The Dragon Wall

Sarevok walked next to Peri who had just mounted her pony. He put his hands on the huge belly, but kept looking at her eyes, Peri was pleased to note.

- "Now it is only one day's ride and we cross the border. Then, sister... picture an inn, hot bathtub, fresh fruit, a meal cooked by someone else..."

Peri sighed happily.

- "Winski said that after we cross those hills we should see the Dragon Wall," she said.

- "I know how exhausted you have been, body and soul both," Sarevok said in a low voice, more serious than a moment before. "Know that my admiration for you has only grown if such a thing is indeed possible. I can only imagine how carrying a new life inside of you can affect you, but it can't be easy. And I can feel your exhaustion, and your pride and rage trying to cover it from us. You should not be ashamed, but proud. The strength of your sword arm will return in no time. I will spar with you to get you back into shape, yes?"

Peri smiled and squeezed his hand.

- "Thank you, brother. It is hard for a warrior to accept needing help from others."

- "It is a lesson I have had to learn, as well," Sarevok replied. "Let us get going. We will be behind that wall yet tonight."

Everyone knew that they were about to reach the land of legend finally after the months of monotonous ride of hardships. Therefore the party was much livelier than usually, joking, anticipatory even.

They crossed the hills Winski had recognized on his trail map, and in front of them opened a massive stone structure reaching far away to the south, to and beyond the horizon. There was a wide walkway atop the sturdy wall, and statues of odd-looking leonine creatures with large blunt heads and wide-set bulbous eyes. As if by agreement everyone halted the ride, and just marveled at the sight.

- "Foo creatures," Winski said.

- "What?" Imoen frowned.

- "Those statues. They depict foo lions and dogs. They are celestial creatures that sometimes aid worthy individuals, and act as their protectors. The Shou put their statues everywhere to ward off evil spirits - and sometimes a foo creature can indeed live in such a statue."

The others rewarded him with an impressed look.

- "It seems that one Bag of Holding full of your books and scrolls wasn't a complete waste, if you will continue to be this knowledgeable," Peri smiled.

- "It might be so, but in my opinion knowledge and thinking has an inherent value independent of its practical..."Winski started, a fire of passion behind his eyes.

- "I know!" Peri laughed. "Sheesh, I was just kind of complimenting and teasing you at the same time."

- "The wall... it is so beautiful. Makes you want to walk atop of it..."Imoen smiled.

- "Your feet would tire. It is damn long," Peri said dryly, earning a displeased frown from Imoen.

- "Ever the romantic," Jelena laughed. "I must say I am pleased that we finally reach civilization so to speak. Peri couldn't have continued traveling much longer. And we all have lost weight significantly. Winski, you almost look like a skeleton."

- "Thank you, my dear. It is good to know that my physical appeal is intact."

Jelena gave him what he thought of as The Look. The loving, cherishing look.

- "All you need is some proper food to get some flesh around those bones. And I am just mad about you whether you have any corporeal form at all, you know that."

- "Mother and father, wouldn't you rather continue your... romantic exchange in the peace of your own inn room, amidst fresh, clean sheets, after a scented bath?" Sarevok grinned. "I suggest we get moving."

- "You are learning the art of soft persuasion," Winski smiled approvingly, and the party continued their journey.

They are so happy, Winski thought, looking at them all. I never said it aloud, because it would have just annoyed her, but I have really worried about Peri. I remember well enough how pregnant women often are pampered and fussed about, protected from even normal everyday city life - and here she, stubbornly refusing to draw attention to her condition, journeys in hot desert, endures long day rides, scarce water, inadequate hygiene, bandit attacks. But she is still a child of Bhaal, as is Sarevok. Now that the phantom is quiet and buried, it actually is a good thing. Beloved family.