(OOC: I stooped low enough to actually use my roommate's substandard connection to get online using AOL so I could post this. Anyhoo, I'm getting sick and tired of days going by between anyone posted, and it seems to have been that way since I moved rooms. Egad, just because I'm not able to perpetuate my stories as often as I'd like doesn't mean everyone else has to stop, and I don't need a lame excuse like "I'm busy with schoolwork" because I've been able to log online long enough to do anything I need to every single day for the past four years -except boot camp- regardless of having a school, job, or both. Come on and contribute already!! One more week and I'll be able to catch things up a bit better. -Elrohir)
Departure
September 15, 794 TR
Maraxus remained at the Galloping Stallion for a couple of days, but he remained uneasy. It was as if the spell Gandalf had used on him had not just sent him away, but also put a geas on him, to complete a task he had not yet figured out. He knew without fail that he was being used for some twisted scheme, but couldn't lay a finger on any proof.
Aerlin spent the time coming to grips with her situation. Something was coming, stealing life as it moved, bringing only death, and it was coming in her direction. She was concerned, and terrified in the same moment. With certainty, she knew it was coming for her and would not stop until it claimed her. There was her conundrum.
Half her spirit told her that she would do best to remain, because if it claimed her, it would stop. She didn't even know what it was. In contrast, she also wanted to flee, and escape certain death. Perhaps she would meet with her brother again. He had always been the better student, perhaps he would have come up with something. Surely it hunted him too?
But if she fled, those still here that were her friends would be in its path, and surely would perish if they remained. The instinct for survival was an overwhelming one, and it at last won her over. Many things had already died, and many more would die, regardless of what action she took. Being aware of the coming danger left her in the unsettling position of having the responsibility to do her part in stopping it, whatever it was. She could not let untold countless other deaths lie on her conscience.
Her mind at last convinced, she rose early in the morning and prepared herself for travel. She packed her belongings away that couldn't easily be moved, though she did not have much to begin with, and filled a travel bag with some clothes and rations. Finished, she went down to the common room. Maraxus was already there, for it was his custom to be up before dawn, and Em was with him, already serving breakfast to the early risers and morning stragglers.
Maraxus plainly read the newfound resolve on her face, and went to retrieve his things without saying a word. Also as silently, she called Em's attention, and met with her in the kitchen. Em already knew what was going on. She had seen the silent communion between Aerlin and Maraxus.
The two embraced, and each shed a few tears. "So you decided to go with Sir Maraxus, haven't you? I didn't think you'd reach a decision so soon, Aerlin."
Aerlin smiled at Em. "The decision was already there in my heart. I just had to make my mind accept it. It's something my father managed to teach me. I have knowledge of this sickness, and that gives me the power to try and find a way to deal with it. A responsibility. I spent so long helping my mother and never gave up, even when I thought I'd never be able to help her. Now something else comes along. I'm going to fight against it as hard as I fought for my mother's health. I may have failed her. I will not fail those who now rely on those fighting against this sickness. You understand?"
"Shush child. You don't need to explain. This is something you do to help your heart, and I can't argue with that. Edgir and I are too old to go with you, but we'll do what we can to get the word out here. You'll have a home here, regardless, Aerlin."
"Thanks, Em. That means a lot to me. I'll come back. I promise." They hugged once more, before Maraxus and Edgir appeared at the door.
"There you are, Lin. Edgir says he'll be glad to take us to the edge of the city. We'll have to get horses there."
Aerlin nodded. "Let's go before I change my mind about this."