Session 26: Recap

[istainion]

"The days have been pretty rough for all of us. Things have changed, some for the better, but most for the worst. And most of that all, I am convinced that it is my doing.

 

I woke up in the basement of the Wachter's noble family's house, fighting my tears from the loss of a valuable member to the team. Not only to the team, but especially myself. Naedithas has passed away in a battle in which he was possessed by the incubus we fought. Desperately trying to hold on, Tibirin needed to unleash his frustrations onto the walls of the room in which we fought. While I ... Was too busy crying my eyes out over the loss of my dearest.

 

We decided to head back to the Blue Water inn, to give ourselves a moment to think. When Tibirin and I walked out and were on our way, we crossed paths with Shevat and Yshvara who came back from their investigation at the Baron's mansion. They didn't seem to have found anything judging from their behavior. They asked questions about Naedithas, who was being carried by Tibirin but we decided to have a talk inside the inn room.

 

Once inside, I explained the situation, and added, once again, that it was my fault. Like Tibirin, they told me it was not, but I know better. All of them broke down in tears in front of me. It was nearly unbearable for me to listen and feel my guilt grow. Especially when Shevat simply passed out from the exhaustion ... The poor guy.

 

But ... That night was my appointment, it was a chance for me to turn things around. Unknowing of what will happen to me at that point, I was determined to make a change. No matter the cost. Even if I must join His side. Even if we both will, I didn't care. I was a fool, I've always been one and I felt that when I left through the door to walk through the night. Tibirin was already gone, I didn't know what he was doing other than that he asked for Naedithas' favorite liquor. I hope he's alright ...

 

I made my way to the mansion, contacted the shadow lady when I heard her voice suddenly from behind me. It is time, there is no turning back ... I knew it.

 

She seemed surprised with my attitude that was so different from before but she seemed to be willing to hear me out when I spoke of a request I have. To bring Naedithas back to the land of the living. When I mentioned it, I heard a second voice from the other side. At first, He had the appearance of Vasili von Holt until He dropped the disguise. Strahd. Both of them seemed to be perfectly up to date to the situation and the thought scared me. They truly know everything. I kneeled down in front of Him and begged for His support, in return, I said, I will come with him if he would let me. I would do anything, I promised. He let me live. He gave me a chance and let me leave with a plan to put it all in motion.

 

I returned to the inn with relief. Gave everyone my final smile and a good look, for this would mean our farewell. A knock coming from the window came and a voice sounded. "Can I come in?" I saw the look in their eyes right before I answered the voice. "Yes, you can come in~"

 

The window opened up and a shadow slipped inside to spread inside the room and took the appearance of Strahd. He greeted everyone, handed me the credits for the plan and put it in action until Tibirin interfered. He stabbed Naedithas with his silvered weapon, an attempt to stop what would happen. Fear spread inside of me until Strahd mocked him and took him by his throat. Yshvara, too, tried to fight it. "This isn't what you want", I remember Tibirin saying, but in truth, this is all I've ever wanted. Yshvara said to me that I should be happy that Naedithas is finally free, but as selfish as I was ... I told her that "Soon, I will be as well."

 

Free from the sorrow, free from fear ...

 

Tibirin was tossed against the wall and the spells were cancelled as Strahd prepared for us to leave when he laid his hand over Naedithas and the other reached out for me. I dropped my bag off and left my journal with the note, then I moved to him and gave the others a final look, but especially Yshvara who returned me a shocked expression and reminded me of the mistake I am about to make. I smiled at her, right before we disappeared.

 

I know."