Jalm Kato Dies

Lanival clans 'Shadow.'

You clan 'Dark Lord.'

Lanival clans 'Jalm.  I have been looking for you.'

Lanival clans 'Join me.'

The Hall of Statuary

 [Exits: north south  ]

     Various memorials fill this room, a large cenotaph in the center.

(WANTED) Lanival Illithi is here.

Lanival looks at you.

Jalm salutes Lanival formally.

Lanival salutes.

The Hall of Statuary

  A few scars still show of the rigorous combat that used to fill this

room.  The floor is polished and smooth, free of prior scuffs, and while

here and there a gouge in the wall was too deep to be removed, such marks

are uncommon.  The walls and floor are the same stark, smooth black marble

as the rest of the Keep.  However, this room is more well-lit than most - a

huge crystal chandelier hangs from the ceiling, and a number of candelabras

are spread throughout.  The focus of this room, of course, is the number of

memorials that fill it, from the statues lining the walls to a pair of

paintings, as well as an enormous cenotaph at the center of the room. 

 [Exits: north south  ]

     Various memorials fill this room, a large cenotaph in the center.

(WANTED) Lanival Illithi is here.

Lanival says (to You) 'Speak to me of your progress.'

Jalm sighs deeply and gathers himself to speak, face void of expression.

You say (to Lanival) 'There is no progress, friend. I fear there will not be any.'

Lanival says (to You) 'Do not give up on me, Jalm.'

You say (to Lanival) 'I have long been living a lie, I cannot, will not, keep it up anymore.'

Lanival says (to You) 'What lie?'

You say (to Lanival) 'The lie of promise. Long have I been able to keep up a facade. I have grasped desperately for rejuvenation, I even managed to fool myself into thinking I was man enough for these hardships.'

You say (to Lanival) 'Clearly, I am not.'

Lanival says (to You) 'Jalm...'

Lanival stops using a reforged imperial iron crown.

Jalm gazes with blank eyes at Lanival.

Lanival says (to You) 'Of all the knights I have known, you were the one I found most to be like myself.  And we have shared much together over the years.  I care for you deeply.  It is... damaging to my very being to consider your words and what they mean.'

Lanival says 'Do not choose the easy path.  Do not simply give up.'

You say (to Lanival) 'This is where we differ, sadly. I am a shell, o body of lies. There is no strength to be found, no hope. '

Lanival shakes his head with sadness.  'You know what this means.'

You nod.

You say 'There is no other way.'

Lanival inhales sharply and then bellows, shaking with anger.  'Damn it you!  Damn it!  Why must you do this to me?!'

Jalm smiles faintly, eyes gleaming with sympathy for a second before going blank once more.

Lanival grits his teeth and then holds his head in his hands for a moment.  'Lord, these trials you place before me are too much.  These hands slew Crelius and now Jalm too?'

Lanival bows his head and attempts to gather his composure.

You say 'I have no words for you, friend. I have failed. My words are worthless.'

Lanival turns his body sideways from you.  'I cannot face you.  Kneel where you are and bow your head.'

Jalm nods slowly before kneeling.

Lanival stops using a black kite shield emblazoned with the Illithi crest.

Lanival stops using ancient axe of Raije.

Lanival wields a large gleaming war sword.

Jalm gazes at Lanival momentarily and then bows his head.

Lanival mutters to his blade, 'You will have drank the blood of more Shadow Knights than a mighty paladin lord.'

Lanival moves slowly toward you, closing his eyes just briefly in silent prayer.

Lanival looms over the kneeling man, sword gripped with both hands.  'you Kato...'

Lanival raises the sword high above his head.  'You have failed the Sanctum and your god.  You are adjudged a failure.'

Lanival unleashes all of his pain in the swift downward arc of his blade in a righteous fury.

Jalm lets the blow hit him with all it's force. He makes not a sound as the blade cuts through him, ridding him of life.

Lanival says 'And I condemn you to death.'  After finishing the deed, he tosses the sword away in disgust and drops to his knees, tears welling in his eyes.

Jalm falls over in a heap, eyes blank and lifeless.

Lanival slams a mailed fist into the ground in frustration and anger.