~~~ The End of the Beginning ~~~

-~-~- Rest before the dawn -~-~-

 

We go through life taking so many things for granted: the air we breathe, the movement of our bodies, the ability to speak. I started this day as I had any other, with an expectation to do those things, and in abundance. But fate has this way of sneaking up on you and throwing a major twist in the flow of your life when you least expect it.

 

I recall it was very cold as I stepped off the docks and onto the snow-blanketed ground of the square. Hm, cold. The ability to feel, even pain, is another thing we take without giving thought to. Anyway, the square was bustling with activity today. I wasn't used to it, having spent most of the past month slinking around with very few people in sight. The winter was surely to blame, and I am not one to fault anyone for fleeing from the cold. Perhaps if I had today, things would have turned out differently. Perhaps it's not so bad it didn't...

 

I recognized Jack Lovedash right away. He and an elf were, oddly enough, trying to communicate with a kobold just in front of Elfred's stand. A woman sat on a bench under the Valor's Vale, and further down the road I could see the imposing figure of Gatts speaking to a young woman. It was good to see old friends. Or maybe it was just good to see life. Occupied as Jack was, I passed him by to speak with Gatts. He is such an odd man. Fun and humorous at times, and yet scary and unpredictable at others.

 

'Well well if it isn't Gatts' was my greeting. He blinked and stared at me a moment in what I would assume to be a cross between confusion and amazement. I suppose his next words should have startled me, but it wasn't the first time I'd heard it.

 

'I thought you were dead.' he said. Hm. (she pauses) I suppose that's what they'll all think after today.

 

I told Gatts how I had been on the Mainland for the past four years. It had been a tiring time, fighting against the corrupted Empire. More recently, however, came the spit in Ra'Ma's church. The heretic faction lead by a drow-blood claiming themselves 'pure' and 'cleansing' His temples. I refused to stand for that blasphemy, and had lead the truly faithfull on a campaign to end the heathen sect for good. It was hard battling my brothers and sisters, but... ah, I'm getting away from my story.

 

Where was I? Oh yes, Gatts. We talked for a bit before she came up. (again she pauses briefly) If only I had known...

 

The woman had dark hair and clothing and seemed fascinated by a strange deck of cards. Gatts called them something peculiar. 'Future-seeing cards of doom' or somesuch. I didn't give it any thought at the time, though I did think it odd when she drew a card on me and then went pale. I didn't have time to dwell on it though, as Linsey soon interrupted us. She was ravishing as always, though the lack of cloth on her arms and shoulders made me shiver for her.

 

Have you ever come through a scenario and then stopped to look back on everything that lead up to it? Isn't it strange how little things that meant absolutely nothing in the beginning can just click into place and make so much sense for the present? My conversation with Linsey was incredibly brief, which was more than odd since I hadn't seen her in years. Sure I had killed her demon-child, but we pulled through that and were still friends. At least I think we were. Are...

 

Linsey pulled Gatts away and down the road. Jack struck up conversation with me and I re-told the story of where I had been and what I'd been doing. I was surprised to hear that he had actually died two years ago, and was just now back. A gift of grace from Vastur he called it. I know all too well what he means now... and I hope he never takes what he was given for granted...

 

It wasn't until Gatts returned that things started getting weird. The woman with the cards had started rambling incoherently to herself and acting all-around strange. When Gatts approached, she pulled herself tight to his body like they were two lovers in the throws of love. It was strange, to say the least, but I figured it was none of my business and went about building a fire for those gathered in the square.

 

I stood at the edge of the fire with my wings curled tightly about myself, trying desperately to get warm. It's strange how that warmth seems so cold now, in comparison... but I'll get to that later. As I stood there warming my hands, the woman actually called for my attention. She threw a shield to the ground and asked if I remembered it. I most certainly did, for it was the shield that belonged to my dear friend, and priestess of the temple, A'nadra.

 

'Where did you get this?' I asked, at first struck with confusion. The woman's response made my blood boil to the point that I forgot about the cold all together.

 

'I took it' she said, 'After I killed your priestess and everyone else. I slaughtered them all and revelled in it. But not any longer.'

