Vermin
Kanara Erion led her party back out into the fleeting sunshine of Athkatla's Slums. All five of them were rather ill at ease from the distant goal that had been set before them by the thief called Gaelan Bayle, and none of them were sure that the large payment he demanded was possible to obtain through legitimate means alone. That's where Yoshimo came in handy. Though Kanara was sure that she'd receive numerous complaints and criticisms from the rest of the party, she was positive that she would need to bend Athkatla's laws in order to fulfill her quota.
Aw, well, she thought to herself. They shouldn't be traveling with me if they expect that this journey is going to be completely lawful.
The door to Gaelan Bayle's home shut with a snap behind her, its rusty hinges creaking in protest of the use. Kanara looked around and suddenly felt like an ant lost in the middle of a grass field, clueless as to which way to go or how to find her way out. She would have to keep her wits about her if she hoped to avoid being stomped on.
Suddenly, a young boy's voice addressed her, and she immediately searched for the source of the sound. "Hoy! You'd be the one I's watchin' for, aye? Uncle Gaelan told me to give you a bit of help to find some work. Listen up, eh!" the boy called as he approached the party, intrepid and gregarious in his words. He looked to be about eleven years old, but already seemed adept at the ways of the street and Kanara imagined he was already skilled in pilfering items from any available pockets that crossed his path.
"You must be Brus," Kanara said to the child, recalling the name that Gaelan had mentioned.
"Aye, that I am," Brus replied, his eager child face lightening into a grin. "And you be needin' some coin to line yer pockets, eh? I gots just the place for you. If you go to the Bridge District, there's this place called the Five Flagons. They gots some sort of play goin' on there. You're a bard, eh? Maybe you'd want to check it out. Do you want me to show you to the edge of the Slums?"
"Actually, we've been contemplating visiting a tavern called the Copper Coronet," Kanara said. "Can you take us there?"
The boy shrugged carelessly. "Sure thing. It's just down the street 'ere. Make sure you stay close, 'cause I won't be waitin' for ye."
And with that, the boy turned and began walking down the south streets, his pace faster than Kanara would have expected from such a young child. He moved much like his uncle did: quickly and never breaking step until he arrived at his destination. That's how things were in the Slums – if you were slow, thieves would catch up with you. Life in the slums was survival of the fittest, and Kanara could almost compare it to the hazards of traversing in dangerous uncharted territory. One wrong move here could be your last.
The boy led them past a small gnomish house and several abandoned residences; his diminutive presence unnoticed by the homeless and the beggars. Kanara did her best to follow in his exact footsteps and was careful to keep an eye on her party members to make sure they didn't step out of line in any unsafe way. They had soon arrived at the front of the Copper Coronet, and Brus gestured towards the door.
"'Ere we are," he said. "The Copper Coronet."
"Thank you, Brus," Kanara said.
"Don't be thankin' me. Be thankin' me uncle for keepin' an eye out for ye. Ye'd be dead in minutes if it weren't fer him and his… contacts."
Kanara looked at him quizzically.
"But ye didn't hear nothin' 'bout that from me, mind you. And a wise word to ye before ye goes in there – keep yer head down while yer in the Slums. No need t' go shoutin' your name all over the streets or the taverns. Better t' stick to background while yer here; ye wouldn't want some bad people t' be getting a hold of yer name."
"Would we really be that much of a target?" Aerie asked.
"Couldn't rightly say. Don't know anythin' 'bout you. All I knows is that if Uncle Gaelan wants a hold of ye, then a bunch o' other people probably want to as well. But some more advice: stick with me uncle. He'll know what t' do with ye."
Kanara nodded. "We'll see."
Brus shrugged. "It's yer life, I s'pose. Speakin' of which, I got t' get outta here. I got better things t' do than guide adventurers down to their waterin' hole. Goodbye!" And with that, the youthful boy turned on his heel and disappeared into the shadows of the streets, leaving Kanara and her party without escort. They turned towards the door.
The immediate and overwhelming smell of alcohol blasted the party as they entered the front door to the Copper Coronet, drunken laughter howling, serving girls taking orders and trying to ignore the rude comments from the drunkards; it was one milieu that Kanara finally felt that she could relate to. It may not be attractive by most people's standards (and even for Kanara, this tavern was a little uncouth) but this truly was where a bard belonged unless she was off adventuring and seeking her fortune. Suffice to say, Kanara knew her way around hostelry from years of experience.
The rest of her party did not seem to take to their new surrounding in such a welcoming manner, except for Yoshimo, who didn't seem to change his demeanor whatsoever.
"Ugh, Kanara, what is that smell?" Aerie whined, wrinkling her nose at the dank air of the bar.
Kanara turned to the young elf with a playful grin on her face. "Why, that's the smell of wine, beer, and whiskey, fair Aerie! That's the smell of enjoyment, pleasure, and satisfaction; the smell of cheating husbands, scoundrels, drunkards! That's the smell of retired adventurers whom comprise hours upon hours of exciting tales of escapade and woe; now squandering their riches by drowning themselves in a mug of ale! There's a limitless supply of legendary tales of adventure and anguish that are exchanged in a tavern, and I'll not leave until I get my piece of it all!"
Aerie stared at Kanara quizzically, obviously at a loss for why anyone would choose to stay in such a vulgar place longer than necessary. She looked away, taking in her surroundings as though assessing the damage of a ruined building.
"Truly a bard down to the core, aren't you, Kanara?" Yoshimo said with a laugh.
