Light Wrapped in Darkness 8
Magicman: Ah good. I feel so much better now. That's what liberal amounts of Baldurs Gate will do to you. Anyway, I agree with Behold the Void. Nalia's aunt is extremely annoying and the monk is indeed the mightiest character. But then again where's the challenge being invincible?
***
Taurus hissed as he felt his ribs. He was sure that they were cracked. He leaned back against the wall and winced as the pain flared up. He spoke to himself, stressing every syllable carefully. "I HATE Umberhulks".
Viconia rolled her eyes. "Don't go whining to me abbil. I only have so much patience."
The party had run into a pack of five Umberhulks. The creatures had fought viciously and inflicted a great deal of damage before they were killed. They had confused Minsc with a glance and the ranger had gone berserk, attacking everything from an Umberhulk to Yoshimo (Lila didn't seem to care just as long as he was whacking things) until Viconia had cast Hold on him. Aerie had turned herself invisible and escaped most of the damage but Nalia suffered a severe gash in her chest. Jaheira was treating her.
Taurus sighed in relief as Viconia's healing magic stole over his body like a warm glow. "Thank you muchly Vicky"
Viconi scowled at the nickname. "Don't call me that."
"Sure thing Vicky".
"Stop calling me that or I will kill. Then I will resurrect you to life. And then I will kill you again!"
Jaheira looked up from a freshly healed Nalia. "Oh hush up, my Drow colleague. Threats will only encourage him. I know, I've tried."
Meanwhile, Minsc shook his head. "Ooh. Minsc feels like a weasel after Boo has punished him for stealing the nuts from squirrels. Boo is most fierce when defending his fellows from danger," he added to nobody.
"How did I ever end up with a guy who talks to a rodent?" grumbled Lilarcor from his sheath on the ranger's back.
"...Said the talking sword incarnated with the spirit of a local idiot" Yoshimo cut in.
"Hey! I resent that!" yelled the indignant weapon. "Come here so I can bite you!"
Yoshimo shrugged and set about picking the lock on a door that led out of the room.
Viconia grabbed Taurus' arm and pulled him to his feet. "There, you're healed."
"Much obliged missy".
The Drow woman made a face. "I think I preferred Vicky."
The sound of a giggle wafted over Viconia's right shoulder. "What do you want butterfly?" Viconia turned around and glared at the air where Aerie was presumably standing still shrouded by the mist of her spell.
"Oh nothing" the soft voice responded. "I'm just thinking about things."
"Of what? How to duck out of the next fight?" Viconia snapped.
"Hey! Why don't you try dodging a heavily enchanted sword that's aiming for your head?"
"Maybe you could, I don't know, DUCK?!"
"I reiterate: Why don't YOU try it?!"
Jaheira sighed. "Relax children. Killing each other won't solve anything."
"It'll make me feel better" Aerie muttered to herself. Viconia smirked.
"I am forced to agree with you butterfly."
Viconia could almost see the air scowl. "Would you mind not calling me that Vicky?"
"Don't. Call. Me. That!"
"Girls?" Taurus spoke up.
"Or what?!"
"Girls?"
"Or I'll make you regret you were ever born!"
"Girls?"
"Why don't you try it and get hurt?!"
"GIRLS!!!"
Viconia and Aerie looked at Taurus in confusion (though Aerie was still invisible). "What?"
"We don't know how many trolls are still alive or if they are even nearby" Taurus explained. "I don't want to interrupt your argument, so could you please just argue quietly?" He smiled placatingly.
Aerie and Viconia glanced at each other. Before they could say anything however an altercation arose which required the immediate attention of all the party. The door, which Yoshimo was working at unlocking suddenly, burst open, throwing the hapless thief backward into Minsc. A monstrous troll strode through the door, apparently attracted by the yelling of the two elven women.
This troll was the biggest troll that any of them had ever seen. Safe in her invisibility spell Aerie gasped in horror. This monster was twelve feet tall, doubling even Minsc in height. Muscles rippled and bulged all along its chest, arms, and legs unlike most of the trolls they had seen, which were rather spindly. It stretched its massive arms as it glared at the company of companions and a series of six-inch claws jutted from its fingers. Aerie shivered in terror, suddenly glad that her magic shielded her from sight.
The thing's nostrils twitched and the elf girl watched in growing panic as the beast turned its huge head toward her. Invisibility wasn't much of a shield.
The monster glared in a mad-eyed rage at the companions before fixing his sight upon the shivering elf. "I smell you" he grated. "I do. You gradunk! No be hiding on Torgal!"
Taurus put himself in front of Aerie and brandished his dual weapons at the troll leader. "Your reign of terror over this place has come to an end monster!"
Torgal laughed cruelly. It looked to Viconia like a bear laughing at the courage of a fox. She tightened her grip on her mace.
"I rain across many lands" Torgal laughed. "What you think you leave here dry? I am Torgal and I lead Rock Smash pack. I serve stronger and I kill enemies!"
