The Tower of Mysteries sat in the main courtyard of the dilapidated Fortress of Light and towered over what seemed to be left of the once mighty walls and buildings of the Brotherhood of Light. High above the ground in the towers top most chamber a light flickered in the window as the Ancient One looked down at an approaching Vargus. It had been a very long time since the two had seen each other and the memories of that time, a simpler time, came flooding back unbidden to his mind.

Mysit was sitting on his lap as they lounged in the Great Hall surrounded by their friends; Ra, Kay, Anna, Wolf, Lydia, Vargus, and Rapier just to name a few. The wine, ale, spirits, or what have you flowed freely and there was always a large rack of freshly made whipped cream pies at the ready to be tossed into an unsuspecting face or placed onto ones? seat just as they went to drop into their chair. Over the long years there were other women sitting in his lap in the same setting; Talia, Thara, Angelica, Lydia, and Shara stood out most in his mind though.

Shaking his head to clear away the fog of memory, he stepped away from the window and headed for the center of the tower and the portal to the ground floor it contained. Exiting the tower he quickly headed for the main hall where he knew Vargus would head first. Keeping to the shadows he was only given away by the blazing sapphire flames that were his eyes, but he knew more than long ago to mask his presence and his eyes with the deepest of magics.

As Vargus tossed his cloak aside Pyriathin Arrowny stepped from the shadows to stand against the railing of the balcony and put his foot on the first stair leading down to the main floor when he began speaking.

?It?s about time you decided to come back, ?old man?.?

Pyriathin was not as Vargus remembered, no longer wearing the ornate onyx robes with silver runes he was now ?dressed to the nines? in a black Armani suit from earth and a black silk shirt and tie; although the boots were the same black leather. His hair was still just as long and swept back in that tight ponytail of the same style as Vargus wore.

?You should know better, Vargus. To think that I would allow this place to fall to ruin while the fire still burned in my soul.?

As he spoke the walls around them began to shimmer as if they were a simple mirage. What they were was simple illusionary magic. The rubble at their feet quickly melted away, dropping Vargus?s cloak onto the pristine ground and the holes in the walls, ceiling, and balustrades began filling themselves in. In short order the Amon built stonework of the Fortress of Light was whole once again and the aura of power and goodness could be felt emanating from the structure.

?So, old friend, where would you like to begin??

An old sensation, a feeling, a familiarity tugged at her senses which brought her head to rise from the needlepoint she was working on. "Is it so?" She whispered and rose from her chair as a sense of urgency came over her.
It called to her and she had been waiting a long time for her home to call her back to it. She would answer the call as she moved with elegance and grace up the stairwell to her bedchambers to pack. Halting a servant as she moved down the hallway. "Have Ely to ready my horse, tonight I am going home." Giving the puzzled sevant a smile she moved past him and entered her chambers.
Stepping to her desk she opened a secret panel and reached inside, pulling from the depths an insignia she thought she would never wear again.
Memories of Vargus, Pyriathin, her Brother Grayson, Ana, Rapier, Vlarnin, Bruce, rick and the others that had filled those sacred halls with laughter and tears. It was time to answer the call home, she had heard hints of it in the past but each time she ventured to what was home and sanctuary for many, she found a dream or illusion in its place.
She paused as she placed the last of her clothing, she was packing light this time, and wondered if she should return home.
there had been heart aches, but she had come to learn, that was part of life and she learned to live with it.
Closing her sachel she lifted it to hand and made her trek down the stairwell and outside to where Ely waited with her mount. Attatching the sachel to her mount and with Ely's aid she mounted her steed and kicked it gently into motion.
It took a days journey to reach the hallowed grounds of the Brotherhood, she pulled her mount to a halt as what she saw caused her to be amazed. The Fortress of Light was being restored and she sense two familiar presences within the confines of the Fortress.
A smile came to her lips as she dismounted and with shawl pulled around her shoulders she walked the rest of the way to the Fortress of Light. Lifting her hand she added her touch of magic to the magical powers already flowing around the Fortress, This alone was her signature that Lady Thara had arrived and her gentle touch was being added to the restoration of their home. "Vargus....Pyriathin....I hath come home." She called out to the gates knowing well they would already sense her presence without a word being said.

