Children of Bhaal
Children of Bhaal - Part 7
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Sixth
Interlude: A son of Bhaal, a prophet and a bunch of holy w
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>They had raised their fire
of them even shooting into the air.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>And they all were chanting my name: “D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Behind me stood my personal gu
itself “W
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“We
and all evil gods. We
litany.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Arkul stood in front of me, his
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I have seen the future and it is bright! D
pure and holy era of science and technology! Gone
all false gods will be vanquished and their evil magic will be gone forever
from our world! I am Arkul Sazz
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“D
prophet! May all who not believe in him die!” the crowd chanted.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Memories appe
before she disappe
her back, my only love, my soul and my he
been taken from me. I would absorb the powers of those fools, who called
themselves “gods”, and also the Power itself. The assembled power I would use
to bring her back.
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the cities along the
temples) and soon it would spread, engulfing the whole of Toril. My
crushing all our opponents.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>We stood outside Atkatla, the capital of the
“People’s Republic of Atkatla and Baldur’s Gate”. I had many followers inside
the city too and that was why the rulers hesitated to close the doors in front
of me and my followers.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“My people h
city and its inhabitants will be shown the purity of my way! Enter it and take
what is rightfully ours!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>They cheered and began to move, the Revolution
able to do anything.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Inside the city we were greeted by our
followers, which were many. The Revolution
and Arkul m
former hall of the council. On the squ
followers.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Behold the city of
vanquished! Do, what has to be done!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>They cheered and began moving away, clutching
their fire
my personal, holy symbol, was surrounded and either converted to the “true
faith” or killed. Now the Revolution
slaughtered.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I, Arkul and my personal gu
president and his ministers, st
who had gone into battle herself, were long gone. Those here were bureaucrats
and they would not live long.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“That is the judgment of god: For your evil
ways you shall face the punishment of death!” Arkul announced to them.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>They fell to their knees and begged for their
lives, but my gu
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Burn all the temples, kill anyone, who
resists!” I told him.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Your will shall be done, my Lord and God” he
replied and motioned my gu
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Going out again I watched as my followers
killed and burned. Soon the temple district was aflame and other p
crackling.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Suddenly Paul, the Tyrant, Daukon and Conrad
stood next to me, looking at what has happening.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“So it has begun” Paul noted.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“And you have chosen what is right” the Tyrant
added.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Believe me, it was the right choice” Conrad
assured me.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I have no doubt of that. I will find a way to
bring her back, even if I have to destroy the whole multiverse in the process.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“They murdered my wife in order to get to me,
you know. It was then that I swore revenge upon them and began to plan the
Great W
what they had done to me. Millions were slaughtered in this w
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“So we
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Oh, we all
said.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Perhaps I should write down what is happening.
Would make an interesting story, you know” Conrad mentioned.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“You’re a writer?” I asked amazed.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Yes, I am. Are you thus surprised? We
intelligent. I create worlds in my head and bring them to live on paper. Alas,
I haven’t found a way to bring them into reality…”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“But perhaps they
create a world, it begins to exist somewhere in the multiverse…” I mused.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“A pleasant idea, I think” Conrad commented.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“It is time to show them some of my ‘divine
power’” I muttered and changed into the slayer-form.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>M
fell to their knees upon seeing me. And wherever there was an infidel, I killed
them. I triumphed upon the field of slaughter, wading through rivers of blood
and heaps of body p
withstand my divine wrath, no one who could stand before the face of D
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style='font-size:26.0pt;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>P
D
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style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>From my keep we wandered southw
On our way there we had lots of time to talk about this and that.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Keldorn once approached me and Im, looking
worried.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I do not wish to condemn you two for anything,
but it still worries me that you
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Don’t you understand, Keldorn, it is as if I
and Im had been created to be with each other, something deep inside binds us
together, makes us one. If you’d have felt something like that, you would
understand.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Long was Keldorn silent, thinking about my
words.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I think I understand what you want to tell me,
D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Ya ‘
t’ rip our union ap
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Keldorn nodded gravely.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Then whatever binds you together must be
indeed very strong, Imoen. And I would not dream of trying to take it away from
you, for it is indeed special.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Keldorn dropped back some and
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“D
done int’ whether we’re real siblings or not. What
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>As always, I was more than eager to talk about
my rese
I began looking at life forms, especially interested in what we inherit from
our p
simil
realized that certain ch
everything, not only appe
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>There
cases, for example the inbreeding of the nobles, I realized that if two very
close relatives procreate, those illnesses become dominant in their children.
And that is why I was so afraid for us.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“As I said, I don’t believe that our ‘father’
produced us using the same body twice. He probably took on another form each
time. This means we have inherited different ch
problem, biologically speaking.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>She kissed me on the cheek and then smiled w
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“So ya’ve worried
needlessly, D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I smiled also and took her hand.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Yes, but it was still fascinating… I have a
thirst for knowledge, Im.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>We camped about in the middle of our way south.
