Speechless

Voah was speechless.

~Measure the cost before you act...~

She signed in response. ~I fully intend to do so.~

The new moon of Ereuhin that Voah had considered a blessing, an aid in proceeding forth under a light-less sky, now seemed sullied by Gonyaul's disappearance into the dark of night. And with it, the light faded from her heart and it began to ache.

Why had Gonyaul gone through the trouble of following her this far only to turn back now? Did he not trust her? Was his love so conditional? Had she not given everything she had in life to be with him?

She dare not speak such matters in front of Alcuin. If Gonyaul was resolved to leave now, she wouldn't beg him to stay. Of course he was leaving. Why wouldn't he? Did she really fool herself into thinking anyone would stay with her for too long? Maybe lust... admiration... but what love, trust, or happiness did she deserve anyway? She felt abandoned, but worst of all, she felt that it was warranted.

She shook the negative thoughts away. 'No! He is just afraid. And why not? He has no stake in any of this... and neither should you...'

...We all have parts to play. Even you and your Child of the Void... There is no running Voah Sahnsuur...

The words of Vastad echoed through her mind.

But... Gonyaul was running. If Vastad had spoken true, their fates were bound together and she knew she would see him again, whether anyone willed it or not. Unless this was this it. Was this her final part to play? And if she truly did choose her path... maybe she COULD run too.

For the moment, she had to allow that callous to reform around her heart and move forward with a mind like Vastad, cold, bright, and keen like a steel blade in snow. Until she knew more... to measure the cost. And maybe she wouldn't be far behind him returning to the city.

"Follow me." she said sternly to Alcuin as she turned toward the dark robes encampment.