Have to Go

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Log Info

  • Title: Have to Go
  • Emitter: Seldan
  • Characters: Seldan, Cryosanthia, Acedia, Morgan, Malik
  • Place: PROne, The Temple District
  • Time: Tuesday, June 30, 2020, 8:04 PM
  • Summary: Part of the team that confronted Endless Winter in her home return to the Temple District, disoriented and nauseated from the rushed plane shift. As they worry about pursuit, Seldan explains what was truly going on, how Eclavdran planned to corrupt him as well slay Salina, and that he and Malik were compromised by pacts with the Demon Duke. Pacts that protected Alexandria and the other adventurers, but endangered them both. Cryo rapidly absorbs all the details she was denied, and Acedia is livid they were withheld from her, even if it was necessary. Morgan cautions them all on deals with demons, which prompts further explanations from Malik. Cryo finally finds herself, and apologizes to Malik and receives on in return. Seldan and Malik reveal that they must flee, find some way to remove the Demon's marks, as he will be personally frustrated and after them, something Cryo can relate to. Acedia is given a leather pouch and a mission, to discover the fate of the others, and bring them back, a task she vows she will do. Malik hands Acedia his sword for safe keeping, and she leaves in tears as the goodbyes draw on too long. Cryo reveals to Seldan that her last words with Zeke undid her, and she was seeking a meaningful death this mission. He tasks her to assist Acedia, and she says she will. She needs to heal and find herself, and a problem other than her own to focus on will help. Seldan and Malik enact their exit strategy and Go.

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=<* A10: Temple District *>=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

The air of solemn, heavy divinity in the area is often broken by laughter. The dual presence of the deities Althea and Daeus, man and wife, stand towards the center, with their children and their children's temples positioned around them. The presence of the divine is felt not only by their temples, but also by the actions of their worshipers. The great plaza is as a social center, paved in brilliant, white flagstones and covered in benches and sitting areas. Priests, acolytes, and servicefolk of all stripes roam the plaza, going from one task to the other.

At the front of the temples of Daeus and Althea, at the Plaza's centermost point, rests a great fountain, the cheerful waters reflecting the Sun during the day, and the Moon and Stars at night. The fountain is strategically centered, and is oft a place for wisdom and lesson-giving. It is not uncommon for a priest of some stripe or the other to stand there, surrounded by the curious and faithful, delivering messages of hope or contemplation. At other times, it and the plaza become a landscape of celebration of the holy holidays.

Few vendors are seen in the plaza--the nearby temples provide most food or services. Towards the west, the great Bridge stretches across the river, and towards the east, the Redridge mountains. The plaza rests in the midst of it all, the temples massive and grand on the Alexandrian scale.

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-  Appearing, in Order  =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Seldan       5'11"    187 Lb     Human             Male      Ginger-blonde human in armor wearing Eluna's symbol.
Cryosanthia  6'9"     267 Lb     Sith-Makar        Female    A dashingly tall, elegant white-scaled lizard woman.
Acedia       3'4"     39 Lb      Goblin            Female    An ebon-skinned Goblin in leather armor.
Morgan       4'10"    79 Lb      Half-Elf          Female    Short pixy like half elf with fair skin
Malik        6'2"     195 Lb     Human             Male      A sandy-haired tsuran with blue eyes.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=

One minute, an icy cavern with a raging demon - and the next, amid complex words of power - the oh-so-familiar temple district and its attendant fountain and cobblestones. The sun is fading towards the west, and the sultry Firetide air clings like a thick, wet blanket. It is most definitely Alexandria. All hands are still joined, and Seldan blinks, his own scroll still in one hand, and shakes his head as if to clear it. A swift, assessing glance around, and he says at once. "Mal. We must go, and swiftly."

Malik is a bit unsteady on his feet. Taking that many people across the planar divide is -- taxing, at best. Especially when the spell is one outside of his normal reach. He sways a bit, but whatever is swimming in his head seems to clear as soon as Seldan does, giving the paladin a nod. "Hurry and set things to rights with your Temple. We can leave from home once we have everything there."

"We're not all here." Cryosanthia whips her head around, unwilling to release Seldan, loosening her grip on Acedia, "Where are the others? Where are we going? Temple of Eluna?"

She finally lets go, it is Alexandria, she looks ready to try and pick up Acedia again. "Now?"

