AC2:A Fellowship Ended

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A Fellowship Ended

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Ravok and his fellows camped on the outskirts of New Cragstone, warmed but not comforted by their bright fire. They argued over their options in the face of Gesann's latest news: the young Tumerok had enlisted with the Shadow Kingdoms.

Ravok listened as his two comrades debated the issue--as a Lugian, he tended to take his time in forming his opinions, though he had long since given up trying to instill similar patience in his Human and Tumerok allies.

"I don't care how many generations ago it was!" shouted Verik, a brash young man by even Human standards. "Your ancestors and mine all suffered and died at the onslaught of the Shadows. Recall what our forefathers said: Remember Arwic! Remember Tufa!"

But those cities had fallen centuries ago, and Arwic and Tufa meant next to nothing to these young adventurers.

Verik continued: "We've been discussing joining the Order of Dereth together, all of us, and she does this! Justice, honor, pride in our heritage--"

"And all your choices made for you," Gesann interrupted. "All your truths and quaint morals, written up in nice neat columns so you don't have to think too hard about what is `right!' Bael'Zharon is dead, and the Shadow Kingdoms are free of his taint. Isin Dule teaches us that only when we are free to act as we see fit, can we be whole."

Incredulous, Verik laughed. "And what of Asheron? What of the wishes of the one who protected us from the Devastation? When the great battle raged and our homes burned, did Isin Dule give a damn? Have you forgotten it was Asheron who created the Shelters that saved our races, who protected us as the world was shattered? I'd sooner join the Dominion than give one scrap of support to that coward."

At this, Ravok cleared his throat. "We should speak, then, of the Dominion. Perfect order, peace and security. You both speak as if these things are undesirable--to my estimation, they seem rather appealing. We have a unique opportunity to rebuild this world; I would prefer not to make the mistakes of the past once more. Stories tell of what it was like then. The Kingdoms warred, each wielding the power of the ancient Menhir, the might of the rivers of magic rushing through them, in ever-escalating battles. Thus did the Golden Age crumble to dust."

"And you would trust the Virindi to save us?" Gesann hissed, her indignation giving way to rage. "You would sacrifice the most essential part of yourself for order and peace? Verik, don't your people have a saying that those who trade freedom for security will have neither? Peace is not an end!"

"And you would turn against us, against justice and righteousness." Verik's face was grim. "Well then. Do as you will. I can't let the world fall into the same kind of brigandage and despotism it suffered before. In the morning, I'm heading to the Shrines. Ravok, are you with me?"

"I will travel with you, Verik. But not to the same Shrine. I see now what this chaos can bring to three friends, let alone a world reborn. I cannot tolerate the madness, and I, too, must do my part."

"This fellowship is at an end," Gesann said, and spat into the fire. "I'll go my own way."