Sundered Soul [solo]
Apr 16, 2015 15:52:59 GMT -6
Post by Remus on Apr 16, 2015 15:52:59 GMT -6
Theme
The call had gone out, and unfortunately Remus had been taken into that fold. Etruria was planning something, and while the details were scarce to those not within a point of command..all Remus knew was that members of the Church talented in the healing arts would be recruited as well. How did he know? Because it had happened to him. As he sat within a chair in their families resting chamber, he gazed between the letter in his hand; tucked safely away in the envelope but baring within it the decree by orders of the Prophet. Members of the church, were to assist with the inquisitional forces on planned missions. Remus, who had developed fairly well in his travels within the healing arts, was being assigned to a High Officer named Riva Harel. He knew very little of any of this, and that was what bothered him. This sounded like a military operation. War? He was a priest. He had seen violence sure..and been stabbed even, but war was different. It was the act of people openly killing one another. Wasn't that something that, in wanton use, would be against many of Elimines principals? Even as the blue haired priest gazed at the letter a bit longer he felt tug at the back of his mind. As if something was very very wrong. Perhaps it was...or perhaps he was less of devotee to the prophet than others and that simply meant he felt justification was needed for declarations of any kind. His gaze shifted upwards as he heard the voices of his uncle and father. His uncle wasn't too fond of the notion of young priest going off to a war.
"I'm just sayin' it isn't right! He's just barely a man, and their dragging him off to heavens know where all cuz' some bastards up and decided he's better than others? Tsk. That's your boy in there. Gunna let them haul him off to go die for no reason are ye?" "
Remuses' father was very fond of him, as any parent would be. However he was more devout in his faith and nation than his older brother, who had taken to a life of living beyond Etruria.
"I was proud of my son to take a path to serving the prophet, and I'll continue to support that! He's willing to come home and say goodbyes before leaving, and that's good enough for me."
Remus was able to hear the scoff from his uncle already, and only imagine the expression he might have had; or even if shaking his head.
"So we don't follow Elimine no more is it?"
"Of-course we do, and the prophet speaks for her!"
"Funny everyones sayin that, when it's right for em'. Bet if Bern got their trousers up and decided to take over half of Lycia again it would be wrong. If Elimine wanted us to go abouts killin' one another I figure we wouldn't be here now would we?
He stopped tuning in after they argued harder. Remus had come home to say goodbye, surely enough yet he'd also come home for another important reason. Amelia and Owain. He couldn't leave them to any place. Sure another orphanage might have been an option...but he couldn't. They would be devastated, and he had to admit..selfish though it was it had grown quite attached to them and enjoyed tending to them. He wasn't ready to leave their care to others yet if he could help it. Which...made this even worse. He couldn't bring them with him. They would like to sure, but if there was to be alot of fighting? Children wouldn't be allowed. So he was going to have them stay with his parents for a time. Atleast...until he could return. When ever that would be..
A sudden voice cut off his thoughts. A softer one and though soft spoken emanating raw confidence. As if none could prove her wrong.
"So I hear your going off to serve some general or top official or what ever steam their puffing about?"
His sister. She was five and a half years older than him, and a very talented anima sage. Though young, his sister had the aptitude of conversing with the spirits, which lead to her progressing through her studies very swiftly. She had attended prestigious academies for the arcane arts and already started traveling around Elibe, recently returning from Bern she had said before a planned expedition to the western isles. Unbound by the categorical jurisdiction of the church or government, she often required no coin when traveling given her preference to paths off the regularly traveled roads; forging her own more often then not. Remus looked up to his sister with a bit of a tired smile as he chuckled.
"No, a High Officer named Riva Harel. Don't suppose you know anything about her do you..?"
There was the typical eye-roll his sister was almost famous for before she came walking further and plopped down abruptly into a chair across the room from him. Her gaze lingering on him in almost disbelief; though at what he hadn't the foggiest clue.
"You don't? All the reading you've done and you never once heard of her? Have you read anything ever about the battle of Ostia? At all? She was with one of the battalions there. A commander to boot. I didn't realize she would be leading you. You be careful little brother. I know your views differ a bit from the church..but this isn't the church. Were talking about the inquisition. Where, instead of getting let off with a scolding they simply let your head off your shoulders. If you want my advice...keep your head low and just do what your asked. "
This world...the soldiers life and what not. It wouldn't be for him. He could already tell that. He was horrible at following the paths laid out by others if it meant wronging others. To him, that's all war was usually. Justifying a war with the proclamation it was the will of a pacifistic saint? It felt wrong. That thought kept ringing through his mind, at regular intervals. He suspected it wouldn't change. Sighing a bit he slowly stood up, slipping the pseudo conscription notice into his robe's right pocket as he grabbed the staff he relied on so heavily to heal others while he rose.