There's an extra weight that Seldan feels, that of a Gobbo holding on to his belt for dear life. As well, a white-scaled Sith clamped onto the Goblin. Acedia squirms and pushes at them both, running a few steps before stopping, bending at the waist and making a very unhappy sound. Follow by the remnants of the contents of her stomach. "Hate. That. Spell.", she complains.

The handkercheif is used once again, before being tucked away. "Seldan!", she says, sounding cross. "What was that?" Ace clumps back over to the man. "We were supposed to slay Eclavdran! Now I know Salina's situation doesn't warrant her death... though some might have a different interpretation. And not everyone returned with us!"

Morgan shakes off the mental confusion of being in one place and then sundly another. She is happy she knows this place and where they are "ok that is a new sensation." stated as this was her first planeshift "Thank you for saving us there Malik." said politly as she then notices there are some missing "We are missing a few of us damit."

"Yes. We must speak with Zeke, and send a message to Mother, but I shall not risk seeking her out." Seldan looks around him, sadly. "I - did not move before the spell took hold, and I would ask your forgiveness for my slowness of wit. The spell of planewalking is one known to Mikilos, and by him may they escape." _I hope_, his tone says. He looks down at Acedia, then. "Heed me, Acedia. I would have explained this on the journey there, but for the unknown and unexpected presence, and it is well that I did not speak. I ... had guessed at the truth, and at the truth of the angel's words, when she told me that she had once prayed, too. I knew when, and I knew then that the child could yet be reached. I ... merely faced a choice more difficult than any of you guess." With his last words, he looks back at Malik, eyebrows raised in question.

"Was that Now? Was that the past? I knew something was up with all the looks going Mickey's way. I was expecting strangers but he was too normal. Were we at the start of the loop? Then end, outside of it?" Cryosanthia asks, and then she's several steps away following Acedia. That's when the plane-shifting nausea hits and she staggers on her feet, making a rough grunting noise. "Urg. Ok, Now I'm ready. Temple, right?"

Malik gives Seldan a small smile. A sad one. And then turns to the others. "'When' isn't really a question that can be answered across planes. Time is only meaningful within one. As for the others -- they were given a warning. Now they'll have to fend for themselves. Slaying the demon was never a serious option. Not even for the high paladin." He shakes his head, looking sad at that. "But we knew that going in. Which brings us to now." He gives Seldan a nod, shouldering the pack.

Morgan thinks "why did he bother with a disquise, he could of ambused us before and after entering the portal. He needed her in that crystal to keep his plans going." she walks against a wall wondering why a pondering a few things.

"I was his true target," Seldan answered. "I did not speak before, because it was not my secret to tell, and because Alexandrians are swift to judge and slow to understand, just as they are swift to talk and slow to listen. Eclavdran had marked Mal, much as Salina marked you," he nods to Cryosanthia. "Mal was fortunate to escape with his life when Eclavdran found him, and forced that upon him. After the tower, Eclavdran came to our home and threatened him again, and to protect Mal, I took upon myself a deal of my own, that I would slay Salina, and in return he would not molest us further or demand further of us."

"Eclavdran wished Salina dead and to be released, but if he could corrupt me in so doing, then would he do so. Such was his goal. Eluna's servant made Her will clear to me that day, and I needed not Acedia's reminders," he smiles down at the gobber and strokes her hair, "to know what it was that I had to do. I reneged on the deal, and in so doing have angered him greatly."

The Goblin goes quiet while the others speak, and at length, she looks to Morgan. "The Demon was likely giving us a chance to slay Salina. He attacked when he realized it was not going to happen." She looks to Seldan then, and then Malik. "Then why deceive ME?!", she says, raising her voice to a level she has not used previously. "You made it sound as if we would battle Eclavdran and Salina. I died to him! Do you know how hard it was to fortify myself to go and face him again?" She stomps one of her feet upon the ground, the metal clanking. Raising up her hands, she clenches them hard, the leather creaking noticeably. "We all knew the dangers!" Acedia growls. "Never a serious option. My first act as a paladin... running away!" The tears, as they begin to roll down her face, are born of anger.

"This is why I was mad about people making deals with the demon. It tends to get people dead. As I learned, even entertaining such a thing with a Duke of Hell can get you dead!"

