General disclaimer: I own nothing, even Maiyn generally decides her own path.
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Old Friends
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To Dynaheir's obvious relief, the weather stayed dry the day they departed the inn. Maiyn was reluctant to leave in many ways; the small respite had been like a brief reminder of how peaceful her life had been within the walls of Candlekeep, but she knew they all had a goal yet to achieve. And so with a heavy heart, she led the way over the drawbridge then struck north through the forest, heading towards the city of Baldur's Gate.
They walked mostly in silence, birdsong ringing in the air as they travelled. Imoen spent much if the time studying a small ring that Dynaheir had given her. The Rashemeni witch had worn it constantly in the time they'd known her, but that morning at breakfast she'd delicately removed it from her finger and handed it to the young thief.
"Wear it," she had insisted, watching Imoen slide it onto her finger. It glowed gently for a few seconds, and returned to its normal colour.
"What is it?" asked Imoen curiously.
"A ring given to me when I first took upon the Art," replied Dynaheir quietly. "Only those embraced by the Weave can wear it, and it has a history of being passed from witches to initiates. I wouldst be happy for thee to take it if thee intends to continue thy magical learnings."
Imoen squealed and threw her hands around the witch's neck, causing Dynaheir to flush with embarrassment somewhat.
"Thank you!" the young rogue exclaimed, her eyes shining brightly. "I won't let ya down!"
"It is a long road to travel, young Imoen," Dynaheir warned. "Thou hadst best be prepared for a lot of hard work."
Maiyn had asked Imoen if it meant she was giving up her thieving ways. She'd snorted, saying she'd never forget what she'd learned to date, but her concentration was now on fulfilling her duties to Dynaheir as a trainee mage. Maiyn grinned; the journey was causing both of them to discover paths they'd not previously considered.
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Maiyn considered stopping for a break when she noticed the sun hanging high in the sky. They'd come across the main route north to Baldur's Gate, and she'd decided to follow the road a while for a change. Slowly the trees had become less dense around them, and she could see farmland and plains stretching to the distance.
A few people had gathered up ahead, not far from a fairly run down building. Most of them seemed to be looking uncomfortable and trying to make their exit from the scene. One elderly man was looking particularly distraught, and Maiyn wandered over to see what was happening with her companions in tow.
"Please... will noone help me?" The man pleaded with the other farmers, but one by one they apologised, and set off towards their own land leaving him to stand alone. "Anyone?" he called after them, sighing. He turned to see Maiyn's group and he immediately rushed over to Coran and Minsc.
"I beseech thee kind sirs," he said, grabbing Minsc's hand as he pleaded. "Please help!"
"Minsc and Boo would be happy to help the little man," said Minsc with a smile. "But the little man needs to ask our mighty leader, Maiyn."
The farmer turned to look to the ranger, and she smiled warmly. "What is wrong?"
"It's strange happenings at my farm," he wailed, pointing at the ramshackle house. "I've not got the strength I once had, and I've nothing to offer - even if I did, I doubt the likes of you would have any need for it. Please..."
Maiyn walked to him quickly, her hand taking his arm comfortingly, guiding him in the direction of his home. "You need look no further for aid," she said soothingly. "Tell us what we need to do."
"Oh, by the great mother, thank you!" The man's relief glistened in the tears that shone from his eyes as he walked with her, and he explained how his son had gone missing having left the farm a few days back to find some missing cattle.
"What with all these bandits around, who knows what's happened," sighed the farmer; he introduced himself as Brun, and his son was named Nathan.
"Where were the men heading?" asked Maiyn gently.
"I don't know," Brun admitted, looking crestfallen. "But I did see some strange tracks to the west."
The ranger nodded, and informed him they would go and take a look immediately. "Please find him," he called as they left. "I can't afford to keep my farm without my son."
Maiyn nodded, and felt her heart go out to him as they headed off to seek out the tracks. It didn't take long for Kivan to spot something, and the rangers of the party gathered around them.
"They don't look familiar to me at all," admitted Maiyn, feeling hopelessly out of her depth beside the two experienced men.
Kivan bent down to examine a set closer. "There are human footprints here," he said quietly, "heading further west. But this..." His face frowned. "It looks as though something has pushed up from underneath the very ground, causing this disturbance."
Minsc joined in with the frowning. "Boo says there are creatures who burrow underground and can pop up without much warning," he said slowly. "And Boo is not talking about worms here!"
"Ankhegs..." mumbled Kivan.
"Ank... what?" Maiyn was lost.
