Fate of a Shard

Ceitidh stands on the cliffs, looking out over the expanse of the sea. The drums of Revantusk can be heard on the wind to the south, and the call of sea birds echoes off the rocks. The sin’dorei’s armor lay piled in a heap by a nearby tree. Cridhe, the hawk owl, roosts above, keeping watch. A flash of red catches the sunlight as Orain settles at the huntress’ feet. Farther down the slope, a hawkstrider, Gaothan, hunts for berries in the bushes.
Sitting with grass-stained feet hanging, Ceitidh strokes the dragonhawk’s back. “It just looks like a piece of glass... and yet… It is such a valuable thing.” Images and memories fill her mind, making her shudder. Cridhe carries her cloak over to the elf, and she wraps it over her shoulders.
Killorn laying on the floor of the chamber of the Na’ru in Silvermoon… Lilithia kneeling beside him, implanting the shard in his chest. The shard containing most of the demon, and a bit of Killorn’s soul as well. Listening to his pain was almost more than she could handle. Through it all, he said he would endure the pain and the risk- for Ceitidh’s sake.
An amazing recovery- his strength not wanting, but doubled. Killorn tossed her in the air and caught her again, breathless and hopeful. For a few minutes, a few blessed minutes, she thought everything would be fine. A part of the demon remained, and she could deal with that. But no, he wanted it all gone…
Ceitidh never liked the felhound anyhow. Close enough to a beast, yet still a demon, she could feel its malice. The rest of the demon not contained by the shard was poured into the hound. She found him laying on the pavement of Silvermoon exhausted, but the demon was gone. Or at least contained…
“It’s bad luck for the groom to see the bride in her dress before the wedding” Ceitidh held the precious white silk close to her, still shaking with excitement. Killorn leaned over and kissed her forehead. “But it’s even worse for a tailor to not see his finest work on a beautiful woman. Plus, I need to make certain it fits.” He shooed her into a room upstairs, and turned his back so she could change. Once the gown was on, he stared speechless, then pulled her close, kissing her passionately. “It is perfect. As are you…” 
A movement in the shadows caught their attention. Someone else was in the room- and had been watching! Killorn was furious… grabbed the rogue and threw him from the room. Lilithia came into the inn in time to see the scuffle. There was an evil flame in his eyes as he continued to beat on the rogue- deaf to Ceitidh’s pleas to stop. Lilithia asked why- it was the demon’s voice that snarled the reply. “He watched Ceitidh… watched her change… He saw her undressed…He shouldn’t be anywhere near her…” Lilithia turned to Ceitidh. “Is his temper normally this bad?” Ceit sniffled and shook her head. “No- he’s so gentle with me…” “If he ever lays a hand on you girl, I will bite his arm off.”
Ceitidh caught his arm to keep him from running out into the streets. “He’s gone, Love. Just leave it be… it isn’t worth it… come, sit…” She pleaded with him, knowing deep down he could not truly hear her- the demon had taken hold of the rage. Killorn grabbed her arm and pulled her roughly. “You belong to me, my Ceitidh.” He slowly ran his fingers through her hair, then snarled, and pulled her to the floor. “Now don’t interfere.” Suddenly, he wrenched backwards with a roar- Lilithia had clamped her teeth on his arm. 
The scuffle continued for what seemed like days. Ceitidh was pinned to the floor- her hair under Killorn’s foot. Lilithia bit and scratched until all three were covered in blood. Finally worn down, Killorn collapsed on the floor. His hand found the knife that had been dropped earlier, and before they could pull it away, there was a cut down his chest. He looked to Ceitidh, and his eyes softened. Resolved, he pulled the shard from his chest and dropped it in Lilithia’s hand. With a sigh, he passed out. Lilithia’s voice snapped Ceitidh to attention. “Remember you said you were good with first aid? Well, you’d better get to it, girl, before he dies of blood loss.” Lilithia patted her pocket, standing resolutely in front of Killorn. “I will keep the shard until I think you are strong enough to face this demon. Not before then. You still have much to learn. And I can study this while I wait."
