Summary: What does Aribeth's best friend have to say about her descent? Could she prevent it altogether?

Disclaimer: Neverwinter Nights and the characters and storylines therein are property of BioWare. The characters Febrien andConnorwere created by and belong to me.

Lost Souls

Tani drove her mare forward desperately, futilely raising an arm against the branches lashing at her face and clawing at her cloak and vest. The healer heard the thudding of hooves closing in on her and urged the dark horse into a breakneck pace. She swerved as a ravine opened before her and instead cut a path through the thick brush surrounding it. To the south she saw the trees finally starting to open up, and made a winding path towards them just as another rider burst into view behind her.

"Please, Kiera, just a little farther," she pleaded. The mare responded with a whinny and leapt the last line of low shrubs marking the boundary into the deep forest. The trees immediately thinned, offering the elven woman better passage.

Halfway there, she thought, rubbing Kiera's neck as the surefooted mare made her way quickly along the rough path. Please, Gods, let us make it...

Some time in the past...

Febrien Seltain cracked her eyes open at the soft dawn light gilding her windowsill. Stretching her arms over her head, she looked once more at the rolled parchment perched upon her bedside table. It still dazzled her that Aribeth had sent a messenger requesting that she personally look into the troubles surrounding the great city of Neverwinter. While many considered her a resourceful and irreplaceable ally, she was far from a famed adventurer. Still, she leapt at the opportunity to see her long-time friend once more.

Febrien had lost track of Aribeth after a lengthy battle to save their hometown. She had heard rumors that her friend was wandering in the wilderness with no thoughts but those of avenging those who were lost in the war. Eventually Aribeth had resurfaced with a new faith and purpose in life. Febrien spoke with her many times after that, but the woman never revealed the details of her enlightening journey. Lately the two elves had seen little of each other, as Febrien traveled frequently and Ari had settled in the far city of Neverwinter.

Now the ranger relished the chance to make the trip to Neverwinter, her questing finished and her desire to see her best friend again almost overwhelming. She rolled off of her straw mattress with a groan and quickly devoured her breakfast of bread and milk. Pulling her soft boots and breeches on, she stumbled into the bracing morning air and tossed a few flakes of straw to her dozing horse. Waking, the mare whickered her thanks and began munching contentedly.

Febrien grabbed the all-too-recently emptied saddlebags hanging from a peg inside the stall and returned to her house to pack. She quickly tossed in her belt and gauntlets, carefully folding her cloak atop them. Next she tucked her amulets, brooch, rings, and potions into the various smaller pockets, careful not to crack the delicate glass vials. Her composite longbow, Assanti, was attached to the bags with a long leather cord, her longsword, the Light of Cania, in its scabbard on her hip. A blacksmith of great renown had crafted these weapons for her many years ago as thanks for rescuing his daughter and they had saved their owner's life more times than can be counted. Finally she slipped into her armor, tucked the letter away into her pack, and was ready to make way.

Saddling her mount with a deft speed, she led her into the square before starting out. She left word with a wizard friend that she was leaving and may be gone for many months before turning the mare to the open city gates. Pausing at the edge of the forest, just before the village was out of sight, she looked back to her home.

I wonder what lies in store on the road ahead, she pondered, watching the little town start to come alive with the daily bustle of activity. Sending a prayer to Tyr for a safe journey, she sighed and turned the dark horse once more to the path that would take her to Neverwinter where her best friend was anxiously waiting.

"Let's go, Kiera," she urged, and sent the mare into a brisk trot through the trees.