During the night, I was visited by Lilacor in my dreams.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Your powers
Already you have made contact with beings from other universes and soon you
will have enough power to change the course of history, not only foresee its
path. But first, a w
soul. You must reclaim it, D
I
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Suddenly the figure of Lilacor was replaced by
the one of Irenicus.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“So we meet again, son of Bhaal.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“What the hell
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I am finding a way to grow even more powerful
than the gods themselves. I will have my revenge and you will not be able to
stop me. Not any longer, although your powers
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“You have no idea, how my powers
future, I have changed it with my will and you
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He laughed and held up a fire-
improved version, which could fire several shots before one had to reload.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Arrogance comes before the fall, D
your weapons and I will continue to do so. My combined powers of magic and
technology will grant me might beyond imagination. Ironically, it was you, who
first brought me the idea of using technology. Thus you have created your own
doom.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Anger rose in me.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“We will meet again, Irenicus, and when we do,
you will die, you fucking bast
to Im and me, do you understand, you son of a bitch, you piece of shit! I am
going to kill you personally and it will give me fucking pleasure, I swe
every last, shitty bit of it!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He gl
outburst.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Do not overestimate yourself, D
be your death, not mine.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Suddenly the figure of Lilacor stepped into my
dream again.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Oh, I wouldn’t so sure of that, Irenicus.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Who
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Lilacor grinned at Irenicus.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I’m an intelligent computer program, an
guess this doesn’t mean anything to you, right? And I am f
a wiz
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Suddenly Irenicus screamed, let go of his fire-
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Get out of my head, get out of it!” he
screamed.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“You’re mine and now that you realize it, it is
too late for you, Irenicus. Once I thought that you were interesting, but now
you’ve grown into a danger to my assignment and I have to terminate you.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Anger and hate flashed in Irenicus’ face and
then he stood up again and gl
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I am not beaten yet!” he screamed and
vanished.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“What the hell…?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Oh, he woke himself up. But I guess he’ll be
avoiding to sleep in the future” Lilacor explained.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I also awoke, he
her sleep with some invisible enemy. Quickly I took her in my
her. This woke her up and first she didn’t recognize, where she was.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Leave me, please,
leave me, I can’t no longer…” she whimpered.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Im, it’s me, nothing’s going to happen to you,
you he
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>She st
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“D
D
pain, it didn’t stop, it just grew more an’ more… An’ ‘is face, he just gl
he cut an’ cut an’ cut… An’ then he brought in the man…”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>At this she suddenly screamed in terror and I
realized that the sheer memory of everything pained her. She had tried to hide
it from me, although sometimes I had seen her weeping in her sleep. But now it
had finally broken out of her, she was no longer able to cope with the
memories. I was afraid for her, for I fe
herself.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Im’s body shook and I hugged and kissed her,
trying to comfort her.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Listen to me, Im, I am here and I always be
here, understand? Whatever is in you, we can face it together and together we
will able to beat it. Draw from my strength, Im, as I draw from yours. I can
beat the evil inside of me because of you. You can beat the memories and the
pain inside of you because of me, believe me, Im.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>She nodded, but the te
her, w
while she slept again, my
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>We reached Elhan’s camp in the afternoon of the
next day. The elven Lord was already waiting impatiently for us.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Here is the Rynn Lathorne” I said and handed
it to him.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
say that silly w
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Perhaps it is you, who hasn’t realized
something: The lives of countless people were at stake here. And believe me, I
would have known, if Irenicus succeeded.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He nodded gravely and commented: “Perhaps you
would. But let us not linger here; we must enter the city of
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Elhan gave command to General Sovalidas and
only took a gu
forests lying there.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>It was already night, when we reached a p
There Elhan halted and took out the Rynn Lathorne. Suddenly a door appe
us.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Ah, we have found Suldanessal
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Thus we entered the renowned and beautiful city
of
Imoen:
Nightm
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>So we finally set out finish it all, to reclaim
D
Irenicus. As we traveled southw
wouldn’t find peace, but had just left it behind me. The keep had been like a
new home, a safe haven, where I found at least some peace. And now we left it,
but where would we go and where would it end?
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I took the time to be with D
Once Keldorn approached us and we had some serious
talking concerning our relationship. D
weren’t real siblings at all, because Bhaal probably hadn’t used the same bodies,
when he raped our mothers.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>We camped about halfway and I fell asleep
quickly, exhausted from the long m
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>First I saw myself sitting on the floor, my
knees drawn up to my chin. And then I realized that there was something wet on
my clothes and when I looked I saw… blood. Suddenly I realized that my body
hurt, pain seemed to be everywhere. And finally I realized that I was back in
my cell in Spellhold.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>In front of me the head of Irenicus hovered,
but without having a body, blood dropping from where his shoulders would be. He
should have been dead, but he opened his mouth and his eyes and…
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Here we
free of me; never will you forget the pain… I will haunt you all your life,
Imoen.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Suddenly my body began to tremble and shake
automatically and I saw flashes of lightning flow through my body. And then I
felt, how I burned from the inside, how the electricity began to turn my
insides into ashes. Screaming, I tried to wake up, but I didn’t.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>But it didn’t end there, suddenly everything
changed and I was in total d
eyes of my father, the eyes of Bhaal.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>And then the figure in
and demons behind it.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Welcome to my realm, my daughter. Welcome to
hell. Accept my gift, daughter. I am in you, take, what is yours!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“No, I don’t want this, leave me! I don’t want
anything from ya!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Stupid bitch, I’m going to force you to accept
it, I am going to destroy you!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Together with D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
hasn’t accepted my gifts?
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Suddenly D
turned into the slayer beast. And he… he slaughter D
screamed and attacked the beast, but my fists seemed to hit empty air.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“See, my daughter? See my power, accept it! You
will be mine, whether you want it or not! I will consume you!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Then the slayer turned to me, advancing tow
kill me, to destroy me and then consume me, until only it was left.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I backed away, but soon hit a wall of demons,
who threw me at the feet of the slayer. I screamed and tried to get up again,
but the slayer grabbed me and hit me with its claws, bit me and scratched me.
Finally it opened its huge fangs and brought me ne
couldn’t, the teeth came closer and closer, until I was in its mouth and it
closed it, its teeth penetrating my body, crushing me.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Before it could kill me, I suddenly was on the
laboratory table of Irenicus; he bent himself over me, a knife in his hand.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“How long can you live without a he
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He thrust his knife into my chest and began to
cut, cutting all
still pumping, while I whimpered in pain, as my vision slowly faded and all
became d
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>But the dream wasn’t over. In a dream one
cannot die. Again things grew brighter and I was in my cell, sitting there,
still feeling the pain in my chest. And then the door opened slowly and…
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>There he was, the man who had raped me! He was
standing there, right next to Irenicus, his lustful glances moving over my
body, desiring me, wanting to force himself into me, whether I wanted or not.
No, no, not again, not again! I wouldn’t submit to this again, nobody would
ever do that to me again!
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>This time I would fight, he wouldn’t be able to
overcome me! I stood up, trying to ignore the pain, which wanted to immobilize
me.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“You won’t do this again t’ me, Irenicus!
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“But I will, Imoen, over and over again, until
it destroys you…”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The man moved tow
but I stood firm, my hands formed into fists and when he was ne
be able to feel anything; he put his hands
up, while I kept hitting him. What kind of magic was this? What new horror had
Irenicus invented here? How had he been able to make this man immune to pain?
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He threw me down on the pallet, held me down
and… It happened again, there was nothing I could do, but to endure it, while
Irenicus st
able to turn into the slayer beast, as if all my powers had left me. And then
Bhaal stood next to Irenicus.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Now you’d like to have your powers back, don’t
you? But you rejected them and this is the price you pay. Every time you fall
asleep it will happen to you, over and over again, because you fight me! It
will happen, until you finally accept, who you
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>First I didn’t realize that I was awake, I just
saw this face, thought that it was this man and that he was still...
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Leave me, please,
leave me, I can’t no longer…”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>But it was D
going to happen to you, you he
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I tried to see through the d
recognized him.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“D
D
pain, it didn’t stop, it just grew more an’ more… An’ ‘is face, he just gl
he cut an’ cut an’ cut… An’ then he brought in the man…”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I just screamed, terror consuming me, as I
remembered the words of Bhaal, my whole body was trembling, cold sweat broke
out. D
tried to calm me down.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Listen to me, Im, I am here and I always be
here, understand? Whatever is in you, we can face it together and together we
will able to beat it. Draw from my strength, Im, as I draw from yours. I can
beat the evil inside of me because of you. You can beat the memories and the
pain inside of you because of me, believe me, Im.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I tried to believe him, but I remembered the
vision I had e
slaughtering everyone, who refused to follow him. What if one day I was gone?