Ceitidh paused. “And it’s still in her pocket... or is it? And where is he…?”
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The light of the campfire glistens off the huntress’ armor- cleaned, and ready for the morning’s trials. Ceitidh leans against a tree, blanket wrapped close against the night. The paper in her hands has been folded and re-folded so many times. She runs her finger over the words as she reads once again…
My Darling Ceitidh, 
It seems I can smile again, and my heart once again beats full of love for you.
I thank you for being there to comfort me in my most desperate times. You have stood with me against so much. I thank you for all you have given me- your encouragement and love.
I could ask for nothing more than what I already have- and that is you, Lady Ceitidh Alarion.
I keep you safe within my heart.
Sincerely, 
Killorn''
With a sigh, she folds the letter once more, tucking it into a pocket. She closed her eyes, laying her head on her pack, and pulling the blanket close. Her dark hair fell over her face, hiding the tear running down her cheek.
The huntress let her memories flood over her, trying to remember the warmth. 
Exhausted from the hunt, she returned to Silvermoon. Killorn waited there for her. He helped her remove her armor, even cleaning it himself as she told of her adventures. He gently rubbed her tired shoulders and feet, catching her off guard and tickling her until she fell off the couch. A glass of wine bought for them to share, and they sat together relating dreams and plans. They talked long into the night, until neither could keep their eyes open any longer. He kissed her tenderly, enfolding her in his arms as they drifted off to sleep. She had never felt so warm, so safe, so loved. In the still darkness of the night, she lay with her head on his chest, listening in amazement to the beating of his heart. She would go through anything to keep it that way- even giving up her own life. And she knew without any doubt that he felt the same. She twisted a strand of his hair around her finger, brushing a hand over his cheek as he held her tighter, whispering her name in his sleep. Some moments are perfect- filled only with peace, love, and hope.
Hope. It seemed a bit far away now out in the wilds. But with sleep would come dreams. And if all she had left were dreams, she would take them. She tried hard to imagine- to feel his arms around her once more.
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Ceitidh laughed from her perch in the tree. It’s no wonder these call each other family. And also no wonder that so many others want to be a part of it. Orcs, Trolls, Forsaken, Tauren, and Sin’dorei joking and talking together as if they’d been friends for ages. Well, maybe some have, but… 
Some she’d watched, helped, and even hunted with. They seem trustworthy- and knowledgeable. and silly.. that’s important.. More understanding than others, perhaps..
Lilithia smiles, holding the shard up between her fingers. “A simple, average, mortal soul- that replenishes! This is a great discovery!” Ceitidh could hardly understand what the warlock was talking about, but she was obviously very excited. Her head spinning, she only caught phrases. “immense power…renewable…as long as breath is drawn..” The last phrase snapped her to attention. “As long as breath is drawn? His?” “Well, the shard is good, living or dead. However, his life means more shards can be collected. From any subject, really.” The huntress shuddered, watching the light in the forsaken woman’s eyes. How far would ‘scientific curiosity’ go?
“Well, he’s probably dead then.” Zurrikan’s voice sounded matter-of-fact, but the words slapped her across the face. “No..no! No, he’s not…” “Come see me, girly, let’s talk.” She kept more of her armor on- partially in case the city alarms sounded, partially to feel stronger. The man’s story was a hard one to comprehend, and she felt sorry for him in some ways- but still feared him. He moved slower, his breathing more labored than it had been. He told her how the demon within’s strength was diminishing- and taking him with it. Suddenly he jumped- a fire in his eyes. “Of course! Why hadn’t I thought of it earlier? Does Emberfall still have that shard, girl?” “Well, yes.. but…” “I’ve dealt with this demon for so long, certainly I can handle the boy’s demon whelp.” Ceitidh stood. “What do you want?” He explained that he would use the shard to keep himself from becoming in essence, a wraith. “But it holds part of my Killorn’s soul, too.” “He’s likely dead- but I won’t do it without your permission.” Ceitidh shook her head. “He’s Not!” Zurrikan shrugged. “Whatever you say. But would he not give up part of his soul to save another? You said he was a good man.” “He is.. but..” “Think about it, girly. But don’t take too long.”
