A sense of impending doom

Solana listened as Megara told her a bit more about her found family, of home and belonging and loss.  It made her heart ache, for she knew all too well what it was like to find those that completed you and then lose them.  The bit about them being thieves and smugglers was surprising, but given she was currently benefitting from such activities she chose not to think too much on it.  [color=#9a00b2]"We do not always choose our family.  Sometimes they choose us,"[/color] she said simply in an effort to convey her understanding.  [color=#9a00b2]"If they were your home, that is what matters."[/color]

[color=#9a00b2]"Though I agree, one should not tell Rut'theran he is right too often."[/color]  Solana shook her head.  In Ruth she found a kindred spirit in some ways, and an utterly infuriating soul in others.  A mess of contradictions that she had not fully teased out.  [color=#9a00b2]"He is far too clever and knows it."[/color]

The loss had nearly killed her spiritually. Ruth had been there, a shoulder to lean on, but somewhere, Megara had found strength to go on. Helping others helped eased some of her own pain, the smiles of relief and gratitude on their faces, a salve to the deep gulf in her heart, but it was Sylaise’s awakening that really began to drive her to become stronger.

The tunnel would turn, the angle steepening as they’d reach a ladder leading into the butchers basement. Resting her hand on one of the ladder rungs, Meg sighed, realising she had done nothing of the plan she and Sylaise had set out to do. [color=#008e02]“I guess I’m just gonna have to wrangle up supplies to send through and just hope it gets to people. Maybe I’ll ask Ruth to pay John-Marc a visit, see if the Coterie’s willing to distribute the worst hit for us.” [/color]

There was hesitation there, she didn’t fully trust the man, not after he sent her away and cancelled what debt she had. If any. The elusive mage might have felt some pity given how much she lost.

[color=#008e02]“Ruth is both a smart ass and a dumbass.” Megara[/color] chuckled, her smile softening. [color=#008e02]“His mouth and temper are his undoing, but he is a kind soul deep down. A loyal friend, once made, but he would never admit that either.”[/color] Ever since they’d met, Meg had understood there was that underlying want to belong in him, yet his trust had been so violated it was easier to keep everyone at some distance.

[color=#008e02]“Ready to go home though, I can brew us a nice cup of coco?”[/color]

Solana tucked away Megara's remarks about Ruth to keep in mind for when they crossed paths again.  She did not doubt the truth of them, but Ruth had indeed put up quite the wall between himself and anyone seeing his more endearing qualities.

Solana gave her companion a nod.  [color=#9a00b2]"Yes, we best not delay.  And then we can figure out the best way of getting supplies back here.  We should be able to find a way to make discreet but trustworthy inroads."[/color]  She'd sensed a bit of hesitation on Megara's part when mentioning her former colleague, and Solana did not want to risk sending supplies to those who would not distribute them to the intended recipients.  She would even be willing to come back herself if need be - her specialties could be useful to keep aid hidden from prying eyes.

It was not long before they found themselves back in the relative safety of Arlathan.  They would find some way of aiding those they'd left behind, but in the meantime at least Megara, and Sylaise, would be away from Elgar'nan's prying eyes.