Simple yet complicated

By now, the ritual has become routine. Everyone finds their positions easily, and there’s very little to be said. After the drama involved in curing Rahu, this feels almost anticlimactic, as there’s no great sense of magic being unleashed. Rahu contributes, which makes it much easier, as he has a vast well of power to draw upon, and it takes far less time than previously.

When it’s finished, however, and you open your eyes, several things are different. Victoria still lies motionless, seemingly unchanged, except…the darkness around her eyes is gone, and her hair is now an inky black. You share a glance with Nadia, remembering the vision you had during your trials. However, beyond that, Victoria seems the same, unconscious and unmoving. You feel a hand on your arm, and look over to see Kaeli, who looks concerned.

“She looks…like I remember. But she’s still asleep.”

Rahu stands, and answers for you. “The damage to her mind was extensive. I have restored it as best I can, but it will be some time before she recovers. Days. And even I don’t know what will happen when she wakes.”

You sigh. “Will she be herself? As she was before being corrupted?”

Rahu shrugs. “I can’t tell. The mind is both resilient and fragile. There’s a lot of trauma, but it’s entirely possible that she suffers no serious issues. But it’s also possible that she never comes out of this coma.”

You nod. “Then our best bet is to head back to Thalberg. If we leave soon, we can get back before nightfall.”

The girls agree, and you all start breaking camp. Sarah and Cassie take one of the tents to make a stretcher for Victoria, to ease the trip. As everyone is working, Melora pulls you aside.

“When we get back, could we talk, privately? It’s important.”

It’s not exactly private. I’m always here…

Melora shakes her head. “He knows what I mean, Lilith…”

You smile at the seer. “Of course. Should I be worried?”

Melora laughs, placing a delicate hand on your forearm. “Not at all! Just some things I want to discuss with you is all. Don’t worry, it’ll be pleasant.”

She smiles, leaning in closer. “And I’ll make sure you have a pleasant night afterwards…”

You blink in surprise, not used to the innuendo from Melora. “I see. Well, I certainly can’t refuse that offer, can I?”

She giggles, starting to walk away. “I certainly hope not!”

You turn away, chuckling, and see Sarah watching you with a smile on her face. “Already making plans?”

You smile at the hellhound. “You might say that, yeah.”

Sarah laughs. “Too bad, I was planning something similar. Oh well, I’ll wait my turn.”

You laugh and shake your head. “You’re turning into a bit of an addict, Sarah.”

Sarah winks. “You say that like it’s a bad thing! Anyway, that’s not what I wanted to say. When we get back, I’d like to look at your armor again. Lilith is acting strange lately.”

You’re one to talk, you baby crazy puppy!

Sarah grins. “See? Somebody’s jealous!”

You get the sensation of a sigh in your mind. I’d tell you to smack her, but she’d probably enjoy it, the kinky girl.

You chuckle. “You’re not wrong, Lilith.”

Sarah giggles. “Definitely. But let’s save that for another day!”

Lilith falls into a sullen silence, and you smile. “That aside, of course you can take a look at the armor, Sarah.”

She grins. “And I’ll take a look at the body under it another day!”