Adaly approaches Sam gently “I was bluffing, I won’t let anything happen to Livia… I hope you know that” Adaly says hesitantly. She is afraid she was too convincing, and he might have also believed her.
“I know you were playing her. You are just very persuasive” Sam sadly smiles. Adaly touches his shoulder “I know it is hard…” “No, you don’t.” Sam spits out and she can see he immediately regrets lashing out. Adaly looks worried at him. “I’m sorry, it is just… I need some time” Sam says and Adaly nods
“That is okay, take your time. Whenever you feel ready to talk, know I will be there.” Adaly says and Sam chuckles. “That is my line. But thanks, I just need a moment.” Adaly nods “We should get back, I need to talk strategy with Amara, and I would like to talk with Jeremy before we go. Also… this is the last time we will be here, and this is my home, I would like to say goodbye.” Sam nods in understanding and they walk back.
Before they reach the campsite Adaly stops Sam and hugs him “I love you and it will be okay” He hugs her back and he smiles kindly at her, but steps away towards the camp. Adaly would love to be able to do more for him, but mission first. Adaly sends Amara a message ‘Can we talk?’
Amara gets up and walks towards her, and they walk into the woods. Adaly takes it all in once more, being very aware that this is probably the last time she will be in her home.
“The patient man confirmed Heskeni’s story. The first explosion, lethal on its own, collects grace and sin. The second explosion, the actual twilight bomb only works if there are grace and sin nearby. But that is not what I wanted to talk about. Es-Grenalieth is at the manor. So…. I think we should go there before the attack, seeing if there is any collaboration still possible.” Adaly says and Amara looks at her “What do you want to tell her?”
“Postponing the attack, letting them get the crest… But to make sure nobody suspects Es-Grenalieth and us working together, we still attack. Also making them pay for Jeremy’s kidnap.” Adaly says rubbing her head. Amara nods “Yes, sounds like an idea. Do you want to start going?” Adaly shakes her head “I want to talk with Jeremy. And let’s see how the paladins are doing.” Amara nods and they go back to camp.
Adaly goes into the tent and wakes Jeremy “Sorry sweetheart, but we are about to leave, and I want to talk to you beforehand.” Jeremy nods “Oh I get to go on one of the famous walks” Adaly chuckles, as they go for a walk. “So, what is up?” Jeremy asks, and Adaly just looks at him “I need you to swear you will not share the information I am about to tell you till after the mission.” Jeremy narrows his eyes “Why?”
She chuckles nervously. “Please just promise you won’t tell Sam or Livia. I will tell them, when the time is right… And if I chicken out, you have the permission to tell after the mission.” Jeremy looks her over “Fine, I swear I will not speak about it.” Adaly smiles. She goes into her pocket and grabs his blood vial. “Before we go to the hells, I wanted to give this back to you.” Jeremy takes it and looks her over.
“Motherfucker, how?” Jeremy says and Adaly chuckles “Remember the kiss.” “Motherfucker” he repeats. Adaly chuckles once more “I am sorry, I did have the intention to only use it if you ever got kidnapped again. Because let’s face it, they are still out there.” “Motherfucker” Jeremy keeps repeating.
Adaly resists the urge to start laughing, but just smiles at Jeremy “So what are you going to do with that?” Adaly points to the blood vial. He looks at it, seems to be surprised he is still holding it. He shakes his head and smashes it “You motherfucker. I knew you were trouble… Anything else you want to share with me?” Jeremy looks at her inspecting her, but he is less angry than she expected.
“No… But please keep this secret. Sam is already going through enough now. I will tell him when the time is right.” Adaly says a bit insecurely, Jeremy looks at her and nods “He should know…” Adaly swallows “Yes, but I should tell him.” She says with conviction. Jeremy nods in agreement. “Motherfucker” Jeremy says and gets up again, walking towards camp “Jeremy please, tell me you will keep this a secret.”
Jeremy looks back at her “I swore I wouldn’t tell him, so I won’t” “Thank you.” Adaly says and stays a bit behind. She feels guilty, she is hurting Sam with this. She is no better than his mother… She swallows focusing herself on the mission, not her emotions. This mission is too important. She cannot let herself be distracted.
When they start leaving Adaly sees Jeremy slipping something into Sam’s backpack. Adaly quickly sneaks it out and hangs back while the rest of the party starts walking to Suzal. Adaly turns her back to the party, looking at Jeremy and very obviously starts reading his note.
Hey Sam, Adaly gave me a vial with my blood that she apparently took after we came back from the mansion the first time. Promised her not to speak about to you about it, but thought you should know. I think it’s a sweet gesture.
— Jeremy
Adaly looks once more at the paladin who just lifts his shoulders “I had to try” and Adaly chuckles, folds the note nicely up, and nods in acknowledgement. She might give Sam the note later, this is maybe the better way that he finds out.
Stories of my brain 