Exalted: Shards of Hope - [Fiction] Homecoming

[Dave ST]

"May put her at risk?" She gives each of the Exalts a scornful glare. "You're very presence here put's us all in danger!" Her mother clutches her daughter tight.

"It's only gotten worse since you have arrived." tears stream down the woman's face puntuating the fact that here is no greater love than a parent's for their child.

Callum knew those tears all too well, he'd cried them once long ago and he clutched his wife and daughter just as Elbeth's mother tightly clung to her own daughter now.

"You've already cursed us all to Immaculate damnation. Please, leave us to our fate." She says between sobs.

[Travis Kincaid]

Callum turned away, the sudden reminder of his own prior life was too much for him to bear and he needed a moment to compose himself even as he felt fresh tears well in his eyes. Despite everything he'd gladly give up his power for his family to be alive and well once more.

After a minute he wiped the water from his eyes and turned, "We should go, the woman does not wish our help, and she will not be convinced otherwise. Trust me on this." He reached out and touched Mei's arm, "Come, we mustn't force these people. If they are not convinced by our deeds no words will change their hearts."

[SalmonMax]

"It doesn't have to be like that," Mei-Ying tries again, desperately. "I know there's risks for her coming with us, but there's risks to her staying as well. If she comes, we may be able to help her. Her power of prophecy is as much of a curse as it is a blessing right now, but with training and practice, she might be able to do so much more with it."

She hesitates, then nods.

"But as you will. She's your daughter, and her fate belongs to you. Tell her...we will miss her."

Turning away, she puts her hand on Callum's arm and lets herself be led away.

[Rysha]

Rysha stood for a long moment, unmoving in the soft rays of the sun, her penetrating violet eyes finding the woman's and then her daughter's, her voice as quiet as it is undeniably commanding. "The touch of destiny is never easy to bear. We strive, and we bleed, and we make what peace we can with the choices we have. The choices you have, Elsbeth. We will miss you, and if you are ready, fate will see us meet again."

Turning on her heel, the warrior follows her companions from the small hamlet, binding a cloth across her forehead to hide the golden mark of the Sun.