His first concern, had to be assured of first. He looked to his sister with a bit of a nod and a smile before walking into the room where his parents both stood, as swell as his aunt and uncle. A multitude of emotions stirred within his parents. This had been the first time they had seen him in his official priest robes, a healing stave to call his own and him holding the actual standing as a priest of the Eliminian faith. Something he was very proud of, yet he had come to them not for this but to see to Amelia and Owain's safety. As he smiled curtly in a way to not dredge up the argument his father and uncle had been having; he cleared his throat before speaking.
"So err..is it okay then father if I leave Amelia and Owain here for now? I would find it most appreciative and I'm sure they'd love it. They are sleeping at the moment but I know they'd find it more than accommodating. /font]"
He looked to his parents but lifted his hands as if to gesture the house in it's entirety. His father, having been a wealthy merchant not only built an orphanage into the side of their house that was still present; but over time expanded their actual house to allow extended family to stay at times and host various guests. He was positive Amelia and Owain would enjoy themselves. On the other hand he also knew they'd likely try to insist coming along with him. Because of this Remus had to ensure they were attached to the idea of spending a few days here before hand. At-least that conversation had gone well.
------------------------
"It'll be for a few weeks probably..but I'd like to visit my parents. So obviously you two are coming along and were going to have fun! If my sister is there maybe she can show you her magic. "
Amelia huffed loudly and stood up declaring promptly.
"If I like your sister enough, I'll make her the Mage General for the Amelian Empiral Army!"
Amelia Empiral Army? Sure..just nod your head Remus.. he thought to himself while chuckling a bit. Amelia always had such outlandish things to say. A chuckle and nod pacified her outrageous posing while she settled down. Owain, as usual simply quietly nodded.
------------------------
This one though. It might be rougher.
--a few hours later--
Remus turned to see his bags around him packed and ready for travel. His old room. The bed was even in the same spot, though the room was fairly immaculate. His mom no doubt cleaned it as best she could right before he arrived to ensure it was nice looking for his return. Nostalgia hit him suddenly, and hard. He was sure if he stared long enough he'd see a spirit like incarnation of a younger Remus running around within his room chasing after and playing with the other children his age from the Orphanage whom he'd often let into their actual house beyond just the added on orphanage. The hauntingly clear laughter and jovial tones echoed through his mind as a sad smile crept onto his lips while he eased down onto the bed. The springs squeaked a bit, and he folded his hands in his lap chuckling. How simple things had been then. No worries beyond just helping family. No troubles. No moral alignments and philosophical quandaries. Just..living life and spending time with loved ones. Remus sighed as he ran a hand through slightly messy peacock shaded locks of hair.
What had to be done, had to be done. He wouldn't be able to put it off, let alone delay. Sadly he also knew the ramifications if he were to disobey the call. Etruria was in a serious state. After all, what exactly could he do, or say being a member of the church even? Perhaps...if he tried hard enough...he could find a silver lining. Just maybe. If he tried perhaps he could sway some hearts or minds. He could heard Nayru's words as he mentally reiterated one of their conversations. "All Elibe fears the hammer of Etruria, and rightly so, but the scars of the war with Bern are still fresh - few want to spark another war, this time one that might consume the entire continent, simply to deal with the blinding darkness at their gates. Each country convinces itself that the holy crusade will pass them by, like a river flows around a rock, none wanting to imagine themselves a makeshift dam to be swept away by the tide." .
Remus spoke aloud, though to himself as he gazed idly at the floor, lost in thought.
"I dunno Nayru...I was hoping to keep the hammer from falling. Maybe it was a daft dream...now though..I'll do my best to dull the hammers blows. Even if but a single one. I'll figure something out..."
There was a pause, a quiet silence where the priest simply sat alone with his thoughts. A few beams of light drifting through the window to show the slight trace of lingering particles of dust drifting in the air. Then a voice answered him.
"You know, you shouldn't cut yourself short. You are are a priest you know. People will look to you for advice, comfort or even to confess so that they might ease internal burdens. That's a type of power no soldier can hold. If you have to shine some where, might as well be in the darkest places yeah? For all you know you might be able to heal old scars from within. Never underestimate the power of the people little brother. You've no idea where it could lead. Might even change a few things while your out there."
