General disclaimer: I own nothing, even Maiyn generally decides her own path.
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Recovery and Confrontation
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The journey to the Friendly Arms was a quiet affair. Maiyn still hadn't fully recovered, and she fell asleep almost as soon as they stopped to camp when they were halfway there. The group walked slowly, aware that she was occasionally struggling. Her strength was slowly returning and though she felt much better than she had when she first awoke, she was far from being her usual self.
Jaheira and Khalid were out scouting when they got to the tavern, but the barkeep confirmed they'd rented rooms for another few nights. Imoen managed to secure rooms for the same length, and then helped Maiyn upstairs to her room, leaving the ranger to have a lie down.
The thief had only been gone a few minutes when there was a gentle knock at the door. Maiyn mumbled an acknowledgement, and Xan entered slowly, his face concerned. He immediately apologised for disturbing her, and asked if she would rather he left.
"No, I am fine," she smiled. "Excuse me if I do not sit up though."
He nodded, and sat across from her on the chair beside the window before letting out one of his characteristic sighs. "I never suspected that I could end up as badly as cousin Erevain," he said gloomily. "He was an adventurer."
Maiyn couldn't help but smile with amusement. "Where did he adventure?"
"Cousin Erevain intended to see the world," said Xan quietly, "before joining his family in Retreat. Evidently he travelled as far as Icewind Dale." Another sigh.
"You are sighing... Forgive me if I am prying, but I have a feeling that something grave has happened to him."
"Does anything good ever happen in this world?" Xan's voice had turned cynical and bitter. "A group of ragged mercenaries came to the Halfway Inn about fifty years ago. They brought back Erevain's sword and diary. His... his body was found near Kuldahar path..."
Maiyn struggled to sit up, and gazed at Xan with sorrow. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring back sad memories."
Xan's eyes flashed darkly at her. "You did not," he said simply. "Under these grave circumstances, the memory of Erevain and what it foreshadows for myself are always on my mind. Your brush with death was enough to make me ponder on the future, and I... I have something to ask you."
"Certainly Xan," replied the ranger. "If it is within my power, I'd be happy to do anything for you."
The enchanted smiled wryly for a second, but soon returned to his more morose expression. "If you survive longer than I - which I doubt - promise me to bring the Moonblade back to Evereska."
"Of course." Maiyn had already given the matter some thought when she had first learned of Xan's status as a Greycloak. She had hoped to never be in that position, preferring to think of the enchanter as alive.
Xan nodded and stood. "I offer you my gratitude in advance, as by apparent reason I will not be able to do it after. I shall leave you to continue your recuperation." He bowed formally, and left the room swiftly. Maiyn allowed herself to fall back down onto the bed, and within moments she'd drifted into a deep slumber.
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Imoen had filled Jaheira and Khalid in on their excursion by the time Maiyn came around the next day. The Harpers visited her in her room, looking disquieted by her state. The ranger smiled weakly to them, and assured them she was feeling much better.
"Regardless," said the druid, "we shall take a few more days to allow you to heal. It is important that you are fully well before we make any further moves."
Maiyn nodded, thankful for the thought of further respite. "The others are okay with this?"
"They are f-fine," assured Khalid, smiling. "They are m-much more concerned about your h-health."
"I feel much better," admitted the elf. "I think I would like to get some air today though."
Jaheira grinned, and offered her arm. Maiyn was slightly surprised, but accepted it and allowed the druid to support her as they went downstairs. Most of the others were sitting at one of the tables in the common room, and they looked relieved to see the ranger up and well. Branwen checked that she didn't need any more healing, and Kivan asked how she was. Imoen, Dynaheir and Minsc just smiled to her, leaving the others to bombard her with questions, and she saw Xan standing in the background, seemingly daydreaming quietly to himself.
Maiyn excused herself, asking for a few moments alone to go outside. Jaheira showed some concern over how she would manage with the steps, but she insisted she would take her time and be fine.
"Even so, I could help you..."
"I'll be fine!" Maiyn grinned at Khalid, and left the fighter to drag his wife to the bar, hoping to take her mind from undue worrying. The elf made her way slowly to the door, moving carefully; aware that any stumbling would instantly bring the worried druid to her side and destroy any chance she had at some peace and quiet.
