Ahead of the Storm - Day 41

Sunrise, Three Months Ago

As her eyes adjusted to the light, a familiar voice could be heard. Pellegri turned her head ever so slightly and spotted one whom she has not seen in a long, long time. Unable to be fooled by Elena's multiple disguises, before her sitting in a chair was the sister she once knew and respected…

Pellegri: Have I been blessed with yet another dream?

Elena: This is no dream, Pellegri. You were asleep for quite some time, but everything should be alright now. I rushed here when I heard from Meerthan, to make sure you were alright.

Pellegri assumes the sitting position upon a bed that had been carefully made for her. She looked out the window and was greeted by the morning sun shinning upon the ruined city of Greyhawk. Her focus then shifted to the table next to her. Upon it, a bowl of fresh water, a damp cloth, flowers, one of "his" favorite books and an illustration of Pellegri herself. Warm feelings begin to simmer within the peasant child and replied with a smile. Sitting in "his" chair, was Elena…

Pellegri: Asleep… I've been very tired as of late, but… Elena… is it really, you?

Elena: Yes, Pellegri. It's... me. Really me. I've been having a difficult time lately, myself. When I heard what happened to you... I just felt like this is where I belonged. How have you... been? I meant to get in touch sooner... just been... busy...

At this, Elena shifted her gaze away from Pellegri, looking down to the floor, as if unable to look Pellegri in the eye anymore.

Elena: I'm... sorry... for the way I've been.

Pellegri brought herself to her feet and paused but for a moment. Her eyes began to shift color; what was mild gold became a deep brown and thus revealing Elena’s humble disguise. Pellegri believed her pain to be genuine; this was not the girl she abandoned months ago. Pellegri slowly made her approach towards Elena and embraced her with all her might shedding several tears…

Pellegri: It is good to see… "You"… again…

Pellegri temporarily released her hold still maintaining a grasp upon her shoulders with her hands…

Pellegri: Elena… look at me… We both did what we felt was best, and we have been rewarded with new life. I already knew this day would eventually come… I just wish it were under better circumstances…

Tears flow freely from Elena's eyes, as she struggled to speak her next words…

Elena: Pellegri… I'm s-s-scared… S-s-something terrible is going to hap-p-pen… and I think it's… going to be… m-m-my… f-f-fault…

Pellegri resumed her embrace and spoke out softly…

Pellegri: Shhhh… you are not alone… what ever it is that you fear… we shall face it together…

After a slight moment, Pellegri prepared herself for the worst. She closed her eyes and began to chant in Celestial tongue. A small once of her soul was siphoned away as she called out to Pelor for a Divination…

Pellegri: What is it that troubles Elena to bring her to tears?

At her request, she was granted a disturbing image…

Elena thinks herself alone in her fate
With this universe, to one day terminate
Yet in Lashonna's path, all your destinies lie
And by your own hands, worlds and gods shall die

Pellegri: I… see… you are indeed not alone… Others including I share your same fate. This is the first time I learn of this… I'm… sorry… I don't have any answers as of yet, but I've no doubt we'll find some.

Elena suddenly looked up, shocked.

Elena: N-n-not alone?? You have been told the same thing? About…

She hesitated, unsure if she can form the words. Then, she crossed that line in her mind, and just said it.

Elena: About destroying the universe and k-k-killing the gods?

The two began sharing their discoveries in a desperate attempt to understand the calamity that stood before them. Pellegri made reference to Lashonna, Shami-Amourae and her dark prophets, the events that took place nearly a century ago and most importantly, the rumor of a forbidden secret. In return, Elena offered her divine wisdom and openly discussed the dark visions she had been subject to. In the end, both agreed to perform a concurrent Commune spell in order to compare two different points of view.

Elena-Pellegri: Is the destruction of our universe necessary?
Pelor: Destruction first, but then rebirth.
Wee Jas: An apocalypse restarts the cycle.
Pellegri: Sometimes a Yes on No answer would suffice…

Elena-Pellegri: Has the time come to bring our universe to an end?
Pelor: Demonic death marks the time.
Wee Jas: Several years of time remains.
Elena: Demonic death? That one is new to me… Perhaps the death of a Demon Lord?

Elena-Pellegri: Was the universe destroyed and reborn 100 years ago?
Pelor: I'm sorry Pellegri… I can't…
Wee Jas: Elena, I have sworn secrecy.
Pellegri: I… I… was not… expecting that…
Elena: Me… uh… neither… could this be… the secret?

