Chapter 25

"Viconia?" Leah blinked, looking surprised at Jaheira's comment. "What would you like to discuss about Viconia?"

The druidess never flinched at the stare that the young Sorlyn directed at her. "Surely you have noticed that some of her behavior appears… rather odd," the half-elf pointed out.

"What are you talking about, she has been nothing but nice to me… to the group, I mean," Leah protested.

"That is exactly what I am referring to," Jaheira nodded. "She is being uncharacteristically cooperative, especially towards you. Perhaps you have an inkling why that would be so?"

"I, ah… don't really know…" Leah countered weakly. "Lately I feel as if I am truly starting to get through to her, and that the decent person underneath all that baggage of hardship, suffering and violence is beginning to emerge."

"I hope that truly is the explanation, but somehow I remain unconvinced about Viconia changing her colors this swiftly," Jaheira scowled. "Still, I have an alternate explanation which you also should have considered by now."

"Oh? And what would that be?" the young priestess challenged.

"I do not think that even you would deny that Viconia is treating you in particular with previously unobserved decency," Jaheira said, her stare deadly serious as her eyes locked with Leah's. "You need to consider that she might be romantically interested in you… and I am still not certain whether I would believe her to be capable of experiencing genuine emotional attachment, or simply seeking a way to exploiting and manipulating you."

"By Milil, are you going to start with that as well?" Leah groaned. "I'm already tired with Viconia's implications that I'm… well, that I… prefer women… in a romantic sense… which is a completely ludicrous notion!"

"Is it, truly?" Jaheira smirked. "I may not like Viconia much, but I respect that she has some wisdom, and if she sees the same that I do…"

"Why are my romantic inclinations even a topic for discussion?" Leah sighed. "I wish you'd just stop talking about it altogether."

"Fine, as you would have it," Jaheira rolled her eyes, unimpressed with the dismissal, but already looking as if she was planning her next move on how to breach the topic. "In that case, I hope you will not mind me inquiring about Anomen? How are things between the two of you?"

"To be honest, it has been very frustrating," Leah confessed, eager to rant about the annoyance she felt regarding some of her more recent talks with the young Helmite. "He can be so arrogant and prejudiced at times, and I'm not sure all of that comes from Lord Cor and his treatment of Anomen… I'm trying to get along with him, I really am, but I will not tailor my opinions to be in line with his often misguided views."

"And his hot temper is not helpful either, I imagine," Jaheira pointed out knowingly. ""Which means there probably has been no progress on the romance front…"

"No, but… oh, I see what you're trying to do there!" Leah scowled angrily at her old friend. "Listen, just because I don't get along so smoothly with Anomen it doesn't mean that I don't like men… like that, you know… Perhaps he simply isn't the right one for me… or perhaps he is, and he simply needs some more… training."

"Leah, this is the only reason why I even brought it up with you," Jaheira said, more softly now. "You need to understand what you want, and you need to understand it soon… or otherwise, someone might get very seriously offended. Now, I may not particularly care about Anomen or Viconia's hurt feelings… but these kinds of games can be very dangerous. Bitter jealousy can lead to anger, resentment, and worse."

"I still have no idea what you're talking about," Leah insisted, crossing her arms on her chest defiantly.

"Fine, I give up…" Jaheira sighed. "At least promise to consider my warning."

"I will, if it's so important to you," Leah shrugged, turning away from the conversation and stepping out to the small, cozy balcony of their large three person bedroom.

"So, what do you think of Amn so far?" Jaheira asked casually, following her out on the balcony. The two of them simply stood there for a moment, enjoying the magnificent view of the city square before them, the well maintained and tidy looking rows of houses, and the dark edge of the foreboding forest not far from the city walls. "It is certainly not without its charms or its hardships lately," the druidess added when Leah hadn't replied anything in a while.

"I would probably enjoy Amn a lot more under different circumstances," Leah said, a little sourly. "I believe that we both currently have too much on our minds to think about sightseeing."

"Of course, I was merely seeking to lighten the mood," the druidess nodded. "After all, I know that there are many things of merit here in Amn. Perhaps not in the cities, but the forests are a great treasure."