"You're not the most punctual villain around, are you?"
Jaheira rolled her eyes. "What do you mean you serve stronger? Who could possibly survive such an encounter?"
Torgal snorted contemptuously. "You think I stupid?! I tell you nothing of stronger! You should have left when other guards paid off by stronger, now you die!"
"Paid off?" Nalia was shocked. "What have you done with my father, the lord of this keep?"
Torgal turned his evil yellow eyes upon the human mage and began to chuckle. It was a hideous sound that raised hairs on the backs of necks. The monstrous troll reached a long arm back through the doorway. Then with a sudden movement he hurled something into the room to land at Nalia's feet. "There! Take puny Lord! He not feeling so good now! Hah!"
Nalia stared in horror at the corpse of her father as it bounced before coming to a halt in front of her.
"No..."
"Fiend!" Minsc was outraged. "This steps beyond the line! You are past the line! The line is a dot to you!!! Boo and I shall crush you! JUSTICE WILL BE SERVED WITH A SIDE ORDER OF PAIN!!!"
Taurus hissed drowlike and his weapons snaked from their sheathes. "You've killed your last monster."
Jaheira only twirled her staff and did not speak.
Torgal stomped his feet on the floor twice then screamed in fury before charging the companions.
Viconia cried out a prayer to Shar and began to chant her magic. Aerie examined the situation a moment before decided what to do. Torgal was unnaturally fast for such a large and heavy creature. Aerie cast a Slow spell but the beast just shrugged the magical attack off. She followed up by casting Hold but the troll shrugged it off too. Aerie growled in frustration.
Torgal may have been outnumbered several to one but he was more than holding his own. He caught Lila in one massive fist and wrenched the sword from Minsc's grip. He whirled and thrust his head forward, butting Jaheira backward, at the same time kicking out backward and striking Minsc. Taurus leaped and landed on his back. Screaming words, he fired a series of Magic Missiles directly into the back of Torgal's skull. The troll howled in pain and bucked forward. Caught off guard, the Crintri went flying over his opponent's head and onto his face. Torgal stomped on his back, grinding his heel into his victim's back.
"For Shar!" Viconia yelled a challenge and attacked Torgal, wounding him lightly on the arm. She nimbly leaped back from his flailing arm and attacked again. Aerie had abandoned the magic and was hurling her sling bullets as Yoshimo fired arrows. Minsc caught the troll by the arm and yanked while Taurus jerked himself from under foot and grabbed his leg. Jaheira stuck her staff in the crook between the monsters legs and pried. Under the combined strength of all the companions Torgal teetered on his massive legs for a moment.
But the troll's strength worked to his advantage. Roaring in fury, he lashed out his arm, lifting Minsc clear off the ground. He swung downward and bashed Taurus with the ranger. The Crintri lost his grip and lay on the ground, unmoving. He reached down almost casually and caught up Jaheira by the neck. Squeezing the halh-elf by the throat he jerked her back and forth. Her armour protected her for the moment but it was only a matter of seconds until her neck snapped-
"DIE BEAST!"
Torgall felt a weight on his back and then screamed in pain as a short sword jabbed down into his neck with such force that the tip protruded from the other side.
"I will cleanse this place of all your taint!" Nalia screamed as she went into a frenzy of stabbing. Tears leaked from her face as she fought. "I will!" she howled. "I WILL!"
The attack was so vicious that Torgal's inherent regeneration abilities had to work to heal him. For the first time in the fight he struggled desperately. He reached back, slashing viciously but Nalia clung like a monkey to the small of his back. She murmured the words to Shocking Hand and a great jolt of electricity surged up Torgal's spine.
Minsc regained his feet and cried out death and destruction. His sword struck the troll at the elbow and lopped off an arm. Torgal howled in pain and stumbled into Jaheira's staff, which broke a leg. Still he struggled, landing a punch to Jaheira's ribs. Then he bucked forward, throwing Nalia from his back finally, just in time to be engulfed in the flames of Aerie's Burning Hands spell. The fire spread quickly over the back of the troll. Torgall howled and flailed in pain but the flames clung tenaciously. The troll lost his footing on his broken leg and fell to the floor. Slowly his struggles grew weaker as the fire arose.
Soon only ashes remained of the infamous Torgal.
***
"What a hollow victory" Nalia sighed. "My home destroyed, my father gone. Someone has done this but who? And why?"
Taurus sighed from his spot on a crate. Aerie and Viconia had made him lie down after getting beaten up by the troll and the two women were pampering him shamelessly. When they weren't snarling at each other anyway.
"I am sorry that we could not save your father," he said. "I feel as though my task is not done."
Nalia waved her hand. "It's not your fault. I'll just pay you and then...oh no." Nalia looked over at Taurus with something akin to panic in her eyes. "Could I ask a favour...oh never mind."
Taurus sat up against the protests of the women. "Whatever it is there's no harm in asking. Say your piece."
