This story, which is called "Thoughts of a Wanderer", is an independent fanfic. Neither this story, nor the author is authorized or sponsored by, nor licensed or affiliated in any way with any entity involved with or representing the development, marketing, distribution or support of Interplay Productions, Black Isle Studios or BioWare Corporation. All titles, items, and characters, described or referred to in "Thoughts of a Wanderer" of the original game are trademarks of their respective companies. This fanfic is absolutely non-commercial and non-profit, and may not be distributed in any forms or in any parts without prior consent of the author "Adventuress".

Thoughts of A Wanderer-

Day 6, Hour 11 (2 Mirtul, 1369)

Love.

I understand it is a thing that is hard to give, and even harder to lose. There is bitterness in my heart that I cannot explain, a barrier there to prevent my heart from hurting. Every night I silently lie awake, sobbing away my pain and frustrations of a lonely heart. There is no freedom for love in a Bhaalspawn's life. After all, look what happened to Gorion… and Imoen. They have been the only ones I have allowed myself to love and they were snatched from right under my fingertips. No; it is better I live a lonely existence and allow others the liberty and pleasures of life without my taint looming over them. Should I allow myself the hope that one day I too shall melt into someone's arms? To feel the butterflies in my stomach when my eyes meet with my lover?

We shall see.


Sable's footsteps echoed throughout the stony staircase. She deliberately went as slow as possible, placing once foot hesitantly before the other. She quietly adjusted the lavender laces on her top, threading them through some holes before tying it off into a knot at the top. She threaded her fingers through her raven tresses; letting the long locks fall wherever they so pleased. She did this often, thinking it gave her a wild and exotic look.

She was nervous; so nervous her fingers were trembling. She held her hands out to let the digits touch the cool stone to ease her thoughts. She sighed heavily. She hadn't seen Ashen Leonsbane for what seemed like…forever. And how in the Hells did he know I was here? She shook her head as she took the last step on the staircase. Why did he come? Why now? She held her breath in anticipation as she slowly looked around the corner, careful not to be seen. She was surprised to note that none of the other companions were in the audience hall. It was simply Ashen standing next to a table, drumming his fingertips in a jaded manner. She took a moment to admire him while he was distracted. Her eyes first roamed over his whole body, taking in his towering height. Well, he was tall to her because of her heritage. Her eyes snaked back up to his northernmost features. His long raven hair, like Sable's, spilled down onto his shoulders. He kept it neat and clean, judging from his appearance at the moment. He had a chiseled nose, and a strong jaw. Her eyes lowered a little to discover his broad shoulders, his slim but firm waist, muscled calves, and wide feet. She raised a dark brow. His muscle mass had grown quite a bit since the last time she had seen him. It wasn't the muscles that had caught her attention though. After all, plenty of men had an attractive physique. It was the eyes that had captivated her. Her blue orbs wove their way up once more to try and catch his striking emerald eyes. A lump caught in her throat as her eyes met his. How long had he been watching? She didn't expect to see him staring at her. She stepped out from the corner of the stairs as she noticed a slight smirk appear on the corner of his lips.

"So it is true. Sable, the famous Bhaalspawn, does live in this charming little castle." Sarcasm dripped from every word as he spoke. He gave a mocking bow, sweeping so far down his head looked as if it would hit his knees. She should have expected this…but she wasn't one to back down. She was known amongst her companions for being extremely stubborn and hardheaded.

"True. I do live here." She raised a dark brow at him, taking a few steps toward him slowly. "I find a castle with guards more appealing than the streets of the slums." She gave him a small, cruel smile in return.

"Ah." He wiggled a finger at her scornfully. "Still caught up in your little status games, hm?"

She shrugged lightly, squaring her shoulders so she faced him completely. She was tired of the games already. "What is it you want, Ashen? Why did you come here? Not for some childish word mêlée, I hope."

