The Amell Legacy: Transgressions

[GamesMaster]

"It seems she chose a god that suited her, in the end," sighs Andraste, looking mournful. "She was once ours. I miss her."

[Haliel Lightsong]

"This is not her end," Haliel snaps, then looks down. "I- my apologies Herald. That was very impertinent of me."

[GamesMaster]

"I am not called the Herald of Pertinance," says Andraste, managing -- barely -- to keep a straight face. "It is clear you love her. I am not likely to take offense to that. But on that topic, we really ought to strike a bargain before I am scolded for delaying."

[Haliel Lightsong]

"Who would dar-" Haliel blushes. Duh. "Ah, yes. Of course. So. Umm. What will you ask of me? My quest, I mean? It... will it... take me away from..." She falters, heart aching. It's worth being alone again, if she lives. It's worth it. I can come back to her, if she... if she wants...

[GamesMaster]

"How about this: For seventeen months and seventeen days, you must hold the tenants of The Songstress of Life as dear as those of The Waters of Mercy, and vow to uphold them lest your faith be darkened. In exchange, I will restore Life to your loved one."

[Haliel Lightsong]

Haliel blinks, taken aback. "That's allowed?" she asks, startled. But... well... they're not... opposed really, on anything except perhaps the particulars, which aren't part of my paladin vows. "I... Love and Life are already dear to me. I see very little difference between Love and Compassion," she confesses with the air of someone admitting they didn't actually do the reading for class."

[GamesMaster]

"I suspect you will want to purchase a primer," says Andraste with a smile. "Is that agreeable to you? If not, we can renegotiate."

[Haliel Lightsong]

"It- You said as dear, right? So... if say... Fine Arts and maybe Beauty are... just kind of things I approve of, like Water..." Haliel is blushing brightly at admitting her failings as a Ray but she wishes to be honest and upright about what she can and cannot promise.

[GamesMaster]

"I would avoid destroying any beauty," suggests Andraste. "Or allowing works of art to be destroyed. Generally wish to avoid killing, as well."

[Haliel Lightsong]

"Of course avoid killing," Haliel says indignantly. "How can someone become a better person if they're dead?"

[GamesMaster]

Andraste grins. "You'll do fine," she confirms. "Have we an agreement?"

[Haliel Lightsong]

"Marian's life in exchange for seventeen months and seventeen days of upholding Astea's tenants just as I would Bastion's? Yes, and gladly. Thank you, Bright Herald Andraste." Impulsively, the aasimar shifts so she can pull the pavitra in a warm hug.

[GamesMaster]

Andraste wraps her arms around Haliel. "No need for thanks -- it was an even bargain, acceptable to both sides."

Almost as soon as Andraste's arms wrap around Haliel, the feeling begins to fade, until she opens her eyes, finding herself collapsed across the body of Marian -- who coughs, beginning to breathe once more. One of Lightsong's hands is curled around a scroll, tied and sealed with Astea's symbol in wax; the other holds Marian's hand, trembling, as if afraid to let go. 

[Carver Amell]

Carver sags into the ready chair, rubbing at his temples, but he can't keep the smile off his face, the joy from showing. He peeks up through his bangs at Merrill, at his twin, and grins, looking like he's lost a hundred-pound boulder from his back instead of merely changed his form.

"It's done. I'm myself," he whispers. 

[Merrill]

Looking tired and worn herself- she hasn't said much about her studies, but evidently they are very, very taxing- the elf nevertheless smiles back as she studies him. Moving closer, then kneeling next to him, she reaches up to brush her fingers across his face. "Your smile is the same. Stronger, truer, but the same. Still your smile." Before she can say anything else, she yawns loudly.