"Boo agrees with Aerie," Minsc said. "This place is filthy and reeks of foul deeds. I hope we do not stay here long."
"Come then, my friends," Kanara announced. "This tavern is but a stone in the mud, and it is time we lifted it to see what kind of worms squirm underneath."
The bard looked to the left and spotted the bar off in the distant section of the ground floor, stools flooded with customers, and concluded that that would be as good a place as any to start her thorough dissection of the Copper Coronet. She led the way towards their destination and spotted a large circular fighting pit built into the left-most wall of the building, and was immediately intrigued. There was a dark-haired man standing in front of the pit, his face halfhearted and his back slouched. Kanara approached him inquisitively, but only after she spoke did the man acknowledge her presence by actually looking at her.
"Excuse me," she said, and was rewarded with his eyes. "What is this fighting pit for?"
He frowned at the interruption. "What do you think it's for, little elf? Use yer head, girl; this is a fighting pit, so obviously, it is used for fighting."
She looked through the bars into the dirt of the ring. Old blood spattered several patches on the walls and she thought she could see a finger lying alone on the far side. "Animal fights?" she asked.
"Yeah, dog fights," the man replied. "But should any people get into a scuffle and be makin' trouble at the bar, I'll not say no to lettin' 'em into the pit to settle their dispute. Keeps the bar cleaner, you see. Less blood."
"I do see," Kanara said.
"You… you make dogs fight each other in there?" Aerie asked. "That's horrid!"
"Don't be daft, girl," the man retorted. "Keep's them dogs off the streets, it does. They're dangerous free, but at least this way we gets to make some money off of 'em."
Aerie scowled, but chose not to reply.
Kanara heard several men behind her snickering about something they obviously thought was quite entertaining. She suddenly got the strange feeling that they were laughing at her, and she quickly turned around to make sure that wasn't the case.
There were three men standing round a nearby table, their faces lit with mirth and amusement, and Kanara quickly realized that the trio was indeed directing their scorn towards her and group. The rest of the party was soon aware of this as well, and were all staring dumbly at the laughing men, at a loss for their source of hilarity. Kanara frowned and was about to turn away when one of the men called out to her.
"Hoy! Well if it isn't a little dolly girl, dressed up like an 'adventurer,'" said the largest man. Kanara gazed at them curiously.
"Yeah, what do you plan t' do? Off t' kill a dragon, are we?" a second mocked.
Kanara narrowed her eyes maliciously.
"Let's just leave, Kanara," Yoshimo said. "No point in getting involved in this."
"That's right, slink away with yer tail between yer legs where it belongs. Ain't no room in this town for would-be warriors, dolly girl. Back into the toy trunk you go," the first man scoffed.
"If I was ever so unfortunate as to be you," Kanara retorted through clenched teeth, "I'd keep a more vigilant watch over my tongue when speaking to my physical superiors, lest I lose it soon enough."
"Oy, oy! That sounds like a bleedin' challenge, it does. You want a fight, dolly girl? You won't be able to beat me."
"Yeah, you're the best, Amalas!" one of the other two men said enthusiastically.
"Hey, Surly! Surly!" Amalas addressed the brusque pit-keeper. "Hey, open the pit, eh? Looks like I got me here some meat with a blade that wants t' fight!"
"Alright, I hear ye, no need t' yell," the dark-haired man said grouchily, unlocking the door to the fighting pit. It swung open with a creak from the dried blood that clogged its hinges.
Kanara tilted her head. She heard Jaheira mutter something like, "You can't be serious," and Aerie involuntarily took several steps backwards as though she expected a bloody swordfight to explode any moment. Kanara shook her head in response to Amalas' offer. "If I wanted to spar with street rabble, I'd pick a fight with the beggars on the road. I'll be taking my leave of you now, urchin."
"Not so fast, dolly girl," Amalas snarled, reaching his hand towards Kanara's arm. She immediately recoiled as his fingers wrapped around her upper arm, but he had a strong grip and refused to let her loose. "I said I wants t' fight with ye, and it'd be downright rude of ye to snub my offer."
The elf again attempted to pull away from Amalas' hold, but to no avail. "Release me, human!" she cried, but was only responded with a sharp yank from his wrist. He pulled her close and shoved her into the muscled wall of his two associates, and they immediately replaced Amalas' grip on both of her arms.
"Let go of her!" Jaheira commanded, but the two men were already pushing the elf into the fighting pit. The pit-keeper watched unenthusiastically, making no motion to the stop the harassment as the squirming and kicking Kanara was tossed through the open pit gate in front of him. She was forced to take several steps forward from the momentum of the thrust, and quickly whirled around to try and escape through the still unlocked gate but found that Amalas had followed her through the only exit, blocking the path.
The massive man approached her, his looming shadow covering her meager elf body with ease. He slowly reached for the leather scabbard on his belt and revealed a chipped and old yet massively large sword, the blade slicing through the air as he raised it high into the ambient torchlight. Kanara had no choice but to draw her own rapiers, their heavy and awkward weights still foreign to her hands.
"So… ye wants t' fight, dolly girl?" she heard Amalas mutter, quite clearly not searching for any particular answer. He charged at her, his boots crunching the gravel and bloodied dirt beneath their feet, and swung his blade as though to chop down an entire tree with one blow. Kanara effortlessly ducked below the shoddily choreographed swing and darted past the over-eager man, tapping his back lightly with one of her blades as she past by his torso. Amalas clearly had no experience with a sword, and was perhaps not entirely sober, for his attack was careless and imprecise. She could have easily crippled the man right then and there, but refrained to do so. She hadn't even wanted a fight in the first place.
