"Caldor can you help me with this necklace?"
Caldor stood up from his seat on the bed and stood behind Sharwyn, who was sitting at the nearby vanity. He took the chain out of her hands and quickly clasped it behind her neck. "There you go." He smiled and jabbed her in the sides before sitting back down on the bed to put on his boots.
The bard looked in his direction and scowled at him before turning back to the mirror. Once Caldor was done buckling up his boots he stood up again and walked to the open balcony door. He crossed his arms across his chest and stared out over the district. Pairs of young nobles quickly dashed about, either going to the ball or someplace else to be alone.
Sharwyn watched him in the mirror then picked up the string of pearls. "You're going to have fun at this ball Caldor." She told him as she weaved the pearls through her hair.
"You obviously don't know me very well then." Caldor told her without turning around.
"Well...you will have fun."
"Heh, vee' lle merna arwenamin."
"What?" Sharwyn asked.
"I said 'as you wish m'lady.'"
"I don't recall you ever speaking any elven before."
Caldor shrugged and sighed, "This whole thing is absurd! Why did I let you talk me into this?" he growled.
"Well it was obviously my female charms." Sharwyn smiled.
"Damn you and your unfathomable beauty." He grumbled.
Sharwyn chuckled as she finished putting the pearls into her hair and sprayed the contents of a nearby bottle onto her neck. She picked Caldor's coat up off the bed as she walked towards him.
"The ball will go by quickly, you'll barely notice it." She put the coat over his shoulders.
"Humph." Caldor pulled the jacket on and buttoned it up, "You ready to go?" "Yes, let's get going." He watched her as she walked back to the vanity and blew out the candle. Glancing at him quickly over her shoulder, she headed towards the door and opened it. Caldor followed her out the door and shut it quietly.
"Lle naa vanima."
Sharwyn turned and looked at him curiously. He simply smiled at her and continued walking towards the staircase.
The tavern was quite busy and many of the patrons stopped what they were doing to hold their mugs up in greeting as the pair came down the stairs.
"Good evenin' to you Master Erion!"
He nodded at them and continued to walk to the door.
"Have a good time at the ball boss!" The Kellisai yelled from behind the bar.
"I'll try to make sure he does." Sharwyn said with a smile. Kellisai laughed and waved goodbye to them. Sharwyn bounced out the door happily as Caldor opened it for her. The barkeep laughed as Caldor rolled his eyes and followed her out the door.
"Now where is the noble's estate at again?" Caldor asked as he looked around the district. "Um...it's over this way." Sharwyn grabbed the paladin by his arm and led him towards a brightly lit mansion in the northwest corner of the district. Many other couples could be seen heading in the same direction, chatting loudly as they caught up with friends that were also going to the ball.
At the door of the mansion, a well-groomed human in pearly white garb greeted the guests and checked their names off on a thin sheet of parchment.
"Ah, you must Lord Erion and Lady Sharwyn! Please, go right in!"
Once in the foyer of the mansion, Caldor leaned down to Sharwyn's ear, "I don't think I've ever been called a Lord before." Sharwyn smiled at him and led him in the direction of the other guests.
The ballroom was dazzling. Made completely of white marble, the whole room looked as if it could fit the whole population of the district in it with room to spare. "One would think these people would have a better use for all their gold." Caldor commented as he looked around. Sharwyn looked up at him and smiled, "If you had a ton of gold what would you do with it?"
"Well first I would feed the poor, provide jobs, build orphanages and open a school. I'd also make sure the city guard were well trained and properly equipped." He counted off on his fingers as he answered her.
"Hm...yep sounds like something you would do." Sharwyn said.
"Ah! Sir Erion you've arrived! Greetings Lady Sharwyn, I'm glad the two of you could make it." The noble from the tavern bounded over to them cheerfully and heartily shook Caldor's hand.
"I would like to thank you for inviting us Lord...err."
"Davis Hammond."
"Yes... thank you Lord Hammond." Caldor bowed slightly before their host.
"You are very welcome. Now, please come in! Make yourselves comfortable. There are tables on the other side of the dance floor with food and servants are out and about serving pastries." Hammond led them deeper into the ballroom, introducing them to the other guests.
The young noble women practically fell over themselves to greet Caldor and the young men nearly fought each other trying to speak to Sharwyn. "My word, you are Sir Erion! It...it is an honor to meet you." The young woman fluttered her eyelashes and pushed up on her corset to display a bit more bosom then necessary.
"Eh, it's a pleasure to meet you m'lady." He said to the girl as another held her hand out to him.
"Look at him! He's so strong and handsome!" A girl whispered to her friend. "Yes I know. I wouldn't mind spending an evening with him." She whispered in reply.
Caldor heard them, unfortunately, and groaned inwardly. He looked around for Sharwyn only to find that she was gone, leaving him alone with a small army of single females.
'Aw, damn it.'
He scanned the ballroom quickly trying to spot her in the crowd. Caldor finally managed to find her near the dance floor at the center of the ballroom. Six young men were surrounding Sharwyn and chatted with her animatedly.
"Excuse me ladies, I have to go get my date. It was nice meeting all of you." He excused himself from their presence and quickly walked through the crowd. Sharwyn was enjoying herself and had thankfully not received any unwanted advances. "Sharwyn."
She turned and looked in the direction of the voice and smiled. "Oh, gentlemen have you met Sir Erion yet?" She asked as she held out her hand to Caldor.
"No we haven't, it is a pleasure to meet you sir." The young men bowed respectfully.
Caldor nodded at them and smiled, "Um Sharwyn? Could I speak to you for a moment?"
"Of course, if you all will excuse me."
The young men nodded reluctantly and scowled at Caldor as he led the bard to an unpopulated corner of the ballroom.
"Okay, we're here now. How do you plan on finding the information that we seek?"
"Well my dear paladin, I was working on that until you arrived and escorted me away." Sharwyn smirked at him.
"Eh." Caldor looked away and scanned the dinner tables. Plump nobles surrounded the food and talked among themselves as they picked at the feast. "Why don't we try listening in on them?" Sharwyn looped her arms with his and nodded. "Lead the way."
The pair moved through the crowds quickly and casually picked at the food once they reached the table. Caldor picked up a couple cubes of cheese and maneuvered over to the fruit bowl where the nobles were standing.
"You've heard about Meldanen's new toy right?"
"Oh, he has another one?" A tall blonde asked.
