A/N: Continuing thanks to Shenzi for betaing the edits and the new additions to this story.
Long Way Home
Chaper 3 - Homeward Bound
Jen sat at the edge of the clearing kicking her heels against a tree stump, watching as Tristan and her crew completed their packing. She'd spent a restless night shivering under her borrowed blanket from a combination of cold and anxiety. She'd always thought of herself as a rather capable person, well able to cope with whatever life threw at her by applying a combination of logic and humor. However, she found little that amused her in her current circumstances. She felt isolated and alone for the first time in her life; a feeling she certainly wasn't enjoying and didn't know how to resolve. Although she was glad to have found Tristan and her party, their company wasn't precisely reassuring.
After joining them she'd spent the evening in the small and stuffy shelter talking – being grilled, really – about her inadvertent journey. The two knights and Tristan had been kind enough although she'd noticed Anomen, the younger knight seemed to be somewhat thin-skinned judging from his constant and usually defensive reactions to any and all observations that ran counter to his own. Jaheira had been brisk and rather motherly, making sure she ate and digging out an extra blanket for her.
The morning sun finally penetrated the trees, its thin rays reaching to where she sat and providing a modicum of heat. She was grateful for the warmth, particularly after such a cold, wet night but wished she could do something useful. I'd be warmer if I was working and it would probably help me feel better. However, after stuffing her few belongings in her pack she'd been shooed off to the side of the camp by Jaheira to watch and worry about what came next. The previous night's discussion had ended without a firm plan of action although Tristan had been clear that Jen should remain with them for the time being.
Lost in thought, she didn't hear the tiefling, Haer'Dalis, approach until he was standing in front of her. The sound of his voice, mellifluous though it was, surprised her and she jumped, nearly falling off the stump. "This Sparrow has been sent to request your presence," he said, reaching out to steady her. "My intent was not to startle you but to convey an invitation. I believe the current discussion will be of interest as it affects your immediate future, little Finch."
She stared at him, noting the way the sun glinted off the beads artfully woven into tufts of long and bright blue hair. Handsome, although distinctly alien, his skin was dark, with an almost olive cast to it and with the sun shining directly on him, she saw he had several dark red lines under his cheekbones and running down his chin. Under the light of day, she realized they were not tattoos as she'd thought the night before but natural patterning much like the stripes on a tiger. She flushed, realizing she was staring rather rudely, but he didn't seem to notice as he waited for her to respond.
Little Finch is it? She'd noticed his penchant for referring to the others as various types of birds or even animals so it seemed entirely appropriate to respond in kind. "Of course," she replied, looking up at him, "I'll be right with you, O Peacock."
He grinned at the retort, throwing up his hand in a fencer's gesture. "Ha!" he said, "Perhaps the kestrel is closer to your true nature." She grinned back; glad he hadn't minded her teasing retort. Her brief observation of the party had shown her that the majority of its members seemed to be extremely serious. Using humor was comforting and allowed her to feel almost normal. She greatly preferred people with a sense of fun and had already noticed that in this group, only Tristan and Haer 'Dalis seemed to qualify.
She rose, following him across the camp. At their approach, Tristan looked up. "Ah there you are. We're about ready to leave but first, I know you're wondering how to get back to your home. I've been wondering what to do as well, since I feel we can hardly leave you out here alone. However, there is hope. Last night Haer'Dalis told me that he thinks the necklace you showed us is something called a portal gem – a stone that opens doors between what we call planes although I think you might call them worlds. We think you must have activated the gem when you picked it up and it opened a door from your world into Amn."
"Oh!" said Jen, her face brightening. She looked at Haer'Dalis, figuring he was the most knowledgeable. "Then it should simply be a matter of turning around and going back, right?"
"Yes, if you can activate the stone again."
"Or," Tristan added, "If one of us can open the door for you." She looked at Haer'Dalis. "Can you do it?"
He shrugged and held out his hand for the necklace which Jen obligingly dug out of her pocket. As he took it, a look of intense concentration came over his face. His lips moved silently for a few moments and the golden lines in the stone begin to glow. Jen stepped closer to him just in case something happened, but after a few moments he stopped, allowing the lines to dull before handing it back. He looked at Tristan.