Amalas quickly turned around, glaring at the slippery elf with rage burning in his eyes. He lunged with another swing, this one also unfocused, and Kanara again dodged the blow with cat-like grace. Another swing. She parried this one, using her dual swords to create an "X" as a shield. Then followed another two attacks from the hostile man, and Kanara was still without a scratch.
By this time Amalas was ready to burst with frustration and embarrassment, and Kanara noticed that his swings were becoming increasingly more forceful though increasingly less accurate. Their little brawl had suddenly drawn quite a crowd, Kanara realized as she looked through the bars of the fighting pit. Locals and regulars amassed around the circular pit, their numbers ever growing, and she heard them whispering things like: "Amalas is fighting a woman," and "Amalas is losing to that woman!" Cheers began to erupt from the crowd as she dodged the blows, and Kanara suddenly felt as though she was on stage in a theater and she had a room full of an applauding audience.
She rather liked it!
She looked to her party members who were standing near the gate, each with a different expression on their face. Aerie looked worried, her brow creased and hands folded together at her chest in concern. Minsc seemed impassive, though Yoshimo wore an amused smirk on his face. Jaheira, as always, looked to be indignant and disapproving, as though she thought that this entire encounter was a waste of time. In many ways, she was right, as much as Kanara hated to admit it.
Amalas' face was red with humiliation and shame, though he refused to give up on the offensive despite the fact that he had rapidly become the laughing stock of the entire tavern. He continued to swing, never once actually hitting his target.
"We almost finished here, human?" Kanara mocked.
"Not… not until I have your head!" Amalas panted.
"Have it your way, then… but don't say I never gave you the opportunity to flee," she replied, and promptly twirled past him in a whirlwind of blades, the gleam of their smooth razor edges turning a sickly dark red as both swords sliced through the flesh of Amalas' right bicep.
His cry of pain was drowned out by a sudden roar of Kanara's audience, the explosion spurred at the long-aspired-for sight of blood. Cheers of glee and entertainment rang throughout the tavern, and Kanara turned her attention to her gracious audience. Nearly every soul in the building had come to watch her fight, excitement buzzing through the swarm, and Kanara felt oddly satisfied, like a thirst for eminence had just been partly quenched. She lived for a cheering audience, and there was no place in the world she'd rather be at that very moment than performing for her fans.
She looked at the cringing Amalas, blood dripping from his open wound like red tears. He was cradling and whimpering over his arm as though she had severed it entirely, his eyes watering from the pain. She frowned and put her swords at the ready, and Amalas' face quickly turned from pitiable to determined. He abandoned his aching arm and once again took a hold of his gargantuan two-handed sword, anger and malice dominating his emotions.
He charged once again, aiming for her head this time, though something was different about his approach. It wasn't so sloppy or slapdash this time; in fact, it resembled the attack of an experienced fighter – or, perhaps, mediocre at least – and it caught Kanara off guard. She half-parried with only one sword, not expecting such a refined assault, and grimaced as Amalas' sword clashed with hers, her grip faltering as his might pushed against her guard. He pushed against her sword with all the strength he could muster, ignoring the screaming pain of his arm, and Kanara's eyes widened as her blade was slowly pressed closer and closer to her face. This fight had suddenly turned into a standoff of physical strength rather than agility, and Kanara was nowhere as fluent in that language of battle. Amalas' blade began to slide down hers, ever nearer to her exposed hands holding tightly to the sweaty hilt. Finally, Amalas' strength proved superior and their swords slipped, causing Amalas' blade to cut into her forearm. She watched, horrified, as blood began to seep from her new wound, and quickly retreated several steps away from her aggressor.
Both of the fighters stood shocked for a moment, deaf to the screams and yells of the frenzied crowd. They had both drawn each other's blood… this fight was no longer Kanara's; they were now equal.
Kanara scowled menacingly. No one stole her audience.
She forgot about her wound and thought about whether or not to bring a touch of the arcane arts into this battle, if just to bring awe to her spectators. But then she remembered what Jaheira had told her about Athkatla the previous afternoon: "Magic is forbidden in Athkatla," she had said wisely. "I would not advise use of it except in the most dire of situations." Kanara thought on this for a moment, remembering what had happened to Imoen when she used her magic, even to help the Cowled Wizards neutralize their target. Perhaps using her magic would not be the most logical way to finish this fight.
Amalas had finally recovered from the surprise of his recent success, and a sinister smile, one full of hope, was stretched across his face. He ran at her once more, sword help upright in preparation for another swing, his maniacal grin exposing two rows of bloody teeth. In a split second, Kanara realized how she would end this futile fight with this meaningless bastard, and instantaneously readied herself for her final act.
She waited until Amalas was just one step in front of her, his sword beginning to move towards her in hopes of another hit, and she turned sideways so that she was to the left of the quickly approaching man. With one undulating motion, she slammed her longswords into the hands that held the gigantic sword and they instantaneously released their hold, sending the weapon askew. It fell into the dirty ground with a puff of dust, a metallic ringing humming through the building. At the same time, Kanara had protruded her ankle into the man's path and he tripped over the obstacle, tumbling to the ground like a sac of flour. He landed on his back looking up at Kanara with fear-filled eyes, desperately trying to scramble to his feet.
Kanara lowered her swords so that one was a few inches from his face and the other pinning his chest; the disarmed man quite incarcerated by her authority. The crowd was now positively bellowing with cheers and primal ovation; cheering for Kanara who had bested such a man in melee combat when clearly no one else had.
