Notes: Uhh, pretty graphic scene on this next page. Just a reminder, this is rated M for a reason. Sorry for the delay.
Anywho longest one yet, yet again! Was almost deciding on splitting this into two parts but found it to work better as just the one. Some other things left for another time I guess. By the way, page ten? Nearly 40,000 words total? Small milestone or not, it's something!
Dark Encounters
It was well into the afternoon when we made our first stop for rest. Though we had plenty of food in our packs we were lucky to find a couple of apple trees nearby, adding much to our simple meals. I sat next to Imoen as we both chewed on an apple, the sweetness of the fruit a nice treat after the hours it had taken to get this far south.
"Wow, these are so fresh!" Imoen emitted gleefully. I nodded back at her before taking another bite, enjoying the short break as much as possible. Khalid and Jaheira stood not too far from where we sat, Khalid grabbing two apples for them to share as well. I caught myself staring at the alluring druid once again, watching as she delicately nibbled on the simple fruit. I looked away, mentally scolding myself for acting in such a way. She was married and a companion in my group, it wasn't right to feel such things for her. Instead I focused my attention elsewhere, enjoying the serene calm of the forest, looking towards the fluffy white clouds in the bright blue sky. It didn't last for long of course.
Behind me I heard a rustle in the nearby bushes, causing me to immediately spring up from my sitting position and toss my half eaten apple to the ground. I drew my newly bought sword in preparation, my allies readying their armaments as well. I spared a look back at them before calling out to the would be intruder.
"Who goes there? Show yourself!" I demanded loudly, a number of beasts already appearing in my head, expecting the worse to come. Instead what emerged from the brush caused us to lower our weapons, myself breathing a sigh of relief before speaking. "What are you doing here?" I asked the small form in front of me calmly.
"I'm just pickin' fruit for momma sir, 'every little bit helps' she says, so I'm gonna help..." The young boy explained, his eyes lingering on my blade as he spoke. "You're not gonna hurt me, are you mister?" He asked timidly, our presence no doubt a surprise to him as well. He was no more than a small child, his dirty shirt used as a makeshift holding device with several apples within. I smiled sincerely at him, not wanting to startle the young boy further.
"Nothing to fear from us." I explained, returning my blade back to its scabbard. "I'm sure your mother appreciates the help, but isn't it dangerous for you to be out here?" I asked in concern, not knowing how far his home might have been. Beregost itself was hours away.
"Yeah I s'pose." He admitted glumly before continuing. "I'm fast though, and momma's only a short while away. This once time I was chased by a gibberling, but Bunky's dad is a guard and he smacked that grass monkey like it had never been hit before!" He exclaimed with a smile, one of his front teeth missing. "I don't think bandits go for kids much neither. They only hit ya if you're packin' ore from Nashkel. I gotta get back home now sir, momma needs this for supper." He finished, quickly making his way down the road south. He was gone a moment later, Imoen only giving a cheery shrug when I looked to her.
"Foolish child." Jaheira murmured, shaking her head. We quickly went back to our break. Just as I was calming down some we heard another disturbance, causing me to drop a second apple I had just picked from a tree. I retrieved my sword once again with a curse, the sound being a high pitched scream instead of simple movement in the brush. It had come from the road south, the small boy having just disappeared down that way. As one we quietly sneaked our way closer, careful to remain hidden behind tree and bush as we neared. I was the first to see, parting several branches for a better look.
"Oh no." Was all I could say. My companions were just as shocked by the sight. Imoen gasped and covered her mouth with a hand, while Jaheira whispered a curse. The sickening sound of bone crunching and the tearing of flesh filled our ears. It was the small boy, being devoured and torn limb from limb by two massive hideous humanoids, chuckling between themselves as they ate.
"I'm gonna be sick." Imoen suddenly announced. She continued to cover her mouth as she ran away from us, the sound of her expelling her lunch as she hunched over in the grass. I didn't blame her, the sight before me too horrifying to look at for much longer. Instead I began to feel angry, wanting nothing more than to kill the filthy murdering beasts. I took a step forward only to be stopped by Jaheira with a forceful hand, giving me a fierce look as well.
