Part 6
The room she and Imoen shared was comfortable and homely. While she had been tempted to ask Imoen to organize more luxurious rooms, practicality had overruled that desire. The less expensive rooms had interconnecting doors. If the worst happened they were attacked, they would not be cut off from each other. Collapsed on her bed, Avress watched as Imoen unpack. With practiced efficiency, Imoen picked out the various items she felt were essential for their overnight stay. It was a process Avress had watched many times before. It was soothing and reassuring in a way. Her own pack was untouched on a chair. Later she would worry about it. For now, she was happy to sit and enjoy her sister's company before she left with Jaheira.
"Hey Avress, you know how I talked to some of the people at the inn?" Imoen broke into the silence.
"Did find something else out?" Avress asked, and wondered why Imoen hadn't mentioned it before.
"I think I might have. There was this one man who seemed real nervous. More than what you'd expect with fireballs raining from the sky. I talked to him and he started going on about vampires. I would have told you before, but didn't want to say anything in front of Minsc... you know how he gets about vampires," Imoen said and rolled her eyes.
"Vampires? Are you sure this man was trustworthy? I would have expected for the townsfolk to be more concerned if there were vampires about," Avress said.
"I thought this guy was nuts at first... but then I talked to the owner of the inn. When I asked Pyrgam if there was any way into Gromnir's palace he mentioned a way through the old prison, but the local temple sealed it up because of some big evil. Sounds like too much of a coincidence to me."
"Maybe this man of yours was right. I wonder how the vampires got past the temple seals... I'm glad you didn't tell me about this in front of Minsc. He probably would have demanded we go out and smite them right then," Avress laughed.
"Yeah, I always wondered why he hated vampires so much but was too afraid to ask," Imoen giggled.
Vampires weren't her favorite creature but Minsc's hatred of them was near legendary. He couldn't go near them without going into half a berserker rage even before the fighting started. Much to Avress' horror that had nearly gotten him killed when she had turned into the Slayer. Wrapped up in his rage from Bodhi's appearance, Minsc had to be pulled back to safety by Keldorn and Jaheira. On the other hand they had several funny stories of Minsc ranting so loudly about undead suckers of goodness in the middle of the Promenade. That escapade he'd brought the uncomfortable attention of a whole group of Amnish guards.
"When you're at the temple, ask Sister Farielle about the vampires," Avress suggested.
"Sister Farielle? You were at the temple earlier?"
"She took in the elves I found," Avress spoke and then frowned as she remembered what had happened. "Imoen, I almost lost my temper when I saw what those soldiers were doing. It disgusted me!"
"Hey, sis, I don't blame you. I probably would have been mad too," Imoen replied gently.
"It was more than that. Being here, in Saradush, it's making the taint rise. I can feel all the death surrounding this place. I almost like it. You know I have to be careful and what if I can't control my rage? Am I turning into another Sarevok?"
"Oh no! There's that frown again. It's your 'I'm brooding over my evil brother' frown. Less than two days and I already recognize it! You're not a bad person! You think I like it around here? I can't feel it the way you do but it puts me on edge too. That doesn't make us bad. It's just something we have to deal with and you're doing fine. Quit fussing over Sarevok and whether you're going to get a hankering for spiky armor."
"Imoen I can't just ignore it! Besides, I just brought back to life my evil brother from hell, who just happens to be my foster father's murderer. I deserve some moping time!"
She'd meant for her words to be caustic, but they came out plaintive with an audible whine. When she met Imoen's eyes, they burst out laughing. The tension broke and their giggles completely overwhelmed them. Avress wasn't sure their laughter was hysterical or not but it felt good. The knot of tension and anxiety that had been strangling her relaxed. Sides cramping, Avress wiped the tears from her eyes. Now she felt a little embarrassed about what she'd said. Maybe she had been too preoccupied. Imoen obviously thought so.
"Wow, I don't think I've heard you say something like that since you had to give back Khelbin Blackstaff's cloak!" Imoen teased.
"Ha ha. You better go find Jaheira. She's probably waiting by now," Avress replied with a smile.
"You'll be alright?" Imoen asked softly.
"Yes, I will. I promise," Avress responded squeezing her sister in a goodbye hug.
It was only when Imoen left, that Avress realized that her sister's teasing had been laced with tension. Avress wondered if it had been only been a front to hide her own uncertainty. Avress suddenly wished that she'd talked to Imoen about it, instead of letting herself be sidetracked. Then again, maybe Imoen wasn't able to talk to her about it. She was the one that caused at least one of the problems they were facing.