Thara's essence gave her away before she had pulled her mount to the gates. He was sure that even Pyriathin had detected her. As she approached, he smilied still, grasping the hand of his oldest friend. As she arrived, offereing hugs, he took one from her. There were still a few around that he missed, and were grateful for. He shook his head, smiling. "I'm sure that there are others that will come back." He nodded as he looked around. The sound was something he had not heard in some time.

"Bruce!" He offered a hand shake quickly, as he turned full to face his friend. "I see that your days in service still keep you bouncing around the cosmos!" He laughed - which was strange, that metallic echo continued to escape with his words."

"There is a newspaper in town, and I think we should probably make a press statement. Some may remember the Brotherhood, some may not. I've been doing some research the last few weeks. Our help is needed." He looked at each one of them. "It will take time." He smiled. "I'm sure that there are others doing the best they can, but who will say no to a little more help?" He chuckled lightly.

Thara gave warm smiles all around as each was given a warm heart-felt hug. "Bruce, dearest friend, ye looks hath nae changed after all these years. Welcome home."
Turning to Vargus and with a nod and a sparkle to those crystalline sapphires, in her way she let them all know she was ready to make their presence known once more. Her gaze then drifted to the Fortress and she smiled. "We art nae getting things done standing out here, I brought Armand to cook us a good meal for the night and a full load of cleaning supplies from the palace. We will definitely get our home back in order and ready for anything."
Thara knew how to keep the Fortress clean, she had stayed there the longest after everyone had went their own way. She had kept it clean along with Vargus's tower, till it was sealed. She always prayed everyone would come home, now they were and her efforts would actually pay off.
Armand struggled to get his robust self out of the carriage that finally showed up behind Thara. His thick almost drunken French accent filled the air. "Armand is here and no one will be hungry again!" He literally sputtered his words as he looked to the small group before him. "Ahhh much too skinny, need good food and drink and weight will be replenished." He gave a big smile to everyone as he then turned and headed for the kitchen to begin getting the evening meal started.
"I could not resist bringing him, he does make the most wonderful meals I have ever had." She smiled sheepishly knowing each of them had partaken of Armand's grand meals and endured his tongue when any food was left over. "We do need someone to make the meals while we get the Fortress livable again.
That said she turned once more towards the Fortress and pulling her saddlebags she made her way towards the Fortress and the work that awaited.

Thara paused in her forward motion toward the main entrance to the fortress, a familiar presence reached out and touched her heart. She watched Armand to mutter as he kept on going, she smiled knowing the evening meal would be quite lavish, that is if he got the kitchen in shape fast enough.
Turning she looked out at the gate, her eyesight was sharper than it use to be, which made it easy to locate the figure that sat just outside the gates.
"Gray?" She whispered as every inch of her screamed in excitement as the presence seemed to be her Brother. She never expected him to return, he had even said he would be gone forever, as the pain of his duties here would be laid to rest along with him.
She turned and moved with slow graceful steps back to the gate and paused looking down at him. It took alot of effort not to pounce him with a huge sisterly hug, yet she could not halt the tears of joy at seeing his rugged appearance once more. She dropped her hand out to him. "Welcome home Brother..." Her words whispered as a couple tears of joy trickled down her cheeks. She wondered what he would think of her now, so much had changed her and she was alot stronger than she use to be. She could only hope he would accept her and how fate and destiny had dealt her life as he would see.

Tears of joy would not be denied as she slipped into the strong warm embrace of her Brother Gray. Even more so when he spoke softly to her.

"As Father would have said..."

Grayson smiled.

