Midsummer

Disclaimer: All recognizable characters are the property of R.A. Salvatore/Wizards of the Coast ©. I don't own them; I'm just examining all their possibilities.

Epilogue: A New Sunrise

"Expect the evening's song to be a discordant wail of the sweetest harmony."

Those were the words that crossed my lips as I read the runestones that had fallen in place at the beginning of this evening. It was Midsummer's Eve and the night of a full moon in addition; all these elements coming togetherand ensuring that the evening would be chaotic in the most wonderful way. This prediction would also apply to the fates of five individuals whose paths would cross that night under this wonderful haze: five runestones representing the five elements touching in a perfect circle.

Not to sound boastful, but my predictions are usually right.

It was on this evening of wonderful chaos when five souls, bound together by fate and misadventure, crossed paths at last and made their peace with each other: all fates united by love, trust, and all the ties that went as deep as the heart.

Drizzt Do'Urden and Catti-brie Battlehammer were two stoic warriors who bore a long and deep affection for one another, though their own naiveté and personal honor prevented them for expressing this love. When they were finally joined, it was only under inevitable circumstances that they realized they did not know themselves let alone each other. Added to this mix was the presence of Innovindil of Moonwood and Jarlaxle Baenre, two elves of completely different backgrounds and philosophies, yet joined by a common lust for life and unquenchable passion, though I refuse to consider the argument that Innovindil, a goodly, moon elf warrior, is a free spirit while Jarlaxle, a drow mercenary of less righteousness, is a wanton tyrant. Passion is passion and both possessed it in great amounts. However, both of them were lonely souls too who needed the warmth of another's presence, though they both maintained facades of complete independence. It was on this evening when these four were united in body mind and spirit; the two, stoic creatures giving in to their denied passions while the free spirits learned to appreciate another.

I, as predicted by the stones, would be the fifth element merely observing this drama unfolding, though I possessed my own piece of this circle. Yes, I started as the casual observer, but then I was made fully aware that the spirits wanted me some peace as well. When I was first summoned to the barracks at the beginning of the evening to deal with a sudden problem, I had no idea that I would be reunited with a man who had been my lover and my heart's passion in so many ways. Three hundred fifty years later, Jarlaxle and I were facing each other once again; both of us completing out own circle after over three centuries down our own paths. If controlled fate all those centuries ago, Jarlaxle and I may still be together, or at least that was my dream. I wanted him to formally forsake the evil of The Spider Queen, follow the path of Eilistraee, and remain with me in the forest, where we would live peacefully as healers and defenders of nature and the goodly folk. Looking back on it now, there was no way I could be sure that was the right path.

Then he was gone, and I feared it would be for eternity. Then he came into my life again. In my eighth century when I cannot be sure how many more I have, Jarlaxle Baenre was in front of me once more. Even past his fourth century, he is still the handsome devil I met when he was barely into manhood; his body even more taut and wiry than he was as a youth, his face taking the lines of a hard life, though still beautiful. I do have to admit I miss that mane of smooth, white locks I used to run my fingers through during our quiet moments, though complete baldness does suit him.

Even in this blissful reunion, I could not be sure of the man he had become, though I was very pleased with what I saw. Did he forsake Lolth? Maybe she was never in his heart to begin with. Did he embrace goodness? It is obvious he did not, yet me does have a heart and affection that most of his kin do not. It was in the span of this evening that I had finally made peace with this man who has haunted my heart for so long and I made my final conclusion about Jarlaxle Baenre: he follows his own path and woe betide the one, mortal or otherwise, who tries to change that.

It was out of this respect that I approached Captain Talina early in the evening about recovering the items that had been taken from Jarlaxle by both the pixies in their well-meaning mischief and the elves out of safety. I did have to do quite a bit of wrangling and negotiating, though I did make some compromise: Jarlaxle would get back his items as soon as they were inspected for any potential malevolent aura, though I would present them to him as soon as he was outside the limits of Moonwood. It was just after midnight that Talina presented me with a box containing his effects. Her and her soldiers successfully, though reluctantly, collected most of his jewels and garments from the pixies and, while they did radiate magic and concealed weapons, none of them were unholy and all had a practical purpose.

