Lady of Poison_ The Priests - Bruce R. Cordell [120]
Araluen sighed, stretching. "It is hardly fair, is it? I am finally set free of the trap, but I lack the power to remain. I so looked forward to treading the forests of this world. I must depart whence I came." She sighed. "All of us must soldier on, doing our part, even one such as me."
"Lest I forget," added the Aspect, smiling fondly again, "Please give this to Hemish. Without his strength and goodness, all would have been lost long ago. His heartache at the loss of his child may be somewhat dampened if he can talk to me now and again."
The Aspect dropped a small object into Marrec's waiting hand. It appeared to be a figurine carved of crystal. The figure was that of a tiny unicorn.
She smiled, and light streamed from her form, suffusing all of them The light was more than mere illumination. It was… empowering. It was the power of Lurue. Within that gleam there was hope, salvation, and an offer of protection for the needy, forlorn, and forsaken. Also there was laughter, the satisfaction of quests completed, and wonder at all things. All who stood in the light knew that each of them, no matter their strengths and weaknesses, was worthy in the eyes of Lurue. Above all else, there was joy.
The Aspect turned her face one last time upon Marrec, saying "Search for the unicorn always, Marrec, and in the pursuit, find happiness."
The cleric nodded, his face stern but his gaze watery.
The Aspect leaped upward, as lithe and bright as a shaft of light seeking to illuminate the heavens. It passed easily between a gap in the interwoven branches above and was gone.
Marrec brushed away a tear as he continued to gaze upward.
"Goodbye, Ash."
IVJarrec and Ususi walked behind Elowen and Gunggari. Gunggari played upon his dizheri, Elowen laughing and sometimes clapping accompaniment. So they continued, slowly, taking the few days required, until they drew near the borders of Rawlinswood, to the south and west of where Dun-Tharos still sheltered in the heart of the forest. The journey back through the tangled forest was mostly uneventful, though they steered well clear of wells and other cavities that threatened a passage back into the Nar conjuries still below. All contemplated their touch with divinity. Indeed, all were touched. As the days of their journey toward Yeshelmaar passed, each noted slight changes in the other.
Gunggari was more talkative, as if the assurance of the Aspect's smile had somehow given him a measure of poise, where before simple reserve had always sufficed. On the other hand, Elowen took more time for introspection before speaking her mind, though as ever, the elf was still quick to find a bit of joy and wonder in the sight of a growing thing or forest creature. Ususi also seemed somewhat kinder in her dealings with the others, as if some bitterness was finally dulled. The mage was more thoughtful, and her biting remarks had yet to reappear.
For his part, Marrec was simply happier. He was happier not only because his contact with Lurue was as strong and steady as it had ever been, but also because he felt more a whole man for the first time that he could recall. He could accept his heritage, despite its monstrous origin. All that was required was one last remuneration.
It was Thanial, of course, his old mentor-Thanial, who had accidentally fallen afoul of Marrec's gaze, the kind forest ranger, whose stone-entombed body was shattered and its pieces strewn far and wide.
"I've never heard you whistle before, Marrec, and I've known you long," commented Gunggari.
"The tune is rather a happy one, too," noted Ususi, her lips trying on a smile, which was becoming a less rare sight.
"Well, I don't know the name of the tune. I'm just whistling because the mood struck me, that's all. Plus, before she left, Ash gave me knowledge I didn't know that