Author's Note: I want to thank the lovely ladies who have supported my muse at Bioware's official website and Adria's KoTOR Fanfic website. With out them, there'd be no one I could relate to about my fascinations with David Gaider's beloved creations. This story is dedicated to them, David Gaider, and of course my one true love, Nick.
Disclaimer: To avoid any possible lawsuits(as if I have anything of worth, har har!) I own nothing and claim no ownership over anything Bioware, Atari, or Neverwinter Nights related. This fan fiction is simply a product of love and admiration for "Hordes of the Underdark" and of course my favorite tiefling, Valen Shadowbreath. The *only* character that belongs to me is Windeline Crystaliis.
~Foretelling of the Heart~
Written by Lady Winde
Chapter One: Misunderstandings
~
The force of the portal slammed the three travelers into the spider etched stone floor of their designated destination. Magical energies brightly illuminated the room as it temporarily blinded the poor occupants around the three travelers.
"Look out! The enemy has found a way in!"
"Protect the Seer!" Twenty or so drow guards quickly surrounded the three sprawled out on the floor.
Ugh… What now? The heavily cloaked figure on the floor rose to its feet while using a gloved hand to wipe the dust from its attire.
"Eep! Boss! What we be doing now? Deekin not want to be chopped into teeny bits. Deekin won't be able to finish story!" The weepy kobold clung to the thick fabric of the cloak. The hooded figure quietly patted the scaled bard's head hoping to ease the panic from him.
The tension was quickly broken by an eloquent voice, "Wait a moment."
The shining greening eyes that were shielded by the hood of the cloak widened at the sight before them. Other words were spoken, but they didn't seem to matter. All the person could do was take in the sight of the pretty thing. A beautiful drow priestess carefully stepped down the stone steps as she made her way to the dark elf standing beside the kobold.
"Nathyrra, you have returned to us."
Her face was young but her eyes betrayed her own appearance. They were shining brilliantly with the knowledge of age and experience. Her lips formed a calm smile at the three before her. The woman's kind features were definitely something the drow weren't known for.
The tired green eyes wandered from face to face as the two women were busy exchanging words. It was hard to concentrate on the words when one's mind was so groggy from battle. The emerald orbs continued to observe each drow face they sighted.
Drow… Drow… Another dark elf… Drow… Grumpy looking drow… Some guy with horns… Drow… dark elf… Horns?
The pair of eyes darted back to the horned creature. His blue eyes were trying to peer past the shadows of the hood, hoping to catch a glimpse of the person heavily guarded by the cloak.
His stare was a mixture of intensity, fear, and a faint innocence. Does he really want to see who's underneath all this? Hmph~
It was starting to feel slightly stuffy and a few sweat beads began to form on its forehead. I really need to take this off… but the minute I do… will the drow turn on me? Sure, they may seem kind and sweet right now… but …
"Yes! Yes! The boss'll help!!!" Deekin happily hopped up and down with his flailing limbs.
Wha?
The drow priestess smiled and slightly tilted her head allowing several of her silver tresses to fall from her slender shoulders. "Excellent, I'm glad you're being reasonable about this."
"Oooh! This be making another good chapter in Deekin's book!" The scaley kobold quickly took out his notes and began to scribble with a hurried delight.
All in the name of a story, Deek? Not that we have much choice anyways… A silent sigh was signaled by sagging shoulders. The Seer took notice and motioned for one of her attendants to come hither.
"It would appear our guests are in need of a small rest… Kayliah, please take them to the appropriate chambers." The servant gave a slight bow and motioned for the two to follow. As the weary travelers left the main chamber of the temple the Seer continued on, "We will talk more of this… after you have rested for a few moments and feel more at ease…"
Heh. I suppose not removing the hood or the cloak could mark one as "uneasy."
"So that tiny man is suppose to be our prophetic savior?" Valen crossed his arms and casted his disapproving glance to the ground. "I do not like being watched by something I can not see."
Nathyrra lightly chuckled, "Valen, you should be used to that in the Underdark by now."