"Kill him! Kill him!" some people of the audience cried.
"Chop off his arm and feed it to the dogs!" yelled others, their faces creased with madness.
Kanara glanced at her party members again. She looked into Aerie's troubled young eyes and lingered over Jaheira's objecting features, and knew what they wanted to see her do…
She thought for a moment. These drunkards and ruffians who were cheering her on, guiding her down the frenzied and meaningless path of pointless murder weren't her audience – her party was. They were the ones she wanted to impress with her performance, for it was their opinion of her that actually had an impact on her life, as much as she reviled to acknowledge it or told herself that was not the case.
With every action Kanara took, she was painting a portrait of herself for everyone else to see. She was painting her personality, her motivation, her alignment; everything about her had to be stretched across one mighty canvas, and at the moment, she was painting with all the wrong colors. Did she want to smear murder, mindless brawling, and bedlam across her image? No, that was not the masterpiece she desired to create; that was not what she wished others to perceive. She wanted to fashion a portrait that people would look upon with awe; one that people would admire and would be pleasing to eye.
That's what she wanted her party members to see.
She looked down upon the cowering Amalas, his clothes sticky with blood and dirt. He had his eyes closed now, listening to the ominous crowd that was demanding his death, and probably expected a killing blow to sever his head any moment now. There would be no profit from destroying this man.
Kanara sighed and sheathed her left sword. "Get up, human," she said quietly, reaching out her hand to aid Amalas to his feet.
The man slowly opened his eyes and looked up at her, hesitant of whether or not to trust her. He stared at her for a long time, trying to figure this warrior out, for her actions simply didn't match up. Cautiously, he took her outstretched hand and she pulled him onto his feet, not saying a word and not tearing his eyes away from hers, as though peering into the eyes of some sort of alien.
He regained his balance and their hands separated.
Another moment passed.
Suddenly, a tremendous chorus of booing and disapproving hisses were spat from the crowd, their expectations of blood and gore unmet. They began to bang their hands upon the metal grating that cased the fighting pit maliciously, as if trying to enter the pit to finish the job themselves.
Kanara surveyed them with a glazed look in her eye, a portion of herself still wishing to satisfy their bloodlust. She was a bard, after all, and it was difficult for a bard to give up a chance to please an audience, no matter how primitive that audience may be.
She looked to her party members who still stood near the gate. Aerie was… smiling. Minsc appeared favorable as well. And Jaheira… Kanara could have sworn that she saw one brief sparkle of approval flash across her elven face. Such an accomplishment was no small feat; that druid had barely approved any choice ever made by Kanara in her entire life. It was this audience whom she had impressed, and just that slight glimpse of sanction from Jaheira made Kanara feel as though a room full of a thousand nobles were cheering for her after a phenomenal performance.
It was odd, too, though… Kanara had never cared much about Jaheira's approval. The two of them were just so different that she had never expected much support from the druid. Jaheira had little respect for many of Kanara's life choices, such as her barding, nor ever would, as far as Kanara's knowledge. Kanara knew that Jaheira was a Harper, a large barding organization, and therefore must appreciate the bard occupation, but she never seemed to approve of Kanara's choice of becoming a bard. Jaheira had always considered her hours of practicing her music and poetry a waste of time and had never hesitated to make her opinion vocal. "Such time reading tales of other adventurer's voyages and woe could be far better spent living your own adventure," she had always said, though her constant barrages of irksome nags had not deterred Kanara from following her dream of becoming a famous bard. She hoped to one day perform music and plays for the most dignified people of Faerun, though was considerably side-tracked by the discovery of divine heritage and now the capture by Irenicus. From a bard's point of view, however, such journeys were simply more material to write about… once she had the time to do so.
Amalas cleared his throat. "Thank… thank you," he muttered, still flushing with embarrassment. "You spared my life even after what I said to ye earlier. Ye've got my most sincere thanks, dolly girl."
"Don't make me blush," Kanara laughed. "And don't call me 'dolly girl.'"
"Yes ma'am," Amalas said sheepishly.
They both walked towards the gate, an echo of the still sounding boos trailing behind them. Surly, the pit-keeper, promptly opened the gate for them as they exited, his face its usual unexpressive plaster. Amalas hastily returned to his fellows, head lowered in shame, and left the Copper Coronet without another word. He probably wouldn't be returning for quite some time.
The tavern quieted considerably as the disgruntled crowd began to dissipate with frowns on their faces, and Kanara's party approached her as soon as she left the restraints of the pit. Kanara stood tall and dignified before them, as though waiting to be judged.
"Boo knew you wouldn't kill the silly man!" Minsc chimed, a rather exaggerated grin on his face. "Such effort should not be wasted on the foolish, but rather saved for the butt-kicking of evil!"
Kanara gave an empathetic smile towards the ranger. She knew he meant well, but his insane ravings were rarely meaningful to her, for they all ended up sounding very much alike after such a long time of traveling with him.
"I-I'm glad you decided to let him go," Aerie said quietly. "He wasn't worth your time, Kanara. And I'm rather relieved that we have all been spared the gruesome sight of his… entrails ending up all over you."
Kanara chuckled. If Aerie continued to travel with her throughout their search for Irenicus, she'd end up seeing far worth things than the decapitation of one street-thug, of this Kanara was sure. But she'd see a lot of other things as well; beautiful things that she never would see if she were to be stuck in the circus all of her life, and Kanara hoped that would be enough to balance the scale.
