037.4 Andrea and Simmer

[Corwin]

[21:19] <Kotono> Olan's home is quiet right now. There's no commotion, no sign of training. No Olan parrying Brent's thrusts, or ofAndrea going face to face with him and back and forth. No signs of younger days of play with wooden blades or...anything. It's just a quiet house, Simmer following you to it.
[21:20] <Andria> Andrea grips Brent's armor tightly and sighs as she steps towards the door and hesitantly knocks.
[21:21] <Kotono> It's not long. The door opens, Olan at it. He looks to Andrea, takes in her unarmored form...and then the armor she carries. He says not a word, simply staring at at her. Simmer steps back, a hand on Andrea's shoulder.
[21:22] <Andria> "I...I'm sorry," Andrea says, not really sure what else she could say, tears forming at the edge of her eyes. "I couldn't keep my word at all."
[21:23] <Kotono> Olan meets Andrea's eyes for a moment, before his head sags down. Twin tears begin to trickle down as he gently takes Brent's armor from her. He holds it, looking down at it. For a long while he doesn't speak, until a thick voice asks, "Did he...die as a paladin?"
[21:26] <Andria> "We stormed hell, instructor...how could he not have?" Andrea replies as she pulls out the flask with the remains of her old friend. "I couldn't do much for him though...the only thing I was able to do is make sure he at least got home somehow. I... didn't want his body to remain in hell."
[21:27] <Andria> "We...rescued our friends, for what it's worth. Those that were still alive," Andrea says quietly. "Branna and his friend, Noel, also died."
[21:28] <Kotono> The flask is taken, gently. His eyes shed yet more tears as he holds the flask in one hand, "A blessing...but my son...is dead." His head bows again, "I always knew I was one of the lucky paladins, so few of us live to middle age. Yet..."
[21:30] <Andria> Andrea bites her lip. "Do you think he could be brought back?" she asks, remembering Simmer's question a few days back. "Do you think he'd want to come back?"
[21:32] <Kotono> "It will take powerful magic," He says, "And...the way of the Gods does not always wind back. Andrea...how long has he been gone?"
[21:35] <Andria> Andrea winces at the question. There's really no way to answer this well... "Almost since we arrived in hell. A patrol came upon us that first day and a fight broke. He d...died then," she answers, stumbling a bit over that word, and some more tears dripped down her cheeks. "Hell took a lot of pleasure tormenting me with his image since then..."
[21:40] <Kotono> Another bow of his head, "It's been over a week. Had it been less than, it would be far easier to call him back. But his journey through the Well of Souls has completed."
[21:42] <Andria> "...I see," Andrea says quietly.
[21:47] <Kotono> Olan looks up now, wiping his face, "I will go find out immediately...I will likely need to head to Valandia. Will you come with me, Andrea?"
[21:50] <Andria> "O-of course! Anything you need of me, I will offer! I owe you that much and more, instructor Olan!" Andrea replies. She pauses and adds in question, "Why Valandia though?"
[21:51] <Kotono> "Claris Highsun, the Baron of Valandia, is the high priest of Lathander in the region. If any can bring Brent back, it is he. Plus there is no formal temple to Lathander in the city - only a few wandering clerics. The Sun Lord's power base never settled in this city."
[21:54] <Andria> Andrea shows surprise. "I thought you said his journey through the well of souls would have been finished?" Andrea asks.
[21:54] <Andria> "You think there's still a chance then?"
[21:55] <Kotono> "It would be far easier if it had not...but it's still potentially possible," Olan says, "It may not be a great chance, but it's the only chacne I have."
[21:58] <Andria> "I will need to talk to Josa and the others to let them know I will be taking a trip then, and will not be available to work with them for a while. Oh! And I guess I should find out about the funeral plans, we had an encounter with the Crimson Guard and they offered to help with the funeral proceedings for Brent, Branna and Noel..."
[22:00] <Kotono> "Alright," Olan says, "Come back to me as soon as you know."
[22:01] <Andria> Andrea nods, looking a bit more cheerful and hopeful after meeting Olan, a large weight lifted from her shoulders. Maybe it's not completely gone, but at least the weight is no longer quite as stiffling.