The tiefling rolled his eyes in frustration, "Being watched from the dark walls of shadow is one thing…, watched by eyes guarded by such a ridiculous shroud is another."
"Very true," chimed in the Seer. "But… perhaps there is a good explanation for our guest's secrecy." Valen arched an eyebrow not in the least convinced. The Seer continued on with her calm gaze, "We need to trust him… like we need him to trust us."
The tiefling's tail swayed in agitation, "Hmph. I'm going to see what this man is about…with the cloak removed. Whether it's by choice will be entirely up to him." A smirk lightly played upon his features.
Nathyrra's eyes curiously watched the tiefling over as he left the room and she shook her head knowing all to well what he was going to discover. "Mother Seer… may I ask you a question?"
The older woman enigmatically nodded her head as she carefully sat amongst her attendants.
"You know good and well our new friend is a woman… part surface elf… Why did you not correct Valen but instead continued on referring to her as such?" It was Nathyrra's turn to cross her arms. If anyone referred to her as a male she wondered how quick the knife would meet that person's neck. She quickly dismissed the notion with a scowl. She let go of such brutality the day she fully embraced Ellistrae.
"Perhaps I thought it would be best if he was told by his own eyes… Perhaps… Ellistrae foretold it in a vision… Or perhaps… I'm just curious to see how he would react with one from the surface."
Nathyrra quietly shook her head, "Mother Seer… sometimes even you are too enigmatic for me."
"Oh gawd! It feels so good to finally get that lump of cloth off me!" The young woman twirled around the room with arms outstretched and gracefully fell to the bed beside her. Her eyes grazed over the room taking notice of the various large weapons around her. Large maces, swords, and various large plate armors decorated the floor and walls.
"Deekin?"
"Yes boss?"
"Is… this a man's room?"
"Uhm." The kobold carefully examined his surroundings. "Deekin be thinking yes, boss."
The lesser elven creature sighed, "Perhaps they are low on rooms then… Whoever our bunk mate may be… he better..." Her ears perked to the sounds of footsteps heading towards the room.
Deekin noticed the alarmed look on the ranger, "Deekin hide?" the poor kobold knew exactly what the ranger wanted to do. She nodded and Deekin hurriedly ducked under the frame of the bed that was far from the entrance.
Not wanting to hide within the thick fabrics of the cloak, the woman rushed to the side of the room calling upon her innate abilities to blend in with her surroundings. I shouldn't be doing this… But… if my bunk mate's a drow… Ugh… damn these prejudices of ours!
Valen entered the room cautiously looking side to side. The woman arched an eyebrow carefully sizing the man up. Hmm, He's certainly a nosey one…Much cuter now that I have a nicer view of him…
"And so our guest has vanished." Valen let out a sigh as he shook his head in disapproval. He casually walked over to the bed that had the ranger's loaded bag of equipment. He tilted the bag open with his large mace carefully eyeing the contents.
NOSEY INDEED! The woman tightened the clench of her fists and teeth at the audacity of the man.
"So… Are you ready to show yourself, friend?"
The woman clasped her hands to her mouth. He knows I'm here!? Oh… He's good. With the steps that held no sound, she carefully tried to sneak past the tiefling and escape her uneasy predicament.
If only luck was with her this time.
His hands reached out for her with a lightening reflex, "Let's see what manner of a man you are!" He had gripped tightly at the shoulders making sure that their faces were to be close. Valen wanted to leave an impression with the man that he would not soon forget!
His blue eyes widened as they met the emerald brilliance of hers. Carefully examining the bewildered expression of the beautiful woman before him, his words clumsily stumbled from his mouth, "Y...You are a woman!"
He was completely dumbfounded! The prophetic savior was no man! Valen couldn't believe the sight he held in his rough gauntleted hands.
"So glad you noticed." The lady was slowly recovering from the sudden movements of his 'pounce.' The red tendrils of his bangs were lightly brushing against her face. She couldn't make up her mind if she was angry with his roughness or happy with his sudden curiosity.
