Draiss stared at Niara, before sighing. "Neither do I, Niara. But I told you what that marilith is trying to do, again. What she would have done if I hadn't screwed up that ritual we interrupted even moreso than it already had been. I can live with trying to be killed, and we can repurge you as the taint builds back up. But if you would rather I try and shoulder this burden along, against the marilith, her assassin, her blackguard, and Svala, then I am not going to win without making moves that will devastate the planes almost as much as she would."<br/><br/>He stood up, looking tired again and weary, the good the five days of rest had done abruptly vanishing into exhaustion at the prospect of trying to take on that big of an opponent, alone, slamming into him like an air walker with its boosters on at max into a mountain side. He headed to the door, and paused, before tossing back over his shoulder. "Live in fear and let fear rule you, or return to the rogue I admired during our last adventure. It is your choice Niara. I will not be by again to try and convince you one way or another. As a friend, yes, but not for help."<br/><br/>He stepped out of the room, and slid down the nearby wall, wallowing in despair for a moment, before forcing himself to stand and move forward. He could wallow later, when he had spare time.