So now what? She hears the wilderness calling, wants to loose herself there. But the possibility of friends- of lighthearted fun… 
Ceitidh leans back on the tree limb and smiles. They’ll be there if she needs them, and the wilderness will always be calling.
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Ceitidh snarls, hurling stones over the cliffs. She’d run far to get here- her place of solace, but solace was not to be found. Fire flashes in her eyes, as she sits down, screaming in frustration.
Her pets sit silently behind her, casting worried glances at each other and their mistress. This was a new thing. They’d never seen Ce in such a mood before. Rage did not seem part of her character, but now it poured out of her. And they were frightened- not for themselves, but for her.
Ceit greeted Zurrikan gleefully, wanting to shout that Killorn lived. She could almost hear the sneer in his voice. “It has been a while, child. I met your’ love’- he was looking for you.” “See! I told you he was alive.” “Barely, but yes, girly. I forgot to mention to him the little gift you gave me.” Ce trembled a bit. “Lilithia gave it to you?” He laughed- sending chills up Ceitidh’s spine. “’Gave’ is such a broad term…” “What do you mean?” “Emberfall’s dead, child. And you don’t really know me at all, do you?” The huntress sat down hard against the wall at Light’s Hope. “What..how….?” 
“Well, now that you’ve served your purpose, I don’t mind telling you that I killed Lady Emberfall.” The sneer was obvious. “I used her own claw to cut open my chest- she was still gasping for breath when I did it. You see, child, I could have taken the demon easily. It was the bit of your mortal love that kept it from me… I couldn’t take it unless it was given voluntarily, by himself or his lover.” Ceit shook uncontrollably, speechless in horror. “How does it feel, hmm? Setting a monster loose on the world again?” Sobbing, the girl choked, “I…I.. but I didn’t…I didn’t say…said I’d think about…oh, what’ve I done!” The monster’s laugh shook the hearthstone in her hands. “You’re too cute, mortal. Too cute. Now go cry to yourself, that’s it. Cry! The tears are too sweet…”
The back of a gloved hand wiped the tears away, and she steadied herself. Her words were slow and resolute. “No. I won’t cry. What is done is done. I will make it right.” “Oh yes?” “Yes, somehow I will.” “So you want me dead now? Join the club, mortal.” “Then maybe I can gather the club together.” He laughed again. “Most of them are dead, mortal.”
As she ran to the coast, she went over the details. She’d never given her permission, and he took it anyway- at the cost of Lilithia’s life… She had friends, maybe that could help- but they’d been friends of Lady Emberfall as well. Would they blame her?
And most of all…how could she tell Killorn? Would he forgive her for being naïve?
And could she forgive herself?
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The stone was silent. No words, no comforting voices now. Ceitidh sat in Mulgore, leaning against the bluffs, slowly sharpening her swords. Behind her on the grass lay new hides drying in the sun. Seven new hides- devilsaur hides. She felt a bit of pride in her work- she faced one of her fears and walked away victorious. Then she kept going. She felt stronger, more alive. Maybe she can face more of her fears.
Patience. Be ready, but be patient. They were right, she needed to face him. She would take back the shard.
