General disclaimer: I own nothing, even Maiyn generally decides her own path. A lot of small-talk dialogue borrowed from the npc banterpack for BG1 :)

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Restings

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The party rested right through until the following morning, giving everyone a chance to relax and the stresses between the members slowly went back to normal standards. Maiyn practiced her swordsmanship alone with Minsc for the first time, despite their regular sessions to date. Coran usually always fell in by her side, tag teaming the berserker with her. It was part of the reason why they worked so well together in melee; but he was still avoiding her, and she wasn't sure how to approach him.

She had a moment to herself in the afternoon where she moved away from the camp to sit alone for a while. The 'dream' she'd had was playing on her mind, and she was confused by it, not knowing if it meant something or if it had just been her imagination being vivid.

Khalid had noticed her worried expression earlier, and quietly approached her.

"Are you o-okay?" he asked. His voice was soft, and his expression was concerned.

"I... don't know," she admitted. He asked if he could sit with her, and she nodded, welcoming the chance to talk to him alone. She explained what she'd seen in her sleep, and Khalid's expression became curious.

"You had n-no idea you were a c-cleric?" he asked.

Maiyn shook her head. "I've just always assumed that I was a ranger - it's what everyone calls me."

Khalid smiled softly. "P-people call you it because it's what you do," he said gently. "I don't think anyone w-would deny you are a ranger, but it d-doesn't mean you cannot be a cleric of Fenmarel too."

Maiyn nodded. "I just find it quite surprising and confusing," she said. "I don't know what I'm meant to... well, do."

Khalid laughed. "You p-pray to him almost every day," he noted, reminding Maiyn of the figure from her dream. It had said the same.

"I don't know how to channel his powers then," she rephrased.

"You just ask f-for his b-blessing," the fighter said simply. "When you p-pray, you pray for the g-gifts you think you will need to g-get through battle."

Maiyn nodded. "I... I healed myself with a gift of healing from him," she said, explaining the white glow. "I didn't know what it was at the time, but then I remembered. The last time I prayed to him, properly prayed, I asked for the ability to look after my companions, the strength to help them if they fell, and to help me if I was injured so I could still be there for them."

"And it w-was given to you," smiled Khalid.

"I didn't know though," she continued. "It was only when I realised how much pain I was in, and I knew I'd used all of my innate power on Coran. I… I was worried I'd have to ask Jaheira or Yeslick for some healing, and I asked Fenmarel to help me find the way to heal myself, so they could preserve their spells. That was when it happened."

Khalid stood up and placed his hand gently on her shoulder. "It is g-good to see you finding your path," he said sincerely, and she smiled to him. "Do you w-want me to ask Jaheira to c-come and talk to you? She knows m-more about these things than I do."

Maiyn pondered his offer for a moment, and then nodded. The fighter smiled, and went to fetch his wife; the druid appearing beside Maiyn within minutes.

"Khalid explained to you?" asked the ranger, and the druid nodded.

"He gave me an outline, but I would prefer to hear you going through it all again, if you don't mind."

Maiyn repeated her dream and the healing she'd managed to perform while the druid listened, then listened in turn as Jaheira explained how she harnessed the power offered by nature, and how similarly Maiyn could control the gifts Fenmarel could bestow on her. It dark before they returned to the others, closer connected than they'd ever been before.

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They arrived at the Friendly Arms Inn before dusk and obtained enough rooms to go around comfortably for the next six nights. They knew their next move was to go to Baldur's Gate, but Maiyn was reluctant to head straight to the city with all the changes she was trying to adapt to. The others were understanding, and Jaheira and Khalid suggested the extended break at the inn so that everyone could take the time to do what they wanted.

Maiyn headed straight to her room to drop off her pack, then met Imoen in the common room. On the way back she'd told the young thief about her dream, her feelings regarding Branwen, what Coran had said to her in the mine and then their exchange afterwards. Imoen decided a stiff drink would benefit them both, and promptly went to the bar, returning with some dubious mugs of liquid.

