except for different reasons. She found herself wanting to leave both of them, to explore, to go out beyond the Dales and Cormanthor. She was, however, grateful for one of the few family members who cared - her uncle. Renoro spent time teaching her elvish and elven society. He was patient and very kind she found, but his children often scoffed at her, so playing with her cousins was out of the picture.

Her father tried to teach her spells to become a wizard but she couldn't even muster a magic missile which prompted his friend, the arrogant Kerisyr Soryn, into fits of laughter and calling her a failure in elvish. She felt terrible for not grasping her father's magical side, especially when she could tell he, too, was disappointed. Renoro told her, "Some people are not attuned to the arcane."
"I'm not even fit to carry a weapon. I tried to use a sword and shield like my mother and I can't. I'm terrible."
"Perhaps you need faith, my a'su'tan (niece)."
She only looked at him for a moment. "Maybe." She murmured.

She was in her twenties when she declared that she was going to head on out and find whatever it was that she was supposed to do, with her friends of course. The half drow discovered he was good at thievery, despite Vanaya's attempts to convince him otherwise. The human girl with them had a thing for large blades as a swordmaster, and they were joined by a young halfling warrior and a dwarven spellcaster whom Vanaya was always laughing at. The five ran into trouble here and there, and often got into fights with goblins and gnolls, along with an occasional orc. Vanaya, however, felt useless. Her friends were talented, but she was not. The dwarf died first when he'd gotten hit by a fiery catapult stone and didn't dodge when Vanaya yelled at him to. He had few family and few friends, so Vanaya was in attendance for his funeral, listening to the rites read by a priest of Moradin, and Kelemvorite priests consoling those who needed it. Vanaya spoke to an elven cleric of Kelemvor.

"He didn't have to die."
"Death comes to all eventually. it is a part of the natural order."
"I feel responsible."
"You grieve, child. It will take time to heal. Rest assured, Kelemvor will watch over his soul and guide it to its rest."
She sighed. "I don't know where the dwarven people go, but I hope he's in a good place."
"He will be. Do not blame yourself. Do not carry the burden of his death. he is in a better place."
She nodded. "Thank you, stranger."
"Seek me, if you need anything. I am Rhythal Lightshiver, cleric of Kelmvor."
"Alright. Thank you, Rhythal, until next we meet." She nodded her head to him with respect and rejoined her friends.

[Quilyassa]

Vanaya continued adventuring with her friends. While she only knew small arcane cantrips here and there, she still felt very useless. The halfling warrior was robust and strong, but he could only hold out so long. He fell in battle, protecting them from a party of gnolls. Vanaya and her friends attended the funeral and once again she met the elven cleric of Kelemvor.
"He still had so much to live for." She told him.
"Death comes to us all eventually."
"It does, but, why does it have to be so painful? I liked him."
"They will live on in your memories. The pain will fade with time, of which, you have more of."
Vanaya only sighed and walked away.

The half drow was the next to die when he was mistaken for a regular drow in a town they'd stopped in. Vanaya held his lifeless body in her arms and sobbed. At his funeral, the human friend held Vanaya as she cried. Vanaya had to excuse herself from the funeral as she broke down further.
"My lady, it pains me to see you grieve like this. Is there anything I can do?" The elven cleric was there once more.
"I loved him." Vanaya sobbed. "But he could only see me as a friend and nothing more. His heart belonged to another. Gods, why does it hurt?"
He gently put his hand on her shoulder. "You have a heart that is part of two worlds. The elven side gives love to a select few who have earned it, but the human side shows it more-so. You have an unrivaled passion for those you care for. It is very admirable. Your friends are lucky to have you."
"Not lucky enough. They keep dying. It's my fault."
"It is not your fault at all. Things happen. You are not to blame."
"No, but I am useless. I can't fight, can't hold a weapon, can't cast a spell. What good am I?"
"Perhaps you have yet to find your true calling. It will come to you, when you least expect it."
Vanaya looked at him. "I suppose so, but I hope it's soon. Barla is all I have left. Well, besides my parents, who are too busy ignoring me."
He smiled. "You will be fine."
She nodded and walked off to join Barla.

Barla went with Vanaya to a few more towns before she succumbed to an illness. Vanaya was by her side as she withered away. At her funeral, Vanaya looked for the elven cleric, but this time, he did not show. Since it seemed like she was meant to see death every where, Vanaya began to wonder if there was a way she could prevent it from those she knew. She was reading a book on the gods when the answer came to her, Kelemvor. It was Kelemvor, god of Death who also had clerics who swore to protect the living. Well, she decided she'd go to the nearest temple and see what she could do.

