As night fell, the companions retreated to their own quarters and prepared for the second day of travel. Aerie was just finishing her nightly chores when a knock sounded on the door. "Haer'Dalis, I'm too tired to talk," she said, drawing her nightgown close.
"It is Anomen, my lady," came the muffled reply.
For a moment, Aerie thought of locking the door, then stomped her foot and opened the door. "Can I help you?" she asked coolly.
"May I come in?" Anomen was in his clean clothes, a nice change from the smelly under armor he wore when traveling. She was about to refuse, feigning a yawn, but saw the desperation in his eyes and relented.
She opened the door wider and stepped back to admit him. "Only for a moment. We both need our rest."
Anomen surged in and stood in the middle of the room, holding his hands at his side. "We have unfinished business, my lady. We should go no further without addressing it." His eyes rose from the floor to find hers. She backed away at the gaze.
"I don't see how one kiss is anything to talk about," she sniffed. "It was a mistake in the heat of the moment, nothing more. I would never do anything to hurt Haer'Dalis, anyway. He has been good to me, and deserves nothing but good treatment."
"That bard does not care!" Anomen said before he could think. "We all know he has lost interest by now; it's in his nature." He silently cursed as Aerie gave him a look of outrage. "What I mean, my lady, is that you should not hold yourself accountable to him, or to anyone. Your actions should reflect your will, and yours alone. I've learned that much trying to please my father my entire life."
The woman crossed her arms and held her breath before responding. When once Haer'Dalis' supposed indifference would have stunned her, the words now merely caused a slight shiver. She knew it had been coming, and couldn't bring herself to mind terribly. It was Anomen's impertinence in declaring this fact which truly irked her.
"Sir Anomen," she said frostily, "I don't know what makes you think you have the right to walk into my chambers and tell me how to conduct my life. I thank you for your concern and hope you have a pleasant night." She pointed at the open door.
The knight looked from her to the door and back. His steps faltered and he stood at the threshold, staring at the elf. With a frown, he shut the door and returned to Aerie. "Forgive me, Aerie, but I cannot believe we shared a mistake," he said quietly, inches from her.
She tried to back up but felt his arm around her waist. "Anomen, please…" She put up no resistance, however, leaning into his embrace.
"You may think me still in love with Aenwyn," he murmured, breathing into her hair, "but she was replaced in my heart long ago. I cannot conceal my feelings any longer."
"No," Aerie said, or would have said if her mouth had not been pressed against his. As it was, she soon forgot what she was going to say and returned the kiss.
Outside the room, Haer'Dalis listened with a mixture of amusement and disgust. "These Primes are rather melodramatic when it comes to courtship," he mused. "And yet, that is what makes them so entertaining." He sauntered down the hall, glad that he would not have to be the one to break off the romance now.
He found Nalia sitting by a window, staring out at the stars. "My loon, the stars do little justice to your beauty and determination," he said, sitting by her.
Nalia gave a wry smile. "Haer'Dalis, I don't think you should be trying your lines with Aerie so nearby."
The bard groaned and waved his hand to his forehead. "Alas, this poor sparrow has lost his mourning dove. She has flown away to a brighter bird, one who will match her pretty tunes with his own righteous cries." He wiped away an invisible tear and sighed.
Nalia looked caught between amusement and sorrow. "I'm…sorry, Haer'Dalis. I didn't know. Are you all right?"
"This bard would be better if you promised to be his patron and support his artistic endeavors in all things. Methinks you could serve as muse, as well. One as graceful yet outspoken as yourself would have no end of inspiration to provide." He got on one knee before her, causing her to laugh.
"Haer'Dalis, please! I am no patron of the arts, it's just another diversion for the rich that the poor aren't entitled to. When you make your plays open to the public, not just those who can pay, then I will consider it. Now please, get up!"
"Your words wound me more than any arrow, cruel archer," he said, remaining on the floor.
As he spoke, Valygar walked past. The ranger paused, looking at the scene: Haer'Dalis grinned while Nalia looked abashed and stood to greet the arrival. "Hello, Valygar. Haer'Dalis was just-"
"Practicing my latest dramatic monologue to our benefactress," the tiefling finished. "I aspire to gain her favor."
"I can see well enough what you're doing," the ranger snapped. "With poor Aerie only yards away. I wouldn't have expected better from you," he said to Haer'Dalis, "but I'm surprised at you, lady Nalia."