Remus looked to his sister with a fond smile as he slowly stood up and shouldered his bags with his staff gripped tightly in his hand. It was odd. He was going off to battle...but he wasn't afraid of dying for his own sake. He was afraid of leaving Owain and Amelia on their own. Perhaps his sister was right though. If he could help all of Etruria here..even just a little..amist all the bad he could find good? That would be worth it. It had to be. Elimine had a way to guide them all, he simply had to find it. Twin thoughts echoed in his mind. One of Elias, the one in charge of the healers during the conflict at the City of Heroes.
"Back when I was a kid Etruria wasn't nearly as fascist, I used to visit there with my father. It was a place of knowledge and learning and most importantly magic. Now it's like if you have a emotion or thought besides 'praise Kraft' they'll chuck you out the window.""
As if commenting on it, he then heard Nayru's voice. He could even remember the conversation as if it was just a day ago. Him standing there, Owain's hand tugging at his sleeve and him looking at Nayru with his other hand resting softly upon Amelia's head as she attempted to stifle her sniffles from their parting upon them. ""...Thank you for that, Remus. While this chapter of our story held a few unfortunate and unforeseen twists, I think its end is a happy one, and there are more doubtless more chapters to discover and experience."
Two people. Powerful, in their own rights who meeting had changed his perspective..for the better he imagined. They had both admitted to Etruria needing change, or help. This could possibly give him an opportunity to do that, if he was careful. Striding to the door with a smile, he briefly hugged his sister before chuckling as he walked out of the door and down the hallway. "You may be once for right sister. You may be right."
He heard her voice down the hall as he headed for the room Amelia and Owian were sleeping in still.
"I'm Always right thank you very much..but your not wrong, I am right this time as well. Be safe little brother. Be safe..."
He had already said farewell to his parents...but now came the hard part. Amelia and Owain....
----
The room was lit fairly well, with the fire place burning strong and lamps lit and dangling upon the walls. It also gave it a cozy warmth. Remus shifted a bit and adjusted his bags as he cleared his throat to help awaken the children who already seemed to be stirring a bit. Just hearing Amelia's sleepy tone as she rubbed her eye to talk to him sundered his heart as if to split it in two so abruptly he felt a protective nature over the two children almost overwhelm him. As if, given the power he would have simply asserted a safe place for them and shielded them for all of time against any harm. It..made what he was about to say all the harder.
"Remus? Are we leaving? Already?"
As Owain also quietly stirred from his bed Remus knealt down, tugging at the children quietly for a moment and hugging them. He didn't speak right away, just hugged them tightly; wishing he could simply convey his love and good will to the children in that hug. Small arms wrapped around the priest as the children quietly hugged him back, both with questioning expressions. It wouldn't be so simple though. He took a moment to steel himself. Then he spoke after he slowly stood back up.
"No. You and Owain are staying here. I have to go for a bit okay? I'm not too sure ho-"
Before he could even finish Owain cut him off.
"Where are you going?"
He inhaled sharply as he tried to figure out how to explain it.
"I have to go help some people for a bit. I'm not sure how long it'll be but whe-"
Again, Owain cut him off.
"Who?"
"Some brave men and women..that will be in alot of danger. They need people to heal them, and that's where I come in. "
This time Amelia spoke.
"Won't you be in alot of danger too? "
"Don't worry. I'll be fine. However you two need to go to bed for now. Just try to behave until I'm gone okay? It's not going to be as long as you think, and by the time you get bored of driving my parents crazy I'll be on my way home I'm sure. Just..be good okay? "
While they both sleepily mumbled their okays he closed his eyes, tightly hugging them both once more. The two children had been in his life for a few years, and he was used to them being at his side for about as long. Again, it wasn't the fear of death that took him. It was the fear of leaving them alone. However as he saw to it that they slowly climbed back into bed, he moved forwards to tuck them in himself. For the last time and who knew how long. Kissing both children softly on the brow he walked to the room to leave, turning only to take one final look towards them before exiting it. The light tap of his shamanic wooden staff hitting the ground as he traveled alternated with each step. At had his bags slung over his shoulder..and his healing stave strapped to his hip similar to a blade. Quietly he exited the house, looking up to it quietly one last time before heading down the road. What ever was in store for him, he'd face it in stride as best he could. After all, that was his thing wasn't it? A smile on his face no matter what.