 

Later her last words would give me pause, but in that moment I had only one thing on my mind. I stood and drew the Starduster from my side, pushing the woman back to the wall and holding my blade poised to gut her.

 

'Give me one good reason why I shouldn't kill you where you stand.' I demanded, having every intention of killing her anyway. Jack stepped in at this point and declared that she should be taken for trial. (sigh) Trials. 'The law'. I can't even count how many times that stupid law has gotten in the way of doing true good. Granted what I was about to do would be murder, but I felt it was justified at the time. I suppose I don't have to deal with that anymore...

 

'Gatts, do me a favor...' the woman spoke over me, ignoring my question, 'Tell Laura... I was pregnant...'

 

It was at that point that Gatts figured out who this mysterious stranger was, and that I found myself confused. An odd reversal of roles, to be sure. As I went to demand more of the woman, she... disappeared. Into thin air, right from under my touch she was gone, without so much as a trace, and nearly sending me tumbling to the ground.

 

I prodded Gatts for information on the woman's identity, but he wouldn't tell me for some reason. Honestly, I just don't think he was understanding what I was saying, or he was too wrapped up in his own thoughts to pay attention. Frustrated, I picked up A'nadra's shield and decided to go see her. Gatts followed with me.

 

Our conversation on the way to the temple was strange, even if it made sense later.

 

'I don't get how she can be back.' he said, 'I cut her up and tossed her in the sea.'

 

'Yet you're standing there talking to her in town?' I asked, confused now as to why he hadn't recognized her earlier.

 

'Well don'tcha think I mighta known if she didn't look all different?!' he replied defensively. This was what was strange to me then. He spoke to me as if I should have known who she was, even though I didn't, and he wouldn't tell me.

 

A'nadra stood before the altar, as she was prone to, and smiled as I approached. (sigh) I always found a great sense of comfort just being in her presence. I admire her so much, though I don't know that I ever told her that. I hope she'll be okay...

 

Sorry... (sighs quietly) Gatts and I approached A'nadra and I gave her a brief hug. I gave her shield back and asked if she knew just who the perpetrator of the massacre had been. She recalled losing her shield, and the horrific incident, but regrettably could not remember who it was that had attacked them.

 

Finally Gatts spoke up, acting like we were silly for not having known.

 

'Geez women! It's Faith!' he shouted.

 

Faith. Analise McCloud. The assassin pet of Skearus. How many times in my past had I crossed her path, I had lost count. The poor thing was so torn between good and evil. Touched by a demon's taint, scarred from a history of violence and malice... yet I could swear I saw a flicker of light within her. Ironic that it would prove to be my undoing.

 

But how was she back? Gatts told me the story of how Laura Swiftly and Judea had killed her. He even went on to explain that he cut her corpse up and disposed of it, only saving the head for a trophy - I guess I was too preoccupied at the time to be disgusted. He then told me about his conversation with Linsey just earlier in the square. She had asked for Faith's head from him, and he had given it to her.

 

This is where things got really confusing. First off, why would Linsey revive Faith? Furthermore, if that woman in town was Faith, then how was it she existed before Faith was revived? When I think about it now, it would make sense to say that the precise moment of Linsey reviving Faith would be when the woman just vanished. How exactly her pre-resurrection existence was possible still eludes me, but given what I've seen and dealt with in the past, I suppose it's possible.

 

We talked for a bit more, but not with any real direction. We had no answers or clues to go on at this point. Gatts made the rather obvious statement that if Faith was back, that she'd likely be going after myself and A'nadra. I suggested we return to town and see if anyone knew anything more about the woman. Gatts agreed and headed off while I went to put something away in the back of the temple first.

 

A'nadra bid me farewell on my way out, granting me our Lord's blessing. If only she knew just how blessed I would truly be, and in what way...

 

As I made to leave the temple, I felt an odd chill run past me. It wasn't the same as the cold I had felt outside. This was something dark... something familiar.

 

'I've been here before.' came Faith's voice from behind me. I didn't immediately turn around.