I assisted Jarlaxle in many ways that night, though it was by accident that I gained knowledge of the full drama that unfolded between these four. While I feel almost guilty for the knowledge, I fully believe that the spirits wanted me to know for the good of all, and I do believe that purpose was accomplished. While waiting for Jarlaxle to recover from the effects of the memory restoration, I could hear the horrible row between Drizzt and Catti-brie; all the harsh words, all the curses, making my heart ache more than it already did. It was on my travel back to the village after my moment with Jarlaxle that I heard the passioned screams that belonged to both Drizzt and Innovindil and their cause was obvious. A second later, my vision caught the purple flames and saw Catti-brie wreathed in them. I stood firm, expecting Jarlaxle to cause some dark mischief, yet instead I witnessed a woman desperate to find herself seducing a consummate gentleman who did give into his own passion, though on her aggressive urging. I did overhear Jarlaxle and Drizzt joking about whatever might be going on between Catti-brie and Innovindil and I have to admit I was assuming the same thing. After all, Jarlaxle was here because of my own experimenting; experimenting that became more to me.

Though it would be at the end of the evening when I stopped being a mere witness and found myself getting more involved for the sake of one of their lives. Drizzt Do'Urden came to my tent an ill man, one with a bane in his body that could claim his life at any time. It was in that moment when I realized Drizzt could only be cured through physical means that the circle had to be joined. I have performed thousands of appendectomies in my life and it is a relatively easy procedure that I could have done alone, yet all I needed was an assistant with a basic knowledge of anatomy. I decided to fully test Jarlaxle by making him believe he could be the only one available to assist me for the sake of Drizzt's life.

He could have stormed off, not even done his duty at all, or worse, used this as the most perfect opportunity to take his kinsman's life for whatever purpose. Instead, he preformed his duty with the utmost care and even noticed when Drizzt had stopped breathing, even resuscitating him. Words cannot even express how happy I was then, how much I finally saw a decent man in one who could have easily become a monster. Yes, I did this through manipulation, though I feel it was for the good of all. I did have several clerics on call who were just a few feet away and could easily have subdued Jarlaxle and rescued Drizzt if any malevolence was done. I do not blame Jarlaxle for being angry with me, though I knew at the end of the evening that we had at last reached our understanding.

And then the evening drew to a close. An evening of such passion and strife, where so many lives were changed over the course of a few hours, was at last nearing its end.

I spent the remainder of the evening in a quiet peace, taking a perch beside a large pine tree, savoring its sweet aroma of fresh pitch as I watched my people in their revelry. Midsummer's Eve was drawing to a close and the people of Moonwood were sending out the evening in a dance of calm joy. I occasionally looked up at the sky and saw the endless dome taking a shade of brilliant violet as the moon was descending and the sun was announcing its upcoming presence. The music swept out from the trees and I peered through the brush to see a small parade of satyrs circling the grove, yet only making their presence known in their music; haunting chords in perfect harmony. The sky was aglow, the leaves were waving merrily in the sweet breeze, and my people were united in love and happiness.

It was in this time that I found myself not able to peel my vision away from the two most unlikely figures in this circle. My dear friend Innovindil, her beautiful, golden hair caressing her shoulders, had taken the ebony hand of her partner, Jarlaxle; his red eyes almost glowing along with the wide grin on his handsome face. It was now when I truly had the best view of this couple; her skin of bright white and his skin of purest black bore a radiance in the moonlight. They were two, lithe figures testing their energy and grace, dancing in perfect unison with the mournful melody that bore a slight hint of a happy beat.

I could only smile, for this seemed the overall theme of the evening. I watched as Innovindil and Jarlaxle, two complete strangers who knew no natural hatred for each other's race, were now exchanging happy glances and the occasional whispered word. I then thought back to the couple in the healing tent: Drizzt and Catti-brie, after a year of strife, were together again at last. When I last left them she was sleeping and he was still recovering from his appendectomy. They could still have been left in each other's arms, yet there was a small part of me that hoped both were completely awake and alert and fully savoring their privacy; for some gentle lovemaking would be most wonderful for both.

