General disclaimer: I own nothing, even Maiyn generally decides her own path.

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Gullykin

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Jaheira's fingers were drumming on the table as she looked at Maiyn. She didn't say anything; she didn't have to say anything to get her feelings across. The ranger stared at the floor dourly, having recounted their adventures up to date for the second time. This time though, she'd been honest.

"I can imagine that the excitement of being out in the wide world is overwhelming," the half-elf eventually said, with restraint in her tone, "but one does not tend to assault an entire encampment of bandits when they lack any real experience of battle."

Her husband nodded in agreement. Khalid had been quiet while Maiyn spoke, but both he and the mage, Dynaheir, mirrored Jaheira's feelings in their expressions. Maiyn knew that the three were disappointed in her rash decisions, and she wished for nothing more than to escape back down to the common room where her companions were eating.

"I'm sorry," she said meekly, being completely sincere. She explained the thoughts she'd had after they'd encountered the spiders, and the self-doubt she'd had to face up to which ultimately was her reasoning for returning to the town. They had arrived at Beregost after detouring to the temple - and Coran had claimed his reward with delight, graciously giving it all to Imoen for the party funds while he remained in their company. They had then performed a routine check of the inns in the town, and found the half-elves and the mage in the Jovial Juggler, having only arrived there recently themselves.

Jaheira's expression softened, and her tone became gentler. "If we sound angry or seem let down, it is only because we are concerned about your safety. You are an adult now, though, and must make your own decisions in this world. We only hope you've learnt that you cannot rely on luck."

Maiyn nodded. "I am... unsure what to do now," she admitted. "I fear leaving the trail to Cloakwood for too long in case we miss our chance to strike there, but I don't feel ready to take on such a task yet."

Khalid patted the ranger's arm, and smiled encouragingly to her. "Jaheira a-and I understand," he said kindly. "P-perhaps we c-can help though."

Maiyn raised an eyebrow.

"We have heard of an occurrence," continued Jaheira, "over by the Firewine Bridge ruins, far to the east of here. A small halfling town is having problems with kobolds, they think they are coming from somewhere within the ruins itself but have not dared to check. You have experienced the creatures, and it may be good experience for you."

Maiyn nodded. "But what about Davaeorn?"

"We c-can split into two groups," explained Khalid. "Jaheira and I will g-go to the Friendly Arms, and base ourselves th-there. We can k-keep an eye on the routes through C-cloakwood, and gather information about the b-bandits around the mine, and the frequency of visitors."

Maiyn relaxed slightly. "That sounds wise," she admitted. "Though I'm slightly surprised that you're letting me go without accompanying me."

Jaheira chuckled. "You have to grow up at some point child, and apart from some recklessness you've coped so far - though in part due to some exemplary luck. Khalid and I shall not always be with you, so gaining a sense of independence so early is only to be encouraged."

"We have met thine new companions," said Dynaheir, speaking for the first time since they had gone upstairs. "They seem to be worthy additions."

Jaheira snorted, and Maiyn raised an eyebrow at her questioningly.

"I wonder if it is your subconscious that has led to you trusting your own kin so much?" the half-elf asked, sounding as if she was merely thinking aloud. "The ranger - Kivan; he seems to be loyal, but he is quiet and withdrawn. You must be cautious of his lust for revenge, for it can make a person act erratically."

Maiyn was about to object to the druid's description of Kivan, but she didn't get a chance as Jaheira turned her attention to Coran.

"The fighter is slightly more concerning," she continued thoughtfully. "His eye is drawn to you more than it should be, yet he is easily old enough to be your father. He seems to be a capable warrior, and I do not doubt that his... lifestyle... has allowed him to acquire some useful skills; but I would keep a wary eye on him."

Maiyn scowled at the Harper, ignoring Khalid's amused look. "Can we go downstairs now?"

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The next day, Maiyn was ready bright and early for her new adventure. She was almost looking forward to the expedition; she knew what to expect from the creatures, Jaheira had explained where she was to head, and Kivan was quite knowledgeable about the area; the chances of getting lost were negligible, and she was comfortable with her companions. Except Dynaheir.

It wasn't that she didn't like the mage; it was just that she didn't know her. She had been through a lot with the others over the past few days, and even though Coran had only joined at Cloakwood, he'd ingrained himself into the party effortlessly so it felt like he'd always been with them. It would be interesting to see how the mage got on with them all.

They marched east in good spirits. Imoen spent her time flitting between Xan and Dynaheir, picking at both their brains with regards to spellcasting, and sometimes pausing to scribble some notes down before scampering to catch up with the others.