"You know, we never did celebrate your birthday!" she said suddenly.

Maiyn sighed, and Imoen looked abashed. "I'm sorry, I wasn't thinking..."

"No," said Maiyn, shaking her head. "Don't apologise, it's just me being silly. I can't spend the rest of my life associating my birthday with... well. You know?"

Imoen nodded, and squeezed her friend's hand. "Here!" she exclaimed, rummaging in her pocket. "Take this. It's yer birthday present! Um... I know we have lots of money and stuff, but I didn't want to spend our gold on your present. Soooo... I made it myself! Whatcha think?"

Maiyn looked at the necklace Imoen handed her. It was a simple silk string with a few pretty beads and polished rocks on it. In the centre was a talisman, onyx black with a silver trim, and what appeared to be two sharp, green eyes shining in the darkness.

"The symbol of Fenmarel..."

Imoen nodded. "It was... it was on Gorion's body," she said quietly. "He showed it to me just before he decided ya were leavin', sayin' it was to be yer birthday present. I looked for it especially when we found him; I knew he'd want ya to have it, but I didn't know how else to utilise it except by makin' it into an amulet..."

"It's beautiful," Maiyn croaked, feeling the tears filling her eyes. She reached over and hugged Imoen tightly, then asked her to fasten it around her neck. It fit perfectly, and although the talisman was made of some metal, it seemed to feel warm against her neck.

"There was somethin' else," said Imoen, beaming at her. "I got this for you from one of the traders that passed through Candlekeep - it's nothin' special, and it was the only one he had; but I thought it was pretty enough, and well, it's sorta rangery..." Imoen handed her a small painted brooch, a tiny depiction of a wildcat as it stalked after prey.

"Oh Im... it's beautiful."

"I meant to give it to ya before ya left," explained the human, "but it all ended up feelin' so rushed that I forgot."

Maiyn nodded, and pinned the brooch to her beloved cloak that was sitting on the bench next to her. She'd given Coran his cloak back while he wasn't talking to her, and he'd accepted it graciously but wordlessly. The memory of his uncaring expression made her sigh, and she noticed they'd finished their drinks. She stood up. "We need to celebrate!"

Within a few hours, both of them were completely drunk, and Imoen excused herself first, staggering off to the stairs to go to bed. Maiyn stayed in the common room for a little while longer, staring at the brooch Imoen had gifted her and letting her hand frequently wander to her necklace. Eventually she decided it would be a good idea to try and sleep off the effect of the drinks, and she unsteadily made her way to the stairs.

"I think you need some help."

Coran's arm went around her shoulders, and before she knew it he'd whisked her up into his arms, and swiftly carried her to her room on the first floor. He gently put her back down on the ground, taking her key from her swaying hands, and unlocked and opened her door for her.

"Thanksh," she slurred, stumbling into her room, and immediately grabbing onto the side of the chair as she swayed dangerously to the side. She giggled uncontrollably - she'd never been drunk before, and the lack of control was amusing her endlessly.

"Perhaps someone should stay with you," she heard Coran say, but he was interrupted by someone else.

"It is alright," came Xan's voice. "I will ensure she gets to bed safely."

She turned around to see what was happening, and caught Coran shrugging at the enchanter before he walked away. She was about to call him back when the mage entered the room, and firmly guided her to her bed, making her lie down fully clothed. She noticed him looking at her new amulet, and she managed to utter some gibberish that included the words 'Imoen', 'Gorion' and 'birthday'; but then she felt really tired, yawned, and fell asleep.

Xan shook his head as he watched her snore gently, and he closed the door behind him as he left, leaving her key on her table. He noticed the Coran was lurking by the window at the end of the hall, and called him over, asking him if he could use his skills to lock the door for her own safety. The fighter obliged without a word, then disappeared into his own room.

Xan did likewise, but he spent a long time awake, unable to study his spellbook.

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Maiyn felt awful when she awoke the next morning. The light from the window did nothing but antagonise her already thumping headache, and she fell out of bed as she rolled over; this succeeded in making her feel sick, prompting her to force herself up quickly and over to the basin.