I realized I was too lost in my thoughts to notice the rest of the dance, my attention focusing once again on the one, low note of the panpipes as the dancers came still and faced each other, savoring each others' beauty as they savored the sweet music. I looked to my favorite couple and saw the same was true. Innovindil gave a curtsey as the music ended, a mischievous grin over her beautiful face. Jarlaxle bowed low, giving her that devilish smile that I always found so handsome. Both rose and faced each other in one lingering moment before looking around the grove, then back at me.

We exchanged a few happy words, though I could tell both were completely at bliss for whatever reason. My bliss, however, slightly sagged when I told Jarlaxle that I had his effects and would present them to him once I teleported him back to Cormyr. It was now when I fully realized what this meant; this evening of complete happiness was truly almost over and our little group would scatter to our own ways. It was a thought that made me sad, though for some reason, I was completely satisfied.

Our talk soon became quiet. I simply walked past them with my own smile, hearing those light steps come behind me. At last, my old legs took me back to the healing tent. I was about to step inside, then I saw a flash of white hair from behind a tree adjacent to the tent and knew my ward was feeling well enough to be out. I walked over to the tree and saw Drizzt leaning against it, re-clad in his green tunic and wearing the cotton leggings I had provided for him earlier. Catti-brie sat beside him, her auburn hair tossed over his shoulder as she rested her head on his chest. His hand was running through her hair and she gently ran a finger over the top of one bare, ebony foot; both faces locked in complete, peaceful happiness and their eyes glowing with love.

I stood still and savored this moment of absolute peace. It was then when I noticed the blonde maiden and the bald-headed lord come in front, giving small glances of recognition to the couple on the ground. This sight was in my vision as the horizon took on a hue of royal blue and I saw the yellow peaking off from the east. I moved closer to the tree, coming beside these four, wonderful creatures; all eyes turned to the glowing, radiant sky, though all would occasionally steal glances at their unlikely companions.

The orange orb made his first, grand appearance and slowly became higher and brighter. Catti-brie leaned closer into Drizzt's shoulder, savoring his warmth as she savored this beauty. Innovindil's face was locked in a smile that spoke nothing but complete bliss. Drizzt, as he has since his first day on the Surface, took in the rising sun, his lavender eyes squinting and brimming with tears with his natural sensitivity to the light, though he was obviously a happy man. My intent gaze focused on Jarlaxle to see his own reaction and what I witnessed warmed my heart; he did not flinch away from the light as he first did during our first sunrise together. He did avert his gaze, though I could see he was still looking forward through squinted eyes, a smile on his face. He had indeed embraced the Surface world after all.

I let my own gaze turn to the beautiful sun, keeping the four in my vision; the four drastically different individuals united by love and fate this Midsummer's Eve. They began the night rivals, and by sunrise they all sat together as friends and more. My heart glowed with the warmth of this image, a small tear coming down my face, though I registered nothing else but this divine moment; one of the greatest I had ever witnessed in my long life.

I wanted to simply capture this moment forever; lock the image away in a stone or a bottle and leave this as my heart's only vision, but I knew that was not to be. It was sunrise; a new moment and a new beginning in the lives of four individuals: the lively elven maiden whose passion flowed like a river, yet glowed radiant like the ocean under a bright, full moon; the human woman, a passionate warrior set like the stone in which her dwarven family mad their craft, yet she was also the soil on which new, beautiful things were grown; the young drow who still floated through the world in search for himself, yet a creature of great peace and wisdom whose mere presence could be a cooling wind; and the fiery, passionate dark elf who can only be a force to be understood instead of quenched or harnessed. Looking on was the servant of the spirit, an old man who finally knew a great peace.

Then came the words that officially ended the evening.

"Well, I should get back to my partner lest he do more damage than he probably has already," Jarlaxle said, words I knew were coming, yet wrenched my heart nonetheless.