"I'm home."

They both knew Father well, he had said those words many a time and always with a fanfair, for she was a lot younger than Gray and it usually had meant some little gift or something.

The gift this time that came with those words was her Brother Gray and she wanted nothing else. She knew this was possibly temporary so she would definitely make the most of it. Stepping back she let her raven black wings flutter slightly as her hands move to her hips. "You are starved!" She commented with a grin as she knew those would be Armands exact words. "I brought Armand and he will be shocked seeing ye so thin, so if I was thee I would be ready to eat. Ye knew well how he gets."

Those crystalline sapphires held amusement and humor as she could not restrain herself from a bit of teasing, and she was quietly shocked he had nae a word of teasing for her. Yet that would come, mostly likely before the night was over and they would be picking at each other like they use to.

Yet the difference, this time, was she had grown more refine and had an inner strength that was never there before. The years of handling the kingdom and other things that their Father use to do had caused her to grow up emotionally and mentally.

There was no child standing before him, she was much more mature, yet it did not stop her from leaping back into his arms hugging him tightly. "Please say you will stay, at least so we can catch up, Grayson." This was words of a child, but words of a young woman that knew he could easily leave once more, for his duties would always lead him to far away places. She hoped they would have a little time, even if it was just one night to spend reflecting on things and possibly start some new memories no matter how small they may be.

"So this is where you set the Tower... Father."

She had sensed her father would do this. Just to be sure, she came this way while she was in town for the voting thing. Yes, she still did her bit for RhyDin, watching over it as she always had and being somewhat active in its affairs. Voting was one way, her involvement with the Academy was another... simply encouraging trade between Exodii and the RhyDin was a third way.

Now she stood on the fringe of the property gazing at the old fortress her mother, Shara, used to be a part of. Sha'uri remembered growing up around it. She remembered when her parents got married. She remembered Wolf.... how she was literally born in love with that one. A little part of her would always be. And even more so Rick, she would never forget him, never got over him either. He had held her heart like no one else had... literally even.

She smiled remembering some of the stupid fights they'd gotten into, and some of the best fun times she'd ever had, like the first plane ride she'd ever had. He literally had her tumbling head over heals on him. Of course, she was only about an inch or two tall at the time but still.... She wondered where he was and how he was doing. She hoped the very best for him. And Thara... how could she forget her? She wouldn't. Thara had a special place in her heart, too. She would never forget Thara and Rick and the times she spend working with them at Hue estates.

She began to sense it wasn't just her memories thinking of them, but that they were there inside the old fortress. All those nights silently thinking, praying even, never really saying it but always hoping that her father would return... he had and brought company with him. Oddly, though, she felt very uninvited at the moment.

She wondered if Crystal would be coming back soon, too, now that her father was back. Her adopted sister.... Family... tears welled in her eyes thinking about all this time without them.

Footsteps caused her to shift her gaze. Not twenty feet away, walking along the road was a figure in light colored robes. The hair was bright silvery blonde. At first, Sha'uri thought it was her mother and froze silent just watching the woman walk slowly along. Then she realized it wasn't her mother but Lyndra with blonde hair?

She hadn't seen Lyndra since she left Exodii. What was she doing here? Something felt... wrong. Maybe it wasn't her. She left her spot along the side of the road and moved to intercept the woman. Sure enough, it was Lyndra.

Sha'uri tried to get her attention.
"I like what you've done with your hair..."

Lyndra paused in stride and looked at Sha'uri as a sapphire light flashed within her eyes. Her gaze seemed vacant as if she weren't really seeing what was there, but beyond it into something else. The past, a memory. Lyndra turned back to the road and walked slowly.

Sha'uri narrowed her gaze, sensing something.. some power... some...one. Mother. Sha'uri didn't know what was going on. She hadn't been back to Ravensheart Academy in some time, not since her .. for lack of a better word... miscarriage. She could only wonder what had occured for Lyndra was nothing like this when she left Exodii. How did her mother connect? But that was a stupid question. She knew very well. Lyndra was origianaly made as a trap for her mother.