Would he be able to continue fight the evil inside?
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Still, in his
peace. Next time I fell asleep, no nightm
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Next day we reached Elhan, who led us to the
forests of Tethir. And there indeed with the help of the Rynn Lathorne we were
able to enter the city of
D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>W
the beautiful houses were burning and I could make out several demons and
Rakshasas attacking elven w
yet; some elves had b
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Elhan looked at the scene and didn’t like what
he saw. Especially the fact that some of the Rakshasas used fire
met Irenicus in my dreams. Irenicus had
enhanced weapons. I definitely had underestimated his powers.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“So, what do we do now?” I asked Elhan.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“We need to find the queen Ellesime and the
high priestess Demin. This must be our first priority.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I rather meant the demons and Rakshasas.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Elhan looked at his enemies and finally shook
his head.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“We never thought against such weapons, but we
magic and our skills as
them still.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I turned
them gravely.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Well, this is it, now you’ve got a chance to
prove, how good you
team we might succeed. Keldorn, Minsc and Anomen, you come with me up front,
load your fire-tubes and fire-spiters. Aerie, Im,
stay behind us, use your weapons, but especially your magic, we will need it.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I ordered Keldorn, Anomen and Minsc to form a
line with me, so we could fire volleys on any oncoming enemy. The elven elite w
while our group advanced slower.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The house of the high priestess was a little to
the west and was surrounded by several demons. We could see Demin stand in front
of her house, trying to fight them off.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Guys, let’s get moving! The high priestess
needs our help!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>We began to run tow
we shot down three demons, reloaded quickly and fired again, taking out the other
two.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Demin came down to us.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Quick, you need to summon Rillifane, spirit of
the woods. Only he can help us now!” she shouted tow
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I looked puzzled at her.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“What do you mean high priestess?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Irenicus has gotten into the palace and taken
the queen hostage. He is at the tree of life and tries to steal its essence. We
must act quickly, but only Rillifane has the power to destroy those demons
Irenicus summoned. You need to find the talisman of Rillifane, the moon blade
and the cup of life in order to summon the protector of the woods.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“But where might we find those objects?”
Keldorn asked her.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“A little to the east you will find the house
of the talisman. The house of the moon is in the centre of Suldanessal
Nizidramanii’yt on the glade to the west. Be quick, humans.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The talisman was just lying in the house the
high priestess mentioned. The blade of the moon was another thing. When we
entered the house, an elven w
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Give it to me, elf, or you shall die!” the
demon sn
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I will rather die than do this! Feel the power
of the blade, creature from the abyss!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He attacked the demon head on and when the
blade hit it, both the demon and the elf vanished in a bolt of violet light. I
took the moon blade and we continued to the glade.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Nizidramanii’yt looked a little like Firkraag,
but he was smaller and had black scales instead of red ones.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He looked at us as if we were food for him.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Oh, good, good, the master sends more food for
me.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I am sorry to say so, but we
your nourishment, oh mighty Nizidramanii’yt, although being of service in any
way to such a powerful dragon as yourself is an honor beyond any I know” I
replied; dragons always loved flattering.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Ah, your tongue speaks well, human. Perhaps I
shall sp
purpose of your visit?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Oh mighty Nizidramanii’yt, Irenicus has
ordered you to gu
take orders from the likes as Irenicus.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The black dragon looked at me proudly, cle
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Of course not, it is by my own will that I gu
because of the payment my master has promised me.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Although such a mighty one as you has no need
for payment, you could simply take what you want.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The dragon’s eyes gl
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Ah, I see the truth in your words, human. Of
course, I mustn’t let this elf command me. It makes a bad impression, if he
pays me.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I praise your wisdom for realizing this, oh
mighty Nizidramanii’yt.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“And it is well that you do, for am I not
counted among the wisest beings on Toril?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>And with this he pranced past us, not even looking
at us. I, of course, immediately took the cup of life. Now we had all the
needed objects.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>We headed back to the east, where the temple
stood. From af
shoot several times without reloading, a great advantage, which we did not
possess.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“What do we do now?” Aerie asked.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Don’t you have any magical solution to help us
out here?” I asked her and Im.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Hm, there’s
unconscious. But I need some time t’ conjure the spell,
ya need t’ divert ‘em for a
while.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Looking at the
attack. Finally, I had an idea: We could use the house next to the temple as
cover and attack the Rakshasas with our fire
them.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Running low we managed to get to that house
without being noticed. I glanced
weren’t really on gu
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I aimed at one of the Rakshasas and shot him
through the head, quickly taking cover again afterw
reloaded and shot again, while Im began to conjure her spell. Of course, the
Rakshasas were trying to shoot us too, but didn’t hit.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Finally Im finished the conjuring and suddenly
a dense, green cloud appe
ground, unconscious.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Now’s our chance, kill them all!” I shouted.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>We shot the unconscious Rakshasas and then
waited, until the cloud of death had finally vanished. Now we could enter the
temple.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Inside I placed all three sacred objects on the
alt
kind of mist appe
figure looked a little like an elf, but it had leaves instead of hair and was
taller than an ordin
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I know why you seek my help, human” the avat
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Oh, you do? Then how can you help me?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Listen, Irenicus is trying to steal the power
from the tree of life. I cannot help you against him, but my spirits can take c
free queen Ellesime and thus break Irenicus’ connection with the tree. Go to
the palace, you will find a stair there, which will lead you to the tree.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>When we left the temple, we witnessed, how the
spirits of Rillifane appe
Rakshasas by simply touching them. We went tow
by Elhan.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Irenicus is at the tree of life” he explained.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I already know, Rillifane has explained it to
me. Now I will go there and confront Irenicus, reclaiming my soul from him.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Then I wish you the best of luck, D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Im took my hand and pressed it firmly, as if to
assure me of her presence.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“We’ll get y
worry” she whispered.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The palace was not what I would have expected.
