"Yeah, I get the feeling this is going to be a long trip," Ylrhea notes, looking out at the sea.
"Yea." cyna says simply while picking at the last of her cake.
She takes a few minutes to consider her options before saying. "I think we've waited long enough. We'll see who will come with us tomorrow and decide then."
Sienna grins. "I really haven't minded the time off."
Ylrhea groans. "I'll be at the tavern whenever you lovebirds need me."
She walks to the Old Fish with slow, measured steps.
"Why don't we go ask Drago what his plans are?" Sienna suggests.
Cyna waves goodbye to Ylrhea.
"Sure. Did we ever get that wand for him? I think that's a must before we leave." Cyna asks as they head off.
"No, we didn't. We got sidetracked," Sienna answers, wrapping an arm around Cyna.
"Any idea where he wandered off to?"
"No clue, but I haven't seen him leave."
Nodding at Godrick's comment the Anizari places a hand on the old Paladin's shoulder. "I feel him too. And yes the opportunity to see things like this is a boost to the soul."
Clara takes her wife's hand. "So what shall we do tonight, love? Staying out of the fort for a while seems like the considerate thing to do."
"Definitely love,maybe a moonlit walk on the beach?" Sādhanā says with a happy smile.
"I can't say no to that," Clara replies with a warm smile.
Elena lays her head on Drago's shoulder. "That was a lovely ceremony. I wish them all the best. Well, I see your half-sister milling about. It'd probably be the best time to ask her about training you."
Taking one last swig of his wine, "You're probably right. I also need to get the other two and discuss what Father said."
Making his way over to his half-sister, "Evening Esmerelda, mind if I have a quick word with you?"
"I don't mind at all, Drago," Esmerelda says, finishing her piece of cake. "What can I do for you?"
"Well, you remember when I asked your advise on how to deal with the thirst? I took your advise and started a training regimen with the Orc. Then he goes and gets himself whisked away somewhere. I was wondering, since you seem to be a warrior, if you could assist me in overcoming that thirst by training me." Looking around quickly, he whispered, "I also need to talk to the other two siblings and you about a family issue. It concerns mother."
"It depends on what you want to learn, Drago," Esmerelda answers. "I am sure I can accommodate you."
She looks at Drago intently as he lowers his voice. "Did you want to talk to them about that now? Arista has already retired for the night, so there's nothing improper about doing so."
Taking off her shoes, Sādhanā slips her arms around her wife's waist as they stroll across the beach, the moonlight playing off the crashing waves.
" I love you."
Clara leans on Sādhanā and looks out across the sea. "I love you too."
"It would probably be a good idea to talk sooner than later. Let's see if we can round them up."
Esmerelda nods. "They should be at the Common House."
"Alright, I'll meet you there. I'd better let Elena know what's going on. I don't need a repeat of last time." Walking back to Elena, he says, "Okay my love, just to let you know, I'm going to talk to my siblings about my vision. I'll meet you back at the room." Giving her a quick kiss, "I love you."
Elena gives Drago a quick embrace. "Thank you for telling me. I love you as well."
Drago kissed her once more then headed towards the Common House. I hope this goes well. I may not know them, but they're the only family I have right now that isn't trying to kill me. He thought as his steps drew him closer to the structure.
Esmerelda waits for Drago outside. "Divitia and Niccolo will be out shortly."
"While we're waiting, let me tell you what Skaar and I were working on. He was trying to help my hone my reflexes so I'd be harder to hit. The way he was going about it though, I swear he was trying to kill me." Drago proceeded to explain what Skaar and him had been up to.
"Forgive me...but that sounds ridiculous."
"I agree." Then Drago had a thought, "Of course now that I think about it, I believe I'd be better off learning how to use a more effective weapon. If I recall correctly, didn't you mention something about being a warrior? Perhaps you could teach me how to fight with a blade or some such weapon?"
Holding her wife in her arms, Sādhanā buries her face into Clara's hair. "You know Cyna's probably going to want to move on Venicious tomorrow or the day after, right?"
"Hmm, fair enough," Esmerelda says. "What weapons are you skilled with now?"