"What are you doing out here?"

Again, Lyndra's strides paused just inside the property line.
"Child... are ye really so dense ye don't know why?"

Sha'uri swallowed hard and fought tears.
"Don't do this... I don't know why you're using her, but don't do this. Please, mother."

Lyndra began walking again.
"No, I suppose ye don't know. Let's just say that... I needed to see for myself. Don't worry, I'm not going in. I doubt I would be welcomed and rightfully so. I'm not who I was then."She paused again.
"And I had no choice, Sha'uri. Lyndra was destined to either be used by the forces of darkness... or light. I had to claim her as much as Isabel could not be born. There was no choice."

Sha'uri tried to absorb that as much as it pained her still to think about her daughter... one that could never be born. Her lips trembled.
"Go home, mother! Is there really any reason for you to be here?!"

Sapphire flame ignited in Lyndra's eyes.
"They were as much my family as yers... more so. But I'll go if only to give ye peace.... if peace ye can truly have in that torn up heart of yers. Child, when will ye learn? Let the pain go... yer not ready for this. Go back home."
Lyndra vanished.

Sha'uri shivered staring at the spot. There was something different in her mother, in Lyndra. They weren't the same. It felt wrong. It was like she didn't know her. Perhaps that was the true pain.... the unknowing of those you once knew. Maybe it was true... the mother she once knew wasn't really her mother any more. This thing with Lyndra, it was something new.

Sapphire hues gazed back to the Fortress and filled with mist of tears. Alienated.... she felt so alienated from them at the moment. It wouldn't do to see them now. Jaws clenched, she turned around and headed back into town, walking along the road to clear her thoughts... needing to get away.

He chuckled softly as he glanced at his sister. "A few of my favorites... I suppose I should get ready for some very hard exercise over the next few days, considering if Armond starts cooking what I think he's going to, I'm going to put on weight just looking at this meal."

Gray's eyes twinkled as he walked beside Thara, silently watching the space around them, noticing all the changes in the world around him. Changes in people, changes in things - the world was very different from that which he had left.

He was not complaining, of course - that was what always happened, in his case. He would end up in some of the strangest places... and he smiled at the memory. For once, he hadn't ended up 'just anywhere'. He'd been brought home, and he intended to enjoy the experience for as long as he was allowed to.

Those crystaline sapphires sparkled as she looked up at Vargus. She ponder his words, which were true, the attempt of a council just did not pan out and though she tried her best, still it seemed to fail.

"I think that is the best idea we have, Vargus. I prefer the original ranking, because we need that if we are to once more face darkness that may prey upon Innocents."

Thara nodded at her words as she glanced around to the others and up at her Brother whom she leaned on, not because she needed to, cause she wanted to out her love for him.

I Agree we need to set up the comamnd structure as to who to place in the Commander position fy first instinct is you Vargus. the question then is do you want the job. If not you then Pyrathian but logic would dictate that anyone of us could do the job.

~Tres Hellsing exerted a short sigh, ending it in a soft laughter. He couldn't believe this. Ice blue hues watched the get together, long strands of black hair camouflaging his face within the darkness.~

So they have forgotten me... After so long? I hope they didn't think I was dead or something.

~Shaking his head slowly, his ice blue hues enraged with crimson for a moment then returning back to ice blue. He had been watching the whole time from the shadows, the reunion. He was shocked that he was not noticed anymore. Closing his eyes, Tres vanished, following their movements to the next destination.~

He frowned slightly as he listened to his friends and then nodded. "If that is the common thought, then the motion for myself to step in as Commander in chief and Pyriathin to be second is the motion to be carried by the majority. If all are in favor, please indicate in the affirmative."

The white within white eyes moved from each of his friends, pending the motion on the table, allowing them to vote for that which they held in their hearts.

