Notes: Spent a large amount of time reworking all of the older pages the past couple days, ESPECIALLY page two (highly suggest a reread). One thing in particular was making the more noticeable changes Alerac has been feeling as of late. Anyways, it has been a learning process and my writing has gotten a little better this past week, or so I hope. Definitely a hard working process all of this has been, though the script itself has been thankfully easy to come by. Ha. But enough of that, on with the story.
A Misunderstanding
I soon found my way outside the large keep, giving a slight shiver as the cool night air brushed against my body. I realized though it was dark, I must have been knocked out for only a few hours. I could certainly use the extra time for rest later. I slowly walked down the long stone stairway that lead to the keeps front entrance, sitting down on the last step. Very few walked about at this time it seemed, most being inside for drink or in bed resting. A couple of guards walked by, staring at me for a moment but saying nothing. I almost forgot the scene I must have undoubtedly caused earlier today when Imoen and I arrived. I looked up at the stars for a long while, trying to think of something besides the troubles of my life these past few days have caused me. I was startled a little when I heard a woman's voice behind me.
"Nice night, huh?" Imoen asked, taking a seat next to me. She gave a slight smirk at my sudden jumpiness.
"You really have to stop sneaking up on me like that." I said to her, acting more annoyed than she must have known I was.
"Why, were you expecting someone else?" She asked with a sly grin. Though I knew I was quite awestruck when I first laid my eyes on Jaheira, I had hoped I was a little less obvious about it. I tried to quickly change the subject instead.
"I don't know, another assassin maybe?" I lied, looking away from her. Though I could not see it Imoen wore a pained expression across her face, obviously not being her intent to upset me.
"I'm...I'm sorry Ale, I didn't mean to bother you. I know all this has been really tough on you lately." She apologized, making me feel guilty for having her atone for something she didn't need to. I sighed before looking back, her gentle face saddened with her worry for me.
"It's alright...I just keep thinking about everything that's been going on of late, why any of this had to have happened." I answered glumly before looking away again.
"It'll be okay Ale." She said as she held onto my shoulder. "We'll figure all of this out, we have friends to help us now don't we?" She said a little bit more cheerfully.
"I suppose that's something." I said simply, looking back toward the sky again. "But my father's killer is still out there Imoen, and I'm afraid he won't stop looking for me until I'm dead, possibly you as well." I looked back to her with worry.
"You need to stop worryin' so much about avenging Gorion right now Ale." She said with a look of concern. "I know you want to get back at whoever that was that killed him, I do too. But we don't even know where to start lookin'." She said the last dolefully. "All we can do now is help some people down south in need, but we'll find his killer some day, I just know it." She squeezed my shoulder some and gave me a hopeful look. I wanted to believe what she said would be true, I really did, but it all just seemed so hopeless at times.
"I know you're right Imoen, it's just..." I trailed off, looking down to my feet before continuing. "Why do these people want me dead? Why did Gorion have to sacrifice his life, so that I may live?" I shook my head and rubbed my face with my palms, trying to understand.
"I don't know Ale...we just have to keep moving until we find some answers I guess." She said finally, giving me another hopeful look. I sighed again, not wanting to think of such things further.
"Thanks Imoen. You've been a great help." I said with a smile. "You should get some rest though, I'll be fine." I continued, though she seemed uncertain.
"Ya sure? I could stay awhile longer if you like." She said even as she shivered slightly from the cold.
"No it's alright. I have some business with the owner first anyways." I explained, thinking back to the equipment I needed to purchase before we left.
"Alright then, see-ya in the morning Ale." She gave one last warming smile before walking back up the stone steps, leaving me once again to my thoughts. Though my future looked dark indeed, at least I wouldn't be entering it alone.
I stayed outside for awhile longer before heading back in, the chill eventually getting the better of me. The activity inside was somewhat lessened when I returned, many patrons having turned in already. I made my way toward the bar, looking for the innkeeper. When I reached the counter I noticed no one was there. I turned around after a moment, considering to ask a nearby waitress for assistance when a mans voice spoke from behind the counter.
"What will it be lad?" The voice said, startling me slightly as I looked back, still not seeing anyone there. I stood there confused for a moment, before an aged gnome appeared from behind the counter. He studied me for a moment, absentmindedly rubbing the counter with a damp rag.
"Oh, right. I was wondering if-" I spoke before he cut me off with a surprise.
"Ah its you! You're the lad who was attacked by that foul wizard earlier today." He said as he studied me more closely, scratching his chin in thought. "I'm quite sorry about all that, hard to call a place like this friendly when young travelers are beset by villainous men like that Tarnesh. For no good reason no less!" He continued, displeasure lacing his raspy voice. "Say, I'd be bettin' you could use a drink after that whole ordeal. On the house of course!" He finished, stepping down from his small crate, already grabbing an empty glass.