At the temple of Kelmvor she spent some time talking to a doomguide. Her playful demeanor changed in the face of the man. Gone was her cheerful and light demeanor to be replaced by determination and seriousness. She was quick to catch on to the divine. It came to her with ease, easier than anything else had. Was this her true calling? She figured she would not see the elven cleric again, until one day.

"Vanaya Blythe." Doomguide Saryn called her.
"Yes, Doomguide Saryn?"
"Your beginner's training is complete. It's time you moved on to intermediate and advanced training. For that, I send you to Rhythal Lightshiver. You will find him on the training grounds. He is an excellent cleric and will be able to train you as needed."
Vanaya nodded and walked away. It suddenly hit her. The elven cleric she'd seen at her friend's funerals may have been trying to recruit her. Perhaps she didn't see it. She was naive after all, or so she'd been told. She thought 'What if he foresaw me becoming a cleric?' She shook the thought and headed to the training grounds, where she saw him. She swallowed hard. He'd been nice to her before, but now he was her trainer. She sighed and headed over to him, hoping she would be able to take anything he could dish out.

[Quilyassa]

Training with Rhythal Lightshiver

Rhythal Lightshiver was standing over near a table talking to a human who was armed with a sword and shield. Rhythal stood at nearly six feet tall, with black short hair slicked back and piercing blue eyes. He work chain mail dyed black and deep midnight blue. His face was angular and sharp, and he was very attractive to Vanaya, though she would not say that to him.

She approached him with caution. "Excuse me, Lord Lightshiver." She said, her voice had a small shake to it, a part of her nervousness, something he caught on as he turned to her and the crners of his mouth turned up for a very subtle smile.
"There are no lords in the temple of Kelemvor, all are equal in his eyes. How can I help you?" His voice was gentle, as he'd been when she was grieving.
"I am but a humble acolyte in the service of Kelemvor, but I wish to learn more. I was told to speak with you."
"I see. What I do is train others in the art of battle. On the battlefield, we are needed, not only for healing and to aid others, but to smite our foes where ever they may be. I train those who would become clerics. What makes you think you can be a good candidate for my training?"
"Well, sir, I cannot say if I am a good candidate. I believe the best course would be for me to try to show you what I am capable of." She was trying not to fidget, but she could sense she was.
"Try? Can you try to pick up a holy symbol, or do you pick it up? I do not believe in simply trying, I believe in doing. You have been taught the ways of Kelemvor, yes? You cannot try to bury someone, you do it. You cannot try to put the undead to rest, you do it. I ask again, what makes you believe you can become a cleric?"
She straightened up. "I am committed to helping others. I do not wish to see anyone I care for or under my care or even my charge to die if I can help it. I am opposed to the undead and the necromancers who raise them from their slumber. I have seen too much death in life and have grown used to it, but I will fight alongside those I care about instead of standing there and watching them fight and die before me. If you do not wish to train me, so be it, I will ask Doomguide Saryn to find another."
Rhythal smiled. "It would seem you have finally figured out what your true calling is."
She gave him a slight smile. "Kelemvor has shown me the way. He has been by my side it seems."
Rhythal nodded. "It is not too late for you yet. May I ask your name?"
"Vanaya Blythe."
"Vanaya Blythe. Talk to the quartermaster for a starting holy symbol and some chain mail. We start at dawn. Do not be late."
"Yes, sir." She nodded and left to find what he sought.

The human nearby talked to Rhythal. "She's very pretty. Don't find many like her in these temples."
"Of course you do. There are plenty of elves in the service of Kelemvor."
"But few half elves. Besides, looks like that took a lot out of her just to tell you what she thought."
"Courage is needed from her. She has doubt, so much doubt."
"Think you can help her?"
"I believe she will come around."
"Ha! That's a good laugh Rhy. You've sent quite a few packin before they even stood a chance."
"She will not be one of them. Timid and scared she may seem, I see much more than that in her. It will take some time to draw it out of her."
"You like her? You just barely met her."
"No. I have met her a few times. I presided over her friend's funerals. She is still raw from those deaths, when she could do nothing for them. Now she wants to learn so she can do something for her future friends, it may be late, but she is naive."
"Or stupid."'
"I do not believe she is stupid, I believe she is very capable. Perhaps just slow. She does have human blood after all."
"Are ya callin me slow?"
Rhythal laughed. "Never that, my friend, never that, but you can be, and that's why I enjoy working with you."
The human warrior shook his head and laughed with him.

