Light Wrapped in Darkness 9
(Folken, Li, Gemini, and Zarra are all playing poker at a big card table. By the stack of chips in front of Folken, he's winning by a wide margin. It could have something to do with his little dragon familiar sitting invisible behind the others while he looks at their hands... Anyway, Daevan runs into the room screaming.)
Daevan: Run for it! She's coming!
(The PCs all scream and scatter. A teenage girl with grey hair and eyes walks in.)
Smokegirl: Ah yes. There's nothing quite like knowing that everybody runs when you walk into the room. Hiya folks! I'm Smokegirl, Magicman's evil side. I'm not supposed to be here but what do I care? Anyway, I suppose it's up to me to introduce you to the next chapter so just read it. Oh, and by the way *holds up a handheld remote control* WHO'S GOT THE SUPER WEAPON NOW SEAN BLACK?!?! MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAetc.
(Smokegirl pushes a button on the remote and the Moonshae islands blow up.)
Smokegirl: And yes. I did have to blow up a country to prove my point. *Giggles insanely*
***
"Good day sir. May I have the pleasure of talking with you for a moment?" A man approached the group. "My name is Madeen and yours is known to my superiors, the Cowled Wizards. They would like to speak with you for a moment.
The party of adventurers had made it back to Athkatla with relatively few mishaps. Viconia had punched a town crier who had got in her face, screaming about some disaster that had befallen the Moonshaes (Smokegirl: Heh heh heh.) but otherwise it was quite a pleasant day. There wasn't a cloud in the sky and the wind wasn't too hot or cold. The group had been walking all night however so Taurus was the only one who really cared about the wonderful day. Jaheira was becoming crabby again, Minsc was complaining that Boo needed his rest, and Aerie seemed to be sleepwalking as they moved through the government district.
The man's request had interrupted Taurus' tuneless whistling. He raised a white eyebrow and looked at the man. "The Cowled Wizards eh? They're the ones who took Imoen. I'd be very interested to have a talk with them."
Madeen shrugged his shoulders. "I know nothing of that milord. Perhaps if you were to speak with Tolgerias though..."
Taurus nodded. "Fair enough. I'll have a talk with the man."
"Thank you sir" Madeen bowed. "You will know him by the yellow robes sir." He then went into the building behind him.
Taurus looked back at his companions. "Viconia, Jaheira you two come with me. The rest of you wait here and don't get into trouble."
"Speak for yourself Jaluk" Viconia snarled slightly. "I'd appreciate some rest before you ply your whip on my back again!"
"And you'll get it my dear Vicky" Taurus reassured. "Right after we talk with Mr. Tolgerias we'll go to an inn, okay?"
"An inn would be welcome anytime soon Taurus." Jaheira hastened to agree with Viconia's argument. "We must rest soon lest we endanger ourselves."
"Okay, okay. Be patient. We've just got to talk with this guy first." The women muttered but didn't say anything else.
The building was really more of a single large room than a building. People were scattered to the four corners doing things. In the middle though was a wizard in yellow robes. It was he who Taurus and his female companions approached.
Tolgerias watched them approach with shrewd eyes. "Ah yes" he began grandly. "Madeen has performed faithfully as usual. I am confident that you will see the advantage to what I propose."
Taurus gave nothing through his facial expressions. "I propose that you tell me what happened to Imoen before I do anything for you."
The wizard frowned. "Imoen? Ah yes. The girl from the Promenade". He waved a hand nonchalantly. "I have no time for such matters of little importance."
"And I have time for nothing else." Taurus was implacable and it seemed to grate on the wizard. "Tell me or I won't help you."
Tolgerias sighed in exasperation. "I will look into the matter if you agree to my request."
Taurus also sighed in exasperation. "I suppose that it's the best offer we're going to get."
"Good. Now to business" Tolgerias proceeded to explain his request. "There is a murderer on the loose. He killed two of our number and disappeared. I want you to find him and bring him here. In return you will receive the friendship of the Cowled Wizards and several magical items as payment. Are these terms acceptable to you?"
Jaheira spoke up. "What would we do if he will not come? We are not murderers."
Tolgerias shrugged. "That his body is here is of importance. Its state upon arrival is secondary."
The druid scowled but Taurus rested a hand on her shoulder. To Tolgerias he said, "We accept your offer"
"Excellent!" The wizard clapped his hands together. "I thank you in advance. Oh, you may want to search the man's home in the Docks district. His name is Valygar Corthala." With that Tolgerias turned and left the room.
When Taurus and the girls joined the others in the street and explained the agreement Yoshimo frowned.
"Personally I wouldn't trust the Cowled Wizards," he said. "We should be careful Taurus."
The Crintri nodded. "I intend to be. But that bastard knows where Imoen is and I have to find her. I can't just abandon her."
"Of course Taurus" Nalia nodded. "Yoshimo's just edgy. He hasn't had any sleep for a while now." She smiled sweetly at the thief when he started to protest. Yoshimo bit his lip and kept quiet.
Taurus nodded and looked over at Aerie who was softly snoring. She rocked back and forth on her feet but never lost her balance. "Well we won't be going anywhere while she's asleep like that."