"Don't be stupid, we must be ready first." She scolded me quietly, her gaze going back to Imoen as she continued to retch out the contents of her stomach. Khalid was standing by her now, holding her hair back while she vomited. I gave an angered look back at her, nodding once before walking away from the sickening humanoids. Imoen soon recovered, being supported by Khalid as she stood back up.
"Sorry It's just..." She tried to explain, her skin pale from fright and disgust. "We have to do something about them." She finished a moment later, grimacing as she cleared her throat.
"We will." I told her with deep certainty. I then looked to Jaheira, my face set with determination. "What's our plan?"
The two creatures continued feasting upon the small boy, as we watched in silence. Jaheira informed me that they were called ogrillons, the sickening pairing between an ogre and an orc. Their massive forms easily tore the poor child's body apart, fighting over the meat in some brutish tongue I wasn't familiar with. We were waiting for the signal to attack, my breath slow and steady as we hid behind the trees some distance away. Imoen had already notched an arrow, obvious disgust in her face as she watched the vile monsters feast. I felt no better, though only rage and determination filled me now. One of the creatures hunched down, ripping off a limb and gnawing hungrily into the bone itself. At that point the signal was given, a slight glimmer of light not far behind the two humanoids. Suddenly Jaheira began to chant quietly, her words focusing onto a small yellowish sphere of light in her hands.
The magic sparkled and radiated, fortunately too far away to be seen by the preoccupied brutes. In a flash she finished her chanting, the sphere of light suddenly bursting into the air all around the two creatures. Immediately they sensed something had happened, looking all around them in confusion. A moment later the ground beneath them came alive. Several vines emerged from the ground, tightly tangling around the their bulky forms, holding their arms down to the earth. Imoen suddenly unleashed her arrow, quickly striking one of the beasts in the chest, though it only grunted angrily in annoyance. As Imoen readied another arrow I charged forward, not wanting the creatures to break free prematurely. They howled in their brutish tongue, finally noticing us three from the treeline. Their faces were covered in the innocent child's blood, glaring at me in anger as I moved forward.
One of them began to rip off the vines that entangled him, roaring with fury at the druids spell that kept him bound. The other was still hunched to the ground, attempting to slip free from the constricting vines as well. All of a sudden two large curved blades stabbed straight through the creatures chest, Khalid materializing behind him. The beast roared once before Khalid retrieved his blades and stabbed again, this time aiming for its throat. It moved no further, slumping to the ground as the vines began to release its now dead target. As Khalid freed his blades once more the other ogrillon roared in anger, releasing one of its massive arms and smacking Khalid away. The slim man flew back, landing in the grass a few feet away with a pained grunt.
"Khalid!" Jaheira yelled, worry taking her by surprise. Imoen unleashed another arrow, it striking the ogrillon beneath the neck, though yet again the monster seemed unfazed by the attack. Soon he pulled himself completely free, ignoring everyone except the man on the ground, the one who had killed his companion. It lumbered slowly toward Khalid, still on the ground as he barely managed to stand up in protest. Imoen fired a third arrow as it neared, striking it hard in the shoulder. The ogrillon quickly glanced behind himself, now noticing me as I neared. With another roar he sent a fist hurtling my way, just barely avoiding it. I had its full attention now, backing away as it sent sluggish swing after swing. He swung into my shield, causing me to stumble back as I regained my balance. My blood was burning again, but I fought to control myself. I wouldn't be a slave to my rage.
The ogrillon saw its chance and charged at me with full speed, roaring with all its might. He swung once again at my head, instead catching air. I ducked underneath his attack and slashed my blade across his thigh. He gave a yell in pain, falling to a knee. I gave him no quarter though. My blood was ablaze now, the sickening grin gone but the anger within me stronger than ever. I gave a final thrust straight through his heart, the beasts deafening howl slowly dissipating as his life force left his body. It slumped to the ground only several feet from his companion, ending its foul murdering life. The battle was over. I worked my blade free from its body as I stood victorious over the dead creatures. Jaheira suddenly rushed past me for her husband, releasing me from my current mindset. My excitement began to wane, watching as she helped balance the shaken Khalid as he got up. Imoen stood next to me then as I watched, looking down at the dead creature at her feet.
"Bastards..." She spat, grabbing my attention as she stared at the dead ogrillons. I heaved a sigh to calm myself some, wiping the blood from my longsword as I carefully watched Imoen. She kicked it once at the torso, the huge form barely moving at her sudden strike.
