Chapter Seven

Anomen finished his prayers to Helm, and then eased himself into a horizontal position on his little mat in his corner of the room. Trying to drown out the deafening, wall-shaking force of Minsc's snoring, he closed his eyes and let his mind drift.

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For what seemed like the tenth time that day, Anomen checked his reflection in the mirror. Frowning, he turned every which way, straightening imaginary wrinkles in his tunic, unbuckling and re-buckling his belt, and finally, stroking his face along his chin and jaw line.

"Moira, do you think…" Anomen began to ask.

"No, Anomen, I do not think you are beginning to grow a beard yet," Moira sighed with a bored tone to her voice. She was on her bed, lying on her stomach, arms folded beneath her chin. "Nor was there one yesterday. And I seriously doubt that you will begin to grow one tomorrow. Are you ready? Can we go now?" she asked her brother in exasperation.

Anomen didn't reply, as he was too busy trying to flatten the waves and flyaway strands of his hair. Moira rolled her eyes, then jumped off the bed and marched over to her brother.

"COME ON," she ordered through clenched teeth, her patience thoroughly tried. "I have been ready for nearly half an hour. I thought I was supposed to be the one that took a long time to get ready," at this Anomen shot her a sideways glare, his face reddening a bit.

"After all, we're only going to the Promenade with 'Ren. It's not like you need to impress…" Moira trailed off, a look of understanding dawning on her face. A grin twitched at the corners of her mouth, and she looked at her older brother with a sly glint in her eyes.

Anomen's face turned even redder, and he muttered defensively, "I am a squire to the Order. As such, it is in my best interests to look presentable at all times. I…MOIRA!" he yelped, shifting uncomfortably under her gaze. "Stop looking at me like that!"

"You like her," Moira stated, the grin on her face growing.

"Who, Nyrendra?" Anomen squirmed, "Of course I like her. We both do…"

"No," Moira interrupted, starting to giggle, "I mean, you LIKE her, like her. You think she's gorgeous…"

"Moira…" Anomen pleaded.

"You want to HUG her," Moira chanted.

Again, Anomen tried shushing her to no avail.

"You want to HOLD her, you want to KISS her…" Moira continued, absolutely delighted. She had never seen her brother's face a deeper shade of red.

"No! Stop it!" Anomen exclaimed, lunging for his sister. Giggling, she side-stepped him and ran out of the room, calling over her shoulder,

"No? So you DON'T like her?"

"NO, I mean…yes…I," Anomen stuttered, chasing after his sister. He caught up to her on their front porch. Grabbing her by the wrist, he twirled her around so she was facing him. Moira was still chuckling, until she caught sight of her brother's face. All at once, it wasn't a laughing matter. He looked terrified, and if she wasn't mistaking his jaw was trembling very slightly.

"Please…don't say anything to her," Anomen asked, with a hint of desperation to his voice.

"No, of course not…oh, Ano, I was only teasing," Moira sighed. "I swear I won't say anything to 'Ren."

Anomen let out an audible sigh of relief, and began to relax.

"Oh, but this is WONDERFUL!" Moira exclaimed suddenly. "My brother and my best friend, Anomen, when are you going to tell her?"

Anomen cleared his throat, and began walking towards the gate. "We had best be leaving, we are going to be late…"

"You ARE going to tell her, aren't you?" Moira asked incredulously, taking off after her brother who was walking at a brisk pace. Anomen glanced at her pleadingly.

"WELL?" Moira pressed him.

"I…I don't know," he said dully.

"For the love of HELM, why not?" Moira cried.

A look of shock crossed Anomen's face, as much from hearing his sister take Helm's name in vain as from the suggestion her question carried. He opened and closed his mouth several times before answering.

"Because," was all he could say. Seeing that Moira would not be placated, he growled, "Oh, all RIGHT. Because she's so…so…beautiful and kind and smart, and I'm…well LOOK at me! The trainers all say I'm too scraggly; I'm oafish and ill tempered and stupid. I can't even grow a beard," Anomen moaned despairingly.