Morgan looks to Seldan "One of the first rules of dealing with people from the outer planes is DONT." she looks pissed at the idoticy "I have to tell students at the guilds all the times... And a bloody arch demon, how many hits to the head did it take to make that sound like a good idea."

"Oh." Cryosanthia blinks, processing all the information, "I'm... sorry for what I said, and guessed... and then didn't think about properly. Mortal Dread was with Mikilos, in his Haversack? Is that why he went for the bag? I thought you had scrolls, but, right, couldn't use them with him there."

She's getting there, mentally catching up, and then she's crouching beside the goblin paladin. She knows those words, what Faran went through over broken vows, what the Goblin must be feeling."Ace, Ace, Acedia! Please, stay with me. I didn't want to be there, and I didn't want to run, so, so many times. We had to go, you had to go. It was a thing with no choice. It's... Don't blame yourself, I would have given you no choice if my hands hadn't slipped."

Not the most comforting or enlightened things to say. Cryo is trying. As the group gets closer to the Temple of Eluna, her anxiety doesn't seem to be decreasing, "We're going to see Zeke? We shared words... it did not go well. I... might want to wait outside of the room."

At Morgan's words, though, he simply rubs at his face, wearily, giving Seldan an exasperated look. "Had the deal -not- been made," Malik says, doing his best to keep his voice calm and level, "the demon would have razed this city brick by brick, and killed every last one of you, because you no longer served him any purpose, and Alexandria could be used to bind him. Your friends and families, too. Probably anyone within rnage to witness the event, as well, just for good measure. It wouldn't even be the first time this year he's done such. We made the deal because it kept him from doing precisely that. And now -we- have angered him. And he'll turn his rage to us, because he's vain and prideful, and none of you crossed him like we did." He gives Acedia a quiet look, but there's some sympathy there. "Yes, Little Bit. You suffered. More than some others. But do not delude yourself into thinking that he can be killed. Slaying him there would have been little more than a minor annoyance, and but for a few moments, and in the Hells, where he can be truly slain, he commands -legions-. Nothing on this plane, and few others, poses any serious threat to him. Which is why we advised -running-."

"It is even as Malik says," Seldan nods to Malik, gratefully, but it is to Acedia he turns first as the group stops, and he drops to an armored knee in front of her. "Acedia, your first act as a paladin was not to run. It was to remind another of Eluna's will and Eluna's path, and see to it that he did as She willed. Your second was to act to protect as many as you could, by withdrawing from a foe beyond you. There is no shame in fleeing a foe beyond you, and Eclavdran is beyond all of us together. Even Serene is near-powerless against him." His words pause, briefly, but he nods to Cryosanthia. "He doubtless wanted Mortal Dread, that he might complete the job himself, or possibly to kill us instead."

He turns them back to Acedia. "Malik and I must flee Alexandria, and rid ourselves of his touch, lest we endanger all within this city, and we must do so swiftly. I would ask something of you, that I would do myself, could I stay. Instead, I turn to you." He pauses, and pulls from his haversack a fairly large leather pouch, holding it out to Acedia. "Take this, and seek to find those left behind. Determine their fates. Bring them home if you can, and do what you may for them. You will not be able to do this alone, but I have every faith that you will find a way."

The Goblin blinks at Cryosanthia, hot tears still rolling down her cheek. "YOU WOULD WHAT?!", she bellows at the icy-scale, her face taking on an odd, mottled complexion as her dark skin reddens somewhat. "There IS a choice, ALWAYS! It comes down to whether or not one is willing to pay it. I would have seriously bitten you if you'd rob me of that choice at that time, in that place. The dungeon of Salina's tower was one thing, we were not prepared to fight, and you, Kira and Faranmidahn were so compromised that you could not have fought. That was the time and place to run."

Acedia looks to Malik then. "It is not that I suffered that makes me angry. You had information that you kept from me. I have guarded your secrets, and spread the word when you asked. I have been a sturdy shoulder, if a small one, to lean upon. It is a shock."