She looked at Yoshimo, but his face was stone. He didn't seem disapproving nor approving in this matter, and chose not to speak his opinion, if he even had one.
And finally, Kanara turned to Jaheira. Her face was rather expressionless as well, as though nothing had transpired in that pit that was remotely worth consent, criticism, or even mention. They gazed at each other for a lengthy moment. Kanara felt she was due some sort of comment or explanation for the fleeting look of approval she received, though Jaheira seemed intent on pretending it didn't happen. Kanara had no idea why.
The druid gave a small inward sigh. "That's quite a gash you have on your arm there," she said slowly, feeling the many pairs of eyes on her. "Do you want me to take a look at it?"
Kanara gawked at her for another moment before replying. "It feels fine."
"Kanara, it's bleeding all over your –"
"I said, it feels fine," she interrupted curtly. "I'll take care of it."
Jaheira opened her mouth to protest, but quickly closed it again after Kanara's subtle glare. It was the glare that Kanara always gave when something had angered her, though she did not want to humiliate herself arguing or fighting about it. Such a glare silently though clearly stated: "Back off." Even Jaheira obeyed that message, and the rest of the party felt the concealed tension as well.
"Let's go," Kanara growled, stalking past them sourly.
The group followed her in silence, ignoring the stares they received from the patrons who had so recently been booing Kanara's performance. They looked down upon her distastefully as though she were walking down death row, but Kanara hardly noticed; her emotions were too peeved by Jaheira's blatant excuse for empathy. Put out from being disregarded, the drunkards soon lost interest; their attention returning to the waitress' figures and the shine of the gold coins they gambled on the card tables.
The tavern had soon changed entirely back into its normal hustle and bustle, the patrons returned to their drinks, the gamblers returned to their games of chance, and everything looked the same from when the group had first arrived. The tavern had forgotten about Kanara's unsatisfactory performance in the fighting pit, and she couldn't help but wonder if she would have received a more long-lasting response if she had killed her opponent as they wished. Would they have remembered the scene for a longer period of time or would it just be swept under the rug, just as they were doing with the memory of her merciful fight?
Kanara cast off her thoughts as they approached the Copper Coronet's serving bar. It looked busy; waitresses flocked the counters like bees buzzing around a hive, pollinating drinks all around the crowded tables, and drunken patrons stumbled mindlessly about the floor, often attempting to grope the waitresses or female customers though where promptly reprimanded with a slap. One fat bartender attended the serving counter producing mug after mug of ales and beers.
The bartender watched them as they came close to the bar, searching their faces for something, though Kanara didn't quite know what. She'd been told that seasoned bartenders would sometimes gain an innate ability to sense the troublemakers at a glance, and perhaps this bartender was scanning them for such intent as he looked them over head to toe with a puckered frown on his lips. His eyes brightened as he caught sight of Jaheira and his scowl immediately evaporated, as though he recognized her.
"Jaheira, my old friend! What a surprise t' see you here in Athkatla!" the bartender cried enthusiastically as the group gathered about the counter. "You remember me, right? 'Bernard'?"
Jaheira smiled. "Yes, I do remember you, Bernard. Quite well."
"Well that's good t' hear. Wouldn't be wantin' to spread my name t' those who don't even recognize me. It's been a long time, Jaheira… and you and your colleagues 'ere are welcome to stay at the Copper Coronet as long as ye like, so long as ye don't bring no funny business in with ye."
Jaheira looked puzzled. "'Funny business'?" she asked. "Why, whatever do you mean?"
"Ye knows right well what I mean. Ye bring any Harper dealings in 'ere, and I won't hesitate t' remove ye. Now what can ol' Bernard get ye and yer pals today?" he asked, turning towards Kanara.
"Arabellan wine," Kanara said as the party each took their seats on the barstools.
"Alright, then. Anythin' for the lady?"
"Just water, thank you," Jaheira replied.
Yoshimo and Minsc continued to order two beers for themselves, though Aerie remained silently obstinate and chose not to purchase any kind of drink. She simply sat on her stool scouring the scenery in silent objection, her lips pursed and brow furrowed. She didn't seem as though she wanted to talk.
"Watched yer little brawl with that arrogant Amalas, I did," Bernard told Kanara as he handed the warriors their drinks. "Should have chopped off his head, I say. Ye got some courage not t' do so, though. The crowds in here can get quite… violent when they're angry at times."
Kanara looked up at him. "Really? How bad is it?"
"Oh, I seen tons o' terrible things happen in here when the crowd gets displeased… There'll be tramplings, fist fights, you name it. Even fires. Small ones, but fires nonetheless. I remember this one time 'bout a year ago, some traveling performer wandered into this here tavern an' began playin' songs for the patrons, just like bards tend t' do. He had the whole building cheering his name, he did… until he refused t' play a certain song that the audience demanded 'cause he thought it promoted hostilities between humans and his race. Blimey… that was the last night he ever performed, yes indeed."
"What happened to him?" Kanara asked.
"The angered mob got a hold of him… enveloped him like a pool full o' quicksand. I heard a rather nasty tearing and crunching sound over the yelling before his corpse was thrust into the air triumphantly over the heads o' the patrons, partially dismembered and bleedin' all over the place. Practically turned inside out, he was."
Kanara wrinkled her nose. "All that because he refused to play a certain song?"
"'Tis true, m'lady. The patrons here are particularly bloodthirsty, especially when grouped together in such a threatening way. I think it's 'cause they have such high expectations for blood and gore from the fights they hold in the back rooms."