Minsc and Branwen walked slightly ahead of the others. The ranger and priestess had a mutual respect for each others battle hardiness, and got along famously. Branwen had given up trying to cure Minsc's head wound, and seemed to be happy in accept his way of thinking, and his counsels with Boo.

The soft sound of elvish chatter brought up the rear, as Kivan and Coran conversed merrily. The extroverted fighter and introverted ranger seemed like an unlikely friendship on the surface, but their kinship had been enough to bring them together for conversations at rest, and they had adopted an easy alliance with each other.

Only Maiyn spent most of the journey walking alone. She didn't even notice her solitude for most of the walk; she watched the others with amusement, and spent a long time caught up in her own thoughts. Being solitary seemed to come easily to her. Much though she enjoyed Imoen's company, she had found it easier and easier to keep to herself since the young thief had devoted her time to Garrick. The initial pangs of loneliness had cleared up, and she'd almost embraced the serenity of her own company.

As the afternoon got late, however, she found herself being flanked by the three other elves. Xan had drifted over, away from Imoen's relentless questions - leaving the Rashemeni witch to quench the aspiring mageling's thirst for knowledge. Coran and Kivan had drawn level with her to her other side, and they began conversing amiably in their native tongue across the female.

"It is a fine day for adventure is it not, friend Xan?" Coran's voice seemed to drift lazily in the air, almost as laidback as the fighter himself seemed to be.

Xan snorted. "Not only do you engage yourself into pointless quests, you also chose the least probable way toward success," he sighed.

"Whatever you are talking about, Xan?" asked Coran, raising an eyebrow. "I am no defeatist."

"I am talking about all mad things you do, Coran!" exclaimed Xan with a slight roll of his eyes. "You are eager to balance on thin branches or climb cliffs under the pouring rain in the name of saving us a few hours by finding a round about route! Your own talents will be your doom." Maiyn let out a small snigger, but kept pretending that she wasn't listening.

"Nonsense, Xan," said Coran with a grin. "Lady Luck smiles at me, and I would be a fool to reject her advances. So I smile back and go. Besides, you cannot imagine the thrill... and it earns smiles from other ladies too."

"I doubt that Lady Luck will be nursing you when you will break your neck," retorted the enchanter dryly. "Or any other lady for that matter."

"Ah, you never know!" Coran's voice almost sounded dreamy. "A tragic hero, and especially the one on the verge of death, is irresistible to some women. I remember one noble lady... she was ice while I was whole, and fire when I was gravely wounded... I could hardly recognize her." Coran deftly manoeuvred himself over to walk beside the mage, and put an arm around his shoulders. "Listen, I will tell you the whole story..."

Xan quickly disentangled himself, and sighed with exasperation, much to the amusement of the Coran and Kivan. "Coran, be honest for once! Confess that your bravado covers the dread of loneliness, and your reckless behaviour is your way to escape the hollow life you loathe."

Coran laughed heartily. "As cheerful as ever, aren't you, Xan?" he said, patting the mage on the back. "I think about it in this way: if we are all doomed, why in the Nine Hells can't we meet death laughing?"

"At least you acknowledge our impending doom," muttered Xan darkly, shifting further away from the elven fighter's reach.

"What does our fair leader think?" said Coran, suddenly appearing at Maiyn's side. "Are we all doomed as our magical friend says, or do we have hope that we shall be glorious in our endeavours?"

Maiyn shrugged slightly, averse to being caught up in the men's bantering. "I would like to hope that we have a chance," she admitted eventually, relenting to Coran's prolonged gaze.

"Ah, you are almost as gloomy as Xan!" exclaimed Coran, grinning mischievously.

"She is cautious," said Kivan quietly. "Being cautious can keep someone alive, mellonamin."

"She has no need to be cautious," replied Coran, staring intently at Maiyn. "She has plenty of protectors, most of whom would gladly lay down their lives to protect such beauty." Maiyn flushed somewhat, and Coran gave Xan a sly glance. "Do I not speak the truth, enchanter?"

Xan walked on, pretending he hadn't heard, and Coran eventually fell back to walk with Kivan once more. Maiyn sighed with some relief, and looked for Imoen - the young thief was still annoying Dynaheir, and the witch was giving Minsc a pained look.

I think we should stop soon, thought the ranger, since some of us seem to need a break from each other, let alone walking.

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They managed to find a small dell, and set up the campfire by the rocky cliff face that ran along the edge. The two mages were immediately hassled by Imoen into helping her with her latest spell, but neither seemed to really mind much. Branwen settled herself down slightly away from the others to pray, and Maiyn decided she would do likewise.