Vanaya showed up the next day, just before dawn dressed in chain mail that was apparently too large for her form, and a holy symbol too large for her hands. She was, as she'd noticed, the only one dressed as such. She spotted the human fighter as he'd arrived in plate mail, an elven ranger arrived next and lastly a human wizard who seemed to have his eyes fixated on Vanaya. The young wizard stood next to her.
"So, what's a good looking woman like yourself doing out here?"
"I am a cleric. I will be training today."
"Oh good. Clerics of Kelemvor are in short supply you know. I was going to be a cleric, but I think the arcane arts are much more divine. Not as much as you are though. Gods, what I wouldn't do to have a woman like you."
"I-I am not interested."
"Oh sure, you're not interested now, but wait until you see what I can do with my spells."
She shook her head. "Please. Stop."
"Fine, have it your way. Don't be jealous of my skill though." The wizard walked away from her, clearly disappointed. The fighter, however, had come beside her now.
"He's one of our newer recruits. I doubt Rhy will send you with us for war games training, he doesn't do that until later. I'll keep an eye on that wizard. Seems like a shady one."
"Thank you."

Rhythal joined up with them shortly after. He frowned upon seeing Vanaya's appearance. Vanaya noticed this frown but said nothing. Rhythal turned to the human fighter. "Take your friends and talk to Lany Clyel for war games training. Miss Blythe and I are going to train together."
"As you will, Lightshiver."

The fighter gathered the wizard and the ranger and headed off to another part of the training area. Rhythal looked over Vanaya.
"Looks like we are in dire need of supplies if they have given you poor fitting armor and a holy symbol that looks like it may be hard for you to handle." He sighed.
"I took what I was given, sir, nothing more."
"It is not suited for you. I cannot have you in war games training if you are not wearing proper armor. Besides, you need to learn the basics, and I will teach them to you. What do you know about magic?"
"There are various schools of magic, I was merely told and, well, somewhat taught some magics but it was not my calling."
"You botched spells?"
"Yes." She admitted with a sigh. "Horribly so, sir."
"I see. Yet divine magic, how do you fare with that?"
"I can do simple spells for that, sir. They come easily to me."
"As they should." He pointed at a dummy. "Show me what you can do."'

Vanaya held up the holy symbol nervously for a moment and swallowed hard. Would she fail his test? Her mind raced as she tried to focus, and she reached in for the calmness that the divine could give her and found it. A radiant beam formed in her left hand and she threw it as it became a lance, striking the target hard. With a soft whisper she called forth another divine wisp of energy and sent a glowing rune around the dummy. A simple prayer to Kelemvor was answered in the form of a beam of light which struck the target and obliterated it. She turned back to him. "Oops." She muttered. He was smiling.
"Well done, Blythe. I see you have found your path to Kelemvor. Do not worry about the training dummy. It is meant to be used, though I have rarely had one destroy it."
"I didn't mean-"
He cut her off. "Do not worry about it. Now, I need to find out what you know so that I may teach you some advanced spells."
She nodded. And he did just that.

For three weeks she spent learning how to use an arsenal of spells at her disposal. Rhythal even managed to get her a different symbol that would suit her hands. His training was tough on her, though she maintained a brave face through it all. Almost every day she went to her small room within the temple sore and tired. When he finally got her some armor that fit her, he told her, "Tomorrow the war games begin. Be ready."
"I shall."
"And Blythe?"
"Yes?"
"Keep up the good work. You have done very well. You have a knack for success when it comes to the divine. I believe you will do well with the war games."
"Thank you, Lightshiver. It is much appreciated."
"You are most welcomed, Vanaya."

[Quilyassa]

War Games

((Note: This is just some crazy backstory idea I had. I figured I'd go with it for fun.))

Vanaya arrived at dawn, and saw that the warrior and ranger were there as well. She gave them a polite nod.
"Early mornings, nothing quite like starting the day heading into a mock battle." The human fighter said to her. Since he had his helm in one hand, she could see what he looked like fully. His head was shaven, as was his face. He had hazel eyes and leathery skin, as if he'd been weathered and tested.

"I suppose so." Vanaya replied.
"You suppose so. Ha, you half elves are a strange lot. I think you're one of the few I've ever met that isn't curious as a cat and as excited as a dog getting a bone."
Vanaya raised an eyebrow. "I believe everyone is unique, sir."
"Vincis. Vincis Gunderson. Folks call me Gunny."
"Well, then, Gunderson. I'm Vanaya Blythe."
"Pretty name."