"Well there might be something that you can do." Nalia sat down on a crate to tell her tale. "You see, father had friends among the high nobles of Athkatla. He didn't agree with there opinions, he felt that men should earn their position and rank, but he didn't want to antagonise potential business partners so he kept his mouth shut about what he thought about them. To cement a trade partnership with the Roenalls, a powerful merchant family, he signed a contract. Part of the contract engaged me to Isaea Roenall, a brat of a man." Nalia snorted at the thought of her 'betrothed'.
Taurus nodded. "You obviously don't harbour any warm feelings for him."
Nalia nodded. "As long as father was alive he could safely postpone the wedding. But now that he's dead the Roenalls will doubtlessly demand that the wedding take place immediately. They will seize the keep and the surrounding lands. All the connections and friendships that I've been trying to build with the less fortunate people will be ruined!"
Viconia's head suddenly snapped up from binding Taurus' leg and narrowed her eyes at the young noble. "You aren't seriously suggesting that you marry Taurus instead!"
Aerie growled in her throat.
Nalia held up her hands defensively. "No no no! Nothing so drastic. That wouldn't fool anyone anyway. What I'm suggesting is that Taurus assume leadership of this keep in absence of anyone else. It is not uncommon for a weapon master to take the place of a leader who has fallen so the Roenalls wouldn't be able to object."
Taurus thought carefully. It wasn't a bad idea. They would have a base to fall back on if something unfortunate happened. He'd be better able to succeed in his self-appointed mission to protect people from themselves. But... "What about you?"
"Oh I'll still be in charge, behind the scenes at least. Being the blood heir to the land I'll be able to make decisions that you couldn't. That includes taking your power if you misuse it of course."
"Of course". Taurus nodded in agreement.
"So do I have your agreement? It would be a secret partnership of course, and you might even make some gold out of the bargain." Nalia looked at him with hope in her eyes.
Taurus smiled. "It would be an honour to guide this land through times of trouble and peace alike."
Nalia clapped her hands together. "Excellent!" she exclaimed. "Now they won't be able to take it away from the people! All we have to do now is inform the major-domo and set everything up. Wait here while I go find him." She ran off.
Jaheira looked at her friend curiously. "What prompted this act Taurus? It is a nice thought but what could possibly come of this?"
"It is the only right thing to do Jaheira" Taurus answered while leaning back. "I was hired to protect this keep. Now it seems that my job is not done."
***
"Miss Nalia had informed me that you are to be the new proprietor of the keep and the surrounding farmlands."
The major-domo spoke to Taurus in the main hall. Nalia stood by him while the rest of the party rested at the great long tables. Nalia's aunt (Taurus had heard that her name was Delcie) was also present, though she did not look even the slightest bit pleased.
The major-domo continued. "I served under the previous Lord and I would be willing to serve you in the same capacity er, Lord Taurus."
Nalia nodded. "I can vouch for him Taurus. He's what makes the keep run mostly."
"We are all grateful that you will be staying with us Lord" Major- domo said. "We are sad to lose Lord De'Arnise but these things happen and we must move on. As well loved as Lord De'Arnise was, we are glad to have you here to shelter and protect us." He glanced sideways at Delcie. "As for the lady De'Arnise..."
"I most certainly will NOT stay!" Delcie quivered with anger as she spoke. "I will not stay in a home that is overrun by barbarians! The Roenalls at least are a properly noble family, not some upstart peasant from nowhere! I consider this land to be no better off than when the trolls ruled."
Delcie sauntered right up to Taurus and glared at him in the eye. "Mark my words" she warned in a voice of ice, "This keep will be back in proper noble hands before too much time has elapsed. Just wait and see!" And with that she glided out of the hall with a proper air of contempt.
Taurus watched her go, relieved at not having to deal with her in the future. "She'd look great with some dirt on her face" he muttered to himself.
The Major-domo heard and smiled. "Come Lord, let us discuss the running of the keep".
Glad that her home would not be taken over by greedy nobles, Nalia sat down beside the companions. The few remaining servants had spread out an array of food for them to eat and Minsc was doing so with great gusto. Glad to have her tea at last, Jaheira gave a sigh of relief and allowed herself to slump comfortably back into her seat. The young noblewoman sat next to Yoshimo and asked various questions about lock picking and other such skills.
Aerie chewed on an apple and glanced over at Viconia. The Drow seemed to be grinning at the elf girl. She looked over at something in the middle of the table. Aerie followed this look and saw that it was a pitcher of wine. She looked back up at Viconia who had arched an eyebrow in challenge. The Avariel swallowed her bite of fruit and raised an eyebrow of her own. Viconia's grin widened and she reached out and grasped the pitcher. She poured herself a glass before passing it to her opponent.
***
It was midnight. Everyone had abandoned the main hall and was in their assigned quarters, sleeping. The party had gotten good quarters, being friends of the new lord and all. All of them, that is except for three.