The inside looked like a beautiful, lush forest, a waterfall gently flowing
down at its northern wall. And next to it there was stair leading down. There
we would find the tree of life and Irenicus.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I turned
who had traveled faithfully with me through all our perils.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Keldorn, holding a fire-tube in his hand and
the sword C
gravely at me.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Keldorn, you have always been a trustworthy
and de
wisdom and your kindness. But this is not your fight, if you wish to leave now
I will not blame you at all.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He stepped over to me and put his hand onto my
shoulder.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Never have I abandoned a companion in need and
I won’t st
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Then I looked at Minsc and Aerie, who stood
close to each other, holding their hands and smiling at me, while Boo was
sitting on Minsc’s shoulder.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“My de
together. Please, do not throw away so lightly what you have gained.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>They also stepped up to me and smiled w
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“We could never do such a thing, D
together and have helped each other. And what would I say to Imoen?” Aerie
explained.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Boo would never forgive me and also not my de
such a mighty task. Irenicus must feel the point of my sword penetrating his
evil body! He must pay for all the horrible things he has done to you and
Imoen!” Minsc added.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I turned to Anomen, who had remained a little
ap
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Anomen, my de
you. I also know that you and Nalia have something… Go to her, for you need
each other!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He took my hand with both his hands and smiled.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“D
have helped me. I think it is only fair that I help you now.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Finally I turned to Im and looked into her
brown, beautiful eyes, taking her hand.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Im, I don’t want anything to happen to you,
you mean too much to me, I love you from the depths of my he
you died, I would never forgive myself. You have your soul now; there is no
need for you to come with me. Take your soul with you,
it shall be like a p
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>She approached me, until she stood right before
me, her nose almost touching mine, so I could feel her w
closer she came, until her lips touched mine. Closing my eyes I responded to
her kiss, put my
increasing passion.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Finally she pulled away a little, her breath
going fast, held my hands and looked deep into my eyes.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Just so ya remember,
how much I love ya, D
forget it! We’re one, ya said it an’ that’s why I
can’t leave ya. I’d even follow
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I gently stroked her cheek, looking at her.
There were sc
completely. Some wounds time cannot mend. Te
what Irenicus had put her through. Finally we would be able to pay everything
back!
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>We walked down the stairs and at their end
reached the tree of life. It was a huge tree, its branches covering a l
place. And in front of us stood a tall and beautiful figure with golden hair, a
female elf: Queen Ellesime. At least her spirit, for she looked somewhat faint.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Quick, you must help me! Irenicus is stealing
the trees power and soon it will be accomplished. He uses p
power; you must destroy them, for as long as they
h
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
again.
had meant with “p
see a kind of juice flow into them from the tree.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>We approached all three of the p
swords, for we had to cut them off the tree. It was not easy, since their skin
was h
the tree.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>But finally we managed and then we went tow
could make out the figure of Irenicus. Next to him stood a wooden cage, in
which I saw Ellesime. But suddenly the door of the cage opened and Ellesime
stepped out. Irenicus, he
surprise.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“How is that possible? What has happened?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“The son of Bhaal has destroyed the p
Joneleth! I beg you, is there nothing left in your he
remember our love, long past? If you would only have tried to realize your
mistakes, we would have welcomed you again and given back, what is rightfully
yours.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Irenicus didn’t reply anything for a long time,
he seemed to think and reflect.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“No, there is nothing. I have tried, Ellesime,
I have tried to remember, but after you took away my soul, there was no way; I
couldn’t bring the feelings back anymore. There was only one thing left: my
determination. I would get my revenge. I will get my revenge!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Ellesime shook her head, sadness in her eyes.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Then it is true, you
but have become Irenicus.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I stepped up to the two and asked: “Although I
don’t wish to interrupt this reunion, could someone explain to me, what the
hell you
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Irenicus turned
his eyes. I was st
my soul and that gave him back, what he had lost.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“You have proven more resourceful than I would
have thought, D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Oh, you cle
Irenicus. I am here to reclaim, what is mine. Give back my soul!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Once already you have tried to steal the
powers of the tree of life and we have banished you for it, Irenicus. Although
I must admit that your sister has seduced you to do it, your crime was still
unforgivable. I will not stand by and let you repeat it!” Ellesime said firmly.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Bodhi is dead, your majesty” I explained.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“So, she finally has found her just end…”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I will avenge my sister; you will pay for
this, both of you, D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“An’ don’t we ‘ave a
right t’ avenge us for all the thin’s
spells, the sick experiments and the rape! An’ I’ll never forget, Irenicus,
screamed back, her eyes flashing full of hatred.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>My eyes gl
my fire-spiter and pointed it at him. But Irenicus
just laughed and took out his advanced fire-spiter.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I have created a better weapon already, D
and my powers! I will not let you and Imoen destroy my plans!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“If you
calculate the future, as I did? I am able to see it all; I can see the paths of
time and probability. Can you, Irenicus?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Yes, I have done so! The calculations lead to
only one conclusion: A being will assemble all power in the multiverse,
becoming the only god in the process, the perfect being, which will change the
multiverse for ever. And I will be this being, it is inevitable!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I laughed triumphantly.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Your calculations
also to this conclusion, the probability is more than 90%. But it won’t be you.
I have also calculated that the chance of your death is 95.438%. You will not
survive the coming fight, Irenicus!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Irenicus st
racing.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Damn it, you
chance that you will die and I will live. And I will ensure that this is going
to happen!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Ellesime quickly glanced at me.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I will leave you two and assemble my w
not fret, son of Bhaal, help will come soon.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Irenicus gl
find a way, which ensured his survival. We were all
he had superior weapons and was a powerful magician.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Suddenly he raised his fire-spiter
and shot at me, but the shot was badly aimed and he didn’t hit me mortally. The
bullet penetrated my left breast, ripping a hole into my lung. I stumbled and
fell to my knees; bloody foam began to appe
breath.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Im screamed and then began to conjure a finger
of death, while Keldorn, Minsc and Anomen shot at Irenicus, who had thrown
himself down on the ground, the shots passing above him. Aerie shot a stone at
him with her sling, hitting him into the back.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I tried to stay conscious and saw, how Im
released her spell, but it just bounced off Irenicus, not h
Im and shot, but she had ducked before he had pulled the trigger, so the shot
only grazed her shoulder. Still, she gave a short scream and moment
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Keldorn had reloaded the quickest and shot
again, hitting Irenicus’ leg. Irenicus screamed in pain and fell to the ground,
his fire-spiter falling out of his hand. Desperately
he tried to find it again, but I finally managed to raise my own fire-
he st
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I… no, this is not possible… I cannot…”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>And with this he died.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Suddenly something strange happened. Something
seemed to pull me, d
Imoen:
The tree of life
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The city of
demons battled the elves all over it and we went straight into the fight. We
helped out high priestess Demin, who then told us that we needed to summon the
spirit of the forest, Rillifane, but this could only be accomplished with the
help of three objects. Two we found quite easily, but the third one, the cup of
life, was gu
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>With the help of the three objects we summoned
Rillifane, who sent his spirits to battle the enemies of the elves. But still
Irenicus was at the tree of life. Before we descended to the tree,
wanted to come. Of course we all did, but I appreciated the gesture.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The tree of life was impressive, it was just
huge, gigantic, I never had seen anything like it. The
spirit of Ellesime appe
the tree of life. We of course immediately went to destroy them.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Finally we confronted Irenicus. I was ready
now. Although I always tried to battle my father’s essence, I hated Irenicus
with all my he
revenge. And it began to take over.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>In that place Irenicus’ history was finally
revealed to us. He had been once the lover of Ellesime, the queen of the elves,
but had been seduced by his sister Bodhi to try to use the essence of the tree
of life in order to reach power beyond any of the gods. His scheme had been unsuccessful
and as punishment his and Bodhi’s soul had been taken Ellesime tried to
reawaken his old nature, but Irenicus was beyond any such thing.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Irenicus also talked to D
emotions again and when D
dead, he swore revenge upon me and D
words, he had done f
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>When D
then they had a very fascinating conversation. It seemed as if their powers
have grown so much that they were able to calculate their own future and
of Irenicus’ death was very likely.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>After Ellesime had teleported away to fetch her
elven w
shot at D
death on him, without success. Irenicus now shot at me, but I was able to duck
before he released the trigger and the bullet only grazed my shoulder. Still,
the sudden pain unbalanced me for a moment. And then D
and shot Irenicus right into his chest.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>When Irenicus died, something strange happened.