She decided to try and find Jaheira, hoping the druid would believe her tale about having a slight cold and give her something to make her feel better. It took several minutes for her to successfully unlock her door, her shaking hands being unhelpfully incapable of managing to get the key into the lock.

She slowly slid out to the corridor, taking a while to relock the door behind her while she wondered how on earth she'd managed the task last night. Then she briefly remembered Coran and Xan, and she groaned to herself. She pulled her cloak up around her, using the hood to shade herself from as much of the light as possibly, and smiled when she noticed the brooch adorning it.

She travelled towards the stairs before stopping to knock at the door of the room the Harpers were sharing. Please be there, please be there. There was no answer, and she gingerly lowered herself to look through the lock - the limited view offered no sign of life.

It can't be that late, she grumbled to herself as she delicately moved towards the stairs, shuffling down them cautiously until she reached the common room. A quick glance around revealed that not only were the half-elves already downstairs, but every single other member of her party was too - except Imoen. Maiyn wanted to weep.

She slowly shambled over to their table, noting the amused expressions on most of their faces. Coran and Xan both carefully avoided looking at her, and before she'd even managed to sit down, the fighter got up and walked away quietly.

"Good m-morning Maiyn," said Khalid cheerfully, a little louder than was strictly necessary. The ranger managed a quiet mumble of acknowledgement.

"How art thou today?" asked Dynaheir; the witch was looking quite radiant, and much happier than normal.

"I think I've come down with something," muttered Maiyn, wishing they'd all just go away, with the exception of Jaheira.

"Oh, really?" The druid's voice lacked the concern it would normally have had she believed a word Maiyn had said. The elf sighed.

"On second thoughts, I might just go for some fresh air," she muttered, trying to stand up, and failing miserably.

"Maybe there's a bug going around," said Kivan with an amused glint in his eye. "For Imoen also happens to look peaky today."

Maiyn looked up to see the thief approaching the table even slower than she had managed. The human's face was pale, and she looked as if she was about to be violently sick at any moment. Eventually she made it over, and crumpled onto the bench next to her friend.

"I don't feel so good," she whimpered pathetically. "I think I have, er, a cold..."

"You too?" asked Jaheira with an amused grin. Imoen shot Maiyn a look, but the ranger was trying to hide within her hood.

"Stay here, I shall get something to help you both... feel better."

The druid rose, and went off towards her room while the two girls sat together, looking glum and trying to ignore everyone.

"Minsc thinks perhaps you should let Boo have a look at you," said Minsc with concern. "Maiyn and Imoen look as if they have spent the night kicking the butt's of evil with no rest, and that cannot be good for anyone!"

"I don't think tha's why they're lookin' so run down," chuckled Yeslick, and Khalid agreed.

"I think I'm gonna..." Imoen suddenly leapt up from her chair, and darted outside. The sudden movement to her side made Maiyn jump, and a wave of queasiness passed over her, making her feel faint. She swayed violently in her seat, and Kivan reached out to steady her.

"Thanks," she muttered, trying to withdraw even more into her cloak as she curled up feeling sorry for herself. Khalid got up and went to check on Imoen, his amused glance being shared by the others, with the exception of the confused Minsc.

"Minsc and Boo do not understand what is wrong with our friends," he said to Dynaheir. "Why is noone worried about them?"

"Methinks the girls hadst drank one ale too many last eve," said the witch, causing a look of clarity to cross Minsc's face.

"Ah!" he exclaimed, nodding with understanding. "Minsc and Boo now understand. Maybe young Maiyn and Imoen should consider what Minsc was given when he used to suffer as so."

"What was that then?" asked Xan with some curiosity.

"Well, the Elders of the Ice Lodge used to force Minsc's head into the freezing cold water of the nearby river until he was at one with the thumping rage passing through his head. Then they would send him to battle!"

Dynaheir and Xan tried, and failed, to hide their amusement. Kivan also wore an expression of humour as he quietly slipped away from the table, nodding to Jaheira amicably as she passed him on her return.