Aerie and Viconia, in their stubbornness to be the last woman conscious, had drank one and a half pitchers of Calimshanian wine before the others had figured out what they were doing. Jaheira had adamantly refused to watch over them again so she prepared some straws to see who would. Taurus picked first and when he pulled out a very short straw he was willing to bet that the druid had performed some indiscretion.
But straws had spoken, and Taurus was stuck watching over two drunken magic users. He took a nap to avoid the worst of the chaos and woke at midnight to find that they were both going strong.
Except that they had abandoned the drinking and were playing a game of drunken 'Truth or Dare'.
"Truth" Viconia slurred.
Aerie pondered the three Drow standing before her. She addressed the one on the left. "Who do you think is more hot? Taurus or Jaheira?"
Viconia whistled. "Mmmm. That's a toughie. Lemme think."
Taurus snickered to himself quietly. This could get amusing.
Finally Viconia came to a decision. "Well Jaheira has those long legs and that nicely built chest..." She outlined the half-elf's figure while Aerie nodded sagely and Taurus nearly burst in laughter. "But Taurus has the musclat- muscutle- muscles. He's such a sweety" she sighed with a stupid grin on her face. "He's always so understanding when I pick on him or threaten him. I love it when he calls me Vicky."
Viconia sighed again and Aerie nodded eagerly. "He's a wonderful man. He listens to what you're saying and he makes you feel better when you're sad and he never belittles you or makes you feel like crap". The obscenity sounded odd coming from Aerie. "He's always there for you. I just love him!"
Viconia suddenly weaved and blinked a couple times. "Truth or dare?" she asked.
"Dare" Aerie answered quickly.
Viconia smirked evilly, though her being sloshed ruined the effect. "I dare you to kiss Taurus."
Taurus stopped laughing.
"Only if you do it too."
"Okay!"
Aerie stood up, wobbled, and fell. Instinctively, Taurus caught her and inadvertently pulled her onto his lap. She giggled and threw her arms around his neck and smooshed her lips to his. The Crintri instinctively pulled away. "Aerie..."
Aerie looked up at him, surprisingly hurt. "Don't you like me Taurus?"
Taurus hesitated. "You're drunk," he said finally. "Do you really want to do this?"
"Oh you silly!" she giggled. "I just want a kiss! Is that so bad?"
"Yeah Taurus". Viconia had somehow managed to stumble her way to the other side of the table and plopped herself down on a chair beside Taurus. "We just want a kiss." And with that, the Drow woman leaned forward and kissed Taurus hungrily.
The Crintri could only kiss Viconia back, his lips moving against hers passionately. He gave up trying to dissuade them and just went with it. He licked her lips and she opened her mouth to fight back. Their kiss deepened as they caressed each other's tongues. Viconia moaned and suddenly allowed him to plunder her mouth of its sweet treasure. His hands wandered and she purred and pressed herself to him eagerly.
The kiss ended finally and Viconia watched him with lowered eyelids. She smiled coyly. "Yum" she murmured. Then her eyes rolled back into her skull and she collapsed, comatose on Taurus' shoulder.
Aerie growled. "Why should she get all the fun" she pouted drunkenly before leaning in and kissing Taurus.
Aerie's lips were cautious and gentler than Viconia's. Taurus held her to him and kissed her back just as gently. Her sweet lips tasted of sugar and mint and her scent filled his nostrils. Taurus felt giddy from all the kissing. Thoughts whirled around his head, impossible to grasp. When Aerie pulled away finally she smiled. Then she slumped forward unconscious, her head landing on Taurus' chest.
Taurus sat there in the darkness, his mind fixed upon what had just happened. He tried to maintain control of his thoughts, to make some sort of sense out of what had just happened.
And then it all fell into place like the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. The truth of it took his breath away as he held Aerie and Viconia to him, but there it was shining into his eyes.
He was in love.
***
The early morning light streamed through a window in the main hall and struck Aerie right in the face. The elf cringed at the spear that jabbed through her skull and whimpered softly. She opened her eyes slowly and closed them instantly on the agony. Memories of last night rushed into her and she sighed. 'You'd think I'd learn my lesson the first time' she thought. 'By Baervan, I swear that I'll never get drunk again as long as I live'.
She snuggled into Taurus' chest and realisation struck her. Clear memories of how Taurus had kissed her last night rushed into her skull almost painfully. She smiled and touched her lips.
'Maybe I should get drunk more often'.
***
Viconia awoke and swore horribly in Drow. What had she been thinking, drinking so much? She found out the hard way that the Butterfly could put away liquor. Why did she try again?
Swearing again, she lifted herself up, brushing Taurus' cheek as she did so. A thought occurred to her and she smirked at the memories of the previous night. She lay herself back down on her Abbil's shoulder and rested.
'Maybe I should get drunk more often'.
***
Magicman: Here we go. The next chapter, all revved up with no place to go. I hope that you enjoyed this latest instalment in the saga of Taurus Halfbreed and his twisted love life.
