Consequences

How could I have been so imperious?! To think that I was so sure of our victory that I would just blatantly provoke such a battle without preparation is unthinkable. I know better and should consider the safety of others. I was just so blinded with contempt for those who would align themselves with such a stain upon the world, that I allowed myself to act emotionally. I know better and have to be better. Only the fate of Rovin is at stake. We have an opportunity to undo the damage that was done so long ago. I cannot allow ego and hubris to cloud my judgement at this stage of our journey. We are so close to victory. We have defeated Anargul. But at what cost. Mavinda and Itophi have both perished. I may be able to return them to life. But at what consequence to their psyche and souls? How will this experience change them? Will their souls even be willing to return to the living world? Itophi was so enamored with the ideas of immortality and cheating death. And suffered in so much pain for all of her existence. I don't believe that Mavinda has suffered such a defeat of his person before, even though he too has experienced much loss. After the loss of ARC... I can't continue to lose my companions. Not just for the fate of the world, but the sooth of my soul. I grow weary. Fatigued with the work that still needs to be done. I think more each day of the beehives of Old Stone Chimney and the good works being done there. Soon, maybe. We seem so close to our goals, but if this battle showed us anything, it is that victory is still not assured. Maybe Rerae had the right idea. We should just flee and await our fate. Maybe those consequences are less painful and damning.
 
And what of elves to the East? I thought we had reached the edge of civilization. Even the caravan mistress had said there were no peoples beyond their Caravanserai... Maybe we should continue our journey to the East instead of returning to the Graph.