"Drink this," she said, passing a small bottle to Maiyn. "Where is Imoen?"

Maiyn pointed to the entrance, where a limp-looking Imoen was being helped back inside by Khalid. The ranger raised the bottle to her lips, and caught scent of the contents. "Oh, urgh," she began, pushing the bottle away. The druid was waiting for her though, and swiftly deflected her push so the bottle was back at her lips, then tilted it until the contents had fully drained.

Maiyn finally realised what was happening as she began choking, and pushed her away, scrabbling at the table for a drink to take the taste away. Dynaheir passed her a glass of water, which the ranger drained completely, then sat up to scowl at Jaheira, who was performing the same trick on Imoen.

"I really think-"

"-that you would be well advised to remember how you felt after your adventures last night," interrupted Jaheira, her eyes gleaming with mischief as she regarded the indignant expression on the young elf's face.

"You made me choke! I could have died!"

Jaheira snorted, passing Imoen a glass of water also, and then reclaiming her small potion bottles from the girls. "Do you feel better?"

Maiyn frowned. She did feel as if she was much less likely to be sick, and her headache had faded away to a dull pound, so whatever she'd drunk was obviously having the desired effect. One look at the druid's smug face however, caused her to simply scowl darkly and stalk away from the group.

"I need fresh air," she muttered.

Maiyn moped around the ground of the inn for the rest of the morning, unsure what to do with herself, and unwilling to have any company. She sat under the trees, watching the traders and commoners bustle past, her mind drifting aimlessly over everything they'd witnessed so far on the road.

It seemed like it had been a long time ago when she left the security of Candlekeep, but she could still remember her old friends. Dreppin and his tales, Hull and his moods... even Parda and Karan had been quite amiable for monks. She could still hear Reevor's voice as he'd gruffly shout at her for not clearing out the storeroom when she said she would, and Winthrop's jokes about her kin. She closed her eyes and leaned against the tree. Sometimes she'd give anything just to go back once more, to let them know she was alive, she was well.

Would they even be thinking about her though, she wondered. News of Gorion's death was sure to have reached them, but there had been nothing to suggest that the inhabitants were concerned about his ward. What had she expected though? A rescue group from the settlement, chasing through woods and towns to find her and take her back? It was quite obvious that both she and Imoen had only been allowed to stay because of Gorion. The death of their father had meant the death of their concept of home.

She pushed the bitterness from her thoughts. It was not their fault, it was just the type of place it was. It had never been known for children growing up within its walls. She and Imoen were the only two who had stayed there permanently during her time, other children sometimes came with travellers, but were gone within a week or two. Even Dreppin had grown up in Beregost, only moving into Candlekeep when he had taken up his position as herder.

Her thoughts turned to the him, and she could only hazily picture his face. She'd spent large parts of her days sitting with him outside, listening to him talk about the animals, taking in his knowledge of beasts, and now she could barely remember what he looked like. Her mind went to the day she'd left, and the sadness in his eyes. If only I'd said goodbye, she thought, letting out a large sigh.

"Dreaming of past lovers?"

Maiyn started and looked up to see Coran standing beside her, his gaze fixed somewhere in the distance. She flushed slightly, and shook her head. "No..." she mumbled.

"I shouldn't have disturbed you," he said, and began to move away.

"Wait!" she called. The fighter stopped, and turned around, his face expressionless. "I... I think we should talk."

He shrugged slightly, but returned, and sat down beside her, an uncomfortable silence surrounding them both. Neither seemed willing to speak as they watched people passing by, and Maiyn tried a way to break the ice.

"I wanted to say-" she began.

"Look, I think I should-" he said at the same time. They both stopped, and regarded each other. Maiyn grinned slightly, and looked away.

"Ladies first," said Coran, falling back into his silence.

Maiyn nodded softly. "I wanted to say that I was sorry for snapping at you before," she explained. "I was... not myself. I still don't think I am actually, or that I ever will be again, but it's no excuse for me to lash out at you when you've been the closest friend I've made."

