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

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Candlekeep

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The group set off early again the next morning, the sun shining brightly down on the jovial party. They walked for hours, chatting amongst themselves when Maiyn called for a short rest. As she dropped her pack, Coran pulled her arm gently.

"Come with me," he whispered softly. "I've been here before. Behind this row of trees there is a clearing... Here - take off your boots."

Maiyn's eyebrow arched. "But why?"

"For me?" He smiled as she complied, her puzzled expression being replaced by one of amusement. He took her hand, and led her away from their companions. "See how soft the grass is here, how it is glistening with rainfall from yesterday? It is just right for walking barefoot."

"It is pleasant," she agreed. "Where are you leading me?"

"Not far," he said simply, walking on in silence. Maiyn followed him through the sparse trees, the luscious grass tickling her feet. Before long they reached a small clearing, lilacs growing on the forest edge, the last reminder of a cabin that lay in ruins in the centre. The tall bushes were in bloom, heavy with the purple and white bunches of flowers.

Coran leaned a branch over, and so that the fragrant panicles were right in front of Maiyn. He burrowed his face in one, and drank the liquid from the petals.

"Lilac wine," he explained. "Care to try?"

Maiyn just smiled, and took one of the panicles between her palms before lowering her lips to the blossoms. She drank the contents, and regarded his slightly surprised expression with delight. "I have done that once before. Last spring, in fact... when I used to leave Candlekeep on my own. I'd read about it in a book, and well... I wanted to try it." Maiyn sighed at the memories.

Coran nodded. "We have the same taste in wine. But do not be so sad - here, make a wish." He handed a flower with five petals to the ranger. "If you eat it, it will come true..."

Maiyn thought for a few moments, before popping the bud into her mouth. Coran released the branch, which shot up, showering them both with the spray. He embraced her waist, pulling her close and kissing her gently.

"A rogue's life is not a long one," he murmured almost inaudibly, holding her close to him.

"Even an elven one?" asked Maiyn, gently disentangling herself from his tight hug.

"Even elven," he nodded. "But I want a life full of adventures and dangers, even if I would not live to tell tales to bored younglings five hundred years from today. That is why I thought that I'd never promise to settle down, my light. Nor could I promise neither love eternal, nor that I should return after parting."

Maiyn's heart sank slightly. Her eyes fell to the ground, and it was all she could do to prevent herself from sighing. Coran cupped her cheek with his palm, and raised her head to look at his face. "But now it sounds like half-forgotten rules of a game I played as a boy," he finished.

"Promises are only made to be broken," Maiyn said gently. "I never asked for vows from you."

"I know," he replied with a slight smile. "All the same, I want to make a promise."

"I-"

Coran hushed her. "Will you allow me to speak my vow to you, or should I keep it silent in my heart?"

Maiyn was trembling slightly, but she wasn't sure if it was due to her feet being cold or her emotions. "I... I do not mind either way," she eventually said.

Coran nodded, and looked intently into her eyes. "Maiyn of Candlekeep, daughter of Gorion, I love you. My love will not fade, and to you alone my heart is given. No matter what should transpire on my lonely walks, they will all end by your campfire. You arms, beloved, are my home, and by your side I will stay. By the stars and the sun and the twelve winds so I, Coran Sullussaer swear." As he finished, Coran wrapped his arms around Maiyn, hugging her tightly before picking her up and carrying her back to their companions.

Some of them seemed to notice her flushed features, and she could tell by their smirks that they were assuming the two elves had been doing more than just talking. This in turn only served to make her blush grow even wilder, and with a mumble, she put her boots back on, picked up her pack and ordered Kivan to lead on. The stoic ranger's eyes twinkled, but he refrained from comment as he began to lead the way, and as Maiyn passed Minsc she could see he wore a confused expression.

"Minsc and Boo do not understand," he said to Dynaheir, perplexed. "We are not near any farms, so where did little Maiyn and Coran find hay to roll in?"

Maiyn glared at the others as they erupted into laughter, but one glimpse at Coran and his mischievous grin changed her demeanour instantly. She smiled contentedly, and ran to catch up with Kivan. Soon they would reach Candlekeep, and both she and Imoen would see their old friends.