Magicman: Ah good. I feel so much better now. That's what liberal amounts of Baldurs Gate will do to you. Anyway, I agree with Behold the Void. Nalia's aunt is extremely annoying and the monk is indeed the mightiest character. But then again where's the challenge being invincible?
***
Taurus hissed as he felt his ribs. He was sure that they were cracked. He leaned back against the wall and winced as the pain flared up. He spoke to himself, stressing every syllable carefully. "I HATE Umberhulks".
Viconia rolled her eyes. "Don't go whining to me abbil. I only have so much patience."
The party had run into a pack of five Umberhulks. The creatures had fought viciously and inflicted a great deal of damage before they were killed. They had confused Minsc with a glance and the ranger had gone berserk, attacking everything from an Umberhulk to Yoshimo (Lila didn't seem to care just as long as he was whacking things) until Viconia had cast Hold on him. Aerie had turned herself invisible and escaped most of the damage but Nalia suffered a severe gash in her chest. Jaheira was treating her.
Taurus sighed in relief as Viconia's healing magic stole over his body like a warm glow. "Thank you muchly Vicky"
Viconi scowled at the nickname. "Don't call me that."
"Sure thing Vicky".
"Stop calling me that or I will kill. Then I will resurrect you to life. And then I will kill you again!"
Jaheira looked up from a freshly healed Nalia. "Oh hush up, my Drow colleague. Threats will only encourage him. I know, I've tried."
Meanwhile, Minsc shook his head. "Ooh. Minsc feels like a weasel after Boo has punished him for stealing the nuts from squirrels. Boo is most fierce when defending his fellows from danger," he added to nobody.
"How did I ever end up with a guy who talks to a rodent?" grumbled Lilarcor from his sheath on the ranger's back.
"...Said the talking sword incarnated with the spirit of a local idiot" Yoshimo cut in.
"Hey! I resent that!" yelled the indignant weapon. "Come here so I can bite you!"
Yoshimo shrugged and set about picking the lock on a door that led out of the room.
Viconia grabbed Taurus' arm and pulled him to his feet. "There, you're healed."
"Much obliged missy".
The Drow woman made a face. "I think I preferred Vicky."
The sound of a giggle wafted over Viconia's right shoulder. "What do you want butterfly?" Viconia turned around and glared at the air where Aerie was presumably standing still shrouded by the mist of her spell.
"Oh nothing" the soft voice responded. "I'm just thinking about things."
"Of what? How to duck out of the next fight?" Viconia snapped.
"Hey! Why don't you try dodging a heavily enchanted sword that's aiming for your head?"
"Maybe you could, I don't know, DUCK?!"
"I reiterate: Why don't YOU try it?!"
Jaheira sighed. "Relax children. Killing each other won't solve anything."
"It'll make me feel better" Aerie muttered to herself. Viconia smirked.
"I am forced to agree with you butterfly."
Viconia could almost see the air scowl. "Would you mind not calling me that Vicky?"
"Don't. Call. Me. That!"
"Girls?" Taurus spoke up.
"Or what?!"
"Girls?"
"Or I'll make you regret you were ever born!"
"Girls?"
"Why don't you try it and get hurt?!"
"GIRLS!!!"
Viconia and Aerie looked at Taurus in confusion (though Aerie was still invisible). "What?"
"We don't know how many trolls are still alive or if they are even nearby" Taurus explained. "I don't want to interrupt your argument, so could you please just argue quietly?" He smiled placatingly.
Aerie and Viconia glanced at each other. Before they could say anything however an altercation arose which required the immediate attention of all the party. The door, which Yoshimo was working at unlocking suddenly, burst open, throwing the hapless thief backward into Minsc. A monstrous troll strode through the door, apparently attracted by the yelling of the two elven women.
This troll was the biggest troll that any of them had ever seen. Safe in her invisibility spell Aerie gasped in horror. This monster was twelve feet tall, doubling even Minsc in height. Muscles rippled and bulged all along its chest, arms, and legs unlike most of the trolls they had seen, which were rather spindly. It stretched its massive arms as it glared at the company of companions and a series of six-inch claws jutted from its fingers. Aerie shivered in terror, suddenly glad that her magic shielded her from sight.
The thing's nostrils twitched and the elf girl watched in growing panic as the beast turned its huge head toward her. Invisibility wasn't much of a shield.
The monster glared in a mad-eyed rage at the companions before fixing his sight upon the shivering elf. "I smell you" he grated. "I do. You gradunk! No be hiding on Torgal!"
Taurus put himself in front of Aerie and brandished his dual weapons at the troll leader. "Your reign of terror over this place has come to an end monster!"
Torgal laughed cruelly. It looked to Viconia like a bear laughing at the courage of a fox. She tightened her grip on her mace.
"I rain across many lands" Torgal laughed. "What you think you leave here dry? I am Torgal and I lead Rock Smash pack. I serve stronger and I kill enemies!"