The sun was a welcome relief to her. The journey back had been a daze, her concentration on making each step taking her attention from everything else. She couldn't ever remember feeling quite as weak as she had then, and she hadn't enjoyed it one bit. Her pride, however, stopped her from asking for any aid, and she had just forced herself to keep going for as long as she could.
She scuffled over to the top of the stone steps, silently glaring at them for daring to be so steep. The view down them made her slightly giddy, so she leaned against the wall, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath as she tried to focus on the task at hand.
"Need a hand?" Coran's voice came from behind her, and she turned to smile to him.
"I would be grateful," she admitted, allowing him to take her arm, and letting him guide her slowly down the stairway. When they reached the bottom she left her arm in his, and wandered towards one of the lone trees in the grounds. She sat in its shade, and thanked him for his help, inviting him to sit with her if he wished.
He seemed to hesitate, but eventually settled himself on the grass by her side. The silence between them lasted for several minutes before he spoke.
"The way things are turning out... I have a feeling that someone's hand guides you," he said softly. "I do not like it, for it smells like a trap."
Maiyn raised an eyebrow to him. "You mean with the bandits?" she asked, and he nodded in response. "I agree with you," she continued, "and I suspect that the same man who killed my father is the one who pulls the strings. But I do not know what to do other then take things as they come."
He sighed heavily. "I suggest that we keep our eyes and ears peeled for any signs of betrayal or ambush. I've played it by ear my whole life, and I managed just fine; but with your neck at stake, I'd rather be... the Nine Hells!" His eyes flashed slightly, and his gaze moved from the ranger suddenly. "I'd just rather be more cautious."
Maiyn shifted slightly, but couldn't stop the smile developing on her face. Realising he could turn and see it at any point, she decided to disguise it as best as she could. "I must warn you that you have come dangerously close to making me believe that your feelings for me run deeper than lust," she teased, her smile turning into a mischievous grin. He looked back to her and returned the smile.
"Well, I always was a risk taker," he shrugged. "Take the time in Baldur's Gate..."
Maiyn relaxed and listened to his tale lazily. Although it involved, as usual, the story of him courting some past conquest, Maiyn found his voice to be pleasant and soothing, and his company was enjoyable. If only he'd talk about something less likely to make me so melancholy.
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The next few days passed quietly. Jaheira and Khalid still frequently travelled to Cloakwood, occasionally taking some of the others with them, but Maiyn was instructed by them both to stay at the tavern.
"We don't tell you what t-to do often," Khalid had said, "but we m-must insist on this."
She'd listened to the tales in the evenings, and worked with the two half-elves to figure out what their plan should be regarding the mines. They eventually decided that their best option was to try to get to the mine in the early morning when it seemed to be quietest, to get inside before any of the bandit groups arrived.
Coran had avoided her since their time in the yard, and she wondered what she'd done to upset him. When he had finished his tale, she had smiled, and he had suddenly looked thoughtful, excusing himself from her company.
"Are you alright?" she asked, wondering about his sudden change of mood.
"I'm fine," he said quickly, standing up and nodding to her. "Enjoy the sunshine."
She'd watched him leave in the direction of the gates, and part of her had wondered if he was leaving for good. She had no foundation for that feeling, but something in her instinct was warning her that he was acting oddly. She'd been relieved to see him in the common room that night, but had been too tired to sit with them and had gone to bed early.
Now she was feeling much better and tomorrow they would leave the inn for the mine. She sat huddled in the dark corner of the common room, glad of the few hours of solitude she'd managed to snatch. She was lost in her thoughts when she spied Coran approaching the bar. He handed over some coin, and took his drink to a nearby table. He didn't look very happy.
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What was wrong with him? Coran was beginning to get annoyed with himself and how he was acting. She was his companion, so it was only natural he would worry about her safety, but what in the Nine Hells had possessed him to get so emotional? He thought back to their last conversation.
