The group was gathered in the common room to the inn they had recently left, with the exception of Aenwyn, who was deep in sleep upstairs. Branwen looked around at her companions and noted the worry in each of their eyes. She knew that none of them would abandon Aenwyn, not even the enigmatic Haer'Dalis, but whether they would stay together if their leader didn't survive…
She would not think like that. Aenwyn was strong, and she would survive, despite the obstacles in front of her. She had proven herself time and time again, and this latest test would simply make her stronger in the end.
Until then, however, decisions had to be made. "There is nothing wrong with her physically," she said quietly. "No injuries from the battle."
"We know what's wrong with her," Anomen snapped. "We must reunite her with her soul."
Branwen ignored the outburst. "I don't think she will be able to fight effectively any time soon. Even if she regains consciousness soon, I don't want her strained. She will have to stay put."
"Sh-she won't agree to that!" Aerie exclaimed. "I know how much getting revenge on Bhodi means to her. And she needs to face Irenicus herself."
"She won't survive a trip to Athkatla. Do you think she will fare better in a war-torn city? Aenwyn stays here and we will do what we can without her."
"What is this group without Aenwyn?" Aerie muttered under her breath.
"I think we should agree on all decisions as a group," Valygar said. Anomen nodded beside him. "While Aenwyn is unfit to lead, we need to act together."
"Debating will only waste time," Branwen retorted. "We need someone to fill in for her, someone who knows what she would want done."
Haer'Dalis smirked. "And no doubt the icy rook wishes to replace our dark raven? This sparrow would rather see the quiet but powerful dark hawk take charge."
"Me?" Valygar asked. "Oh, no. I don't want to be leader."
"I think as a full knight, I have some experience leading others into battle. I am the best candidate for the task."
"I have been with Aenwyn the longest and know how she would run things the best!" Branwen shouted.
"Stop it, all of you!" Aerie cried, her voice drowned by the others shouting across the table.
An unsteady voice interrupted the verbal fight before it became physical. "How am I supposed to sleep if everyone is shouting to wake the dead?" Aenwyn stood before them in her nightclothes, her hair disheveled and a yawn on her lips. "I was having the nicest sleep with no dreams and then yells started, and I thought it was turning into a nightmare."
Everyone managed to look ashamed. "We were discussing some issues," Branwen explained, staring at the table.
"Ah." Aenwyn smiled faintly. "I must have learned a different method of discussion in Candlekeep. I always knew I was receiving a deficient education."
"My lady, we must decide where to go from here, and we did not want to disturb you with little details."
"I would say how we regain my soul is more than a little detail." The Bhaalspawn sighed and sat down. "I know, you're all worried about me, and I haven't been as strong as I could be." She held up her hand to ward off the torrent of contradictions which flew at her. "I have been fighting, but not hard enough. I know I can get through this, but I will need all of your help to do so. Right now we need to be together on this, not arguing."
"You're right, as usual," Valyar chuckled.
She smiled. "So what we need to decide is what to do with the weakling, right? This morning showed me that I won't be traveling any long distances for a while, not at any speed. That leaves me no choice but to stay here while you deal with Bhodi." She gritted her teeth. "I had wanted to face her, to see the life leave her, but I realize that I'm more of a liability right now than an asset."
"We can't leave you alone here!" Branwen protested.
"Maybe I can stay with Mazzy," Aenwyn suggested. "Her family lives nearby, don't they? I will be perfectly safe with her until you get back, assuming no more wild animals come by."
"I had forgotten about that," Aerie said, downcast.
"I promise, Aerie, once this is all over we'll come back here and help these people. But we need to take things step by step."
Once again the group left the inn, this time setting out for the Fentan home rather than the town gates. As they approached the center of town, however, another scene confronted them. A mob had formed around a large building and a man guarding the doors. The crowd didn't seem violent, but angry murmurs buzzed through the courtyard.
"Chaos had been here," Haer'Dalis noted, turning to Aenwyn. "Will our raven step in once again and quell the inevitable entropy, or let things take their course?"
Aenwyn sighed as she pushed her horse through the crowd. "I heard about Trademeet's troubles and witnessed outside attacks, but I hadn't thought it would result in riots."
The man guarding the door gave a look of hope as the Bhaalspawn approached, but then tensed slightly at her distant tone. "Everyone's scared, and they need a scapegoat for the troubles." The man was older, with a warrior's bearing, but he wore expensive clothing with a gold medallion of office around his neck.
