Certain major characters are not mine, though Elondra is mine, among many others. Language and other stuff warning, just to be safe...

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Neverwinter, the Blacklake mansion of Lord and Lady Ponseraf ---

--- Casavir

The dinner had been passing without incident. I'd been talking with my neighbors, mostly about campaigning and command. They were interested and two had some experience hunting bandits or kobolds when they were much younger. I could see where my lady was speaking to others, her face more animated than previous social occasions. Bishop didn't seem to be interacting much, but he wasn't getting into any trouble.

The food was excellent and perhaps I'd had a little too much to drink, so I quietly asked one of the nearly silent servants what I needed to know.

When I was going to return to the other guests, our hostess was blocking my return.

"How dare you come among us as if you belonged, you gutless excuse for a man?" she accused me.

I hadn't seen her as long before or perhaps I'd been distracted, but I recognized her now. This was Troi's little sister, Leena. All grown up now, and angry at everyone who took her brother away. She hadn't seen her brother, for maybe twenty years now. She couldn't really take out her anger on Tyr. She recognized me now or maybe my name, finally, and me she could hate.

While I could grieve for her loss, and wonder why it continued, I couldn't think of anything I could do to help her. I tried to placate her, and offer my help, but she did not hear me.

Praying for patience, I let most of what she said wash over me. These were only words of someone in pain. The quality of her guests and husband said she was not like the others who had said cruel words to us. The fact that she was doing this in private, also said that on some level she knew this was not justified. Perhaps the infection would drain if I let her speak freely.

Sadly, her temper did not expend itself, and she seemed to grow angrier. I was getting concerned, when Bishop found us.

His sarcasm interrupted the torrent of her words, and she seemed at last to be a little embarrassed at her tirade.

I hoped she understood when I said that I would be pleased to forward a letter to her brother discreetly. I'm not sure she did, but I did have to explain this to Bishop when she'd left.

Bishop said in surprise, "Troi's her brother? Her real brother, and they just threw him away?" That question ended with a slight growl.

Reminded of what he'd believed about his family for years, I hastened to explain.

"They did not do it in that way," I had to tell him, before I paused for a sigh, "It is rare, but some families can not accept when someone has a calling. Troi did not mind the loss of wealth, but was very hurt that his sisters were lost to him because of the edicts of his grandfather. He knows that their mother still visits Neverwinter, but she was originally native of Waterdeep and returned there after his father's death. They'd not been close, he'd been closer to his sisters. Once Troi began his training in earnest against the family decrees, he only caught occasional glimpses of his sisters as they grew, so they may not remember him well. They haven't seen him in perhaps twenty years."

"Stupid, to turn on..." Bishop began.

I just looked at him, and he came to a stop.

Looking after Troi's sister, I said, "Even with this, they are still good people. I believe one of the other sisters eventually became a priestess of Oghma. Their parents could not accept that Troi had a calling beyond the family interests, as he was the heir." Looking again at Bishop, I added, "Not all nobility have it easy either. Sadly, it seems his sisters believe ill of him."

We stood in silence for a few minutes, and I then asked Bishop, "How much would any of the three of us give to learn of family? This level of stubbornness is sadly tragic."

"That's one word for it," he agreed, before we returned to the others.

Even with Lady Helene's upset, this dinner had been one of the more pleasant events we had attended. My lady had been talking with some others when we returned. She met my eyes briefly and smiled, but continued in her speech. Eventually the discussion groupings had shifted several times, and while the conversations were pleasant the event broke up.

I think we all were in a good mood as we walked home. This evening under the eyes of Blacklake society had gone fairly well. We had had the samplings of some fine vintages, and walking back was pleasant as was the rest of our evening.

The next day a Greycloak lieutenant visited Duncan early in the morning, and was very deferential while asking about his missing employee. Bishop decided that he needed some time outside the city more than sparring, so it was only my lady and my squire today.

I was pleased with my student's progress, and wondered how long this was necessary. Eldride seemed to be prepared now. Stopping briefly to consult with Brother Rorthel, I was dismayed to learn that the end was not as formal as I believed, as graduation depended on either time served, proof of service though some great event, or an omen. The first was most common, but was usually to the order of three years as squire, as it had been for me.