"No that's not-" I tried to decline, though he would have none of it.
"Nonsense! 'Tis the least I can do after all." He continued, waddling over to one of the many large barrels lining the wall behind him. He filled the mug from one of the wood containers, letting a little spill over the side before stopping. He moved slowly back toward the counter, setting the amber beverage down for me to drink. He waited expectantly after doing so, giving a smile as I clasped the drink in my hand. Though I would have preferred not to drink it at all, it would be rude to turn it down when he was showing such generosity. I took an experimental sip, instantly surprising me with its sweet taste. I took a longer bigger gulp following that, licking my lips as I set the mug back down.
"This is really good actually, I usually don't drink that often. What is this called?" I asked, again taking another sip as he studied me curiously.
"Mead lad. Just where do ye hail from anyway? I'd imagine most young men your age would be swimming in the stuff, given the chance." He said with a slight grin.
"Candlekeep." I said instantly, instantly kicking myself for being so forthcoming with my words. Though he was trustworthy enough, I would have to work on who I spoke to much more carefully.
"Ah yes Candlekeep, the secluded halls of knowledge. Never been there myself, was too busy with my own band of adventurers when I might of had the time for such visits. Though that was long ago indeed." He spoke with warm nostalgia as I listened intently, taking another sip from my drink. "This here keep is the spoils of our last great adventure together, back when it was still controlled by a group of evil priests." He explained, the last piquing my interest.
"Evil priests used to occupy this keep?" I asked curiously, forgetting my drink for the moment.
"Indeed they did. They were worshipers of the deity Bhaal, even years after his demise. With an army of undead at their control, defeating them was no simple task either. My wife Gellana and I cleansed it many a year ago, along with our brave band of compatriots. Now she takes charge of the temple while I the inn. We're far past our adventuring days now though." He said with a sigh, wiping the counter with his rag once again. I soon finished the last of my drink, feeling the first tinge of the alcohols effects on me. I took a moment to steady myself before speaking.
"Thank you for the drink sir, and the interesting tale as well. But I have some business with you that needs taking care of." I explained, bringing the old gnome back from his reminiscing.
"Oh of course lad. What is it you need?" He asked with an inquisitive stare.
"I recently lost my protective armor due to some...unfortunate predicaments. Would you happen to have anything of that sort for purchase?" I asked simply.
"That I do! Though not in the best supply, I'm sure I'll have something that would fit your taste. Please, if you would follow me." He said before stepping off from his elevated position next to the counter. He entered a storage room through an open door behind him, with me following him in shortly after. The room was quite dark for a moment, though suddenly illuminated by two lanterns he had just lit. He handed me one before speaking, showing me his selection of armors either on tables or held up by hooks.
"I've plenty of leather armor, studded leather, even a full set of plate mail if you happen to have such a large sum of coin." He chuckled as he pointed toward the armor in particular. It was big and bulky, though likely offering some of the best protection one could buy, granted they had the gold of course. Instead I drew my attention toward the table beside it, a simple chain mail vest laying there. Something that would allow for quick maneuvers in battle, yet protect against a sword slash or stab of a dagger. It seemed suitable enough for my needs.
"How much for this?" I asked, picking up the heavy armor for my inspection.
"Hmm, 'tis my last one actually. Tell you what, as another token of good will for dealing with such adverse circumstances at my fair inn, I'll only hold you eighty gold piece for such a purchase." He said with a kind wrinkled smile. Though it would cost me nearly all of my gold, it was more than a fair trade. In fact, probably a much better deal than I would find in most shops along the Sword Coast. I nodded in agreement at his proposal, setting the vest back onto the table.
"I'll take it then, I appreciate the discount." I spoke before reaching for my bag of coin. I was ready to unloose the cord on the small sack when I stopped, remembering another item I thought necessary to obtain. I looked around thoughtfully before speaking. "Actually, might you have any shields as well? I neglected to purchase one before I left my home." I explained, easily thinking of a few occasions already where one would have come in handy.
"Of course! I've a trunk full right here." He said before stepping toward a nearby wooden chest. I stepped beside him as he unlocked the large chest, revealing several wooden and metal shields stacked upon one another neatly. I only looked through the first few on top, realizing most were the same anyways. I decided on an average sized shield, large enough in size but not too big as to restrict my movement as much. It was made mostly of wood, with metal strips aligning its edges for a better degree of protection. Its shape was simple, a rectangle leading toward a point at the bottom, with real artistic symbolization covering its front. Satisfied with my pick, I set the shield beside my chain vest and opened my bag of coin when he spoke again. "Tell you what, I'll even throw that shield of yours in for free, I'm sure you'll be needing it more than I would your coin." He said with another lighthearted chuckle. I was again surprised by the old gnomes generosity.
