Legal crapola- NWN doesn't belong to yours truly. I also don't on any of the lyrics that I undoubtedly extracted from any LP song. (I'm paranoid…looking over my back.) Any likeness to any other media is merely an act of God and is covered the Act of God Act of 1512.

AN: This chapter features lots of screaming and girl fights. My specialties. Enjoy it, I don't 'em that often. I don't know what else to say here...

BTW- Dannen isn't dead. Don't flame me on that okay. I repeat DANNEN IS NOT DEAD!!!!

Chapter Nine: Family Tithes

"What the hell are you doing here?" Sharwyn's mother bellowed as she sharply gathered herself, sitting upright on her bed and attempted to look less ailing but failing miserably.

"I heard that you were sick so…" Sharwyn said, a bit less forceful then what she was known for.

"So what?" Her mother replied bitingly.

"So," her authority reinstated, "I thought that I might see if my only remaining family member was okay."

The decrepit woman sneered as she looked my way, "So Dannen sure looks different, now?"

"This is Ash. Dannen is… he's dead." Sharwyn said, turning her head away from her mother.

"Serves the bastard right. Stealing my only child away from me and leading her into a life like…that!"

"I wanted to go. You knew that and I'm still an adventurer, if I had stayed here we would have been poorer than we are now." She rolled her eyes revealing the yellow back of her eyeball.

"You don't seem to have much money troubles." She said, as she looked her daughter up and down with precision.

"I have acquired a small fortune on my adventures but gold isn't all there is in life." Sharwyn said as the became locked into a staring match.

"You always disappointed me." Wow, I saw where Sharwyn developed her thick skin.

"I don't really seek your approval, mother. Do you want my help or not?" said the red head bard.

"Bonerot. It's bonerot. You should have knowledge of it. I could use some help around the house." Her mother said as Sharwyn gingerly stepped toward her and handed her the gold that I had just given her and searched her eyes.

"This is it. This is your small fortune. I was unaware that you'd emphasized small. I bet your horde more from me, parsimonious little tramp."

Sharwyn turned and headed toward the door, "I've always been a disappointment, remember? I'm just living up to my end of the agreement."

"Leave me, before you really piss me off!" she said as she reached for what appeared to be a wand that stood on her table. I decided that I'd let myself out.

"Goodbye mother. Take care," was the last words I heard from Sharwyn as we exited the house.

I'm tired of being what you want me to be
Feeling so faithless lost under the surface
Don't know what you're expecting of me
Put under the pressure of walking in your shoes

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Sharwyn walked feverishly. Aimlessly. I had to nearly fly to keep up with her pace.

"Sharwyn." I said.

"Ash," she said as she sharply spun around toward me, eyes slightly piercing my expressionless face, "What is wrong with me?"

"What's wrong with… you?" I murmured, "I don't know. Your mother is dying, I assume your bereaved."

"That's what I should be, right," she said inertly, "But I don't care. It doesn't matter if she either passes away or if I find the cure for her ailment."

"We can do…" I asked running my fingersthrough my red hair.

"We aren't saving her." Sharwyn said calmly.

I opened my mouth but nothing came out at first then I managed, "Why."

"It's not convenient."

This wasn't fair. Why does fate always play out in this manner? One soul is constantly being weighed against many, why? I continued, "What's that she caught… bonerot?"

"Yes. It requires the capacities of several clerics around the clock but that's not feasible for two reasons. They are occupied by the plague or dead from it." Sharwyn said as she looked over at me.

"What are you looking at?"

"I swear I saw something behind you?"

I looked back. Nothing.

"The only other way would require me to travel to the cliffs of Mount Celestian. That's not feasible either." She sighed.

"We must do something. She's your mother. Can we find the cure somewhere here?"

"Perhaps. Maybe one of my links here will lead me to some person that can aid me." Sharwyn said reluctantly.

"Yeah! Do you think Fenthick might know where we can get a cure from?" I said.

"I doubt it! It's kind of a…black market item. Hard to come by, you know." said Sharwyn.

"Oh," I said, "What do you want to do now?"

"I'm exhausted. Can we head somewhere we can rest at?" Sharwyn spoke as she stretch here toned arms, lining the horizon ensuing her.

"Sure, where do you propose?" I asked

"I don't really…"

"Care, of course." I mocked, "I'd rather stay outside but I'm sure that you'd rather have a bed."

"No, not really. I'm used to the ground but… I knew the perfect place. You elves really enjoy it." She said and we headed back toward the City Core.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

It was beautiful. I couldn't believe that I missed it early. The Big Tree, that's what I called it. Tended by a druid that grew up in the town. It stands as a testament of balance, life and virtue. It's jade leaves crisply sheltering us. I stared at Sharwyn and her red hair. She really stood out of place here. Neverwinter was very beautiful but she was almost divinity itself…

"Your hair is just as scarlet as mine." She spoke with a half smile as she lay near the trunk with her eyes half shut.