"I would like to see that map of yours again," I said, trying to keep my voice from cracking. "Then we will go back to my tent, retrieve your items, and I will teleport you back to Cormyr."

Jarlaxle gave me a warm smile and nodded.

I stood aside and tried to hold back tears as Jarlaxle reached his hand down to Drizzt and clasped his forearm, both exchanging friendly words of parting in their home tongue. Then Catti-brie came to her feet, gave him one silent look of deferring affection, and then leaned in, kissing him briefly on the lips before pulling back. They said casual goodbyes, yet their looks communicated so much more between them. Innovindil came up to him and gave him a warm embrace. My emotions did not allow me to understand exactly what they were saying to each other, yet I did see their lips brush for a brief second as I did hear one thing:

"If you're not here next Midsummer," Innovindil whispered in his ear, "I'm hunting you down and dragging you back."

I let out a chuckle that warmed my heart. Jarlaxle smiled, pulled back, and gave her a grand bow. He gave the three one last, lingering look before turning to me and I knew this was the beginning of the end. I nodded, gave a few parting words to the company, then walked in the direction of my tent with Jarlaxle following close behind.

I made a brief stop in my tent to collect the box as well as a special piece of blue quartz that would come in handy in Cormyr, my mind a complete blank. I then lead Jarlaxle away from the village, looking back occasionally to see him give one last, lingering look at Moonwood before continuing on. I allowed him his moment, though I could tell he was anxious to return to where he had left before.

We walked a little further into the woods, none of us saying a word as we came to a small outcropping of rock where I stopped and faced him. I then grabbed his shoulders gently, said the words of power, and felt my body become immaterial for a second, then my consciousness returned to another wood, Jarlaxle in front of me. I immediately knew this was where he wanted me to go since I clearly felt the presence of the Mythal and the growing void of magic that became complete the further we walked.

Jarlaxle told me his destination was near. I stopped, faced him, and held out the box, which Jarlaxle opened with a smile, drawing out a grand, purple hat with a large plum and placing it on his head. He then took out a bright, rainbow cape that turned black the second it touched his hands and put it on. Then he removed a red, jeweled eye patch and placed it over one eye, giving me a brief explanation that it protected him from mind intrusions (though pixie arrows must have been to powerful for this ward). One by one he pulled out a set of gold bracers, then a multitude of jewels. I told him the pixies still claimed some, but he did not seem too bothered. He was happy to see a small, silver whistle in the box.

"If this is even blown once," Jarlaxle said, placing the whistle back in his belt, "it summons a dangerous creature."

"What does it summon?" I asked, my voice still slightly cracking from nerves over this final moment.

"My lieutenant," he said with a smile, "a rather bad tempered psionic."

"Well it was a good thing we could find it," I said, taking a lingering look at my old lover in his new attire.

I remember when I first met him wearing chain armor bearing the emblem of the spider, his long, flowing hair tied back into a small helm. Now he was dressed in the attire of a wealthy businessman, his head completely bare save for that magnificent hat. Jarlaxle Baenre looked absolutely wonderful, the embodiment of one who had found his freedom and lived to flaunt it.

I could not see my own face at the time, but Jarlaxle's expression told me I must have looked sad

"I wish to meet with your partner," I said, pulling the blue stone from by pouch, "I can channel healing energy through this that will resist the dead magic zone."

"I will warn you…" he began.

"Master Entreri is no threat to me," I said firmly.

He looked at me thoughtfully for a second, and then smiled before turning around and continuing on through the wood. I followed closely behind, savoring the beauty of the woods and the absolute beauty of Jarlaxle's form.

I was broken by my reverie by a sudden movement and the loud thwack against the tree Jarlaxle had walked past, missing his head by barely in inch. My vision then caught a well-forged dagger with an emerald in the hilt sticking from the bark and I knew whose path we had just crossed.

"Where in the Nine Flaming Hells have you been?" a husky voice called from the wood in a calm, yet tense tone.

The next sound positively warmed my heart.

"Master Jarlaxle, we were so worried!" a female voice called.