She didn't notice, he told himself, she thought you were teasing, and she teased you back. The story was enough to distract her from anything you said before it. He sighed, and drank some of his wine. He needed to take his mind off that day, off that whole week. He had to take his mind off the ranger, and there was one sure way of doing that. He caught the barmaid staring at him, and he winked to her. She replied with a shy smile.
It wasn't long before she came over.
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Maiyn watched the others file into the room, and sit in their usual place. Coran had looked over to them, but seemed reluctant to leave his new companion. The serving girl was giggling coquettishly every time he spoke, and she didn't need to be asked twice when he patted his lap for her to sit.
She felt quite sick. She couldn't get to the stairs without walking past him and bringing his attention to her - or not, she thought bitterly - nor could she get to the others. She was stuck in the corner alone, unwilling to move and be spotted.
Why on earth am I bothered about his attention? She blinked, wondering where this sudden surge of jealousy had come from. Admittedly, she enjoyed his company, but he'd never signalled that he wanted anything more than camaraderie from her - well except for the incident with the nightingale. And he was quite attentive...
She shook her head. No, he doesn't see me like that, and even if he did, it would be a mistake. She sighed, sipping her drink slowly in the hope that it would last longer than his control over his lust. She wanted to go to bed.
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Coran looked over to his companions. She wasn't with them. Perhaps she has retired already, he thought, sighing inwardly. He patted his lap absentmindedly as he thought of her, and was surprised slightly to find the barmaid taking up the offer.
She's pleasing enough, he told himself, and she's interested. What's the harm? But try as he might, he couldn't keep his interest on the young maid, and eventually he pushed off gently, handing her a few coins as he drained his glass. With one last look around the common room, he turned and stalked upstairs.
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Maiyn watched him go, slightly puzzled by his behaviour. She'd seen the twinkle in his eye, even from the other side of the room, and had bit back the envy she felt over the attention he was lavishing on the young human girl. She could imagine the words he was saying to her, so well recited they were.
So well used, that they meant nothing. That's why she had ignored them being used on her, wasn't it? His hints that he felt something special for her were meaningless now; if he'd been telling the truth, why would he be romancing the briefest of potential affairs.
She finished her drink and slowly moved to the stairs, climbing them slowly. She had to pass his room to get to her own, and she noticed the door was slightly ajar. She moved to it quietly, pushing it open a little to look inside. Coran was sitting at the table, his eyes fixed to the flame of a burning candle, his hands lying by its side with the palms up. The flickering light made his features appear less sharp; he looked older and more tired than she was accustomed to seeing him.
Maiyn hesitated at the doorway. She wanted to go in and talk to him, but she had no wish to disturb him. Before she could decide what to do she heard his voice.
"Either in or out, Maiyn," he said, his voice low and almost unfriendly. "I have already missed out on a perfectly nice fling with you showing up uninvited in my head. Must I not reverie now for your standing in the doorway in the flesh?"
Maiyn stood in stunned silence, unsure how to react. Coran looked at her impatiently.
"Oh, close your mouth and go sleep, child," he said harshly. "I want a woman's love tonight, not a girl's adoration - no matter how sweet it is. You will understand when you grow up."
"Coran!" she exclaimed. "That was uncalled for!" She turned to leave, stung by his words, but froze when he continued to speak.
"I am sorry. I should not have said that." He sighed heavily and walked to the door. "Let us go, and I'll walk you to your room. Tackle you into bed. Sing you a lullaby." He managed a very weak smile.
Maiyn raised her hand, and pressed her fingers lightly against his lips hushing him. His eyes took on a startled gaze, and he stood motionless. "Listen to me, Coran," she whispered, trying to keep eye contact, but feeling her stare being drawn to the ground. "I like you very much, but I will not lie with you until I am the only one you want."
He raised his hand, and took hers gently, kissing it lightly. "You are, Maiyn... It's just I started to doubt that you were interested." He sighed again. "I'll keep my breeches laced, and my sheets cool until you are willing to take a chance with me. Oh, Hanali... what are you doing to me?"
Maiyn instinctively stroked his cheek lightly, and wished him a good night. She left him standing in his doorway, and she felt both confused and exhilarated by the exchange. When she got to her room, she tumbled into bed and fell into reverie.