Valen continued to evaluate the person in his tight grasp. He had never been so close with someone of the surface… The lady before him had slanted green eyes with long lashes to accompany them. Her golden hair was loosely tousled in its hair tie, probably from a long battle that she participated in before her arrival.
"So… This is your room?" She carefully moved a golden lock from her eyes with slender fingers. Valen slowly came back to reality realizing he still held her firmly in his hands. He quickly released them and turned around hoping to hide the sudden blush that crept along his cheeks.
"Yes …, these are my quarters. I … hope my lady forgives my sudden intrusion."
A gentle smile formed upon the ranger's face. "Well then, that's much better." She trotted her way to face him with a happy face, "The name's Windeline. Windeline Crystaliis, pleased to meet you, bunk mate." Windeline happily extended a hand to the man, hoping it would let up on his uneasiness.
The tiefling carefully examined her hand and slowly extended his own to receive quite the hearty hand-shake. Her hand was strong, delicate, calloused, and soft all at once. His confusion had not left his mind as his gaze met that of the lesser elf.
"If… I may be so bold to ask, my lady, but … why are you wearing men's clothing?"
Windeline gave the tiefling a questioning glance, then her eyes widened in embarrassment as she recollected the events that had led her to the temple. Her frame sported a large man's rather worn tunic, a pair of working slacks, and tattered boots.
With a weak laugh and a quick uneasy glance to the floor she said, "Would you believe I had my belongings stolen before my trek?"
The man cocked an eyebrow her way trying to hide the grin that was forming, "Even… your clothing?"
It was Windeline's turn to blush. "Boss? It safe for Deekin now? Creepy crawlies are making way for Deekin. Deekin hate creepy crawlies, boss!" The troubled kobold peeked from under the bed. Thank the gods for Deekin!
"Hehe … Well perhaps I'll finish this tale for another day… Do you happen to have a screen? It would be nice to change with out having to worry about prying eyes."
Valen made his way back to the main room, the blush from earlier still warm upon his features. Nathyrra could hardly hide her chuckle. "So I see you finally got acquainted with Lady Crystaliis."
The tiefling scowled at her direction, "You could have told me."
The drow simply shrugged his words away, "The Seer thought it was best you find out on your own."
Valen rolled his eyes as he sighed helplessly. It had been a while since he had been so overcome with surprise and confusion. Perhaps it was the Seer's way of letting that part of his humanity out and expressed.
"Was it refreshing Valen?" The Seer calmly asked as she remained in her somewhat meditative state.
Valen lowered his glance to the stone etched floor, "It was something… I hope not to feel for some time."
"You don't like surprises?" The elder drow slowly opened her eyes and her serene expression seemed to glow.
"Not really, no. I… did not know how to react."
Their conversation was cut short by the appearance of the heavily cloaked ranger and her kobold companion. The tiefling arched an eyebrow unable to understand the woman's need for secrecy.
"Ah, it is good you are back, Lady Windeline." The Seer stood from her meditative stance and quietly walked toward the ranger. The woman carefully pushed back the hood of the lesser elf. "There's no reason to be afraid."
A few gasps and snarls were heard as the hood revealed the lesser elf. As Windeline had feared those that hated their surface cousins would ignore the human parts of her.
She's afraid? Valen carefully watched the scared expression upon her face. It wasn't like the look she had given him. This was a look of total dread.
Windeline reached for her hood and quickly covered her head, allowing only a glimpse of her face revealed. "How about a compromise?"
The Seer smiled, "That will have to do then. You are most welcome here." She placed a delicate hand on her bosom, "I am the Seer." Her eyes silently smiled at the young woman before her. "I have awaited your arrival with great anticipation… Please… Do not be alarmed."
Windeline slightly tilted her head as she crossed her arms careful not to make any sudden movements. "You… awaited my arrival? You knew I was on my way?" Little by little her uneasiness was being whittled away by the Seer.
The drow female smiled enigmatically, "Now that, my friend, is going to take more than a little explanation."