"You're not the most punctual villain around, are you?"
Jaheira rolled her eyes. "What do you mean you serve stronger? Who could possibly survive such an encounter?"
Torgal snorted contemptuously. "You think I stupid?! I tell you nothing of stronger! You should have left when other guards paid off by stronger, now you die!"
"Paid off?" Nalia was shocked. "What have you done with my father, the lord of this keep?"
Torgal turned his evil yellow eyes upon the human mage and began to chuckle. It was a hideous sound that raised hairs on the backs of necks. The monstrous troll reached a long arm back through the doorway. Then with a sudden movement he hurled something into the room to land at Nalia's feet. "There! Take puny Lord! He not feeling so good now! Hah!"
Nalia stared in horror at the corpse of her father as it bounced before coming to a halt in front of her.
"No..."
"Fiend!" Minsc was outraged. "This steps beyond the line! You are past the line! The line is a dot to you!!! Boo and I shall crush you! JUSTICE WILL BE SERVED WITH A SIDE ORDER OF PAIN!!!"
Taurus hissed drowlike and his weapons snaked from their sheathes. "You've killed your last monster."
Jaheira only twirled her staff and did not speak.
Torgal stomped his feet on the floor twice then screamed in fury before charging the companions.
Viconia cried out a prayer to Shar and began to chant her magic. Aerie examined the situation a moment before decided what to do. Torgal was unnaturally fast for such a large and heavy creature. Aerie cast a Slow spell but the beast just shrugged the magical attack off. She followed up by casting Hold but the troll shrugged it off too. Aerie growled in frustration.
Torgal may have been outnumbered several to one but he was more than holding his own. He caught Lila in one massive fist and wrenched the sword from Minsc's grip. He whirled and thrust his head forward, butting Jaheira backward, at the same time kicking out backward and striking Minsc. Taurus leaped and landed on his back. Screaming words, he fired a series of Magic Missiles directly into the back of Torgal's skull. The troll howled in pain and bucked forward. Caught off guard, the Crintri went flying over his opponent's head and onto his face. Torgal stomped on his back, grinding his heel into his victim's back.
"For Shar!" Viconia yelled a challenge and attacked Torgal, wounding him lightly on the arm. She nimbly leaped back from his flailing arm and attacked again. Aerie had abandoned the magic and was hurling her sling bullets as Yoshimo fired arrows. Minsc caught the troll by the arm and yanked while Taurus jerked himself from under foot and grabbed his leg. Jaheira stuck her staff in the crook between the monsters legs and pried. Under the combined strength of all the companions Torgal teetered on his massive legs for a moment.
But the troll's strength worked to his advantage. Roaring in fury, he lashed out his arm, lifting Minsc clear off the ground. He swung downward and bashed Taurus with the ranger. The Crintri lost his grip and lay on the ground, unmoving. He reached down almost casually and caught up Jaheira by the neck. Squeezing the halh-elf by the throat he jerked her back and forth. Her armour protected her for the moment but it was only a matter of seconds until her neck snapped-
"DIE BEAST!"
Torgall felt a weight on his back and then screamed in pain as a short sword jabbed down into his neck with such force that the tip protruded from the other side.
"I will cleanse this place of all your taint!" Nalia screamed as she went into a frenzy of stabbing. Tears leaked from her face as she fought. "I will!" she howled. "I WILL!"
The attack was so vicious that Torgal's inherent regeneration abilities had to work to heal him. For the first time in the fight he struggled desperately. He reached back, slashing viciously but Nalia clung like a monkey to the small of his back. She murmured the words to Shocking Hand and a great jolt of electricity surged up Torgal's spine.
Minsc regained his feet and cried out death and destruction. His sword struck the troll at the elbow and lopped off an arm. Torgal howled in pain and stumbled into Jaheira's staff, which broke a leg. Still he struggled, landing a punch to Jaheira's ribs. Then he bucked forward, throwing Nalia from his back finally, just in time to be engulfed in the flames of Aerie's Burning Hands spell. The fire spread quickly over the back of the troll. Torgall howled and flailed in pain but the flames clung tenaciously. The troll lost his footing on his broken leg and fell to the floor. Slowly his struggles grew weaker as the fire arose.
Soon only ashes remained of the infamous Torgal.
***
"What a hollow victory" Nalia sighed. "My home destroyed, my father gone. Someone has done this but who? And why?"
Taurus sighed from his spot on a crate. Aerie and Viconia had made him lie down after getting beaten up by the troll and the two women were pampering him shamelessly. When they weren't snarling at each other anyway.
"I am sorry that we could not save your father," he said. "I feel as though my task is not done."
Nalia waved her hand. "It's not your fault. I'll just pay you and then...oh no." Nalia looked over at Taurus with something akin to panic in her eyes. "Could I ask a favour...oh never mind."
Taurus sat up against the protests of the women. "Whatever it is there's no harm in asking. Say your piece."