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They left just as dusk fell, preparing to travel through the night and reach the mine before dawn. Khalid had pointed out that a large group was much more likely to be spotted, and so they'd agreed to split into two, each Harper guiding one from their recent knowledge of layout of the forest. Jaheira had beckoned the two Rashemi to go with her, and called Imoen over too.
"You shall come with me," she said. "Coran also. That way we shall have equal numbers."
"I'd rather travel with Maiyn, if that is acceptable," objected Coran. The druid's eyes narrowed as she regarded him.
"I would speak with you alone," she said coldly. "If that is acceptable?"
Coran nodded, and followed her a little away from the others; they looked quite confused by the hint of hostility. Khalid sighed, and followed, Maiyn close behind. The druid regarded them both, but seemed to be fine with their presence as she turned on the elven fighter.
"Coran, as you may know, Khalid and I were selected to be Maiyn and Imoen's guardians," she stated coolly.
Coran rolled his eyes slightly. "Oh, really? It must have slipped my mind, since you only told me thrice yesterday."
"Perhaps I shall brew certain bark, known to me, to improve your memory," replied the druid sardonically. "It tastes awful, but I am sure that a young elf like you will go to any lengths to remedy the problem."
Coran seemed to cringe slightly, knowing that she most likely would carry through any threat she made. "Do not worry yourself so, Jaheira. I do recall that you are Maiyn's guardians."
Maiyn scowled, and opened her mouth to object, but the druid carried on at her point.
"Good," she said dryly. "So mark my words and mark them well. Khalid does not approve-"
"D-dear," interrupted her husband, "I... it's not so much that I d-do not approve, it's just I think th-that-"
Jaheira frowned at him slightly. "We do not approve of you as a possible suitor for Maiyn," she said firmly, looking back to Coran. "We have reason to believe you have interest in her, and we witnessed your show outside your room last evening." Maiyn winced visibly at this news. Coran saw her reaction, but returned his gaze to the half-elf.
"Then you have my condolences," he said sincerely, "since it must be painful for you to see us courting each other."
"C-coran, what Jaheira is t-trying to say is that perhaps it is b-better if you turned your eyes t-towards another woman," said Khalid softly. "M-maybe an older one, more experienced..."
Coran grinned mischievously at his fellow fighter. "I'd have her then," he stated, pointing at the druid. Jaheira scowled, Khalid sighed and Maiyn giggled.
"Coran, that is not funny. You k-know that Jaheira is my wife."
"Have you forgotten that, as well?" asked Jaheira sharply. "Perhaps I should triple the amount of that very bitter bark to alleviate your memory troubles."
"I'll drink it by the bucket if you'd leave it to me and Maiyn to reason out who's right for whom," said Coran just as sharply back, having had enough her meddling ways.
"The bark has an... unfortunate side effect, Coran," said Jaheira, with a sly smile. "It bleaks a man's spirit and dulls desires."
"Your tongue must be made entirely of it then, druid," retorted Coran, causing the eyes of both the Harpers to widen in surprise.
"Coran!" berated Maiyn, slightly shocked, but also partly amused. She turned her attention to the three of them as a whole. "This is enough! I am not a child who is to be looked after, who needs her decisions made for her; I thought everyone was aware of this!" She looked to Jaheira and Khalid. "I do appreciate you being concerned for me - but my life is my own to lead, and your advice for matters of an adventuring nature are welcome and appreciated. But, I will state now; my private matters are for me alone to decide, and for me to learn from. There is nothing between Coran and I, and whether or not there may be in the future is something only we can decide."
Khalid nodded to her, and patted her shoulder affectionately. "We are always h-here for you Maiyn," he said, "but we understand you're n-not a child needing our c-care."
She smiled to him and looked to his wife. Jaheira's face was stony, and she merely shrugged. Maiyn sighed.
"How about I go with Jaheira in one group," she offered, "and Coran, Xan and Imoen come with us? The others can go with Khalid?"
Khalid nodded his approval, but Coran and Jaheira looked indifferent, still eying each other icily. They turned to go back to the others, but Maiyn caught Coran's arm and held him back.