Moira couldn't help it. Her brother's melancholy self-pity set her off tittering again. Anomen looked at her with a hurt look on his face, and she managed to choke out,

"I…I don't know…about that," she managed between giggles. "I mean, you really CAN'T grow a beard, but you probably will someday. And with all that training they have you do, you can't be gangly FOREVER," Anomen looked like he had been punched in the gut. Moira was mollified, and hurried to continue, "That's…that's not what I meant, really…I…well, to get to the point, yes you can be rude and mean…"

"I don't believe I want to hear your point, if you do have one. Or are you merely looking for the opportunity to insult me?" Anomen asked, with a chill to his voice.

"BUT," Moira continued loudly, ignoring her brother's last comment, "You can also be nice, and thoughtful. And I guess if I weren't your sister, I'd think you were kind of cute. Especially when you smile. Which isn't often," Moira could see that Anomen was starting to calm down a little, resigned to hear her out. "My point is, I think 'Ren sees all that. The bad and the good. And I think she is maybe one of the only girls in this dumb ole' city who likes you just the way you are. In fact, I think she loves you for it."

"Wha-What did you say?" Anomen asked, disbelief written all over his face.

"That's right, LOVE. L-O-V-E," Moira spelled out slowly and patronizingly. "Look, I know this may be hard for you to grasp, but you don't know everything. And there are some things I know more about than you. She cares about you, trust me," seeing that her brother still looked unconvinced, she added, "Ano, I wouldn't steer you wrong. Not on something this important. May Helm strike me down if I'm lying."

A slow grin was forming on Anomen's face. "You really ought not to invoke Helm's name so frequently outside of prayer," he lectured teasingly. Moira stuck her tongue out at him in reply.

By this point, they had reached Nyrendra's house, and Anomen paused briefly at the gate, doubt creeping into his features again.

"ANOMEN!" Moira bellowed.

"Coming, coming," he replied hastily, opening the gate and accompanying his sister to the door.

Nyrendra's mother, Esmerthie Ketrene, was working in the garden and saw the two young humans approach. Standing up, she wiped the dirt off her hands and waved in greeting,

"Hello young Moira, Anomen. Nyrendra should be…"

"Right here, mum!" Nyrendra suddenly appeared on the porch. Vaulting over the railing, she kissed her mother on the cheek. Giggling, Nyrendra brushed off some stray dirt that was smudged on her mother's nose.

Turning to face Anomen and Moira, Nyrendra grinned. "Lo Ano, 'lo Moira," she said excitedly. "What took ya so long? I've been waiting positively AGES!"

Anomen cleared his throat, blushing slightly. Moira giggled and said, "Umm, my fault. I just couldn't stop preening, you know? Anomen kept sayin' 'Moira, hurry up' and 'Moira we're gonna be late', but I just couldn't help myself!"

Nyrendra looked at the two with a raised eyebrow. "Riiiiggghhhtttt," she drawled, clearly amused. "That's what happened, is it, Ano?" she asked.

"Errr…more or less, but not exactly," Anomen mumbled, avoiding eye contact. Nyrendra giggled, and exchanged a knowing glance with Moira.

"Come on then, let's not waste any more time. At the rate we're going, everything's gonna be closed by the time we get there!" Nyrendra exclaimed, breaking into a run, Anomen and Moira close on her heels.

They reached the Promenade in record time, and soon were caught up in the fervor and excitement of the bustling marketplace. As the three young friends passed each stand, merchants would call out to them and try to entice them with their wares. Young nobles with coin to spend were considered an easy and profitable target, and their attention much sought after.

"Pleasant day to you," a rotund, jolly looking man called out to Anomen, Nyrendra and Moira. "You finding what you're looking for my good sir, young ladies? If not, I'm sure ole' Hes can find something that tickles your fancy."

Moira and Nyrendra began to examine a display of necklaces, while Anomen stared wistfully at a shining, brand new set of armor. Looking up, Anomen noticed that the merchant was motioning for him to come closer. Anomen approached Hes warily, and when they were close enough, the merchant whispered conspiratorially,

"How about something for the young lady, my good sir?" Hes winked, gesturing towards Nyrendra with a quick jerk of his head. Anomen blushed, and the merchant's eyes lit up, sensing that he had hit a mark. Gesturing towards a small display of rings, he started to go into what was sure to be a winning sales pitch.

Unfortunately for Hes, he was interrupted.

"Well, well, well. Look what we have here," came a cold, cultured voice from behind Anomen. He recognized the voice instantly as that of Yusef Farrahd.