First D
him, giving a scream of dismay, but then I felt something pull me and then all
became d
D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>There was d
my surroundings and I began to notice details. I could see fires and a squ
leading away from it. But when I turned
thing: A huge door of stone, on it a golden skull surrounded by five dents in
form of te
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Suddenly mists appe
companions.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“What…? Where…?” I tried to ask.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Keldorn looked
that we
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
for me and Boo to kill!” Minsc commented.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
hell?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I guess that when Irenicus died with D
dragged us with him” Aerie tried to explain.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I began to think, what this meant for us. The
realm of my father, finally I saw it. But this wasn’t a real place like what we
called “real”. Here only the mind granted power. If I would meet Irenicus
somewhere here, the battle between us two would be spiritual.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“If we
evil” Anomen suggested.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Right you
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>We walked over the squ
Walking down, the light grew brighter, for we came to a river of lava running
down in the gorge beside the stairs. The stairs themselves led to the entrance
of a cave.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“What ‘re we
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>She had felt it too. Something seemed to pull
me down, like a heavy weight. Something awaited us in there, something grave
and sinister. So I took Im’s hand, squeezing it a little. She looked at me,
smiling.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Together, Im, let’s enter!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Yeah, we’ll manage everythin’
together, D
that I would even follow ya t’ hell? Didn’t
think that it would really happen, though…”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Inside the cave we were greeted by a big,
strong demon with huge wings, its eyes glittering with pride and
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Welcome, son of Bhaal, in the realm of your
father! In order to reclaim your soul, you must open the doors upstairs. This
you will accomplish by putting in the golden te
creature. But you, D
before your power, claim what is yours!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Something wasn’t right here, why was this demon
flattering me?
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“What kind of beast is this?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He looked disappointed at me.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Are you afraid, D
you.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Just answer the question, demon.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Alright, it is a dragon. You already have
killed one of them and this beast is no match for you, D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I have met dragon’s, with whom one could talk.
Why shouldn’t it be like this with this dragon?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The demon looked desperately at me and then
finally admitted: “Yes, you could simply ask it and the dragon would give you
the te
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I walked past the demon into the back of the
cave, where indeed there stood a black dragon.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“The demon told me that you
over to me?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Yes, of course, son of Bhaal, take what is
yours” the dragon replied and gave me the golden te
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Back at the gate I put the te
did this, I suddenly felt, as if I could withstand more than I could before. I
felt, as if I would no longer have to fe
could no longer or not as much as before h
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The next stair led to another cave, where again
a demon awaited us. But this one was black-bluish and full of thorns and with
monstrous fangs, its eyes st
them.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Its voice was almost like its appe
cold: “Ah, so you have
precious te
will protect you from the horrors inside. Or you can face the monsters on your
own, trusting in your own courage. What shall it be?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I would never take such an evil gift and that I
told the demon.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“As you wish, but don’t say I haven’t w
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The beasts waiting back there were five beholders.
Once such beasts might indeed have sc
One exploder took c
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Not much of a problem, those beholders. And
they should sc
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Yeah, I don’t think they’re up to date down
here” I replied.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Again I placed the te
had the distinct feeling, as if weapons would no longer be a threat to me. I
could not tell how I came by this knowledge.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Down the third stair, a tall and haughty demon
awaited us, looking at us with “I am f
Something very cruel and entirely selfish was in its look also.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Ah, I greet you, son of Bhaal. There
reach the te
you go to my right, you shall be punished, but your companions will remain unh
of your companions will die. Choose, son of Bhaal.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I st
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Oh my, what shall we do? I don’t want
really is…” Im whispered.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>There was only one way: I would not let my
companions come to h
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Thus I entered the door to my right and
suddenly felt pain in my whole body. It came immediately and without w
floor.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“D
to me.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I… I don’t know,
there was suddenly pain…”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
alright?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Yeah, yeah, it passed, don’t worry.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Slowly I stood up and realized that there was
another door in front of me. So I stepped to it, opened it and walked through.
Suddenly I was aw
My quick reflexes had abandoned me.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Now cle
began m
pushed it open, slowly I rose my right foot and stepped through. And what came
now, was h
what. It was an awful feeling, this knowledge. It plagued me since then; often
I brooded about what exactly I lost. Always I hoped that it was nothing I had
experienced with Im; I couldn’t be
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>When I put in this te
would no longer do much h
of nowhere.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The fourth stair led us to a cave filled with
lava, a small, crooked and somewhat slimy demon awaiting us, its yellow eyes
looking greedily at me.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“So you’ve come, D
it and kill it. And I can give you the means to do it: Take this sword and slay
this being, D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>With this he handed a black and evil looking
sword to me.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I walked across the cave and at its end I saw a
genie waiting for us.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Are you in possession of one of the te
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Indeed I am, but I cannot give it to you, D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Why can’t you give it to me?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“The sword will liberate the te
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>What did this mean? This genie was talking in
riddles. Perhaps, if I offered the sword to him?
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Here, take the sword, it is yours.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The genie smiled, took the sword and in
exchange gave me the te
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I put the te
that somehow my luck had changed to the better. My confidence had increased and
I felt as if it would be now more difficult to h
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The final stair led us into a l
end, a surprise waited for us: My brother S
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“This cannot be, I
killed you!” I shouted at him.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“You forget that you
not deserve it, you
father’s gift and I will give you the te
embrace your heritage!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“No, I will not give in to my father’s will!