She glimpsed at him quickly, and noticed he was nodding slightly. "Your turn," she said gently.

"I was just going to apologise for being insensitive to your feelings," he said. "I... I didn't realise how much the death had affected you since you seemed to have dealt with Gorion's so well, and I just didn't think." He regarded her, watching her face look sorrowfully at the ground. "It was actually Kivan who managed to make me see sense," he admitted. To his surprise she laughed lightly.

"He told me not to push you away," she said quietly. They looked to each other, and the ill feeling was gone in an instant. "Shall we put it behind us?" she asked.

He nodded, and they exchanged a warm smile.

"Tell me about Tethyr," said Maiyn suddenly. The fighter looked at her quizzically and she smiled. "Is it not proper and right to know ones suitor to a certain degree?"

Coran's smile grew wider and wider as he realised she had not given up completely on him as something more than a friend. He stretched out on the grass lazily, regarding her with the familiar look of affection he'd worn so often before. "Well," he said thoughtfully, "Tethyr borders on Amn and Calimshan, to the south of here. But, it has not always been so. Only 19 millennia back, the great elven realm of Keltormir spanned over what is now Tethyr, Amn, Erlkazar and Calimshan."

Maiyn's eyes widened. "That's quite... large."

"Ever heard of the Flights of the Dragons?" he asked. The ranger shook her head. "I think you are too young to remember one... but it's a rather terrible and beautiful thing, when the dragons herd together and roam around burning and plundering. In one such event, ten millennia ago, the red dragons destroyed much of my kin and desecrated Keltormir. Three woods now keep the memories of its former glory: The Wyrmwood, the Forest of Mir and the Forest of Tethir."

Maiyn sat listening to him, gazing at him as he spoke. He didn't fail to notice.

"Maiyn, if you don't shut me up with a kiss, I'll start complaining about greedy humans taking elven lands next," he said, only half-teasingly. To his surprise, the ranger grinned at him.

"Perhaps... a very small kiss," she replied thoughtfully.

He raised an eyebrow at her, but she looked so sincere that he pushed himself forward slightly and pressed his thumb to her lips. Leaning in, his lips met his thumb, and he pulled it away, letting their mouths exchange only the faintest of brushes before he returned to his original place.

"That is the smallest I can do, I'm afraid," he said, watching her dreamy smile with amusement.

"So tell me a little about yourself," she said moonily, causing him to chuckle.

"I was born in the Forest of Tethir, in the midst of the elven lands in the year eleven hundred and something in Dale reckoning," he said gently.

Maiyn winced slightly. "At moments like this, I am almost happy that I have no relatives, because nobody is going to tell me the inevitable: "He is old enough to be your father, Maiyn!" she sighed. "Although, no doubt Jaheira and Khalid will happily oblige in place. Ah, but wait! Which year?"

It was Coran's turn to wince. "The year eleven hundred and eighty five." Maiyn's face wrinkled slightly, and it was obvious she was trying not to laugh. "Yes, Maiyn, the Year of the Immoral Imp."

"How very fitting!" she giggled. "Why did you leave Tethyr though?"

"I left the Forest of Tethyr, because I had heard far too much of elven destiny, glorious past and evil humans," he replied simply. "I thought it would be a grand adventure to see the world of N'Tel'Quess. I could not have picked a better time to face the humans wrath."

"Oh?"

"At that time, the royal family of Tethyr had started the persecutions of Tel'Quessir," he said softly. "King Errilam managed to get himself killed in a hunting accident. Unfortunately, he was hunting with elven friends. This was reason enough for his nephew to start cutting down the forest and killing any elves found on human lands."

"I am sorry to hear that," said Maiyn quietly, seeing the pain of the memories on his face. "You must have had hard times."

He smiled to her. "I lived, my gentle friend. But... thank you for caring."

They passed the next few hours discussing their various childhoods, sticking to happier memories as Coran described the mischief he got up to, and Maiyn drew parallels with the escapades Imoen had once pulled.