Ceit shuddered, listening to the voice in her ear. “I drove Julian and Jasmina to the point of madness… In the end, Julian mutated his own foot, and Jasmina tried to murder him in cold blood… I do so enjoy turning people against their friends…” Zurrikan laughed- an unholy sound. Ceitidh shook her head, thinking of the rogue who can’t stay out of trouble. He kept whispering, “But I’d be dead if it weren’t for you. Thanks, love.” “Don’t call me that.” The huntress ground her teeth. “But you saved me, darling. And I’ll never stop thanking you.” Ce snarled, firing an arrow into the nearest tree. “Yes you will. Somehow you will.” The laugh echoed in her ears again. “I’m looking toward a handsome tauren couple… they are so in love. When he’s dead and she’s a whimpering mental patient, I want you to think about how you could have ended it, and didn’t.” “Leave them be. I never said..” “Oh yes you did, otherwise it wouldn’t be inside me.” Ce whispered, “No, I wouldn’t..” Her own voice met her ears, broken with sobs-“ You’re right, he would… Go ahead.. take it.” The laugh drove her to her knees. A few moments of silence, she pulled herself back together. “So who are these you are watching?” “You think I’m simple?” “You think they’d listen to me anyhow?” “Why take the risk though, hmm? Wouldn’t want to blow my cover. I have to gain their trust, then rip them apart from the inside.” “Like you did to me?” “No, I used you. Totally different thing.”
Ce’s mind swirled- how could she help- what could she do? The guild stone- where were those she knew? Milanna spoke of being in the Bluffs. Hesitantly, she spoke into the stone, “Is anyone else near there?” Milanna was unsure, but Ceit pressed on, more desperately, “Any other of the clan near the bluffs? In Mulgore perhaps?” In the deafening silence, she thought through the tauren in the clan. “Mograg?” A grunt answered. “Are you and your lady in Mulgore?” After a moment, the stone rumbled again. “Hmm, why? What do you need?” Hope surged through her, she could hardly keep the words apart. “I need you to be cautious… Have you met a warlock named Zurrikan?” She held her breath. “Mmm. What about him?” She exhaled, leaning against a tree. “You have?” “Tell me of him, Ceitidh.” Could it be she’d gotten ahead of him? And will they trust her enough?
She tried not to shout- the crater is a bit unforgiving with loud noises. “Don’t trust him! Not a word!” “Why is this so?” Ce stammered. How could she convince them? “He, he…he’s evil.. .posessed by a demon- possibly several..” “How came you to know this?” She sat in the grass, Righ standing close by, as the words tumbled out. “Stole…murdered, tormented…” The voice of the shu’halo was calm. “Tell me more, hmm? Less one word at a time, more many word at a time.” Tears flowed down her cheeks. “He.. he used me… took a shard that belonged to my Love… killed for it- tortured others... Now he’s telling me of a tauren couple he’s watching- how he plans to hurt them…and how it’s my fault…” She collapsed into sobs, burying her face into Righ’s fur.
The next words from Mograg struck hard. “And… Why you do not end him?” “How?” “Same way I end any other demon any other day? Or is he super-demon? Made of bullet-proof demon stuff?” Ce brushed away the tears with her cloak. She sighed. “He has several in him. And the shard keeping him alive contains part of my beloved’s soul as well. Though.. I guess I have mostly been afraid.” “Is okay. I have several shells.” Ce sat a few more minutes, collecting her wits, before heading farther into the crater.
“How is it he knows I know you?” Ceit smiled slightly. “He doesn’t.” Don’t think so, at least… “He chose you at random. I’m just grateful I do know you and can warn you. I know it’s my fault this monster is loose- even though he admits to using me… And I know I have to fix it. Somehow.” She could feel the blood in her veins flowing warmer, the determination strengthening. “Just please- all of you- beware of Zurrikan.”
They were right. She needs to face him. Get the shard back. Give it back to Killorn when he returns. If he returns… Just hope they will trust her…
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Ceitidh reads over the letter one last time before sealing it and depositing it in the mailbox. It has to be told. My fears must be faced.
Killorn, my Dearest one.
 
There is something I must tell you before another day passes. I pray you will hear it from me first, lest other tales reach you skewed by malicious intent. I know the tale- even told by me may lead to scorn, but I must risk it.
Lady Lilithia is gone- killed by the warlock I told you of- Kurrikan. He murdered her for the shard- your shard. It is now what is keeping him alive. He had asked my permission to use it, convincing me his intentions were noble. I refused at first, but he held you up, saying that if you were indeed a good man you would help. I could not deny that.
