Rebirth and redemption

[Anastasia]

Step, step, step.

It is not the longest path as your mind continues to clear. A short stroll compared to the long journey of your now concluded mortal life. Yet you are in flux and in turmoil the entire time. Like clay in the hands of an artist, remade and changed as you walk.

Oh, you walk.

Oh, you walk.

There.

"ALYSSA!"

Your...your academy is ahead. Emily's there, face relieved a she rushes to you. Jarem follows slower, expression serious. Bastian hangs back quietly while Dolmaya approaches with an expression of regal composure and regret.

Emily hugs you without reservation, throwing her arms around you tight. "We know what happened."

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa sags a bit into it.

"Everything just... Failed. Every spell just... Didn't work. Even the Words just... failed."

[Anastasia]

A tighter hug back, "You made it back, at least." Emily says, "I was worried we'd never see you again and...and..."

"Ianvasah," Jarem steps forward, "I'm sorry, there wasn't anything to be done." His expression is solemn and sad, but composed.

[Iron Dragoon]

"There was plenty that could have been done. We got turned around, we weren't prepared, and none of our spells worked. That won't happen again if I have anything to say about it."

[Anastasia]

"Worse, you lost all your gear. Let's do something about that," Jarem says, "You up to starting to fight back right away and make this right, Alyssa?"

[Iron Dragoon]

"Not right away. Like I said, we weren't prepared. There are things to be done to ensure victory. One. That's my next step."

[Anastasia]

With a half smile, Jarem adds, "Getting ready and preparing is what I meant." He reaches out and clasps your shoulder, "Good to have you back."

Bastian grunts, "I'll be here if you need me, Jessica and I are taking a break because of this."

"You also lost your equipment," Dolmaya says, frowning. "Unacceptable. Should you need a weapon, I can provide one to use."

[Iron Dragoon]

"What Shaundakul has done has... Given me perspective. Focus. Refinement. I've... Changed. I feel it. I don't have the same... Innate leanings anymore. A Rapier will work better now, I think... And... I need to make an item for the One test... Something focusing on Intelligence, I think. Do we know anyone who can help me make one?"

[Anastasia]

'I do," Emily expression is...more. Intense, somehow, where it wasn't before. "Latha in Sylica can help you."

"I have a rapier you can borrow," Dolmaya insists, "I'll fetch it for you before we leave."

"I have money to equip you after this, too," Emily says, "Don't you worry about that, I'll get Elle to do it so it's not as expensive."

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa nods.

"I'll worry about the rest of the equipment after I complete the One test. Who knows how it'll change me. For now, let's try to get in contact with Latha and arrange a time...

... And prepare a memorial for Ianvasah."

[Anastasia]

Emily's face falls, "We've already started that," she murmurs, head bowed.

Bastian nods shortly, "Yeah. We got something, think you'll like it."

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa nods. "How... Long was I gone? Has... Anyone spoken to my family?"

[Anastasia]

"A few days," Emily responds, "The knew you were coming back, they're waiting for you, too."

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa nods and takes a deep breath.

"Well, let's get this done, then. When's the memorial?"

[Anastasia]

"Tonight," Bastian says, "Once the moon rises."