"As you see, my Raven, I believe I can use the stone. However, we must return to the area containing Jen's portal so I can be sure she goes out of the same door she came in." He winked. "In fact, I may well have to go with her – just to be sure she arrives safely, of course. Ah such a dilemma – to continue with you on your grand quest or go off on my own to seek out new worlds and new civilizations - to boldly go where no tiefling has gone before!"
"How that one became become a spell-casting bard given his propensity for jumping between subjects or dashing from one place to another, much like a cat chasing a bird, I'll never know," Jaheira muttered.
Tristan shook her head at Jaheira, but couldn't quite suppress the amused smile that snuck across her face. "I'd hate to lose you, Haer 'Dalis, but you must follow your own star." She turned to Jen, "We'll go back to the area in which your door is located– as Haer'Dalis says, we want to make sure you arrive safely."
Jen nodded slowly. "Thank you. I hate to put you to the trouble of going back with me, but after yesterday, I have to agree that the wilds of Amn don't seem particularly safe. I just wish there were an easier way to get home, but I guess there's not." She clicked her heels together surreptitiously muttering, "There's no place like home. There's noplace like home. Damn. It doesn't work."
She flushed, realizing from astonished looks on the faces around her, that she'd spoken out loud. Only Haer'Dalis appeared unsurprised, instead looking greatly amused.
"Ah Kestrel, so your world knows that story too?"
She gave him a surprised look. "Uh - you mean, you know this story? Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz?"
"Ah yes! The story of the Wizard who inadvertently teleported people from many worlds into his own and the heroic attempts of young Dorothea to find her way home – in fact, 'tis not entirely dissimilar to your own tale, it seems."
Jen grinned, wondering briefly if they shared other stories. Perhaps they did, thanks to other visitors – or planetravelers as they seemed to be called here. Certainly there had been at least one, given the gem she'd found. Turning back to Tristan, she said, "I'm quite ready to go."
It was early afternoon by the time the party drew close to the spot where Jen had first entered Amn. Jen spent much of the journey talking with Haer'Dalis who asked her any number of questions about her home. He seemed to be set on accompanying her through the portal although she didn't quite understand why. For some reason this concerned her and she found herself trying to dissuade him. She was certain that his appearance – particularly his weapons and physical features would draw attention – at least some of which would be unpleasant. For although his bluish hair and earrings might seem rather unremarkable to many people, she really didn't know how the tattoo-like markings on his face or his furled and pointed ears could possibly be hidden or explained away.
"We've been talking for hours and yet I don't think you understand how different my world – Earth– is from this one. We don't use magic or weapons – at least not like the ones you're carrying. And there are so many rules. A friend of mine who fences as a hobby was arrested because he had a rapier in his uh – vehicle, so what do you think will happen if you're caught carrying those?" She pointed at his twin swords.
"My Kestrel, each plane offers its own unique dangers. This Sparrow has evaded snares on many worlds and if perchance this time the trap closes, so be it. Entropy rules all; things do end and eventually, so must I." She looked at him in some surprise for his tone was inordinately cheerful as if he looked forward to the thought of death.
She shrugged. I really am wasting my breath and I'm probably blowing all of this out of proportion. He'd probably end up a celebrity on some sort of weird reality TV show – didn't I hear someone referring to him as an actor last night?
They continued walking for some time until finally, a low rumble – the sound of water dashing against rocks - penetrated the forest's stillness, signaling they had nearly reached their destination. The sound also prompted Jen to realize that the journey had passed very quickly, in no small part thanks to Haer'Dalis's conversation and she wondered if his inquisitiveness had been intentional; perhaps even intended as a distraction as well as to sate his obvious curiosity. She hadn't gotten the impression that he was particularly altruistic but she was grateful nonetheless.
They came across the creek shortly thereafter, following it towards the sound. As they drew closer, a faint sense of excitement and intense relief crept over Jen. She increased her pace, moving past Tristan, her eyes searching for any geographic feature that looked even vaguely familiar, finally stopping as she reached the falls. "This is it. This is where I came out. I'm sure of it!"
"Here?" Tristan looked around. Water was falling from at least fifteen feet above them, running over a rock overhang. Large flat rocks grew out of the bank along both sides of the broad creek, channeling the falling water into a large deep pool. "It seems pretty deep. Why weren't you wet when we found you?"