Soon their argument had been fully forgotten.

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Coran and Maiyn joined some of their companions in the common room that afternoon, sitting next to each other and causing a look of approval to briefly shine from Kivan's face. The fighter treated the young female elf to a wide smile before he spoke to her.

"There has yet to be a woman who can quell the desire to push a man's hair out of his eyes," he said confidently to her. "You cannot resist it; there is something fatalistic and poignant about it."

Maiyn regarded him - sure enough, his hair had fallen down around his face, and was obscuring part of his view. She grinned. "I am not such a woman, Coran. You can go around with the strands of hair falling into your eyes all day - and by the way, it does not adorn you in the least."

The fighter wore a hurt expression at her teasing glance, and sighed dramatically. "In all things you are exceptional my dear," he said, brushing the hair back himself. Maiyn caught sight of a small scar on his right temple. She frowned slightly as she looked at it.

"What's wrong, joy of my heart?" the fighter asked her, looking completely innocent.

"What's the deal with that scar?" she asked bluntly, causing him to smile slightly.

"Ah..." he said, touching the mark lightly with his hand. "I wanted it left unhealed. It's a long story."

Maiyn raised an eyebrow. "Let me guess. A woman got you into trouble?"

"No. A woman saved me from death," Coran said quietly. "It happened when I just left the Forest of Tethyr. I told you about the royalty's persecution of my people earlier," he said, and Maiyn nodded. "There was nothing to be done about it, but dive into the shadows. In the underworld people rarely ask you to remove your cowl, before dealing with you."

Maiyn just sat silently, allowing him to continue his tale uninterrupted.

"I broke into a merchant's house one night and set to opening a coffer. The lock did not look too complicated, but when I opened the lid, two tentacles sprung into my face, each armed with a poisonous spike. It stung me, and I lost control of my muscles, trashing about like a leaf in the wind."

Maiyn winced, and instinctively reached out to hold his hand. He squeezed it gratefully.

"Apparently, I was not as good a thief as I had imagined. It was a whipsting, a beastie which Tethyrian and Amnish merchants oft lock with the treasure to ward off rogues. With all the noise I was making, the lady of the house awoke and came running in with a couple of maids. A vile elf caught stealing... If she'd called for guards, I would have been lucky to lose only a hand. She did not, though. Instead, Belena tended me and would not hear of me leaving until I, as she put it, would be out of danger and properly fed."

"I guess you were not much to look at as a youngster?" said Maiyn innocently.

Coran caught her mischievous look and grinned. "Belena had never seen an elf up close before. I...I fell for her with all the fervour of my youth, Maiyn. I knew that she also liked me, but stayed faithful to her ever-absent and crude husband, despite my advances. So I kept the scar to remind myself that there are things that women value over passion."

Maiyn nodded. "And men..." she said. "Perhaps men do, too."

"That was the question I asked myself," Coran said quietly, his eyes fixed to the floor. Maiyn's glance caught Kivan fleetingly. The stoic ranger was looking at Coran curiously, almost as if he considered the fighter to be ill. She looked back to Coran - his face was completely serious.

"And?" she asked. "Are love, duty, faithfulness and devotion important?"

Coran's eyes rose to look straight at her, and he smiled quizzically. "You are not the only one who can play the game of no-s and maybe-s, Maiyn," he teased, kissing her hand quickly, and excusing himself.

Maiyn watched him go and frowned slightly, then scowled at Kivan's soft chuckle at her expression. She wondered if she'd ever really understand the fighter's games.

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The companions gathered for their evening meal, looking rested and relaxed after just a day at the inn. Spirits were high, and even Xan and Kivan seemed to border on cheerful as the companions chatter merrily with each other, taking the time to strengthen their comradeship.

"Minsc," said Coran to the ranger, "you travelled this far to be accepted to the Ice Dragon Berserker Lodge? The membership must be highly sought if you must accomplish such a feat just to join."

"Tis true," nodded the berserker proudly. "The lodge is a place for legendary warriors to meet and they trade tales of fights with evil; manly deeds and manly talk."

