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Chapter 20 Neverwinter

Nica lay in her bed at the Sunken Flagon thinking about the past few months. Crossroads Keep was doing fine, basically running itself; Nica had gone over the books with Lieutenant Kana and everything had seemed in perfect order. Kana had continued sending out patrols and the roads surrounding the Keep were safer than ever. More and more merchants had continued to stop by on their way to Neverwinter and several new shops had sprung up in the Keep Courtyard. Nica had doubled Kana's salary as a way of saying thank-you.

She had set aside a small building in the Keep for Safiya's school. Although Aldanon had not been much help (basically getting in everyone's way and nobody being able to understand what in the hells he was talking about), Sand was more enthusiastic. After escaping the collapse of the ruin, he had made his way to the Keep, deciding not to return to the Docks and peddle potions. He was just as much fascinated with the library at the Keep as Aldanon was and they had spent many happy hours cataloging each and every book. Not long after Nica had introduced Safiya to Sand, she spotted them in the basement with their heads together over the Alchemist's bench. Nica smiled. "Looks like they're going to hit it off just fine."

Torio had not been happy about that. Apparently, she had quite a crush on Sand, but he had not reciprocated. He had such a hatred for Luskan, that even though Torio had turned her coat and was now working for Neverwinter, he could not forgive her; besides her fashion sense appalled him.

Nica was pleased to see that Guyven of the Road was still at the Keep, and they spent a wonderful day together while Nica told him about all the adventures she had had. He was still working on his maps of the Sword Coast and she was able to give him a new project – making maps of Rashemen.

Nica was at the Keep for about a month, before she had decided to make the trip to Neverwinter. Apparently, Kana had sent off a courier to let Lord Nasher know she was alive, so when she had arrived at Uncle Duncan's, with Okku at her side, an invitation was waiting for a reception in her honor. Both Lord Nasher and Sir Grayson had understood her reasons for wanting to resign her commission in the Neverwinter Nine, however, they gave her an honorary title as the Knight-Captain of Crossroads Keep. She had been happy to see Sir Nevalle, Captain Brelaina and her old friend Cormick again.

It had been harder than Nica had thought to walk through the doors of the Sunken Flagon. Uncle Duncan had cried like a baby at seeing her. A part of her had wanted to see all her old companions standing around the common room like they had before. She couldn't even look at the fireplace where she had first encountered Bishop lounging in the corner and she also couldn't sleep in her old room because it brought back too many memories of him. When she could finally catch Uncle Duncan in a sober mood, they had had a long cry together talking about the good old days.

The first night of her arrival he had tapped a new keg in her honor and had invited the whole city to come and celebrate. The ale flowed freely and there were more than a few people walking around with tremendous hangovers the next day – if they could even walk at all. Uncle Duncan had gotten so drunk he had spent the whole next day in bed, moaning pitifully. He had kept pushing drinks on Nica most of the evening, not understanding why she only nursed a small mug of mead, before she finally took him aside and told him about her condition. "Oh, Nica, lass, that's wonderful. I'll now be a great-uncle!" And, as was his way, he had called for another round.

The biggest surprise of all was when Neeshka had shown up at the tavern. Nica had been ecstatic to see her and she replayed the conversation they had had over in her mind:

"Neeshka, it's so good to see you. I was so glad to hear that you had survived." She gave her a big hug.

"Oh, you know me," Neeshka laughed. "I can get out of any kind of traps – even falling rocks. I also still have Leldon's Lucky Coin. I think that helped, too!"

"What have you been doing with yourself these days?

"Oh, after returning to Neverwinter, I got all the loot I had stashed from the Collector's heist and bought my own house in Blacklake! Boy, those stuck-up nobles were sure surprised to see me move in. I started another gang, too, just for fun."

"You didn't!" Nica exclaimed in shock. "What for? You don't need the money."

"Well, it's what I'm good at and, really, it's all I know how to do. I couldn't see myself working in a shop or something stupid like that. Don't worry," she whispered. "It's all hush-hush. The city guard knows nothing about us. But, enough about that. What about you?"

Nica proceeded to tell her the long tale of her journey to Rashemen.

"Ohmigods! I can't believe it. All this time I thought you were dead. And you're pregnant? When are you due? I'll have a baby shower for you at the Moonstone Mask!"

"I'm really not sure," Nica smiled. "I lost track of time. I think I might be about three or four months along."

