I'm sorry," Alara whispered, her voice barely audible above the sound of her own sobs. "I'm so sorry, Saulste. I should have been able to save you."
But her words fell on deaf ears, swallowed up by the yawning chasm of madness that had claimed her friend's mind. And as she sat there in the darkness, cradling Saulste's trembling form in her arms, Alara couldn't help but feel the crushing weight of her own failure bearing down on her like a relentless tide.
For in that moment, as she gazed into the abyss of Saulste's broken soul, Alara knew that there was no saving him, no redemption to be found in a world that seemed determined to extinguish the light of hope and leave only darkness in its wake.
Within the following days a grand carriage approached the entrance of the celestial palace, Xalandra, Alara, and Yhulthad stood together, waiting to welcome the other esteemed guests. The air was filled with anticipation and a sense of urgency, knowing that the arrival of Valrath, the god, accompanied by Lady Merril, the Grand Maiden, heralded significant events to come.
As the carriage drew closer, Xalandra stepped forward, his regal bearing commanding respect.
The carriage door opened, and Valrath emerged, his divine presence emanating strength and authority. He was followed by Lady Merril, whose grace and poise spoke volumes of her importance.
"Welcome, Valrath," he greeted with a deep bow as the carriage came to a halt before them. "It is an honour to receive you in our home once more." Alara and Yhulthad echoed Xalandra's greeting with polite nods, their expressions betraying a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. They knew that the presence of the powerful god, and Lady Merrill, the esteemed Grand Maiden, signalled the beginning of the important matters that were at hand.
"Thank you, Chieftain Xalandra," Valrath replied with a nod of acknowledgment, his voice resonating like distant thunder. "It is good to be back."
Alara stepped forward, her eyes meeting Valrath's with reverence. "Welcome, Valrath," she said. "Your presence honours us."
Yhulthad, ever the sage, approached last, his expression serene yet attentive. "We are grateful for your visit."
Valrath nodded, his gaze encompassing the trio of lothrans before him. "Enough with the formalities," he replied. "Let's get ready for business."
With that, Xalandra turned to Lady Merril and extended his hand in greeting. "Lady Merril, welcome to our home," he said warmly. "I have prepared quarters for you all. I hope you'll find them to your liking."
Lady Merril offered a gracious smile in return, her demeanour regal yet approachable. "Thank you, Chieftain Xalandra," she replied. "Your hospitality is much appreciated."
Xalandra then turned to Arioch, the highest elder of the lothrans, who had accompanied Valrath and Lady Merril. "And Arioch," he said, acknowledging the elder with a respectful nod. "Welcome as well. Your presence here is of great importance." Arioch returned the nod with a solemn expression. "Thank you, Xalandra," he replied. He especially was looking forward to the audience with the Aratheans.
With that, Xalandra commanded some of the guards to gather up so they could escort each member into the castle, where preparations for them awaited.