[end thread ]
The call had gone out, and unfortunately Remus had been taken into that fold. Etruria was planning something, and while the details were scarce to those not within a point of command..all Remus knew was that members of the Church talented in the healing arts would be recruited as well. How did he know? Because it had happened to him. As he sat within a chair in their families resting chamber, he gazed between the letter in his hand; tucked safely away in the envelope but baring within it the decree by orders of the Prophet. Members of the church, were to assist with the inquisitional forces on planned missions. Remus, who had developed fairly well in his travels within the healing arts, was being assigned to a High Officer named Riva Harel. He knew very little of any of this, and that was what bothered him. This sounded like a military operation. War? He was a priest. He had seen violence sure..and been stabbed even, but war was different. It was the act of people openly killing one another. Wasn't that something that, in wanton use, would be against many of Elimines principals? Even as the blue haired priest gazed at the letter a bit longer he felt tug at the back of his mind. As if something was very very wrong. Perhaps it was...or perhaps he was less of devotee to the prophet than others and that simply meant he felt justification was needed for declarations of any kind. His gaze shifted upwards as he heard the voices of his uncle and father. His uncle wasn't too fond of the notion of young priest going off to a war.
"I'm just sayin' it isn't right! He's just barely a man, and their dragging him off to heavens know where all cuz' some bastards up and decided he's better than others? Tsk. That's your boy in there. Gunna let them haul him off to go die for no reason are ye?" "
Remuses' father was very fond of him, as any parent would be. However he was more devout in his faith and nation than his older brother, who had taken to a life of living beyond Etruria.
"I was proud of my son to take a path to serving the prophet, and I'll continue to support that! He's willing to come home and say goodbyes before leaving, and that's good enough for me."
Remus was able to hear the scoff from his uncle already, and only imagine the expression he might have had; or even if shaking his head.
"So we don't follow Elimine no more is it?"
"Of-course we do, and the prophet speaks for her!"
"Funny everyones sayin that, when it's right for em'. Bet if Bern got their trousers up and decided to take over half of Lycia again it would be wrong. If Elimine wanted us to go abouts killin' one another I figure we wouldn't be here now would we?
He stopped tuning in after they argued harder. Remus had come home to say goodbye, surely enough yet he'd also come home for another important reason. Amelia and Owain. He couldn't leave them to any place. Sure another orphanage might have been an option...but he couldn't. They would be devastated, and he had to admit..selfish though it was it had grown quite attached to them and enjoyed tending to them. He wasn't ready to leave their care to others yet if he could help it. Which...made this even worse. He couldn't bring them with him. They would like to sure, but if there was to be alot of fighting? Children wouldn't be allowed. So he was going to have them stay with his parents for a time. Atleast...until he could return. When ever that would be..
A sudden voice cut off his thoughts. A softer one and though soft spoken emanating raw confidence. As if none could prove her wrong.
"So I hear your going off to serve some general or top official or what ever steam their puffing about?"
His sister. She was five and a half years older than him, and a very talented anima sage. Though young, his sister had the aptitude of conversing with the spirits, which lead to her progressing through her studies very swiftly. She had attended prestigious academies for the arcane arts and already started traveling around Elibe, recently returning from Bern she had said before a planned expedition to the western isles. Unbound by the categorical jurisdiction of the church or government, she often required no coin when traveling given her preference to paths off the regularly traveled roads; forging her own more often then not. Remus looked up to his sister with a bit of a tired smile as he chuckled.
"No, a High Officer named Riva Harel. Don't suppose you know anything about her do you..?"
There was the typical eye-roll his sister was almost famous for before she came walking further and plopped down abruptly into a chair across the room from him. Her gaze lingering on him in almost disbelief; though at what he hadn't the foggiest clue.
"You don't? All the reading you've done and you never once heard of her? Have you read anything ever about the battle of Ostia? At all? She was with one of the battalions there. A commander to boot. I didn't realize she would be leading you. You be careful little brother. I know your views differ a bit from the church..but this isn't the church. Were talking about the inquisition. Where, instead of getting let off with a scolding they simply let your head off your shoulders. If you want my advice...keep your head low and just do what your asked. "
This world...the soldiers life and what not. It wouldn't be for him. He could already tell that. He was horrible at following the paths laid out by others if it meant wronging others. To him, that's all war was usually. Justifying a war with the proclamation it was the will of a pacifistic saint? It felt wrong. That thought kept ringing through his mind, at regular intervals. He suspected it wouldn't change. Sighing a bit he slowly stood up, slipping the pseudo conscription notice into his robe's right pocket as he grabbed the staff he relied on so heavily to heal others while he rose.