"You're a mind reader, too."

"Oh, is the princely demon killer also a mind reader?"

"No. Delphie, my best friend is. Have I spoken of her?"

"Some, I think but I thought she was dead… and lived her in Neverwinter?" She asked deciding that sleep wasn't as important at that moment.

"No. Well, yes. I don't know."

"Okay…" Sharwyn said with a raised eyebrow.

"I meant to say that a little girl I met here was named Delphena just like my best friend in Avarivase. She is a mage, I've known her my whole life, since I could ever remember."

"Oh. What else should I know about the legendary Ashmorlenna Di'Manstrana?"

"Well, my mother is deceased. She died right after she had given birth to me. My father left right before I was born and I've never met him. My aunt and uncle who were both blade singers raised me. I've been searching for clues to my past and…"

"That's what brought you here."

"Not really. I'm here to keep this realm from destroying itself and inadvertently crushing my own at them same time."

"Oh," Sharwyn said as she took out her writing utensils and started to try and ignite it by zealously scribing down everything she heard.

"You're writing all this down…"

"Of course. This is great stuff. Especially if most of it is true."

"What do you mean most? Are you trying to suggest something?"

"No." That's it.

"I'm telling you the truth. I thought that you trusted me…"

"I do. I'm just stating that life and legends are a lot alike. Your interpretation is probably factual but there are things that you still don't know. It's an ever-changing conundrum until we figure it all out."

"You mean when we die."

"Precisely. You were at searching for clues…" She said sternly. Austerely. "I have always felt as if I were more than an avariel. I feel like a dragon dwells in me. You know, I'm more than everyone sees."

"You mean like how when I first met you I thought that you belonged in a nursing station or a perhaps in a tavern or…"

"Yes." I glared through her insidious smile and continued my story, "Delphie and I found this cave many years back and we returned to it where I was told about the realms clashing and that I was needed her. I joined the Academy and the day it was attacked was my graduation day…"

"What of this Salzatorre? Anything note-worthy?" Sharwyn intervened.

"Not other than the kiss inside of him."

Sharwyn gazed at me, "Could you explain that?"

"Well, I returned back to Avarivase and I, Delphie, a priest by the name of Amar and Salzatorre were on our way to find some information about my father when we encountered a demon of enormous power. We battled him and had him cornered. I prepared my fatal blow and he grabbed Salzatorre, who had keep the demon away from Delphie, the injured cleric and me. The demon possessed Salzatorre. It was strenuous watching him struggle with them demon inside him. I entered him…"
"You… went inside of someone?"

"Yes," I said as plainly as I could put it. I twisted my hair as she regained her composure.

"You defeated a yuan-ti with a bow, single handily protected the Academy and can go inside of people! I guess you may have some sleeping dragons inside of you."

"Thanks. We should rest now." We relaxed our heads and eyes. I felt the heaviness of my world wither away from spirit. Dreams. I wanted to see him in the only place that I could…

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

The world was colourless. Motionless. I became one with it. The monochrome sun was crouching beneath the hills in the west. The light betrayed me. I was all alone. By myself. Nothing changed. I stood there for an epoch. No movement. I opened my mouth to speak. Nonentity. No reverberation. Then I heard her voice…faintly.

"Lena…can…you…hear?" Delphie gingerly spoke over the horizon.

I tried to speak but was muted. I shook my head sluggishly.

"You…belong…here" She spoke.

I closed my eyes and inhaled. My eyes filled.

"You…can…not…get…the…tome"

I gradually turned. My wings stiffly spread. My breath laboured.

"Death…it…brings…to…"

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

"Lena," Sharwyn spoke, "Are you ready?"

"Huh," I said and unhurriedly stood up.

"We have to go!" I noticed that we were inside a tunnel or a ruin. Not much was there. Only a large door that illuminated power.

"Where are we?" I rubbed my eyes.

"The Queen awaits…" Sharwyn said as she unsheathed her massive double-sword and swung toward me. I twisted. I buckled over. I could see her standing over me. Her body burning with fury, I could hear her heart exploding in her chest as mine slowed to a crawl. Blood. I was encumbered in a lake of blood. I lifted my hands up as I laid flat on my back. Red. Sharwyn raised her sword then lowered it into my chest.

"No one will stand in between me and my fame." She said as I tried to speak but muttered nothing. I tried to roll over. She pierced my chest again and repeated the action over and over. Forever.

"I'LL KILL YOU," I screamed as I nimbly bound up from the crimson ground and grabbed her red hair. I pulled her forward. Limply she flew to my chest. I threw my arm around her neck.

"NO ONE CAN KILL ME," I screamed. Deep and vibrant. The tunnel shook and started to crumble.