"And yet, despite these great forests, the local druids have decided that it would be a grand idea to build their henge in the middle of the swamp?" Leah chuckled, her good mood returning now that Jaheira had stopped pestering her about the matters of the heart. "I can't say that I'm all that impressed by that decision of your fellows."

"I wish that I could take the blame for it, Leah, but truly, I cannot," Jaheira raised her hands apologetically. "As for the beauty of the forests, I resolve to show it to you when we have the time. I will take you through the deepest lands, and you will see the beauty that I know is there."

"That does sound lovely, but only on the condition that Imoen is with us," Leah replied, a shadow crossing her face briefly at the memory of her childhood friend.

"Of course," Jaheira agreed before a slightly wicked look crept into her eyes. "We will take Imoen, but not Viconia?"

"Err… sure, we can take her if she wants to come and if that's alright with you," Leah replied evasively. "I am sure we would have a wonderful 'girl's only' week out in the forests…"

"I do not think that Minsc would let us anywhere out of his sights," Jaheira added, laughing softly.

"And Boo," Leah grinned. "You must never forget Boo."

"Of course," Jaheira rolled her eyes. She was about to say more when suddenly a large stone whizzed past her head and flew into their room, hitting the far wall. The two women looked down at the square, noticing a group of three angry looking townsfolk, one of them pointing at Jaheira and slurring something that sounded like a combination of curses and swearwords.

"Oh, great… I had hoped to avoid this," Leah sighed, shaking her head.

"Not to worry, I think I have an idea on how to get rid of them," Jaheira smirked, ducking to avoid yet another flying stone which unfortunately hit one of the paintings on the wall and sent it crashing on the floor, breaking the frame. The druidess uttered a quick chant, focusing on something under the ledge of the roof, and sure enough, moments later a swarm of angry wasps emerged from their nest and proceeded to chase the screaming townsfolk all over the city square, eventually forcing the badly stung miscreants to seek refuge in the large fountain, the wasps only then returning back to their nest.

"That was amazing, but I suspect it might have made them even more angry and violent towards us," Leah could not help but state worriedly.

"As if that were anything new, we have had many people seek our deaths so far," Jaheira shrugged, her expression then turning bitter. "I do not mean these foolish townsfolk, but some others would have been friends had things turned different. This weighs on my mind."

"It hurts me that you are conflict with your own kind, Jaheira, but do you honestly believe that Galvarey or anyone amongst his lackeys could have become our friend?" Leah asked earnestly.

"I did not mean them, specifically… I suppose that I was simply… rambling," Jaheira replied, looking uncharacteristically uncertain. "You must surely know that I will follow you, but… they are my kin. I… don't know what to do."

"And I don't know anything to say that could help. Besides, I know that you hate platitudes," Leah chuckled bitterly. "It is difficult to make plans when we do not know what we will be facing. As the saying goes, we'll cross that bridge once we get there."

"An excellent advice, that," Jaheira smiled softly. "I will be glad to leave this town and its ignorant inhabitants behind, even if it is by heading into a swamp which will hardly be welcoming. My steps feel lighter, head clearer and senses sharper, whenever we find ourselves surrounded by the wilderness. Everything feels… simpler in nature."

"I can understand that," Leah nodded, even as her expression clouded a little. "Though I will confess, it is hard for me not to feel as if the difficulties that you are facing lately have all been because of me…"

"No, I forbid you to think that," Jaheira said sternly, taking Leah's hand in hers by the wrist and squeezing it. "You should know that I find comfort because of you. There are many like Galvarey who cannot see what I do, and it is their intolerance that makes things difficult."

"I hope that your sharp senses are not deceiving you, for I truly do not know what you see in me and why you continue to follow me after everything…"

"I see… I see a confidant, someone who has never betrayed my trust," Jaheira exclaimed passionately, then realizing that she was still holding Leah's hand, blushing and releasing it. "And I also see someone undeserving the scorn of the ignorant. It makes it worth standing by your side."