"Indeed. I hear it's a pretty little female. Of course my source didn't get a real good look at her."
"Heh, that Meldanen. Too bad he found her first."
Sharwyn tugged on the tail of Caldor's coat and they backed away into a corner. "Well we know where the Dryad is so we can leave now." Caldor whispered.
"No we can't leave yet. If we just up and went our host would be quite upset and you don't want to get nobles upset." Sharwyn whispered back.
"I see...well what should we do now?" He asked dejectedly.
Sharwyn looked back at the dance floor and grinned. "Let's dance."
"What?" She took hold of his hand and dragged him to the center.
An elven bard appeared from a backroom and stood in front of the other musicians set up at the front of the ballroom.
"Vedui' il'er! Welcome to Lord Hammond's Midsummer Ball!"
The guests clapped enthusiastically as they congregated on the dance floor. The musicians began to play immediately. It was a slow song, perfect for couples that wanted to get up close.
"You know how to dance right?" She asked him as she wrapped an arm around his neck.
"Yes, yes I do." He replied with a sigh.
"No worries then. I'm sure you'll enjoy getting up close." She smiled at him as she pressed herself up against him.
"Must you tease me so?" Caldor asked her resignedly
"Of course."
He grinned and shook his head. "I don't know what I'd do without you." Sharwyn took the lead and Caldor followed her gladly. They moved across the floor gracefully dodging the other dancers.
Sharwyn hummed along to the song and winked at Caldor. He smiled and twisted her around him and dipped her near a pot of roses. He picked one from the pot and tickled her chin with it.
"For you m'lady."
Sharwyn took it from him and smiled, "Thank you m'lord."
Caldor chuckled and stood her upright again. They continued dancing until the song finally came to an end. The dancers clapped as the musicians bowed and prepared to play another song.
Caldor took Sharwyn by the hand and led her off the dance floor to one of the many balconies connected to the ballroom. She let go of his hand and twirled away from him then leaned up against the stone railing. "Oh this has been so much fun Caldor!"
Caldor watched her silently and slipped his hands into his pants pockets, "I'm glad you're having fun. I guess it was a good idea to come here and have a take a break from all the fighting." He looked up at the stars and sighed.
"Hmm, you were right. I am having fun tonight." Caldor gave her a sideways glance and smiled.
Sharwyn smiled back at him and turned to look over the railing, "The wealthy are lucky to have the gold to block out all the horrible things that are happening in the rest of city."
Caldor's lips formed a thin line and he walked up to Sharwyn, "Lucky perhaps, but it is rather selfish of them to do so." He turned around and leaned back on the railing and looked back into the ballroom. More people had moved onto the dance floor now and it seemed that a faster song was being played. Sharwyn looked up at him.
"Caldor..."
His eyes focused on her and he waited patiently for her to continue.
"From what you told me, you were a ranger at one point. Why did you become a paladin?"
He smiled and looked back into the ballroom, "Despite what you may be thinking, nothing wholly interesting happened to make me turn to the life of a Helmite paladin. One day a Watchknight wandered into the forest and I talked to him. He told me about his faith and it intrigued me. Later I told my clan about it and they told me that I should check it out if I was interested. I did and here I am."
Caldor smiled and brushed a few strands of hair away from his face.
Sharwyn turned her head to the side, "Are you sure there isn't more than that?"
Caldor wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her closer, "Would you rather I made something up?" He whispered into her ear.
Sharwyn smiled and closed her eyes, "No."
He pulled away from her and started walking toward the ballroom. "I'll get us something to drink."
"Wait a second Caldor." Sharwyn ran up to him and threw her arms around his neck, "Thanks for tonight." She whispered into his ear before kissing him on the cheek. Sharwyn turned away from him and leaned against the railing again. Caldor smiled and continued walking into the ballroom.
Sharwyn sighed and looked out into the night sky. She could barely see the smoke from the corpse pyres in the city core. The evening masked the fact that there was a deadly plague going around the city.
"What is a beautiful rose like yourself doing alone out here, hmm?"
Sharwyn turned and watched the man standing in the shadows. "Who are you?"
"No one special madam. I was just observing you and the paladin. Is he...your lover? No, don't answer that. He's just a friend, right? Just keep telling yourself that."
Sharwyn frowned, "What is it you want?"
The man held up a hand, "I want nothing from you. You should be honest with yourself...you want him. You could take him easily." The man fisted his hand tightly for emphasis.
"Look...sir. I don't know what your getting at but --"
"Let me finish. You have someone already. Dannen correct? Just nod girl. Though... something has happened...yes something that has taken him away from you but you still have feelings for him nevertheless. You come here and you meet Caldor... hmm. Yes, a fine specimen of a man who interests you greatly. Already he has feelings for you and you for him. But you still think of Dannen. Yes, you still have a plan to get him back but...you have Caldor now. Hard decision. Choose the bard or choose the paladin." The man crossed his arms.
Sharwyn stared at him in shock, "How...do you know?" She clenched her fists and fire engulfed her hands. "I demand to know who you are and how you know what you do!"
"I am not a threat to you girl. I just want to offer you some advice. Follow your heart. You are a strong woman and you should have a strong man. A man with a weak mind should not be the one you hang onto. Move on and take who is handed to you by fate." He pulled out a cigar and lit it with his finger. He took a long drag and blew the smoke in Sharwyn's direction. The smoke tendrils swirled around in front of her face and formed a dragon's head before disappearing. Brilliant green eyes glowed brightly from the shadows and disappeared again. The man was gone.
The flames around Sharwyn's hands went out and she stared at the spot where the man was standing. Caldor came around the corner with two wineglasses and stopped when he noticed Sharwyn.
"Are you alright?" he asked as he walked up to her and set the wineglasses down on the railing. "Sharwyn?" He waved his hand in front of her face and she looked up at him.
"Are you feeling alright m'lady? Do you want to go back to the inn?"
"No...I'm alright Caldor...thank you."
Caldor smiled and handed her one of the wineglasses. She took it from him and smiled. He picked up the other glass and held it up. "A toast to friends."
"A...toast." She said hesitantly.
Caldor swallowed his wine in a single gulp and watched Sharwyn. She sipped at her wine delicately then looked in the paladin's direction. "Let's head back to the inn now. It's getting rather late." Sharwyn held her wine glass out to him.