The ranger managed a grin. She was almost sure that, whatever the reason, it wouldn't surprise her.
"I am sure you have many questions, and I assure you that they will be answered. Nathyrra has already told me of the events that have led you before us." Her face became strickened and pained. "I am sorry that Halaster has violated you in such a way, Windeline. That was not how I wished to acquire your assistance."
Windeline grimaced at the mention of the geas. The wizard made sure the ranger had learned her lesson well. Never ever meddle in the affairs of a mad wizard despite your intentions!
Slowly the drow's features returned to their normal calm. "But what's done is done, and we must proceed from here."
"That we must." If there was one thing Windeline did hate it had to be long introductions and explanations. Being stagnate while underground wasn't exactly making the elf feel any more at ease.
"Although Halaster has forced you into joining us, your own fate is closely tied to ours."
The ranger arched a delicate eyebrow. "How so?"
A soft chuckle escaped the dark lips of the Seer, "I am sure you have many questions, but there is much we must tell you first. It is important you know something of the Valsharess, if you are to help us against her."
Windeline sighed helplessly. She knew that whenever she was called into some sort of action it would never be simple. Had it ever? She had barely recovered from her previous adventure; then there had been a few escapades due to her short time with fame caused by Deekin's book, 'The Shadows of Undrentide,' and now this. Life would never be simple.
"Just tell me what I need to know." Valen took note of the woman's tone.
"Nathyrra, if you would be so kind…?"
"Of course, Seer." Nathyrra bowed her head deeply and began to tell of the situation at hand.
Windeline's heart sank as she took in the information. A very ambitious matron mother had somehow enslaved a duke of the nine hells. You never will get a break, will you? She came to realize that the Valsharess was the same woman who had summoned her while she slept.
She silently praised Mielikki for that encounter. If not for that strange vision, she'd have a Red Sister's dagger jabbed in her throat!
"Once the Underdark is hers, she will turn her attention once more to the surface." Nathyrra's voice continued on.
Windeline slowly shook her head and placed her hands on her hips. "But the Valsharess can't reach Waterdeep now. Halaster the Mad is free." Who am I kidding…?
The Seer gracefully clasped both of her hands before her. "As each day passes, the Valsharess's hold over the Underdark strengthens and so does her power." The ranger noticed the solemn look that washed over the drow's face.
They really need me…don't they?
"You stopped her plans in the Undermountain for now, but she'll find another way. It won't be long." Nathyrra paused carefully selecting her words. "At best, you've bought us some breathing time."
Windeline relaxed her arms from her hips and carefully removed her hood. Her face was determined, focused, and still held a slight fear of those around her. She knew she had to let it go. Prejudices in such situations would only slow her down.
"So Seer, What do you propose we do now?" The lesser elf held the Seer's gaze with her emerald eyes.
The drow nodded slowly. She took note of the difference in attitude the elf had shown. Her lips were hesitant to continue, "Yes, that is a good question. What are we to do now?"
The wise woman lowered her eyes to the floor for a brief moment, carefully contemplating the situation at hand. Her eyes took solace looking upon the floor while everyone awaited her answer in silence.
She slowly looked up and placed both hands upon Windeline's shoulders. "There is only one thing I can do. I must put my faith in the goddess…" Her face drew closer to the lesser elf's, allowing Windeline to see the hope in her eyes. "And that means putting our faith in you." The Seer's hands slowly lifted from the ranger's shoulders, leaving the girl with her mouth gaped in awe. "Our fate lies in your hands."
Valen quickly stepped forward, alarm clearly marked across his handsome features. "Are you sure, Seer? What do we really know about this… this woman?" Valen's cerulean eyes quickly held those of the rangers. "She could be the death of us all!"
Windeline silently groaned. I certainly didn't expect this out of him… He seemed so…nice and quiet earlier.
The Seer held up a delicate hand, hoping to forestall him. "Our lives are irrelevant, good Valen." He was about to speak up but the Seer continued on, "The Valsharess must be stopped at all costs, and Windeline is the key to stopping her."