Viconia scowled and gave the elf girl a shove that knocked her off her feet. She hit the ground with a startled squawk.
"Viconia!" Taurus said reproachfully.
The drow woman smiled innocently. "She's awake, isn't she?"
***
The party had spent eight hours resting in the Copper Coronet and the lovely afternoon had turned into a lovely evening. Taurus woke up with his usual difficulty. Blearily the Crintri tried to open his eyes and look about but he didn't have the energy for it. Indeed, he only had the energy for pulling his blanket tighter about himself, which he did. He sighed in annoyance and tried his procedure of shocking himself awake again.
Jaheira in a thong winking at him. No, that didn't seem to be working today. Better try something else.
Aerie and Viconia arguing again. Interesting but not really shocking.
Aerie and Viconia approached him, dressed in very skimpy dresses. Now this was more like it.
Aerie performed a lap dance while Viconia reached down and cupped his... Taurus thought that he'd need a shower after he woke up.
Taurus nearly leapt out of his skin when he felt something jump on him in his bed. Thrashing about under the blanket, he managed to stick his head out and found himself staring into Viconia's brown eyes. "What the-?"
Viconia gave a silly grin. "I thought you could use some help waking up abbil."
"I was doing just fine on my own" Taurus mumbled to himself. He looked back on his little dream, mourning its passing.
Viconia seemed to sense what he was thinking and giggled. Taurus stared. Then his eyes narrowed. "Who are you and what have you done with Vicky?"
Viconia giggled some more and hugged him. "Oh? You don't recognise your old friend? Let's see if I can help you remember." She seized Taurus' face in her hands and kissed him.
Startled, Taurus resisted slightly before kissing back. When he put an arm behind her back and pulled her closer she purred quietly and stroked his cheek gently. Encouraged, he boldly slid a hand down her back and cupped her tight ass. He hissed as her nails dug lightly into his chest.
"Taurus" Viconia purred into his mouth. "My Taurus. I want you."
The words dropped a bucket of water on the Crintri, dousing his passion instantly. He closed his eyes against lust and took her wrists in his hands. He pushed away the sexy drow woman almost painfully. "Viconia..."
Viconia went from teasing to furious. Wrenching away, she punched him in the face, snapping his head back. "Not tonight, right? That's what you said last time! When is it ever going to happen?!"
When Taurus didn't answer Viconia hissed furiously. She hurled herself off the bed and stormed from the room, slamming the door as she left.
Taurus rubbed his jaw where he'd been socked. "Well" he said at last, "That didn't go well." He got out of bed, put on his armour and walked downstairs to the common room.
The rest of the party minus Viconia was waiting at the usual table. They seemed rather tense. Jaheira was mulling over her tea and shooting glances at Taurus. Minsc and Yoshimo were conversing with each other while Lila stayed silent for once. Nalia waved hello but didn't say anything. Only Aerie was smiling cheerfully.
"Good morning!" she greeted him cheerfully. She took a bite of sausage and beamed.
Taurus nodded and sat down next to her. "So" he said slowly. "Does anyone know what happened to Vicky?"
Aerie beamed even more. Jaheira scowled as she sipped her tea. "Bernard slipped Solik berries into her porridge as a joke. She ran upstairs, looking for you I presumed."
Feeling eyes upon him Taurus shrugged. "I passed her in the hall if that's what you mean."
"No it wasn't" Jaheira countered, "But that'll do". She sipped more tea.
Aerie's smile threatened to break her face in half. "I'll bet that she's having fun right about now."
Nalia nodded. "Not a lot of people to sleep with right about now. They're all down here getting drunk."
At about the point Viconia stormed down the stairs. Her white hair was ruffled and she was pointedly not looking at Taurus. She sat down next to Minsc, as far away from the Crintri as she could get. She grabbed the ranger's plate but he didn't seem to argue. Slowly and mechanically she ate, not looking at or talking to anyone. When she was done she pushed her plate away and sat, staring transfixed at the far wall.
After a few minutes Taurus stood up. "Well we should get going now. Lots to see." The others got up and walked to the door. Taurus stayed behind as Viconia was still sitting down. "Vicky? You want to come?"
Viconia looked up at him coldly. "Vith'ir jaluk!" she growled and brushed past him.
Taurus watched her go then sighed and shook his head sadly before following.
***
"What did you do that pissed her off so much?!"
The group was camping out in the Umar hills after an unsuccessful day of trying to find Valygar's cabin. Everyone except for Taurus and Jaheira was curled up and asleep beside the fire. Taurus sat on a log with his chin in his hand and Jaheira sat next to him with a mug of tea.
Taurus shrugged helplessly. "I don't know Jahs. But I'm beginning to get an idea."
"Why do you always have to give your travelling companions nicknames?"
"I just do. Branwen and Dynaheir never complained."
Jaheira knuckled her forehead. "You were saying about Viconia?"
Taurus went serious again. "I assume you remember the Solik berries incident?" He waited for her nod. "Well she came up into my room, jumped on my bed, and started coming on to me."