Caldor nodded and took the glass from her and led the way back into the ballroom. They met Lord Hammond on the way out and said their goodbyes before heading out the door. Sharwyn wrapped her arm around Caldor's and leaned against his shoulder. He looked down at her then back up.
Not too far from them, an older looking woman hobbled along carry a heavy looking bag. "Hold on a moment Sharwyn." The bard let go of his arm and followed Caldor as he trotted over to the woman and grabbed the bag as it began to slip out of the woman's grasp.
"Here let me help you with this ma'am." He held the bag up allowing the older woman to straighten herself up. "Thank you dear. My age seems to finally be catching up to me."
"I'll carry this for you, just lead the way." Caldor said with a smile.
The woman led them to a small house in the center of the district and directed Caldor to drop the bag. "Thank you for assistance young man. I wouldn't have a expected a young nobleman to help me."
"I'm not a noble ma'am. We were just coming from Lord Hammond's Ball."
"Ah, that one holds parties frequently. I'm Milly, the washerwoman of this district. Who might you be?"
"I'm Caldor Erion."
"And I am Sharwyn."
"It's nice to meet you two." Milly said with a smile.
"So...um as the washerwoman...have you been in all the houses of the district?" Caldor asked.
"Oh heavens no! I haven't stepped foot into Meldanen's estate. Though years ago...ahh I shouldn't babble on."
"Please continue miss." Sharwyn said.
"Well when I was younger and quite a looker I might add, young master Meldanen and myself had quite a thing. He had a portal built in my house that led directly to his room. But...he doesn't have anything to do with me anymore."
"Does...that portal still work?" Caldor asked anxiously.
"I have no idea young man. I kept it locked behind a door in my home after I stopped seeing Meldanen. Why are you interested?" Milly asked.
"We are under the orders of Lady Aribeth de Tylmarande to investigate anyone suspected of possessing property belonging to the government." Caldor told her.
"Nice." Sharwyn whispered to him.
"Oh, well alright dear. Here is a key to get into the room. I'll leave a key to my house under the doormat. Just leave them on the table once you're done." Milly handed him the key and grabbed the bag.
"Thank you Miss Milly."
"You're welcome dear. Now you should hurry home. Your date looks like she will collapse soon."
Caldor looked at Sharwyn and noticed that she was indeed dozing off. "Oh heh." He picked her up and she wrapped her arms around his neck and rested her head on his shoulder. Caldor turned back to Milly and nodded to her then turned in the direction of the inn.
"You be careful young man." Milly picked up the bag and looked back at Caldor before going into her house.
"Today has been quite exhausting. Heh, I was wondering when you were finally going to fall out..." Caldor scratched her back a little making her grumble and turn her head. He smiled as he felt her nose graze his neck.
Once he reached the inn he noticed Kellisai standing at the door. She looked up from the book she was reading and waved at him.
"Hey boss! You're back earlier than I expected. Oh...did Miss Sharwyn pass out on you? Too much to drink?"
Caldor smiled and shook his head, "No she went to sleep after we had left the ball."
"Ah," Kellisai nodded and smiled, "Well you better get her to bed then." She opened the inn door and led the way in.
The tavern was still quite busy and a few patrons waved at Caldor as he entered the room. He trotted up the stairs quickly and lightly kicked the door open.
"We're home..." Caldor whispered. "Well kind of." Sharwyn merely groaned and curled up tighter in his arms.
He chuckled and kicked the door closed before walking over to the bed. "Alright, it's time to let go." Caldor kneeled down on the bed and began pulling Sharwyn's arms from around his neck.
"No...don't want to...sing you...a song...zzzzz." She rolled out of his grasp and onto the bed with her arm still wrapped around his neck. Caldor toppled over and fell onto the bed completely, becoming pinned between the bed and her breasts.
"Eeyagh!" His face quickly became red and he tried desperately to wiggle from up under her without waking her up. Every time he moved Sharwyn would wrap herself around him a little bit more.
"Oh boy." Caldor finally stopped squirming and sighed. "I guess it isn't too bad...well until Sharwyn finally wakes up." There was a knock at the door and before he could answer, the door swung open. "Caldor! There are...eh." Kellisai's hand flew up to her mouth to stifle a giggle. "Not a word...what's wrong with you anyway? Don't you know that you should wait for an answer before entering?" Caldor asked grumpily.
"Sorry 'bout that boss. No worries, we'll take care of it. You look...heh...rather busy."
"Yea, ha ha ha, this just happened to be an accident." Caldor said as he tried to wiggle from up under Sharwyn.
"Well I'm not going to ask how it happened so I'll just leave you alone then. See you tomorrow morning." Caldor scowled as he heard Kellisai laugh all the way down the hall. "Grr...time to get this damned woman off of me."
"Shut up and go to sleep Caldor." Sharwyn mumbled as she gently ran her fingers through his hair.
"Eh? You're awake? You planned this didn't you?" Caldor grumbled.
"Oh you know you're enjoying this." Sharwyn said with a smirk. She pinched his side and smiled when he squirmed.
"Yea...but I would be enjoying it more if I wasn't in a 1000 gold suit!"
"Meh."
"You do know your breasts are in my face right?" Caldor asked calmly.
"Oh really? I had no idea! I thought it was a pillow."
Caldor began whispering random obscenities under his breath then finally sighed resignedly. "Fine, be that way." He pulled his arm from under her and rearranged himself so that he was no longer in such an uncomfortable position.
"I wonder what would have happened if I didn't choose you to help me out." Caldor asked her.
"Well for one you wouldn't be pinned under me in these exquisite silk clothes. Oh and you can tell they were well made to, it almost seems like we're wearing nothing at all."
"Okay...what the hell. You couldn't possibly be drunk. You barely drank your wine."
"You know I'm just kidding with you Caldor. Don't get too excited, you might hurt yourself...or me. Heh." Sharwyn snickered and nuzzled him.
"Oh ha ha m'lady! You're the one being all silly and what not. From the way things are going it would seem that you are trying to seduce me." Caldor placed his hand on her waist and tapped her on the side gently.
"No I wouldn't do that..."
"I know you wouldn't Sharwyn." Caldor yawned loudly and rubbed at his eyes. "We need to get to sleep. Big day tomorrow."
"Yea... goodnight Caldor."
"Goodnight Sharwyn."
Caldor and Sharwyn moved down the corridor quietly, hoping that no more mephits would pop out of nowhere. It had been ten minutes since they had first transported to Meldanen's bedroom and thankfully he had not been in at the time.