Eldride was very close to ready now, it surely would not require nearly three more years.

We had two invitations for today, but the one was another daytime one, exclusive of any of us but my lady.

Not knowing the host, even by reputation, I suggested again as we returned to the Flagon, "I do not believe you should attend this function, my lady..."

Squeezing my hand, which I'd not noticed was already holding hers, Elondra smiled and said, "Not that I'm upset at the idea, but do you have a specific reason? Sand thought we should attend as many events as we could."

"No specific reason at this time," I allowed. "I do not believe that Sand's knowledge is as relevant as he believes for social events. He has not experienced what we do now, and the shifting moods and intentions of this society are not even as clear as simply establishing guilt."

"It wasn't that simple," my lady remembered.

Stopping a moment for an embrace, I agreed, "No, it was not, but I think we have advanced well beyond his direct experience now in this arena. I think we will have to decide more based on our own knowledge and intuition."

Leaning back, my lady met my eyes with a grin and said, "Your experience, my paladin. I'm only half-decent, at best, in being polite. And not so good at even that, when I'm upset. These people are getting very good at pissing me off."

"I know, my love. I'm very proud that you have managed to control yourself, despite their actions," I told her, tracing along the side of her face.

A roll of her eyes, and a wicked smile reminded me that I'd helped give her too much practice in that skill.

My slight embarrassment at that must have shown, as Elondra hugged me and said, "Learning when to shut up was taught and enforced long before then, between Daeghun and the village bullies. I'm just bad at guessing what people really mean sometimes or persuading them that it's raining. Maybe if I'd been better, there might have been a few less deaths."

"Persuasion is often not enough, my lady, or else we would not need to train to fight," I admitted.

"That, I can do," she said with a half-smile.

"Aye, that you can, my lady," I said while holding her close for a few minutes.

The shouting of the driver of an approaching cargo wagon interrupted that, and we went back to the Flagon, still smiling.

My lady had some more dispatches from the keep to review in our room. I read a prayerbook I had borrowed from the temple, as she wrote out her responses with an occasional comment or question to me.

Pameran arrived to help with her preparations for the event she was no longer attending.

"I'm sorry," Elondra said, her face flushing. "I forgot to let you know that I'm not going to this one."

"Then I will return in a few hours for the preparations for tonight's gathering," he said carefully. "Unless you are also planning to avoid that one, too."

I put in, "No, we should all be attending that tonight."

"Very well, my Lord," Pameran said before leaving us.

"I'm still not quite used to having to tell others about my... our plans," my lady said.

Shaking my head, I allowed, "Neither am I. I had been working alone, or with only a few others at a time for so long."

My attention must have wandered with my thoughts, as I was surprised when my lady sat next to me, ducking under my arm.

"You're not alone, my beloved. So you can stop that right now," she told me with a serious look in her eyes.

"Of course, my lady," I said as my heart had warmed. Pulling her closer, I told her between kisses, "You have my complete attention now, and my heart, always."

Her fingers cool against me, I paused to say, "There is no rush, my lo..."

She giggled when she tickled me and interrupted my words. Capturing her hands, I kissed them, looking into her sparkling eyes. My heart was light, that we were sharing this, now in the shadows of the flies around us this autumn. We were safe, and we loved.

Close to sunset, we were already dressed for the evening, and I was getting worried about Bishop returning in time. I believed that it was important for us to present a united front, or else others and our foes might think us already fractured and vulnerable. He returned with just enough time to prepare, though Pameran expressed his own disapproval without words.

At last we all were ready to leave. Once at the dinner, our reception was neutral this time. Some were cautiously welcoming, while others were colder. Even so, we were learning and stayed closer together, as it seemed fewer wanted to be especially cutting if we did.

The evening passed a bit less pleasantly, and none of us were included in many conversations. I did briefly renew acquaintance with a former day student at the temple from when I was young, but nothing else was very pleasing about the event.

In the morning, Sand was awaiting us when we came down to greet Duncan. "Ah, the so-busy lady and her lords, grace this humble elf with their presence," he said dryly. "Will I be required to begin making appointments to gain the chance to exchange information and leads with the newly minted lords and lady?"