She stiffens a little, straightening as if attempting to make herself look taller, when Seldan drops to one knee. "Why didn't Salina help? She bound him once before. She could have helped slay him. The Fae are good with words, are they not, couldn't she have made it so he could not leave his domain for years?" A foot is stomped once more. "Why can we not beat him, together? Heroes and priests, wizards and the mercenary guild. Send him back hard...?" The tears are less angry and more upset. "And now you're going? I want to go with you. I am so tired..." The Gobbo stares at the pouch for a short while, before reaching up with both hands to take the pouch from the man. "I will do as I am asked.", she says softly.

Morgan asks in a bit anoyed voice "How many other options were looked for." she shakes that off in a manor of dont answer it "Listen its done and some of the group are missing lets find them."

"What they said," Cryo adds, trying to sound cheerful, although the little paladin's words sting even if they are true, about everything. Things were kept from her as well, but she says nothing, letting the goblin say it all. The sith was neither sturdy, trustworthy, or very guarded with secrets, it's not surprising to her she wasn't given any. Cryo watches the leather pouch trade hands. "Or kill a God with it, wasn't the blade capable of that too?"

She stands, looking at the Temple, "Is it a good thing or a bad thing he hasn't appeared? Or they haven't? We're almost inside it, let's get there. I wish I'd bought that Oil and you let me carry the blade. That's simple enough I might not have failed it."

Malik just looks down at the ground. "I did deceive you," he agrees, "in that I kept things from you. But I did what I did because I thought it best, for the most people." He looks to Seldan, and then back to Acedia, kneeling down as he puts a hand on her shoulder. "I know, Little Bit. I wish I could take you wish us," he sighs, tears in his own eyes. "But right now, I think that unwise."

He reaches down, unclasping the sword from his belt, the ivory scabbard and bright red pommel covering the needle thin blade. "Here," he tells her, handling the little paladin the sword. "You held this for me once before. Would you mind holding it for me again? Until I can come back for it?" He gives her a little smile. "I'm still going to need someone with me at the wedding, after all. Seldan tells me that we both have to choose someone trusted to walk with us. I'm not sure why. I think there might be a battle of some kind?"

Seldan's eyes lower at that. "So I did, though not with intent to deceive. I ... did not wish you to think ill of me for it, though it is as Malik says, what would have happened had I refused. I was grateful only that She did not turn from me for doing so." There's real pain in those words, but he lets it be, instead shaking his head at Cryosanthia. "That would not have been possible. Mikilos and I were both sworn not to permit any to wield it who had not also vowed to see it used only against Salina and her minions. Still, it is well enough.

His eyes cast back down when he turns back to Acedia, only to snap up at Malik's words. "Witnesses, Malik. Else none might believe that I was fool enough to pledge to you." A warn, easy, affectionate grin suffuses the even features, for as brief as it is, a sparkle in his light eyes that makes the words teasing.

"I am sorry, Cryosanthia.", Acedia says softly, looking to the icy-scale Sith. "We were all in a bad way, yes? It has been a long journey, and you have had it much harder than I have. I am simply upset. Please believe me, you were not and are not the target of my ire."

The Gobbo blinks at Malik, accepting the scabbarded blade reluctantly. "You had better come back for this, Malik. So help me, I will come looking if you do not." She manages a smile, and then blinks at his mention of the wedding. "I... I thought you'd already had the ceremony. In case something happened..." She looks completely lost for words. For once.

Ace looks to Seldan then, the tears once more flowing. "I will do as you ask, and await for your return. I know not how they will be found, but I will make it happen, I will bring them home. And then there is going to be a lengthy discussion with the Temples. I refuse to believe that we can be so easily abused by ... him. The city has fought off worse, we will make it so his ability to torment us is minimized. Once I have discharged my duty to you, that is what I will dedicate myself to."

"Malik," Cryosanthia says, staring directly at him, focusing completely on him, nose pointed, head and horns high. There is some sort of dignity in her posture, not Salina's distant and cold grace, not swashbuckling bravado or sorceress overconfidence, something not even really sith-like, though an amalgamation of all facets. "Malik," she repeats again, emphasizing so he can't ignore her.

"This one was working on an apology for you. It looks like there isn't time for me to finish it. So you were right about most stuff, wrong about some, and you hurt my feelings and I tried my best to hurt yours back. I shouldn't have done that. The things you made me think about... helped. I guess. I'm sorry I was a pain, you were going through a lot, thanks for getting us out of there too. I wish you didn't have to go away, I'll miss Seldan... and you..." She smiles a little, then winks, "... at some point."