"Imoen, are you alright?" I asked before securing my blade. She glared at me, her face softening a moment later as she relaxed.
"Yeah, I guess." She said with a shrug, looking back at the dead ogrillon I had slain. Jaheira and Khalid soon came next to us, Jaheira holding Khalid straight as they walked.
"Khalid, are you hurt?" I asked worriedly. He only shook his head with a slight smile.
"N-no, I'm quite alright. You can stop now dear, please. I'll be fine." He said to his wife, the druid releasing him with a nod, though she kept a watchful eye on him. "The b-battle went well, though t-that will be the last of our invisibility p-potions we have I'm afraid." Khalid explained somberly. Our plan had been to have Khalid drink a potion of invisibility, signaling us with a small gemstone when he was in position to attack. Though the plan did not go exactly as expected, thankfully no one had been seriously hurt.
"A helpful item, though we must do without for now. We still have much traveling to do, and-" Jaheira spoke, though suddenly interrupted by the shaken Imoen.
"Jaheira wait, can't you help him?" She asked, obviously speaking of the murdered child whose body we dare not look at. "You're a druid aren't you? You can bring the dead back to life!" Imoen pleaded, obviously not accepting the death of such an innocent child so easily. Jaheira closed her eyes as she shook her head, her face set with regret as she spoke.
"Alas, I cannot. When the body has been...defiled in such a way, there is nothing I can do." She explained with sorrow, placing a kind hand over her shoulder. "I'm sorry Imoen. He is one with nature now, we can only hope his spirit finds peace in the afterlife." She explained sagely, Imoen eyes filling with unshed tears. Jaheira removed her hand and joined her husband a few feet away, giving the girl some privacy as she stared at the ground upset. I wasn't sure what to do just then. I stood there and watched as Imoen brushed the tears from her eyes. She looked up at me a moment later, quickly embracing me with a tight hold. I tried to calm her some, whispering soft words of comfort as I patted her back soothingly. We stood there for awhile until she calmed some, leaving the hug as she sniffled back more tears.
"I noticed..." She said after a moment, rubbing at her eyes once more before continuing. "You fought well, but not as much with the same...scariness as last time." She spoke, trying to find the right words. "You seemed more...in control." She finished, giving a slight smile. She was right, I tried my best to control myself, concentrating instead on saving Khalid from being pummeled by the hulking ogrillon. I gave a slight smile at that, seeming to understand a lot more about myself since the dream I had with Gorion's shade.
"I guess when I have friends to fight for, it's a little easier to control." I explained with a shrug, smiling anew back at Imoen. She grinned in return, cheering up slightly.
"That's good. I'll admit, you kinda did scare me a bit when I first saw you like that last night." She admitted, causing me to feel uneasy as we began to walk away from the horrid scene behind us. "But I know that wasn't the real you. I've known you my whole life Ale, you wouldn't hurt a fly." She said with sudden certainty, blocking the images of the mutilated child from her mind.
I believed her then, believing that every time I have been attacked since Gorion had told me we were to leave Candlekeep, that it was all in defense. Either of myself or of my friends, I never wished to fight. It comforted me some, and yet...I've felt the power, dark and sinister, deep within me. It can give me immense strength, amazing speed, but it hungers...hungers for death. It was something I never wished to unleash, to always keep at a distance. I tried not to think about it, instead concerning myself with the road as we caught up with our two companions. Though it was a victory, it was still a small one. There will be many more battles ahead, of that I am sure. Each one I will not only have to battle physical foes, but the demons inside me as well.
I just hope I am strong enough to face them all.
We walked for long until it grew dark, a mutual agreeance between us not to travel during the night. We had two tents between us, one for Khalid and Jaheira while either Imoen and I would help take part in guard duty. I chose to take first shift again, allowing Imoen some much needed rest after dealing with the traumatic events of the day. I nibbled on some dried meat as I looked out into the black abyss of the forest night, the warmth of the campfire soothing me some. I chewed soundlessly as I thought of my previous life. A week hadn't even passed since I had left home now, safely studying under Gorion and the monks within Candlekeep. The simplicity of home was becoming more of a faint memory now, my life changed to a constant struggle to live another day. I was so lost in thought I didn't even notice the woman emerge silently from inside her tent, quietly sitting next to me.