"So they blame the problems on you," Aenwyn surmised, assuming this was the mayor she had heard of.
The man shook his head. "Not me, a druid. One came by to investigate the troubles and was almost killed by the people when they heard he was here. One druid is the same as any other, to them. Please, if you're here to investigate, come inside and I can answer your questions. I'd rather not start a scene out here."
Aenwyn hesitated, then gestured at the group to stay still and followed the man inside. If she was to stay here until the group returned, she might as well have some idea of what was occurring in the area.
The man introduced himself as the mayor of Trademeet and brought another man into the entry hall. The second man was obviously the druid, from his dirt-encrusted robes to the leaves poking out of his long hair. He wore a serious expression on his face and bowed gravely to Aenwyn. "I am Cernd. I came to investigate rumors of trouble in the nearby Druid Grove, but I was delayed in my search. Perhaps you could help me."
"I am sorry, but my group is already headed to Athkatla for urgent business. When they come back, we will see what we can do."
"And you? You do not go with them?"
Aenwyn bit her lip. "I'm staying with a friend in town. I'm…not quite well, and would rather remain here than risk the trip west."
The mayor listened to the conversation anxiously. "Please, I cannot keep Cernd here for much longer. The people will panic soon if the animal attacks do not stop, and we are starving from a trade embargo from genies who have bought all of our supplies. Something must be done."
"All right. Cernd, would you be willing to accompany my friends to the city for your own safety? I would offer for you to stay with me, but I think it's best if you avoid Trademeet for now. Then, when they come back we'll see what we can do."
The druid nodded and turned to the mayor. "I thank you for your hospitality during my stay. You were a cave of shelter during the thunderstorm which wracks Trademeet. May Nature grant that the storm will soon pass."
"Before that storm passes, you'll need to be out of town. This should help." Aenwyn cast a minor illusion, changing Cernd's appearance to that of a small boy. She took his hand. "Come along, son, we have errands to run." She winked and led him outside to where the others waited.
"I'll explain later," she said as she got back in the saddle. The others stared at the small boy, except Aerie, who giggled at the spell.
They made their way to the Fentan home without more trouble and everyone went inside to greet Mazzy. "What a pleasant surprise!" the halfling woman exclaimed, ushering them into her sitting room. "I'll make some tea. And would you like a cup of milk?" she asked the boy.
"If I might be so bold as to ask for some elderberry wine," Cernd replied calmly, "it is my favorite."
Mazzy stared, then arched an eyebrow and looked at Aenwyn. "Of course this is no ordinary visit. It never would be, with you."
Aenwyn waved her hand and the boy was replaced with Cernd. "Everyone, this is Cernd. He's a druid sent to investigate the troubles here, but the troubles seemed to have found him." She introduced Mazzy and her party to the druid.
Cernd smiled serenely and explained to the listeners that a sect of Shadow Druids had entered the Grove and turned nature against Trademeet. "Just as the strongest plants thrive from pruning, so must I trim the foul sect from the Grove and restore balance. Aenwyn has reassured me that after your business in Athkatla is finished, she will help me in this. In return, I will help as best I can in the city, although it is not my natural environment."
Aerie clapped her hands and hugged Aenwyn. "I knew you would help! We can't watch this town be destroyed knowing there was something we could have done."
Anomen frowned. "Have you told this druid of our business, my lady? 'Tis dangerous, and no place for a man of the woods. Best for him to stay in hiding until we return."
Aenwyn straightened. "We hadn't worked out the details yet. Cernd, Anomen has a point. Perhaps accompanying them isn't the best idea; they will be facing foes more dangerous than errant druids."
Mazzy pricked her ears as she poured out the tea. "Is there any way I might be of service? My family can spare me for a few days if you require a stout sword arm."
"Actually, I was hoping to stay here with you for some time," Aenwyn said, shifting in her seat. "I'd better explain everything."
After the entire story had been played out, with frequent shouts of indignation from Mazzy and several cool observations by Cernd, the woman went on to propose the course of action already decided upon. "With any luck, I would be out of your hair in a few days and this will all be over."
Mazzy patted Aenwyn's hand. "Of course you can stay with me, for as long as you like. I'm only sorry that you won't be able to participate in that odious vampire's defeat."