Vanaya smiled and a hint of rose came to her cheeks.
"Aren't you just something?" He chuckled. "Blythe, you're going to melt some man's heart with that, you know."
"Oh, I- I wasn't-" She stammered.
"Relax. You're probably older than I am, and I'm already happily married. The missus may be a right pain in my arse, but at least she keeps me warm, fed, and happy."
"Oh. Okay. Good to know. Thank you for the compliment, then."
"So proper. You're welcome."
"So, uh, who else is going to be joining us?"
"See the ranger over there?" He tilted his head in the ranger's direction. The elven ranger was checking something on his bow. "That's Galadel Starherald. He's not one for much talk, prefers to keep to himself and watch others. He'll preach a good word for Kelemvor though if anyone needs it, and he tries not to let anyone fall."
"Good to know."

"The wizard who'll be joining us is the one who talked to you before. I've told him to leave you alone since you're the one who'll be mainly training more than us. Hopefully he'll listen. His name's Piersym Albyn. Around Lightshiver he's not so thingyy, without him, Gods, he's a right pain in the arse. Whines about everything. Prissy little nuts."
Vanaya chuckled.
The wizard arrived shortly after. He had shoulder length neatly slicked blonde hair, piercing blue eyes, a square chin and a sharp nose. "Another fun filled day of war games. I don't see why we have to do them."
"If you know what's good for you, you'll shut your yap, Albyn. We do these to train people like you on how to fight the undead proper, in the name of Kelmvor. Are you sure you're not devoted to Sune?"
Piersym frowned and sniffed. "I despise the undead and everything about them. It's so unnatural." He turned to Vanaya and smiled. "And how are you, milady?"
Vanaya sighed and shook her head.
"It's about time you lot decided to roll out of bed and show yourself." A commanding voice said sternly. Rhythal had arrived now. He was dressed in fine elven chain mail, colored to match the Doomguides of the temple. As soon as he spoke, everyone stood at attention, no longer relaxing in his presence.

"So, since Blythe is new to our company, I'l going to run this down. We have people out on the field marked as undead, and others marked as necromancers. Your job is to keep our town of Sihyrst safe from them, making sure they don't get past the barriers. If you get hit three times by the undead, you are downed. The people playing necromancers will be using real spells, and you are expected to dodge them. You will be using what you have learned and apply them on the field. I will make sure your sorry asses don't end up in the injury ward, which is what you should be doing, Blythe. your job is to watch every member of your group and make sure they are healthy and safe. You have the skills, you need only to apply them. The wards are up for those portraying our enemies, they will raise a flag if they are downed by you. Do you all understand."

"Yes, sir."
"Good. Now get into position."

Vanaya ran next to Gunderson for a moment, before heading first into the area.
"Blythe! What in the nine hells are you doing?" Lightshiver yelled.
"Leading?" Vanaya said. She'd frozen in her tracks and her shoulders raised as she was scolded.
"Do you have a shield?"
"No."
"Do you have a sword?"
"No."
"Are you heavily armored?"
"No."
"Then stay back. The fighters should always be at the forefront. You should be in the middle."
"Yes, sir."
"Start again!"

Vanaya stayed back as Gunderson lead the charge. She followed right behind him. Once in the fray of the 'undead' she watched how the other's played. The fighter was swinging his blunted sword against the shields that the undead players were holding. The wizard casting cantrips as if they were his full spells and the ranger shooting his bow with no arrows. Vanaya was lost. She knew it was supposed to be as if they were under attack, but she didn't know what to do.
"Blythe, what are you doing?"
"Oh, uh, I don't know what I should be doing, should I cast real spells or what?"
"Should you-" Rhythal shook his head for a moment. "Blythe, I want you to use your shield and healing spells, can you manage that?"
"Yes, sir."

She did as told, though it was apparent that Rhythal's words did affect her. Every time he called her name, she flinched, thinking it was bad. She adjusted quickly, depending on the mock battles, though it took her a while. By the end of the training session, which was done by midday, Vanaya felt exhausted.

For the next week she participated in the war games, sometimes with the same group and sometimes with others. While the wizard consistently tried to get her attention, she ignored him, much to his dismay. She got along well with Gunderson and he invited her over to meet his family one evening, which included his daughter. She was glad to meet them and it was nice to have a new friend.

It was one evening that she went into one of the local taverns for a drink that she felt out of place. While the town had it's mix of humans and elves with very few half elves, halflings and dwarves, she encountered the few who simply did not like her. At the tavern she received more than a few sinister glances and as she was about to leave she turned around and ran into Albyn. The human smiled.

"May I buy you a drink?"
"Oh, but I don't think i should have another-"
"Bartender, get her another of what she was having before." He insisted and blocked her path from leaving. He moved closer to her, and she ended up back on the stool.
"Piersym. Stop. I really should-" She started, but he stopped her with a hand on her shoulder.
"Please, Vanaya. It's just a drink."
"Okay." She said, and then muttered in elvish. "If you say so."