I looked from behind the tree to see a small, simply constructed cottage with an elderly human woman slowly coming towards us. Standing beside the house next to a woodpile was who I assumed was Artemis Entreri. For some reason, I was surprised by his rather slight stature, though he had an aura of menacing control. Then I saw him leaning heavily on a wooden staff, a small wood axe in the other hand and a small pile of freshly chopped wood by his bare, calloused feet, though the wood did look a bit more splintered as if they had been chopped at an angry pace. Standing next to him was a sight that I found surprising, yet rather amusing: a small bugbear dressed in tattered blue overalls stood next to him scratching his backside and giving me a huge grin.

"An elfy, momsy!" he exclaimed, jumping up and down and pointing at me.

I merely laughed for there was only innocence in a face I had commonly associated with maliciousness; a sight that spoke many important volumes in my mind.

Two more small bugbears ran towards us from the woods, smiles on their furry faces as if they were very glad to see us. Master Entreri then threw down the hatchet and hobbled towards us with a rather sour expression, giving me a sneer and looking me up and down before turning his attention back to his partner.

"All apologies," Jarlaxle said with a small bow, though I could see the grin still firmly planted on his face. "When I left, I did manage to find that site the sisters told us of, though I did find a bit of misadventure. It is a rather long tale and I will oblige you with the full details at a more appropriate time. However, my path did cross with this fine gentleman here." Jarlaxle then motioned towards me. "Artemis Entreri, meet Nialian Springleaf; an old acquaintance of mine who also happens to be a skilled cleric with a way to heal your leg despite the void of magic."

I bowed low and Entreri greeted me with a curt nod, his scowl still in place as he came forward and yanked the dagger from the tree, making a great show of the fine blade before sheathing it in a small scabbard at his hip.

"Well met, Master Entreri," I said. "I can indeed bypass the magical void and heal your leg. If you wouldn't mind having a seat on that small mound over there."

Entreri looked back at thee small patch of grass by the tree to which I referred, gave me a suspicious glare, and came to a sit with the aid of his companion. I managed to lean down and bring the blue stone from my belt. Entreri rolled up his pant leg and I could see the ankle was significantly swollen. I rubbed the stone over the skin and began a prayer to Corellon. I felt the void of magic still around me, but the energy traveled through the stone and into the human's ankle in a bright blue light. Soon, the swelling completely subsided and I heard my ward give a long sigh. Entreri flexed his ankle with no difficulty and gradually came to his feet, taking a few cautionary steps before moving walking normally. I swore I saw a look of relief come over his face as the elder lady and the three bugbears clapped and cheered. Jarlaxle politely joined in the applause, his grin widening.

Entreri then stopped and looked at me, his gaze still sour, yet lacking much of the venom he showed me before.

"I thank you," he said with a stiff nod. "Do you expect payment for your services?"

"No, consider this a courtesy," I said, meeting his gaze with a small smile. "Many rewards await you in this wood and I would hate for you to miss out for so simple a reason."

"You are too generous," Entreri replied coldly, though I merely responded with a smile.

"You are indeed," the maid said to me, "please stay and accept out hospitality, Lord Springleaf."

"As much as I would love to stay," I said with a small nod, "I have other matters that require my attendance, so I regretfully decline. Master Entreri, it was a pleasure meeting you, you as well mistress and may Corellon bless you and your wards."

The elder lady gave a bow and the little creatures smiled and waved at me while Master Entreri gave me another nod.

"A short word before you go," Jarlaxle said, taking my arm and leading me away.

I took one last look at the assassin and his friendly caregivers and turned away, Jarlaxle leading me a few feet away behind a small patch of trees. He the faced me in silence for a second before grabbing my shoulders and kissing me passionately. My hands came to his shoulders and I returned the kiss with gusto. His lips were soft and inviting, his embrace warm, and I knew I was in the presence of a soul who would never forget our moment together. I stood and savored every second of this wonderful kiss, pulling him in closer and feeling Jarlaxle Baenre in my arms again. It was a moment I would never forget, though I knew it was for but a moment in time; a time I knew had appropriately ended as we both pulled back. I then gazed at the man he had become; the grand hat and the eye patch made him look like a king while his bald head accentuated his handsome features. It was now when I knew he had indeed grown to become his own man.