"See how the rocks for sort of a basin for the water? Well they go under the falls sort of like stepping stones. Over there - closer to the cliff," Jen pointed. "Look, I'll show you." She clambered down the embankment, walking towards the falls. As she drew closer to the cliff face, she stepped out into the water, placing her feet carefully on the series of rocks just below its surface. Haer'Dalis dropped his pack on the bank and followed, his eyes searching for something under the rock overhang. "So Kestrel, is this the spot?"
She nodded, reaching into her pocket for the necklace. "Here. See if you can make it work."
He took it and began focusing on the stone. She saw his lips move slightly as they had the first time he examined the stone. All at once he stopped. "There is a door here. Are you sure you're ready?" She nodded again.
"Wait," he said. "I'll be right back. He made his way back across the rock bridge, stopping to pick up his pack and speak briefly with Tristan. As Jen watched, the young woman clapped Haer'Dalis on the back and then stood with the rest of the party, watching as he returned to Jen and began to chant under his breath once again in strangely discordant tones. As soon as the stone began to pulse, Jen stepped closer, putting her hand on Haer'Dalis's arm watching carefully as the stone flashed in a familiar way and the air around them began to shimmer. As the opening appeared, she peered through and thought she saw someone standing on other side. Beth? No it couldn't be. I've been gone more than a day. It must be my imagination. The portal continued to shimmer, blurring everything in front of her as if she were looking through a window covered with sheer curtains. As she stepped forward, the ground began to moving, shaking slightly at first and and then with increasing strength. She heard voices calling loudly from somewhere behind. One of the voices sounded like Tristan's, but since she couldn't figure out why Tristan would be calling to her at this point, she ignored the sound, focusing instead on the gap in front of her which was growing clearer and allowing her to see that he person on the other side was indeed her friend.
"Beth!" she screamed joyfully, "Beth! It's me –it's Jen! I'm coming!" Stepping past Haer'Dalis, she tried to shove her way into the cave. She heard a loud rumbling and felt hands grabbing her and pulling her back. She fought, struggling to thrust herself through the portal as pain blossomed across the back of her head and things went dark.
The rescue team had searched the cave and surrounding area thoroughly. Although Beth had sounded the alarm almost immediately, few clues had been found to indicate that Jen had even been in the area much less to her disappearance. In fact, if it hadn't been for search dogs clearly identifying her scent on the trail, the ground near the river and inside the cave, the hunt for her would have ended after the first few hours.
At this point, with the team turning up nothing and all possibilities exhausted, the deputy in charge had decided it was time to regroup. None of the pieces fit, although the entire situation – a woman disappearing without a trace – was highly suspicious. Her friend had been questioned at length after the disappearance was first reported but her story, at least at this point, seemed unshakeable. The two women had been hiking together, found a cave, went in, her friend went out and disappeared. He still suspected Beth who was the last person to see Jen. Although she seemed nice enough he had been in law enforcement long enough to know that personal gentility had no bearing on the ability to commit or not commit a crime. He didn't really want to face the young woman's family and give them the news but he knew when it was time to quit wasting the Search and Rescue team's time and taxpayers' money. He could see Jenessa Griffith's parents and her friend near the command center. Might as well get it over with, he thought and headed towards them.
As she watched the team packing its equipment in preparation for the trek back to civilization, Beth felt sick with disappointment. She had been sure there would be some explanation – some clue – to explain where Jen had gone as well. She'd also hoped for something – anything – to alleviate the deputy's obvious suspicions about her own role in Jen's disappearance. She'd spent hours at the local Sheriff's office the day before and had actually received a "don't leave town" warning at the end. The sheriff's deputy on site hadn't been exactly welcoming when she'd turned up that morning, but he hadn't turned her away either and she felt she needed to be there. She had known Jen for years – since elementary school – and she wanted to be with her family both for their comfort as well as her own. Jen wouldn't give up so easily – especially not after only a day. Jen's parents were standing near the command center when she arrived. She was relieved to find that Jen's mother at least still seemed to believe in her innocence for she greeted Beth with a hug and then stood with an arm around her as they watched the proceedings. Beth wished there was something more she could do but nothing came to her.