"What have you become?" she struggled.

"I AM YOUR GODDESS!!!!"

Darkness. Ebon darkness engulfed me.

(Caught in the undertow just caught in the undertow)
Every step that I take is another mistake to you
(Caught in the undertow just caught in the undertow)
And every second I waste is more than I can take

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

"Ash," Sharwyn shook as I seemed to try to fight her off, "Wake up, you are having a bad dream."

I blinked my eyes and raised my head into the high noon sun that was shield by something green, "What?"

"You've been restless and I couldn't stand it anymore."

The tree. Reality. I hoped.

"You are okay, right?

"I'll be fine. I'm just… I don't know."

"What was it? Did I die?" Sharwyn asked.

"What?"

"Is that the only word you know now? In your dream, did I die?"

"Not really," I said reminding myself of the contents of my dream and then giving myself goose pimples, "I was killing you."

"Oh. Hehad a dream like that before. Was it with your hands?"

"Yes," I said with both my eyebrows near my bangs, "But you started it."

"Oh really. What did I do? Was I jealous of you?"

"I'm not sure. Maybe."

"Dannen…" Sharwyn with her hand caressing her temple

"I…ummm…" I stuttered.

"It is okay. I'm grateful that you are willing to stick with me. He would have left me already." She said as she looked up into the tree.

"No. I'm sorry to hear about Dannen. I didn't know he was…you know."

"What? Oh, he's not dead," She said almost jokingly, "Don't worry about it."

"Huh, so… why? No, never mind. I'll mind my own business."

"Now, what is our next course of action?" Sharwyn asked as I studied the sunlight's rays.

"I have no idea! I don't have any leads for any more creatures…" I said.

"You didn't have any to start with." Sharwyn grinned slyly, "I suggest that we head to Blacklake. I have many contacts there, we will be able to easily find out what is going on there."

"Okay, Blacklake. Let's head there now! It's still early, we will be able to gather information without bothering too many people."

"Nobles are always bothered," Sharwyn said as we bee lined for the glamorous Blacklake district.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Blacklake. It was as wondrous as advertised. Lofty abodes, gold trimmed doors, marble walkways. The unblemished sun smiled upon the pavement. The smell of lavender filled the area as we stood in its centre looking for something. Anything.

Then we saw her. Our beacon of light, Formosa. The mouth of Blacklake told us about a man named Meldanen and his plans to horde food from everyone and then attempt to bid it of to the highest bidder. She promised to give us information on everyone in Blacklake for our help in recovering the key to his storeroom.

"What now?" I asked Sharwyn.

"We found out how to get in."

"How are we going to do that?"

"I am going to call in some favours. You are going to get some real rest. I can see your eyes fading." Sharwyn said.

"But I want to help out."

"You will… later. Right now I need to find and talk with some of my contracts privately."

"You…you don't want me around." I said and turned to walk off.

"Ash," Sharwyn said, "Meet me over there in four hours, okay."

I thought about it, objectively. I was new in town, working for the City Guard, everyone knew who I was. Sharwyn's prospective contacts weren't probably the most lawful, it was probably for the best that I didn't come along.

"Okay, Ash. Four hours in front of the Board Laid Bare, alright."

'Sure," I smiled, a fake one, "I'll be here."

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

I went to see Fenthick. I don't know why but I wanted to talk to someone and knew clerics were suckers for conversation. Perhaps he could help find a Celestian cure.

"Hello, Ashmorlenna." He said.

"Call me Lena," I smiled, "Where's Dusty."

"Desther is out in the city raising the morale of Neverwinter. I heard you found a component for the cure."

"Yes, I did. Have they found anymore yet?" I asked.

"No, we just have yours. I'm sure that we'll get them all back soon."

"What if we don't?"

"Then I guess that we'll have to go a different direction. Tyr will provide a way when there seems to be no way."

"I guess," I sighed.

"Do you miss your homeland?"

"Yes, a little, I guess. Mainly Sal…" I paused as I felt someone enter the room.

Aribeth walked in, looking more radiant than ever. Her armour gleamed with justice and her hair flowed over it appearing to defend it, "Ashmorlenna…"

"Call me Lena."

"Alright," Aribeth shook her head, "Lena, I've just returned from Blacklake. I heard a young girl, an adventuress, was captured in the Board Laid Bare. I believe that it was that girl you've travelling with."

"Sharwyn," I silently screamed.

"Rumour is that there was a huge battle and he teleported her and himself away. I know that you need to find the Waterdhavian creatures but this…this is dire."

I ran out of the door, wings slapping the frame as I heard Fenthick, "May Tyr grant you protection."

I've become so numb I can't feel you there
I've become so tired so much more aware
I'm becoming this all I want to do
Is be more like me and be less like you

AN: Thanks Guan, beta-reader extraordaniare.