"Dragons killed single-handedly and such?"

"Deeds of valour and great bravery. And all done in berserk fury!"

"Hmmm..." said Coran thoughtfully. "I remember I once crossed a river at the rapids, jumping from slippery stone to slippery stone... fighting for my dear life every step of the way. It was bravery and folly at the same time..."

"Were there any monsters?" asked Minsc. "Fighting evil is the necessary part of heroing!"

"Some xvarts were shooting arrows at me, as far as I can recall..." said Coran, frowning slightly as he tried to remember.

"Oh, why did not you say so from the very beginning?" exclaimed Minsc. "That's the most interesting part! Look, Boo is all ears now!"

"It has ears?" asked Coran, peering at the hamster. "Oh, well. There were some xvarts. I fought them, and then I crossed the river as they chased me."

"You walked away from the battle?" gasped Minsc. "That's cowardice! You should have charged blindly on in the fit of berserk fury!"

"One does grow tired of fighting xvarts, you know," Coran shrugged. "And I have other skills to offer the party after all!" Coran flashed the berserker's witch a charming smile. Maiyn found herself feeling uncomfortable.

"Thy nimble-fingered sort is of use whilst adventuring," admitted Dynaheir to Coran, noticing his attention.

"Am I complimented at last by the lady whose heart is as cold as the land of her birth?" asked Coran with more than a trace of surprise.

"I have come to appreciate thine agility with locks, traps and arrows," admitted Dynaheir. "Alas, I cannot help but be puzzled by thy clumsiness in thy personal life. By the Three, even my bodyguard Minsc would act cleverer than thou at times!" The witch looked pointedly at Maiyn, who had curled up on her seat, and was staring absent-mindedly at the fire.

Coran sighed. "Must you spoil the whole thing with a scold, Dynaheir?"

"Thou wishest me to speak without sincerity?"

"No, no," said Coran quickly. "I simply wanted you to stop a little bit earlier. Then you would still sound sincere and I would have been pleased to hear your words. Paying compliments, Dynaheir, is a... ahem... an art you are not aware of, I am afraid."

"Indeed," replied the witch dryly. "I am practiced in different arts than thou, Coran."

"Look, let me show you..." The fighter cleared his throat. "Did anyone tell you, that you have an accent that can turn a man's heart inside out?" Coran flashed the witch another smile, but she merely stared at him.

"Thou surprise me, Coran," she said simply.

"Surely such a compliment is not new for you!" he continued. "Your speech is so elegant and elaborate, Dynaheir. It fits you perfectly."

"Thou likest my speech then?" Her eyebrow arched.

"Yes," nodded Coran. "And many other things about you besides. Intelligence is a very attractive feature in a lady... for me, at least."

Xan groaned, and rolled his eyes. He didn't seem to think much of Coran's charm offensive.

"Then thou art seeking in thy mate what thou lacks in thyself?" Dynaheir's lip curled as she spoke.

"What makes you think that, enchantress?"

"Invoker..." said Dynaheir coldly, losing all trace of amusement. "Certain rumours of thy escapades, elf. Smart men do not get caught, and still smarter men do not engage in hedonistic excesses to begin with."

Imoen snorted with laughter at this, causing Coran to frown in her direction. Maiyn had looked over at her friend's laughter, and was watching the interaction between Coran and the witch intently. The elven fighter noticed her gaze, strangely melancholy, and fell into silence as the chatter continued around him. If I am to win her trust, I should really think before I act. Jaheira's voice was suddenly heard above all others, as the companions chatter twisted to focus upon the druid.

"You know, Minsc," she began, "Khalid and I have encountered many types of creatures wild and tamed in our travels, yet we have never heard of a Giant Space Hamster."

"Are you doubting Boo's character?" Minsc asked with a scowl. "Boo can speak for himself. Here, you are a druid, and you should understand what he says."

Imoen giggled, and Yeslick grinned with delight at the exchange.