"You think much of your old life, don't you Alerac?" Jaheira asked softly, returning me from my troubled thoughts. She watched me intently, her green eyes dazzling under the flickering light of the campfire. I swallowed the food in my mouth before answering, looking away from her as I concentrated on her question.
"Yes...there is much that I miss." I answered with a heavy sigh, looking deeply into the large flame in front of me before continuing. "I think of Gorion often...and his killer." I admitted with a frown. The armored fiend, I had dubbed him, the man who had slain my foster father in cold blood. He was the one I was after, though the search for him I knew would be long and hard indeed. But I was sure he would have answers, the reason why I was hounded by assassins, he just had to have known. Jaheira watched me intently as I thought, soon following with another question.
"Gorion's killer." She stated, grabbing my attention once more. "You intend to kill him, don't you? Have your revenge?" She asked simply. There was no accusation in her words, as if it was the simplest question in the world. A question with an obvious answer. I looked away from her before answering, still finding it hard to stare at her for long.
"Yes. He knows why there are those who want me for dead. It is all I can do." I affirmed with sudden certainty. Since the death of my father my life has slowly begun to lose purpose. Only the comfort of friends and the encouragement of ghosts in my dreams remain to comfort me, wanting me to push further, not to give up. Without them, all that remains is the hunger for revenge. To succumb to the twisted desires within me, seeking only the death of my enemies. As if reading my mind, Jaheira suddenly spoke.
"What do you feel when you enter combat Alerac. What pushes you to fight further?" She asked softly, once again without judgment or anger filling her voice. She didn't look at me then, instead staring toward the night sky in quiet interest. I shook my head, she wouldn't understand what I was dealing with. She would probably think I was cursed, or under some kind of magical influence instead.
"No, I do not wish to talk of this." My voice both clear and hard as I spoke. She looked back at me with her lips pursed, nodding a moment later in understanding.
"Very well. I will not bother you of such things further." She spoke calmly, her usual hotheadedness absent this night. Her long dark hair blew suddenly as the wind picked up with the cool night, though she barely showed a shiver. Instead she looked back to me, with a slight smile as she spoke. "You may ask me a question now, if you'd like." I looked back at her searchingly, the often stern and proud woman before me showing some of her gentler side for once. I smiled back as well, thinking for a moment before I asked by question.
"You and your husband Khalid, I thought it rude to ask earlier but, are you both half-elves?" I asked somewhat apprehensively, not wanting to anger her. Instead she gave a rare chuckle, a pleasant smile across her face as she spoke.
"Yes we are. Our kind is uncommon I suppose, being the product of two different races." She sobered some after that, the smile gone as quickly as it had appeared. Something told me she was very proud of who she was, though with a distraught past. I was careful with my words as I questioned her further.
"I know Imoen has told you much of our life growing up in Candlekeep already. How was your childhood? When did you and Khalid meet?" I asked curiously, careful not to intrude too far into her life. She gave a soft sigh before she spoke, a small amount of sadness lacing her voice.
"I grew up in Tethyr under a noble family, unfortunately during the Tethyrian civil war." She began, frowning slightly as she continued. "Ours was one of the many noble families targeted by the angry mobs of peasants, none surviving the siege of our castle. The only reason I live now is from the aid of a servant girl, though she died in helping me escape." She explained somberly, looking away from me as she finished.
"I'm sorry to hear that." I said simply, showing earnest sympathy for her unfavorable life growing up. She cleared her throat before continuing, some of the unhappiness fading from her voice.
"I eventually stumbled upon an enclave of druids in the forests of Tethyr who were willing to take me in as their own. They taught me well of their ways, teaching me to understand the careful balance of things as a whole. As for Khalid." She stopped, smiling for a moment before continuing. "We met a few years ago, around the same time we met your father Gorion. We soon married, traveling together as one." She finished with a sigh, the sound of the crackling fire filling the silence. I smiled again, glad to see the real Jaheira for once and not just her tough exterior. She soon looked back at me, smiling as well.
"I'm sure you are tired, you have been up for some time now." She said as she stood up, a sudden yawn escaping me as if to prove her observation correct. "You should rest, I will go wake Imoen so you may sleep." She said quickly, already turning to leave.