"Actually, no." He shook his head slightly. "I've come because I have heard of Imoen-"

A sudden burst through the door startled them both. Sable looked over to see Jaheria walking toward her in a confident stride. She stopped beside her friend, an arching brow greeting her as she looked from Sable to Ashen. "Pardon the intrusion Sable but I must speak with you. It is urgent." Sable nodded once to Jaheria in acknowledgement.

"Excuse us, Ashen. It will only be a moment." She turned to walk toward the opposite part of the room so she could quietly converse with her comrade. Jaheria followed quietly, a worried expression clouding her features. She began to talk quietly, her voice level throughout the conversation. "It is about Nalia." Jaheria's gaze drifted over to Ashen. She wrinkled her nose somewhat before whispering again. "She's sick Sable. Surely you knew. We…don't think she's going to make it."

Sable's dark brows creased in question. "I knew she had a small cold…perhaps even a fever." She brought a single finger up to tap on her full lips. "Why wasn't I aware of this until now?" She tilted her head at Jaheria in question. She was beginning to get angry.

"Nalia requested we not wake you. She insisted that you needed your rest."

Sable slammed her fist up against the wall. It was not hard enough to puncture it, but Jaheria and Ashen suddenly focused their attention upon the infuriated woman.

"I will go and see her now…alone." Sable lifted her chin as she turned to walk out of the room.


Sable opened the creaking door slightly; peering into Nalia's room to make sure no one was there. She let out the breath she was holding as she looked around the area. The large hearth was filled to the brim with crackling logs. Pea green curtains completely covered her window prohibiting any light to filter though. A few small candles were lit about the room allowing the shadows along the walls to come alive, growing and shrinking every moment. She heard Nalia give a loud, gurgling cough. She grimaced as she stepped inside, shutting the door softly behind of her.

"Nalia?" Her voice was soft and welcoming as she walked toward the sickly woman. Nalia turned her head slowly until she caught sight of Sable.

"Hel-" Nalia coughed suddenly, bringing her hand up to catch a large gob of spittle and mucus. She looked horrible. Large, dark bags were visible under her eyes. Her shoulder length hair was so greasy it almost looked a dull brown instead of its usual shimmering ginger color. "Sable." She took in a deep breath to cough again.

Sable took in a small breath before letting it back out. "I see the potions aren't working." She stopped as her knees touched the side of Nalia's wrinkled sheets. Nalia's hand that lay closest to Sable was tangled between the emerald sheets. Sable searched for her hand for a few moments before finally taking it and situating it between both of her own. It felt clammy and balmy to the touch. "I'm…afraid for you Nalia." Sable pursed her lips for a few moments in silent thought. "I…don't know what else to do. We've tried almost every potion we have here."

Nalia let out a small gurgle as she exhaled. "There…is…someone." The cough sounded again. "He will know…" She paused a moment to catch her breath. "…how to help. His name is Wesley." Nalia closed her eyes, letting her lashes quiver in exhaustion. "If you…would seek him…out in the slums." With those last words Nalia turned her head away from Sable to drift off to sleep. Disturbed, Sable placed Nalia's hand back onto the soft sheets. She turned away from the sick woman to the covered window. She walked over to it and pulled the velvet curtains open. A beam of light entered the room sprinkling Sable in a bewitching glow. She took in a deep breath as she looked out the window. Flurries were beginning to stick to the window allowing little to observe from the outside world. Sable knew this type of condition was dangerous to travel in. Perhaps the weather would ease up as she traveled closer to the coast? She sighed heavily. She had already decided to go alone. She wouldn't tell the others her plan; not yet anyway.

"Rest well, Nalia." Sable whispered as she took a last look at Nalia before departing. Her boots rattled against the cold stone floor.

She balled her fists up as tight as she could after closing the door to Nalia's room. She put her back up against the wooden frame as she listened to the young woman cough once more. She gritted her teeth.

I'll be damned if I stand by and watch as one of my friends wither and die.