Finally, feeling restless and needing to move, she decided to pay a last visit to the cave. She headed towards, it ducking under the waterfall only to be stopped by a search team member. She turned, intending to go back to the bank when the light in front of her flickered and the air began to shimmer. Looking up she saw figures – two people – one of whom looked familiar.
"Jen!" she yelled, "Jen! Over here! We're over here!" One of the people turned towards her and Beth could clearly see her friend in the opening standing behind a male figure.
The woman waved at Beth and seemed to be calling so Beth shouted again only to be interrupted by the deputy splashing across the creek towards her.
"Where is it? What do you see?" he demanded, grabbing her arm. She pointed. "There – don't you see her? In the doorway – it's Jen! Now will you believe me? Someone's with her. A man, I think, but…." A loud rumble cut off the rest of her words and as the ground began shaking, she stumbled and then began to run, the deputy holding her arm as they threw themselves out from under the water, scrambling to get to the river bank.
Chaos ensued for the next several minutes as people clutched at trees and equipment. Looking back towards the cave, Beth saw that once again, there was no sign of anyone or anything; just water flowing over the rocks and splashing into the pool below. She looked over to find the deputy staring at her rather grimly and she knew she was likely in for another bout of questioning.
"I definitely think it's time we wrapped this up," he said firmly. "I have a few questions about what you thought you saw back there so come with me miss."
When Jen came to she was lying on the ground with Anomen bent over her, chanting and waving his hands. She looked up at him groggily, feeling a tingling sensation sweep across her body. Her head cleared almost immediately and she sat up, feeling considerably and suddenly better. She smiled at him in thanks, taking his outstretched hand to support herself as she rose to her feet and noticing that the brace under her fingers appeared badly scratched. She looked up at him and noticed other scratches and dents in the armor on his shoulders and chest. That's funny, how could that have happened in such a short time? I swear his armor seemed much shinier – almost new in fact - this morning.
"Wha' happened?"
"An earthquake started just after Haer'Dalis opened the portal and the two of you started to step through. Luckily Keldorn and I realized what was happening and managed to pull you out before you were trapped behind the rock slide," he said. "You got hit by falling rock. I don't know exactly what happened but at this point, I'd have to say that your door home has been closed and locked."
There was a roaring in her ears making it difficult to hear as she tried to process Anomen's words. "Closed! Oh God! No way home?" She tried to draw in a mouthful of air, but her lungs seemed to have no room. Calm. Must remain calm. If you can't breathe in, then breathe out. She focused on breathing, blowing out to rid her lungs of excess air and create space for the next breath in. Not going to faint.
"Hardly the most tactful way to tell her, lad," she thought she heard Keldorn say.
It occurred to her that she hadn't been alone. She looked around. "Uh, Haer'Dalis?"
"He's fine milady," said Anomen firmly. "That one is like a bad coin – he'll always turn up."
"Yes, this Sparrow is ready to fly," interjected the bard from somewhere behind her, "and hopes that you, Kestrel, will soon be ready to soar as well. As for you, Dog…."
Tristan waved her hand sharply at him, effectively stopping what appeared to be the beginnings of a heated exchange. "Enough!" she said. "Clearly we've failed. At this point all we can do is take Jen back to Athkatla with us. We can use the time as we're traveling to figure out some way for her to fend for herself since she's stuck in Amn for the time being."
There was something about hearing the words, "she's stuck in Amn," that made her predicament suddenly become very real. Jen felt the weight of truth rushing over her, crushing her beneath it and she felt sick. Not to see my parents or friends again. To be separated from everything that I love. She'd been able to push away the possibility of no return since the morning because she'd had hope. Now it was gone. She was alone and dependent upon the goodwill of complete strangers. Jen had been brought up to stand on her own two feet. She was used to taking charge, not feeling helpless but the sudden change in her circumstances was overwhelming. She sank to the ground, burying her face in her hands as tears rose to her eyes.
"I have no place to go," she choked out between sobs.
A hand dropped to her shoulder, squeezing comfortingly. "Don't worry," said Nalia. "I'm here for you. Helping others is important to me. And besides, I bet Tristan'll help you just like she helped me. She always figures something out."
"There are other doors to your world," added Haer 'Dalis, "we just have to find them."