Son Of Zaphkiel: On the Inevitable

   Another day passed, or perhaps it had been two. The man wasn't sure. He hadn't concerned himself with things like dates and calendars for more than a lifetime, an old habit he'd picked up from Tali'a. The thought of Tali'a brought a smile to his face. Of course, she'd  been gone for some time. He wondered what she would think of him now? He hoped she would be proud of him.

   His guests around the table were pleasant. Strange, and sad, in their own ways, but good people. Beldre would be sad she couldn't fawn over the little mute one. He suspected she was older than she looked, but Beldre wouldn't care. She'd find some way to pamper her. The pain in the little one's face was all too apparent and Beldre could never resist such a thing.

   Beldre.

   It was a pity they could only speak infrequently. Still, the ring would  be recharged soon enough and then she could tell him of the children and he could bore her with the details of the air ship. He would never consider admitting to having found a vampire on board. That would only worry her and that was the last thing he wanted. Though, perhaps he didn't give Beldre enough credit. She knew his history, knew what he'd done, what he'd faced. Of course those were centuries ago, when he was a different man, with different strengths...different ideals. If he were honest with himself, he didn't know what the outcome would be if he and the vampire fought. Probably best not to dwell on such things.

   Being this close to Varstoka felt good, though. The scent on the air brought with it his memories of when this land had been his home. And, of course, Anya. The guilt still gnawed at him, and returning to Varstoka only served to sharpen that pain.

   Such was life, though. A never ending series of events that brought joy or pain, and all one could do was determine how much of that pain in the world to cause, and how much joy to share. He'd caused enough pain, he figured, and so had decided to share more joy.

   With any luck, this mission will not only serve to ease his suffering, but also the suffering of those things in Varstoka, no matter their allegiance.