"The undead are a mockery of Nature's gifts," Cernd said. "I would be glad to aid you in Bhodi's defeat. I have some skill to use against such a monstrosity, and it is the least I can do for your help with the Grove."
"Then it's settled." Aenwyn smiled at everyone, noting the mixture of eagerness, worry, and composure amongst the assembled company. She felt sweat beading on her forehead and surreptitiously wiped it away. The meeting had left her feeling drained, and she intended to lie down as soon as everyone had left. No sense in allowing the group to worry over her on their long journey.
"We had better hurry if we want to reach Suldanesselar while it's still whole," Valygar said.
Branwen nodded. "Who knows how much more time we have before you get worse." She gave her leader a pointed glare. "Do not exert yourself. Rest and wait for us. With Tempus' blessing, we will defeat our enemies and return victorious."
Aenwyn and Mazzy saw the group out, Cernd using Aenwyn's horse for the ride. When they had passed out of sight, Aenwyn asked Mazzy if she could retire to her room.
"Of course. I'll show you to it."
As soon as she was alone, Aenwyn lay down and replayed the words everyone had said before they left. She had a feeling some of them worried they may not see her again. Whether that was due to the threat of battling vampires or losing her to sickness, she couldn't tell. She decided not to think on that topic too long.
Anomen had hugged her fiercely, drawing the breath from her. "Have faith, my lady," he had whispered. "We have made it this far, and it is all thanks to you. You have shaped us all, and we fight for you. Bhodi does not stand a chance against the love we have in our hearts."
Aerie had come next, still shy after months on the road together. "W-we'll be back soon," she said. "Oh, but I'll miss you until then! You're the best friend anyone could ever ask for, Aenwyn!" A tear fell from her cheek, but then in a strange burst of determination, the avariel had said, "We'll make that vampire pay! And then we'll make Irenicus pay for all the evil he's done! We won't let their crimes happen anymore."
The elf girl had walked to her horse with an air of strength and resolve. Aenwyn hadn't realized how much Aerie had changed from the circus girl she had met so long ago until now.
"My raven," Haer'Dalis had begun. "What can this poor bard say to inspire one who already tastes divinity? Who knows what our reunion will be like? Chaos works in mysterious ways, and I have a feeling the next time we meet we will both be changed. But such is the world, is it not?" He had then given a quick laugh and kissed her on the cheek.
Cernd had merely bowed and given his oddly soothing bland smile. "As the geese return from their winter roosting places, so shall I fly back to this town." He had given Aenwyn a potion which would temporarily ward off her sickness. "There is no cure for your condition," he had said, but the potion was as good a remedy as any until she could face Irenicus and regain her soul.
Valygar had hugged her for a moment before looking into her face. "Be careful," he said simply. The concern in his eyes spoke more than he did.
Branwen had held the woman closely, murmuring in her native tongue while smoothing the other woman's hair with a shaky hand. "I swear by Tempus' shield that I will have Bhodi's black heart for what she has done to you. Our will is strong and our sword arms stronger. We will prevail and come back to you in triumph. I swear it." The priest had leaned in and after a moment's hesitation, kissed Aenwyn on the forehead. "I give you my blessing until my return."
The words of her companions were still in her mind as she drifted to sleep.
Finduilas88- The 'horror' in Aerie's eyes was from realizing that she was kissing a man whom she was not 'involved' with. Even though she and Haer'Dalis aren't as close as they once were, she still considers herself with him, and she doesn't appreciate cheating, even if it's her own fault. Maybe horror isn't the best description for it, but it was her first reaction in the moment once she realized that she was going against her morals—and liking it. Sorry for the confusion. Thanks for commenting!
And R Little Dragon- I know the hook-ups might be strange, but hopefully I'll make them seem natural (or its equivalent in the BG world) and enjoyable. I've always wondered why Aerie and Haer'Dalis were the only NPCs who developed a real romance in the game. Why is the PC the only one people want to fall for? And Anomen seems like an appropriate enough type, especially now that he's passed his test. Both of them seem to rely on their faith as support for the lack of affection in their lives. I know they are both controversial NPCs, as most people seem to either love them or hate them, but I see them as fundamentally lonely people who are so desperate for love and attention that their behavior may not always be as mature or civilized as we would like. What better matching, then, than two people who really just want someone to love and be loved by.