Jaheira's eyes went really wide. "You didn't?!"
Taurus shook his head frantically. "No!"
Jaheira sighed in relief and sipped at her tea while her friend continued.
"I think that's what set her off though. She really wanted to have sex with me and now she's mad when I didn't. I think I hurt her pride."
"Maybe you should sleep with her."
Taurus nearly choked. Jaheira took no notice and continued to talk. "It's obvious that she's attracted to you and more than obvious that you return the feeling. Doing the horizontal Cha-cha with her would at least relieve you of some tensions."
Taurus looked weirdly at the druid. "The horizontal Cha-cha? Where do you pick up this stuff Jahs?" Jaheira mimicked Taurus' shrug and he sighed.
"Besides" he continued, his glance straying to a sleeping Aerie, "It's not so simple."
Jaheira followed his gaze. Her lips formed the letter O and she nodded her head. "Well that certainly complicates things."
"That it does. How am I going to get out of this mess?"
"I really have no idea Taurus." Jaheira patted his shoulder consolingly. "You really are in a horrible situation. If you reject Viconia then she's likely to kill you. If you reject Aerie then she's likely to kill herself."
Taurus looked over at the sleeping elf again. "Would she really do that?" he asked softly. Jaheira nodded.
"She would. I've seen people like her before. They all had some horrible tragedy happen to them and they didn't have the courage to face life again. They try though. They always seem happy and content for a while. But when something goes wrong they lose all hope and more often than not end their problems the hard way." The more experienced druid looked down on the sleeping elf girl with a look of sympathy. "Aerie is one of the worst cases that I've seen. The poor girl lost her home, her family, her wings, and now she's away from the man who ever cared for her at the circus."
Taurus seemed to slump. "Oh man" he groaned. "What am I going to do? I really like both of them and I especially don't want them to feel hurt."
Jaheira sipped some more tea. "I really don't have any answers Taurus. You'll just have to trust your own judgement."
Taurus snorted. "Oh sure" he said sarcastically. "That'll help when I'm being pulled in every direction." He sighed again. "Well I'll go to bed now. Maybe I'll think of something in the morning." Waving goodnight to Jaheira, Taurus leaned back against a tree and relaxed. Eventually he fell asleep.
Jaheira watched her friend drift off to sleep. She shook her head to herself. 'Poor guy...'
***
The next day the party got lucky. Minsc found some fresh tracks leading up a rocky path. The companions followed it up a small bluff though they remained alert while they did.
Viconia walked at the rear of the party and acted as if Taurus was some foul stench that had drifted into her nostrils. The Crintri could feel her glare drilling holes into his back and he sighed. This could get unpleasant. By contrast, Aerie was walking by his side talking cheerfully with Nalia about this and that. Seeing her, Taurus could almost forget what Jaheira had told him. He sighed again.
His life was getting complicated. He could deal with crazed wizards and unholy half-brothers but women were one thing he could not figure out.
The others seemed cheerful enough and they made good time up the path. Eventually they came to a cabin perched on the top of the bluff, looking down upon all that was below. It was a small building made from logs. Not terribly interested in the building, Nalia stepped up to the edge of the cliff and looked down.
"Wow" she said. "That's a long way to fall."
Yoshimo stepped up beside her. "That's why we should stay away my young lovely. A fall would be most painful." He took her arm and led her away.
Taurus walked up to the building and reached for the doorknob. A sharp voice cut him off.
"Who are you? More servants of the Cowled ones come for Lord Valygar?"
The party whirled to confront a man wearing leather armour. He scowled at the party with a craggy face, his hand fingering a sword at his belt. Taurus chose his words carefully. "We are with the wizards" he said slowly, "But we don't wish for any fight."
The man eyed him suspiciously. He slowly nodded his head. "Very well. But be quick about it!" He then turned into the forest and disappeared.
Taurus watched the place he disappeared to for a second before turning back to the door. He opened it and stepped inside, followed by the others.
The room they entered was small but cosy. That was all that Taurus could absorb before a door at the far end of the room creaked open. A dark complexioned man faced the Crintri, a bow in his hands and an arrow pointed at the throat of the intruder.
The man's sharp eyes regarded the party coldly. "More Cowled ones or their servants no doubt." The man cursed. "I tell you now, I will not return to that damned sphere!"
Taurus immediately frowned. "Sphere? What are you talking about?"
The man glared again. "What? The wizards did not inform their own servants?"
Now it was Taurus who glared and his hand twitched to his katana. "I am no one's servant friend. Now you'd best explain your meaning before you say anymore. What sphere are you talking about?"
Yoshimo cut in suddenly. "Do you mean that giant silver sphere that appeared in the slums of Athkatla a little while ago?"
The man nodded. "That I do".
Taurus threw Yoshimo a disbelieving look. "How did you know about it when I didn't?"
Jaheira rolled her eyes. "He keeps his eyes open Taurus".
"Uh huh... So anyway, I assume that you're this mysterious Valygar Corthala that the wizards want?" Taurus redirected his attention to the man with the bow.