We parted without a word, though words were not needed. Our soft gazes communicated so much, and I felt a peace I had not known in a very long time. I gave Jarlaxle a low bow, and he responded by sweeping his hat from his head and genuflecting. He then replaced his hat and we exchanged one long, understanding glance as we turned from each other and walked in separate directions. I heard him return to the group as I walked slowly away.

"I do have to admire how relaxed Master Artemis stayed while you were gone," I heard the maid say through the trees. "Why he was sleeping like a baby by the time dinner was over. I don't think he woke until just an hour ago."

I paused to make sure the next sound wasn't a scream, though instead I heard Entreri's low grumble to his partner, something along the lines of:

"You're an ass, you know that?"

I allowed myself a muted chuckle as I continued through the woods, then clasped the stone and felt its warm glow encompass my body as my vision went from Cormyr to back to Moonwood. A short walk later I was back to my tent and immediately crashing on my cot for a nice, overdue Reverie, dreaming of many wonderful times and fully feeling the peace of the heart that continues with me through this day.

I woke and decided to take a small walk though the woods, savoring the warmth of the season. It was here when I saw Drizzt and Catti-brie taking their own stroll though the wood. I kept myself concealed as I watched this wonderful scene. Drizzt was taking full, yet careful steps, though he and his love would occasionally pause and sit down on a nearby stump or fallen tree. His energy was returning quickly and I was rather pleased with how well he was healing. I also savored this beautiful sight, making small comparisons to my own experience. In Drizzt and Catti-brie, I saw complete triumph.

Here was Drizzt Do'Urden, a young dark elf who not only escaped the horrors of the Underdark, but also became a champion of goodness; his reputation even making him loved and honored by many around the Realms who see his race as villainous, especially his Surface kin. While Jarlaxle will never truly be able to shake off that taint, Drizzt has followed his own path of goodness. It is also through Drizzt that I remove from myself much guilt about Jarlaxle: Drizzt's path was his own, as was Jarlaxle's and no interference by anyone could have changed that.

It was also in Drizzt and Catti-brie that I saw the triumph of love; though a love well-earned. It was a love between two people who needed time apart to define themselves, yet in the end came together, bonded by their respect and affection for each other. Will Drizzt Do'Urden and Catti-brie Battlehammer be an everlasting love; a union that will last for the ages, producing many handsome children as caring and mighty as they, or will both paths separate by the continuation of time? One can never know, but at least they are enjoying each other's company for the moment.

Later that afternoon when the sun had almost set, I gave Drizzt one final examination and ruled that he was healthy enough to return to Mithril Hall. As Innovindil awoke from her own Reverie and readied her fantastic pegasi for the journey, I wrote a note in dwarvish to the attending cleric, whether Stumpet Rakingclaw, Cordio Muffinhead, or both, explaining Drizzt's condition and giving recommendations for dressing the wound, bed rest, and various herbs that would quicken his healing. Less than an hour later, it was time for our group to splinter once more. I wished to go along, but. Alas, I had other matters to attend and my bones simply would not tolerate such a rough journey.

Innovindil mounted Sunrise, as Catti-brie gave me a long, embrace, giving me greatest thanks for everything I had done. Drizzt gave me a thoughtful look just before embracing me.

"I cannot thank you enough," he said, a hint of moisture rimming those beautiful, lavender orbs.

"Just keep your health and recover," I said. "That would be thanks enough."

We clasped forearms and I savored one last look at a young man who was merely alive; another young drow I healed on Midsummer's Eve who I could finally give words of grateful parting.

At last Catti-brie mounted Sunset, helping Drizzt on behind her. Then, both pegasi gave running leaps as both were in the air, their riders giving me final waves before disappearing into the horizon.

Innovindil returned to Moonwood shortly after dark, mounted on Sunrise while Sunset came to ground behind her, telling me that the couple was now home. Cordio Muffinhead sent his thanks for my note as he soundly escorted Drizzt to his chambers.