"Ankhegs," repeated the elf darkly as he stood up. "Large insectoid creatures that live in burrows, and burst from the ground in attack."
"Charming," said Maiyn wryly.
"It gets better," said Kivan. "They have been known to spit acid."
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They found a large hole in the ground, slightly further on, and cautiously descended into a warren of tunnels. Kivan led the way, following the faint footprints imprinted in the dirt. They'd not gone far when a chitinous noise erupted behind them, and a large creature scuttled towards the rear of the party. The fighters immediately pushed their way back through the ranks, and Xan only just managed to dodge the swipe of the creature's mandibles before Minsc cleaved its shell with his sword, causing only the slightest damage.
It let out a shrill screech that echoed around the burrow, and another appeared; bursting through the ground before Maiyn, chittering as it leaned back, antennae twitching madly. The ranger deftly avoided its snapping maw, ducking behind the Harpers who had engaged it.
The creatures didn't last too long when the fighters learned how to hit their weak spots, but Imoen's cry of pain almost deafened her closest companions when the ankheg's spit landed on her. Jaheira and Yeslick quickly healed the burning, though her tunic and armour had been melted beyond repair. She quickly got out a replacement shirt from her pack.
"Be careful Im," warned Maiyn, uncomfortable with the thought of her friend having no armour. Imoen nodded, and swirled her cloak around, trying to get as much protection as she could.
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Several other ankheg encounters managed to destroy either wholly or in part everyone else's armour. Only Minsc and Yeslick's were an exception, the enchanted sets of mail untouched by the acidic nature. They soon reached the centre of the nest, a blood-splattered cave holding the corpses of the young men the party assumed they'd been seeking. Coran picked up one of the bodies carefully, the others too dismembered to be moved. Imoen rummaged through a pile of scree, finding some valuables that had fallen from the corpses - likely when they'd been used as food.
Maiyn led everyone out quickly, trying to avoid combat as much as possible. Kivan was hit by a spit of acid as they got to the burrow entrance, and his flesh burned away before their eyes as he grit his teeth - I'd probably be screaming in pain, thought Maiyn as she channelled Fenmarel's gift of healing into repairing his wound.
The ranger's heart was heavy as they approached the farmer's house, and he slowly approached them; Coran was at the rear of the group, and Brun didn't get a chance to notice him at first.
"Have you found my son? Is he well?" His eyes searched around the companions, and Coran moved slowly forward.
"I am afraid they were all dead," Maiyn said gently, watching the man's reaction carefully. "This was the only body we were able to retrieve."
"It's... it's Nathan," he said, hoarsely. "No... no, my only son... it is a black day. He died for this farm, but I am too old to work it now, and too poor to hire someone else. I've lost him and my land. But at least now I know."
"Let us help you in putting him to rest," offered Maiyn, and Brun nodded. The rangers quickly dug a hole at the rear of the farm, while Coran and Jaheira used the spare wood Brun provided to make a rough coffin. Xan daubed some sigils of life and death on it, and Nathan's body was placed inside, the coffin then lowered into the earth where it was covered as Brun wept. Imoen and Yeslick had found a stone at the edge of the woods, and the dwarf managed to carve the young man's name onto it while Imoen inscribed around the edge. They put it in place, and the clerics and druid prayed to bless the ground and the soul of Nathan, giving their appeals for his easy transition into the afterlife and asking their respective Gods to accept his remains in the land.
The elderly farmer was touched by their efforts, and as dusk fell he offered them lodging in his home. Maiyn accepted graciously, but the party were unable to remain idle. While Imoen sat with the man, the others tended the animals and undertook some basic repairs that they saw around the buildings and fences. They were tired by the time they turned in; the home being too small to provide them all with beds, meaning most curled up on the floor in their bedrolls.
Coran pulled Maiyn close to him. "You have a good heart," he murmured as his arms wrapped around her sleepily. She smiled and closed her eyes. I can do more though.
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The next morning Imoen prepared breakfast for them all, and the companions prepared to leave. Brun had discovered their handiwork, and tears ran down his face as he thanked them - a mixture of fresh grief and gratitude for all the strangers had done. Maiyn lurked behind as the others filed out the gate of the farm, and she turned to the farmer.
"There is something else," she said, pulling a small pouch from her pack and handing it to the farmer. "We found this, and we think that Nathan had discovered it - which means, rightfully, that it's yours. I... I hope it's enough for you to find someone to help you run the farm."