His first concern, had to be assured of first. He looked to his sister with a bit of a nod and a smile before walking into the room where his parents both stood, as swell as his aunt and uncle. A multitude of emotions stirred within his parents. This had been the first time they had seen him in his official priest robes, a healing stave to call his own and him holding the actual standing as a priest of the Eliminian faith. Something he was very proud of, yet he had come to them not for this but to see to Amelia and Owain's safety. As he smiled curtly in a way to not dredge up the argument his father and uncle had been having; he cleared his throat before speaking.
"So err..is it okay then father if I leave Amelia and Owain here for now? I would find it most appreciative and I'm sure they'd love it. They are sleeping at the moment but I know they'd find it more than accommodating. /font]"
He looked to his parents but lifted his hands as if to gesture the house in it's entirety. His father, having been a wealthy merchant not only built an orphanage into the side of their house that was still present; but over time expanded their actual house to allow extended family to stay at times and host various guests. He was positive Amelia and Owain would enjoy themselves. On the other hand he also knew they'd likely try to insist coming along with him. Because of this Remus had to ensure they were attached to the idea of spending a few days here before hand. At-least that conversation had gone well.
------------------------
"It'll be for a few weeks probably..but I'd like to visit my parents. So obviously you two are coming along and were going to have fun! If my sister is there maybe she can show you her magic. "
Amelia huffed loudly and stood up declaring promptly.
"If I like your sister enough, I'll make her the Mage General for the Amelian Empiral Army!"
Amelia Empiral Army? Sure..just nod your head Remus.. he thought to himself while chuckling a bit. Amelia always had such outlandish things to say. A chuckle and nod pacified her outrageous posing while she settled down. Owain, as usual simply quietly nodded.
------------------------
This one though. It might be rougher.
--a few hours later--
Remus turned to see his bags around him packed and ready for travel. His old room. The bed was even in the same spot, though the room was fairly immaculate. His mom no doubt cleaned it as best she could right before he arrived to ensure it was nice looking for his return. Nostalgia hit him suddenly, and hard. He was sure if he stared long enough he'd see a spirit like incarnation of a younger Remus running around within his room chasing after and playing with the other children his age from the Orphanage whom he'd often let into their actual house beyond just the added on orphanage. The hauntingly clear laughter and jovial tones echoed through his mind as a sad smile crept onto his lips while he eased down onto the bed. The springs squeaked a bit, and he folded his hands in his lap chuckling. How simple things had been then. No worries beyond just helping family. No troubles. No moral alignments and philosophical quandaries. Just..living life and spending time with loved ones. Remus sighed as he ran a hand through slightly messy peacock shaded locks of hair.
What had to be done, had to be done. He wouldn't be able to put it off, let alone delay. Sadly he also knew the ramifications if he were to disobey the call. Etruria was in a serious state. After all, what exactly could he do, or say being a member of the church even? Perhaps...if he tried hard enough...he could find a silver lining. Just maybe. If he tried perhaps he could sway some hearts or minds. He could heard Nayru's words as he mentally reiterated one of their conversations. "All Elibe fears the hammer of Etruria, and rightly so, but the scars of the war with Bern are still fresh - few want to spark another war, this time one that might consume the entire continent, simply to deal with the blinding darkness at their gates. Each country convinces itself that the holy crusade will pass them by, like a river flows around a rock, none wanting to imagine themselves a makeshift dam to be swept away by the tide." .
Remus spoke aloud, though to himself as he gazed idly at the floor, lost in thought.
"I dunno Nayru...I was hoping to keep the hammer from falling. Maybe it was a daft dream...now though..I'll do my best to dull the hammers blows. Even if but a single one. I'll figure something out..."
There was a pause, a quiet silence where the priest simply sat alone with his thoughts. A few beams of light drifting through the window to show the slight trace of lingering particles of dust drifting in the air. Then a voice answered him.
"You know, you shouldn't cut yourself short. You are are a priest you know. People will look to you for advice, comfort or even to confess so that they might ease internal burdens. That's a type of power no soldier can hold. If you have to shine some where, might as well be in the darkest places yeah? For all you know you might be able to heal old scars from within. Never underestimate the power of the people little brother. You've no idea where it could lead. Might even change a few things while your out there."