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It was getting dark when they exited the forest, the tall structure of Candlekeep's library looming ahead of them. Imoen and Maiyn paused, standing side by side, holding hands, as they looked at their former home. The others followed quietly when they began moving towards the settlement, and Maiyn pulled the book Duke Eltan had given her from her bag in preparation for inspection by the Keeper of Tomes.

The gate guard recognised the two young girls when he came out to enquire about their intentions, and he passed on his condolences for Gorion's death. Maiyn thanked him, and waited patiently for the Keeper to appear. It was cold so close to the coast, and she was looking forward to getting into the inn for warmth. Eventually he appeared, looking coldly at the girls. Maiyn bowed her head respectfully as she handed Ulraunt their book, and after some examination he grudgingly accepted it as payment for entry, reminding Maiyn that she would be expected to follow the strict rules. With no other words, he turned and left, and Maiyn visibly relaxed.

"A bit gruff, is he no?" remarked Yeslick.

"He doesn't like us... well, me," replied Maiyn softly. "He never agreed with Gorion bringing up his children here. No matter though," she said, smiling to her friends. "We do not need to see him at all during our stay. Come, we will go to the inn."

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The party entered the quiet inn, having heard from the one of the Watchers about the lack of visitors to the town. Maiyn looked over to the bar, and saw Winthrop staring at them all in amazement. She grinned to him, and glimpsed at Imoen. The young thief was smiling delightedly.

"Aye now," muttered the innkeeper as he wandered over to them. "There's the rapscallions!"

"Winthrop!" exclaimed Imoen emotionally. "It's good ta be home!"

"You, littl' missus!" shouted Winthrop, pointing a finger at the human. "You owe me a long account for all my worries after ye'd run off!"

"I do," admitted Imoen, tears running down her face. "I know... Oh, I'm so glad to see ya Puffguts!" She threw herself at the older man, hugging him tightly as she sobbed. The innkeeper comforted her, settling her down in one of the many seats in the common room and turned to Maiyn.

"My, Maiyn, ye've grown," he said with a grin. "Or maybe it's just yer clothin. It's good to see your impish face again as well! Wait, let me send fer some o' the others, an' ye can fill us all in on what ye've been up to!"

The girls nodded, and Winthrop handed out keys to rooms for them all with the exception of Imoen and Maiyn. He informed them that their rooms in the library were still there for them, and he sent word to Parda to bring the keys with him. As the group settled into the lounge, old friends began appearing in their midst, and Imoen and Maiyn found themselves being welcomed back and commiserated with with regards to Gorion.

Hull and Fuller were helping Winthrop carry drinks over from the bar to go round as Phlydia appeared, looking confusedly at Maiyn for a few moments.

"Have you seen my book?" she asked, before frowning slightly. "Oh wait... you found that for me already, didn't you. Oh, I just don't know any more! You haven't been around much lately!"

Maiyn grinned and hugged the woman fondly. "Never change Phlydia," the ranger said warmly. "We love you just the way you are."

"Why, that's enough to make an old woman blush!" she exclaimed, patting Maiyn affectionately on the arm. "Gorion sure raised a charmer in you."

"You've been Away With Out Leave soldier!" came a roar from behind Imoen, making the human jump. She turned to see Reevor standing there, the dwarf scowling in his customary fashion. "Are you expecting forgiveness? Are you expecting redemption! Well spare me! I want 500 push-ups and I want them now!"

Imoen giggled and gave the dwarf a hug, making him frown and mutter to himself as he stalked off to get an ale. It wasn't long before he found Yeslick, and the kinsmen spent most of the evening in deep discussion over dwarven matters.

Hull approached the two girls after a while, looking uncomfortable. "We didn't expect to see either of you again," he said, his voice croaking slightly with emotion. "When news of Gorion's passing reached us, Fuller and I went out to retrieve his body - we found it buried, and hoped that'd been you. It meant you were alive you see. There was no sign of you anywhere, and we feared the worst."

"What have you been up to anyway?" asked Fuller, joining them. Maiyn had already insisted that everyone agree to not mention their mission, or the Iron Throne at all, so she smiled brightly as she answered.

"Killing more kobolds than you could ever imagine," she said, Imoen nodding her agreement. "Say, you don't happen to have a need for some rusty old swords, do you? I'm sure I've got plenty left over..."