Not being one to miss anything Bruce watched Vargus as he spoke and could see something in him that he could not quite identify.
"Vargus? do you want to position of command? if you do then i will support you 100% but if you would rather have someone else in command please say so now."

Thara's smile lit up the area, as she felt radient with the choices made this day. The Brotherhood need strong guidance and in her eyes only two fit that position, her beloved Vargus and her patron Pyriathin. It had been a very long time since the fortress had been open and filled with life. It had always held a special place in her heart as it had been home to her once she had left Faerun.

Many things coarsed through her mind that were from the past, some were pleasant and good, the other sad and forboding. Sshe had been more like a lost child back then, but after these many years she had become responsible Lady and Ruling Monarch of the House of Hue. Still she came home and was overjoyed at being here with those that held a special place in her heart.

Thara glanced around at each and every one of them and like Gray they were in need of good food. She placed her hands on her hips as she eyed them up and down as she says.

"We will rebuild the Brotherhood back to its greatnes, but first thing first, all of ye seem a bit thin and I brought Armond who will lament the condition ye art in. So let us retire to the dining hall and see what delectibles he has cooked up at short notice, my friends."

Arm still linked to Gray and with a smile to the others she led the way to the dining hall and the dinner that awaited them.

He nodded, the flame bobbing with him. He looked at the others then nodded to Pyriathin. "If there are no other votes, and no other opinions, the move for leadership has been concluded. I shall command and Pyriathin shall be my second." He nodded, then smiled. He shook hands with Pyriathin, then the others.

"Second bit of business is to begin recruiting, and rebuilding the ranks. We'll need guards and staff for the fortress as well as primary operations. I'm open to suggestions about how we can begin."

Thara smiled at her dearest of friends whom she loved equally as with her Brother Gray, except Vargus whom still held her heartfire, for she had never taken it back. She had grown in patience and excelled in gracious and regal form since tha last time she stood with those present.
Her mind drifted to recruiting and knew it to be a priority, also she still was in contact with a few that once walked these hallowed halls. She knew she would extend the invite to each and every one of them and hope they would wish to return. Then she would turn her voice outward to attract new comers that walked in the light and could follow the Code of the Brotherhood.
She knew evil had its own temptations, but the light was one of dedication in protecting the innocent and halting the spread of darkness. If they were out there Thara knew she would find them and bring them into the Brotherhood.
She watched Vargus and Pyriathin clasp hands and knew a new era awaited the Brotherhood with many trials and tribulations, yet they would surpass them with the unity they had between themselves. A new start, a new chance to protect the innocent and keep darkness at bay.
Squeezing Grays hand her smile was radient, she had waited patiently for them to gather once more and take up the vigilance against those that would bring the darkness to those that could not protect themselves from it.
"I agree with Lord Pyriathin, we need Soldier of Light to make our presence known once more, so recruiting is the highest priority. I will seek out some of our former members if I can find them and ask if they would wish to return. I also will begin recruiting others that will follow the Code of the Brotherhood and aid in defending the light in what ever manner they possess."
Having said her piece to be added to Py's words, her mind began to work on accomplishing the task, which included an application that would give background of those she spoke to as possible recruits. She had grown confident in this aspect as she had recruited soldiers and others to aid the Royal House of Hue in its indeaver to protect the innocent. She would use those skills for the Brotherhood in her efforts to recruit new members.

Thara turned as she heard the thumping, she squinted to try and make out whom the man that walked onto the grounds of the Brotherhood.
Something about him seemed familiar, she had long kept memoriabilia of those whom once graced these hallowed halls. She was not one to forget a face or an associate that she had called friend in times past.

"Vargus...Py...does he seem familiar to thee?" She quietly asked all the while studying him intently and going through her mind to place the face with a name. She recalled Angelica's brother Kang, but this man was shorter and had tatoos and Kang was taller with no tatoos. Still he fit the image, kinda.
Then she remembered her manners, even if he was not one whom graced these halls before then it was only right to invite him in to share evening meal with them if he was passing through.