"Well there might be something that you can do." Nalia sat down on a crate to tell her tale. "You see, father had friends among the high nobles of Athkatla. He didn't agree with there opinions, he felt that men should earn their position and rank, but he didn't want to antagonise potential business partners so he kept his mouth shut about what he thought about them. To cement a trade partnership with the Roenalls, a powerful merchant family, he signed a contract. Part of the contract engaged me to Isaea Roenall, a brat of a man." Nalia snorted at the thought of her 'betrothed'.
Taurus nodded. "You obviously don't harbour any warm feelings for him."
Nalia nodded. "As long as father was alive he could safely postpone the wedding. But now that he's dead the Roenalls will doubtlessly demand that the wedding take place immediately. They will seize the keep and the surrounding lands. All the connections and friendships that I've been trying to build with the less fortunate people will be ruined!"
Viconia's head suddenly snapped up from binding Taurus' leg and narrowed her eyes at the young noble. "You aren't seriously suggesting that you marry Taurus instead!"
Aerie growled in her throat.
Nalia held up her hands defensively. "No no no! Nothing so drastic. That wouldn't fool anyone anyway. What I'm suggesting is that Taurus assume leadership of this keep in absence of anyone else. It is not uncommon for a weapon master to take the place of a leader who has fallen so the Roenalls wouldn't be able to object."
Taurus thought carefully. It wasn't a bad idea. They would have a base to fall back on if something unfortunate happened. He'd be better able to succeed in his self-appointed mission to protect people from themselves. But... "What about you?"
"Oh I'll still be in charge, behind the scenes at least. Being the blood heir to the land I'll be able to make decisions that you couldn't. That includes taking your power if you misuse it of course."
"Of course". Taurus nodded in agreement.
"So do I have your agreement? It would be a secret partnership of course, and you might even make some gold out of the bargain." Nalia looked at him with hope in her eyes.
Taurus smiled. "It would be an honour to guide this land through times of trouble and peace alike."
Nalia clapped her hands together. "Excellent!" she exclaimed. "Now they won't be able to take it away from the people! All we have to do now is inform the major-domo and set everything up. Wait here while I go find him." She ran off.
Jaheira looked at her friend curiously. "What prompted this act Taurus? It is a nice thought but what could possibly come of this?"
"It is the only right thing to do Jaheira" Taurus answered while leaning back. "I was hired to protect this keep. Now it seems that my job is not done."
***
"Miss Nalia had informed me that you are to be the new proprietor of the keep and the surrounding farmlands."
The major-domo spoke to Taurus in the main hall. Nalia stood by him while the rest of the party rested at the great long tables. Nalia's aunt (Taurus had heard that her name was Delcie) was also present, though she did not look even the slightest bit pleased.
The major-domo continued. "I served under the previous Lord and I would be willing to serve you in the same capacity er, Lord Taurus."
Nalia nodded. "I can vouch for him Taurus. He's what makes the keep run mostly."
"We are all grateful that you will be staying with us Lord" Major- domo said. "We are sad to lose Lord De'Arnise but these things happen and we must move on. As well loved as Lord De'Arnise was, we are glad to have you here to shelter and protect us." He glanced sideways at Delcie. "As for the lady De'Arnise..."
"I most certainly will NOT stay!" Delcie quivered with anger as she spoke. "I will not stay in a home that is overrun by barbarians! The Roenalls at least are a properly noble family, not some upstart peasant from nowhere! I consider this land to be no better off than when the trolls ruled."
Delcie sauntered right up to Taurus and glared at him in the eye. "Mark my words" she warned in a voice of ice, "This keep will be back in proper noble hands before too much time has elapsed. Just wait and see!" And with that she glided out of the hall with a proper air of contempt.
Taurus watched her go, relieved at not having to deal with her in the future. "She'd look great with some dirt on her face" he muttered to himself.
The Major-domo heard and smiled. "Come Lord, let us discuss the running of the keep".
Glad that her home would not be taken over by greedy nobles, Nalia sat down beside the companions. The few remaining servants had spread out an array of food for them to eat and Minsc was doing so with great gusto. Glad to have her tea at last, Jaheira gave a sigh of relief and allowed herself to slump comfortably back into her seat. The young noblewoman sat next to Yoshimo and asked various questions about lock picking and other such skills.
Aerie chewed on an apple and glanced over at Viconia. The Drow seemed to be grinning at the elf girl. She looked over at something in the middle of the table. Aerie followed this look and saw that it was a pitcher of wine. She looked back up at Viconia who had arched an eyebrow in challenge. The Avariel swallowed her bite of fruit and raised an eyebrow of her own. Viconia's grin widened and she reached out and grasped the pitcher. She poured herself a glass before passing it to her opponent.
***
It was midnight. Everyone had abandoned the main hall and was in their assigned quarters, sleeping. The party had gotten good quarters, being friends of the new lord and all. All of them, that is except for three.