The tiefling grimaced as he continued to argue, "You know I don't believe in your ways, Seer." His face seemed somewhat saddened as he made the remark. "I won't throw away my life by blindly following anyone, and I don't think anyone here should, either."
The Seer remained calm in her explanation, "You have saved us more times than I can count, Valen. But the army of the Valsharess will soon march against us, and even your great skill in battle will not be enough to save us." She looked to Valen with pleading eyes, hoping that he would understand.
Valen's scowl seemed to burn a hole into a wall, "I'm willing to defer to your judgment…. For now, Seer." He helplessly made a slight gesture of his hand toward Windeline. "But what makes you think this elven stranger can stop the army of the Valsharess?"
Determination was etched upon the Seer's face as she turned back to Windeline. "I know you are a ranger of great power. But you are so much more than this. You alone can save us from the Valsharess."
Taking in the information that had been laid before her, Windeline resigned herself to her fate. "What would you have me do?"
"Our only hope is for you to find some way to strengthen our forces, or to weaken the Valsharess and her allies. For now… It is late. We shall discuss more of this when we all have had time to fully recuperate from these events."
The drow in the room slowly made their way out of the main chamber either into the streets of the underground city or into the other rooms inside the temple. Windeline began to retreat to her room but slowly turned her head back towards Valen who remained in the chamber.
His head was leaning against one of the cool spider etched walls as he let out a frustrated sigh. The ranger frowned at the man briefly and continued on her way.
"But Boss!" Deekin whined as Windeline pushed him out of the room with his gear in hand.
"Absolutely not, Deekin!" The lesser elf sighed at the kobold determined to stay by her side. "I don't want my bard to be sleeping on the floor when he could be sleeping in a nice bed."
A thought instantly popped in the small kobold's head. "Boss could share bed with Deekin!"
"Absolutely not, Deekin!" The kobold whimpered at her outbursts. Upon seeing his sad eyes, she lightly patted his head and smiled. "Don't worry, Deek. Nothing Epic worthy is going to happen while you're away."
Deekin sighed, "Yes, but… Deekin get lonely."
The ranger gave Deekin a tight hug. "Oh Deek! Don't worry! You aren't alone. I promise I'll wake you as soon as my eyes open!"
Deekin tossed his belongings over his shoulder as he warily eyed the lady. "You promise, Boss?"
"In the name of Mielikki and my honor as a Ranger."
A toothy grin finally appeared on the kobold's face as he trotted down the corridors. "Deekin remember this!"
She sighed as she closed the door, walked over to her belongings, and grabbed her brush. Would she be able to rest with so much to absorb from the day? Her fingers delicately knitted her hair into a braid as she continued to go over the events.
Prophetic savior? Hardly… I'm just… me. What would grandma and grandpa do? Her frown deepened as she tried in vain to think out the scenario her grandparents would choose. She dropped her brush in the bag and gently placed her night gown over the screen.
Red Sisters indeed. She was more than fortunate that she was able to retrieve her belongings. If there was one thing she loathed, it was knowing all to well that someone had poked and prodded through anything that was hers.
She ducked behind the screen, gladly throwing the men's clothing from her body. Her ears perked as she heard the familiar footsteps make their way to the room. Her hands carefully tugged at the wrap around her bosom.
"The kobold isn't around?" The sounds of unfastening armor were daring Windeline to take a peek from her screen. Be a good girl, Winde.
She cleared her throat as the last of her bosom wrap was neatly wrapped around one hand, "Deekin went to sleep elsewhere. I would not have him sleep on these stone floors when he could have a comfortable bed at his back."
"I see." Valen dropped his mithril armor beside his bed in a messy heap. Windeline's curiosity could not hold out any longer. She dared to steal a glance at the quiet man.
Her eyes widened as she got a nice view of his backside. Although normally the tight muscles that neatly made up such a man's physique would inspire such a reaction, it was the swaying length of a sinewy tail that caught her glance.