"They have animal fights in the back rooms too, do they?"
"Not quite that, I'm afraid. They have men fight against beasts back there; terrible beasts like trolls and rabid wolves and whatnot. I never seen a more gruesome sight in my life."
"People volunteer for these fights?" Kanara asked incredulously.
"Naw, they're forced t' fight. Nasty business, it is. I pretty much try t' stay out of it."
"So the gladiators are slaves, then? Forced to fight an ambitious battle of man against beast, to a slim hope of actually emerging successful? Seems like a waste of blood to me," the elf stated flatly.
"I don't know much about that, m'lady. You'd have t' be talkin' to Lehtinan about the stuff that happens in the back rooms. I just take care of the bar here. Nothin' more."
"That's very wise of you, I can tell," Kanara said as she took a swig from her glass. "Who is Lehtinan?"
"He runs the Copper Coronet," Bernard explained. "Ye might see him 'round here somewhere if ye decide t' stick around for a while… mostly comes out durin' the evenings, he does."
"Thank you, Bernard. Your insights are heartily valued," Kanara said with a charming smile.
"Just doin' me job," the bartender replied. He quickly glanced left and right before leaning closer to the elf and continuing in a hushed voice. "A word to the wise, m'lady… These here slums are not known for their friendly nature. I'd advise ye t' watch your back while you're in Athkatla… a little lady like yourself might find herself a popular target for some ill-intended practices. Never walks the streets alone, even durin' the daylight hours."
Kanara nodded reassuringly. "Don't worry, my friend; this little lady knows the language of the street like that back of her hand. I am quite capable of taking care of myself."
Bernard gave a apprehensive huff. "Ye might think so, but Athkatla is a city like no other. There be thieves behind every corner, cutthroats hiding in every shadow. Ye can't trust anyone ye meet here, and I would suggest even bein' wary when dealin' with those that travel with ye." The man gave a barely noticeable nod towards Yoshimo, who was too busy staring into the depths of his mug of beer to notice or listen to their conversation.
"Him?" Kanara whispered.
"Aye, him," Bernard replied darkly. "Ye don't know him well, eh? Recently joined your group? I can smell the trouble on him a mile away. I wouldn't trust him."
Kanara glanced at the thief out of the corner of her eye. He had begun talking to Aerie about something, so Kanara was quite certain that he hadn't heard what the bartender had said about him. He did seem a little suspicious… though Kanara couldn't put a finger on the exact reason. "I will most definitely take your words… into account," she said slowly.
"That's smart girl. Now I'm afraid I'll have t' leave ye for now, I've got t' go refill my stock here…" Bernard mumbled as he turned towards the nearby storage room. "Have a nice stay, little lady." He sauntered off towards the room, leaving Kanara to her thoughts and drink.
She ran her finger around the mouth of the glass, staring thoughtfully at the wall behind the bartender counter. Could Yoshimo really be insincere? She never did get a straight explanation for why he was down in that dungeon, but he did seem an amiable fellow. Only time would reveal his true nature… and during that time Kanara would be keeping an eye on this shady character, and perhaps try to find out little more about his past.
She continued to gaze at the wall for a few more minutes, listening to the cheerful banter and drunken laughter that surrounded her on all sides. This tavern had taken a rather nasty twist from the first impression she had made of it when they first entered… Kanara had been to taverns full of hostile drunkards and meaningless fighting before, but this one surpassed all the others. Never before had she been in such a bawdy house of violence and slavery and, she could safely assume, prostitution. From the quantity of bouncers that guarded the entrances to the back section of the Copper Coronet, Kanara imagined that there was a whole world of vulgar and coarse activities that took place in the back rooms. Prostitution, illegal drug use, and the beast fights she had been told about were a few that came to mind, but she knew there was probably much more.
She gave a small sigh. Though she appreciated a tavern full of character, this one had almost too much to bear. She felt almost as though she were swimming in it, and knew not where to start her exploration.
The sound of a man clearing his throat from behind her pulled the elf back into reality, and she immediately turned around to face her addressor.
She found herself looking upon a tall man dressed in shining polished armor; armor so flawless that looked as though it had never been subjected to the abuse of battle. His helmet was removed as a sign of chivalry, and he bowed low as soon as she turned to him. He had brown hair that was cut short, blue sparkling eyes and well-placed features upon his face. He appeared young and strong, perhaps just a few years older than Kanara herself, and created an aura of gallantry at just a glance.
"Fair lady," he said in a noble voice, though he seemed hesitant to speak to her, "I happen to have been watching your impressive performance in the fighting pit just a few minutes ago… and I am intrigued by your both your presentation and decision regarding your aggressor."
The rest of the party turned to look at the man curiously at the sound of his voice, and Kanara noticed him shift nervously at the many pairs of eyes watching him. Kanara raised an eyebrow at the man's statement. "I've already got myself a enthusiast union, do I?" she said with a laugh. "Are you here to criticize or eulogize, stranger?"
"Most certainly the latter, Milady," he said politely. "I am taken aback by the courage you possess that allows you to make the righteous decision concerning that overconfident adversary of yours, even in front of an entire room full of people demanding a gruesome death. Such a display is rarely seen here, Milady… and I should most definitely like to join such a virtuous alliance, if your were to have room for one such as I."
Kanara sat stunned for a moment. "I don't even know your name, stranger."
The man smiled an embarrassed grin. "I've forgotten my manners, Milady. Please allow me to introduce myself: I am Anomen Delryn, son of Lord Cor, paladin-in-training for the Order of the Most Radiant Heart." He bowed again.