Caldor peeked around a corner and scanned the room, "Looks like a library." He whispered back to Sharwyn. She crept up next to him and peeked over his shoulder. "Apprentice."
A young man stood in the middle of the library and was reading a large tome while levitating a couple of chairs in front of him.
"Hmm, how are we going to deal with this one?" Caldor asked.
"Here why don't you sneak on up the wall and I'll use my charms on him. It doesn't seem that he has noticed that the estate is under attack." Sharwyn offered.
"Do you think that's safe?" Caldor asked as he turned and put a hand on the wall.
"Positive. Now go." She gently smacked him on his rear and started walking toward the apprentice.
Caldor smirked and made his way up the wall. Once he reached the ceiling he turned to watch Sharwyn as she greeted the man.
"Explain yourself woman! How did you get in here?" the apprentice eyed her warily.
"The front guard let me in of course. I'm on my way to see Meldanen but I seem to have lost my way." Sharwyn answered coolly while she inspected her nails.
The apprentice watched her for a moment then relaxed, "Meldanen said that no one was to be allowed in but... looking at you I can see why he may have made an exception. You know...he's rather busy at the moment so...why don't you stay here with me for a bit until he is done." He offered.
"That doesn't sound like a bad idea at all." Sharwyn's licked her lips and ran her hand up the man's neck making him smirk.
Caldor snorted silently and moved along the ceiling until he was hovering directly over the apprentice. He pulled himself into a low crouch then stood up, his eyes still trained on the apprentice.
The apprentice, who introduced himself as Claudi, traced a finger along Sharwyn's face. She smiled and looked up at Caldor who nodded and prepared to finish him. Claudi pulled Sharwyn closer in an attempt to kiss her when Caldor made his move and grabbed him by the head. He covered the man's mouth with his other hand to prevent him from yelling out and snapped his neck quickly before dropping him. Caldor dropped down from the ceiling, landing neatly in front of Sharwyn.
"Good job paladin." She whispered as she knelt down to see what the apprentice had on him.
Caldor moved to the opposite door and walked down the curving hall. He peeked through the door at the end and saw Meldanen. The man paced the center of the room and occasionally peered into a caged door near the other side of the room.
Sharwyn crept up behind him and tapped him on the shoulder. "Our target is in there." He whispered.
"We should introduce ourselves then." Caldor nodded and grabbed her around the waist.
"What are you doing?" The paladin placed a finger over her mouth and smiled. He turned and jumped onto the wall and started moving into the room along the ceiling. Sharwyn held onto him tightly and watched Meldanen as he paced around below them. Her attention turned from him and she looked into the gated room and saw the Dryad. The small creature was curled up in the back of the room and watching Meldanen warily.
The sorcerer stopped pacing then went into a side room and closed the door. Caldor dropped from the ceiling and set Sharwyn down. She ran over to gate and kneeled down.
"Are you alright?"
The Dryad looked up at her fearfully then crawled forward. "A...are you here to help me? Are you going to get me out of here?" Sharwyn nodded and looked up at Caldor.
"We need a key." He said quietly as he turned and moved to an armoire on the other side of the room. Sharwyn held a finger up to her lips the walked over to a desk and began shuffling through the drawers.
The Dryad watched them fearfully then looked to the door that Meldanen had entered. She saw the door open and yelled out, "Watch out!"
Caldor turned quickly and unsheathed his blade. "You! You've come to take her away from me! You must die!" Meldanen swung his hand in Caldor's direction and a large fireball flew in his direction. The paladin rolled to the side and charged toward the sorcerer.
Sharwyn quickly cast a paralysis spell but Meldanen resisted it and quickly began chanting while moving away from Caldor. Caldor jumped at the sorcerer and brought his sword down on him but he managed to dodge. Meldanen ran to the other side of the room and tried to continue his chanting but had to dodge a vase thrown by Caldor.
Sharwyn pulled out her bow and followed Meldanen's movements as he continued to dodge Caldor's attacks. The sorcerer stopped near the entrance to his study and cast a hold spell on Caldor. The paladin stopped in mid- swing and stared at the sorcerer angrily. Meldanen smirked and raised his hand in the air, preparing to cast lightning bolt. Sharwyn smirked and aimed and shot an arrow straight through his hand.
"Augh!!!!" Meldanen howled in rage. He danced around in the spot a little before he pulled the arrow out and turned his attentions to Sharwyn.
"You'll pay for that!" He clenched his right hand and charged a fireball and threw it in Sharwyn's direction. The bard jumped back through a door and the fireball exploded where she was once standing. Her right arm was caught in the blast and the skin was burnt badly.
"Hey asshole that hurt!" Sharwyn yelled as she clutched the burnt arm.
Meldanen moved toward the room she was in and charged another fireball.
"Sharwyn! He's coming! Ergh!" Caldor said as he struggled to free himself.
Sharwyn stood up and ran out of the room, quickly dashing past the sorcerer. The man turned and threw the fireball but she dived forward and the fireball hit the wall near Caldor.
Caldor watched helplessly as Meldanen gripped Sharwyn and held her up in the air and began crushing her. The bard cried out in pain as her ribs were crushed by the spell. The paladin struggled against the spell desperately, "Hold on I'm coming!" The hold spells effects soon began fading and Meldanen turned and held a hand up to him. "I think not boy!" He cast another hold spell but Caldor resisted. Caldor concentrated hard and roared angrily as he broke free from the spell. He rushed towards Meldanen and lunged at him. The sorcerer only managed a short yelp as he tackled him. The two men flew into the wall and crashed through it halfway. Once the sorcerer's concentration was broken, Sharwyn fell to the ground and sucked in air as she massaged her crushed ribs. "Caldor." She said weakly as she stared into the dust cloud. As the dust cloud settled she saw Caldor come out from under the rubble and turn to her. "Sharwyn!" He rushed to her side and knelt down next to her, "Are you alright? Here let me see." He gently prodded her ribs making her whimper and pull away from him. "They're broken Caldor. Hand me a potion." He nodded and dug in his bag for one and handed it to her. Caldor sat down behind Sharwyn allowing her to lean back against him as her ribs healed. She looked at the pile of rubble nearby and brushed a few strands of hair away from her face. "Is he dead?"
"I don't know. I didn't check him yet." Caldor said as he wrapped a bandage around her burnt arm.