Remus looked to his sister with a fond smile as he slowly stood up and shouldered his bags with his staff gripped tightly in his hand. It was odd. He was going off to battle...but he wasn't afraid of dying for his own sake. He was afraid of leaving Owain and Amelia on their own. Perhaps his sister was right though. If he could help all of Etruria here..even just a little..amist all the bad he could find good? That would be worth it. It had to be. Elimine had a way to guide them all, he simply had to find it. Twin thoughts echoed in his mind. One of Elias, the one in charge of the healers during the conflict at the City of Heroes.
"Back when I was a kid Etruria wasn't nearly as fascist, I used to visit there with my father. It was a place of knowledge and learning and most importantly magic. Now it's like if you have a emotion or thought besides 'praise Kraft' they'll chuck you out the window.""
As if commenting on it, he then heard Nayru's voice. He could even remember the conversation as if it was just a day ago. Him standing there, Owain's hand tugging at his sleeve and him looking at Nayru with his other hand resting softly upon Amelia's head as she attempted to stifle her sniffles from their parting upon them. ""...Thank you for that, Remus. While this chapter of our story held a few unfortunate and unforeseen twists, I think its end is a happy one, and there are more doubtless more chapters to discover and experience."
Two people. Powerful, in their own rights who meeting had changed his perspective..for the better he imagined. They had both admitted to Etruria needing change, or help. This could possibly give him an opportunity to do that, if he was careful. Striding to the door with a smile, he briefly hugged his sister before chuckling as he walked out of the door and down the hallway. "You may be once for right sister. You may be right."
He heard her voice down the hall as he headed for the room Amelia and Owian were sleeping in still.
"I'm Always right thank you very much..but your not wrong, I am right this time as well. Be safe little brother. Be safe..."
He had already said farewell to his parents...but now came the hard part. Amelia and Owain....
----
The room was lit fairly well, with the fire place burning strong and lamps lit and dangling upon the walls. It also gave it a cozy warmth. Remus shifted a bit and adjusted his bags as he cleared his throat to help awaken the children who already seemed to be stirring a bit. Just hearing Amelia's sleepy tone as she rubbed her eye to talk to him sundered his heart as if to split it in two so abruptly he felt a protective nature over the two children almost overwhelm him. As if, given the power he would have simply asserted a safe place for them and shielded them for all of time against any harm. It..made what he was about to say all the harder.
"Remus? Are we leaving? Already?"
As Owain also quietly stirred from his bed Remus knealt down, tugging at the children quietly for a moment and hugging them. He didn't speak right away, just hugged them tightly; wishing he could simply convey his love and good will to the children in that hug. Small arms wrapped around the priest as the children quietly hugged him back, both with questioning expressions. It wouldn't be so simple though. He took a moment to steel himself. Then he spoke after he slowly stood back up.
"No. You and Owain are staying here. I have to go for a bit okay? I'm not too sure ho-"
Before he could even finish Owain cut him off.
"Where are you going?"
He inhaled sharply as he tried to figure out how to explain it.
"I have to go help some people for a bit. I'm not sure how long it'll be but whe-"
Again, Owain cut him off.
"Who?"
"Some brave men and women..that will be in alot of danger. They need people to heal them, and that's where I come in. "
This time Amelia spoke.
"Won't you be in alot of danger too? "
"Don't worry. I'll be fine. However you two need to go to bed for now. Just try to behave until I'm gone okay? It's not going to be as long as you think, and by the time you get bored of driving my parents crazy I'll be on my way home I'm sure. Just..be good okay? "
While they both sleepily mumbled their okays he closed his eyes, tightly hugging them both once more. The two children had been in his life for a few years, and he was used to them being at his side for about as long. Again, it wasn't the fear of death that took him. It was the fear of leaving them alone. However as he saw to it that they slowly climbed back into bed, he moved forwards to tuck them in himself. For the last time and who knew how long. Kissing both children softly on the brow he walked to the room to leave, turning only to take one final look towards them before exiting it. The light tap of his shamanic wooden staff hitting the ground as he traveled alternated with each step. At had his bags slung over his shoulder..and his healing stave strapped to his hip similar to a blade. Quietly he exited the house, looking up to it quietly one last time before heading down the road. What ever was in store for him, he'd face it in stride as best he could. After all, that was his thing wasn't it? A smile on his face no matter what.
[end thread ]