"I could bear it," The white sith reaches into her haversack, pulls out a mithril shield which has an iron dagger strapped to the inside of it, "Carry a scabbard carrying it. They are different enough words to argue with Fae, who are very precise. Or swear myself, it does not matter, it is done. A personal wish that I could done..." Her voice trails off, she waves a hand, smiles at Acedia.

"It's Ok Acedia, we were and still are, and it's been a long time. I should have been much, much more resilient by now. And... try not to lose faith in the Temples. I know I've railed at them, but they did help, once I kept asking and they stopped saying no. So that's what we must do."

Malik just chuckles, shaking his head at Acedia. "Without you? My best gobber?" Ok, so he might not have the tradition totally in hand, but the sentiment is real enough. "Never," he assures her. "Even if it were secret from all others." A glance to Seldan, as if wishing the man to assure her of the same. "Besides. Have you met his mother?" he whispers. "I would be terrified to cross that one." Though given her status as a not-a-vampire-anymore, that might be somewhat diminished.

Looking up to Cryosanthia, he stands, nodding. "I owe you an apology as well," he sighs. "I -- may have been rash, and quick to judgment. All the things I accuse Alexandrians of being, and look down upon. And yet I did the same when it came to you. Jumped to judgment without considering where you were coming from." He considers it a moment, but catches that wink. "I suppose we'll just have to put it on pause and fight about it later," he teases. "Should give us both plenty of time to perfect our argument."

Morgan looks to the group "I do aplogies for what I said but what I did said has some merit. And does any one need anything from me before I go home." to any one that looked at her enough notices there is a bit of a brightness to her eyes.

"I would not dream of doing otherwise," Seldan agrees at once, nodding to Acedia. "As for not knowing how a thing will be accomplished - nor did I, when first my feet were set upon this road. Let Her wisdom, and those of others, guide you as they guided me. Fear not, for at times is Her road fraught with shadows, and at other times filled with Her light. It is not an easy thing, but you will find the answer. I would ask your forgiveness for my silence."

He looks over at Cryosanthia, then. "I would ask yours as well. There was much to be said, that I dared not say, until it was too late." To Morgan, he looks up. "When the choice is the deaths of hundreds and the razing of a city, or the deal, that is no choice at all. Your words are true, and yet are you swift to judgement. I would counsel you to understand all ere you speak, in future."

He looks, then, towards the doors of the Temple. "Dare we risk saying farewell to Seer Harandel? I would have it known that I depart."

"Be well, then, Morgan. Thank you for your presence in the fight. Perhaps we should be all glad to be alive, and in a disposition to enjoy it.", Acedia says to the woman. She glances to Cryosanthia, "I am happy that despite your difficult path, you have made it back. Whole in body, and hopefully, with time and rest, whole in mind. I do not envy the journey you made, but I applaud you for having made it. You and I are probably not finished, however. Would you help me see our friends returned?"

She looks to Malik then, and smiles. "Please return in one piece. You and Seldan both." To Seldan, she grins. "You will return." She shakes then, and simply runs at Malik, to hug as his waist, the tears coming once more.

Morgan nods "remember the old saying that the devil will get its dues." with that she flys off going home.

"You're on!" The whitescale sith says to Malik, with genuine friendliness and a smile. She's been trying to nudge everyone closer to the Temple, by taking steps towards it, waiting for the group to organically shift. Her eyes are watchful, and rather than put her buckler and weapon away, they end up on her and she looks ready for a fight she doesn't want to get into, "Is it better or worse that neither of them have shown up yet? Yes Acedia, of course! Kira is my sister, Mikilos has been a great friend! He knew to come here, right? Was... Duncan anywhere near him? And you're right Ace, about earlier, it would have been nice if She did something to help us. Or acknowledge me after... something. Well Fae and Favours, I'm surprised the Iron Book doesn't open up a sub-chapter. Fae, like demons, just a little more pleasant."

A joke fortunately fired off after Morgan left.

Cryo keeps watching the square, with an anxious bounce and quick movements. "It's okay Seldan, I kind of got used to you not telling me things. I know there were reasons, and things I didn't think to ask about... A lot of things don't matter now. If we had more time... and as we have had this much time you have enough for goodbyes, but I'd still like to get inside soon. In case something happens. The Deva's eyes were on there before, and that's better than what's watching the District."