"Thank you again sir, I am again in debt to your kindness." I said with smile, though he dismissed it with a wave of his hand. As I emptied my bag of gold onto the table I remembered the words Winthrop told me back in Candlekeep, to make sure I pulled free my own coin for such matters. Even if I was sure the old gnome was of a good sort, it was good practice at the least. I quickly counted the money I owed him on the table, leaving me with no more than several pieces of coin left on my person. Enough for a few nights stay at an inn at least.
"Good doing business with you lad." He said after I handed him his money. I grabbed my newly purchased equipment and we returned to the common room, our transaction complete. "Will there be anything else?" He said as he stepped back onto his elevated perch from behind the counter.
"I think that will be all. Thank you for your hospitality sir." I politely added one last time before departing.
"Think nothing of it lad. Enjoy the rest of your stay at the Friendly Arm." He said at last before I turned to leave. I was soon walking back toward the stairs that lead to my room, my newly bought possessions tucked tightly under my arm. I ascended the two flights of stairs with my heavy burden, fumbling through my pockets for my key as I neared the room door.
"Alerac." A woman called my name from behind me, for the second time tonight no doubt, startling me with surprise all the same. I turned around to see Jaheira, standing with her arms crossed as she exited from the room across the hall. She wore only simple clothing, most likely taking off her protective leathers in preparation for sleep. Again I was awestruck by her physical beauty, though her face abruptly scrunched up in irritation, no doubt noticing my gawking.
"Oh uh, Jaheira. Was there something you needed?" I stammered, coughing into my fist in embarrassment. She silently walked over towards me, my heartbeat suddenly racing as she kept her intense emerald eyes completely fixated upon me.
"So, this is what you have spent Gorion's gift of money on?" She said casually, inspecting the equipment I held in my arms. "I would hope you saved something left, lest you wasted the rest on drink alone." She spoke more angrily at that, causing me to stare back at her confused. "Do not act innocent, I can smell the alcohol on your breath. Foolish child." She lectured, obvious disdain in her voice. I should of known accepting that simple drink would have consequences.
"But I didn't-"
"No excuses." She quickly admonished, denying me from speaking further. "You may not be under the watchful eye of your foster father no longer, but you would do well not to act so frivolous with the little money you have." She continued with obvious irritation at my supposed actions. I wanted to plead my innocence further but she would not give me the option. "We will be ready to leave come early morning, you would do well on getting your rest." She said finally, promptly making a beeline back for her room. She gave me one last heated look before closing the door loudly, leaving me standing there simply dumbfounded by what had just happened. The irony of it all was not lost on me. Being blamed for wasting all of my spare coin on drink, even though it was offered freely, and having drank only the one! The whole situation was ridiculous. I angrily fumbled through my pockets, soon finding the key and entering my room. I closed the door loudly as well, throwing the heavy items from my hands on the bed.
"Who does she even think she is!" I asked myself furiously. To believe Gorion could even endure with such company, let alone have as a close friend. I paced in my room with anger, thinking only of harsh words I would never have thought in the past to associate with a lady. I eventually calmed down, properly storing the heavy armor and small amount of coin remaining securely within my trunk. As much as I felt wronged by Jaheira's unnecessary words, I realized being upset over it would do me nlittle good. In fact, I was more surprised by my manner than anything else, usually being a more sensible and collected person under duress. I simply brushed it off as more stress due to the recent events of late, only wanting to fall asleep in a warm bed instead. I quickly prepared for sleep, wanting nothing more than to rest and forget the event from happening entirely.
"Ale wake up already!"
I woke to the loud irritating noise of Imoen banging on my room door, yelling for me to awake. I at first tried to ignore her, mumbling back loud incoherent responses so she would go away. Though that was when she only used her voice, then came the banging. I soon got out of bed with my eyes barely open, shuffling towards the door and unlocking it. Imoen stood there impatiently, obviously already dressed and equipped for our journey.
"Jeez Ale! I've been trying to get you up for-" She suddenly stopped, looking at me oddly for a moment before continuing. "Uhh buddy? You mind putting a shirt on or something? Your hair is in such a mess too!" She pointed out, though I only stared back at her wearily. Right now messy hair was the least of my worries. Suddenly at that moment the door from across the hall opened, revealing Jaheira and Khalid as they exited their room. I quickly shut the door in Imoen's face, causing her to erupt a grunt in frustration.