"Please don't fall out with them," she appealed. "They are the only link I have left to Gorion, and if only for that they are important to me. They also know a lot more about life than I do, and whether or not I like it, I do need them."
Coran nodded, and pulled her into a hug. "I am sorry," he said. "I shall make as much effort as I can to avoid any ill feeling," he promised, squeezing her gently then pulling away. "I have more to apologise for. Last night I was in the common room of the inn, and I..."
Maiyn shook her head. "I was there. You don't need to say anything."
Coran stared at her for a few moments. "I want to, if you would let me. I cannot cast an enchantment on you or turn time back magically, but I can ask you to forgive me for how I acted that night."
Maiyn hushed him. "The other night has passed," she said softly, taking his hand.
"It passed, but I can see its shadow in the corners of your eyes," he replied. "I feel like a fool, and I will remember this sensation. The air escaped my lungs, when I looked down at the girl on my lap, and it was not you. I almost screamed in terror, as if someone tricked me - but there was none to blame except myself for the fakery." The ranger just hushed him from his melancholy thoughts.
"Oh Maiyn..." he sighed. "You are like a flower that blooms so far out of reach, yet is so desirable."
Maiyn smiled softly. "We must return to the others, but we can speak later."
Coran nodded and followed her back, allowing her keep a hold of his hand. Khalid had informed the others how they were to divide, and Maiyn asked if her party could take the slightly longer route, which had less chance encountering any random spiders. Imoen grinned at her, earning herself a sharp nudge, but Jaheira agreed with the idea and the groups set off.
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Imoen managed to walk alongside with Maiyn, and asked her what had happened. The ranger outlined the confrontation that had taken place, and watched the thief's eyes widen with surprise.
"Sounds like Jaheira doesn't like him much," whispered Imoen.
Maiyn shrugged. "There's nothing going on anyway," she said in a hushed tone, "so I don't see why such an issue was made from it."
"Well, since they found out he was travellin' with us they've been really suspicious of him," remarked Imoen. "I guess it's just 'cause they care, and he does have a reputation that he flaunts."
"I know they do," nodded Maiyn, "and I know he does - but I'm not a kid. And... well, I think I've seen sides to him that they haven't."
Imoen grinned. "You like him then?" Maiyn blushed slightly. "Is there something you're not telling me?" pushed the thief. Maiyn looked wide-eyed to her friend, but Imoen knew better than to trust that expression. "Just tell me already!"
Maiyn giggled, and told her what happened the previous night. Imoen gasped in astonishment at the end. "Why didn't you tell me before?" she hissed.
"I was going to, but we were all so busy getting ready, then you napped all afternoon..."
"Well, I guess," admitted Imoen. "So what now? What's going to happen between you?"
"I don't know," sighed Maiyn. "I do like him, I can't deny that, but... he's a lot older than me, and I've... not seen as much of the world as he has." The friends exchanged sly grins. "I think I'll just see what happens. I'm not going to just be another woman to him though, so it'll mean he either changes, or nothing happens."
"He might lose interest," noted Imoen.
"I'll have to make sure he doesn't then," the ranger said innocently. "We can exchange ideas on how I can accomplish that..."
The two friends giggled, causing Jaheira to look back and glare at them. Maiyn looked over to Coran and noted that he was giving them an amused, curious look. She smiled pleasantly to him, and went back to her hushed conversation with Imoen.
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Branwen followed her group as they quietly made their way through the forest. She had been studying the individuals since she joined, and found them a mainly agreeable crowd. She was glad they no longer travelled with the necromancer and his companion - from what little she'd gathered, she was sure that she would not see eye to eye with them.
The display before the group had split had caused the priestess to become quite curious. At first glance it merely seemed as though the elf and the half-elf were having some influence issues, but the fact that the druid's husband had gone to back her up, and the young ranger had also got involved suggested it was much more.
The two elves had not returned instantly to the group either, and when they had they were walking hand in hand, looking relaxed and comfortable with each other. This wouldn't have surprised her much if the prior discussion had looked not seemed a little heated. Maiyn seemed to be more comfortable amongst her own type, and Branwen had noticed her holding Xan's hand before. There hadn't been any... chemistry, though, between the ranger and the enchanter.
