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.

Marienburg

After returning the rescued female high elf to her father and meeting the Everqueen, the group heads to Marienburg to take care of some business Theo has.

Goddard stays held up in his cabin most of the time. Since losing his specters and having his ship completely changed, he hasn't felt quiet as comfortable. When he is out on deck, he tries to conversate with the high elves but their sense of humor is a bit different than the druchii specters he had on board. This is no longer his ship, and he feels a bit lost again. The only reason he 'accepts' this change, is because it was brought about by the Everqueen.

She said I had a heart of gold...

"But then again, she told that to everyone else too..." he chuckles, looking out at Marienburg as the ship gets close to docking.

Oh but Master...yours is the goldiest!

Goddard sighs and pulls his hood and cowl up in preparation to head into the city. "Shut up Arha...that's not even a word!"

It should be, Master.

Goddard wraps the chain attached to the mechanical cold one around his wrist and walks across the deck with it.

I don't control these asur. I have to keep these safe...I have to keep all of this safe...

Back to Naggaroth

While on the ship, Goddard explains the situation to the huntsman before they head back to Naggaroth and Lokhir with the staff.

 "Yes Naggaroth is the land of the druchii. Yes we will waltz right in like it's our vacation spot," Goddard says waving his hand around as if this is nothing new. "As far as the druchii are concerned, you are my property, the property of a high born, and you will put on a show as such oooor, bad things will happen. I'll scribble my name on you some place and as long as you don't do anything stupid, you should be fine." Goddard grins, flashing his fangs and gives him a friendly slap on the back.