His intent was far from noble. He intends to harm many, and reminds me often that it is due to me that he can. I was indeed deceived, but I should not have faltered in guarding something so valuable. 
 I bear the responsibility on myself to rid the world of this fiend.
I beg you to forgive me.
-Your Ce
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Ceitidh glances around the city- trying not to look nervous. The walls block out so much of the wind- so much of the world, she feels as if they are closing in on her. She looks over to the inn- good memories and bad. But no matter how much she wants to run- she must stay.
Not long after the evening’s work had begun, a rumble from her stone made her jump. Mograg. She held her breath. “Ceitidh. Do you yet hunt your quarry?” Ce bit her lip. “No sign of him today. Or do you mean other tasks?” “That is the one.” ”I’ve not heard or felt his presence in several days- but I’ve been deep in the wilds.” “Is that where your quarry stays? Deep in the wilds?” “No, he stays in the cities it seems. But you are right, I should stay closer.” A grunted reply, and the stone went silent.
The huntress staked out a spot not far from the inn to stay. A sigh escaped her lips. “All right. If my quarry resides in the city, so should I. No matter what.” “ Mm? Ceitidh?” Oops- that was outloud? Ah well, a friendly voice at least, Twie. She can be trusted…
“A warlock named Zurrikan. It’s my fault the demon lives- I have to fix that. No more hiding.” “Yours? How iss t’at, Ceitidh?” “What’s keeping him alive is a shard- one he tricked me into letting him have.” Twie grunted in derision. “It canna be doing vewwy well. On Tuesday he demanded Twie’s body foh his masteh, whoeveh t’e fel t’at iss, ot’erwise he would ignite t’e expwosive in t’e potions he gave Mog and Winatsha.” Ceitidh couldn’t believe her ears. “W..what?” “Oo heard.” Ceit panicked. What other trouble had she caused? “Fohtunately, t’ey dinna dwink t’em. Poured t’em out as soon as he was elsewhere.” A sigh of relief- however slight.. “Oh good… maybe my warning…”
“Twie tohd him no, anyway. Tried to cleave him in half, but t’e damage healed itsehf. No matteh. Nobody suhvives being impaled and tossed off t’e side of Dwaenor.” Ceit chuckled slightly. “Quite true. But then I wouldn’t get the shard back…hmmm…” Another booming Shu’halo voice- Aryxymaraki came from the stone. “I have the feeling I have missed something. However, based on what I have just heard, I remind you of this; never assume a demon is dead unless you see the corpse. Even then, don’t be too sure.”
The forsaken continued her tale. “Said Twie’s body iss ideal foh his masteh, and t’at twie should give it up because he wants to die.” Ceitidh nearly shouted, dropping her supper in the grass. “He –WANTS- to die? He keeps thanking me for letting him live…” “He assaults Akhania’s mind, tries to poison and kill Mog and Winatsha, demands Twie give up everything—life, duty, clan, evewyt’ing—so t’at he can die—and he expects sympat’y? Not bwoody likely. Did it all so he could come afteh Twie, he said.” “There are others he’s hurt.” “Have no doubt of t’at. Little pile of gobwin shit. *ahem* Pahdon t’e ohcish.”
The sin’dorei chewed on her lip a moment. She knew they probably didn’t believe her. Best get it all out in the open. “You ever meet Lady Emberfall? Lilithia?” “ I know her…” Ah- lord Agrahim. That would help her credibility, maybe. “Spoken with her lately?” “No.” Drat. Ah well- just spill it all. “So you’ve not heard… Zurrikan killed her. For the shard I spoke of. At least..at least that’s what he told me…”
Silence fell for a moment., then Twie spoke again. “Oo need t’is shard back?” Ceitidh paused. “I…well… I don’t know for certain. In truth, it belongs to my beloved- even contains a bit of his soul.” “Oo need t’is shard back, Ceitidh?” Ceitidh sighed, almost whispering. “I don’t know… it may be all that’s left of my heart.. but at the same time… it has caused so much pain…” “Well, maybe we will find a way to get it back, t’en oo can decide what to do wit’ it. Hm?” “That would be good.” “Where would he be keeping it?” The huntress snorted. “In his chest.” “T’en we cut it out.”
