Editing Midnight RPG - Chapter 42.453 (section)

=== Lady Ahemia, former Legate of the Master in the North ===
The warrior-woman pulls her arms more tightly across the new silks, from the chill of night...

'''''"If I misspoke in evaluation of your ability Master Kyuad, for that you can trust I meant no offense.  Though I feel your judgement of belief is severely misquided.  Being a priest or follower of the Master in the North is not about freedom, its about belief.  The ability to allow one's self to be guided by something greater than you.  Some would say that ultimately no man is free.  Not only do the Legates in Shadow predict and pray, but so to the elves, the men of stone and even the horrid Mother Wives value seers and prophets.  With this the case, wouldn't you say that freedom is limited?  The world has a destiny and I was taught that mine, and yours Middleman, is written on a icecracked stone deep in the Scar below the Endless Ice.  My father's father believed that when my name is spoken my destiny will be at hand.  The teachings of the High City told that our generation would be the one to see the road to a place beyond the roof of the world, at the head of the armies that will break the Veil..."'''''


Ahemia opening up her beliefs to the Fell Warden looks into the sky to find the Riding Host... she continues...


'''''"Make no mistake Master Kyuad, donot doubt that the Master in the North lives.  A god cannot die, god cannot be defeated... not forever...  If that doesnot legitimize the power of Shadow, then what would you say could? <br> <br> Master Kyuad I donot know the ways and wells of magic, you clearly hold an understanding and sight that perhaps even my love does not.  Is it these 'others' that you look too in times of quiet, is it they that your attention is broken to?"'''''  ...as she watches keenly Kyuad's motions and movements into the air unseen...  confused by your words she, a Seneschal of Shadow continues her speech tempo increasing...


'''''"You Middleman, you wizard of arts unlawful ... I warn you as a stilled companion, do not speak to me as though you pity me.  I believe what I believe and it is not for you to judge, lest you be judged for your criminal ways by my sword.  True... I have put that away for now Master Kyuad, but donot forget who I am.  Do not forget my heart.  My steel has fought for your side in the past, it could again.  I donot find alliance with those my former liege anylonger, but my faith in my mind does not waiver.  Remember wizard I am Ahimia, Lady of Steel of the Gaskindin family, a Bearer of the Black Shield, a Harrower of Legates, a Soldier of Shadow.  I have made my life of hunting those that would form the Cabal of lies against the devout of the Order.  I willnot mince words with you on belief.  I am not a 'Darkvoice'.  I listen and act, I judge and execute.  I donot go blindly, I follow when my name is spoken from the icy tablet."'''''


The raven haired girl calms a bit hoping she is among allies, no matter how tenuous...  <br> '''''"Make no mistake Kyuad, there is no betrayal here.  I follow my heart.  If only all men could, then we would see the place in the sun beyond the Veil... then the Shadow would be lifted and mankind would be embraced by the Master in the North in full glory, not a Shadow of greatness that fell from the treachery of heaven."'''''


Irritated if not also confused by what Kyuad means, Ahemia continues to question.  She cannot know that something is holding the impulses in her mind to do another's bidding...  '''''"You speak of love and affection as though you know it.  I would ask Kyuad.  Do you love?  Can you love?  Your nature is changing, I know that.  I donot have to be a mage to see (and smell) it.  I know not what becomes of you, but it smacks of the blessing of the Shadow, likened only to the Priest of Shadow himself.  You speak of love and how I should not give it first to my belief and then to the man that I've left life for.  Is this denial of the gift of choice to offer my heart not an unscrupulous offense you argue at me?  Is that less offensive than the act of belief or the gift given?  <br> <br> I know not of this worming of imps into the minds and hearts of men.  If my teachings aid me here, those things 'trapped' of which you speak could surely not have the power of one mind, enough to band into one goal to concur as the Shadow has.  I would guess you are not a man of tactic-training, but you must admit Kyuad that the logistic nightmare of organizing such beings would discount this strange belief you have concocted...  Is this truly a belief or a theory you are pressing on me to confound the situation?"'''''


Ahemia turns walking toward kyuad...  '''''"I neither find it enlightening or rational and I fail to see how it's relevant to the questions that swirl in my mind this night.  This isn't a cause of the decisions I've made over the past arcs.  It was of my direction that I hoped you and Eranon might guide me... as I have no way to speak to the chapel guides this night..."'''''  ...Ahemia slows her banter, almost as if she wished she were elsewhere with other advisers... but neither come true, as she continues with resolution undeterred.


'''''"But you ask bluntly what would I do if I found my faith had been wronged? <br> And so I answer bluntly... I know with all my heart Kyuad."'''''


The Sarcosan's ire rises one last time.  Her shadow is lost from the night with the faltering of the moon in these nights...  '''''"I know that if that day comes there is know... As you'll answer it, take heed this 'slave' commit no violence upon herself. If I've been deceiv'd. Too late thou shalt repent the base injustice thou hast done my love: Yes, thou shalt know, spite of thy past distress, and all those ills which thou so long hast mourn'd; Heav'n has no Rage, like love to hatred turn'd, Nor hell a Fury, like a woman scorn'd."'''''