A month later, Innovindil gave me a farewell and took flight on Sunset for another trip around Faerûn. Our little circle of friends that had gathered on Midsummer's Eve had officially parted, though, as a druid friend of mine was fond of saying: "The circle is open but never broken."

I did receive a letter a month ago in Drizzt's handwriting that was signed by both him and Catti-brie, writing from their latest port-of-call in Luskan. Drizzt fully healed and the two traveled to Waterdeep almost the second after Cordio removed his stitches. Since then, they have helped Captain Deudermont capture many dangerous pirates while destroying several ships that had been terrorizing the traders of the Sword Coast. He and Catti-brie are still very much in love and very much partners in every way, though I am still a little curious if either of them occasionally experiment with others. Catti-brie will joke to the other sailors who ask Drizzt how he got that scar on his abdomen that they had a little fight…

Innovindil still travels, though she returns to Moonwood frequently to visit and tell tales of many hunting trips with the wemics of the Shaar and how she helped a small colony of halflings in Turmish destroy a small, Black Wyrm that had haunted their people for centuries. She will also come with small souvenirs; various herbs and oils that I could use for medicines and potions. Her last visit was a tenday ago, and I think she is in Lantan from last I heard.

It was also a tenday ago when I received a letter that made me positively overjoyed: a scroll from Jarlaxle. He and his partner bid peaceful farewells to the maid and her wards and did follow that map towards a small, yet valuable chest of gems abandoned by the sun elves in their Retreat to Evermeet. Jarlaxle and Entreri's draconic employers were most pleased and rewarded them handsomely, before sending them on a shorter mission in Damara, the sisters' homeland. It was, however, the final paragraph of his note that sent many salty drops on the page:

"I cannot change what happened three hundred fifty years ago," he wrote, "but I can only hope that we can hold our respect and honor to each other for as long as we have on this earth. That is all I can give and that is all I can expect to receive.

With my warmest regards,

Jarlaxle"

I tied a leather cord on that scroll and hung it from the ceiling of my tent; fully putting a large conflict in my life to its final rest.

It has been four months since Midsummer's Eve. The weather grows colder and the trees, once a brilliant green, now take stunning shades of gold and orange as their leaves gently fall and blanket the ground with color. I feel the change of the seasons deeper in my bones; it is a little harder to wake from each Reverie and my movements are not as free, though this is a change I welcome. I feel I have found a great peace in my life since that fateful night four months ago: an old part of my life was laid to rest while I was allowed to witness four strangers uniting in the most beautiful ways.

I have sent letters to each, wishing them all well, while they will open their scrolls to find a rune enclosed: the exact same runes I cast Midsummer's Eve that foretold what wonderful moments they would share together. I remembered the exact appearance and emanations of each and every one of them. As for my rune, I keep it in my pouch always and will reach in to feel its peace whenever I feel sad or strained.

It is in these times when I will truly realize that I am never alone. In those moments when it seems I am left to my own thoughts, I will always know that there are many people in this world and the next who care for me and are watching over me; for I accept that the next realm will someday be my home. I know not when, though the prospect is one I accept with open arms. I have lived on this earth for exactly eight hundred years; eight hundred years of terror, mourning, heartache, laughter, tears, passion, bliss, and every other unnamable sensation that comes with life.

It is in these pensive moments when I will think on my friends wherever they may be and recall another, wonderful saying:

"Merry meet and merry part and merry meet again."

-Nialian Springleaf

21 of Uktar, The Year of Wild Magic 1372

Nialian replaced his pen in the well beside him and savored the words he just wrote in his leather bound journal. He gave a long sigh and looked up at the trees surrounding him. The moon was full, taking a bright shade of orange that matched perfectly with the thick blanket of leaves on the ground around him and the tufts of the oaks and maples under which he sat. He breathed in the cool, sweet air that bore the tinge of a distant campfire and felt completely, blissfully at peace.