The ranger swiftly turned and ran to catch up with her companions. Brun looked into the pouch she'd pushed into his hands, and his eyes widened as he discovered it was full of coin and gems. Nathan never had this much, he thought to himself, and I don't see how he could have found this down some hole... He looked back to the companions as they disappeared in the distance, marching steadily on towards their destination. There was easily enough to ensure his home was repaired properly, enough so he could employ someone to help with the farm work. He realised he didn't know any of their names.
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"How much did you give him then?" Coran asked Maiyn as she caught up with them. She gave him a look. "I am just asking!" he exclaimed. "We are lacking armour, and the prices in the city may be more than you anticipate."
She smiled to him brightly. "I didn't actually require to dip into our own coin," she said. "Imoen found a veritable horde of treasure in the caves, obviously the bits the ankhegs didn't want to digest. Brun can make much more use of it than they can."
Coran grinned at her. "You would never survive as a thief," he mused. "You would die of hunger to ensure that anyone else looking low on fortune was eating well."
"I don't need to be a thief," she replied lightly. "I have you and Imoen to serve at that."
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The massive structure rose directly ahead, spanning the wide river that stood between them and the city of Baldur's Gate. Maiyn looked beyond it silently, her gaze fixed on the walls of the city - it was huge.
Coran grinned as he noticed her awe. "Baldur's Gate," he said softly. "I love this city! Come, let's cross!" He grabbed her hand, and together they ran across the bridge towards the immense gates. The others followed at a slightly more leisurely pace and the young lovers stopped when they reached the middle, Maiyn gazing over the stone parapet at the view. She looked south, seeing the river stretch into the distance, past the trees of Cloakwood that they'd become so familiar with, before it turned slightly, flowing beyond her range of sight.
She nestled into Coran's arm as he placed it around her shoulder, making the most of the quiet moment they were sharing. The breeze caressed them gently as it swept upstream, the sun peeking out from the clouds to grace them with its presence. Everything was still except for the river flowing below - no one else was crossing, save for their rapidly approaching companions.
Coran sighed as they got close, reluctantly removing his arm from the ranger, but allowing his hand to take its familiar place within hers. Together they followed the others to the gate, where they were met by a Flaming Fist guard who asked them to pay ten gold pieces for entry. Imoen settled the toll on behalf of the group, and they passed through, into a small court that separated the outer gate from the inner one. Maiyn could see the city beyond the walls, and excitement rose within her.
"Onward!" Imoen exclaimed, skipping over to her happily. "To a tavern!"
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Maiyn regarded the city. Coran had already advised her to close her gaping mouth, saying it would only advertise her as a newcomer, a potential target for the thieves' guild which was located directly ahead of them. It was a large building, but nothing marked it as a guild house. Indeed, it had carefully been designed to look as if it were just several different homes, but the ranger knew to trust Coran's advice on such matters. She idly wondered what business he'd had with such an organisation to cause him to be so familiar with their base. A small shop was located to their right, and Imoen was desperately trying to persuade her to visit it, in the hope it would stock some pink tunics to replace the one she'd lost at the ankhegs. Maiyn, however, was intent on staring at her surroundings a little while longer, noting the large circular building at the end of the road that lead away from the square they found themselves in.
"That is Sorcerous Sundries," said Coran, and she giggled at the name. He smiled in amusement at her reaction. "It has many magical components for our spellthrowing friends, and..." He rustled in his pack for a second, then showed her what lay within. Maiyn gasped. "He may buy this ankheg shell - I had to cast aside a lot of old love letters to make room for this, so I hope you appreciate it!"
She grinned at him, and looked back to the scene before her. "What's that building?" she asked, pointing to a large structure located opposite the thieves guild.
"Ah," Coran smiled fondly. "The 'Elfsong' tavern."
"That sounds nice," said Maiyn approvingly.
"Well, not really," said Coran with a slight shrug. "It's the tavern of choice for the less honest members of Baldur's Gate society, but interesting nonetheless."
"So we should find a tavern elsewhere then?"
"My love," smiled Coran, "There are many inns in this city, but none would be good enough for you. The 'Helm and Cloak' may come close though, or perhaps the 'Three Kegs'."
Maiyn grinned. You shall have to guide us to them then," she said, "but first, we must visit this store before Imoen loses her voice with all her whining... though that may not necessarily be a bad thing..."
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"Hi, I'm Well-Adjusted Al, and my prices are sensible," said the storekeep, introducing himself to the mass of adventurers. "I used to be called Crazy Al, but therapy has convinced me that selling plate armour for three gold pieces and a small duck was no way to get ahead in business."
