XVII: Rin

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RIN

“Rin! I died!” Lana announced as she entered the Halfling’s home. Momentarily startled, Rin quickly went to the kitchen and prepared a drink for Lana.

“Lana die? But Lana here with Rin...” he responded, perplexed. Lana plopped into a chair at the table and propped her head on her hand. She quickly regaled him of the news. Of how she had woken that morning in a fit. Once more she had felt the cold molasses like sensation on her face, like she had every day for the past six weeks, and freaked out.

“What the hell is on my face!” she had screamed at Sylis. He bolted upright and confirmed nothing was there. A soft sob came from Lana. She felt like an idiot. She knew nothing was there, but it was the tipping point for she was tired of trying to pretend like everything was alright. And so she confessed to Sylis about all that had been happening (though neglecting to relay the murdering parts to Rin).

“It seems to all have begun after the minotaurs Sylis. I know I was hit hard, but I must have hit my head or something- what Sylis?” Lana asked seeing that the Wizard held a queer look upon his face.

“Lana... that minotaur killed you,” he said. Lana looked back in disbelief.

“And I’m alive how?”

Sylis went on to explain that Rasuvius had used a potion, something called ‘Revive at Any Cost’, on her. The guildmaster had used it before Sylis had any idea what had happened.

“I thought he had stabilized you, but then you began to lick the blood off your fingers and pick up the splinters to eat them. You were a hot mess to say the least. I even tried stopping you, but you attack me for that.

“Then I saw a thick, clear liquid all over your face and suspected Rasuvius had done something more than just render you a health potion,” Sylis explained, “It is that ‘Revive at Any Cost’ that has caused the quirks and your- well, desire to kill, which I think it totally fine! It sounds exciting. Can I come with you on your next kill?”

Lana gaped at Sylis. He had an arm around her, but she felt anything but comfort. Dread weighed upon her. Even the newly acquired quirks that made her do things she normally wouldn’t or forget who she was, was caused by the potion.

“Um, sure..." she began absentmindedly, "but I don’t know when the next one will be..." She then told him she had to go work a shift at Faela’s.

Rin placed a cup of taze in Lana’s hands. She drank deeply, having caught him up on how she died. There was relief in knowing her loss of control wasn’t completely her fault.

“I guess I’m happy I’m still here and all, but Rin... I’m a mess!” Lana continued to vent, “I thought I was losing my mind and would have to go back to Dr. Tomlund! I never want to be trapped again...”

Rin sat next to Lana, placing a hand on her arm and giving her a reassuring smile. “Rin see what Rin can do to help.”

“Help?” Lana replied incredulously, “I’m a damn nut job Rin! It’ll take a bloody miracle to fix this!” Lana laughed. She did so to mask the sorrow in her heart to admit to it. She didn’t want to be crazy, but Lana knew this was something Rin couldn't fix.
The Halfling, however, was his usual optimistic self. His eyes gleamed and with great gusto said, “Rin will make Lana miracle!”

Sylis had said similar words. The Wizard said he’d see if Xara or his Dean knew of a way to fix her condition. Hearing both guys confident that her madness could be fix was inspiring, but Lana knew she was a lost cause. Still, her mind clung to the what if?

The endearing look upon Rin’s face, the absolute determination that brightened his countenance, was enough to fill Lana with gratitude. She reached out and pulled the Halfling into a tight hug. “Stop being so cute,” she whispered.

“Rin just being Rin. Lana trust Rin to fix madness?”

“Of course Rin,” Lana replied, “I trust ya with my life. If ya do manage to find a cure, it’ll just be another reason why I love ya.”

The Halfling pecked Lana on the lips before saying, “Rin not need more reason to love Lana.”

“Really?” Lana said imploringly. Her thoughts flooded with all her flaws, a weight pressing upon her shoulders as she looked at Rin. He was too good, too kind, too selfless. By contrast, Lana was vile.

“Sometimes I feel like I don’t deserve ya Rin,” she admitted, “I mean why? Why did ya help me that day I was running from Barut?” A flash of anger swept over Rin’s face, but Lana pressed on, determined to make her point, “I’ve stood ya up and used ya for help. And because of that ya got involved with Barut and for heaven’s sake we’re seeing each other in secret! Rin... I’m doing ya more harm than good.”

Lana and Rin sat together, Lana resting her head on the Halfling’s. His ear was pressed against her chest as he pondered a reply. Was that to be the moment that he finally saw her for what she was? Selfish and unkind? Broken and lost?

“Lana good person here,” Rin finally said, placing a hand on her heart. He sat back up to look Lana in the eyes. “Rin can’t make Lana understand or believe, Lana has to do that on her own. Lana has lost her way, all people do, but Lana will find it. Rin will be at her side when she does.”

“But don’t ya blame me a little for what happened with Barut?” Lana persisted. The anger came back to Rin’s eyes at the dead man’s name.

“Lana not reason for Barut. Barut reason for Barut and he will suffer for all eternity,” Rin said contemptuously. His features then softened as he looked Lana over. He wrapped his arms about her once more, adding, “Lana not deserve Barut. Nor abuse. Nor her view of herself. Lana deserve love! Rin loves Lana very much!”

Tears burned at Lana’s eyes. He didn’t blame her and in spite of all her flaws loved her unconditionally- or stupidly- she’s not entirely sure which, but she was grateful for his devotion.

“Didn’t I tell ya to stop being so cute?” Lana said. Rin beamed up at her.

“Rin not Lana’s servant,” he replied.

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