== Michalla Truesilver Background Story - Episode 3 == ----- On the day when the Torm Paladins entourage was supposed to depart from Suzail, a sudden and urgent matter befell upon the entourage leader. Hence, the departure was delayed for a while. The paladins and clerics were allowed to wait at the temple, or anywhere else within Suzail, as long as they gathered again immediately at the determined time. Some decided to wait at temple, while rechecking the entourage’s supplies. Some others decided to wander around Suzail’s streets, hoping to do more deeds for their hometown before they left. And some others decided to go somewhere else, to attend their own business. Staying at the temple would make Kayla felt guilty, as she was unable to help with the logistics. Walking around the streets of Suzail would result several undesired meetings. Besides, there was no one else she wished to meet. Hence, she decided to bid farewell to her best friend. Or so she thought. Kayla found herself standing in the middle of graveyard. In front of her, lay a headstone with a distinctive shape, showing it was a grave of a War Wizard, or one of their promising apprentice. Kayla could not forget that day, when Elryn, that headstone’s owner, along with several others, ‘died’ under her ‘command’. Kayla still hoped that some of them were actually survived and still alive. Several bodies were missing in that incident without trace. They were assumed dead, since part of their equipments were found, while the owners’ bodies were nowhere to be found. It made some of graves were actually empty, just like this grave in front of Kayla. Kayla hoped that one day, Elryn would appear before her. But as the days passed, it became more and more unlikely. Amongst everything she had been through so far, that incident was devastating for Kayla. Her first ‘own decision’ as a ‘team leader’, had cost her a high price: several good comrades and her ‘best friend’. She still regretted her decision on that day, even at this moment. It had been...how many years was it? Kayla could not remember the exact date, but the event was carved inside her memory. She looked at the headstone, and went silent upon seeing the date of death on it. It took her a while until she realized that the date inscribed on the headstone was the same date as today. It meant, this very day was a commemoration for that incident. True, the tragedy was not worth to be commemorated by the whole Suzail. However, some people would visit this place eventually, and they would be the people whom Kayla tried to avoid. She must leave this place immediately. Unfortunately, the moment Kayla turned her body around, two figures were standing not far from her, with one of them was looking at her with cold stares. The one who stared at Kayla was a man with short blonde hair, donning full plate with the emblem of Purple Dragon Knights on his tabard and cape. His name was Grim Skatterhawk, a Purple Dragon Knight. He was de jure leader of Kayla’s group before the incident occurred. Grim was rather antagonistic toward Kayla since the first day they were assigned under a same banner. Kayla had no slightest clue about why he behaved like that. This was what made him, amongst all people, the last person Kayla ever wished to meet today. The female knight with short black hair behind Grim, who wore a similar outfit as him, was Laeyra. She was Grim’s aide and also another Purple Dragon Knights. Kayla had much reason to remember her, as Laeyra was in the same group as Kayla. She was also the few ones who objected Kayla’s decision back then. She even suggested Kayla for waiting Grim’s presence before taking any action. Kayla did not heed her words, and ended up leading the group to meet their demise. As their eyes met each other, Laeyra immediately bowed her head to Kayla, although she might be done that because of Cormyrian’s customary, not by respect. Grim, in the other hand, walked closer to Kayla without letting go his cold stares. “Why are you still here!? And why did you even bother to come here!?” Grim asked with disdain look on his face. Kayla answered the questions with silence. Grim approached her furiously, when she averted her eyes to avoid eye contact with him. “I don’t care whether you are a member of Royal Family or not; you don’t have any right to come here!” he said with a sharp tone. “Cormyr doesn’t need an irresponsible coward like you!” he paused while looking at the graves, “Neither did them! Your apology won’t meant anything for them!” Kayla did not reply him, which seemed to make him became more infuriated. “Just...go to your Tormite brethren already, and get lost! I don’t want to see you again, ever.” Grim’s voice was slightly trembled, as if he was trying to suppress his deep hatred toward Kayla. Without saying anything, Kayla started to walk toward the graveyard’s exit. Laeyra bowed her head slightly when Kayla passed in front of her. Of course, she did it because of the Cormyrian’s customary. It could be nothing else, Kayla thought. Kayla just continued walking to exit the graveyard, without looking back at all. She felt offended by Grim’s insults, but she could not deny it either. In fact, what he said were nothing but truth, hence she must accepted it. Or so she thought. ----- After a while, finally the Tormite’s entourage began to move. They would be heading to Athkatta, capital of Amn. Unfortunately for Kayla, she saw familiar faces several times, on the way toward the gate of Suzail.They were her old comrades from the apprentice and initiate group back then. She averted her eyes from their direction and tried to ignore them, as she did not dare to face them. It was just as Grim said; she was running away from Suzail, running away from her responsibility, under the excuse of another responsibility. It was pathetic. But there was nothing else she could do. And thus, the Tormites’ entourage finally left Suzail...