Valygar nodded. "That I am. And I will not return for my ancestor to suck my life out!"
Taurus blinked. "I think that we're getting ahead here. Why don't you put down the bow and tell us about this whole sphere thing?"
Valygar hesitated then relaxed his hold on the bowstring, though he never actually let go. "I suppose I should start at the beginning."
Taurus nodded. "That would be a start." He yelped when Jaheira whacked him for the bad joke. The ranger looked at them oddly but he told his story.
"For generations past my family line has had a talent for magic. Such skills are frowned upon by the city, as you know. One of them, a man named Lavok, was exceptional, even by our standards of skill. He possessed a brilliant mind and created what he called the Planar Sphere. The Sphere was a vessel, which Lavok used to travel throughout the planes, seeking and crafting and learning what he could. Apparently something he found on his journey corrupted him. When he returned he began to hunt down his own relatives, his own flesh and blood! He used their life to extend his own and he disappeared within his sphere. My family barely survived."
Valygar shuddered before continuing. "Now two hundred years later the sphere has returned. Like hyenas, the Cowled Wizards pounced on the opportunity. They want in the Sphere and they want what magical secrets it possesses. But only my blood can open it. It was linked to my family you see, and I'm the last of my family. The wizards know this and they want my blood to open the sphere. Whether I'm alive at the time is of no consequence to them."
Minsc gasped in outrage. "We can not do this Taurus! Surely this man has been wronged and his wrongers laugh in anticipation of no butt- kickings! Justice must be served!"
Aerie was equally vehement. "We can't support this Taurus!" she claimed. "We just can't!"
Taurus nodded slowly. "No I don't suppose that we can. What would you suggest we do then Valygar?"
"I propose that we travel to the sphere" the ranger answered. "We could open it up and enter so that we may end Lavok's ghoulish existence once and for all."
"It sounds reasonable to me, though we'll have to move fast before the wizards figure out this duplicity."
Jaheira nodded. "For once you think clearly Taurus." She looked at Valygar, who had put down his bow. "Welcome to the group sir."
Valygar nodded politely. "Thank you madam. I only hope that we may complete our task without calamitous occurrences."
"Well calamitous occurrences or not" Taurus butt in "We should get going now. I give the wizards six hours before they figure us out."
Jaheira growled and whacked him on the shoulder. "Stop butting into my conversations!"
"Ow!" Taurus rubbed his shoulder. "Don't whack the omnipresent authority figure!"
Valygar was already looking as though he would regret his decision.
***
As a matter of fact, a calamitous occurrence almost occurred before they left the cabin.
As they were filing out, Viconia had paused by the door, apparently thinking about something. Walking by, Aerie didn't notice her and brushed into her shoulder. The Drow whirled on the Avariel and started screaming. "Don't touch me you whiny little bitch!"
Aerie raised her hands in a gesture of placation. "Hey sorry. I didn't see you there." She was startled at Viconia's anger and didn't think it was smart to push a confrontation.
Viconia ignored her apology. "If you ever touch me again then I'll kill you" she hissed. She shoved Aerie back against the wall.
The impact against the wall bruised Aerie's back and jarred her mild temper. She glared back. "Hey" she said, "Don't take your problems out on me! I've got enough of my own as it is!"
"And you can't even deal with those! It's no wonder that Taurus feels only pity for you! Compared to me, who could love a whining little baby who'll run to mama the first time someone's mean to her? Oh wait. I forgot. Your mama's not here to help you! And neither is your father, brother, or your bitch of a sister. You're all alone now with no one who'll care for you!"
Aerie slapped Viconia full on the cheek with enough force to turn the Drow's head sideways. Both elves were shocked at what had just happened. Jaheira wasn't. Moving fast, she grabbed Aerie and pulled her out the door. Most of the rest of the party followed, including a confused Valygar. Only Taurus stayed behind to contain the furious Drow woman.
While incoherent screaming echoed through the house, Aerie glared at the door she'd just come through with tears streaming down her cheeks. "Why is she always so hateful?"
Jaheira patted her on the back. "Relax Aerie. She's just mad and you were the closest person to lash out at."
Valygar was frowning at the lunacy. "Apparently I missed something." He said without irony. Yoshimo nodded.
"Yes. Aerie and Viconia despise each other and aren't afraid to show it."
"Also I think they both like Taurus" Nalia added. "That makes for some epic times."
Suddenly Viconia screamed again. "This is all YOUR FAULT!" Then the door to the cabin burst open and Taurus flew through it as fast as he could. Hot on his heels was a mace-wielding Viconia howling expletives in every language she knew. The duo tore across the top of the bluff and into the forest, where the birds and small animals proceeded to flee from their rampage.
Valygar watched curiously. "Epic times indeed" he muttered.
***
Smokegirl: Thanks for reading you've been great, blah blah blah blah. Now I sort out my weaponry.
(Smokegirl sits on the ground and starts pulling out things from hammer- space.)
Smokegirl: Lets see, there's my Multi-weapon...my electro whip...my fire gloves...my remote control (heh heh)...my taser...my voodoo doll...