The ink began to dry, yet Nialian never took his eyes from his flowing script; for all the words that flowed from his frail hand were the deepest words of his heart and all that was left was beautiful quiet. At last, he gently closed the book, placing it beside him with a shaking hand as he leaned against the maple tree under which he sat, a small tear crawling down his cheek. His lined face then turned up in a bright smile as he gazed at the moon, feeling her energies embrace him warmly. The silver rays passed through him and he felt a bliss he had never known in his entire life. Nialian let his gaze shift to the orange leaves, and then the expanse of sweet trees around him, all bathed in rich, soft moonlight.

Nialian Springleaf's heart then opened, knowing fully that the time had come.

He savored one, lingering gaze at the moon, and then he closed his eyes, letting his muscles relax as he leaned against the maple and sunk into Reverie. His sight was dark at first, and then came the glowing light of so many happy visions: momentous occasions, the faces of those loved and lost, though all of it gradually came to one silver glow as his entire body became one mass of energy that radiated from every part of his being and floated forth.

His vision then faded to his current surroundings, though all the trees glowed with the most beautiful, silver light as everything his soul beheld was made of pure happiness. Nialian looked down at his own form, marveling at its translucence as his legs allowed themselves a sprightly dance around the small clearing. He spun in circles, feeling the winds swirl around him as they picked leaves off the trees and sent them down in one orange and gold shower. He then reached out a glowing hand and allowed one leaf float into his palm and float through as he looked up at the moon with a silvery tear.

"I am ready to come home now," Nialian said through a happy sob, looking up at the sky and feeling Corellon Larethian's smile upon him.

He closed his eyes and felt his body fade from the earth. The silvery glow faded, leaving a small grove of trees blanketed in golden leaves and the still, smiling form of a servant of the spirit who found his peace at last.

THE END

Author's Note: "Midsummer" is the second fanfic I have worked on and the form you see today is not the original concept. "Midsummer" is the result of many different ideas I had about pairings involving many characters that I decided to include in one story. I have read many adult oriented fics and really wanted to experiment with one of my own, yet one that I felt was more descriptive and focusing on plot while adding a sense of passion and eroticism without making it cheap. I also found it only natural to include unflinching references to love between people of the same gender, which, in my absolute belief and experience, is no different from love between people of different genders. I found it natural that Catti-brie might want to experiment with her sexuality, and Jarlaxle and Innovindil, who have lived for hundreds of years and come from sexually free societies, bisexuality would be normal for them.

I did get a lot of inspiration from William Shakespeare's play A Midsummer Night's Dream, which describes the romantic misadventures of four mortals amid the trees of a fairy's realm. The beautiful descriptions of nature were a huge influence, adding to the fact that most of the main characters in this setting were actually elves. In addition, I also drew on the American Pie movies, with their modern day depiction of bawdy humor and romantic misadventure. Another big influence was director Alfonso Cuaron's stunning film version of Charles Dickens' book Great Expectations, which portrayed a classic romance in honest terms. Many of the scenes were very passionate without showing anything, leaving more the suggestion of what was going on; a theme which I carried out in this story. I also listened to the albums "The Distance to Here" by Live and "Little Earthquakes" by Tori Amos constantly as inspiration, both dealing with the themes of love and loss coming with a deeper understanding about oneself.

I will admit drawing much influence from my own spiritual traditions. I am a practicing Wiccan and many of the ancient traditions I draw upon for spirituality are reflected in the Forgotten Realms universe, not just the holiday of Midsummer, but all the races and many of the magical powers have obvious roots in mythology. I felt it was only natural to include references to moon lore, the Five Elements, divination through runestones, and a few common phrases such as the two I included in this chapter. Adding to this was the irony that I did write one chapter during the actual holiday of Midsummer, also known as the Summer Solstice, which did fall on the full moon this year.

I would like to give a huge thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed "Midsummer" on Lavender Eyes and I also greatly appreciate the additional input I received from WitchWolf, euphorbic, WhiteRose Karama, and Suzanne, who have all given me so many ideas.

As "Midsummer" draws to a close, so does summer itself and the changing season brings new hope. Once again my thanks to all and, to give the most popular greeting among those of my religion:

Blessed Be