An Uncanny Judge of Character

Peri prayed silently in her mind.

Gorion. I love you like I never have loved anyone. You were the one who was my salvation, you were the one who helped me to battle that horrible lure in my blood - somewhat. Your gentleness and guidance taught me that there is another kind of power than that of an oppressor, an iron fist. I need to know, I must know. Is it wrong that I travel with Sarevok? Is it wrong that I... care about him, that his support and understanding means frighteningly much to me? Have I betrayed you and your memory? Because, as bizarre as it is, he is now the only person who can help me with my darkness, like you once were. Like we are two pieces of the same soul...

She cried, so unhappy. Everybody was already sleeping, and she finally felt free to wallow in her torment.

Then she saw movement in the encampment. Keldorn. Peri frantically wiped her eyes, tried to stiffen her shaking shoulders and swallow her tears. Alas, when Keldorn approached her with the kind and worried look in his eyes, she lost the modicum of control she had managed to muster and started to weep profoundly, ashamed and infuriated with herself.

Keldorn sat next to her and put his arm on her shoulder.

- "Peri... I feel tempted to call you 'child' but that would undoubtedly irritate you to no end. You may be the leader of this group, and a strong leader you have been, but you are also very young and have to battle a frightening inheritance I can only guess about. You are not made of steel. That shadow was a creature of pure evil. It hit you in the worst possible way."

- "Do you... do you think I have abandoned Gorion? Do you think it is wrong that I get along with Sarevok?" Peri sobbed.

- "Your reaction shows me that the reason you get along with him is not that you wouldn't care for Gorion. And, if he is the man I imagine he was, he would probably be proud of you. It is a noble thing to do to give a second chance to another. Just guide Sarevok in the right direction."

- "You and Anomen! You always are so damned sure about the right direction! I don't even know what it is, most of the time. I will have to make do with avoiding the obviously wrong one!"

- "You are in a great danger of becoming cynical, but you have principles and courage to act on them. I believe Sarevok still clings to his old, power-hungry ways... and power-hungry is something you are not. Help him see the folly in that."

- "Thank you, Keldorn... I feel better now," Peri said, her sobs dying down.

Poor child, Keldorn thought. She is trying so hard to put on a brave face and be strong for the group. By Torm, she is barely older than my daughter, and already she has battled demons, been tortured by a soulless madman... I do not deny that the instant connection between her and Sarevok could be dangerous, but that is where I come in. I must do my best to guide both of those young, proud souls, the strongest of children of Bhaal. Torm, give me wisdom to find just the right way to do that.

The group woke up to Cespenar's cheerful singing. Minsc joined the tune with his bass.

- "Ach, will ye shut up!" Korgan growled, and Keldorn shot him a grateful look when no-one was looking. Cespenar looked hurt and stuck his tongue out, while Minsc just took it in stride.

Sarevok also was grateful. He had serious trouble disappointing Cespenar in any way, no matter how embarrassing that was, but the singing was just a little bit too much. He hadn't slept much, as he had been thinking hard. About how much he actually appreciated his sister and how deserving she would be of her destiny, as Sarevok himself now wasn't able to reach it. He would have to talk with Peri as soon as the proper opportunity presented itself. His head aching he started to don his battle gear when he noticed Minsc, his face wearing an expression of benevolent, childlike interest pointing his hamster at him. That was too much for the already irritable Sarevok.

- "Ranger! Turn your rodent's gaze another direction! I will not be scrutinized as though by some ridiculous divining rod!" he snapped.

- "Boo is an uncanny judge of character, but you... you give him trouble," the frowning Minsc mused. His unshaken good humor infuriated Sarevok.

- "I shall give him more than that if this continues! I nearly conquered a nation! I will not be judged by a creature that stores nuts in its cheeks!" he growled.

- "Awwww, Sarry! Don't rant..." Imoen said. Minsc nodded encouragingly and continued: "Food storage aside, Boo controls himself far better than you do. Do you see him ranting about mere glances? Let's look."

- "What?" Sarevok was nonplussed, and there was a moment of silence. Then Minsc's face melted into a benevolent, lecturing smile.

- "There, you see? No rant. In fact, right now we see him snuffing about for a comfy place to sleep. Admirable restraint, " he explained.

- "I'm still in hell, aren't I? This is insanity," said Sarevok, his heart sinking.

- " Ah, finally a calming look across your face. Boo's handiwork, no doubt. Doesn't that feel better?" Minsc smiled at Sarevok. So benevolent, so trusting. So happy having done the good work of the day. Sarevok felt like screaming. He couldn't even kill the man without feeling guilty. Peri and Imoen were giggling and Minsc was patting Boo, looking very pleased with himself.

- "Let's... let's go kill something. Soon," said Sarevok quietly.

Peri's laugh died down and she smiled at him.

- "All right, bro. Let's go see what kind of nasties live in that temple."