"We are about to have our evening meal, if ye wish to join us...our hospitality is extended to thee this night."

Thara said to the man, still trying to place the face with a name. She could only hope Vargus or Pyriathin could discern whom he was and whom he was seeking.

Hah, much as he'd thought. Well, when he first saw they were responding to his approach, he'd cut back on the drama of the staff's thump, the sound more normal now. that had merely been to make sure he couldn't be mistaken for one trying to sneak up, since he'd doubted he'd be recognized completely.

"Hail and greetings Thara, Vargus, Pyriathin." Those were the ones he recognized the most easily, though others were familiar, and so many memories were there to be called up more slowly. His travels had let the 2 psyches behave usually as one, but Rhydin was the first time he was revisiting his past since the event.

"Well met to you all, though I see some uncertainty. Let me clarify things, and confuse them further. My name is Kang Matier, and I both am and not the man of that name that you know so many years ago. It's a longish story, but for the moment, know that all of who he is and was is part of me."

Another name that had been unheard of in some time. He smiled lightly, offering a bow. "Welcome home, Kang." He looked back to them each. "If you will excuse me for a few minutes, I have some work I need to get started on. He extended his hand to Kang to shake hands then would step away from the group, heading deeper into the fortress.

Sitting there Thara listened to his story, she did remember what Angelica had told her of her parents when the two of them first met and became friends. She sat there with hands folded into her lap letting him complete his tale to its ultimate conclusion, giving him her full undivided attention.
"Kang ye hath been through much from thy words, one doth sympathise with thee and the trials ye hath went through." Thara remarked softly as her small hand reached out and patted him gently. She knew Vargus had left this for her and she knew he trusted her with the details of taking care of any whom sought the Brotherhood, either alumni or new members.
"Ye art now home and ye room is ready for thee, whether ye stay or leave, ye will have a chance to rest and enjoy some nutritous food and drink before life journey takes thee away again." Thara stated, letting it be known he was under no stress to stay if he did not wish to, but no matter his choice he would be treated with undue respect and hospitality.
"We doth hope ye will stay Kang, for the Brotherhood is needed once more and call went out to us all, each responding as the light showed us the way. Now come let me show thee thy room and then the dining room where dinner is being served. My door is always open if ye need to talk for I have come a long way and become a very good listener." Smiles softly, those crystal sapphires sparkle as two jet black wings lift from her shoulders.
Kang could see and sense she had undergone a few changes herself and could see she was much more sure of herself and confidence sparked with each of her words and actions. They knew each other on passing and during the time Angelica was still at the Brotherhood, still friendships were made and she had kept them all even after they all went their own way.
Standing Thara motioned for him to follow as she led him into the Fortress and up the circular stairs to the bed chambers. She moved with subtle grace down the hall till she stopped before a door and with a wave of her hand it opened before them. "Ye key is inside the room, I used wizard lock to unlock ye door but only to allow thee to gain access to what was thine."
The door held his name on it and inside was the same decor that was his when he left it. "Ye do remember where the dining room is, the food will be set up in there and I will see thee there. if ye can nae find it just call out my name and I will come and guide thee to the dining room." A smile still remains upon her lips as she turns and heads back down the hallway to the stairs, a sense of hope in her mind that he would stay, but would understand if he had to leave.
There were so few of those that once inhabited the Fortresses Grand Halls and she hoped more of the former Brothers and Sisters would heed the call and return as they had done. Time would be the factor in that quetion whether they would come or not, so till then she knew Vargus and Pyriathin would need all the help they could get.

the days sense retuning to the fortress had been busy the infirmary was a mess by medical standards a thick layer of dust lay on everything took three daysto clean then it was time to restock the supplies and be able to treat any injury from any number of causes on any number of species