Recovery

Rahu tells everyone to rest, and heads off to where Samus had laid Victoria. Before he leaves, he tells you that he will maintain the stasis spell over her until you are recovered enough to attempt the cure once again. Kaeli seems eager to try immediately, but understands how drained everyone is. You make a promise to cure Victoria as soon as you are able, and she accepts that.

In the meantime, everyone relaxes in the camp. You note that Cassie is the center of attention for several of the girls, notably Melora, Alex, and Sarah. You have no doubt as to the topic of conversation, especially with the way Cassie keeps glancing at you and smiling. Whatever trepidation you might have had about last night are blown away by the happiness you see from the chameleon girl.

You settle under a tree, and Ferra settles beside you, simply happy to be by your side, as always. The big surprise is when you’re joined by Kaeli, who silently settles opposite Ferra. The technomage seems lost in thought, and simply snuggles against you, breathing a soft, satisfied sigh as you put your arm around her shoulders. It’s clear to you that she’s concerned about Victoria, but you know she’ll talk when she’s ready.

The last physical member of the group, Nadia, also settles by you, though she simply sits cross legged in front of you. Her eyes are downcast, and she seems to be a bit upset by what happened. After a moment, she lifts her blue eyes to meet yours.

“That was…a lot. I know it’s not the same, but once again I’ve had to kill for the so called greater good.”

You shake your head. “You’re right, it’s not the same thing. Samus gave himself to power the magic and restore Rahu. You didn’t force him to do that.”

Nadia sighs and looks down, her red hair veiling her face. “I know. It all makes sense in here…” She taps her head with her finger. “…but that doesn’t stop me from feeling the guilt in here.”

She taps herself on the chest, shaking her head. “I know it’s not rational, but I still feel it.”

Well, tell your boobs to shut up, then. They’re very nice, but not very smart. You know what happened, and you know you’re not to blame.

Nadia smiles a little. “An interesting perspective, Lilith.”

But the succubus isn’t finished. In all seriousness. Samus knew what was coming. He welcomed it. We don’t mourn those who die fulfilling their purpose, we celebrate them.

The deep, resonant voice of Rahu interrupts. “Wise words, from a succubus caged in a suit of armor. Well said.”

Rahu is bearing Victoria as he approaches, and somehow the warrior woman seems small and frail in his arms. He lays her unconscious body down on the missy ground, and you feel Kaeli tense beside you, though she makes no move otherwise. Rahu sighs as he kneels.

“Lilith is correct. Samus did sacrifice himself intentionally, and he knew it would happen. Absolve yourself of any guilt, faerie, if there is any fault, it is mine, for allowing myself to become corrupt in the first place.”

Nadia stares at him for a while, and then nods. “I will…try. Thank you, Great One.”

He chuckles. “Rahu is fine. I am hardly what I was when I took that title.”

He looks back to you. “Now, I’ll leave Victoria in your hands. The stasis is strong, she will be unchanged. I must rest as well. Do not start without me, however.”

You nod, and Rahu stands and walks away. After he’s gone, it’s Ferra that makes a surprising joke.