She slipped off into the trees, but didn't go too far from the camp. She sat down, and made sure she could still see her companions through the trees, and then closed her eyes. Although she made every effort to meditate each dusk, their travelling had sometimes made it impractical for her to carry out her prayers. Occasionally she felt guilty over it, but it could not be helped and it was unlikely to change any time soon.

The soft sound of footsteps caused her to open her eyes. Coran had stopped a little away from her, and he bowed slightly when her attention fell to him.

"I didn't mean to pry," he explained, "I just worried for you being so far from the others when we are in dangerous lands."

"I am not far from camp," she pointed out. "If anything happened, I would have called for you."

"While that is true, I wondered if you would permit me to stay nearby while you perform your duties." Maiyn prepared to object, but the fighter looked completely sincere, and she was almost certain there was a hint of worry on his features. "If you allow it, it will mean you can enter as deep a meditation as you wish, without having to fear being ambushed. I will stay far enough away as to not invade, but I will ensure you remain unharmed."

Maiyn smiled to him. He seemed to really mean what he said, and she saw a strange new side to the flirtatious fighter. "Thank you," she said. "That would be most kind."

Coran smiled, and skulked back into the trees. Maiyn saw him settle down far enough away to be out of earshot of her murmured prayers, but close enough to watch for danger.

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The darkness seemed to fall suddenly. She looked around to get her bearings, and realised she was back in the bandit camp - but it was different. Tall wooden walls surrounded her, fortifying the site, protecting it from invaders.

Bandits and brigands wandered past her, ignoring her presence completely. It was as if she was invisible to them, but none of them even brushed her as they passed. It would be such easy pickings for someone of Imoen's guile.

The thought of her friend caused Maiyn to look around, searching for her companions. There was no sign of them, and she felt distressed by their absence. Before she could move to look for them though, a gust of wind lifted her from the ground, and she began to fly through the air, gusting above the camp and the forests beyond. She felt free, the world past beneath her feet.

Then it started to slow down, and she felt the pull of the earth. She fell, heavily, towards the ground, and passed through into the depths of the soil, everything turning black. She began to slow down, and could make out rock, glistening slightly with some underwater dampness.

She descended slowly into a cavern, the stone walls illuminated only a few steps ahead. Maiyn stumbled forward, and came face to face with a perfect replication of herself in stone. As she regarded it with surprise, a voice resounded, echoing through the cave: "Such pride undeserved, great predator. When your whole being is borrowed, credit where it is due, and dues where payment is demanded..."

A dagger of bone shot through the darkness and struck the statue with force. The figure cracked slightly, and a searing pain ripped through Maiyn as if she herself had been rent asunder.

"You were made as you are, and you can also be broken," taunted the voice, encouraging the ranger's pain until it became almost unbearable. Maiyn's scream resonated through the caves, and she fell back into a void...

Maiyn woke suddenly, her breathing irregular and shallow, her brow drenched with sweat. She jumped when she saw Kivan leaning over her wearing a look of concern.

"I was about to awaken you for your guard," he said softly, "when I realised you were distressed."

She sat up, and accepted the damp cloth he offered to wipe her face. "It was just a dream," she said, waving off his anxious look. She gave him a weak smile. "I should really reverie more."

The ranger took a few minutes to compose herself, then assured Kivan she would be fine, telling him to get rest. She wandered over to the campfire where Coran was sitting. He was to be her partner for this, the last guard of the evening, and she sat beside him, helping him fletch his arrows.

They worked together in silence for most of the watch, but when they were done Coran listened intently. The campfire's flames had dwindled down into almost nothing and the warmth from it was almost non-existent. Maiyn shivered involuntarily and Coran immediately retrieved a blanket, draping it over her shoulders. He watched her pull it close around her from under his long lashes, and smiled.

"Come here," he said softly, pulling the girl gently into his arms so she was leaning against him. "I have noticed a nightingale in the bushes. Let us listen for a while."

Together they huddled, the silence of the forest surrounding them while Coran's arms rested comfortably around Maiyn. Then the bird began to sing, its ringing notes blending into a morning song as Maiyn cuddled closer for warmth.

She lay her head on Coran's chest, and within minutes she felt herself drifting off. Coran's arms were wrapped around her firmly, his breathing was relaxed and he seemed at ease. She felt him nuzzle her forehead gently, then rest his own head against hers. She sighed slightly with unexplainable contentment and fell asleep.