(Fade to black.)
(Folken, Li, Gemini, and Zarra are all playing poker at a big card table. By the stack of chips in front of Folken, he's winning by a wide margin. It could have something to do with his little dragon familiar sitting invisible behind the others while he looks at their hands... Anyway, Daevan runs into the room screaming.)
Daevan: Run for it! She's coming!
(The PCs all scream and scatter. A teenage girl with grey hair and eyes walks in.)
Smokegirl: Ah yes. There's nothing quite like knowing that everybody runs when you walk into the room. Hiya folks! I'm Smokegirl, Magicman's evil side. I'm not supposed to be here but what do I care? Anyway, I suppose it's up to me to introduce you to the next chapter so just read it. Oh, and by the way *holds up a handheld remote control* WHO'S GOT THE SUPER WEAPON NOW SEAN BLACK?!?! MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAetc.
(Smokegirl pushes a button on the remote and the Moonshae islands blow up.)
Smokegirl: And yes. I did have to blow up a country to prove my point. *Giggles insanely*
***
"Good day sir. May I have the pleasure of talking with you for a moment?" A man approached the group. "My name is Madeen and yours is known to my superiors, the Cowled Wizards. They would like to speak with you for a moment.
The party of adventurers had made it back to Athkatla with relatively few mishaps. Viconia had punched a town crier who had got in her face, screaming about some disaster that had befallen the Moonshaes (Smokegirl: Heh heh heh.) but otherwise it was quite a pleasant day. There wasn't a cloud in the sky and the wind wasn't too hot or cold. The group had been walking all night however so Taurus was the only one who really cared about the wonderful day. Jaheira was becoming crabby again, Minsc was complaining that Boo needed his rest, and Aerie seemed to be sleepwalking as they moved through the government district.
The man's request had interrupted Taurus' tuneless whistling. He raised a white eyebrow and looked at the man. "The Cowled Wizards eh? They're the ones who took Imoen. I'd be very interested to have a talk with them."
Madeen shrugged his shoulders. "I know nothing of that milord. Perhaps if you were to speak with Tolgerias though..."
Taurus nodded. "Fair enough. I'll have a talk with the man."
"Thank you sir" Madeen bowed. "You will know him by the yellow robes sir." He then went into the building behind him.
Taurus looked back at his companions. "Viconia, Jaheira you two come with me. The rest of you wait here and don't get into trouble."
"Speak for yourself Jaluk" Viconia snarled slightly. "I'd appreciate some rest before you ply your whip on my back again!"
"And you'll get it my dear Vicky" Taurus reassured. "Right after we talk with Mr. Tolgerias we'll go to an inn, okay?"
"An inn would be welcome anytime soon Taurus." Jaheira hastened to agree with Viconia's argument. "We must rest soon lest we endanger ourselves."
"Okay, okay. Be patient. We've just got to talk with this guy first." The women muttered but didn't say anything else.
The building was really more of a single large room than a building. People were scattered to the four corners doing things. In the middle though was a wizard in yellow robes. It was he who Taurus and his female companions approached.
Tolgerias watched them approach with shrewd eyes. "Ah yes" he began grandly. "Madeen has performed faithfully as usual. I am confident that you will see the advantage to what I propose."
Taurus gave nothing through his facial expressions. "I propose that you tell me what happened to Imoen before I do anything for you."
The wizard frowned. "Imoen? Ah yes. The girl from the Promenade". He waved a hand nonchalantly. "I have no time for such matters of little importance."
"And I have time for nothing else." Taurus was implacable and it seemed to grate on the wizard. "Tell me or I won't help you."
Tolgerias sighed in exasperation. "I will look into the matter if you agree to my request."
Taurus also sighed in exasperation. "I suppose that it's the best offer we're going to get."
"Good. Now to business" Tolgerias proceeded to explain his request. "There is a murderer on the loose. He killed two of our number and disappeared. I want you to find him and bring him here. In return you will receive the friendship of the Cowled Wizards and several magical items as payment. Are these terms acceptable to you?"
Jaheira spoke up. "What would we do if he will not come? We are not murderers."
Tolgerias shrugged. "That his body is here is of importance. Its state upon arrival is secondary."
The druid scowled but Taurus rested a hand on her shoulder. To Tolgerias he said, "We accept your offer"
"Excellent!" The wizard clapped his hands together. "I thank you in advance. Oh, you may want to search the man's home in the Docks district. His name is Valygar Corthala." With that Tolgerias turned and left the room.
When Taurus and the girls joined the others in the street and explained the agreement Yoshimo frowned.
"Personally I wouldn't trust the Cowled Wizards," he said. "We should be careful Taurus."
The Crintri nodded. "I intend to be. But that bastard knows where Imoen is and I have to find her. I can't just abandon her."
"Of course Taurus" Nalia nodded. "Yoshimo's just edgy. He hasn't had any sleep for a while now." She smiled sweetly at the thief when he started to protest. Yoshimo bit his lip and kept quiet.
Taurus nodded and looked over at Aerie who was softly snoring. She rocked back and forth on her feet but never lost her balance. "Well we won't be going anywhere while she's asleep like that."