 “If… I can be of service.” The voice of Shaw broke in quietly. “Not sure what I may offer, but I will do my best in whatever means.” Ceitidh smiled slightly. “Thank you, sir Shaw- it may be that what’s needed most is a kind word. And from what I’ve heard, you’re quite good at that.” Twie wondered, “But how to get it? Hmm.” The ranger continued, “Perhaps there is something we can find out about our quarry, or plan using what we know thus far. Something that could be an advantage.”
So here she sits. They may not trust her. And it’s up to her to find him.
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Ceitidh strode through Silvermoon, Righrean stalking at her side. “I know he’s around here somewhere, Righ…” The tiger bounded ahead of her into the inn, returning to the huntress nodding his head. As if in response, the voice echoed in her head. “ I see yoooouu....” She scowled. “Do you now.” Zurrikan hesitated a minute. “Not physically no. But I could feel you a mile away. How are you, dear?” Ceit growled, echoed by the cat at her side. “Do not call me that.”
“We've been through all this before, love. Calm yourself. Come have a drink.” She walked into the inn, trying to remain calm. “I am coming, though I will not drink with you.” There were several others in there, and she did not want to make a scene. Julian was there as well- perched on something on the wall. She definitely did not want to get him more involved.
The warlock sat at the bar, turned slightly to look at her- still speaking in her head. “You look stunning. I love the outfit.” Ceitidh stood in the middle of the room with her arms crossed, scowling. “It is dragonscales. Skinned them myself.” “You're very talented.”
Ceitidh looked up, shaking her head. "Hello Julian." Julian waved, “Hey Ceit.” Julian soon became messed up in another mess, and Ceitidh went to sit at the bar by Zurrikan.
Her voice felt cold in her own mind, confronting the warlock silently. “I was told that you said you wish to die...” “That is none of your business, child.” “I believe it is.”
Zurrikan glared at the bar, silent for a few moments. When he spoke, it seemed tentative. “And why would you care?” Ceitidh stared at him, unblinking. Her hands clenched in her lap. He continued, voice growing in intensity. “It was a moment of weakness... The humanity caved in to pressure.”
Ceitidh fumed, trying to contain her frustration. “Why would I care?! Because you thank me for letting you live.. because my tale is confused...Because you threatened friends.” 
He snapped back, “I'm fine with this body. I could live for eons more. I will live.”
Silence fell for a few moments more. The light conversation around them seemed so far away. Ceitidh could almost taste the tension in the air, and Righrean was getting antsy. Zurrikan let out a long, drawn-out sigh, suddenly looking very tired. “Though the drugdery.... The ever waking hours...”
Ceitidh huffed. Zurrikan snapped to and straightened himself. “No. I'm fine with it. The demon keeps me strong. I live to thank him.” Ceitidh fought to keep steady. “ I feel no pity for you anymore.” “You should be begging for mine.”
“I will not.”
“Then silence!”
“No. You are not quiet in my mind, nor those of my friends.” “Your friends will burn for your mistakes. Let there be silence!”
“No.”
“Then I take my leave.” Ceitidh growled, feeling the warlock’s presence fade from her mind. Zurrikan stared straight ahead- avoiding the sin’dorei next to him. Ceitidh glared at him, voice steady. “What is it you want of Twie, fiend? Or Mograg?”
A much softer voice, sobbing through non-existent tears, echoed in her head. “For the love of all that is!!! Help me! Help me, please!!!” Zurrikan snapped his head to one side, growled, then straightens himself. 
The huntress blinked, asking tentatively, “Why should I listen?”
Zurrikan , glaring, stood, walking from the inn. Ceitidh followed, Righrean following, tail lashing.
His voice was stronger again. “SILENCE.”
“No.”