She took the next drink but she knew she'd feel it's effects soon enough, she was already tipsy. As she got up to leave, he pulled her close and tried to kiss her, she'd turned her head so he'd missed her lips and hit her cheek instead. She tried to struggle in his grip, but, for a wizard, he was athletic and strong. "Let me go. Please." She said quietly.
"You are so beautiful and elegant, Vanaya. Why don't you stay with me for the night?"
"I've told you already. I don't want you. You're not my type. Let me go." She was a little louder and firmer this time.
"But I can be your type. I can be anything."
"Excuse me, I'm sorry for interfering, but I believe Lady Blythe asked you to leave her alone. I believe you should respect her wishes." The voice was calm and collected.
"Mind your own business."
"No. I won't mind my own business. What you're doing is wrong, and if you do not unhand her and let her be, I will make sure that tomorrow you'll be on your horse headed for wherever I decide to send you."

Upon turning to his side, the wizard noted it was one disappointed moon elf standing there.
"Lightshiver. Well, what a pleasant surprise." He let Vanaya go and she moved away from him hastily.
"Enjoy your evening, Albyn." Was all Rhythal said as he turned and walked away, following Vanaya out of the tavern.

She was heading back to the temple and he could hear her as she talked to herself. "Should not have gone to that tavern, I should just leave this place and go-"
"He is only but a boy, Vanaya." Lightshiver said as he caught up to her.
She turned to him."What do you want? Are you going to insult me too? Call me round ear? Monkey face?" Her words were angry, but also held some of her hurt.
"I would never, ever call you those names Vanaya. I'm harsh in training because that is what is expected of me, but never in private and I would never call anyone by names used against their race."
Vanaya sighed. "I've had too much to drink because of that- that- man and I can't even think straight."
"I will walk you home, Vanaya."
"It's just the temple."
"It is a safe place for you."
She nodded. "Why do you care, anyway?"

"I have seen you struggle. You amaze me because you get back up and keep fighting. You show a brave face to the world yet you are scared. You have a passion bridled and held within that wants to come out, and yet you hold back. You fascinate me, and I can not deny that I like you because of who you are, rather than what you are."
"That's- that's one of the nicest things anyone's said to me in a while." She said as she looked at him.
He smiled at her. "I will take you to your apartment. Tomorrow, I wish for you to join me and I will take you to a different kind of tavern. One where you can be yourself."
"But I am myself."
"As you say, but I sense there is more to you."

He walked her to the temple as he said. They'd walked and talked as they went. As she went to bed, she chuckled to herself and shook her head. "Yeah, right. As if I'd ever find love with an elf. He'd only see me as fat and human." She sighed. "I hope I'm wrong."

[Quilyassa]

The Tavern Festivities

Vanaya went to training, as usual, practicing her skills and honing them, as she needed before taking the rest of the day. Rhythal met with her before she went to take her rest.
"Vanaya. When dusk comes, I would like to meet you in front of the temple. There is a tavern I would like to take you to."
"Alright, Rhythal. I'll come. I hope it's not as bad as the one I went to last night. I felt so out of place. Then again, I always feel out of place in places with many people."
He smiled. "This one is different. You will see."
"I hope so." She smiled.

She spent the afternoon going through her sparse collection of garments, cursing herself for not buying more. She settled upon a cotton outfit decorated with flowers and leaves. It wasn't anything fancy, in fact, it was quite simple and very human looking. She sighed as she looked in the mirror.

"This is it. Time for him to draw away from me too." She left her small room in the temple and went outside. it was still some time from dusk. She spotted the ranger Galadel Starherald as he left the temple shortly after she did. He smiled at her. "Fine outfit you have."
"Oh, it's just- you know, it's an old thing I had. Just thought I'd wear it for, well, whatever." She chuckled nervously.
He smiled and nodded. "Have a good evening, Blythe."
"You too, Starherald"

Dusk settled upon the small seaside town and she nervously began to wonder if Rhythal would even show. Her hands trembled, and she moved her hands around each other nervously. She sighed and turned around, heading back to the temple.
"Where are you going?"
She stopped. Rhythal had spoken. She turned around. He stood in blue and while silken garments befitting of a moon elven noble. She swallowed hard.
"Uh, well, you know, you see, I was just-" She sputtered.
He chuckled. "Vanaya. Calm down. There is no need to be nervous around me."
"But you're just so incredibly good looking and- oh gods I can't believe I said that!" Her cheeks turned crimson and she turned about to head back into the temple.