Never, S
second time!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Then perhaps you, Imoen, will embrace your
father’s gifts?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Imoen shook her head defiantly.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>S
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Then die, fools! Join each other in death, as
you joined yourself in love during life!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He raised his sword and ch
and took out my fire-spiter, which I raised and
pointed at my ch
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“You… you killed me again! I curse you; I curse
you and your damned sister! Your love shall not last long, your fortune shall
be short and your time together cut away before reaching their fullness! If I
can’t have the life I deserved, you two shall not have it either!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>And with that he died… again. His last curse
troubled me, though. Alas, they came true in the end…
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Back upstairs I long st
put in the te
it through, I decided to give my companions and myself a break first, before we
fought against Irenicus once again.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Alright, listen to me; we’re going to take a
rest, before we finish our business here. I guess we all need it.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>They all agreed to that and so we set up camp
in hell. An odd feeling, but when thinking through it I couldn’t see any
difference to other camps we had set up.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Im and I went away from the others; we both
felt that we needed to talk in privacy.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Look, D
do after we beat Irenicus?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Well… I guess we’ll return to the keep. Or did
you have something else in mind, Im?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
ourselves, some time alone, without anyone else
‘ad down in Irenicus’ dungeon? It’s so long ago, but I
‘aven’t forgotten yet… I wanna
find such a place, D
perhaps finally forget.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I looked at her worried.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“You still have nightm
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>She sighed and st
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Yeah, I still ‘ave ‘
again. But somehow, when we’re together, it’s easier
t’ be
I think, in time it may pass.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I’ll help you as best as I can, Im, you know
that. I will sh
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I felt her soul right next to me; she stretched
out to me, as if she tried to fill my emptiness with her soul, sh
saw it also, like she saw it every day and night. It was horrible, but I bore
it for her. I had promised to help her and if she could load some of it into
me, I would be better able to help her, for then I could understand her and realize
what plagued her.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Although it were only seconds, it seemed like
eternity, as I lived through endless torture, pain and suffering. No longer a
story, but now p
still haunted her. She was a strong personality, I realized, probably the
strongest I ever met. Most people would have completely broken and perhaps even
committed suicide, but she kept on going.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>When she had finished filling her memories into
me, sobs shook my body and I embraced her closely, seeking comfort in her
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Im… I… I… I didn’t realize that…. that it was
so horrible. Oh, Im… I’m so sorry, Im, that he put you through this, I will
never forgive myself, Im… So horrible, the pain, Im, all this pain…”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“There was nothing ya
could ‘ave done, D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I nodded, I indeed understood now. Although Im
tried to conceal it from the others, something was indeed broken inside of her,
something which probably never would mend entirely. There
heal. And hers were of that kind. But now I sh
easier for her. More and more it seemed that we truly were one single being and
no longer two.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>She stroked my hair with her right hand and
kissed my eyebrows, her left hand on my shoulder, wandering slowly down my
back. I felt her pain, but now it was also my pain, binding us even more
together. My fingers moved over her cheeks and her lips, finally I hugged her
closely and put my face next to hers, my nose in her hair, smelling it. She
moved her hand under my shirt (my
skin, while kissing my cheek and then finally my lips. Feeling her w
grew, her hand sent shivers down my back, as it touched my skin. So I began to
respond to her kiss, more and more passionately, sweat began to run down my
face and on hers.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Not usually the place associated with love, but
we didn’t c
hell, where all hope has left and only despair remains. In that moment I forgot
where we were completely, only noticing her and my wanting, growing and
growing. Perhaps it was the glimmer of hope, which had
I soon would have my soul back. For I already had her souls beside me, inside
me,
our mutual love, we both long would have perished, as Irenicus had planned it.
But together we were able to hold back the evil wanting to take control of us;
together we were able to be
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I wanted her more than ever before, almost
automatically my hand found its way downw
while I still kissed her. Im, driven by the same sudden urge, took my hand and
helped me take off this nuisance, which p
her b
my head, kissing it, moving over it with my lips. Im reached over my back and
pulled at my shirt, trying to take it over my head, so pulled away from her and
let her do it. Then I put my
were pressed closely together. I pushed her back a little, until she leaned
against the ne
moving up to her throat.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Her hands reached down and she began te
them free. While I kissed her breasts, she began opening her trousers, but I
moved her hand away and pulled them down myself.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Putting her hands on my shoulders in order to
stabilize herself, she tried to move herself up, but didn’t manage, so I helped
her by pushing her. She put her legs
wall, entering and at the same time stabilizing her. My hands moved through her
hair, my lips touched hers, her breath quickened, as I pushed into her, faster
and faster. She gripped my shoulders h
her lips. Touching the drops of sweat on her w
moaned and I se
moans silenced by my lips, her fast breath touching mine. Sweat covered our
bodies as I released her lips and buried my face in her breasts, still
thrusting in a more and more quickening rhythm, her hips moving with me, her
moans going with the rhythm and finally reaching a crescendo in a scream of
total ecstasy and delight, as I emptied into the w
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Still breathing fast, we still leaned against
the wall, her head resting on my shoulders. Finally I put her down slowly on
the floor and lay next to her, putting my
fine and straight nose and finally her slightly red and gracefully, fully
shaped lips. The floor was h
gorges.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I will never leave you, Im… Whatever happens,
we will be together, even if it means to face exile and h
will my love for you end. I just wanted you to know that, because tomorrow… who
knows? I am not so certain about beating Irenicus here…”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>She smiled and kissed me, stroking my hair.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“All that I knew, D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I looked into her beautiful, brown eyes long
and deep, trying to read her mind. Her feelings were cle
burning, but there was a d
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Try, Im…”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I… ya…
gonna happen. Ya… changed.
happened. An’ I wasn’t there, I wasn’t there… I should be at
an’ ya did all those horrible thin’s…”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Te
kissed them, trying to comfort her.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“The future isn’t written, Im. We’ll create our
own future. I am going to make sure of that, I promise to you! We
living together for all eternity.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>What fool had I been! My ambition to create
this future led me into the trap, which I had tried to avoid. By trying to
create the future, the future created me. And the results were horrible. But
one is always wiser afterw
and Im was the only thing on my mind, nothing else mattered. I was blind. I was
a fool.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I lay on my back and Im put her head onto my
chest, so put my
not heading the dangers ahead. These hours belonged to us and no evil thought
disturbed them. Nothing could penetrate the b
We were one and soon we’d be whole.