"Jaheira wait." I asked in a rush, the both of us standing now looking at each other. I hastily looked away before speaking, sudden embarrassment once again taking me. I felt like such a fool sometimes. "Thank you...for talking with me." I said simply, already forgetting why I had asked her to halt in the first place. She gave another smile, one that sent those strange feelings I was feeling often when around her, sent shivering down my spine.
"Of course."
The morning came easy for us, each getting at least a few hours sleep until we could reach the luxury of an inn. It didn't take long for us to begin our travels, once again moving along the cobbled stone pathway south. Imoen's mood had gone back to normal, no longer saddened by the boys death from yesterday. I'm sure she still thought about it, but I was happy nonetheless that she was better. Jaheira as well was much more pleasant. No more was she ordering us to move quicker or scolding me for minor things in an angered tone. We all made small talk, getting accustomed to each other much more.
Khalid was apparently born in Calimshan, his father a merchant there. He was regrettably the result of an affair, his father having slept with an elf woman on his travels and getting her pregnant. In the end she managed to leave him with Khalid, expecting a wealthy father to be able to provide for him better. Unfortunately his father thought little of him, paying more attention to his half brothers instead. He was not close with much of his supposed 'family', instead he spent much time with the local militia and trained with them instead. He spoke very little on how he met Jaheira, though his adoration for her was obvious. It was nice to see a couple who felt dearly for one another, though of course jealousy still rattled my soul now and then. I couldn't stay mad at Khalid though no matter what, him being one of the few friends left who actually cared for my safety.
We walked for a few hours before we encountered another stone sign, small but easily immobile in any way. Leading our group I walked up to it, inspecting the elegantly carved words along the stone.
Nashkel to the South
"We must be getting close." I said to them after examining the stone. It was still early in the afternoon, hopefully we would reach Nashkel before it got dark.
"Yes, Nashkel should only be a few hours now." Jaheira mentioned before looking behind her a moment later. "Come Imoen, you are lagging behind." The young girl in colorful clothing gave an aggravated grunt before responding.
"I hate all this walking. Can't we take a break soon?" She pouted, though I didn't have to be a mind reader to know what Jaheira's response would be.
"Fine, but do make it quick, we are nearly there." The half-elven woman complied, surprising me greatly. Usually it was Jaheira who motioned us to keep going, the sparse breaks we shared being few and far between. I welcomed the rest nonetheless, easing my pack from my weary shoulders and stretching. Imoen as well took full advantage, already laying on the grass near the road in exhaustion.
"I can't wait 'til we get there." She murmured in relief, a slight grin on my face at her childish antics. The walking was tough on us all I was sure, though it was only Imoen who complained. Most of the time we tolerated it though, her kind nature making up for her whining. I'm sure she would get used it in time. Khalid took the time to rummage through his things, emerging with a flask of water to drink. Jaheira soon joined me as I cracked my neck, relaxing my body some from all the walking.
"Your friend seems to be growing on me, she is a kind spirited girl." She mused quietly, watching as Imoen continued to relax in the grass with a grin.
"Yeah, you can't stay mad at her for long. She's always been like that." I agreed with the druid, another grin escaping me as I thought on it. Imoen may be the first to want to try something new and exciting, but also the first to complain should it become too hard. Alas, she tried. It was all I could ask her to do.
"I have been wondering for some time now." Jaheira spoke with sudden interest, catching my attention. "What is your relationship with her? Gorion never mentioned having her in his care as well." She asked in a near whisper, confusing me at first.
"Our relationship?" I replied uncertain, still trying to understand the intent in her words. Imoen has only been my friend and nothing more. She was technically within the care of Winthrop, though Gorion of course cared for her just as much as he did with me. It wasn't long until it finally dawned on me, the meaning behind Jaheira's curious manner now making sense to me.
"Oh, no no it's not like that. We're just friends, that's all." I explained hastily, removing all notion of what Jaheira might have been assuming from my mind. Imoen was like a sister to me, there was no way I would like her...in that kind of way. Jaheira only chuckled slightly at my nervous clarification, nodding in understanding before she spoke.
"I figured as much, my apologies for thinking otherwise." She finished with a grin, turning toward her husband a moment later. I scratched the back of my head in embarrassment as she walked away. The one woman who I did have slight feelings for thinking I was involved with my best friend? I felt wholly uncomfortable, and Imoen appearing next to me suddenly did not help at all.