A hand touched hers. "Slow down, Vanaya. No need to rush things. I am very
flattered by your compliment."
She sighed. "I am not the girl you want though. I'm hopeless. I'm awkward, clumsy, I'm just too shy and timid for a man like you."
"You cannot possibly know what I like or do not like based upon the few meetings we have had and times we have spoken. Who you are has attracted me for a while. The longer I have spent time with you, the more I realized that I wanted to seek you out and know more."
She turned around and faced him.
"But why? I am half tel'quessir, even some of the tel'quessir do not even see me as one of them, as if I do not exist in the eyes of Corellon."
"I am not like those people Vanaya. Judging from you, neither was your parent who gave you your heritage."
She sighed. "You are well dressed for wherever you are taking me. I am- well, grossly underdressed."
"Dress does not matter. If it would suit you, I have some cotton pantaloons and a nice shirt that would give me more of a human look, if you'd like. Though I am not so sure I can hide my ears, or grow a bead."
She laughed and he smiled.
"There it is." He said. "The elven woman within. Now if I can bring her out, you will see what you are missing."
"Do you believe there is two sides to me?" Vanaya asked him.
"I do. I could be wrong, but I do see that you do not take your time."
"Time is short. I am not so long lived as you are."
"But you are not as short lived as a human."
"No, no, I suppose not."
"Come. Let me show you this place. you will enjoy it."

He took her hand in his as he lead her down the street, making a turn and then up another street until he stopped in front of a building with overgrown vines. The sign in front of it touted it as the Skyfire Song tavern. She eyed the sign and went inside. Within the tavern was an elven themed room, with fanciful rugs, pillars with vines growing on them. The bar had a brown skinned drow serving up drinks. The patrons of the place were mostly elven with a few half elves here and there. She even spotted the ranger there. What separated this tavern from the other one was the music.

The musicians had a section of the tavern to themselves, with a dance floor near them. Their music was elven themed, though she heard them change their tune to something that reminded her of some of the nicer human taverns she'd been in.

Rhythal lead her up to the bar.
"The usual, Lightshiver?" The bartender asked.
"Please." He said.
"And the young woman?"
"Um, I don't even know what to ask for here." Vanaya said nervously.
"I think a fine Moonshae wine would be a nice starter for her."
Vanaya looked at Rhythal. he smiled and said, "Trust me on this."
"Okay. Well. I guess I'll try it."
"Fantastic. You'll love it." The bartender winked and set off to grabbing the drinks.
"I didn't know this was a tavern. the name just doesn't seem like a tavern."
"That is why it exists. While there are not that many elves here, the few that are here need a place to go when the human taverns are a little too boisterous. Also, some of us do not enjoy the company of half orcs."
"Half orcs scare me." Vanaya admitted.
"I find that some are rather interesting folks, others are, well, barbaric."

The bartender handed them their drinks and went over to the side, where he kissed another male elf.
Vanaya stared with wide eyes.
"Oh yes, I take it you have not seen much of same sex coupling, have you?"
She shook her head.
"Love will find its way in any form. You ever been attracted to another woman?"
"No-not at all. I prefer a man, thank you."
He chuckled. "If you did prefer it, though, there are quite a few ladies would would enjoy your company."
"No thanks. If I didn't know any better, I would think you were trying to pawn me off to someone else." She took a drink of the wine she was handed.
He chuckled. "Not at all. I would rather stick by your side for now."

The two exchanged small talk, asking about each other's likes and dislikes among other things. Vanaya drank at least three glasses of wine, while he had at least four hearty glasses of what he was drinking. He paid the bartender for their drinks despite Vanaya's protests that she should pay for her own drinks.

As he led her to the dance floor, she hesitated.
"Rhythal, I can't dance."'
"Sure you can. You have elven blood. All elves can dance."
"Human blood, remember? I an=m half human. I'm going to look like an idiot."
"You will not."
"Watch me. I am the most ungraceful dancer of all of Faerun."
"Just follow my lead, you will be fine."
"Okay, but i am about to be a laughing stock."
"Do not doubt yourself, Vanaya."

On the dance floor, he started by swaying to the music. His movements were as fluid and graceful as any elf she'd ever known. The effects of the wine, however, made her shrug and not care. She moved with him, in perfect timing. The two danced separate from each other for a moment, until the tempo of the music changed to something faster, then they moved vigorously. Vanaya laughed, she was enjoying it with him. For a few more different songs, the two danced, keeping a distance from one another for the time being, and Vanaya even managed to do a dance by herself with Rhythal cheering her on.