"Thank you, it means a great deal to hear that coming from you, Jaheira," Leah smiled at her half-elven friend, for a moment feeling elated, but then letting out another deep sigh as the reality of their situation caught up with her again. "There must be a way to reconcile this matter with the Harpers…"

"I doubt that it will be that easy," Jaheira shrugged in reply. "Galvarey was as close to a regional leader as the Harpers have. The events will be told from his favor, I am sure."

"I suppose in that case we should not fret about it and instead work to prepare for the worst," Leah suggested.

"Wise words, again," Jaheira nodded. "At least there is little that could happen to make this worse. That we will prepare is also pleasing to me. That we will stand side by side through whatever is to come… there is no greater comfort that I could ask for."

"Hey, we've been through worse scuffles, haven't we?" Leah asked cheekily, hoping to cheer up the druidess, placing an arm around her shoulders. "We took care of Sarevok, Aec'Letec and the Demonknight of Durlag's Keep. We'll get through this one as well… trust me…"

"I do trust you, Leah," Jaheira replied, putting her arm around the younger woman's shoulders in return as they continued to watch as the sun slowly descended behind the tallest roofs of the Trademeet buildings, enveloped by companionable silence.

Once all her companions had returned to the inn, Leah ordered them to remain in their rooms and prepare for departure come the fall of night, even as the young priestess prettied herself up and prepared to descend to the common room of the inn and charm the patrons gathered there. Viconia appeared very much interested in joining Leah downstairs, despite the young Sorlyn reluctantly trying to discourage her. In the end, Jaheira had to threaten the Drow to tackle her and keep her pinned on the bed for the rest of the evening, a mental image that for some reason made Leah blush from sudden surge of heat and forced her to escape from their shared room in a hurry.

Downstairs, the common room was noticeably fuller than earlier, but fortunately the redheaded bard lady had not started her performance just yet and Leah subtly carved her path towards the small pedestal where the attractive musician sat. "Good evening," she addressed the busy looking woman with a disarming smile, trying to appear as charming as possible. "My name is Leah, and I'm not from around here. Are you a local bard?"

"I'm sorry, I really need to focus-…" the bard's first reaction was to brush her off before she looked up and noticed the holy symbol of Milil hanging in a silver chain, resting in the valley of the tasteful yet prominent cleavage of Leah's simple dress. "Oh my, a Sorlyn, here? That is wonderful news!" She suddenly looked delighted, a reaction that Leah had been counting on. The skill of the clerics of the Lord of Song was renowned throughout the land and bards everywhere were eager to get acquainted and if possible, make arrangements to perform together. "My name is Alenina, and I hail from Southern Tethyr," the redhead explained with a delighted and hopeful smile. "I hope I am not presuming too much by asking… but would you like to join me on the stage tonight?"

"I thought you would never ask," Leah beamed back at the bard. "What were you planning to play tonight?"

"I was going to start with 'As I Lay Upon A Night'," Alenina replied. "Do you know that one?"

"Do I? It's one of my favorites!" Leah laughed as they spent the next five or so minutes comparing their repertoires and agreeing upon the order of songs they would perform them in. Once they were ready, Alenina plucked a few strings of her harp to get the attention of the patrons and then rose to address them.

"Good evening, esteemed guests of Vyatri's inn," she called out in her well-trained soft, melodic voice. "Most of you already know me, Alenina of Zazesspur, but tonight I will be joined by another visitor to your fair city, Leah of…" the bard suddenly cut herself off, looking back at the young Sorlyn. "Where are you from, exactly?"

"Just say the Sword Coast," Leah replied quickly.

"Leah from the Sword Coast," Alenina finished her address to the crowd, some of whom were frowning and looking disapproving. Mostly it was the women who reacted negatively, the men seemed instantly swayed by Leah's appearance, aided by her choice of dress with its attractive cleavage and slits that extended well above the knee, teasingly showing off a bit of delicious thigh.

"She is an adventuring cleric of Milil, and has traveled to Trademeet in order to help with the problems that your town is currently facing, so you better treat Leah and her companions well!" Some of the faces in the crowd instantly looked guilty at their previous reaction, some beginning to clap their hands and nodding approvingly. "And tonight she will also be joining me in performing for you! We shall start off with one of the all time favorites, 'As I Lay Upon a Night'!" The crowd erupted in rapturous applause as Leah and Alenina began their performance.