"And… you wish to join my group? Might I inquire as to why?"
"I seek adventure and recognition," Anomen replied. "I wish to prove myself to my Order in hopes of one day passing my Judgment Test and becoming a true Knight of the Order. Your group here is the only one that I have seen that has one speck of respect for life and decency, my lady, and I should like to be a part of such glory."
Kanara continued to stare at him with her brow raised, not expecting such an offer in such a place. "I do believe you've received the wrong impression about me, Anomen Delryn," she said. "I'm not really the 'noble and virtuous' type, I'm afraid. You'd only soil your clean name traveling with me."
"I refuse to believe it," Anomen said curtly. "Any person who would spare that man you were fighting before a such commanding and violent crowd could be nothing but noble. I heard those rude things that he was saying to you before the fight… I'm not sure even I would have had the self-control to allow such an conceited man to live."
Kanara felt herself blush modestly.
"We travel through perilous grounds, Anomen of the Order," Jaheira interjected judiciously. "And we have no patience for shirkers or laggards. If you journey with us, you must be prepared for an extreme and hazardous experience like no other. Days without sleep, days without food or drink… these are just some of the things that we have had to endure in the past. And those who fall behind are often left behind."
Anomen swallowed. "I'm prepared for such a task, Milady. I have been waiting for an opportunity like this for a long time now, and I'd be a fool to pass it up. I have been yearning for a chance to prove myself to my superiors, and it seems Helm has finally delivered it to my doorstep when you walked through that door."
"You… you're a knight of the Order?" Aerie asked brightly. "That is wonderful! Such a noble occupation!"
"Please, fair lady," Anomen said quietly, "I'm not a knight of the Order quite yet. Only with experience of the road and the battlefield should I ever become one."
"In that case, I'm sure Kanara will allow your company to help you pass your test!" the girl beamed. "R-right, Kanara? D-doesn't our group have room for the divine servants?"
Kanara opened her mouth to speak, but was interrupted by Minsc's loud voice. "Yes, yes! More virtuous heroes to aid in the butt-kicking of evil! The more the merrier!"
Kanara glanced at Yoshimo. He was staring at Anomen darkly, his eyes shadowed disapprovingly. He traced the shine and gleam of the warrior's armor bitterly, his jaw set and face hard. In one split second glance at Kanara she could sense his dissatisfaction as though he had bellowed it in her ear.
"I do not wish to speak for our insightful leader," Jaheira said, "but I feel I must point out that we are in need of more allies if we wish to succeed in our quest. There is considerable safety in numbers, and to turn away a willing friend would be rather foolish."
Kanara ignored her, keeping her eyes fixed on Anomen in thought. Perhaps her party was right; after all, she didn't have any particular objection to working with religious warriors.
"I… I don't only possess skill in the way of combat, Milady," Anomen continued. "I also have knowledge in the healing arts. You got a rather large cut on your arm in your fight," he said, looking compassionately at her bleeding forearm. "Would you like me to mend it for you?"
She had forgotten about her wound, but at the reminder, it began to hurt once again. Anomen took several steps towards her and gingerly took her injured hand, and in doing so Kanara caught a whiff of his scent. He smelled good.
Anomen muttered a few divine words and waved his hand over her gash. Kanara felt a pleasant tingle and warmth as the tear in her flesh sealed back together once again, and new skin grew rapidly over the fading scar. She withdrew her hand and examined her forearm, finding that the remnant of the previously bleeding wound was now nothing more than a barely detectable mark. Anomen smiled at her handsomely. Kanara silently noted that he had very attractive features.
Jaheira gave a light huff from behind her.
"Well, Anomen of the Order," Kanara said with a smile, "I am convinced that you indeed would be a very useful asset to our group. However, I have reservations about people I meet in taverns, this tavern in particular. If you are so fixated on finding honorable work to prove yourself, why would you look here?"
The cleric laughed. "A fair question, my Lady. In truth, I did not come to the Copper Coronet in search of work. I came to… retrieve my father, Lord Cor, from the back rooms of this tavern before he drowns himself in a mug of ale. My father and I did not… choose the same path of occupation or lifestyle, you see."
Kanara nodded thoughtfully. "You need say no more, Anomen. Because we have need of a healer and a fighter, I welcome you into our group."
The man beamed. "Wonderful!" he cried, clapping his hands together. "I shan't disappoint you, my Lady!"
Yoshimo turned away and looked down into his mug once again, pouting. "That's just what we need; another pompous do-gooder within our number," he groused quietly before taking another large gulp of his drink. Aerie glared at him angrily.
"Enough," Kanara declared. "I'll not tolerate any further belligerence today, from any of you. Yoshimo, have another drink, if you must. Perhaps it will cool the fire that burns in your psyche."
Yoshimo narrowed his eyes, but said nothing. Aerie couldn't help but smirk the slightest bit.
"I'm sorry," Anomen said, watching the exchange. "I did not wish to cause any conflict."
Kanara shook her head reassuringly. "You have only caused a small ripple in a smooth lake. Conflict would be a boulder falling in."
Anomen thought for a moment. "Well, that's good to hear, I suppose. I find your poetic language perplexing."
Kanara grinned. "Many do. My words are what repel the unintelligent. Many a thick dwarf has become lost in my very first sentence, and even monks who study the most intricate of writings in the deepest heart of the libraries often ask me to repeat myself."
The newcomer laughed. "Then I do hope that I measure up to your standards," he said, taking a seat next to her.