Viconia scowled and gave the elf girl a shove that knocked her off her feet. She hit the ground with a startled squawk.
"Viconia!" Taurus said reproachfully.
The drow woman smiled innocently. "She's awake, isn't she?"
***
The party had spent eight hours resting in the Copper Coronet and the lovely afternoon had turned into a lovely evening. Taurus woke up with his usual difficulty. Blearily the Crintri tried to open his eyes and look about but he didn't have the energy for it. Indeed, he only had the energy for pulling his blanket tighter about himself, which he did. He sighed in annoyance and tried his procedure of shocking himself awake again.
Jaheira in a thong winking at him. No, that didn't seem to be working today. Better try something else.
Aerie and Viconia arguing again. Interesting but not really shocking.
Aerie and Viconia approached him, dressed in very skimpy dresses. Now this was more like it.
Aerie performed a lap dance while Viconia reached down and cupped his... Taurus thought that he'd need a shower after he woke up.
Taurus nearly leapt out of his skin when he felt something jump on him in his bed. Thrashing about under the blanket, he managed to stick his head out and found himself staring into Viconia's brown eyes. "What the-?"
Viconia gave a silly grin. "I thought you could use some help waking up abbil."
"I was doing just fine on my own" Taurus mumbled to himself. He looked back on his little dream, mourning its passing.
Viconia seemed to sense what he was thinking and giggled. Taurus stared. Then his eyes narrowed. "Who are you and what have you done with Vicky?"
Viconia giggled some more and hugged him. "Oh? You don't recognise your old friend? Let's see if I can help you remember." She seized Taurus' face in her hands and kissed him.
Startled, Taurus resisted slightly before kissing back. When he put an arm behind her back and pulled her closer she purred quietly and stroked his cheek gently. Encouraged, he boldly slid a hand down her back and cupped her tight ass. He hissed as her nails dug lightly into his chest.
"Taurus" Viconia purred into his mouth. "My Taurus. I want you."
The words dropped a bucket of water on the Crintri, dousing his passion instantly. He closed his eyes against lust and took her wrists in his hands. He pushed away the sexy drow woman almost painfully. "Viconia..."
Viconia went from teasing to furious. Wrenching away, she punched him in the face, snapping his head back. "Not tonight, right? That's what you said last time! When is it ever going to happen?!"
When Taurus didn't answer Viconia hissed furiously. She hurled herself off the bed and stormed from the room, slamming the door as she left.
Taurus rubbed his jaw where he'd been socked. "Well" he said at last, "That didn't go well." He got out of bed, put on his armour and walked downstairs to the common room.
The rest of the party minus Viconia was waiting at the usual table. They seemed rather tense. Jaheira was mulling over her tea and shooting glances at Taurus. Minsc and Yoshimo were conversing with each other while Lila stayed silent for once. Nalia waved hello but didn't say anything. Only Aerie was smiling cheerfully.
"Good morning!" she greeted him cheerfully. She took a bite of sausage and beamed.
Taurus nodded and sat down next to her. "So" he said slowly. "Does anyone know what happened to Vicky?"
Aerie beamed even more. Jaheira scowled as she sipped her tea. "Bernard slipped Solik berries into her porridge as a joke. She ran upstairs, looking for you I presumed."
Feeling eyes upon him Taurus shrugged. "I passed her in the hall if that's what you mean."
"No it wasn't" Jaheira countered, "But that'll do". She sipped more tea.
Aerie's smile threatened to break her face in half. "I'll bet that she's having fun right about now."
Nalia nodded. "Not a lot of people to sleep with right about now. They're all down here getting drunk."
At about the point Viconia stormed down the stairs. Her white hair was ruffled and she was pointedly not looking at Taurus. She sat down next to Minsc, as far away from the Crintri as she could get. She grabbed the ranger's plate but he didn't seem to argue. Slowly and mechanically she ate, not looking at or talking to anyone. When she was done she pushed her plate away and sat, staring transfixed at the far wall.
After a few minutes Taurus stood up. "Well we should get going now. Lots to see." The others got up and walked to the door. Taurus stayed behind as Viconia was still sitting down. "Vicky? You want to come?"
Viconia looked up at him coldly. "Vith'ir jaluk!" she growled and brushed past him.
Taurus watched her go then sighed and shook his head sadly before following.
***
"What did you do that pissed her off so much?!"
The group was camping out in the Umar hills after an unsuccessful day of trying to find Valygar's cabin. Everyone except for Taurus and Jaheira was curled up and asleep beside the fire. Taurus sat on a log with his chin in his hand and Jaheira sat next to him with a mug of tea.
Taurus shrugged helplessly. "I don't know Jahs. But I'm beginning to get an idea."
"Why do you always have to give your travelling companions nicknames?"
"I just do. Branwen and Dynaheir never complained."
Jaheira knuckled her forehead. "You were saying about Viconia?"
Taurus went serious again. "I assume you remember the Solik berries incident?" He waited for her nod. "Well she came up into my room, jumped on my bed, and started coming on to me."