She blushed and looked at the floor.
"It's time I went to bed. Goodnight." The ranger stalked away.
Haer'Dalis bowed to Nalia. "I will soothe our savage beast, my loon. Do not fear, his temper is always out of sorts when he leaves his precious wilderness." And he chased after the man, leaving Nalia to escape to her own quarters with burning cheeks.
He caught up to Valygar in the next hallway, stopping the ranger with a hand. "Noble Valygar, I must protest your outrage. The actions of our gracious host and me should not be your concern. Some might indeed consider your indignation intrusive."
"Intrusive?" Valygar spun on him. "We work as a team, although I don't know why, and your foolish actions affect everyone in that team. I'm looking out for the good of all. Playing games with every woman you meet helps no one, and only serves to puff up your own pride."
The tiefling laughed. "So the sparrow becomes a peacock? I will admit, that is not the first time I have gained such an unjust title. Young Aerie, who you claim to be so concerned for, is at this moment stuttering words of love to our dear knightling. Twin souls of righteousness cannot help but be drawn together, I suppose. Though I doubt that is your true cause of wrath." He leaned in and grinned. "You needn't be so petulant whenever I am near, Valygar. I only wish to be your friend. I find your dark past…fascinating."
Valygar took a step back with a grimace. "How can you be so-?" He growled and rushed off back the way he had come. Haer'Dalis followed.
"Aerie, there's something I should tell-" He froze, holding the door to Aerie's room open. Aerie and Anomen were leaning together, holding hands, and had been murmuring to each other until he had burst in. Now, Anomen's face was beginning to cloud and Aerie hid herself and her blush behind the man's frame.
"Ah, I'm sorry," Valygar muttered, backing out of the door frame. He bumped into Haer'Dalis. "Get out of my way."
"The irony couldn't be better had I written it myself," the bard crowed, winking at the discovered couple.
"See here," Anomen began, but Aerie cut him off.
"Haer'Dalis, it's over between you and I."
"So I see," came the amused reply.
Aerie ignored this. "I hope both of you will act like mature individuals and not mention this incident. Anomen and I were in the middle of a personal conversation, and I do not appreciate others barging in unannounced." Valygar squirmed. "Now p-please leave us alone; we will see you tomorrow morning on the ride out." She leant on Anomen after this speech, looking defiant but also drained.
"Yes," Anomen followed up hastily. "Lady Aerie has said it nicely. We have more important things at hand to worry about."
As Valygar shut the door, he heard Anomen give a short yelp and Aerie exclaim, "More important?"
"That's not what I meant, my love," Anomen began, but then Valygar had moved out of hearing.
"Until the morning, then," Haer'Dalis said, bowing to the ranger as they entered their separate rooms. Valygar only nodded back.
Branwen noted at breakfast that the group was unusually quiet. Even Nalia said little as she wished them well. "You'll come back on your way out?" the hostess asked.
"Without a doubt," Haer'Dalis replied. For some reason Branwen couldn't understand, Nalia blushed while Valygar growled into his plate.
"Such a beautiful day," Cernd mused once they were a few miles from the keep. "It is a shame that we must waste some of it in the city. Nature should be enjoyed from its original setting, not from stone walls."
"There are some nice parks in the city," Aerie said. "I could show some to you." She and Anomen rode next to the older man, while the other three rode ahead.
The druid patted her hand. "That would be lovely, my dear, although I am no stranger to Athkatla. I lived there once, a long time ago. It seems like a long time, anyway."
"Oh, I thought you had always lived in the wild," Aerie apologized.
"No no, I once had a wife. Galia. I loved her, but she had always known that Nature would be my first love, and she understood when I heard the call to return to the druidic path."
"You abandoned the woman?" Anomen asked.
"Anomen!" Aerie reprimanded, though she, too, watched Cernd with a hint of shock.
Cernd merely smiled calmly, as usual. "I did not abandon her, no. Before I left, I made sure that she was taken care of and wouldn't be left wanting. We had made provisions early on in our marriage."
"Then is she still in Athkatla?" the elf asked.
"I do not know. We have not been in touch for some time. Perhaps I should see if she still lives in our old home if we have some free time."
"I'm sure we will," Aerie assured him. "Branwen says it will take a day or two to finish gathering supplies for the descent into the crypts. I think everyone wants to conduct some business while we're here, anyway."