'as I lay awake one night
all alone and racked by longing
it seemed I saw a wondrous sight
a maiden with a child gently rocking

the maiden preferred noy yo use a song
to help her child drift away dreaming
but the child believed she did him wrong
and requested his mother to sing

"sing to me mother" said the child
"of what shall become of me too
in the faraway future when I am old
like all other mothers do"

"sweet mother fair and generous
since that is how I see you
I beg you lull me now to sleep
and sing a little too"'

It did not take very long for all the patrons of the inn to join in singing along with Leah and Alenina, especially when they topped off their performance with repeated renditions of a currently extremely popular catchy tune about a bear and a maiden fair. As the two women on the stage embraced, thanking each other for the lovely performance, a shower of coins landed at their feet in gratitude for their efforts. And although she did need the coin, Leah refused to take any of it, leaving it all to the grateful Alenina as she left the stage to more and more cheers and applause, feeling extremely thirsty as she headed straight for the bar counter where Vyatri was already awaiting her with a free mug of his best ale.

As Leah sat down at the counter and slowly began to savor her drink, she heard Alenina resuming the play of her harp, recapturing the crowd's attention with some instrumental pieces, also needing to rest her voice and Leah felt grateful that the patron's attention now shifted away from her. She had accomplished what she had set out to do, which was to endear herself and her group to the locals, especially after the news of Jaheira being a druid had spread, but now Leah simply wanted to finish her drink and retreat back to her room for a couple of hours of uninterrupted rest before they would have to set out again. But as luck would have it, she wasn't even done with her ale when someone slipped into the seat next to her with clear intent to speak with her, a young woman wearing high quality leather armor, her face partly covered by a hood, which failed to conceal her roguish attractiveness and the likely affiliation with a certain thieves guild.

"Could we speak for a moment?" the woman asked directly, deciding not to beat around bush, something that Leah very much appreciated. "In private, if you would."

"As soon as you tell me your name and who you represent," Leah replied equally quietly.

"My name is Itona, and I represent the Shadow Thieves," the thief spoke softly. "No need to introduce yourself, I know you well enough by now, Leah. Rest assured that you have no reason to fear me, or anyone from the Shadow Thieves guild."

"I am aware of that," Leah nodded quickly, looking around until she noticed a miraculously free table at the far end of the common room, pointing at it and then getting up and casually walking towards the free seats, Itona following her with graceful, catlike steps.

"I must commend you on the fine performance earlier," the thief said with an easy smile as they both sat down at the empty table. "Alenina is exceptional on her own, but your voice enhanced her amazing handling of the harp beautifully."

"Thank you," Leah returned the smile, but then her eyes narrowed as she clearly expected an elaboration regarding the Shadow Thief agent's presence.

"I chose to approach you because I think that we both stand to benefit from helping each other," Itona began, sensing Leah's impatience and clearly not wanting to annoy her. "I know that you visited the Dao genies in their tents, and a little birdie tweeted to me that you have agreed to find this rakshasa that they are so desperate to hunt down. Those genies seem remarkably unconcerned about us mere mortals spying on them…"

"Very cute… now, what was your point again?" Leah scowled.

"You're right, that was neither here nor there," Itona nodded apologetically. "The point is that I believe I know where this rakshasa is hiding. And you may be the only one capable of defeating her… if you intend to do so, then I will tell you where to find her."

"What, the mighty Shadow Thieves admit defeat before this rakshasa?" Leah teased with a slightly petty intent to annoy, but Itona didn't even bat an eyelid at the intended barb.

"Our cell in Trademeet is very small, and I myself am more of a spy and smuggler. Fighting dangerous, magical creatures is very much not my forte," the Shadow Thief cell leader replied.

"I can imagine that the genie blockade is cutting into your profits as well, and this isn't just about helping the people of Trademeet out of the goodness of your heart," the young priestess winked at her newly made friend.

"True enough," Itona admitted. "The genies currently have all the wealth in Trademeet, and attempting to steal from them would be… unwise. We have a vested interest in seeing the genies gone, so that the wealth could once again be… distributed evenly."