 

'I thought I felt a chill.' I replied. Slowly I turned to face her, prepared for the worst, yet hoping for the best.

 

Our conversation went as they always had for the most part. There was this blatant struggle in Faith that always gripped me and compelled me to... reach out with my heart before my blades. Sadly, it always came to the later first.

 

Faith was in a strange state of mind. She explained about the woman with the cards, and that it was her, in a sense. It was a fresh start for her, a chance to be something new. Somehow my mere presence had destroyed that... Invoking memories of past struggles and allegiances, I suppose. She said she would soon lose herself to madness and evil thoughts again, and that 'they' were demanding my blood.

 

I could only guess at who 'they' were, Skearus being the first thing to come to mind. Faith was right when she said our fates were twined. It's like we couldn't escape one another until one of us was dead. I had thought that had come to pass, but perhaps she yet lived because her demise did not come at my hand.

 

I had little time to ponder these things as her assault came randomly and without further discussion. She leapt at me, driving the thin blade of her rapier for my heart. I parried the blow, spinning in close to her and slapping the flat of the Starduster across her face. The magics of the blade took hold and she stood there dazed and unable to strike. I stepped back from Faith and took a small red vial from my belt. The world seemed to slow down as I consumed the liquid, and I quickly prayed to Ra'Ma for His divine favor and power.

 

I waited until the effects of the Starduster faded and Faith regained her composure and footing. She lunged at me again with the rapier, this time in slow-motion. I ducked under the blow and brought my blades across her shins. There was no cry of pain, however, even as I spun around her side and slashed two gouges across her back. Faith drew on what vigor was left to her and plunged the blade straight behind her, piercing me in the leg. Though it gave me pause, I continued my spiral around her, slashing at the back of her legs and tripping her to the ground.

 

In a matter of moments the fight was over. Faith lay on the ground, bleeding and near death as I carefully knelt beside her, blood oozing from my thigh.

 

'It was... fun...' she choked the words out.

 

I looked on her with pity and regret, 'May your weary soul find eternal rest, Faith... Analise...'

 

Despite her broken body, she chuckled, 'They won't let me die, Sarah.'

 

I frowned intensely as I recalled all of the turmoil that had surrounded my relationship with this woman. The demon Amok, her half-breed son Alex, our numerous confrontations. At each instance there had been the hope for redemption for Faith, but none ever turned out that way. In my ignorance, I failed to realize that this encounter would be no exception...

 

'I blame you not for the cruel hand fate has dealt you.' I spoke softly to her. My... my heart weeped for the girl's plight. I'd had my fair share of struggles, but at least I was in control of myself for each of them. 'If there is any way I can lift this curse from you, please tell me.'

 

Those were the last words I spoke to any mortal...

 

'You never did learn to watch my right hand!' Faith's cry of victory came as suddenly and without warning as her blade did to my heart.

 

My eyes went wide as searing pain plunged deep into my chest. I couldn't even move, I was so paralyzed from the blow. I slid forward on her blade, choking on my own blood as it saw fit to release itself through my mouth...

 

'You're everything I wanted to be...' came her mocking voice...

 

The world started to fade on me then... I felt a distinct cold washing up my body. Darkness enveloped me as my blood pooled on the ground...

 

 

-~-~- From the pool of Sarah's blood, a glorious sunflower rose... -~-~-

-~-~- And then began to droop as Faith slipped into unconsciousness -~-~-

 

 

My time spent in darkness was but a flicker as I suddenly heard a voice, rich and warm, calm and soothing...

 

'Open your eyes, Sarah...'

 

My eyes fluttered open, flooded with radiant light glowing all around me. I gasped for air and reflexively grabbed at where I had been stabbed, only there was no wound. In fact, there was no pain.

 

'What... where...' I looked around in confusion. The beauty of this place was incomparable. Slowly a figure, made purely of light brighter than the Sun itself appeared. I was filled with a glorious warmth that I had only remotely experienced in my closest moments with my God, and I knew that I now stood in His very presence. I fell to my knees and lowered my head, feeling unworthy to even look upon Him, and also feeling as though I had just failed in my role as a Champion.