"I know," Clara says, an eerie calm in her voice. "I expected as much. Though I think Arista should be given one more day, if she intends to go. She's only been a wife for an hour. Yet, I can see it in her eyes that she wants to do her part in this battle. She has a sense of responsibility, I think."
Drago gets a sheepish look on his face. "To be honest, the only weapon I've ever used is a dagger. And I took that from my first victim, then recently gave it back to her brother. Until this point, I've relied more on my magic."
Esmerelda folds her arms. "I suppose it's a good starting point. At least you know how to hold a bladed weapon."
She smirks. "I've always respected spell-casters and their ability. I am surprised that one is willing to turn toward mundane weapons. I can teach you how to wield a longsword. Is that acceptable?"
"Watching my companions, I've come to appriciate the need for physical defense. I'm not looking to become a great swordsman, but knowing how to use a longsword couldn't hurt either."
Divitia emerges from her room, Niccolo in tow. "So you have something to talk about, Drago?"
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Turning to his other Half-Sister, "Yes I do. I've had a vision that has revealed to purpose for mother calling us all together. It appears that she intends to sacrifice us to gain the power of our bloodlines. I...we can't let this happen. I'm just getting used to the idea of having family that doesn't want to kill me, and I'd like to keep it that way as long as possible."
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"She might be younger than either of us in some ways, but she's been fighting for Zhavroma's soul longer than anyone here has been alive. She won't shy away from a fight, ever, but she definitely deserves at least one more day with her husband before we leave again." Sādhanā says quietly
She holds Clara tighter, resting her chin on her beloved's shoulder. "And I'd be lying if I said I didn't think so in part because I treasure every extra second I spend with you."
Michael takes the plate from Harakhty, more grateful for the gesture than the food itself. "Weddings are still not my idea of a good time. It's not that I loathe social gatherings, but they are reminiscent of a life I chose to give up."
He makes small talk with the vanara before offering his opinion. "Much of it all remains mysterious, the masks, the shards and such. Yet, it isn't unique. There were thirteen masks, created in an age removed from the Predecessors. They are formidable, but..."
The wizard offers a shrug, unsure of how to continue. "These are strange times, Harakhty. Sometimes we must lean on faith...sometimes more than we are comfortable with."
Though Michael made some good points, Harakhty did not find himself in agreement with some. "We all make our own choices - and continue to do so. You can marry if you want - but you must weigh it against your priesthood." Harakhty didn't mean to be acute, but it was essentially a parallel airing of his own thoughts. Even though I am not a priest, my choices which brought me here instead of seeking a life detached from my tribe have changed what may have been.
But, perhaps unlike Michael, he did not regret his choices. At least not for now.
"And I fear I have leaned on Nethys' graces overly much already. Provoking his wrath with my dependence isn't something I aim to do, but the choices one has are limited, I confess." He didn't like feeling boxed-in, but the walls seemed visible on the horizon.
Tomorrow was a big day - he bid Michael farewell and got some rest.
*******
Rising at dawn, the vanara went through his morning prayers, and - for the first time in a while - donned his weapons and armor. Securing his possessions including the mask, he made his way to the common house to say goodbye to Hasina.
Divitia blinks and looks at Drago. "How is that even possible?"
"As do I, love," Clara says, gently kissing Sādhanā's neck.
"I'm not entirely sure. But I know mother is fairly old and strong. It's possible that she may know some ancient ritual that allows her such power. All I know is, we can't let her have any of us."
"So will she come here then?" Esmerelda asks.
"I think I saw him just leave toward the Common House," Sienna tells Cyna.
A soft sound of pleasure leaves Sādhanā as she closes her eyes, the sensation sending a tingle through her body. "You make it hard to think you know that?" she says, with a sulty smile.
The two Tieflings make their way to the common house in search of the Sorcerer.
Cyna wait patiently for Drago to finish his business with his family before approaching.
"Well, what is there to think about tonight? It's a beautiful night and I'm with the most beautiful woman in the world. There isn't anything else on my mind," Clara says with a smile.