Jaheira's eyes went really wide. "You didn't?!"
Taurus shook his head frantically. "No!"
Jaheira sighed in relief and sipped at her tea while her friend continued.
"I think that's what set her off though. She really wanted to have sex with me and now she's mad when I didn't. I think I hurt her pride."
"Maybe you should sleep with her."
Taurus nearly choked. Jaheira took no notice and continued to talk. "It's obvious that she's attracted to you and more than obvious that you return the feeling. Doing the horizontal Cha-cha with her would at least relieve you of some tensions."
Taurus looked weirdly at the druid. "The horizontal Cha-cha? Where do you pick up this stuff Jahs?" Jaheira mimicked Taurus' shrug and he sighed.
"Besides" he continued, his glance straying to a sleeping Aerie, "It's not so simple."
Jaheira followed his gaze. Her lips formed the letter O and she nodded her head. "Well that certainly complicates things."
"That it does. How am I going to get out of this mess?"
"I really have no idea Taurus." Jaheira patted his shoulder consolingly. "You really are in a horrible situation. If you reject Viconia then she's likely to kill you. If you reject Aerie then she's likely to kill herself."
Taurus looked over at the sleeping elf again. "Would she really do that?" he asked softly. Jaheira nodded.
"She would. I've seen people like her before. They all had some horrible tragedy happen to them and they didn't have the courage to face life again. They try though. They always seem happy and content for a while. But when something goes wrong they lose all hope and more often than not end their problems the hard way." The more experienced druid looked down on the sleeping elf girl with a look of sympathy. "Aerie is one of the worst cases that I've seen. The poor girl lost her home, her family, her wings, and now she's away from the man who ever cared for her at the circus."
Taurus seemed to slump. "Oh man" he groaned. "What am I going to do? I really like both of them and I especially don't want them to feel hurt."
Jaheira sipped some more tea. "I really don't have any answers Taurus. You'll just have to trust your own judgement."
Taurus snorted. "Oh sure" he said sarcastically. "That'll help when I'm being pulled in every direction." He sighed again. "Well I'll go to bed now. Maybe I'll think of something in the morning." Waving goodnight to Jaheira, Taurus leaned back against a tree and relaxed. Eventually he fell asleep.
Jaheira watched her friend drift off to sleep. She shook her head to herself. 'Poor guy...'
***
The next day the party got lucky. Minsc found some fresh tracks leading up a rocky path. The companions followed it up a small bluff though they remained alert while they did.
Viconia walked at the rear of the party and acted as if Taurus was some foul stench that had drifted into her nostrils. The Crintri could feel her glare drilling holes into his back and he sighed. This could get unpleasant. By contrast, Aerie was walking by his side talking cheerfully with Nalia about this and that. Seeing her, Taurus could almost forget what Jaheira had told him. He sighed again.
His life was getting complicated. He could deal with crazed wizards and unholy half-brothers but women were one thing he could not figure out.
The others seemed cheerful enough and they made good time up the path. Eventually they came to a cabin perched on the top of the bluff, looking down upon all that was below. It was a small building made from logs. Not terribly interested in the building, Nalia stepped up to the edge of the cliff and looked down.
"Wow" she said. "That's a long way to fall."
Yoshimo stepped up beside her. "That's why we should stay away my young lovely. A fall would be most painful." He took her arm and led her away.
Taurus walked up to the building and reached for the doorknob. A sharp voice cut him off.
"Who are you? More servants of the Cowled ones come for Lord Valygar?"
The party whirled to confront a man wearing leather armour. He scowled at the party with a craggy face, his hand fingering a sword at his belt. Taurus chose his words carefully. "We are with the wizards" he said slowly, "But we don't wish for any fight."
The man eyed him suspiciously. He slowly nodded his head. "Very well. But be quick about it!" He then turned into the forest and disappeared.
Taurus watched the place he disappeared to for a second before turning back to the door. He opened it and stepped inside, followed by the others.
The room they entered was small but cosy. That was all that Taurus could absorb before a door at the far end of the room creaked open. A dark complexioned man faced the Crintri, a bow in his hands and an arrow pointed at the throat of the intruder.
The man's sharp eyes regarded the party coldly. "More Cowled ones or their servants no doubt." The man cursed. "I tell you now, I will not return to that damned sphere!"
Taurus immediately frowned. "Sphere? What are you talking about?"
The man glared again. "What? The wizards did not inform their own servants?"
Now it was Taurus who glared and his hand twitched to his katana. "I am no one's servant friend. Now you'd best explain your meaning before you say anymore. What sphere are you talking about?"
Yoshimo cut in suddenly. "Do you mean that giant silver sphere that appeared in the slums of Athkatla a little while ago?"
The man nodded. "That I do".
Taurus threw Yoshimo a disbelieving look. "How did you know about it when I didn't?"
Jaheira rolled her eyes. "He keeps his eyes open Taurus".
"Uh huh... So anyway, I assume that you're this mysterious Valygar Corthala that the wizards want?" Taurus redirected his attention to the man with the bow.