Aerie and Viconia, in their stubbornness to be the last woman conscious, had drank one and a half pitchers of Calimshanian wine before the others had figured out what they were doing. Jaheira had adamantly refused to watch over them again so she prepared some straws to see who would. Taurus picked first and when he pulled out a very short straw he was willing to bet that the druid had performed some indiscretion.
But straws had spoken, and Taurus was stuck watching over two drunken magic users. He took a nap to avoid the worst of the chaos and woke at midnight to find that they were both going strong.
Except that they had abandoned the drinking and were playing a game of drunken 'Truth or Dare'.
"Truth" Viconia slurred.
Aerie pondered the three Drow standing before her. She addressed the one on the left. "Who do you think is more hot? Taurus or Jaheira?"
Viconia whistled. "Mmmm. That's a toughie. Lemme think."
Taurus snickered to himself quietly. This could get amusing.
Finally Viconia came to a decision. "Well Jaheira has those long legs and that nicely built chest..." She outlined the half-elf's figure while Aerie nodded sagely and Taurus nearly burst in laughter. "But Taurus has the musclat- muscutle- muscles. He's such a sweety" she sighed with a stupid grin on her face. "He's always so understanding when I pick on him or threaten him. I love it when he calls me Vicky."
Viconia sighed again and Aerie nodded eagerly. "He's a wonderful man. He listens to what you're saying and he makes you feel better when you're sad and he never belittles you or makes you feel like crap". The obscenity sounded odd coming from Aerie. "He's always there for you. I just love him!"
Viconia suddenly weaved and blinked a couple times. "Truth or dare?" she asked.
"Dare" Aerie answered quickly.
Viconia smirked evilly, though her being sloshed ruined the effect. "I dare you to kiss Taurus."
Taurus stopped laughing.
"Only if you do it too."
"Okay!"
Aerie stood up, wobbled, and fell. Instinctively, Taurus caught her and inadvertently pulled her onto his lap. She giggled and threw her arms around his neck and smooshed her lips to his. The Crintri instinctively pulled away. "Aerie..."
Aerie looked up at him, surprisingly hurt. "Don't you like me Taurus?"
Taurus hesitated. "You're drunk," he said finally. "Do you really want to do this?"
"Oh you silly!" she giggled. "I just want a kiss! Is that so bad?"
"Yeah Taurus". Viconia had somehow managed to stumble her way to the other side of the table and plopped herself down on a chair beside Taurus. "We just want a kiss." And with that, the Drow woman leaned forward and kissed Taurus hungrily.
The Crintri could only kiss Viconia back, his lips moving against hers passionately. He gave up trying to dissuade them and just went with it. He licked her lips and she opened her mouth to fight back. Their kiss deepened as they caressed each other's tongues. Viconia moaned and suddenly allowed him to plunder her mouth of its sweet treasure. His hands wandered and she purred and pressed herself to him eagerly.
The kiss ended finally and Viconia watched him with lowered eyelids. She smiled coyly. "Yum" she murmured. Then her eyes rolled back into her skull and she collapsed, comatose on Taurus' shoulder.
Aerie growled. "Why should she get all the fun" she pouted drunkenly before leaning in and kissing Taurus.
Aerie's lips were cautious and gentler than Viconia's. Taurus held her to him and kissed her back just as gently. Her sweet lips tasted of sugar and mint and her scent filled his nostrils. Taurus felt giddy from all the kissing. Thoughts whirled around his head, impossible to grasp. When Aerie pulled away finally she smiled. Then she slumped forward unconscious, her head landing on Taurus' chest.
Taurus sat there in the darkness, his mind fixed upon what had just happened. He tried to maintain control of his thoughts, to make some sort of sense out of what had just happened.
And then it all fell into place like the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. The truth of it took his breath away as he held Aerie and Viconia to him, but there it was shining into his eyes.
He was in love.
***
The early morning light streamed through a window in the main hall and struck Aerie right in the face. The elf cringed at the spear that jabbed through her skull and whimpered softly. She opened her eyes slowly and closed them instantly on the agony. Memories of last night rushed into her and she sighed. 'You'd think I'd learn my lesson the first time' she thought. 'By Baervan, I swear that I'll never get drunk again as long as I live'.
She snuggled into Taurus' chest and realisation struck her. Clear memories of how Taurus had kissed her last night rushed into her skull almost painfully. She smiled and touched her lips.
'Maybe I should get drunk more often'.
***
Viconia awoke and swore horribly in Drow. What had she been thinking, drinking so much? She found out the hard way that the Butterfly could put away liquor. Why did she try again?
Swearing again, she lifted herself up, brushing Taurus' cheek as she did so. A thought occurred to her and she smirked at the memories of the previous night. She lay herself back down on her Abbil's shoulder and rested.
'Maybe I should get drunk more often'.
***
Magicman: Here we go. The next chapter, all revved up with no place to go. I hope that you enjoyed this latest instalment in the saga of Taurus Halfbreed and his twisted love life.