Barrow Fields Golden Days

Surprisingly, Desna's story had taken a similar turn. Like his old name, Reek; Desna was old hat. A dead name. Buried in favor of something else. The meantion of her mother casued the cardinal's heart to stir. She had been the first and only patient he had truly lost. He had thought so highly of Scarlett. She had been a wonderful friend -- her death pained him to this very day.

"Valette," he said, testing the name on his lips. It would take some getting used to. "It's beautiful." In a way, the spirit of her mother lived on in her -- not just in body, but name. "She would be so proud to see the young woman you've become," he added, feeling the sharp tug of emotion on his heart brought on by the memory of Scarlett's passing. He could only imagine, knowing how proud he was of her.

"I go by a new name too," he said. "They call me Hiram now... after my cleansing." The spirt of Raas had not just given him a new name, but had renewed his spirt. He would try to bring Valette into the fold, to save her soul, but only when she was ready.