"Worry not, Anomen," Kanara assured. "I'm sure you'll do fine for yourself in this group." She drained the last few drops from her glass of wine, puckering her lips as it stung her throat. She paused and shut her eyes tight, as though fighting away a headache. "I apologize, everyone, but I'm afraid I'm going to have to take a leave of you this evening," she announced. "The restlessness of last night has finally caught up with me, it seems. I'm going to check out a room and try to get some rest before the afternoon is through."
Jaheira nodded. "Go ahead, Kanara. We all know you've had a rough past couple of days."
Kanara managed a weak smile. "I'm sorry I cannot muster the strength to stay up and talk with our new party member, Anomen. I do not mean to be rude."
"No offense taken, my Lady," he said. "I know the path of an adventurer can be a stressful one. I'm sure we will talk when you are feeling better."
Kanara nodded towards her party and turned back towards the inn rooms, her muscles finally aching with weariness. Her group watched her climb the creaking wooden stairs and disappear through the doors that lead to the back section of the tavern, watchful for any miscreants that might be stupid enough to attempt any sort of unwanted acts on her.
Yoshimo and Minsc then returned to their goblets of ale, and Anomen shifted uneasily at his awkward social predicament. He wasn't entirely sure just how welcome he was in this party, and she wasn't sure whether to speak to the rest of the group to break the ice or if they would prefer to be left alone. He knew for sure that the hooded one, Yoshimo, as Kanara had called him, did not appreciate his company, but he wasn't sure about the druid. Was he truly wanted by this group or was he simply needed from a numbers standpoint?
"So Aerie," he heard Jaheira say, and he was immediately relieved that the group had begun speaking to one another, "I'm curious as to what you think of our esteemed bardic leader."
Aerie stared at Jaheira for a moment as though she was unexpectedly being addressed by a superior. "You… you wish my opinion, Jaheira?" she asked hesitantly.
"Of course. You are as much a part of this group as any of the rest of us. I am merely inquisitive about your interpretation of Kanara, for you have most assuredly seen the least of the world of anyone here, and therefore are the most impressionable. So… what do you think of her? Amiable? Enigmatic?"
"Kanara? Oh, I like her all right. She is charismatic and charming, of that there is no doubt. She seems to get a little… overexcited at times, but she's amusing nonetheless."
Jaheira frowned. "Yes, everyone loves Kanara. She's so charming and witty. Instead of attacking her enemies with the expertise of a refined warrior, she would regale them with a song or tale of riches and adventure."
"I can gather from your demeanor that you and Kanara have… a colorful history?" Aerie asked hesitantly.
"She'd be dead a long time ago if it weren't for me. I spent hours trying to teach her to fight like a skilled warrior as we traveled across the Sword Coast, trying to teach her the feats she'd need in order to survive, protecting her with my life, but it's almost as if all my lessons went in one ear and out the other. Kanara was always far too preoccupied with books and music to focus on her skills of survival. She never appreciated my efforts in the slightest," Jaheira scoffed bitterly.
"Pardon me for interrupting," Yoshimo put in, "but might I point out that, from what I've seen, Kanara is a fine fighter? She obviously can take care of herself on the battlefield."
"Yes, but she is vulnerable when she is alone, for she has poor judgment skills," Jaheira sighed. "She has too much pride – if a group of thugs were to assault her in the middle of night in some dark alleyway, I don't think she would have the sense to back away from bloodshed. She is easily goaded into fights with insults and bribery… and it pains me to watch such a failure in one with so much potential."
Anomen cleared his throat. "But does she not enjoy her poetry and music?" he asked. "It seems to me that we should all be able to choose what path we like; no one should choose it for us. I didn't follow in my father's footsteps like so many sons do, and I'm much happier this way."
"Do not mistake my words; I believe that the path of the bard is a fine profession if one so chooses the path," the druid continued. "However, what irritates me to an gargantuan degree is Kanara's blatant disregard for order and her unwillingness to follow instructions. Back on the Sword Coast she would always find discreet and seemingly unintentional ways to rebel against my guidance, and, I swear, if I am to offer any sort of advice to her she will purposefully choose the reverse action."
Yoshimo raised his eyebrows. "Well, to that I might say that you are perhaps imagining things…"
Jaheira shook her head. "If none of you agree with me, then not a single one of you has any more sagacity than she does," the druid spat. "But I will not waste time arguing, either. Time will reveal Kanara's flaws soon enough."
Anomen watched silently as Jaheira returned to her glass of water, momentarily wondering what kind of a group he had just been admitted to. He certainly didn't want to be in the company of a bunch of warriors who were constantly at each other's throats, but perhaps when Kanara returned, she would be able to calm her restless party. She did seem to have that innate allure and uplifting spirit that could tame any conflict.
He heaved a sigh as he made himself more comfortable by resting an elbow on the bar's counter, subconsciously scanning his surroundings warily. He was certain that his next few weeks were going to be quite eventful, and he hoped that Kanara was indeed the noble and righteous person who he had thought her to be. The banter of his new comrades was giving him considerable doubts. Nevertheless, he had pledged his service to this elven bard of questionable repute, and he would never go back on his word.
Didn't think Anomen would make into Kanara's party did you? No, I didn't think so. It may seem strange now, but rest assured, I have a plan for him. And no, it's not "happily ever after."
Keep both eyes open for some potential romances in the upcoming chapters… and yes, these romances may involve Anomen… but will it end well for him?
Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you next chapter! Please review!
Forbidden Amber