"As I thought," Leah chuckled. "But yes, we intend to track down and defeat this rakshasa Ihtafeer, so I would be interested in learning what you know."

"Excellent!" Itona grinned broadly. For a moment, Leah felt as if she was seeing Imoen's face under the hood, but as the thief's smile waned, so did the vision of her childhood friend and Leah was left alone with the bitter pang of loneliness and fear in her heart. "There is an old woman by the name of Adratha who lives in the woods near the druid's grove. The woman has been there for a long time, selling potions and phials and such to the locals. It all sounds very harmless, doesn't it?" Leah nodded before Itona went on to explain. "Lately, however, many of the people who have gone to see this woman have disappeared utterly."

"That does sound significant," Leah agreed.

"But that is not all," Itona continued. "We have also spotted two men with this woman who were not there previously. Some of the locals who have returned say that the woman claims them to be her grandsons, but we have it on record that Adratha has no relatives, and she had repeated so often."

"Definitely a place worth investigating, then," Leah nodded.

"I don't know how much you know about the rakshasa, but they eat the flesh of humans and are masterful shape-shifters," the Shadow Thief woman said warningly. "I believe that they have assumed the guise of the potion-seller and are luring the locals to their lair to consume. So, if you still feel up to the task, you should go to the witch's house northeast of the druid grove and I believe that you will find your rakshasa. Kill her, and the genies will not be the only ones pleased," Itona purred sensually, meaningfully placing her hand on Leah's and stroking it gently. "I am sure that the Shadow Thieves will also think of some way to show their gratitude…"

"Uh… thanks, I think," Leah managed, suddenly finding herself petrified and barely able to say anything else.

"Well, good luck and try not to get yourself killed," the flirtatious rogue added teasingly, winking as she laid her eyes on Leah's cleavage before rising from her seat. "It would be a great shame to lose a pretty thing like you…" Itona laughed before joining the crowd and disappearing from Leah's eyes, leaving the young Sorlyn sitting at the table and letting out a deep sigh.

For some time now, there had been this nagging sensation floating around the perimeter of her senses, but only recently she had been able to place this sensation and identify it. The perfectly attuned abilities to sense powerful magic began to reveal the truth, bringing with it the memory of this powerful artifact created by her ancestors, used many times in the past by allowing it to fall into the hands of powerful human warriors, allowing her kin to hunt them down, engage them in a glorious battle, culminating with a bloody feast, the rakshasa sating themselves by devouring human flesh.

Yes, the flail was once again complete, radiating its powerful magic, Ihtafeer could sense it clearly now. She had felt it earlier, but the sensation had been weak, and it had not allowed her to identify the source. But now… now the flail was moving, she could feel it, and it was being carried towards her, to the grove, and to this dismal shack she was forced to call her home, all because of these damnable genies.

Were the ones carrying the flail heading to take care of these pesky druids nearby? Or were they perhaps contracted by the genies to hunt her down on their behalf? That they would be in possession of the ancient flail of rakshasa craft was an interesting coincidence… and Ihtafeer was old and cunning enough to know that life often took ironic twists such as this one.

She could sense the path of the flail, and it seemed to lead straight for the grove, and her shack, which implied that if these men were after her, they had clear directions of where to look for her. And that meant that sitting in the shack of the old potion brewer and waiting to be attacked was not an option.

"Jalaal! Saadat!" Ihtafeer hissed to her two alert looking underlings. "Ready yourselves! We must move out immediately!"

"Why, what is happening?" Jalaal dared to ask, even if he knew he was not supposed to question her orders.

"There are adventurers heading this way… possibly looking for us," Ihtafeer snapped impatiently.

"Is that a reason for concern?" Saadat asked impertinently. "We are the rakshasa and they have no chance against our swords and our magic."

"Perhaps, but I don't like leaving these encounters to chance," Ihtafeer shook her head, lips twisting into a hungry sneer. "Not when we have the opportunity to set up the perfect trap…"

A/N: Song lyrics used by Mediæval Bæbes version of 'As I Lay Upon a Night'.