A/N: Ironically enough, I can't sleep tonight either. Short, I know. I'll try to get one more up before I head back.
I lay awake, sore for some reason. Well...crap.
I don't know why. My eyes wouldn't open, so I couldn't even stare at the stars. Every muscle in my body protested the slightest movement, so I just lay there on my back, thinking. I couldn't do anything else. thoughts, scenarios kept running through my mind. How in the hell were we going to get into the Gate? Just walk by? I ran through a bunch of conversations with the Flaming Fist, none of which ended well. I licked my lips, and called out to my pillar.
"Jaheira, what in the hell are we doing?"
"Mmmph? Sleep."
"Can't."
A squeak cut just about the sound of the fire.
"Boo must rest."
"So much go...where's my happy dream?"
"Seriously. What in the hell are we doing? What's the plan for getting in the Gate?"
There was a short pause, punctuated by snoring, presumably Minsc's.
"Abbil, quiet down. Our concern is more for your safety at the moment."
"Really, Viconia?"
Silence. I don't know if she just passed out or didn't feel like answering.
"Have faith," called out Yeslick with a jaw-cracking yawn.
"Har."
"No use lying awake and worrying. One way or another, we'll be sorted out when we get there."
"I don't know."
"You don't. So, pray to your god. See what he has to say. You really need to let go, and let the gods and us sort things out."
"I guess. Just don't want to see anyone hurt."
"Tiax will set you on fire as you sleep if you continue your prattle!"
I grumbled to myself, rolled over in my sack. I knew the old dwarf was right. I just had to let go of everything. Still, thoughts tumbled through my head. Letting down the group, letting down the Dukes. Being unable to prevent the war. Others like Brun and Winthrop suffering. Suffering, that's what I'm here to prevent. Yeah, I told myself. Do right. My mind was slightly more at ease, but not by much.
But I still didn't sleep easy. It took hours of lying still, trying to concentrate on nothing, force out the thoughts of failure before I passed out, bone tired.