Imoen:
In Bhaal’s realm
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>When I could see something again, I found
myself in a strange place. It was d
the light of flames. My companions stood next to me and behind us was a huge
door, the sign of Bhaal on it. But the te
have been, there were only dents.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>We discussed our situation. Somehow Irenicus’
death had dragged D
with him. We finally decided to explore this place.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>There were five stairs leading away from the
squ
descended, I felt that something evil, d
Together we kept on descending.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Inside the cave we finally entered, we were
greeted by a demon, who set D
the demon kept praising D
pride in D
and asked, what kind of beast he had to fight. Finally the demon revealed that
order to receive one of the missing te
te
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>After placing the te
the next set of stairs. Another demon awaited us there and offered a cloak made
of dryad skins to D
us, but it turned out to be just a group of beholders, of which D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>In the next cave a choice was offered to D
the consequences himself or go left and sacrifice one of his companions. D
but it was difficult for him. At the first door he fell down, his face full of
pain. At the next door he halted and looked at his fingers.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I think I’ve lost some of my dexterity”, he
muttered.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>And finally, when we passed through the last
door, his face turned into a mask of confusion and horror.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I… they took away some of my memory!” he
finally explained.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>In the next cave the demon offered a powerful
magical sword to D
genie and D
the sword to the genie in order to receive the te
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>In the final cave came the greatest surprise: S
first told D
then asked me, if I wanted to accept it, but I also refused. And then he
attacked us, but was quickly killed by D
me and D
last long and that he couldn’t have the life he deserved, we wouldn’t also.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Before D
and D
others, so we could talk. There were things I wanted to ask him; things about
our future.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Look, D
do after we beat Irenicus?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Well… I guess we’ll return to the keep. Or did
you have something else in mind, Im?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Oh, indeed I had. If I was completely honest, I
thought that we needed loneliness. For so long we both had endured h
was time for us to finally find some peace somewhere. A
quiet, safe place, where we could both sh
without having to worry. A place, where I finally could be free of those
memories haunting me.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“You still have nightm
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Every damn night I had them, they didn’t cease,
they continued, didn’t stop. Perhaps
Irenicus had been right and I would never be free of him. Still, when I was
with D
he was even able to drive the nightm
never forget. He asked, if there was a possibility to sh
memories, so he could help me better.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>So I spilled them over into his mind, all of
it, every last bit of torture. It almost broke him, especially since it all
came at once and he fell to the ground, sobbing. He got up and embraced me,
burying his face in my breast, sobbing on.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Im… I… I… I didn’t realize that…. that it was
so horrible. Oh, Im… I’m so sorry, Im, that he put you through this, I will
never forgive myself, Im… So horrible, the pain, Im, all this pain…”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>His words w
now, we both sh
everything else that was there, my longing, my desire growing more and more.
Even though this was hell, still our love shone bright, a flame, which couldn’t
be extinguished, not by Bhaal, not by Irenicus, not by anyone.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Gently I kissed his eyebrows and stroked his
hair, wanting to comfort him. My hand was on his shoulders, but I began moving
it down his back, pulling him closer to me. He looked into my eyes and his
hands touched my face, moved over it, my cheek, my eyebrows, my lips. And then
he suddenly put his
against mine and my face in his hair. My hand almost automatically moved down
and under his shirt, feeling his b
more and more forw
the inside of his w
drinking them in. It was w
break out on my whole body and on my face, also on his and I smelled the salty
taste of it.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>My longing grew and met his, our desire awoke
and
growing w
nothing but our passionate desire, my wanting for him. His hand grabbed my
shirt and began pulling it off and I helped him, wanting to get rid of
everything which p
kissing it, while I pulled of his shirt. Now our skins were against each other
directly, I felt the sweat on his body; we were pressed against each other.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Suddenly he pushed me softly against the wall
and kissed me again, from my shoulder upw
hand reached down and pulled down his trousers, while he kissed my breasts,
which began to h
finally freed from all
touching each other, feeling each other.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I wanted him to enter me; I wanted to feel him
inside of me. So I tried to put my legs
help of him I managed and then he pressed me against the wall and I felt him
penetrate me. He touched my hair and pulled my head tow
into me, faster and faster. My desire formed itself into a moan and again he
kissed me. After a passionate kiss he released my lips and put his face against
my breasts, using it to support himself and thrust stronger and faster, while
my thighs moved with him, my moans of delight accompanying him, growing louder
and louder until finally all inside of me seemed to explode in pure, unbe
a scream, while I felt how he emptied his essence into me, how he pulsated and
filled me.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Still panting from our mutual labor I put my
head onto his shoulder, resting and feeling this peace, the aftermath of this
delight, but now quieter, gentler. After a while he moved me away from the wall
and put me gently onto the floor, lying down beside me, putting his
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He told me that we never would be sep
worries concerning tomorrow’s fight. It was then that I finally explained my
vision to him, how he had changed and how I hadn’t been there with him. He then
said that the future wasn’t written and that we would shape our own future.
This thought, this belief I keep in my he
could shape our future; perhaps there was a chance for us…
D
end
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Next morning I put in the last te
have a greater influence on people and be better able
to le
gates opened.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Irenicus stood behind them, looking as he
always did.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“So, you followed me down here, D
whom your soul belongs to. Bu this battle is not a battle of weapons, it is a
battle of will. Reality is not what it is elsewhere. And my will is strong, son
of Bhaal.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Mine is too, Irenicus. Do not underestimate my
determination, which is increased by Im’s love for me, the strength I draw from
her. Together we
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Yeah, we
kick y
Irenicus! Ya’ve made y
An’ believe me, we’re gonna
take back what is ours.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I felt, how my will melted together with
of two, facing Irenicus with my soul in him. As he realized this, for a moment
I could see fe
again.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“You
here and now! Come on; let us finish this once and for all!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He immediately changed into the slayer-beast,
but he seemed to have grown somewhat. The hate and rage inside of him seemed to
give him even more power than before. He had become, what I had refused to
become. A wave of pure hate stroke me and I stumbled back.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>But then something happened. It seemed as if an
invisible b
disappointment and tried to increase his mental attack, but again was beaten
back. I held Im’s hand close and our wills were united, fighting him off.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Im took out her bow and I my fire-
realized, what we were doing, and immediately used the power of his hate to
hold back the projectiles.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“We need to break him, Im, help me!” I
whispered.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>She came closer to me and embraced me, kissing
my lips. I responded and so we were locked together, our love rising like a
burning flame, increasing in its heat and strength. And then we flung the
emotions at Irenicus, like another projectile. Irenicus screamed in terror, as
he realized, how his defenses of hate were crushed by our passionate love. He
was powerful, yes, but he was also alone, while we were together. Alone he
couldn’t face us two, couldn’t fight back our love.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>We forced our passion and love onto him, fighting
against the feelings of hate he was building up against us. Slowly the
projectiles of our weapons, Im’s lightning and my bullet, were closing in on
him. With a final scream his defensive b
projectiles continued their path, with increased speed, the power of my and
Im’s union forcing them onw
same time shaken by electricity and flung backw
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I and Im stepped tow
but just b
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“So you think you’ve defeated me? You may have
won over me, children of Bhaal, but my revenge will come eventually.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“You
longer hold any power over our destinies and soon I’ll have my soul back.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Fool! I have seen your future, D
together with your beloved Imoen. Your love, which defeated me, shall in the
end be defeated itself. You will bring ruin upon yourself and Im, D
you and Im
able to escape it.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Don’t ya say that,
we’ll create our own future an’ ya won’ haunt us
anymore, Irenicus! We’ve defeated ya entirely. We’ll
decide upon our destinies, Irenicus. No one will take us ap
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Irenicus laughed viciously.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Silly little girl, do you really think you can
cheat destiny itself? Do you really think that no one can destroy your union?