 

'Rise, my child' He said. I did as asked, but refused to look upon Him.

 

'I failed, my Lord... I fell before I could remedy the church... before I could... please forgive me...'

 

'No my faithful servant, you have not failed me.'

 

'I... I don't understand... am I dead?' I asked in my confusion and lack of understanding.

 

'It is true you fell, but I saved you from death. I am afraid I cannot return you as you were, however.' His words were so soft and full of warmth that I couldn't have felt worried at his words if I wanted to.

 

'I will serve you in whatever capacity I am able, no matter my abilities or form, nor lack thereof.' I said, finally looking into the light. It was brighter than any source one could ever know, and yet I was not blinded by it. I saw him smile at me, and I felt even more at peace. It was then that I felt something washing up my legs, though it stopped just at my knees. I looked down to see that my lower legs had turned to a white stone.

 

'I am granting to you the rest that you so greatly deserve, my child, and yet even in this form you will stand vigilant until I call on you again. A friend will watch over you and is already experiencing a dream of these events.'

 

It is such a strange feeling to feel confusion and yet inexplicable peace at the same time. Being turned to stone was perhaps the last thing I would have expected, and yet I completely understood why, for what reasons, and even welcomed the rest.

 

'But before I return you to the mortal realm, I have one more thing to give you.' He said as His palm, made entirely of light, reached towards my bosom. As he made contact, my eyes closed and I felt the full presence of my deity wash over me. I breathed so deeply and clearly, and I felt empowered to challenge the heavens themselves. At the same time, however, I felt something - a part of me - leaving. My eyes fluttered open once more and I was surprised to find myself staring at... myself.

 

There before me was an ethereal replica of me. Slowly it lost all definition and whirled around my Lord's open palm, forming a large elliptical object. Finally it solidified and I immediately recognized it as... as an egg. As an avariel egg. ....as my egg, my child...

 

He told me to hold out my hands and I did so, taking the egg into my open palms. I gently hugged it to my chest and smiled as brightly as I ever had. For so long I had wanted this, wanted a child. But my service to Ra'Ma had required me to sacrifice any hope of marriage and romantic love. It was a price I was willing to pay, even though it saddened my heart in ways few could understand.

 

'All get what they deserve eventually, Sarah.' His voice rang out once more, 'You sacrificed your greatest desire for me, and so I give you this now. My light will warm her until she is ready to hatch, and will guide her forevermore.'

 

Tears streamed down my face as I could not even find words to express my gratitude. I hope... I hope He knows. He leaned into me and gently kissed my forehead.

 

'But for now, my child... rest.'

 

The stone crept its way up from my legs until I was entirely consumed by it. And for a brief time, I slept.

 

I now stand in glorious testament to the grace and power of my Lord, Ra'Ma. Guarded in the courtyard of the Watar Manor, I too stand guard over it, and over Treegum. My daughter rests in my hands, and together we bask in the glorious radiance of the Sun Lord, that never fades from us. I will remain here, resting, until He sees I am ready to face the darkness of Mel'Heron once more.

 

I only wish I could have said farewell to those I knew. Perhaps they will feel me close...

 

~|~

 

In the courtyard of Liney's manor stands a magnificent statue of Sarah, made of a white stone. She is garbed in a simple flowing robe with her wings extended and curled to boast a massive wingspan. Held in outstretched, upturned palms rests a large, pinkish egg. It sparkles in the radiant light of a sunbeam that illuminates the entire statue and never fades, be it day or night. Her smooth face is carved with a gentle smile and eyes that almost seem alive...

 

-~-~-

 

 

Author's Note:  The true end of Sarah in the original timeline of Mel'Heron and Bruehawk's I.  This lead into playing Sarah's daughter, Vaiyra in NWN 2.  Later when the switch was made back to NWN 1, and the timeline somewhat retconned, Sarah was woken from her stasis and continued on.  Stories after this point carry on from that new timeline, but this is the original end I had envisioned for her.  Held in stasis, waiting until she was needed and strong enough, to be woken again to confront some great evil.