Valygar nodded. "That I am. And I will not return for my ancestor to suck my life out!"
Taurus blinked. "I think that we're getting ahead here. Why don't you put down the bow and tell us about this whole sphere thing?"
Valygar hesitated then relaxed his hold on the bowstring, though he never actually let go. "I suppose I should start at the beginning."
Taurus nodded. "That would be a start." He yelped when Jaheira whacked him for the bad joke. The ranger looked at them oddly but he told his story.
"For generations past my family line has had a talent for magic. Such skills are frowned upon by the city, as you know. One of them, a man named Lavok, was exceptional, even by our standards of skill. He possessed a brilliant mind and created what he called the Planar Sphere. The Sphere was a vessel, which Lavok used to travel throughout the planes, seeking and crafting and learning what he could. Apparently something he found on his journey corrupted him. When he returned he began to hunt down his own relatives, his own flesh and blood! He used their life to extend his own and he disappeared within his sphere. My family barely survived."
Valygar shuddered before continuing. "Now two hundred years later the sphere has returned. Like hyenas, the Cowled Wizards pounced on the opportunity. They want in the Sphere and they want what magical secrets it possesses. But only my blood can open it. It was linked to my family you see, and I'm the last of my family. The wizards know this and they want my blood to open the sphere. Whether I'm alive at the time is of no consequence to them."
Minsc gasped in outrage. "We can not do this Taurus! Surely this man has been wronged and his wrongers laugh in anticipation of no butt- kickings! Justice must be served!"
Aerie was equally vehement. "We can't support this Taurus!" she claimed. "We just can't!"
Taurus nodded slowly. "No I don't suppose that we can. What would you suggest we do then Valygar?"
"I propose that we travel to the sphere" the ranger answered. "We could open it up and enter so that we may end Lavok's ghoulish existence once and for all."
"It sounds reasonable to me, though we'll have to move fast before the wizards figure out this duplicity."
Jaheira nodded. "For once you think clearly Taurus." She looked at Valygar, who had put down his bow. "Welcome to the group sir."
Valygar nodded politely. "Thank you madam. I only hope that we may complete our task without calamitous occurrences."
"Well calamitous occurrences or not" Taurus butt in "We should get going now. I give the wizards six hours before they figure us out."
Jaheira growled and whacked him on the shoulder. "Stop butting into my conversations!"
"Ow!" Taurus rubbed his shoulder. "Don't whack the omnipresent authority figure!"
Valygar was already looking as though he would regret his decision.
***
As a matter of fact, a calamitous occurrence almost occurred before they left the cabin.
As they were filing out, Viconia had paused by the door, apparently thinking about something. Walking by, Aerie didn't notice her and brushed into her shoulder. The Drow whirled on the Avariel and started screaming. "Don't touch me you whiny little bitch!"
Aerie raised her hands in a gesture of placation. "Hey sorry. I didn't see you there." She was startled at Viconia's anger and didn't think it was smart to push a confrontation.
Viconia ignored her apology. "If you ever touch me again then I'll kill you" she hissed. She shoved Aerie back against the wall.
The impact against the wall bruised Aerie's back and jarred her mild temper. She glared back. "Hey" she said, "Don't take your problems out on me! I've got enough of my own as it is!"
"And you can't even deal with those! It's no wonder that Taurus feels only pity for you! Compared to me, who could love a whining little baby who'll run to mama the first time someone's mean to her? Oh wait. I forgot. Your mama's not here to help you! And neither is your father, brother, or your bitch of a sister. You're all alone now with no one who'll care for you!"
Aerie slapped Viconia full on the cheek with enough force to turn the Drow's head sideways. Both elves were shocked at what had just happened. Jaheira wasn't. Moving fast, she grabbed Aerie and pulled her out the door. Most of the rest of the party followed, including a confused Valygar. Only Taurus stayed behind to contain the furious Drow woman.
While incoherent screaming echoed through the house, Aerie glared at the door she'd just come through with tears streaming down her cheeks. "Why is she always so hateful?"
Jaheira patted her on the back. "Relax Aerie. She's just mad and you were the closest person to lash out at."
Valygar was frowning at the lunacy. "Apparently I missed something." He said without irony. Yoshimo nodded.
"Yes. Aerie and Viconia despise each other and aren't afraid to show it."
"Also I think they both like Taurus" Nalia added. "That makes for some epic times."
Suddenly Viconia screamed again. "This is all YOUR FAULT!" Then the door to the cabin burst open and Taurus flew through it as fast as he could. Hot on his heels was a mace-wielding Viconia howling expletives in every language she knew. The duo tore across the top of the bluff and into the forest, where the birds and small animals proceeded to flee from their rampage.
Valygar watched curiously. "Epic times indeed" he muttered.
***
Smokegirl: Thanks for reading you've been great, blah blah blah blah. Now I sort out my weaponry.
(Smokegirl sits on the ground and starts pulling out things from hammer- space.)
Smokegirl: Lets see, there's my Multi-weapon...my electro whip...my fire gloves...my remote control (heh heh)...my taser...my voodoo doll...
(Fade to black.)