Swearing under her breath, Avress methodically went through her pack. She didn't like feeling helpless. She and Imoen had always been so close. Now there was a wedge named Sarevok between them. With a groan, Avress guessed she was probably wearing that frown Imoen had told her about. Resolved to rid herself of it, Avress hurried back down to the common room of the inn. Busying herself with what the innkeeper had for sale would hopefully distract her from moping.
The wares for sale were as promising as Imoen had suggested. In the course of her adventures, Avress had gained herself a sizeable fortune. Buying better equipment was always a pleasurable and wise way of spending it. She was very pleased with the boots of speed that were on offer. A heavily enchanted katana was tempting on behalf of Jaheira, but Avress decided to leave it be. Jaheira was more than happy with her staff and the extra protections it afforded. Avress considered a sling for herself but again decided against it. Given her skill with the weapon, she was more likely to hit herself than her target. With a grin Avress thanked the innkeeper and returned to her room.
Sitting cross-legged on her bed, Avress took a deep breath. For a moment she held it and then released it. As she emptied the air from her lungs, she pushed out her tension with it. Several more deep breaths later, she was relaxed. Slowly she slowed her thoughts and let her mind grow silent. The familiar stillness filled her mind and Avress extended her senses inward. Deep within her core boiled the rage and hate of her taint. It raged against the walls of control she had placed around it to contain its influence. Those walls were ragged and weak. As her mental touch contacted the taint, it immediately stilled and then began to caress her senses with promises and sweet urgings. Avress shivered. Usually it would fight her or sullenly obey her commands. It took a great deal of strength to pry it away and rebuild her control.
Long moments of struggle took their toll. Tired but triumphant, Avress pulled away from the taint. Slowly she let her mind return to wakefulness. Her body was slightly stiff and by the angle of the sun, Avress knew that several hours had passed. It was time well spent. The taint still roared within her, but it was better contained and some of her control had returned. Her meditation had also aided in the return of her magic. Stretching to loosen her aching joints, Avress decided to return to the common room of the inn. It had been a long time since breakfast.
A wave of apprehension washed over her, as Avress saw what Viconia was up to. Full pouting lips were turned up in a calculating smirk. A long leg was provocatively propped up on the table, and the drow's full bosom was enticingly round now that it was freed of chainmail. The object of the priestess' antics was glowering with eyes sullen with contempt. Sarevok's expression was strangely relieved when Avress sat down. She couldn't blame him. Viconia had played with more than one man during their travels. Several times Avress had to deal with the consequences of Viconia's attentions.
"Have you ordered dinner?" Avress asked calmly.
"The innkeeper has nothing better than stew made from dried beef. Such slop is not fit to be served," Viconia replied.
"Sarevok?"
"I will order shortly, but I wish to speak with you privately," the large warrior inquired.
"Very well. Follow me to my room," Avress returned.
The sting of trepidation surprised her as she closed the door behind them. Sarevok seemed very large in the confines of her room. Disliking being intimidated, Avress forced herself to meet his gaze. A riot of frustration and anger broadcast themselves eloquently in his eyes. Avress felt her skin prickle. Her own anger roused and she pushed her disquiet away. She had vanquished him twice. She would not be intimidated simply because she was alone with him in a small room.
"You will keep that she-viper away from me!" Sarevok rumbled.
"Viconia? She teases you only because she knows it angers you," Avress stated, forcing her attention to the conversation.
"I will not stand for being treated like that! If she persists, I will not be responsible for my actions," Sarevok warned.
"Then I will not be responsible for mine!" Avress snarled. "We work together or not at all."
"I was beginning to wonder if you had a temper, dear sister," Sarevok sneered.
"You should have known that before now! It's hereditary! Is it so difficult for you to ignore Viconia's prodding? She did the same thing to Keldorn. If you do not react, then she will find other sport," Avress replied tightly.
"You expect me to act like a meek fool! Is this your form of petty revenge?" Sarevok snarled.
"If I wanted revenge on you, *brother*, then you would know it!" Avress sneered, her fists clenching.
"Then why do you expect me to endure her 'attentions'?!"
"Because I know you can deal with it!" Avress spat and for a moment there was silence.
"You give strange compliments, Avress," Sarevok considered.
Avress flushed. It had been a compliment of sorts. Not that she had really thought of it as such when she had said it. Her head was beginning to ache, and she wondered if she'd ever get her dinner. Clearly there was something else on Sarevok's mind. If whatever it was that plagued him, was as trying as this conversation, she would scream. Dealing with Sarevok was difficult and she didn't want to drain her reserves of patience on him.
