Role

Chapter 6

The once lonely gnome makes a slight impression in the sand on her hands and
knees as she slowly peeks onto the waters of the sandy oasis within the
Island. Her face was just as beautiful, her hair a bit longer, but there was
something much more different than looks. Squinting heavily she tried her
hardest to notice anything at all, until she saw the glint of growing
confidence in her eyes.. it certainly was never there before, and she closed
her eyes imagining her path to the Island.

It seemed like just yesterday that her stuttering words and cautious nature
came before the Rhyme seeking just any semblance of a life not spent in
solitude. She had no idea how much she could grow, or what she truly was
capable of until she met Treyliu, and even moreso the beautiful Goddess
Rayihn. Her dreams of being strong and resilient enough to survive a life
outside of Hillcrest within the guild of shapeshifters had exceeded all her
expectations. Now she battled the strongest warriors in Thera daily, simply
trying to defend her home that has unlocked the passion for life within her.

Her eyes still closed tightly, she shakes her head in pure awe knowing she
must go further. She owes it to the Island, and even moreso to herself.
Absent-mindedly she runs her little fingers over the Silver Serpent in her
hand before whispers fill her head, "What are you doing you silly girl?". She
cocks her head in wonderment before she spins around at the echo behind
her...

"What are you doing you silly girl?", says a voice from the shadows.
"Rhyme!", she screams in happiness to go hug her.
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Tears well within her eyes as she crumbles to her knees holding the mangled
mass of flesh and feathers on the Island. "Don't leave me! Please! I need
you!", she screamed desperately as the ghostly presence of Treyliu rattled
her chains from above her. Baylahn screamed out emotionally, "I don't know if
I can make it without you!"

"I did what I came to do, Baylahn. And my winds created waves, and now those
waves shall pass on to you. I expect great things from you, do not forget the
things I have taught you. And tell them all, I lived a good life." uttered
the final words of Treyliu as she curtseyed gracefully and faded away.

As if almost feeling anger for the first time in her life, she glares at
Aulrathdian's stern gaze as he laughs from inside the village...

This is war.