She blushed with embarrassment for a moment, but that vanished upon noticing the crowd wasn't watching her. She thanked the gods for that. The music slowed and Rhythal moved closer to her, putting his hand on her waist and one in her hand. The two began to waltz and slow dance with the music. He whispered in her ear.
"One as beautiful as you should not seek loneliness."
She sighed. "It is all I seem to have these days. My friends are dead, all I have is my family, and my mother will not live forever."
"You do not have to be lonely anymore Vanaya. I am here now. I want to be the man who cures you from your lonely heart. you only need to open yours and let me in."
She stopped for a moment and looked at him. Her cheeks were flush. "I- I want the same, Rhythal."
"I will show you what it is to be an elf, and you can show me what it is to be you."
She nodded.

The two danced for a little longer, before Vanaya declared that she was tired. He walked her back to the temple and gave her a warm embrace before letting her go inside. He watched her go, and she caught that, once she shut the door. Inside her room she sighed happily, humming to herself as she prepared for sleep.

[Quilyassa]

((The following is speedily written and not edited))

When It All Goes Wrong Again

For a whole year Vanaya and Rhythal saw each other as much as possible. The rumors around Sihyrst surrounding the two were great. A few even pondered if marriage was possible, though both Vanaya and Rhythal denied it and quelled them where possible, stating only that they were courting, and nothing more.

Vanaya finally moved from the dorms of the temple to his home shortly thereafter. Within his home, Vanaya took care of many household responsibilities, mostly without Rhythal even asking. Even when he tried to stop her, she would refuse to listen, stating that she had to keep doing something to stave off her want to leave, to wander and to roam. She was dusting off a bookshelf with a rag while Rhythal sat on the bed of their room. Rhythal smiled.

"You long for adventure."
"I do. I don't want to leave you though. I'm just waiting for my next mission."
"We have been getting many missions lately."
She nodded. "Seems necromancers are coming out of the woodworks, eh?"
He sighed. "Something is going to happen soon. I can feel it."
"Having divine foresight now?"
"No. More like a gut feeling." He paused for a while. "Vanaya."
"Yes?"
"Come here."

She went over to him and he kissed her deeply and passionately. "Let us just enjoy each other tonight, shall we?"
She looked at him and he only nodded. "Are you sure?" She whispered.
"I am sure, are you ready for this, your last lesson?"
She thought about it for a moment, and nodded. He patted his thighs and she straddled him. The two kissed, their tongues intertwined and their hands roaming each other's bodies. She rubbed the tips of his ears gently, as a soft moan from him as he began to massage her breasts. Just as he was about to start removing her clothes, a knock was heard. Both of them groaned and sighed. Rhythal left her on the bed as he went to the door. Vanaya waited for his return with a smile, that faded as soon as she saw his face, frowning. "What is it, love?"
"Summons. Seems you and I have our respective missions."
Vanaya sighed as she was handed the scroll. She opened it up to read it, she was going off to another temple for some training. "Looks like my training isn't done. I need to go to another temple for some training." She said.
"Hmm. Might be that they need you to train too. You can never tell with their messages. Sometimes they are cryptic. I'm being sent to the mountains. A necromancer was found out there. Seems like he's raising undead orcs."
"Well, I guess we'll both have to leave in the morning. Shall we continue where we left off, love?"
"Nay. We need our sleep, Vanaya."
"I sleep, you don't."
"I can sleep, and tonight, I want to."

She looked at him curiously.
He smiled. "It's best if I can sleep next to the one I love and care for. I feel comfortable with you, moreso than I have ever felt with any other. For the last year we have been together, and the many times I have observed you, I have known the pleasure of finding a compassionate, loving woman. I could not ask for anyone better. Vanaya, being with you has certainly opened my eyes to what it's like to have some human blood within, and yet, you are not like a human, nor an elf."
"I- Thank you, Rhythal. I love you so much, and I am glad you have shown me so much. I want to say that, I know in elven terms I am very much a child, but on human terms, I am an adult, and yet, I feel the weight of both burdens me. I will miss you, while we are away, but I will look forward to your return."
"Your burden is not as bad as it seems. Just let yourself live as you see fit. You don't need to concern yourself too much with others think, what matters is your happiness. That's what I like seeing in you. When you throw those cares away and let yourself be free. I hope I get home first so that you don't have to wait." He winked.
She smiled and joined him in bed. "Rhythal?"
"Yes?"
"I love you."
"I love you, too, Vanaya."
As she closed her eyes and drifted off she heard his whisper, "Now and forever, always."

The morning light had them leaving in opposite directions of each other, to their respective missions. Vanaya's mission was easy, she had to teach a couple of young clerics a few things and guide them through a small mission. Rhythal's ended up being tougher than he thought, but doable. He took Gunderson with him for good measure, and the human warrior ensured that everyone made it through alive, even if there were a few cuts and bruises but nothing major.

