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Light spilled through the window of X'yahma's Pendants room. The disgusting pall had returned. He wasn't sure if it fell again all over Norvrandt, but it followed him wherever he went. He felt cold and numb. Running his thumbs over the rough bones of the charm he turned over in his hands
* * *
A "beacon," the hooded figure told him. The Sons of Saint Coinach were launching an expedition, looking for something around Syrcus Tower, apparently. Instead of waiting impatiently at the Rising Stones for the inevitable find, he went home to the Ring of Ash. A small part of him would admit to wondering if Loonh Gah was taken as well.
To his relief, he found her hanging laundry when he arrived, Ruha sitting in a harness strapped to her back. She smiled as she noticed him, though she continued about her chore. "Welcome home," she said, folding a blanket over the line.
"You're in high spirits," he said aloud.
"Ruha's been well-behaved today. A much-needed reprieve, I must say." She squeaked when X'yahma suddenly hugged her from the side. "You're affectionate today," she chuckled, "but I'll see to you once I've finished with the laundry." He hesitated, but released her and entered the hut.
Dinner was simple: an aldgoat steak and roasted popotoes. He picked idly at his food, his appetite having left him. Loonh watched him with a concerned look. "Is aught amiss? Did I over salt the meat?"
"No, it's about the same as always. It's that... How's Ruha been?" He plastered a fake smile as he looked over to their daughter.
She took a small spoon and scooped up a little mashed popoto and held it up to the child. "She's rolling around here and there. Still trying to find something solid she'd like."
"She doesn't like your popotoes?"
Loonh Gah sighed as Ruha stubbornly refused to taste the food on the spoon. "And believe me, I tried several things. Are you unwell?" X'yahma looked back to her, her red eyes staring right at him.
"I'm well and all right," he said coldly and finally cut a large piece of meat.
The dinner continued in silence.
As they readied for bed, Loonh Gah was rummaging through a small chest and pulled out her turtle shell charm. It was adorned with fragments of bone and strips of blue cloth tied it. Beads of glass and metal dangled from the cloth, clinking against each other as she held it by the sinew thread. "Yahma." X'yahma looked at her face, seeing the worry writ on it. "Here," she held out the charm to him.
"I can't take this," X'yahma whispered.
"I have this feeling you're going to go away again." She frowned and sat next to him, still holding the charm. "I want you to take it," she said more firmly.
"But it's for-" he attempted to argue, but was cut off.
"I am no longer with child, and Ruha is hale, whole, and willful. I don't need it." He stared at her. "Then take it as a promise. That you'll come home safe and sound. Or I'm coming after you."
She finally got a chuckle out of him. He took the charm and clasped it in his hand. "How could I refuse such a kind request." He put his free hand on her shoulder. "I promise, I'll come home." He leaned in to kiss her, but she shoved him away. "...Safe and sound," he added. She leaned inward and they kissed.
* * *
A surge of pain radiated through his body and he gripped the charm tightly. He tried to steady his breathing, but each breath was a spike through his chest. And eventually, it passed. "I'm sorry," he almost sobbed. "I didn't mean to break my promise. But you'd understand, wouldn't you? It's either me, or the both of you." He bowed his head as Emet-Selch's words echoed in his head. Till then, I bid you farewell... eater.
He'd tried to return home weeks ago, but ever since night returned to Lakeland, he couldn't cross through the portal again. He'd thought G'raha- the Exarch- lied to him... but it was that he no longer fit. What was once a gate was now a boundary he could no longer cross freely. And once he turned, the First would be doomed. And so would Loonh. And Ruha. Damn it all.
He finally stood from the bed, tucking the charm beneath his shirt. If he can't stop this Rejoining, then he'll make damn sure this will be the last. Emet-Selch will be torn apart by the very monster he created.