The Dryad sat near the gate and clutched the metal bars tightly, watching the two intently. Caldor looked at the Dryad then at the rubble pile. "I'll check him and see if he has the key." Sharwyn nodded and he stood up and walked over to the rubble. After digging through it for a while, he found Meldanen's body and pulled him free. He checked his pulse and found that the sorcerer was dead. A few minutes of searching produced a cell key and another key.
He freed the Dryad and she smiled at him. "Thank you kind paladin. How may I repay your kindness?"
"Please come back with us to the Hall of Justice and help with the cure for the plague."
"I know of your plague and you need but a lock of my hair for your cure. Hand me a dagger please." The Dryad told him.
Caldor handed her a dagger and she cut a bit of her hair off then handed it and the dagger back to him. "Now I must go back to my tree."
"How will you get back? Your tree must be miles away from here."
"See that tree over there in that room? That will take me back to my tree. Farewell for now Caldor and Sharwyn. I hope we can meet again so I can reward you properly." The Dryad ran toward the tree and touched it, quickly disappearing in a flash of light.
Caldor put the hair in his pack then walked over to Sharwyn and helped her up. "We've finally collected all the components. The people are saved!" Sharwyn exclaimed.
Caldor nodded and pulled out the recall stone. "Lady Aribeth will be really happy to see us." Sharwyn laughed happily as they disappeared.
Aribeth covered another body as it was carried out of the Hall. She sighed and massaged her temple as she looked around the room. 'I can't stand any more of this...'
"M'lady we have it!" Aribeth looked toward the recall portal and smiled as Caldor and Sharwyn tumbled out of the portal and ran toward her.
"We have it! Here is a lock of the Dryad's hair." He handed the hair to Aribeth and she smiled brightly. "Well done! Everyone is saved thanks to you."
Fenthick and Desther came out of the Sanctuary to see what was going on. "Fenthick! We have the Dryad's hair, begin the preparations." Aribeth handed the hair to him and he smiled brightly. "It'll take a couple days to make the preparations so you two rest up. You deserve it." Fenthick shook their hands heartily.
Desther snorted and walked back to the Sanctuary. Caldor glared at his retreating form and looked at Fenthick. "We were attacked again on the way to Blacklake." Caldor said.
"Really? Did you find another letter like last time?" Fenthick asked.
"If there was, we didn't have anytime to grab it. Caldor had been stabbed with a poisoned blade and was dieing so I had to get him out of there."
"Well actually I did find a letter. I had grabbed it before I passed out and stuck it in my belt." Caldor informed.
"Oh, why didn't you tell me?" Sharwyn asked.
"Well I had passed out and forgotten about it and found it again earlier this morning. Sorry I didn't mention it earlier."
Sharwyn smiled and shook her head, "No matter, let's see what it says." Caldor handed the letter to Fenthick and he quickly read it. "Oh my! This says that there was someone from the inside working with this cult. We have a traitor in our midst!"
"I bet it is Desther and his fake Helmites!" Caldor growled.
"You have no proof." Sharwyn reminded him.
"I know..."
"I wouldn't doubt it as a possibility. No matter now, we have a cure to make. Thanks for your help you two. Go on and rest. The city is in your debt." Aribeth hugged them both and followed Fenthick to a back room.
Caldor waited for the pair to leave then turned to Sharwyn and pulled her into a bear hug. "Ha ha! We are finally done!"
"Yes yes we are done. Now please put me down before you crush my ribs again." Sharwyn said happily. Caldor put her back down on the ground and smiled. "So what do you want to do now?"
"Let's get something to eat and go back to the inn. I want to take a long bath and rest tonight." Sharwyn told him.
"That sounds wonderful. Can I watch?" Sharwyn smacked his arm and he laughed. "I jest m'lady. Let's get you fed then." Caldor said as he walked toward the door. Sharwyn grinned ran towards him, jumping onto his back. "I'd like to be carried again if you don't mind. Nobility shouldn't have to walk so much."
Caldor snorted and flipped her over into his arms. "Noble? I don't see any nobles here. Just a beautiful bard." Sharwyn smiled and hugged him. "Heh, where do you want to eat anyway?"
"Hm, I don't know. How about..."
"No, we are not going there. Pick somewhere else."
"But Caldor we can-"
"No! We aren't going back there. Don't make me drop you."
Sharwyn's cheerful giggling mingled with Caldor's complaining as he walked out into the bright noon sun.
Marise inspected the sweater she was working on finally smiling in satisfaction."Ah yes, I think he will be very pleased with this."
A sharp knock on the door startled her and she stared at the door a moment before she answered. "Who is it?"
"It's me mother."
"Ah Sharwyn! Come in dear, come in!"
Sharwyn opened the door slowly and waved at her mother. Marise smiled and beckoned her daughter inside. She automatically noticed that something was missing and looked at her daughter curiously.
"Sharwyn where is Caldor?"
"He's at the inn. He was sleeping when I left so I decided not to bother him. I wanted to speak to you alone anyway." Sharwyn told her as she sat down on the sofa across from Marise.
"Oh, alright dear. So what's on your mind, hmm?" Marise smiled and set the sweater aside.
A slight flush appeared on her face and she stared at the table. "Yea…I wanted to ask you for… a little advice. As you know I had left here with Dannen and due to some rather…upsetting circumstances, Dannen is not with me-"
"Did that boy break your heart? I knew he was no good for you. Poor girl. You should tell Caldor so he can straighten him out!"
"No mother it's not what you think. These circumstances were completely out of our control. But that is not the point. The point is that I still love him but…" Sharwyn trailed off making her mother stare at her strangely.
"Let me guess dear…you still love Dannen but you are either falling or have fallen in love with Caldor correct?" Marise asked calmly.
Sharwyn nodded and closed her eyes, "I don't know what to do mother."
"What is your heart telling you to do?"
Sharwyn stared at the threadbare rug under the table. "I don't know."
Marise sat back in her chair then stood up and walked into the kitchen. Sharwyn watched her mother leave then leaned back on the sofa and stared at the ceiling. Above her head the wood of the roof bulged slightly, a sign that significant water damage had occurred, most likely from the recent shower. She felt a tiny droplet of water hit her nose and she sighed. Marise came out of the kitchen again and sat a tray down with a teapot and two cups.
Marise poured a little into one of the cups and handed it to Sharwyn.
