After the Stone

Aara doesn't speak as they ready the horses to go. Instead, she pulls her white gloves from her saddlebag and wipe the blood off her hands and swords before turning them inside out and tucking them away. He didn’t even put up a fight, she thinks, biting her lip hard. He made a deal with a god to save his son and did everything he could to help us to this end. Otto, I hope it is what you truly wanted. I hope my own Ustadh made me into a worthy assassin for such a teacher and friend.

Pressing her forehead against Kasida's saddle, she considers her promise to Otto. If there was one thing a Mashi Al’Maut understood, it was her responsibility to her dead. I can't tell Goddard, not ever. And I can’t put Otto's name on me, she thinks, panicking slightly. Goddard would know somehow, even if it were in Arabyan. I’ll have to put The Guardian of the Stone, and keep it at that.

Camping in the Dwarven Ruins

As they party sets up camp, Aara unsaddles her horse and feeds her, making sure Kasida is settled before removing a small black pouch from her backpack. She takes her time tying her hair out of the way and rolling up her sleeves, eyeing the small creature tied to her saddle horn. "You and I are going to spend some time together," she says, dragging him behind her down a random hallway.

Snowy Mountain Side

Goddard snuggles with Aara and chuckles. "It's not like I need to keep a huge armored bear from eating us every so often. But it's fine for now. Arha will let me know when I have to sweet talk Pooh again and sadly, I'll have to move then." He yawns. "But until that time, I'll relax right here by the fire with you..."

Leaving the Silver Pinnacle

The moment they leave the Silver Pinaccle, Aara's whole demeanor changes. She seems more calm than she has for some time, but doesn't speak. Instead, she studies the snow-capped mountains and considers her future. If we fail, we're all dead anyway. If we succeed, well... Either way, I won't ever grow old and weak. I'll be with the Queen. She was...everything they say about her. Koroush will love to hear this.

Drunkeness

Aara sways on her feet, trying desperately to clear her vision. I must be more drunk than I thought. There are two Goddards standing there. Why is he standing there, anyway? He's mad at me.

"So why are you standing here, anyway?" she slurs. "We haven't shared a cabin since the mountain." The boat shifts beneath her, causing her to moan and slide to the floor. I am never drinking with Katarina again. Not ever.