Never say goodbye

The mood took a dour turn over dinner at the Don't Go Inn. Glenn was understandably sad about it, but Kharn looked outright hurt by the news. Rhian was no help to the other two men, lacking a frame of reference or even interest in romance.

"You're really going through with this?" Glenn asked "Just like that?"

"Ya" Gilzra's response was unflinching. Her complete confidence helped bolster yours. "It's perfect."

"You're going to drop the last twenty years as an adventurer, as well as your friends, to go be farmers in a country that might not even want you?"

"If the Linthalian's don't want us, than they'll be no different than other country in all of T'sara. I don't expect you to understand this. You all have places where you can go to call home. Even you, big guy" she gently patted Kharn's arm, near the shoulder "but if the rumors are true, than this will be a community for our kind. A real, actual home for Tieflings where we can hopefully thrive, and just be tolerated or permitted. That" and she looked to you with an earnest smile "I get to restart my life. The one I always wanted to have, before I lost the two most important people in my life."

Rhian spoke up in a rare moment "We sought out adventure Glenn. For her and Demetria, adventure sought them out. I believe they are entitled their repose"

"I know, I know." His tone suggest a growing sense of anger "You don't get it, this is easy for you."

"Don't mistake me finding the four of your's proclivity for carnal desire to be disgusting for being heartless." There was a short glare from him. Rhian wanted to vent, and you could see why, but he seemed to keep the better part of focus "This is hard for me as well. Demetria is a remarkable young lady, who we would all do well to rely on. Like you Glenn, Gilzra helped me when I needed it most. You spend your life reading books about the world, and you think you know it, only to find out you had to rely on some illiterate demonblooded woman to learn how it really works. Like everyone else at this table, I would likely be dead without Gilzra. I will miss her wisdom, her charm, her unique turns of phrase." The elf raised his drink in toast, that all others joined in.

"And her ass" Glenn remarked cheekily, with nothing to lose.

"Indeed. To Gilzra's ass" Rhian said with a chuckle you've not seen from him before as he took a drink.

"I'm surprised at you" Glenn responded "I didn't think you"

"Like I said" Rhian repeated, more calmly this time "I'm not the heartless automata you all think me of. I have no desire to pursue her, and no ambitions of competing with Kharn, but even I can recognize that both women are built in a manner most men would find appealing. Forgive me, Gilzra, for being so crude."

"You're quite alright Rhian. I'm just glad I got to find this out about you, even if it is the night before we leave. Now, I don't want to see anyone crying into their beers. That's the saddest thing in the world. Demetria and I are going off to go be mom and daughter, about twenty years late, but better than never. This is hard on me too fellas. The road has been my home for longer than it hasn't." She looked at Kharn, who was as quiet as ever, and put her hand out towards him. He reached out in turn and gave it a squeeze "You, big fella, have been part of my life longer than my husband was, and I'll never forget that. I probably wouldn't be drawing breath without you. Rhian, you've helped show this old broad can still learn new tricks."

There was a sudden slam on the table "Whatever, we get it Gilzra. What about you?" Glenn was more emotional than you would have anticipated as he looks at you. "Your mother sure is doing a lot of talking. Is this what you want too, or are you just doing what she tells you like a daughter should?" All eyes turn to him, most in anger. You and your mother both start to rise in protest, but you stand first.

"Don't you dare, Glenn. Who in hells do you think you are?. You've known Gilzra far longer than I have, so how is it that you think it would possible for her to try and boss me around?"

"So you want to throw everything away for her?"

"She's my mom you impudent fuck!" Your emotions quickly rose even over his "I've wanted her in my life my entire life. I've wanted a home my entire life. How big is your ego that you think I'd pick you over her?"

The silence was cutting, and the charming young man was wounded.

"Well, I guess that makes everything pretty plain, doesn't it?" Glenn took a deep drink of his ale before slamming on the table and excusing himself. You felt the strong desire to go after him and apologize, but you felt a strong hand on your wrist.

"Don't, child" Kharn finally spoke "This is his way."

"What do you mean?" You asked, confused

"It's easier for him to say goodbye if he doesn't want you to stay." He added.

"That's absurd," you let out as you slowly sat down "You mean he went out of his way to get mad at me to make the pain go away?"

"Perhaps not intentionally, but yes." Kharn nodded "He would not be the first to do so."

"Should I go do something about it?" Your heart was heavy, knowing the pain you inadvertently caused.

Kharn shook his head "It is your choice, young Demetria. The man needs to learn how to accept the reality. Preferably on his own. But, if you choose to go to him, none of us will judge..."