Horns AND a tail? She quietly ducked back behind the screen hoping her peek went unnoticed. Her hands reached for the cotton night gown her mother had made for her years ago. What manner of creature is this man? She smiled as she continued to muse to herself.
"Are you decent?" She kindly asked.
"Did that stop you a moment ago?" How does he do that!? She managed a quiet chuckle refusing to answer the question. A few awkward moments passed as she remained behind the screen. The rustling of clothing could be heard while Windeline was going through her sack. "It's ok, now."
The woman peeked from behind the screen to see Valen laying in bed with his back to her. As quiet as she could be, she climbed into bed with her drawing slate and pen & ink in hand. Hmm… drow beds are so soft! The bed was a warm welcome compared to the various places she had slept before.
She propped a pillow against the wall to lean against. With the drawing slate in her lap, she reached for a few sheets of paper Deekin had let her borrow. She winced as the papers left her sack with a noise less than silent.
"Not able to sleep?" Windeline swore there was a hint of agitation woven in his voice.
A smile played upon her lips, "I haven't tried, yet. I like to draw a bit before turning in."
"You are an artist as well?" Valen turned in his bed to look at the lady while she sketched on her paper.
She continued to smile, "When I want to be, although I'm far from a professional." Thanks for the view, good man. Her eyes lifted from her lap now and then trying to transfer the image of the man onto her paper.
"Are you feeling better now?" Although her eyes weren't looking at his, she could feel his gaze upon her.
Valen shrugged, "I probably wouldn't have handled you so roughly if I was just told you were a woman in the beginning."
Windeline lowered her pen as she managed a laugh, "I can assure you, whatever manner of handling you had dealt, I'd be fine." Valen smirked at the woman as she returned it with a wink. "But… that's not what I was referring to."
The smirk slowly faded into a frown as his blue eyes looked the woman over, carefully considering what impact she might have on Lith My'athar. His voice was soft but hinted of a slight bitterness. "The Seer believes you are our prophetical savior; our hope of defeating the Valsharess." He shifted uneasily in his bed, "I, however, do not believe in prophecies."
Valen noticed the melancholy frown that was forming upon Windeline's face. "Still, you are obviously capable in your own right." The ranger's eyes refused to leave the sanctuary of her paper and drawing slate. "And we need all the help we can get if we are to win this war. So I'm willing to take a chance."
This man doesn't pull any punches, does he?
Her voice was soft, but not enough to hide the hurt. "I…" Her eyes drooped to the side not really looking at anything particular, "get the feeling you don't like me."
"Untrue," his voice matched the softness of hers. Her gaze upon him was sad and managed a faint smile at his attempt to make her feel better. "I do not even know you, so I can hardly dislike you."
"But, unlike the Seer, I'm not about to put all my faith in you until you've proved yourself against the Valsharess."
The slate, pen & ink, and paper dropped into the sack beside Windeline's bed. She shimmied deeper into the bed and wrapped the blankets over her shoulders. "And just how am I supposed to prove myself?"
She just doesn't know when to let it go, does she? "By stopping the Valsharess, of course… if you can. But even the Seer seems to think you can't do this alone, prophecy or not." Windeline didn't seem to remember the Seer saying such a thing. "Fortunately, I may be able to help you out."
"That's all I want."
"My help?"
"Well not only that, but I want your trust, Valen. I don't expect you to blindly follow me and I certainly won't ask that of you or the others. Just know when Winde gets her mind set on something it gets done and done swiftly."
Windeline's ears perked a bit. Was that a chuckle that escaped his lips?
"We shall see then, won't we?" His voice seemed gentler while on the edge of sleep.
The ranger tried to cover her yawning, "We shall. Sleep sweetly, bunk mate."
Deekin frantically scribbled into his notes hoping to catch every word. His scaled tail swayed side to side with glee. When the two appeared to finally be asleep, the small kobold sighed. He carefully tucked his notes underneath his arm and quietly tip-toed back to his quarters as he sang the 'doom song' in his head.
Thanks for reading. Please read and review! I'm eager to see what you readers think. :)