"Now dear, I know you may think that I'm not the romantic type but…I did love your father very much-"
"Wait…you actually loved my father? What…but if you loved him why did you leave him?"
"Yes… you see even though I loved your father, I loved material things more."
Sharwyn rolled her eyes and sat back sipping at her tea bitterly, "Never mind, continue."
"As I was saying. I loved your father though he had an extremely bad habit of getting himself into some serious trouble. Throughout his life as a professional thief he had racked up quite a number of enemies. Quite a few of them were extremely dangerous criminals. Oh, but he was so sweet and witty and brave. Hmm…. despite what my brain was telling me I couldn't help myself and I was soon pregnant with you. When your father found out he proposed and we were wed."
"Wait a minute…mom this isn't helping at all. All I've learned is that my father was a thief and that you loved him...I guess. How is this story going to help me?" Sharwyn asked in irritation.
"If you would have some patience and let me finish. Anyway one day your father left to do a job and left me to think about my situation. The life of a rogue's wife wasn't exactly very profitable and I was also thinking about your future. On that same day your stepfather came into town and he took notice of me. He offered my unborn child and I the world if I left with him to his estate in Neverwinter. That was when I made my decision to leave your father for Reginald." Marise sighed and looked into her cup of tea.
"But thinking back on it now after all these years…I should have never left Jerald. Not only would I have still been with the love of my life but we might have led a much better life."
"What do you mean mother?" Sharwyn stared at her mother curiously. If her father was a criminal how could their life have been better?
"I found out later that your father had become one of the richest crime bosses in the Sword Coast and retired to a life of luxury in the south. Unfortunately he was killed by one of his old rivals but if I had been there for him…he'd still be alive and we would be a family." Marise bit her lip and wiped at the tears that came to her eyes.
Sharwyn frowned and watched her mother. "Mom I don't understand."
Marise shook her head and looked up at her daughter, "Listen to your heart when it comes to love!"
The bard raised an eyebrow and looked away from her mother. She stood and walked toward the door.
"Mother…it's nice to know about what happened between you and dad but I still don't know what to do. I'll just get going and see Lady Aribeth."
"Sharwyn stop. Who do you love more? Caldor or Dannen?" Sharwyn stopped in her tracks and stared at the door. She rested her hand on the doorsill and leaned forward to rest her head on the cracked wood. "I don't know."
"Well you better decide soon. You'll never have another chance with Caldor if you are indecisive."
Sharwyn looked back at her mother and watched her intently.
"Caldor is a good man Sharwyn. He will love and take care of you. I'm sure. You're a strong woman and you need a strong man."
Sharwyn stiffened and looked back at the door. 'That's the same thing that man said.'
"I…I have to go mother."
"Alright dear. Be safe and please think about what I told you. Oh and be sure to send Caldor my way. I have something for him." Marise saw that her daughter was upset about something but decided not to pursue it further.
Sharwyn closed the door behind her quickly and leaned against the door heavily. She covered her face with her hand and bit her lip. After a few moments she straightened up and headed to the Hall of Justice.
As she reached for the handles the door flew open and Aribeth almost ran into her.
"Oh Sharwyn, how are you doing?" She asked with a bright smile. She wasn't in her usual armor and looked like a normal citizen in her simple blue tunic and pants.
"I was just coming to see you." Sharwyn said quietly.
Aribeth watched her for a moment and rested her hand on Sharwyn's shoulder. "Come on to my house and we can talk."
Sharwyn silently followed her to a small brick house in the western corner of the City Core.
Aribeth's home was simple and modestly decorated. A small painting of her and Fenthick rested on a nearby table. Sharwyn picked it up and a small smile formed on her lips.
"Do you like it? Fenthick and I had it made a week before the plague hit Neverwinter."
Aribeth walked into the living area and sat down on the sofa and beckoned Sharwyn over.
Once Sharwyn sat down Aribeth put an arm around her shoulders and smiled. "Now, tell me what's wrong."
Sharwyn took a deep breath and clasped her hands together in her lap. "Well…heh seems I've somehow gotten myself into one hell of a mess." She brushed a few strands of hair out of her face and sighed.
"Before I came back to Neverwinter I was with someone. He is a bard named Dannen and my first love. Due to the manipulations of a certain witch we are not together at the moment so I'm here visiting my mother until I can find a solution. I was planning on going back to help him once I was done here but…I met Caldor. Due to spending so much time in his company I have grown quite fond of him. Actually, I'm very fond of him."
"Okay so you love him…what's the problem." Aribeth asked innocently.
"Well I love two men, that's the problem. What should I do?"
"What does your heart tell you to do?"
Sharwyn furrowed her brow and rolled her eyes skyward. "Everyone keeps telling me that!"
"Well of course, this is you're heart we're talking about here. Now, what do you think you should do?"
"I feel…that I should go back and help Dannen. I…but when I'm with Caldor it feels so right…so right that I just want to forget the past and stay with him." Sharwyn squeezed her hands and stared ahead of her.
"You have to decide…who do you love more?"
"I don't know! I don't know…I love them both. I love them both so damn much!" Sharwyn buried her face in her hands and cried. Aribeth's expression softened and she rested her hand on Sharwyn's back.
"I'm… just too indecisive!" she whispered softly. Sharwyn wiped her eyes and glanced at Aribeth. "I shouldn't have come back…"
"Do you really think so? Is it that bad?" Aribeth asked.
Sharwyn looked at her but didn't answer.
"I've never met this Dannen guy but he must be quite something if you can't decide to keep him or Caldor. This witch must have done something and he's with her right now. Doesn't really sound like someone I'd hang on to. I'd go with Caldor."
"But you don't know the whole story." Sharwyn told her.
"Nonetheless, if he is with her, whether it be by choice or not, he isn't worth it."
"Aribeth!"
"No, Caldor is with you now. Why would you throw away a chance with him just to go back to someone who might not even care about you anymore?"
Sharwyn stared at her silently. Aribeth smiled at her and stood up.
"Shouldn't you be getting back to Caldor? I'm sure he misses you."
Sharwyn nodded and smiled. "Thank you."
"It is no problem. You just take care of your man."
Sharwyn laughed and waved to Aribeth as she walked out the door.
Caldor lazily flicked at the fly that had landed on his nose. 'Blasted insect! Why won't it get eaten by a bird or something.'
He watched the fly as it lazy floated around his head. It finally decided to rest on his knee and he grinned. He raised his hand slowly until it was right under the fly but out of its sight. Quick as a flash he reached up and flicked the fly off his knee and over the balcony.
