A/N: Ow, ow, ow, ow...dog put a hole in my hand, sorry for the short chapter.
Well, crap.
We were walking into Naylee's swamp when I caught her. Jaheira was humming to herself. I had never heard her display any affinity for music, never seen it displayed. I interpretted it for happiness, I suppose. She was happy. Aerie seemed content. They stood to either side of me like bodyguards to the dukes of Baldur's Gate. I looked at her, and she stopped humming and stared right back at me.
"What?"
"Nothing," I replied, suppressing a snicker. I had to snicker. Swamp. Women fighting over me. Powerful folk trying to kill me. I had to laugh at the ridiculousness of the situation. Not in a million years did I think I would be hassling a witch in a swamp. Then again, I didn't think Jaheira would be singing either. And so, while I was musing in a fit a dark humor, we got jumped by ghosts. Smooth move, slick.
Surprisingly, the first came in the guise of Gorion. It HAD been done before, numerous times. I wasn't fooled then, and I wasn't fooled now. It went on about how disappointed it was in me. I just stared dully at it for a little bit.
"Ummm...yeah. Nice try, mister doppleganger...shadow...whatever you are. I know Gorion better than that. I don't have to explain myself to a shade."
"You doubt ME, your own FATHER?"
"Why yes, yes I do."
Flames licked at my feet, singed armor. It hurt something awful, but I had seen worse. I gritted my teeth, hand on Aerie and Jaheira's shoulders. They readied weapons.
"You doubt me. What of your companions?"
"Oh, shut up."
Hands extended. I couldn't see anything, of course. But there were apparently apparitions abounding. Aerie, Jaheira, and Viconia cried out. This was, of course, not a good thing. I Looked hard, couldn't see anything. No visions, no flames, no wounds. I glared at the smug Gorion-ghost.
Aerie cried out for her mother, reached, advanced. A hand on her slim shoulder stopped her. I looked to Minsc and Sarevok. Imoen stared ahead. Viconia pulled back.
"Brother?"
"Khaaaaaliiid?"
Well, I didn't see any way for this confrontation to be any less of a disaster. So, I lurched forwards, and threw myself at the wraith.