"There is something else you wanted to discuss?" Avress asked in a civil tone.
"Yes. I promised you the use of my knowledge about the prophecies of Alaundo. I have information you might find useful," Sarevok spoke cautiously.
"But?" Avress asked, sensing there was a catch.
"I noticed you purchased the boots of speed."
"You wish a trade," Avress clarified unnecessarily. "There is no need for it. You do not need to trade your knowledge, just for better equipment."
"You would... give them to me?" Sarevok asked as if the very possibility was alien.
"Yes," Avress replied softly.
"I won't try to hide that this surprises me. I know you do not trust me or particularly desire my company," Sarevok said stiffly.
"You're part of the group, Sarevok."
Sarevok looked away. His offer bothered her in a way she hadn't expected. It disturbed her to see Sarevok so humbled and then be surprised that she would take advantage. Perhaps it was his surprise that she would not agree, that bothered her the most. Subdued, Avress pulled her pack onto the bed. Easily she located the boots she had bought earlier and took them out. With a smooth movement, she extended the boots. Slowly, as if he expected to be bitten, Sarevok took them from her. Her stomach flip-flopped. He still didn't quite believe her. Before she could say anything, the door burst open.
"Hey, Av-. Oh!" Imoen exclaimed, as she barreled into the room.
"I'll leave," Sarevok said quickly and made his escape.
For a second, Avress wanted to yell at Imoen. Exactly what for, she wasn't sure. Then she noticed her sister's face. Momentarily frozen in lines of surprise and distrust, Imoen's expression only faded as Sarevok left the room. Avress felt a pang of guilt. The betrayal that Imoen tried to hide, was clear to her anyway. Vaguely, Avress wondered how things become so complicated. It was so much easier when villains were villains, and they stayed that way.
"What was *he* doing here?"
"I bought the boots of speed and gave them to Sarevok," Avress explained.
"You gave the boots to him?!" Imoen asked a little shocked.
"It makes sense. Keldorn already has a pair and Minsc uses the elven boots," Avress defended, awkwardly.
"Fine. I guess you know what's best," Imoen snapped.
Uncomfortable silence blossomed between the two sisters. Avress felt frustration build up. She didn't know what was best! Sometimes, she hated being the one that they expected to lead. Floundering uncomfortably for something to say, Avress sank onto her bed. Having Sarevok with them, made things so very difficult. The earlier conversation she'd had with Imoen seemed to echo in her ears. Clearly they could not leave things as they had been. If they did, it would only fester. Avress tried to bring her thoughts into order. Imoen was one of the kindest people Avress knew. Yet, once Imoen had set herself against someone, her feelings were nearly set in stone. Sarevok was one of the people on Imoen's black list. It didn't help that Avress felt conflicted. Did Imoen hate her for her decisions regarding Sarevok?
"Imoen... do you blame me?" Avress asked softly.
"Gods damn this, Avress! Since when did you pay tribute to the Lady Of Pain? What is with all this self-flagellation? You are my sister, but I'm sick and tired of it! You resurrected Sarevok. Fine. I would have let the bastard roast in the fires of hell, right next to Irenicus but it was your decision!" Imoen yelled.
"My decision?!" Avress retorted, dumbfounded at Imoen's words. "Is that what you call it when he blackmailed me, and the solar all but demanded I take him? How can that be called a decision? This isn't something I wanted to do!"
"If you really objected to resurrecting him, then you never would have done it! I know you. You made your decision regarding Sarevok a long time ago," Imoen retorted.
"How can you say that! I loved Gorion!" Avress cried, memories bubbling up.
"This has nothing to do with Gorion, Avress!" Imoen replied, her voice filled with exhaustion. "It has everything to do with you and Sarevok. You forgave him a long time ago and you should stop pretending you haven't."
"That isn't true! I have accepted him but doesn't mean I forgive him!"
"Doesn't it? You would never have accepted him if you hadn't forgiven him. The two of you are thick as thieves, and I should know! I feel like I've lost my sister," Imoen sighed.
"That's not true. I love you and you'll always be my sister!"
"You forgave him, Avress. You just don't want to admit it."
There wasn't anything Avress could say to that. The acid sting of unwelcome truth, was strangling her reason. Had she forgiven Sarevok? Imoen didn't wait for her to respond. The door slammed shut as she left.
"And if I have?" Avress asked herself softly.