Coran awoke her gently before the others stirred, and she apologised profusely for leaving him to sit guard alone. He just shook his head and smiled at her happily, stroking her hair with fondness before letting her go from his arms. She was reluctant to leave his embrace, but eventually stood up to stretch and realised for the first time that she wasn't blushing. She shot the fighter a quick grin, and set about relighting the fire to prepare breakfast.

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"I wonder what it all means," said Imoen thoughtfully. Maiyn had finished recounting her dream as they finished their food, while the others were busily packing up. "Did you feel any strange new powers?"

"I'm not sure," admitted the ranger. "I woke up so suddenly, and I think I scared poor Kivan when I jumped. I haven't really thought about it."

Imoen's eyes narrowed as she peered at her friend. "You had hours of borin' guard duty!"

"I was helping Coran fletch arrows!" replied Maiyn, indignantly. Imoen gave her a funny look, and she sighed. "Okay, I was... distracted when we finished."

Imoen suddenly perked up. "Distracted, you say? How'd you mean?"

Maiyn groaned, but related the rest of her watch, carefully avoiding any eye contact with her friend. When she was done, the young thief let out a shrill squeal, which caused everyone else to look over to them. Maiyn glared stonily at her, got up and walked over to her pack.

"Does that mean you and Coran...?" asked Imoen, trotting after her.

"No!" replied Maiyn, feeling self conscious. "It was just... I don't know! It was nice, I guess. He was just keeping me warm though, he didn't mean anything more by it." Imoen gave her a disbelieving look as she wandered off to sort out her own belongings, and Maiyn tried to concentrate on the task at hand.

Who are you trying to fool? she asked herself silently. He could just have given you the blanket, or even just have hugged you for a few minutes until you were warm, but instead he held you while you slept. She looked over to the elven fighter, and saw him chatting to Minsc. His eyes met hers, and they instantly seemed to light up. She smiled shyly and returned to her packing.

Put it out of your mind, Maiyn, she told herself sternly. You're just asking for trouble if you go down that road.

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They had spotted the bridge from the crest of the hill. It had looked a magnificent structure, but now they were closer Maiyn could see the effect of age. The stone had a purplish hue to it, the cracks and rents providing home to weeds. As the companions approached it, Imoen gasped with slight awe.

"So that's Firewine Bridge?" she asked. "Wow! Isn't it just so grand? I wonder what it would have been like when it was actually in use."

"I guess," shrugged Maiyn, "but it just goes to show you that humans and other races can do what they want, but nothing they do will last forever. Eventually everything will be forgotten and destroyed." She blinked at herself, wondering where the melancholy thought had come from.

"Um...yeah..." said Imoen, seemingly lost for words.

"Alas, Maiyn is correct," said Xan quietly, regarding the structure impassively. "Nothing anyone does matters in the long run. It's all forgotten and destroyed eventually."

Imoen sighed, her excitement fully quelled by now. "I guess so..." she said morosely. "Well, anyways - it still is a grand bridge."

Maiyn decided that rather than exploring the ruins straight away, they would travel the short distance north to the halfling village of Gullykin and ascertain what problems the little people were having. The others agreed, and turned to climb the small incline that led up to the valley riddled lands.

"Skeletons!" yelled Imoen, being the first to notice the familiar clicking noise. Sure enough, several skeletons appeared from around the corner of the stone wall of the bridge, instantly charging the group with swords drawn. Imoen and Maiyn deftly moved behind the fighters, flanking Dynaheir and Xan. Kivan had drawn his spear, and moved in behind Branwen, engaging the skeletal figures from a distance, and providing backup to the priestess, while Coran and Minsc effortlessly took down several of the undead.

It took no time at all for the skirmish to be over; the two young girls and the mages hadn't even bothered involving themselves in the scuffle. Imoen quickly checked for treasure, and the group set off again, making their way towards their destination.

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Maiyn found Gullykin to be a quaint little village, full of cheery looking halflings- only a handful regarded them with any level of suspicion. Adventurers were quite a common sight, said one halfling woman when Maiyn stopped to ask the way to their leader, and many inexperienced bands had attempted to take on the evil within the ruins. None of them ever returned - some didn't even manage to find their way in, and simply gave up, she said.

She led them to the town's leader - a taller than average halfling by the name of Gandolar Luckyfoot. She introduced herself and her companions, and he welcomed them warmly.

"If I might pull on your coat-tail a moment," he said hesitantly, "I may have a proposition for you."

"Is it regarding the ruins?" asked Maiyn, noting his smile of relief. "We have come here to see if there is any way we can offer our assistance with the trouble your people have been having."