“Humanity is nothing. Let me be, worm.”
“No.”. 
Zurrikan twitches slightly, as Ceit follows him through Silvermoon. “This doesn't concern you! Begone!”
“Oh, it does.” Zurrikan 's hands and face twitch more fervently. The huntress and her tiger keep him cornered as much as they can. “That shard makes it my concern.”
“The shard is mine!” He lets out a hacking cough twitching uncontrollably
“No. It is not.”
“I... I...” He gagged. “There is no need!” Zurrikan grabbed his head, shaking...” SHUT UP!!!!” He roared in frustration and rage. 
Ceitidh rests her hands on her sword hilts “No need for what, beast?”
Zurrikan 's skin roiled black, then returned to normal. Ceitidh raised an eyebrow. He breathes heavily, and calms himself. “Nothing.”
Ceitidh smirked, crossing her arms. “Ah.. the fight for control.”
Zurrikan growled menacingly. “I am Zurrikan. The mortal form is but a condition.... I am man... I am demon. There is no control, only existence...”
By now they had crossed the court of the sun- heading up to the Orb of Teleportation. Ceitidh was fuming. “Oh? Perhaps we should separate them, then..”
Zurrikan glared angrily at her. “You've played your part, puppet.... Now leave.”
“No. This is not over.”
“You're right, child. It has only just begun.”
Ceitidh drew her swords, Righ at her side ready to pounce. “But it will end! Now!”
“Try me. This body can not be separated, proportioned, or harmed. The shard is me. And it won't let it leave.” With that, he disappeared.
Ceitidh growled, slamming her fist on the nearest wall. 
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Ceitidh sat with her head in her hands. So many months had passed without a word. Not a word from either Killorn or Zurrikan. What would the clan think? The hunt had failed. What good was she as a huntress if she had lost her prey so easily? True, there had been no word of evildoing, which was some relief, but still…
And Killorn? Where had he gone? She couldn’t even find the one who’d been closest to her heart. She doubted, and chastised herself for doubts, but still the loss seemed to be complete. Even if he did return, it could never be the same- she’d tasted the freedom of the wilderness, and Silvermoon had become a cage. He’d not been the same after the demon- the shard locked some of his heart away as well. And she certainly was not the same. She would not- could not return to the cage. Besides, her heart already focused on another.
But the shard was still out there- a loose end, dangling in front of her, reminding her of her failure. Each time the question came- “How goes your hunt?” She felt another dagger.
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The wind on the bluffs threatened to pull her over. Some part of her mind wondered if it would not be best. 
Killorn had returned. Weaker, and memories missing again, but thinking all could be the same. But it couldn’t. It never would be. “…let your spirit live freely… with me you will be a bird in a cage… I want you to be happy and live free- that is all.” The words were true- truer than he perhaps knew, but still filled her with guilt. Not love, but pity, responsibility… and so much guilt. 
He didn’t remember the shard, and in the waves of emotion, she couldn’t bring it up-though perhaps contempt for her failure would make it easier.
Slipping the ring from its chain, she sealed it with the letter. The letter saying goodbye. Those chains were gone. Her heart was free to run. No more cage of guilt- trying to be who she could not be just to make him happy. He would find someone someday who could be the lady he desired.
But she was a huntress- even if a failure.
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Ceitidh knelt on the hill near Tarren Mill, echoes of the past swirling around her. Here they’d met at the end of days of running, enjoying the view, dreaming, and delighting in each others embrace. Before the demon, before the nightmares. Before the blood, the demon- before the shard. 
And here it would end. She leaned against the sword, both hands on the pommel, forcing it as far into the ground as she could. Grunting with effort, she twisted the blade, making a deep hole in the earth. The huntress pulled the sword free, setting it aside to clean later.
From deep in her bags she removed a bundle of cloth- a shirt stained and torn from past fights- and carefully unwrapped a shard. The crystal was charred and cracked- barely in one piece anymore.