Concerned now that we hadn't seen him for days, I had no response.

"And yet, you have an unexpected failure to attend an event and do not inform me?" Sand asked us pointedly. "How can I advise you if you do not adhere to a simple plan, but instead gad about, doing whatever you fancy with your day?"

I know I flushed at that. My lady had the slightest blush as well. Bishop looked like he wanted to laugh, and I think the pup was laughing at us.

Elondra managed to say after a moment, "It seemed pointless to attend these daytime events, only for me to be a target for the bitches of the city. Nothing I've done seems to find favor in their eyes. Even without those afternoons where we do not know the hosts, there are still plenty to keep us busy." She paused a moment and then added, "It'll be another five evenings before we'll be able to meet with you."

"Perhaps we should shift the trading of intelligence to the earlier in the day, if you will not be attending these events," Sand said thoughtfully. "Remember, more is at stake than just the vagaries of the so-called elite of the city."

"True," I admitted, "we do not know enough."

Carefully, Sand mused, "We do need to know how these people fall in their allegiances. Before you were prepared, we only had a few snippets that the bard could observe at events with hired musicians. All else was second and third-hand, as gossip though the servants for the most part. It is unfortunate that your welcome has been so mixed, as I had hopes for your gathering primary data from your differing perceptions."

I think I flushed again, as gathering intelligence would be valuable. Now, both our own gathering, and gathering through the Mask, had been at least partly blocked. Nonetheless, I did not want my lady to have to face that hostility alone.

"Setting aside the daytime distaff events, how many invitations have you received?" Sand asked.

With a sigh, my lady said, "Something like twenty, just for the remainder of Leafall alone. Some of those are events to which we did not get invited, but Nevalle has told me that I will be guarding Nasher for."

Looking thoughtful again, Sand asked, "Is there any patterns in the events you will be taking an official role at, my dear girl?"

"Balls and hunts," my lady said with a grimace. "Most are at events that we have not gotten invitations."

"Thereby confirming that you are not to be denied admission, despite any contrary opinions," Sand observed. Looking at us closely, he added, "This does confirm that your role for Lord Nasher is as a vanguard for some kind of change, dating back to that award ceremony on your return."

"Imagine my enthusiasm for that plan," my lady said ironically. "I'm not that willing to be clawed by those bitches, just to prove a point."

"I do hope, that you haven't burnt any bridges with potential hosts, by failing to send a note with your regrets if you do not attend," Sand told her neutrally.

Our faces must have shown our dismay, as he nodded, and said, "I will find a reference for the proper forms for you to study. We should compare notes with the others in three days, early in the afternoon. You soon must become more diligent in observing the others, as you may have already been exposed to the stronger pieces of our opponent. You need to be able to see clearly, without trepidation, bias, or contemptuous rejection." Sand's glance became more of a chiding glare at each of us as he said this. "Tactically, it seems likely that many of the most rude have been used as stalking horses, to draw attention. You must watch more closely for the feints and see the movers."

I could feel myself sigh at that, as it seemed all too likely, now that he had pointed this out. He did not have any further advice and soon left to attend to his own business for the day.

"I guess I'd better write that note before I skip playing target this afternoon," Elondra said glumly, after she ate. "Phrased poorly sounds better than not doing it."

"Can I pick some colorful phrases then?" Bishop asked with a grin.

That startled a smile from her and she said, "I'll keep that in mind for the real asses."

When she ran upstairs, Bishop looked around the empty room, and asked, "Do you have a particular idea for a gift yet?"

"No," I admitted quietly, "I've been more concerned about other things, like her dismay at our patrons."

He sighed at that and said, "Maybe I shouldn't have said anything."

"I was not the only one concerned that you were so completely faithless," I told him.

"Yeah, I got that impression often enough when you yelled at me about it," Bishop said with a sly grin.

"I didn't yell at you," I objected.

His grin broadened and he allowed, "You didn't exactly yell, but you did express yourself that way often enough, usually trying to speak clearly with clenched teeth."

"Our lessons when young did not even address a loved one feeling left out by our calling," I said, feeling a bit sad.

His grin remaining an extra second at my changing the subject, Bishop then said, "Not that I've had any training, or any ideas."