The lighthearted conversation Moira and Nyrendra had been having quickly died. They and Anomen turned around to come face to face with a large, unfriendly looking group of their peers. Nyrendra frowned, and Anomen openly glared. Moira looked at the two nervously, and whispered,

"Come on you two," she said tugging at their sleeves, "It's not worth it. We can't get in to any more fights…"

"Still consorting with that pointed-ear, blue freak?" Yusef asked with a smirk. "Really, Delryn, I would've thought you'd know better by now."

Nyrendra inhaled sharply, looking like she was somewhere in between bursting into tears and punching Yusef in the face. Anomen yanked away from his sister angrily, and would've attacked Yusef if Nyrendra had not reached out and grabbed his hand.

"Don't, Ano," she pleaded. "You'll get in trouble with the Order for fighting again. Just…just ignore him," she finished between gritted teeth. Anomen was shaking with rage, however, he allowed himself to be led away by Nyrendra and Moira.

"Don't Ano," Yusef mimicked in a high-pitched, squeaky voice. Scowling, he added in his normal voice, "Just as well, dog. Leave it to a Delryn to take orders from the pointed-eared wench…AHHHHHHHHH!" Yusef screamed in agony, abruptly ending his tirade. His pants had somehow caught fire.

Yusef's group of goonies scattered as their ringleader howled and jumped about, flailing his arms madly. Hes had the sense to grab the boy, and throw him to the ground, smothering the fire with a thick blanket from his stand.

Anomen was laughing in delight and amazement at the strange scene in front of him. Grinning, he looked down at Nyrendra. Seeing the look on her face, he froze.

Nyrendra was pale, and even though her skin was cool to the touch she was sweating profusely. Trembling, she took two steps backwards, and looked as though she was about to be ill.

"Nyrendra, what's wrong?" Anomen asked uncertainly.

"I…I did that," she mumbled under her breath. "I…I was g-glaring at him, and I was so m-mad. I w-willed him to b-be hurt, and I felt IT."

"Ren, what are you saying?" Moira asked, a hint of panic coming into her voice. She glanced to her right and was dismayed to see a cowled wizard teleporting onto the scene, his beaded glare fixed on Nyrendra.

"THIS IS AN UNSANCTIONED USE OF MAGIC!" roared the wizard, causing Nyrendra to squeal with fear. It seemed that the entire Promenade froze, all eyes upon the quivering little elf girl.

"Sir?" Anomen asked, looking from the wizard to Nyrendra, a look of alarm rapidly growing on his face. Trying to keep calm, he squeezed Nyrendra's hand gently, attempting to comfort her as best he could.

"You heard me, boy. Now get out of my way. It is the girl I want," the wizard ordered sharply.

"I…I didn't mean to!" Nyrendra cried suddenly. "Nothing like this has ever happened to me before!"

"You're…you're a sorceress!" yelped Yusef, struggling to his feet and staring at Nyrendra with wide eyes. "As if you weren't enough of a freak already!" Regaining his composure, he looked haughtily at the wizard and said, "Well? What are you waiting for? Arrest her!"

Nyrendra began crying softly, and Anomen tightened his grip on her hand. Moira grabbed her friend around the waist and hugged her tightly. Anomen watched the wizard like a hawk, preparing himself to strike, with his bare fists if necessary, should the wizard try to take Nyrendra away.

The wizard looked at Nyrendra and frowned. "What's your name, girl?" he asked.

"Ny-Nyrendra Ketrene," she answered shakily.

The wizard looked surprised. "Ketrene? Are you related to that priest, Aleuth?"

"Yes sir," Nyrendra answered cautiously. "He's my father."

"Hmmm," the wizard mumbled. "He's a good sort, knows his stuff. All the other priests told me it was hopeless, but he was able to clear up my rash and that burning sensation in no time…" realizing that perhaps he had shared a little too much information, he coughed and quickly continued, "Ahem. Yes, well, seeing as how this is your first infraction, I'm willing to be lenient. The next time you use magic you won't be so lucky."

"I demand that you reconsider! She set me on FIRE!" Yusef howled indignantly. "She practically killed me!"

"Bah, stop your whining brat," the wizard snorted. "You're barely singed. Question my authority again and you won't BE so lucky." Adding under his breath to Nyrendra, "You tell your dad thanks, both from me and my wife," he teleported back to wherever it was that he had come from.

