Breaking and forging

Gilzra's words stun you. Once she says it, everything starts to make perfect sense. Why she latched onto you as soon as you met. Why she risked her life to help you. Why she's made a point to keep from you sexually. You almost feel embarrassed, it seeming so obvious now.

"That explains alot, actually" Glenn mused "Jeez, you guys even look related. Shoulda trusted my instincts on that."

"Are you ready to finish this?" She asked, squeezing your hand "we crush this thing, we walk away, and we figure out what the rest of our life looks like."

Your answer was nothing more than a simple nod, as you pulled away. You held the scepter in both hands as you slowly walked towards a decrepit wall. It fallen apart long ago, but would still be strong enough to withstand your blow. You took a moment to consider everything that's happened until now. The chaotic adventure you've had to get here. Mostly, your thoughts dwell on that demon, the one who claimed to be your "mother". You feel disgusted that you had been so naive as to immediately trust and believe her, that you had come all this way. Had the situations been a little different, you would have unleashed her on T'sara, and who knows who else behind her. Closing your eyes, you saw her face in your mind's eye; you could have practically heard her roars of rage in your ear. You found it exhilarating; you hope she's frustrated, after everything she put you through. And yet, there was a tinge of mercy in your heart; if not for her, you wouldn't have found Gilzra. You wouldn't be with your actual mother, after all this time. You pull the scepter back and with a horizontal swing, bring it against the wall with everything you have. Your strike was deliberately off center, hoping to find a weak point to break. Fierce vibrations ran through it, coursing into your hands, but Xodion's scepter remained intact.

You dropped the demonic item, unconcerned with it's state. You looked deep into Gilzra's eyes. Your mothers eyes. Not a word spoke by anyone, you suddenly bolt towards her, hugging her tighter than you have hugged any other soul. She returned the gesture in kind, trying to make up for a lifetime of absence and loss in just a few seconds. Happy sobbs and tears flowed freely through you both, lost among the drops of rain, finally coming to an end.

"Magical items are usually strengthened by their arcane or divine properties" Rhian brought up. "Even after all this time, it's unlikely brute **** would break it"

"Now he tells us" Gilzra quipped, looking at you in an apologetic way.

"It's okay" You respond "It felt good to get that out of me"

"I'll bet." Gilzra chimed in, wiping her face futily "Well Rhian, this is your show now. How do you reckon we destroy this thing?"

"That's beyond my capacity." He shrugged. "Returning back to Sho is our best course of action. There's a number of individuals who might be able to see the magic in this properly dispelled."

"Best idea I've heard all day" Gilzra agreed, moving closer to you "You need to go back to Church, Demetria. Your ArchDeacon is going to be missing you terribly."

"I know, and you're right. I don't belong there though. Not anymore. I'd like to be with you, mom."

"Demetria, you're your own woman. You're grown now. We can't get back your childhood. That said, nothing would make me happier than to have you as a traveling partner."

"At least now we can enjoy the travel" Rhian replied.

"I think that would be great. Take the sights in a bit. I'd really like to get to know all of you better" Your eyes shifted to Glenn for a moment.

"You're stuck with us now, kid" Kharn quipped, putting his large hand on your shoulder "you literally are part of the family now."