Neeshka wanted to hear all about Gann, and although it was still hard for Nica to talk about him, she did her best. "OOOOh! He sounds dreamy!!" Neeshka squealed. "No offense, Nica, but I couldn't stand that Bishop! No one could understand what you saw in him. He's dead, huh? Good riddance, I say."

Nica smiled wryly. "Well, you know what they say, Neeshka, love is blind. It certainly was in your case with Leldon! He looked old enough to be your father!"

Neeshka lowered her brows and her mouth opened in shock. "Why you little...no, no, I guess you're right. It seems that both of our 'pickers' were broke!" Nica nodded and they burst out laughing.

"Why do women always seem to go for the bad boys?" Neeshka mused.

"I have no clue," Nica responded. "Maybe because we think they're exciting or something. Even Gann was kind of a 'bad boy' at first; he certainly was a smart-ass at times. But, thank God, he really wasn't like that. Oh, Neeshka, he was so sweet to me. I miss him so much sometimes, I can't stand it."

Neeshka patted her shoulder. "I know, I know. And, now to be having his baby all by yourself? It must feel horrible."

"It does," Nica hung her head. "I want him to know about it. I want him to be able to feel it kicking inside of me. He had such a hard life; I want him to know that he has a family now. " She hung her head and the tears started flowing again.

"Oh, Nica," Neeshka exclaimed. "I didn't mean to make you cry. Oh, gods, me and my big mouth!"

"It's all right, " Nica tried to smile. "I do this all the time."

"I'll tell you what. As soon as you have this baby, you send me a message and I'll come to visit you."

"I'm thinking of going back to West Harbor. Would you come all that way?"

"Of course, I'll get Cain to bring me."

"Cain, who's he?" Nica's eyes brightened.

"You remember that minstrel in Blacklake? The bard who plays in the amphitheater by the Lake?"

"Yes!! I remember him."

"Well, my house is near there. And I used to go by the Lake all the time and sit and listen to him play. We got to talking and well, one thing led to another!"

"Neeshka, I'm so happy for you. I hope he treats you better than Leldon did."

"He better treat me right. I'm paying for everything!" She switched her tail angrily, while Nica shook her head and laughed.

"He's always broke – but, I use him as a look-out in Blacklake for my, you know, heists."

"Well, as long you're happy. That's all that counts."

"He's got a brother. Maybe I could introduce you."

"Neeshka!! I hope you're kidding. There will never be anyone but Gann, for me. And besides, no man is going to want to go out with a four months pregnant woman!"

"Oh, well, sorry, I didn't think about that."

"No, I'm perfectly content. I just want to go back home and try and forget all the hell I've been through."

She grinned slyly at Neeshka, "You know, I always thought you and Khelgar might get something going."

"What??" Neeshka screamed. "That smelly old dwarf? You have got to be joking!!"

"Well, you two seemed to have gotten really fond of each other, there, towards the end of our journey. I know he was fond of you."

"Well, he was alright, but, gods, Nica. How can you even imagine such a thing! Ugghhh!" Nica laughed and laughed at the look on Neeshka's face.

Nica started smiling just thinking about that conversation. It had felt so good to finally be able to laugh again.

She rolled out of bed and got dressed. As she pulled up her trousers and tried to button them she thought. "I'm going to have get some new clothes before I leave. These are getting too tight." For a moment, she hung her head in sorrow. "Oh, Gann," she prayed. "Please come back to me."

Taking a deep breath she opened her door and walked down the hall. Stopping in front of another door, she knocked. "Okku? Are you up?"

"Yes, little one." Nica opened the door and went in.

"I do not like this, little friend. I can't sleep on a bed."

"Well, you don't have to worry about it anymore. We're leaving today. Do you still want to come to West Harbor with me?"

"Yes, I will come for a time. At least to see you safely there. After that, I think I might go back to my Barrow."

"Oh, Okku, I will really miss you. But if you have to go, I guess..."

"Yes, little one. It's about time I returned. The spirits of Rashemen need me."

"You will be sure to let me know if you hear anything of Gann, won't you?"

"Yes, I will." He looked at Nica sadly. "Who would have thought that I would miss that hagspawn!"

Nica sat down on the floor beside him. "I know what you mean. He kind of grows on you, doesn't he?"

Okku smiled. "Yes, he does. It's too quiet without him. I was always waiting to hear what ridiculous thing he would say next."

Nica flung her arms around Okku and hugged him tightly. "Old Father Bear, you have been a good friend to me."

"And because of you, spirit-eater, the spirits of Rashemen are at peace. I thank you for that. Come now," he said gruffly. "We need to continue our journey."