"Uhh, sorry Imoen. I'll um, be ready in a few minutes." I awkwardly spoke, worried Jaheira might have seen me in my sorry state. As I quickly got my clothes back on and gathered my equipment from the nearby chest, I realized how absurd it was for me to be embarrassed of my actions. Jaheira of course would not care, even if she would have see me naked. This was the second time now I found myself acting like a fool around her, and I had a feeling it was slowly becoming a bad habit. I was soon ready and fully equipped, wearing my chain mail armor and my shield equipped to my back. My sword and dagger were of course ready at my side, along with everything else safely inside my pack. I emerged from the room moments later, still smoothing out my hair slightly as I exited. Only Imoen was there in the hallway though, standing up from a chair once I reemerged.
"You sure are a pain in the butt to get up in the morning." She said annoyed, sighing once before inspecting me up and down. "I like your new armor though, even if your hair is still a mess." She spoke again, this time with a smile.
"I'm sure you're the only one that cares." I sighed, reflexively attempting to fix my hair once more. "Where are the other two?" I asked after a moment.
"Down stairs already, waiting." Imoen explained simply.
"Let's not keep them waiting much longer then." I sighed, expecting a none too happy Jaheira when we regrouped. I was right of course. When we reached the common room I could already see Jaheira and Khalid standing by the bar, talking to the same friendly owner from last night before he disappeared into the storeroom. Jaheira was already staring daggers at me once we reached the bar. I noticed the two also had their weapons with them this time. Khalid with two long blades concealed behind his back, while Jaheira favored a simple wooden staff held tightly in her hand.
"Impeccable timing Alerac, we were just ready to depart." She said, obvious sarcasm lacing her voice.
"W-we took the liberty of buying s-some supplies for the trip." Khalid explained a moment later, either ignoring or being clueless towards the inflection in Jaheria's voice. At that the old gnome reappeared, a pack full of rations held in his arms before he set it on the counter.
"There be anything else?" The gnomish man asked, looking inquisitively before the couple before him.
"N-no, thank you." Khalid answered, dropping several coins on the counter before grabbing and securing the heavy rucksack to his back. With the transaction complete the old innkeeper all of a sudden noticed me, a smile spread across his aged face.
"Ah! If it isn't the young lad from Candlekeep. You sleep well enough I hope?" He asked, completely unaware the consequences his words would have on me. I immediately looked toward Jaheira, already seeing the rising anger across her face. I closed my eyes for a moment, cursing my stupidity, before politely answering the old man.
"Uh, just fine, thank you. Here is my room key back." I said as I laid the key onto the counter, continuing to speak quickly after. "We must be off though. Much walking ahead of us." I finished, hoping that would satisfy his curiosity.
"Take care of yourself now lad! Good luck on your journeys my friends, come back anytime." He finished with a smile as we walked away. I could feel the woman's cold stare from behind me as we left the inn, though she stayed quiet until we entered the inner grounds of the keep.
"It would seem you and the innkeeper had a delightful time swapping stories last night Alerac. A shame he was not another assassin, maybe then he would have knocked some sense into you!" She finally spat as we walked across the worn ground, though I only gritted my teeth in response.
"What are you talking about Jaheira?" Imoen asked, completely unaware to any of the unpleasant conversation we shared last night.
"Your companion seems to have trouble keeping his tongue and purse in check. Already he has managed to inform the first person he talks with where he used to live, not to mention no doubt spending much of his father's money on drink already." She stated matter-of-factly. Her ignorance of the truth continuing to infuriate me greatly.
"Ale? Drinking? You're joking right? He doesn't drink." Imoen said in response, obviously unwilling to believe of such a thing.
"Maybe you should talk some sense into him then." She continued as I remained quiet, not wanting to further the conversation at all. "He obviously does not heed our council at all, even if for his own safety." She finished bitterly. Imoen only remained confused, turning to me for an answer a moment later.
"Ale what does she-"
"Nothing Imoen!" I interrupted her fiercely. "Just keep walking, I do not wish to discuss this right now." I stated coldly, moving on ahead with renewed vigor. We soon exited the front entrance of the Friendly Arm, keeping a fair distance from the others as we began our travels south. We would eventually be nearing the small town of Beregost within a days time, Nashkel being not far after that. Though my mind continued to fixate on Jaheira and her false accusations.
I was starting to regret traveling with these two already.
~TBC
Secondary Note: Obviously Jaheira needs to take a chill pill. Women, am I right fellas?
Other Stuff:
Alerac's name pronunciation: Ale-ur-ac
Imoen: Im-oh-en
Jaheira: Jah-here-ah