Yet again, the trend continued. Elena and Pellegri have yet to acquire anything remotely helpful. Every question produced more questions and no answers. Frustration began to creep up on the two as it had in past Commune attempts… As a result, the next few questions failed to hit their mark, fueling their frustration, until…

Elena-Pellegri: Do you wish to bring about the destruction of our universe?
Pelor: Yes… there's no other way.
Wee Jas: Yes… it is your destiny.
Pellegri: …NO…

What began as frustration had shifted to irritation as it seemed there was no end to the string of terrible news. The two shared an awkward silence, but only for a moment. Unable to control her feelings, Pellegri let out a rare outburst…

Pellegri: Call it a flaw if you wish, but you gave us a "will to survive". I will gladly give my life away so that others may "LIVE". So many people… I refuse to put them all to death. I'd like to believe that our efforts to bring down Kyuss was a testament to our survival. WAS OUR QUEST TO BRING AN END TO THE WORM GOD ALL FOR NOTHING?
Pelor: Secrets… not ours to tell…
Wee Jas: I wish I could explain…
Pellegri: Why… why is this happening…

The secret had finally reared its ugly head. At that point, Pellegri had heard enough and quickly lost the drive to continue. The two suffered from a lack of inspiration and as a result, all remaining questions failed to put them at ease. In the end, both parties had finally come to an agreement. The Commune spell no longer served its purpose on the matter and both Gods suggested that their respective disciples meet them in person.

Elena: It would seem that the time for a face-to-face with our Gods has come… Obviously, there are many things that they are willing to share with us - though whatever it is that they are keeping secret is beginning to annoy me. Perhaps in person, without any limits on the number of words they may say… they will be more willing to explain themselves? Because I, like you, am growing tired of these games. They want us to do something horrible… yet they can't tell us exactly what, or why, or even how? I'd like to hope that Wee Jas thinks more highly of me than just as a puppet to follow orders without explanation. If I am to do something… dare I say, evil… there had better be a damned good reason why I have to do it. Otherwise, Wee Jas can go find herself another puppet!

Meanwhile… Unable to speak a single word, Pellegri gazed into a nearby mirror only to see that she had lost some of her color. Her gaze then shifted to the hand grasping her holy symbol. She paused a moment and began to ease her grip upon the divine apparatus; just enough to feel slight movement. But it was only for a moment as a firm grip was re-established soon thereafter.

Pellegri (subconsciously): I've always believed that followers of Amalgamation would soon begin to question their faith… Why is it that I have begun to question mine?

Elena: Pellegri, I must take my leave now…
Set up a meeting with Pelor and I shall do the same with Wee Jas.
We will meet again… soon. I promise.

Pellegri: …

Pellegri finds herself alone and slowly makes her way towards the window in hopes to find warmth from the sun’s rays. But much to her surprise, a field of people in prayer greeted her. One from among the crowd had successfully spotted Pellegri and alerted all within hearing distance. Within a span of seconds, what looked to be several thousands of townsfolk joined in celebration; for their caretaker and dear friend had finally made a full recovery. A storm of rose pedals came into existence soon thereafter and the Chanting of Pellegri’s name filled the air for all to hear.

Townsfolk: Pellegri… Thank the heavens… Pellegri…

Pellegri (subconsciously): …No… stop… please stop cheering… I cannot…sob… Why must they… WHAT HAVE YOU DONE…

Townsfolk: Pellegri… She has returned to us… Pellegri…

Once again, unable to gain control of her feelings, Pellegri began to shed tears of sadness and remorse. Meanwhile, the commotion outside was enough to break the charm placed upon the young man guarding the doorway below. He quickly made his way to Pellegri’s bedchambers.

?????(smiling): Pellegri… you’re finally awake. I was starting to…

Townsfolk: Pellegri… We love you Pellegri… Pellegri…

With tears in her eyes, Pellegri turns to face the young man and slowly makes her way towards her lover and embraced him.

Townsfolk: Pellegri… Everything is going to be alright… Pellegri…

?????(concerned): Pellegri… what’s wrong?

Pellegri: Just… hold me…

- - - - -

Pelor: It is as I feared…

Wee Jas: We are losing them…

St-Cuthbert: There is still hope… I have sent word of their destiny to Eadfrid and Scatterspells as well.

Pelor: And they are to be our saviors? Their Amalgamation is a threat to us all.

Wee Jas: Perhaps we deserve this, for what we have done. Our selfishness deserves punishment.

Pelor: But at what cost? If the cycle is not restarted…

St-Cuthbert: Perhaps is does not need to be restarted… Maybe this generation will be the ones to finally set things right, once and for all.

Wee Jas: And if they don’t? We tried the same thing, and failed.

Pelor: I don’t know. I just feel as though Pellegri is stronger than I ever was. If there is a way… she will find it.

Wee Jas: I feel the same about Elena…

St-Cuthbert: But if you are wrong?

Pelor: Then perhaps this time… there will be no rebirth.

Wee Jas: Indeed. Maybe this truly is… The End...

Pelor: ...

St-Cuthbert: ...

Wee Jas: *sigh* ...