Anomen looked around, and noticed that an angry mob was beginning to form around them. Magic users were strongly disliked in Athkatla, and Yusef was doing everything he could to inflame the crowd's distrust. Shielding Nyrendra, Anomen pushed his way through to open space, Moira following closely in his wake.

When they had reached the end of the Promenade, all three broke out into a dead run, not stopping until they reached the Delryn estate, the closest shelter. As the gate swung shut behind them, Nyrendra sank to the grown, cuddling up into a tight ball and refusing to speak to either Anomen or Moira.

"Moira, go upstairs and wait for me," Anomen said softly.

"But," his sister started to protest.

"Just DO it. Please," Anomen directed, looking at her pleadingly. Sighing, Moira nodded. Before she left, she crouched down beside Nyrendra, gave her a quick hug and told her,

"Don't worry 'Ren. Everything's gonna be okay. Honest," she finished with conviction. Turning, she entered the house.

Nyrenra remained huddled on the ground. Anomen stood there for a moment, staring at her softly, before he approached. Hesitantly, he reached down and placed his hand on her head, brushing her hair back gently.

"Let me walk you home. You'll feel better, and your parents will know what to do," Anomen told Nyrendra, doing his best to comfort her.

Nyrendra lay still for another few moments, before looking up sorrowfully at Anomen. "I don't know that they would," she said softly. "But I do want to go home."

Anomen gently helped Nyrendra to her feet, and to his surprise (and delight) she slipped her hand into his. They walked silently, hand in hand, until they reached Nyrendra's house. Esmerthie was nowhere to be found, and as Aleuth was still at the temple Anomen offered to stay with Nyrendra until one of them came home. Nyrendra accepted with relief, and the two went to sit in the garden.

Anomen could tell Nyrendra had a lot on her mind, so he sat next to her in silence. Looking at her sorrowful face, he felt a sharp pang in the pit of his stomach. He hated seeing her in so much pain, and prayed with all his might that Helm would take away Ren's burden.

Please, his heart whispered, I will suffer in her place, gladly, only take it away from her…

"GODS! I hate myself," Nyrendra's tearful voice broke his concentration.

"Nyrendra! Why would you say something so horrible?" Anomen exclaimed, quite alarmed at her outburst.

"Because it's true. Everything that Yusef said is true. I am a freak, and I wish I had never been born!" Nyrendra's voice rose hysterically. She was shocked when Anomen grabbed her, and pulled her into a tight hug.

"Don't SAY that," he whispered fiercely. "You are not a freak. You're perfect," surprised that such a bold proclamation left his lips; Anomen inhaled sharply and plunged ahead, figuring he had nothing left to lose.

Holding Nyrendra away from himself, he gently brushed away the stray tears that had trickled down her cheeks. Seeing that she was staring at him with wide eyes, he flushed and continued, tripping over his own words in his haste to get them out.

"Nyrendra, I don't know what I would do if you…if you were to…I care about you, more than anything. I can't stand to see you like this, just let me…Ren, what I'm trying to say…" Anomen trailed off, closing his eyes to collect himself. "Nyrendra, I think I'm going to kiss you," he blurted out, immediately wishing that he hadn't.

Nyrendra was silent, and Anomen lowered his head in shame, steeling himself for the rejection that he was sure was coming. Moments later, he felt Nyrendra's gentle hands cup his face, and turning it upwards to face her.

"You only think you are going to kiss me?" she asked gently, with a mock-hurt tone. Her implication was clear.

Anomen stared at her in wonder, and she giggled shyly, wiping the last tears from her eyes. Anomen reached out and allowed his hand to lightly trace the line of her chin, up to her cheek, over her ear and finally cupping the back of her head. Nyrendra shivered at his touch, and slowly, gently the two friends leaned towards one another.

Their lips met, lingering together for some time.

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Anomen was suddenly jerked awake, the gentle touch of her kiss still lingering on his lips. Furiously, he glared at Yoshimo, who had been poking at the base of the sleeping man's neck with his bow.

"Come young samurai," Yoshimo chuckled, amused at Anomen's outrage. "Why do you mourn the passing of the dream world, when the waking world awaits? Up, lad! There is adventuring to be had!"

Sighing in defeat, Anomen shook the last of his childhood memory away, and began to prepare for the road ahead.