"Hey Ale, what were you two talkin' about?" She asked innocently, startling me like she always does. I gave a heavy sigh as she grinned and shook her head. "How do I always manage to scare you like that? I don't think I'm that sneaky." She folded her arms, apparently growing suspicious of my actions.
"Don't kid yourself Imoen, you always manage to sneak up on me." I clarified dismissively, though Imoen wasn't one for letting up when she was curious about something.
"Uh huh. So just what were you two talking about then?" She continued with that well knowing grin of hers. She always knew when I was hiding something from her, that was for sure. Lucky for me I heard something in the forest, immediately drawing my attention away from her prodding.
"Did you hear that?" I asked aloud, attempting to discern what I had just heard as I looked far into the treeline. Imoen apparently did not hear it.
"Oh no, don't you change the subje-" She began, though stopping once she heard the faint noise in the distance as well.
"What was that?" Jaheira asked, moving up to us both along with Khalid. Quick paced footsteps could be heard past the thick foliage, trudging through the the dried leaves noisily.
"I'm not sure. But whatever it is is coming our way, arm yourselves." I swiftly ordered, the others quickly following my lead. It wasn't long before we could make out a form in the distance, heavily breathing as it ran toward our general direction. The figure suddenly noticed us, not stopping a moment as it called out for us.
"Help me!" A woman's voice cried, continuing to rush breathlessly towards us. "Please!" She yelled again, not stopping for a moment. I lowered my blade as she neared, the frantic woman stopping before us breathing heavily in exhaustion. She quickly looked behind herself anxiously, her hood shrouding most of her face as she spoke.
"If you don't help me, they'll kill me!" She begged, desperate for our help. I was still somewhat wary at first, thinking this could be another trap by assassins. She wore chain mail armor and a mace tucked at her side, nearly her entire body shrouded with cloth or metal. Obviously she was well equipped, though whoever was chasing her frightened her greatly.
"Calm down miss, we'll help you." I said as comforting as I could, choosing to ignore my fears of an assassin for the moment. "Just tell us who you are." I asked a moment later, the sound of more heavy trudging through the wood already moving closer.
"My name is Viconia DeVir. I...I am not from around here." She explained hastily, once again turning back around as she heard more shouting from the forest. "They near, thank you so much for helping." She turned back to the forest just as two men in heavy plate armor burst into view, wearing the same colors as the Flaming Fist mercenary group from before. They both had their swords drawn, slightly out of breath from the running as well. One of the mercenaries came up to me and Viconia, inspecting us both closely before speaking.
"Step aside travelers! We are members of the Flaming Fist. The woman that you are harboring is wanted for murder of the foulest sort." He explained, quickly grabbing the woman's wrist and yanking her to the ground. Viconia yelled in protest, though her screaming only worsened when the mercenary pulled her hood back, revealing her face.
"The light! Ol flamgran!" She cried out in pain, her dark skin and silvery white hair revealing her true race to us all. The mercenary only grunted, watching with disdain as Viconia scrambled to shield her face from the sun.
"See? She is a dark elf; it should be obvious that she is evil." The man stated matter-of-factly. Viconia only shook her head as she fought back tears, moving to my side for protection.
"They lie! I've done nothing wrong!" She pleaded, her eyes upon me as she begged for her safety. It was widely known that nearly all drow were evil to some extent, or so it was believed. Still, I couldn't in good faith submit her to a certain death in their hands.
"I believe she is telling the truth. You cannot judge this woman simply by the shade of her skin, I will not allow it." I spoke in her defense, moving the woman back as I confronted the mercenary. The plated man grunted in annoyance, both mercenaries readying their blades on us.
"Don't be foolish. We represent the law of this region, by protecting her you'll be just as guilty as she!" He shouted in a commanding voice.
"You are a little far down south are you not? This is Amnish territory." Jaheira pointed out, though the mercenary would not be swayed.
"We've tracked this villainous wench for a great length and time, half breed. Stay out of this!" He ordered forcefully once again, earning the collected glares of our entire group. It was obvious these two would not leave on good terms.