"Aye, it's been too long since I've been to the temple of Helm," Anomen added. "And I would like to see whether any progress on Saerk's trial has been made." He looked down and Aerie gave his arm a squeeze. With a smile and gleaming eyes, he said, "I am just glad that the business will be over and justice delivered."
Cernd didn't inquire into the matter and instead talked of the passing flora.
"I only wish Uncle Quayle were alive so that I could visit him," Aerie said. She explained to Cernd how she had been in a circus, and how a crazed illusionist had gained control of it through some mysterious magic. Aenwyn had killed the wizard, but Aerie's adopted uncle had also died in the attack. The avariel had had little choice but to join Aenwyn; she had no home left.
"We have something in common," Anomen said. "We have lost our families recently. Aenwyn has become our new family."
"Yes," Aerie agreed. "It's just that sometimes…sometimes I would like a different type of family. One without all the fighting all of the time. Don't you ever wish there was less violence around us?"
"As a knight of the Order, I am constantly surrounded by fighting," Anomen sighed.
"But you fight for justice and peace. It seems no matter our intentions, we have been fighting without a goal in sight."
"But my lady, you were the one who said we have done great things in our journeys," he pointed out.
She paused for a moment. "We have done great things. But where has the good taken us? We're still fighting for our lives, tracking down our enemies for revenge. I'm tired of fighting for vengeance, for murder. I'd like to travel without making enemies wherever we go."
"Such is the life of Aenwyn," Anomen mused, glancing at Cernd.
"Your friend is a Bhaalspawn, I know," the druid said. Both companions stared at him. "I have not met a Child of Murder before, but I have heard of them, and recognized the signs in Aenwyn. She walks apart from Nature, although she tries her best for balance. And you have earned a reputation in Amn; word has spread since your departure for Spellhold. I would venture that many in Athkatla will now recognize you, though it may be better since Aenwyn is not with us."
"We won't have the element of surprise, then," Anomen said gloomily.
As the party entered the city and headed toward Valygar's estate, they noticed the increased attention Cernd spoke of. "Our exploits have finally come back to haunt us?" Haer'Dalis said merrily. "I must get to a tavern and hear the latest tales spun about us."
"Be careful," Valygar said, "anyone could be an enemy. Who knows what measures Bhodi has taken against us."
"Valygar, it must be a chore to be grim all the time," the bard responded. "I haven't been in a proper bar for weeks, and I intend to right that immediately."
"We all stick together," Branwen said, "and make plans. Tomorrow we will see, but tonight we do not leave Valygar's home."
It was getting dark by the time they reached the estate, and they all gratefully entered their quarters.
At breakfast, everyone looked at the empty chair set aside for Haer'Dalis. "Where is he?" Anomen demanded when the meal was over and the bard still hadn't shown up. "Did anyone check his room?"
Valygar motioned to a servant, and minutes later, the man returned. "Master's guest did not stay in his room last night," the servant confirmed.
Curses flew round the table. "We have limited time," Branwen said, "and it can't be wasted on searching for that man. We will worry about him later." No one objected, not even Aerie, and they planned out the day's events.
"I am going to Cromwell," Branwen said. "I will see how much time he needs and what resources to provide us the best equipment. What he can't give, we'll need to find at the Adventurer's Mart."
"I will visit Sir Keldorn and Sir Ajantis and speak to them," Anomen promised.
"I'll come," Aerie added.
"If no one has any objections," Cernd put in, "I would like to visit my old home. I will be back before dark."
No one opposed the idea, and so Cernd made his way out.
"I suppose I should go look for any useful information on Bhodi and any other possible threats," Valygar said. "And check up on the Cowled Wizards. Who knows what they think of us since Spellhold."
"And see if they've figured out your sphere yet," Aerie giggled. After discovering Lavok's true nature, Valygar had sealed the sphere until he had time to think on its implications. Only he could open it, and he had no intentions of doing so soon.
Just as they were all about to go about their tasks, a servant came up announcing visitors. Everyone gripped their weapons and looked at Valygar. "I wasn't expecting company," he said. "I'll see to it."
The others strained to hear the conversation as it drifted down the hall from the main entrance. The talking stopped, and the three adventurers looked at each other curiously until Valygar reentered the room.
"You'd better come see this."
"Greetings," the half-elven woman said when the group filed into the entry. "I am Jaheira, and this is my husband, Khalid."