"Minsc, there are limits to any druid's ability." Jaheira stared at the rodent warily.

"What?" exclaimed the berserker. "You doubt the words of Minsc and Boo? What kind of druid are you?"

To everyone's surprise, Kivan laughed lightly at this.

The half-elf sighed. "There are things in Faerun I never imagined I would encounter, no matter how far, how often, and how long I travel! But I suppose I like seeing new things and learning."

"Boo just told me he wishes to learn something from you," stated Minsc, allowing the hamster to scamper from his hands and onto the table.

"Go ahead," said the druid carefully.

"How many stones are required to make a hedge?"

"It depends on the hedge, Minsc," she replied, quite relieved.

"Boo says that he knows now what you meant when you said that there are limits to any druid's ability," said Minsc with a nod, causing Khalid to chuckle and Jaheira to frown. Minsc's attention switched to her husband.

"Friend Khalid, how come you aren't a ranger?" asked the Rashemeni.

"I... I am from a city," explained Khalid, as he recovered from his laughter. "I am not v-very much at h-home in the wilderness, even if I feel at ease in the woods when Jaheira's about."

"Boo says all elves like nature," said Minsc, obviously puzzled.

"I... I am h-half-elf, Minsc," Khalid reminded him.

"Boo wonders why they say a half-elf and not half-human..."

"I d-don't know... half-orcs are also half-human. I suppose it p-prevents confusion."

"Ha!" exclaimed Minsc with a beaming smile. "We thank you. Boo is a very curious space hamster, and you have answered him well."

"It was m-my pleasure," replied Khalid with a smile, watching Imoen feed Boo a cracker as Minsc looked on approvingly.

Maiyn yawned, suddenly feeling tired. Although she'd passed out the previous night, her rest had been uneasy and she felt the lure of her room. She stood up, wishing everyone a good evening and hugged Imoen goodnight as she passed.

She got to her room and unlocked the door when she felt the light touch on her arm. She didn't have to turn around to know it was Coran, and opened her door, entering her room before she turned to face him.

"When I saw you watching me speak with Dynaheir, I fear that your heart cooled towards me," he said quietly, looking into her eyes. Slowly a smile crossed his face. "I have reasoned a way to ease your doubts and display my prowess..."

Maiyn raised an eyebrow. She couldn't deny that she'd found it hard to watch Coran throw himself so fully into trying to win the witch's affection, even if it had only been to prove a point. It's just something I shall have to get used to, she told herself morosely.

"I wish to restore your confidence in me by offering you a tale... and a hint."

"A hint?"

Coran nodded, and bowed formally. "Yes, my good lady. Now, allow me to tell you the 'Story of the Sea-Elf King's Daughter.' He cleared his throat. "One fair day on Dragonmere, a fisherman had little luck. 'My nets are empty,' he sighed, and indeed his catch was only one. He pulled it closer for a better look and was surprised to see it was not a fish or a squid - 'twas a beauty, a sea-weed clad daughter of the Sea-elf King.

"Then the King found out he gave him his word, that he would grant three wishes for setting his beautiful daughter free, for her honour and for her life. The fisherman wished for his nets full, then he wished for a chest of pearls. Third, he asked for a hundred jewels from the crown of the Sea-elf Lord.

"The man's three wishes were all granted, and the human was pleased. He said to the King, 'I am no fool, 'twas dowry, my good Lord - I will take your daughter ashore for I have come to love her, and she is a maiden most fair...'

"The Sea-king laughed: 'Of all fools you're the worst, for you had my daughter's love and now her heart you've lost. Remember, human, that elven love comes first amongst all wishes. If you'd asked for her hand at once, you'd have a wife now by your hearth.' The daughter left, without looking back, returning with her father to their home in the sea, and the fisherman was left to grow old by himself."

Coran stopped, and took Maiyn's hand gently. "Remember, my dear, that when I look at you, I have but one wish. Good night."

The ranger watched him cross the corridor and enter his own room, not looking back to her at all. She closed her door slowly, and threw herself down onto her bed. He is a complicated man!