"Minsc would have to agree," said the berserker seriously. "Perhaps three gold pieces and a miniature giant space hamster would be reasonable though."
"Er, yes," said Al, giving the Rashemeni warrior a curious look. "What can I get you?"
"Do you have any pink tunics?" asked Imoen excitedly.
"Ah, I have a range of tunics just over there." He pointed to a rack of clothes on the far wall, and Imoen squealed in delight as she bounded over.
Maiyn sorted out ammunition for the others, and asked if he had much in the way of armour.
"I don't tend to have much in stock," he said thoughtfully, "but Sorcerous Sundries usually have bits and pieces lying around, trade-offs from magicians who need quick coin to purchase this season's fashionable scroll, and whatnot."
Xan glared darkly at the shopkeeper, but Maiyn grinned. "We may take a look in there then," she said, paying for the items the others had slowly accumulated. When they were all done, they wandered lazily down the road and entered the magical shop.
Maiyn noticed rows upon rows of shelves, all full of books, lining the circular walls in the dim light. Xan immediately drifted off to peruse the store's offering while Dynaheir led Imoen over to the counter to seek out components for them both. The others lingered at the doorway, and Maiyn noticed some stairs leading up to another level.
"I'll just be a moment," she said. "I'm just going to see if there's anything interesting upstairs."
The others nodded, and Coran headed over to haggle a price for the ankheg shells he'd lugged around in his pack with Jaheira and Khalid close behind, intent on enquiring about armour. The storekeeper regarded them all stonily, but his face lit up with glee when he saw the offering; Maiyn ventured upstairs as she heard the elven fighter's demands carrying to her ears... 'No, I think closer to 500 gold pieces would be appropriate, my good sir...'
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Maiyn was relieved to see that the upper level was slightly better lit then downstairs, and she was walking amongst the racks of magical supplies, when suddenly raised voices drew her attention. She found herself wandering towards the source, peering between a couple of stands.
"Xzar." The voice was that of a man, and Maiyn could make out a tall, arrogant looking mage, his face scowling as he looked at his target disdainfully. He was wearing a rich-looking, long black robe with a red and yellow trim. Three other mages in slightly less magnificent robes flanked him. "I am amazed at your effrontery."
"So many simple things amaze you. What does one more matter?" Maiyn grinned to herself, and craned her neck to look for the errant necromancer. She discovered him, Montaron at his side as usual, standing a little away, back to her as they faced the others.
"Watch your tongue, or lose it!" snapped the strange man. "Who is this spying on us?"
Maiyn started, realising she'd been seen, and prepared to make her excuses and leave. Xzar however had turned to see her, and he smiled warmly. "Ah, seeing you, Nieman, has blasted my manners... these are my serv... erm, colleagues, Maiyn, Montaron and Xzar," he purred.
Nieman returned his frosty gaze to the necromancer. "Xzar, I know you and the halfling," he said, with an underlying hint of exasperation. "Why are you also introducing yourselves?"
"Why, for conspiracy of course..." Xzar's eyes had taken on their familiar glazed look. "Maiyn! This is Nieman... my colleague..."
"I am your superior!" the tall mage snapped. "We will discuss your attitude and your performance more fully at a later date - do be assured of that. However, Maiyn... your presence puts a better face on this matter." The mage turned to regard her. "I have gleaned enough of your activities - not from Xzar's miserable reports, but from witnesses who gladly expounded upon your feats - that I am pleased. I was not aware, however, that you travelled as a group..."
"Oh, erm, well," said Maiyn hesitantly, but the mage cut her off with a wave of his hand.
"It matters not," he said simply. "I must say I am impressed... to a degree."
"You are superior to Xzar?" she asked, composing herself. "In what way? Not lunacy, I hope." She muttered the last part as she glanced to the necromancer, but it was loud enough for the mage to hear.
"Hardly," he replied with a sneer, "though I do not wonder at your warped sense of judgement from such an example." He glared at Xzar briefly. "Know that I am Master of the Zhentarim of the Sword Coast."
"Be an impressive title if there were more'n ten o' us - includin' the six in this room," muttered Montaron darkly.
"The obverse of your arithmetic is that the present want of involvement measures the scope of future opportunity," responded Nieman dryly. "Do not forget that, halfling." Montaron merely snorted. "As for you Maiyn," he continued, ignoring the warrior, "you know that the common enemy here is no less than the Iron Throne. Put an end to their heinous crime and your reward shall be the high favour of the Zhentarim."
