Editing Announcements - 2002/09 - Verdict (section)

=== Part 1 ===
{{Microsoft Zone
 |  Link = <nowiki>http://www.zone.com/asheronscall/news/ASHEeventteaser0902_1.asp</nowiki>
 |  Date = September 4, 2002
 | Title = Verdict
 |  Text =
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<font color=#FFFFFF>'''Part 1'''</font>
<br>
As she sat at his bedside in the dawning light, Elysa was amazed at the transformation in Asheron. In the weeks following his healing, the color had been slowly returning to his face. After seeing the state he had been in, the pall of death hanging over him, his recovery seemed nothing short of a miracle. Already his strength had returned enough for him to open the ways to weaken Gaerlan's citadel. He hadn't completely healed yet; he still rested more than he once had. Yet soon, she knew, he'd be at full strength.
<br><br>
As she sat there watching Asheron sip his green tea, she grinned as she called to mind something one of her council members had said long ago. She didn't even remember the context--some minor crisis--and Celdiseth had sighed and said in his usual sarcastic manner, "Dereth is full of wonders." Indeed, her son was one such wonder. He was responsible for saving Asheron, and perhaps their people.
<br><br>
At the time she hadn't known if she should praise Borelean for his bravery and selflessness, or punish him for putting himself at risk as like he had. As his mother, she had always thought highly of him, yet never before had she been so proud. He was becoming the man that she'd always known he could be. But underlying her pride there was that maternal twinge, the feeling that he was growing up combined with the gentle pain of knowing he wouldn't need her forever. "Thorsten," she thought, "he's so much like you."
<br><br>
Noticing her grin, Asheron said, "I didn't realize sipping tea was so entertaining."
<br><br>
Elysa blinked, coming out of her fugue. "Sorry. I was just thinking about all that has happened in the span of a few weeks. It almost seems too incredible to believe."
<br><br>
He smiled. "Agreed. I owe my life to your people. Both to young Borelean--" He paused to sip his tea and then said, "and to Candeth."
<br><br>
"What are we going to do about Martine?" she shot back, an edge in her voice. "One act of altruism doesn't make up for all he's done. He's threatened all of our lives and brought us to the brink of disaster."
<br><br>
"I realize that, Elysa, but I sense a change in him. Candeth's mind is no longer tainted by Gaerlan's influence," Asheron said with care. "The clarity your son's actions brought to him was the seed from which Candeth was able to heal his mind."
<br><br>
"Wonderful, he's healed," she said, biting off each word. "He should be dead for what he's done to all of us. For what he tried to do to you."
<br><br>
"Elysa, this calamity that your people face is just another a consequence of my actions," he said forcefully. "Need I remind you of what I am responsible for?"
<br><br>
She sat silent.
<br><br>
"A thousand years ago I didn't have the strength to oppose the Emperor," he continued. "I am responsible for the death of Gaerlan's brother, Delacim. My supposed genius wasn't able to find a way to defeat the Olthoi." He gestured toward Elysa and said, "The portals to Dereth were the result of the mad spell I cast trying to save my people. Your people were enslaved by the Olthoi and died fighting their Queen."
<br><br>
Seeing her wince at the mention of the Olthoi Queen, Asheron paused a moment before continuing more softly, "Candeth lives because I healed the grievous wounds he incurred during his berserk attack on a Virindi complex. If you need to blame someone for the threat that is hanging over your people--" He looked into her eyes. "You should blame me."
<br><br>
She sat for a moment looking down at her hands as they rested in her lap, and then said quietly, "You aren't responsible for all those things, and I realized that long ago. You're a good man."
<br><br>
Asheron laid his hand on hers, "And so was Candeth, once."
<br><br>
They sat for a moment, silent. As the silence began to stretch uncomfortably, Elysa sighed.
<br><br>
"Perhaps," she said, looking up at Asheron. "But that doesn't stop the threat." She began to speak more quickly. "The combined might of my people have destroyed three of the four siphoning crystals, but Gaerlan still threatens them all. And Yanshi. . . you've told me you sense something wrong there."
<br><br>
Before he could say anything, Elysa looked down at her hands again and said, "Asheron, I have to go to them."
<br><br>
Concern entered Asheron's eyes. "You realize you'll be a target for Gaerlan, do you not? My wards are holding the force of his elemental magics back from this castle for now, but I won't be able to protect you if you leave it."
<br><br>
"That doesn't matter, I simply can't hide anymore," she said, looking up at his face intently. "I once left my people, after the towns were settled. I thought they didn't need me anymore. I see now that I was wrong. I was trying to escape. I tried to escape for five years."
<br><br>
"Ely, I am well acquainted with bearing the weight of your race's future," Asheron said sagely. "But I cannot stress the need for care enough. Do not risk yourself in this way."
<br><br>
Before he could say anything more, she rose and strode toward the door. "I'm sorry, I can't abandon them. Rest, heal, regain your strength. You'll need it. I'll be back once I've spoken to my people."
<br><br>
To be continued. . .
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'''Unlike any other gaming experience, the world of Asheron's Call continues to evolve. Join us, as we open our September Event, Verdict. Be sure to continue your part in this incredible ongoing story, and we'll see you in Dereth!'''

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