Malik just gives the other two a nod. "Hindsight is crystal clear," he sighs. And then, to Acedia, "Take care of my sword. Preferably stick it in something evil until it stops being a problem every once in awhile. I'll sure be back for it, and if it's all chipped and ragged, you'd better have a good story to go with it." And then, to Seldan, "Yes. But we really must hurry. We've no idea how much time we have." He glances over his shoulder, out at the peaceful scene that threatens to erupt into chaos at any moment.

Seldan nods to Malik, his bearing and demeanor tense and serious, his own weight balanced at the ready, then offers a hand to Cryosanthia, as Acedia is busy hugging Malik. "Farewell, then, and may Her light continue to shine upon your paths, until we meet again."

"I will!", the Goblin says to Malik through the tears. She turns suddenly to hug at Seldan, squeezing like she might never let go. Letting go suddenly, she turns, and runs from them. It is not long before the crowd swallows her up, armor, swords, coins and all.

Cryosanthia looks down at Seldan's hand. Her pupils spread wide, and her breath is quick. Her anxiety switches to something entirely different yet still related. "Say... Farewell to Zeke for me, that I wish him well but I will give him the space he needs."

Her head raises, when she looks at Seldan it is with black, emotional eyes, "I called him, he would not come to me. He said what he has done for me is never enough, and I don't know what love or a cihuaa is... and I guess these words are true. I wanted him to take my hand, touch me, like you said, touching dispells all illusions. He wouldn't. It would have been enough, I thought... maybe next week I would want something else... I don't know."

"He said he would be always there for me, but... I don't want to just take." Cryosanthia grasps Seldan's hand. She's holding it hard, a lot of emotion is vibrating in that grip. "I was looking for a good reason not to return. I'll find one to keep going. Don't worry about me. I'll be fine."

There is a handshake, she releases, her pupils start to shrink back to normal, the sapphire of her eyes emerging around them like new moons.

"May she have her eye on you always. It's not her face we see in Am'shere, it's her eye. Lady Brightscales, the Dreaming Dragon. Thank you Seldan. Malik."

"Until next time, Little Bit," Malik says, realeasing the goblin. There are tears in his own eyes as he watches the little gobbo bound away, a small, satisfied smile there. And then, a nod to Cryosanthia. "Your paths might meet again in the future. There's hope, there. But you should both learn who you are individually, so that you can know what you become together." A glance to Seldan. "I'll find Harandel. Think of what you need, and I'll fetch it while you make our explanations."

Seldan looks down, and returns the hug against him tightly, but with his hand held, he does not get to return the hug before she dashes off in tears. Instead, he turns his attention to the sith-makar, letting her hold his hand as she will. "It is with him as with you, Cryosanthia. He needs time to heal. And as with you, he may never be the same. He struggles yet to touch anyone, and that has long been true. For now, I would have you aid Acedia. Find the others, and bring them home. See to it that never again can the sewers be used to such a purpose. Will that suffice you as reason to stay?"

Without waiting for an answer, he turns to Malik. "I need nothing from my cell. We speak to Seer Harandel, then return home, pack what we may, and begone. I will send a message to Mother by magic." With his hand released, he reaches for the Temple doors, to go inside.

"This is true, they might." Cryosanthia sighs, gazing at Malik, more and more of the sapphire blue returning to her eyes. "I need to find peace. I need to find myself, without Her in my life. I need the cracks in the Tower to seal over, and then who knows what might happen."

"It is Seldan. I'll do that. I'll make sure. I will fix my mind on that and not the past and I will move forward." The white sith keeps her hands clasped in front of her, then courtseys.

Her voice warbles, "Come back please, both of you. I want to tell you why Reunion terrifys me, and gaze on your wings. You are friends, truly. I will not forget. I will be strong for Acedia. I can handle this."

"Go."

Malik reaches for the door as well, looking back. "This isn't goodbye," he tells them. "Just -- until next time. This isn't the end of our story," he assures them. "Just the place where we take different paths for awhile. I look forward to seeing where your roads take you, when we meet again. I'm sure that you'll have astonishing tales of your own. And I'll want to hear every one of them." He gives a nod, and opens the door, he and Seldan disappearing into the Temple as the pair start the next leg of their own journey.

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