Thinking a moment, I told him, "I think the expectation was that we would tend to... become involved with people of the same calling or allied temples."

A bark of laughter, and he said, "Well, you sure exceeded their expectations with us!"

Looking at him, I suggested, "Perhaps that is why they have had difficulties with us at times. They have little to model their behavior on."

"They can just learn to work without a 'model or standard' to lean on," he almost snarled, the sarcasm very strong in his voice. "The world isn't that uniform around them, and if they couldn't see she's good and treat her like that, they're just stupid."

There was an element of truth to that, as we cannot have been the only ones to be different over the years. "Then we will be establishing the new standards," I told him, "and setting the example for the future."

"How much do you think that will help when they treat our woman like she's a threat to you again?" Bishop asked with a bite to his questions. "How much of her feeling left out is from that questioning?"

My throat tightening a bit at the accusation, I had to admit, "Most of it, I believe."

After a pause, Bishop said, "I couldn't have pretended nothing happened when I got the rest of my spells, anyway. She'd asked me obliquely about it during the war, even if I didn't quite get it then. No gift ideas?"

"I would prefer something a bit more permanent this time, and beautiful as she is to me, just for her," I said more carefully.

"Sounds expensive, but fine with me," he agreed. "We still have a little time."

Our lady's steps down the stairs into the taproom ended the conversation, but it was a good start.

Elondra waved her message, wearing a half-smile, "Now we can go."

"Could we make two stops before we spar?" I asked. "I would like to check on Aldanon and introduce you to an old friend."

"I'm glad you remembered," my lady said with a grimace. "I'm losing track with everything that's happening."

Bishop looked like he was going to say something stupid, but he looked at the pup, and didn't say anything.

Soon we were going to see the old sage, and once there, Noldaven told us, "I'm sorry I can't admit you today. The master did not have a good night, and he is still asleep." His demeanor also said he was still not well.

I asked, "Have you applied to any of the temples to help him?"

"Of course, my lord," he said gravely, "They can make him more comfortable, but they said there was no cure for age."

"Tell him we were here to visit," my lady said, looking sad, "I hope we can see him soon."

Noldaven bowed, and we left. Trying to remember the precise building I wanted, I led the way to the more modest home Sir Bertan kept.

Admitted to a formal study, Sir Bertan was very cheerful, "Welcome and well met, my boy! I'm glad you brought your family with you for your visit, including your lovely wife."

My lady flushed at that, but I was always very proud of her. They greeted him, as we took seats in a grouping. As we conversed about the Harvest Ball and prior harvest, we heard some thumping from the upper part of the house.

Bertan looked embarrassed, and admitted, "My sister-in-law seems to like to enact a tragedy the morning of every ball, making a mess and irritating my servants. At least she and her maid do sincerely apologize to them the next day, and are usually very well-behaved. Alas, today will include many strange noises and the occasional shriek as they prepare."

I nodded, "Perhaps this will calm as she becomes accustomed to the preparations."

"Perhaps," he admitted with a half-smile, "But this has continued several seasons already and my brother has taken to hiding at the Leather Apron some days. We remaining have to weather today's storm." A pause, and he said, smiling more, "she is young, and it will blow over." Looking at us with a glint in his eyes, he asked while patting my lady's hand, "So when can we expect to hear that you've started your family? You don't look to these old eyes to be expecting as yet."

My lady flushed deeply, and I could feel my face grow warm as well. I could hear Bishop and Karnwyr's amusement at that. Having difficulty answering that, I wasn't sure if I was glad or worried when Bishop did.

"We'll be more careful before we start breeding," he said with a grin, "We don't want any enemies around our litters, to start with."

Finally my lady took a breath and said, "We still have at least one active enemy and maybe some additional unfinished business from the war. It may be a while, but thank you for asking."

That phrase sounded a little odd to me, but Bertan seemed approving and expecting it. We spoke a bit longer, and then said farewell before continuing to the Hall of Justice to meet my squire for sparring. Our second ball was tonight.

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A/N: Thanks to my beta reader, who's been kind enough to point out some things. Any typos that remain are not intentional...Reviews or even a PM to let me know what you think would be very appreciated.