"It is usually quiet by the old Firewine Bridge," sighed the halfling, "even with its violent bygone. Those who died and did not sleep have mostly found their rest over time, but it is a live threat that haunts us now."

Maiyn nodded. "We heard there were kobolds involved."

"Yes," affirmed Gandolar sadly. "We halflings are not keen on kobolds at all, but they have been assailing our town, and retreating to the ruins when they are done. We have little other information to offer, and scant coin to give as reward, but what we have, we will gladly give."

"We care little about the coin," said Maiyn truthfully. "Do the kobolds attack the village often?"

"Hmm," pondered the halfling. "Occasionally - there seems to be no set pattern, so we never know when to expect it. Will you help us?"

"We shall," said Maiyn, bringing a smile to the leader's face. He wished them well, and pointed them in the direction of the brewery where they could find accommodation if they needed it before excusing himself to inform the townspeople of their presence.

"If there is anything you need that we can provide, it will be yours," he said sincerely.

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"Ah," said Coran as they ducked to avoid the low roof of the village brewery. "They say that halfling ales are a wondrous experience, and when better to try them when in the lands where they are produced! Perhaps you would oblige me by partaking in some tasting at some point?" The fighter smiled warmly to Maiyn.

Maiyn rolled her eyes and shook her head good-naturedly. "We are here to help, not partake in drinking!" she said, mock rebuking him. "Though, perhaps when we are done, and before we leave..." She grinned at him, and he beamed in return.

"I shall look forward to it," he said, "and it will spur me on to make sure we finish our task here well!"

Maiyn giggled, and approached the brewery owner. He showed them to the rooms he had spare - there were only two, but they were fairly large for a halfling house. The four females took the slightly larger room, and the four males the other; but Maiyn had been thinking, and had a plan.

She gathered everyone outside to discuss it with them - that way they were not always trying to avoid bumping their head off the low ceiling. Minsc especially was struggling in the halfling building, constantly forgetting about the restrictions, and causing himself blows repeated to the head.

"Ah, Minsc is no stranger to head knocks, eh Boo?" he said cheerfully when Branwen asked if he was alright after a particularly hard bang on the way out.

"So far," said Maiyn, when they had all assembled, "we know that the kobolds appear to be based in the ruins somewhere, but they leave it to raid the town every now and then. What I think we should do, is split up into two groups - one stay here and keep an eye on the village, and one to go and scout around the ruins as a preliminary measure. From there, we can decide how to go about the task."

"Thou seems to speak with logic," said Dynaheir, sounding approving.

"It's good with me," said Coran, a sentiment echoed by the others.

Imoen seemed slightly unsure. "I think it's a good plan," she said hesitantly, "but I don't know if I like us splittin' up. We've always stuck together, and we've worked well like that."

Maiyn nodded. She'd wondered if breaking the party into two would be wise, but it did seem like the best way to both protect the village, and discover a way into the ruins. "If I thought we could do it without this, I'd be happier," she admitted, "but the halflings have welcomed us and been so happy to see us - if we all go back to the bridge, they'll be defenceless if they get another raid, and I'll feel like we've let them down." Imoen nodded understandingly, and voiced her muted agreement.

"Tomorrow four of us shall go back to the ruins," she said. "Since it's really just to have a look around, I thought I'd go with Kivan." She looked to the elf, and he nodded his agreement.

"Im, I'd like you to stay here, if you're okay with that?" The thief looked surprised, and Maiyn thought she saw a bit of hurt flash across her eyes. "No offence to the others," the ranger said quickly, "but, well - Im's been with me since this started, and I'd trust her with my life. So it's only natural I feel most comfortable leaving her to lead the other band." She smiled to the human, and the young girl beamed back, all negative feelings having evaporated, being replaced by pride and duty.

"I think Minsc and Dynaheir should stay with you," continued Maiyn, relieved to see the Rashemeni witch nodding. "They will both be invaluable for any fighting you have to do, and I also think Branwen would be best staying here as part of the defence. It's much more likely you'll encounter proper combat from the raiders, since we will be attempting to stay quiet and scout with the minimum of disruption. Her healing might come in useful."

"I will be proud to fight on behalf of this village while you are gone," said the priestess strongly, and Maiyn smiled. That was easier than I thought it would be... "That means Coran and Xan will come with Kivan and I - giving us some fighting power and magic should we stumble upon anything bad. Are we all happy with that?"

A quiet murmuring suggested that there were no complaints, and Maiyn encouraged them to prepare for the next day, and use the remainder of the time to rest and relax. Coran suggested they could possibly try just one of the ales, but she shot him a look which made his mischievous grin erupt into a laugh.