"Nice."
Caldor rested his hands behind his head and took a deep breath. "I don't remember the last time I got to relax like this." He closed his eyes and smiled.
"About damn time in all honesty."
He scratched lazily at the dragon tattoo and looked out over the district. The warm summer heat was making him sleepy and he couldn't help but yawn.
"I guess I'll take a little nap." He mumbled as he closed his eyes.
Sharwyn opened the door slowly and quietly peeked into the room. She noticed the curtains billowing and looked towards the balcony. The door was open and she saw Caldor stretched out on the velvet pillow top bench. His chest rose and fell slowly as he slept.
She couldn't help but smile and walked into the room slowly. She walked out to the balcony and set her bags down on the ground next to the bench and sat down.
She watched him quietly and smiled.
'He looks so cute when he's asleep.'
Caldor groaned and cracked an eye open.
"Hello sleepy head."
"Hello. Did you have fun today?"
Sharwyn nodded and walked her fingers across his chest. He laughed and smiled at her.
"You went shopping today didn't you? What did you buy?"
She reached down into the bag and pulled out a blue gray silk shirt. "This is for you."
"Oh nice." Caldor sat up and put it on. "Oh look at this, plenty of buttons." He leaned back and grinned at Sharwyn.
"Well are you going to button it up?" Sharwyn asked while trying to keep from laughing.
"Nope."
Sharwyn shook her head and lay down on the bench next to him. "There are more shirts for you in the bag."
"Did you buy yourself anything?" Caldor asked as he smoothed his hair back.
"Yes, just a few things. Oh and I went to see my mother today. She wants you to come by her house. She has something for you."
"Ah, how did you know my size anyway?"
"I remembered it from when Frank took your measurements."
Caldor raised an eyebrow and reached over and grabbed the bag. "I wonder what that says about our relationship." He smirked at Sharwyn making her smile.
His expression fell serious and he lay down next to her. "Sharwyn, I want to be serious with you for a moment."
Sharwyn watched him quietly and nodded her head.
"Alright… um… do you…love me?"
The directness of the question startled Sharwyn immensely and she sat up and turned away from him.
Caldor looked around and sat up. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to…"
"No it's alright Cal, I just wasn't expecting that."
He rested a hand on her shoulder and she looked back at him. She opened her mouth to say something but decided against it. "If you don't want to answer that's okay. Heh, I don't know what I was thinking."
He turned away from her and looked up at the sky. "You're probably still with that Dannen guy…"
It felt like an icy hand had taken hold of her heart and was steadily squeezing it. She could hear the hurt in his voice. Tears threatened to fall again but she shook it away.
She turned to him and her hand hovered over his shoulder, "Caldor…"
He didn't turn to look at her. Instead he looked down at the ground then sighed. "Maybe…I'll go see your mother now. It's still light out." He made to stand up but Sharwyn stopped him. She wrapped her arms around his neck.
"I didn't mean to hurt you…it's just… I'm confused about some things at the moment. When I figure them out I'll give you my answer okay." Caldor could hear her voice trembling. He touched her arms and nodded.
He felt her lean forward onto his back and her grip tighten a little. The tiny sniffle alerted him that she was really upset.
"Sharwyn?"
"It's alright. I've been a mess all day." Her arms fell from around his neck allowing him to turn around. Sharwyn turned away from him to hide her face. A few tears had snuck out. He gently stroked her arm then moved his hand up to her cheek. She looked at him sadly and he smiled at her.
"How long has it been since we first met?" he asked quietly.
"A…month? It went by so quickly…"
"Only one month and I've fallen madly in love with you. Don't you think that's strange?"
"Not at all. I'm 'miss love at first sight' remember?" She smiled and placed her hand over his. "Soon I'll have my answer for you Caldor. You won't be disappointed." She leaned forward and kissed him softly. Sharwyn pulled away from him quickly before he could react and stood up. She turned and walked into the room, turning to glance at him briefly while brushing her hair away from her face and disappearing further into the suite.
Caldor stared after her for a few moments longer then stood up and buttoned up his shirt.
"I'm going out now. I'll… see you later then."
When she didn't answer, he sighed and walked out the door.
Marise smiled as she put the finishing touches on the coat, glancing occasionally at the front door. She paused a moment to take a sip of her tea before returning her attention to the coat. Her tongue poked out the side of her mouth a little as she finished up the stitching on the collar.
"Ah yes! This is a fine coat indeed." Marise smiled triumphantly at her handiwork and gently folded it up and placed it on a small table next to her chair.
A sharp rap at the door alerted her that her guest had finally arrived. "Come on in dear."
The door opened slowly and Caldor poked his head in. "Hello ma'am."
"Come in here young man! Don't hover outside my door." Marise said with a smile.
Caldor chuckled and entered the small house quickly, shutting the door behind him.
"Here…this is for you." Marise handed him the coat.
"You… really made this for me?" Caldor asked as he unfolded the coat and looked it over. It was dark grey and reached down to the tops of his knees. He tried it on and found that it wasn't a snug fit and was a tad loose. It still fit him well enough and he removed it, draping it over his arm.
"Of course."
"I thank you, m'lady. 'Tis a fine coat." He said quietly.
Marise watched him stare at the coat, gently rubbing it between his fingers.
"Something troubles you. No doubt it has to do with my daughter."
"Am I really that transparent?" he whispered.
"Come over here…poor boy." Caldor walked to her side and knelt down next to her. Marise placed her hand on his head and smiled at him.
"She just needs a little time that's all. Oh my, I wish I understood that daughter of mine better. She's only making it hard on her self. The answer is in front of her all the time." Caldor looked up at her and smiled a little.
"I do hope she makes up her mind soon before it makes her sick. You two are so perfect together. Oh… you two would have such beautiful children…"
Caldor blushed and tried to keep himself from laughing.
"What are you laughing at? I'm serious! I would like to see some grandchildren before I die."
"Maybe you should be talking to your daughter about grandchildren."
"I know dear." Marise sighed and patted his head. "You should get going. I need to take a nap."
Caldor nodded and kissed the top of Marise's hand, "My thanks again for the coat."
Marise laughed and waved him away. "Go on you."
Caldor stood up and bowed then walked out the door briskly.
Marise shook her head. 'That girl would be a fool not to choose him.'