Coran had certainly seemed attentive of the young girl, but even Branwen could tell he was much older in years. Perhaps it doesn't matter so much to elves. She had assumed the care he'd shown the elf was a mixture of elven kinship and group loyalty. Maybe there was more to it than that, and the half-elves objected. They had seemed to have taken both Maiyn and Imoen's best interests at heart - although the young thief tended to ignore them completely; as she had with her liaison with the young bard, despite their disapproving glances.
The others had interested her just as much as any potential relationships did. The Rashemeni witch and her berserker guard had mainly kept to themselves while they'd been in the group, although Minsc had been quite outgoing when they rescued Commander Brage, and was out of the shadow of the overbearing female. Branwen found herself having a steadfast friendship with him, and they both seemed loyal. Branwen didn't understand mages much, but she could not fault Dynaheir, nor could she really fault Xan.
The enchanter was gloomy and morose, and she had expected him to have a more negative impact on party morale than he seemed to. Most of the companions seemed more amused by his constant doom saying than anything else, and she too had slowly learned not to take it seriously. He was a capable spellcaster, and he had shown on several occasions that he was willing to fight toe-to-toe with his sword, which Branwen approved of whole-heartedly.
The other elven ranger was also a dour one. Branwen didn't know much about Kivan; he was quiet, but efficient with what he did. He seemed to see Maiyn as a little sister, offering her advice and guidance when she sought it, keeping a carefully silent eye on her when she didn't realise. There was more to him than met the eye, she was sure; although he had joined with them to claim his revenge, Branwen suspected his loyalties would extend beyond it.
Then there was Imoen - she is quite a character! Branwen had thought her irresponsible and reckless at first, judging her by her love of fun and her avoidance of responsibility. But then she had shown she could lead when necessary at Firewine, and she was pushing herself hard in her studies of the magical arts. The cleric thought it was such a waste - the fiery young human would make an excellent warrior with the right training and focus in her life, but she had to admire her determination to learn new skills and add to her abilities.
She has a strong bond with her friend, Branwen thought. They were more like sisters than friends, and that was how they'd been brought up. They would happily refer to each other as such in casual conversations, and ignored anyone who pointed out the differences in race. They were proper, spiritual sisters - they didn't need to be bound by blood to love and look out for each other.
In many ways they shared a bond as close as Jaheira and Khalid's. Where the ranger and the thief relied on each other for backup and support, the two half-elves joined by marriage were the same. The druid seemed to be brash and brusque, but very little seemed to come from her mouth without her husband quietly nodding in the background, displaying his affirmation when they exchanged quick glances. He balanced her, he was outwardly kinder, the one the two young girls would approach with their worries or questions. Almost a surrogate father figure for them.
Branwen wondered if they would have stayed with the druid if it hadn't been for her husband's softer attitude. The druid was a skilled healer and an accomplished warrior, but Maiyn and Imoen were young and naive, and probably wouldn't have considered those positives. The priestess was sure that it was Khalid's presence that kept them both ingrained in the group, despite Jaheira's fleeting moments when her frosty exterior was lowered.
So many different personalities, thrown together to achieve a goal common to most. Branwen had received her vengeance with Tranzig's death, but she would stay with the group for as long as she was benefiting them. Kivan sought Tazok, a higher member of the mystery organisation involved in the iron crisis. The two girls and the two half-elves sought whoever instructed him - not only because of the iron, but also because it seemed that it was also the person responsible for Gorion's death, the mage they had all loved so dearly.
Xan had an interest in solving the metal shortage to fulfil his quest for his people. Minsc and Dynaheir had been sent from their homeland to seek something. Noone except the half-elves seemed to know what it was, but they had found it, and they were firmly involved with the party. They had no intention of leaving.
It only left Coran as an untied mercenary to their cause, with no real personal issue keeping him in the group. They had joined to aid him claim a bounty, and he had pledged his service to them when it was completed; uncharacteristically, thought Branwen, considering his previous tales have depicted him as a womanising loner in many ways. Something has led to him deciding to stay with us. Judging by the earlier scene, it seemed to be a person rather than anything inanimate.