Twie extended the shard to Ceitidh, her voice soft. “Does it look familiah at all? The sin’dorei blinked, running her finger along the edges of the crystal. She gasped- “It’s the shard.. how..how did you find it?”
The priestess looks at the shard in Ceitidh’s fingers, speaking lowly. “have been doing favohs foh t’e Net’herwing, which req’ires Twie to go out in disguise among t’e fel ohcs and do various t’ings. T’e ot’er evening, flew oveh t’e edge of Dwaenor towards Net’erwing Ledge, and saw somet’ing t’at hadna been t’ere befoh.” She looked up, meeting Ceit’s eyes. “Large charred area, wit’ many cwystahs scattered about, many pieces. T’e scene of a big fight.” Twie exhaled a light breath. “T’e char marks went off t’e side of the wohld. Many, many footpwints, but so jammed toget’er it was impossible to tell what had been what. Among t’e remains of the cwystahs was t’at, sticking out like a sore toe.” Ceitidh sat in shock, stumbling over the words. “So it’s over. I needn’t worry over this anymore.”
Twie looked at the shard, then back at Ceitidh. “Are oo certain it iss t’e vewwy same?” The huntress nodded slowly, turning it over and over in her hand. “I can still feel bits.. of the heart I once knew… and the demon that tried to kill me… I watched this shard go into his chest- and saw him cut it back out…” She paused and blinked. “The monster is gone.”
The sin’dorei leaned forward, hugging the undead woman with tears in her eyes. “Oh thank you..” Twie hugged Ceitidh close, rocking very slightly in a soothing motion. “Oo are welcome, little sisteh.” What now? The question rolled around a bit. “T’at iss, afteh all, what we had decided so long ago, mm? T’at oo would get it back and decide t’en.” She nodded, biting her lip. “That we did. I’d thought I’d save it for Killorn- or send it to him. But I think that may not be such a good idea now…” The priestess peered at the crystal. “It iss so smashed, not cehtain how much good it would do him now.” Smiling, Ceit pondered, “You’re right- and he probably doesn’t even remember it. He didn’t get all my letters, so he doesn’t even know what happened.”
“How was he when oo saw him? His usuah self, apart from the memory loss?” The huntress chewed on her lip a moment. “Mostly- though a bit..suspicious. he wanted to read a letter I’d gotten from a friend- tried to take it from my bags even. And he.. seemed to not want to touch me. But he’d said before that most of his… senses.. were locked up here..” She holds up the fragmented shard. “He was still very emotional- but it seemed almost theatrical. That could just have been my changed perspective, though.”
Twie looked thoughtful. “Hmm. Could be a combination, too.” She lifted one shoulder in a shrug. “Hard to say. Who knows? But at least oo are free, as oo said, and if not’ing else, so iss he.” She smiled a little. “Oo have kept your last promise to him, no? No moh obwigations.” Ceitidh nodded, smiling a bit sadly, gazing at the crystal in her hand. “I have. I said my goodbye- sent him back the ring, and now… now this is no more.” “But still a bit of t’e heart oo knew inside, oo said?” Holding the shard in the firelight, the huntress nodded. “Yes.. just a bit…”
“What would oo like to do with it?” Ceitidh sighed, running her finger along the crystal. “My heart has moved on, though I think a small bit is still here as well… perhaps somewhere to lay them- put the past to rest.” Nodding, Twie smiled. “Maybe it iss a good idea…” Her eyes were gentle. “It iss a good way to let t’ings go.”
Resolved, the huntress nodded. “Then that’s what I’ll do.. and I think I know the place, too.”
Ceitidh knelt over the hole, replacing the earth over the shard. She placed a clump of wildflowers over the spot- marking it forever, as well as healing the scar in the earth.
Carefully, she cleaned the sword, replacing it in its sheath on her back. She smiled as it bumped the axe tucked in her belt. 
The shard was gone. The chapter ended. Now she was free to run.
She grinned at Orain, who bobbed his head in encouragement, and the two raced down the hill, ready for their next adventure.
The End.