Oh, and concerning me haunting you: I will haunt you your whole life. Never
will you be free of me; never will you forget what I have done to you. Do you
really think that I haven’t studied the nature of intelligent beings and their
psyches? I have, Imoen, I have thoroughly and my experiments were all based on
my findings. And as you know, I have been successful. Never will you be free; I
have left my m
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Still laughing silently, his laugh faded and
finally stopped in a choke. Irenicus’ was dead and this time for good. Suddenly
I felt how a power flowed from him to me; I felt the void inside of me being
filled. My soul was back where it should have stayed and immediately it reached
out to Im’s soul, uniting itself with hers. No we two were completely one,
body, spirit and soul.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Suddenly everything vanished and was replaced
by the
stood Ellesime and behind me a group of elven nobles, among them Elhan.
My companions stood besides me, Im standing left of me.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Finally you have returned. Your friends we
could bring back fairly quick, but you and Imoen… It took some time. Somehow
your souls had difficulty coming back, because they
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Then… then everythin’
really happened?” Im asked.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>But there had been no need to. We both felt
that it was true and feelings of joy and happiness filled us both. We just were
a little shocked that it finally had happened and that now we were together.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>No longer c
us, we kissed each other right there, sh
free and perhaps now would be able to find peace. I hoped it back then,
desperately. And for some time it even seemed as if it would came true.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>For several weeks I and Im lived together in
the city of the elves, not heading what happened
had found a place of peace. But alas, it was only in order to prep
over yet, our struggle not completed, the curse not broken. We were still
children of Bhaal and our father’s blood still ran through our veins, cursing
us with evil. For some time we had found a place, where evil was locked out for
at least a while. But soon it caught up again with us.
Imoen:
Revenge
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>In the morning, D
standing behind it. Finally we would end this; finally we would get our
revenge.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“So, you followed me down here, D
whom your soul belongs to. Bu this battle is not a battle of weapons, it is a
battle of will. Reality is not what it is elsewhere. And my will is strong, son
of Bhaal” Irenicus explained in his cold voice.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Just you wait, Irenicus, we’re going to see,
whose will is stronger here! You
and D
long ago: love. And together we would destroy you!
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>My and D
one, focusing our power on Irenicus. And he was afraid, I could see it, he knew
that we were stronger.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“You
here and now! Come on; let us finish this once and for all!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Whom did he want to fool? Not me!
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Irenicus changed into the slayer beast, but he
was bigger than D
it. It indeed seemed as if Irenicus had increased his powers. And then hate
struck me like a bolt of lightning, making me stumble backw
to grab D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I stretched my soul tow
love began to surround as and protect us from Irenicus’ hate, he couldn’t
penetrate this b
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>We pulled out our weapons and shot at Irenicus,
but he formed his hate into a b
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>D
help me!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I stepped up to him, he embraced me and we
kissed each other passionately, feeling our love, fueling the flame inside of
us. It was too much for Irenicus, he couldn’t withstand this power, he screamed
and then the projectiles moved at him, gaining speed and hitting him.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He wasn’t dead yet, but almost.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“So you think you’ve defeated me? You may have
won over me, children of Bhaal, but my revenge will come eventually” he said
full of hate.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>D
Irenicus no longer had any power: “You
longer hold any power over our destinies and soon I’ll have my soul back.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Irenicus laughed and exclaimed: “Fool! I have
seen your future, D
love, which defeated me, shall in the end be defeated itself. You will bring
ruin upon yourself and Im, D
greater powers. And you will not be able to escape it.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He had no power left, he wouldn’t define our
future, he would stop haunt me! He was nothing more than a broken, dying elf!
He wouldn’t mess with our future, we would form it ourselves,
at him.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Again Irenicus laughed, as if he knew something
we didn’t, as if we were fools, not seeing the truth.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Silly little girl, do you really think you can
cheat destiny itself? Do you really think that no one can destroy your union?
Oh, and concerning me haunting you: I will haunt you your whole life. Never
will you be free of me; never will you forget what I have done to you. Do you
really think that I haven’t studied the nature of intelligent beings and their
psyches? I have, Imoen, I have thoroughly and my experiments were all based on
my findings. And as you know, I have been successful. Never will you be free; I
have left my m
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Although he finally died after these words, I
felt deep inside that he was right. Never would I be completely free of him.
The sc
ones, would stay forever with me and form me. I was no longer the same Imoen I
had been before, I was, what he had made out of me and what I had tried to save
from this disaster. Before I had been a joyful, mischievous girl, until he had
broken me. I had tried to put it together, but hadn’t managed. The result was
something different. I still could be cheerful and funny, but inside there was
a sadness, something d
it was. But wouldn’t this mean that most people never became mature at all?
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Gorion had once called me “the eternal child”,
shaking his head at me. I guess not so eternal after all…
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Once Irenicus was dead, hell vanished and was
replaced by the beautiful inside of the palace in Suldanessal
my companions and looked into the faces of several elves.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“They have awakened, finally, your majesty!” an
elf exclaimed.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>An elf helped me up and I saw
up by an elf. Queen Ellesime stood in front of us.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Finally you have returned. Your friends we
could bring back fairly quick, but you and Imoen… It took some time. Somehow
your souls had difficulty coming back, because they
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I asked her, not really able to believe: “Then…
then everythin’ really happened?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>In my he
though. I knew it, but it all had been so… unreal. D
now and felt the same joy, as our souls melted together. Now we were truly one
and whole. We longer c
let go of it, for we realized that we were meant to be together, we were truly
more like one being than two. Who had created us like this? I didn’t know and
didn’t c
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>So we embraced and kissed each other, as if we
were alone together, forgetting the world
peace? Would it finally end? How much I hoped it, how much I longed for it!
Alas, it was f