"Reward?" shouted Xzar suddenly. "Is that what you call it? To be shunted aside, ignored, shorn of help and lacking in bath oils? Ah, Maiyn..." The necromancer spun around to look at her, his eyes flashing with delight. "Help me kill this wretched fool, and I shall succeed to the Mastery and I will be your friend for life! However long that may be..."
Maiyn had no chance to reply. "You dare turn on me?" roared Nieman. "We shall see about that!"
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Minsc had no interest in most of the shop's wares. There was little for a mighty warrior to browse among, since most of the magical weapons were stored behind the little shopkeeper's counter, and he did not seem to appreciate Minsc touching them.
The berserker stood by the stairs, waiting for the others to finish their business. The small dwarf looks almost as impatient as I, he thought, watching Yeslick pace up and down, muttering about how long it took to buy a few bat wings.
Minsc thought he heard voices from above him, and briefly entertained the notion of a brawl taking place upstairs. Ah, it is a magical shop, he reminded himself, such things only happen in taverns and shops that sell proper items, like armour and swords! He went back to watching Dynaheir and Imoen, his protective nature always on guard for a threat to his beloved witch.
A rumbling noise from upstairs managed to distract him, and he turned, peering up. He was fairly certain he could see flashes and hear muted cries, and he frowned. Perhaps the little mages are demonstrating something. He shrugged, and turned back. A few more rumbles echoed down towards him, and even the storekeeper looked at the ceiling with a frown. Minsc just shrugged, but then a thought occurred to him. Where is little Maiyn? She went upstairs! What if she in in danger!
Minsc dashed up the stairs, and made his way through the numerous racks and stands until he found what must have been the source of the noises. Maiyn was standing there nonchalantly, looking fine. The four bodies on the floor did not look fine.
"Oh, Minsc," she said with surprise, noticing the berserker's appearance. "No one else came up did they?"
Minsc looked behind him, and shook his head. "They are all still busy purchasing," he said.
"Ah good," she replied, looking relieved. "Best not to mention this to them."
Minsc scratched his head with bewilderment, then registered the other two figures at the other side of the room. Ah, the strange little mage and his short, hairy guardian! Before he could say anything, Maiyn had taken him by the arm, and was wheeling him back the way he'd come, downstairs to the others.
"Remember," she whispered, "better not to mention any of this to any of the others."
Minsc only nodded. He was confused.
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"Ah Monty, our fair companion has left us once more." Xzar almost looked saddened by her abrupt departure, but Montaron snorted, hiding his own disappointment.
"Ha ha!" Xzar exclaimed as Nieman fell. "I have done it! The boothell is gone! I shall...shall..." The necromancer stopped dancing around, and looked at the corpses beneath his feet. "Maiyn! What have you done?" He looked at the ranger, who was hastily putting her bow back across her shoulders. "You have slain the Master of the Zhentarim, and I... I will be blamed for it." He sighed. "Why is life so unfair mummy?"
"Face it down, mush," said Montaron gruffly. "No other hope for either o' us, noone back east is gonna know naught but what we tell 'em anyways."
"Eh..." Xzar looked thoughtful, and a smile crept along his face. "That might play... of course! I shall report that we came here and found them in this deplorable state! I mean, look at them - not even fit for animating now. Such a waste. Our enemies must have done it! My genius! It has triumphed again!"
Montaron just snorted, and continued rummaging through the fallen mages belongings. Maiyn coughed slightly, reminding them of her presence.
"I'll just be going now," she said quietly, edging away slowly.
"Don't go yet!" exclaimed Xzar, clapping his hands in glee. "We are so good together, we are, we are, we are!"
The ranger glanced at Montaron, and he looked away abruptly. He didn't like the slightly fearful look she wore while she watched them - on their last encounter she'd seemed pleased to see them, but he guessed she'd had to - they'd saved her life, after all. Now they were even.
The heavy fall of running footsteps echoed around them, and the two Zhents looked up in surprise, backing silently away from the corpses. Maiyn turned around warily, tensing in preparation for repercussions, but her shoulders sagged with relief when she recognised the familiar face of her Rashemeni companion. Xzar and Montaron waited to see how many more of her companions would surface, but it seemed he was the only one investigating the strange noises he'd heard; within seconds, they'd both left.
Montaron muttered darkly to himself. Of all the people he'd expected to help them overthrow their superior, the good-hearted ranger hadn't been one. Not that he'd minded seeing her again, but he'd noticed a new adornment around her neck, and had recognised it as a holy symbol. If there was something sure to turn Montaron off a woman, it was a holy symbol.