On the way back, Rhythal left the group to tend to the horses. He couldn't understand why the horses were skittish near the small creek. When they bolted he knew something was wrong. He turned around to see another being.
"Are you lost, friend?"
"No." Came the reply from the figure in the shadow.
"Well, you scared the horses, something must be wrong." With his low light vision, Rythal could only tell that it was a robed and hooded figure. The voice was definitely elven, but he couldn't place it. An elf that scared off beasts wasn't a good sign at all.
"The only thing here that is wrong, is you." Came the voice.
"What are you-" Rhythal's voice stopped there as he was struck by a ray of ice to his chest, which stopped him within seconds.

Rhythal's body was found in the morning. Gunderson was the one who found it. The sight was gruesome. A wizards spell had torn him asunder, blood spattered everywhere mixed with ice shards. The smell of burnt flesh permeated the air. Gunderson sighed. "Who would do this to you, old friend?"
"We found evidence of the wizard who did this." A doomguide in training said.
"What did you find?"
"You remember Piersym Albyn? We found some of his things nearby. Seems he was plotting to kill Rhythal the whole time. Albyn was jealous of Vanaya's relationship with Rhythal." A guard stated.
"I would never have thought him capable of this. Have him taken in and questioned. I'll tell Vanaya about Rhythal."
"Yes sir."

Vanaya cried out once Gunderso told her the news. She collapsed and sobbed uncontrollably. Gunderson held her, much in the fashion a father would hold his daughter.
"Get yourself together Vanaya, please. I know this is difficult for you, but he would want you to do the rites. You can't do them if you're a mess."
She nodded and straightened up. "He had so much of his life left, it's just- I can't believe someone would murder him."
Gunderson sighed. "They found the man responsible, and I am in disbelief he would do it myself, but, Albyn will be executed on the morrow."
"Piersym Albyn? He killed Rhythal?"
Gunderson nodded.
"d**ned wizard just can't take no for an answer."
"Vanaya, his justice will be served, and Kelemvor will send him where he needs to go. Worry not. Just focus on your tasks at hand."
She nodded.

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

I can not sit in the house that we shared. My love is gone. Gods, this is hard for me. I have lost good friends, and now the man I loved, the man I had hoped to spend the rest of my life with is gone. Killed by a jealous man who loved me though I had no feelings for him. He will be executed in the morning. I will watch it. I want to observe it. I want to be there.

Tomorrow I go to Cormanthor to talk to his family and help them grieve. I have already found his notes of his last wishes, and was surprised that he wrote them out ahead of time. We will preform the Rememberance, and, I am sure to lead it, as his love. I don't particularly want to do it, I don't feel like it, but as I am someone who is closest to him, I must. I am sorry love, but it is so hard. I miss you.

It's morning. The dawn will come soon. I approach the chopping block, watching them lead out the accused. I look at his face. He looks at me, as if he is pleading for me to say something. All I can do is stare at him, wishing I could grab the executioner's axe myself and take off his head. I know I don't have it in me to do so, but I am angry at him. He speaks his final wishes.
"Please. Vanaya. You have to tell them! I didn't do this! Rhythal was my friend!"
"On your knees, scum!"
"Vanaya! PLEASE! I'm beging you! You can stop this!"
I turn my back to him.
"VANAYA!" THOK!
I wince at that. His dying words were my name, and screaming his innocence. Kelemvor, judge him well, for I cannot.

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

In Cormanthor, Vanaya lead the presession of Rhythal Lightshiver's funeral. Her uncle, Renoros, ended up joining her, dressed in his Corellite garb fitting for one's death. Everything went according to his wishes, a burial at his family's tomb, his possessions doled out equally and fairly. Rhythal's family even embraced Vanaya, calling her a part of them. They watched over her, desite the harsh calls from a few sun elves who despised the fact that a half elf and some humans had come into their forest.

With his body lowered into the ground and being buried, Vanaya began the Lament. With five others, all friends of Rhythals', Vanaya began the chant, and beat the wooden staves they'd brought for the occasion in a rhythmic fashion. The chant was low pitched, and droning lasting for about a half hour. As she finished it, she broke into an elven song of mourning, joined by the Lightshiver family, who mourned with her.

As Vanaya was about to leave with her uncle she was stopped by Rhythal's brother who handed her a small pouch. She opened it up and dumped the contents which was a silver ring with a moonstone set into it. She looked at Rhythal's brother.
"He was asking us all what we thought of him marrying you, and we all told him he would be a fool not to. He loved you so much. You completed him, Vanaya."
Tears welled up in her eyes. So, he was going to marry her, but never had the chance to ask her. Renoros embraced her.
"Thank you. thank you for telling me." She told him.
Lightshiver smiled. "Keep it and wear it to remember him, okay?"
"I will. Thank you."