Caldor looked around the district as he exited Marise's house. Ever since it had been announced that the cure was in the works the place seemed completely different. People were coming out of their houses and beginning to rebuild the city. Businesses had opened up again and life seemed to be returning to normal for the people.
Any citizens that recognized him patted him on the back and offered him drinks and money. He politely declined and continued to make his way through the city core. He looked up at the sky and sighed as dark rain clouds rolled over the city.
'It was clear not too long ago.'
He slipped on his coat and pulled the hood up over his head. Caldor raised an eyebrow as he adjusted the coat. "Damn…I can barely see under this thing."
He slipped his hands into his pockets and continued toward Blacklake district.
The former residents had reoccupied the servant's quarters and the deranged infected men had either been killed or subdued. Now the area was in the process of being rebuilt.
The builders waved to Caldor as he walked past them. He forced himself to smile and hid his face further under the hood.
Quickening his pace, he soon reached his destination. The rain was coming down in torrents now so he began running back to the inn. As he was running he hit a slippery portion of the road and fell face forward into the watermill stream.
He pushed himself up and frowned. Smoothing his hair back away from his face he stood and looked up at the sky. "Nice." He growled.
Caldor continued towards the inn and yanked the door open as he neared it.
"Oh hey bo-" Kellisai stopped as Caldor glared at her.
"Um…right."
He stiffly walked up the stairs, grumbling all the way.
"Hmm…wonder what's bothering him."
"Looks like he is in serious need of some companionship if you know what I mean." The bartender snickered as he leaned against the bar.
Kellisai flicked a peanut at him and rolled her eyes. "You wouldn't be saying that if he was down here right now."
"Of course not! Do I look suicidal to you?"
Kellisai giggled and continued to eat her peanuts.
Sharwyn hugged the pillow tightly as she stared outside. The rain could be considered almost soothing if she could keep herself focused on it. Her train of thought always switched back to Caldor, preventing her from thinking about anything else. She was hungry and thirsty but she didn't care. He was all she could think about.
Sharwyn had made up her mind shortly after he had left to see her mother. The very idea that it would be difficult to choose between him and Dannen seemed preposterous when she thought about it.
'I know my mother will be thrilled when she finds out…she would no doubt slap me on the head and wonder what was wrong with me for not knowing this sooner. I wonder how that visit went anyway.'
She heard the sharp creak as the door opened and turned her head to look. The first thing she noticed was that Caldor was wet and irritated.
'I wonder why he looks so angry. It couldn't have been my mother, she adores him.'
She sat up and looked at him, offering a tiny smile.
"What's the matter sweetheart?"
His irate expression faded slightly as he looked in her direction. He grinned a little and scratched the back of his head. "I slipped."
Sharwyn rolled off the bed and walked over to him. "Look at you…you're soaked. Take these wet clothes off before you become ill." Sharwyn helped him out of his coat and hung it near the fireplace.
Caldor looked down at his shirt and grimaced. He began unbuttoning it and looked over at Sharwyn. "Will this shirt be okay?"
Sharwyn smiled at him as she took the shirt from him. "The shirt will be fine. All we have to do is hang it up to dry." She told him as she walked over to where his coat was hanging.
"Okay." He hooked his thumbs on the waist of his pants and rocked on his heels.
Sharwyn watched him, gently tapping her foot on the ground. "Well?"
"Well what?"
"Are you not going to take those off?"
"What? Right now? Here?"
"Um…yes." Sharwyn stated in a matter of fact manner.
Caldor stared at her for a moment then laughed, "Nice one. These aren't that wet, I'll be fine."
"Caldor, those pants are soaked through! Take them off now or I'll have to yank them off myself."
The thought made him grin and he crossed his arms in a defiant manner, "I'd love to see you try."
Sharwyn rolled her eyes and shook her head. "Fine be that way. I hope you get sick too you big knucklehead. I'm going downstairs to get myself something to drink."
She leisurely walked towards the door. Caldor watched her from the corner of his eye but didn't budge from his spot on the floor. As she reached for the doorknob, Sharwyn glanced at Caldor and grinned. Turning quickly she lunged at him hoping to catch him off guard.
Quick as a flash, Caldor twisted around and lifted Sharwyn up by the waist. She squeaked in dismay as he grinned at her and ran towards the bed. He jumped up and landed on his back, laughing at Sharwyn when she smacked him on the chest.
"You nut!"
"Well you were going to tackle me. What was I supposed to do? Stand there?"
"Yes." Sharwyn picked her disheveled self up from off the bed and straddled him, "Yes you were."
"Ah." Caldor sat up on his elbows and looked up at her.
Sharwyn smirked at him and stretched her arms up over her head, revealing her midriff.
"Um hmm…you do know you're teasing me again right?"
"I am not teasing you Cal. Let's just say I'm…revealing what is rightfully yours."
This caught his full attention and he quirked his head to the side. "So…"
"Yes, I've decided already. Well I decided not to long after you left. I have no idea what I was thinking…I love you Caldor. With all my heart." She smiled at him.
Caldor could barely contain his joy and hugged her tightly. Sharwyn laughed and patted him on the head.
"I mean really Caldor, was there really a doubt?"
"For a second there…" He looked at her and offered a lopsided grin, "yea… kind of."
"Ha ha, no. My mother would have me committed to a mental hospital if I had said otherwise."
Caldor looked at her for a moment and smiled, "You know…when I went to see your mother she informed me that…uh…she thought we would have beautiful children one day. Isn't that funny?"
Sharwyn stared at him for a second and her expression softened, "You know…we probably would."
"Yea…perhaps. Hmm…"
The two sat in silence for a short period, staring each other with small smiles.
Telling Caldor how she felt had lifted a great weight off Sharwyn's shoulders. Looking at him now made it all the better.
Caldor didn't know what to think. His mind was in so many states of happiness he almost felt like an idiot. 'Damn, I feel like the luckiest man alive.'
"You know…I could consider this the best day of my life." He told her quietly.
"I could say the same." Sharwyn smiled at Caldor and leaned down to kiss him. She bit his bottom lip gently and pinched his waist.
"Oh... you want to get rough huh? I'll show you rough." He rolled over on top of her and started biting her neck, making her laugh. Sharwyn wiggled from under him and rolled away from him on the bed. Caldor smirked and lunged at her. They both ended up rolling off the bed; giggling like children in the tangle of limbs they found themselves in.
"Heh, you nut…"