"Maybe you should rethink this for a moment." I stated with a fierce look of my own. "There are five of us, and only two of you. What's stopping us from killing you right now instead?" I asked him threateningly, feigning hostility as I stared him down. He looked at our collected group for a moment, suddenly noticing his slim odds. His companion put a hand over his shoulder, no doubt realizing their chances as well. He finally looked back to me, sheathing his sword in defeat.
"So be it. But you mark my words, that evil bitch will cut out your heart while you sleep." He looked at her once more, both of them staring daggers at each other. The two mercenaries left without another word, heading north back to Beregost no doubt. I breathed a sigh of relief, Viconia mirroring the same before speaking.
"I thank you for risking yourselves on my behalf." She began, her hood covering most of her face once again as she spoke. "I know what you all must be thinking, you see my dark skin and won't trust me for it. I may be drow, but I am an outcast among my own kind, and I need your help." She spoke candidly, looking toward me with hope in her eyes.
"Outcast?" Jaheira questioned suspiciously. "What could you have done to become exiled from your own people?" She continued warily, untrusting of the drow woman already. Viconia lifted up her hood enough to see the druid, staring back at the woman intently with her dark eyes as she spoke.
"I do not wish to speak of it, though subsequently it has left me without the powers of the spider goddess you surface dwellers fear so." She turned back to me, her eyes pleading for my assistance. "The goddess Shar grants me wisdom now, and she is a surface divinity. If you would let me join your group I would be most grateful. I have no where else to go." She finished, looking at us all for the answer she prayed for.
I considered her for a moment, somewhat uncertain of what to do. I had no qualms with sparing her life, but to join our group? It was very rare to see a dark elf on the surface, moreso one that is an outcast like the great Drizzt Do'Urden that roams these lands. Whether she was an asset or a danger in the end made little difference, she needed our help.
"Very well then, you may join us. We do not judge someone by their race." I spoke, giving a slight smile that she emulated in turn.
"I thank you, surface dwellers. I will not disappoint you, I promise." I was ready to say something further when Jaheira grabbed me by the shoulder.
"A word?" She said simply, obviously upset over my decision. She pulled me to the side with Khalid while Imoen and Viconia chatted quietly a few feet away. "Just what the blazes do you think you're doing Alerac? It is one thing to save her from persecution, that I can abide with, but she is still a drow!" She scolded me in a hushed tone, trying her best to keep the conversation private.
"We only worry for you safety Alerac, is this really the b-best course of action?" Khalid asked much more calmly, though the uncertainty in his voice was there as well. It was hard to disagree with them on this, but something told me that this was the right thing to do, I couldn't change my mind now. Instead I held my ground, unwavering in my decision.
"She needs our help, I will not abandon her now while she has no where else to turn to." There was silence for a moment before Jaheira conceded angrily, throwing her hands into the air in frustration.
"Fine! But you best keep your eye on her, she could be playing us for fools for all we know." She warned before storming away. Khalid quickly following after as they discussed between themselves in private, though it was obvious what they were speaking of. I made my way back to Imoen and Viconia, the young girl already taking a liking to the drow woman.
"Oh right! I'm Imoen, and this here is Ale of course." She spoke gleefully as she introduced us more properly.
"Alerac, actually." I clarified a moment later, giving Imoen a somewhat annoyed look.
"Yes, Alerac." Viconia pursed her lips after speaking, carefully studying me with her dark eyes. Though it was hard to notice in the sudden excitement of things, Viconia was indeed a beautiful woman. Though she tried to keep her face hidden her long white hair and dark skin was definitely a sight for the eyes. She smiled at me as I took notice, though the moment was suddenly interrupted.
"Enough time for rest, we have wasted much daylight as is!" Jaheira hollered from a distance, already continuing south along with her husband. I sighed heavily. It had taken me all this time just to get to know Jaheira a little better, and now she was indifferent with me once again. No doubt it will take even more effort for her to trust me after this incident. Viconia gave another smile as she walked past, Imoen and I following shortly after. Though I'm sure the dark skinned woman was grateful, I had a feeling she had other thoughts on her mind as well.
Why do I keep emerging myself into such messes? I must be cursed.
~TBC
Secondary Note: Aw yeah Viconia. Can't have a party without her. She wouldn't really cut out everyone's heart while they slept, would she? Nahhh.
Drow Translations: Just gonna give a heads up I'm only doing translations the best I can. Mistakes are probably to be expected.
Ol flamgran - It burns