Fuller grinned. "Always one to joke you were," he said as he moved off to mingle in the crowd with Hull. Maiyn and Imoen were not left in peace however, as Parda and Karan appeared before them, both smiling warmly.

"Maiyn, Imoen, my children!" exclaimed Karan, hugging them each in turn. "Look at you both! Your faces have gained some new lines since the days I tutored you."

"Sleepin' under the stars doesn't help yer beauty," admitted Imoen, hugging Parda.

"We heard you'd returned, and when Winthrop sent a messenger asking me to bring the keys to your rooms I was so pleased," said Parda, handing them to the girls. "No one else has used them since you left, but they are aired regularly, and you can use them for your stay of course. Tethtoril insisted they remain untouched until we discovered what had happened to you both."

"Will the First Reader be coming?" asked Maiyn hopefully.

"I do not think so child," replied Parda. "He is busy preparing for some guests who are arriving tomorrow, some merchants from Baldur's Gate and some traders from the southern lands. Ulraunt has agreed, in his wisdom, to allow them to hold their meetings here in the library."

"Oh, I see," said Maiyn, nudging Imoen slightly. He must mean the Iron Throne leaders, she thought to herself.

"You've come back at a strange time," said Karan in a hushed tone. "People are acting strangely, and today an odd visitor appeared in the library. A sage, I assume, known only as Koveras. He took Alaundo's prophecies from their place, and I turned to put my own book back on the shelf. I could hear him murmuring; I recognised both the words of the Seer and his voice, but when I turned, his eyes were closed. He recited pages of the document from memory without looking at it once!"

"Something is afoot in Candlekeep," agreed Parda, also in hushed tones. "There seems to be unvoiced panic amongst all those who still call these hallowed halls our home. People are acting most unusually."

Maiyn's heart froze, and she looked at Imoen with wide eyes. The thief returned her gaze with a similar expression, and the ranger decided to ignore her previous advice to her companions.

"I need to tell you something," she said, pulling the monks aside from the others, and describing their travels to date as brief as she could, ensuring she mentioned the shapeshifters they'd encountered in Baldur's Gate. The two monks looked horrified.

"You don't think-"

"I don't know," admitted Maiyn. "Do not tell anyone - it is vitally important we do not draw attention to ourselves while we are here. Just be vigilant." Her eyes pleaded to them, and they both nodded.

"We will let you know if we see anything unusual," Parda assured her. "We must return to the library now, before our presence in the preparations is missed."

Maiyn nodded, and bid them both a fond goodnight. Her talk with them concerned her deeply, and with Imoen's help she managed to pass on the information quietly to the others. It was better for them all to be on guard.

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"Candlekeep..." mused Imoen as she walked with Maiyn to the library, the party having died down as the night became late, and the other companions retiring to their rooms. Coran and Alora followd the girls, each being privileged enough for an invitation to share their rooms for the night. "Never thought I'd be back here again, especially this early on. Brings back all sorts of memories, doesn't it?"

"Yeah," said Maiyn thoughtfully. They were walking along the gardens, past one of the many fountains. She wanted to show Coran around, but knew it would be better in daylight. "Just like that time you pilfered that pie from Winthrop and gave it to me - half eaten - just before he arrived to yell at me."

"Hey, I was just trying to share," said Imoen innocently. "How was I supposed to know he'd come by then? Hmm?"

Maiyn grinned. "You always knew." The ranger gently pushed the large library doors open, and the friends entered the building. The familiar marble statue of Alaundo loomed up before them, looking as serene as Maiyn remembered. Silently they made their way up to their rooms on the third floor, and quietly said goodnight outside their rooms.

Coran followed Maiyn in, then stood awkwardly as she wandered around looking at her old belongings. She paused, and gave him an amused look.

"What's wrong?" she asked gently.

"It feels slightly strange to be in the room you grew up in," he admitted. "Especially when your growing up was not so many years ago."

"I have come of age now, in my own magical way," she said, grinning at him. "Perhaps I should remind you."

"Perhaps indeed!"

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Maiyn and Imoen politely declined breakfast in the library the next morning, choosing instead to eat with their other companions over at the inn. Winthrop was getting on well with all of them, and even Xan had a slight smile on his face as the group settled down around one of the larger tables.

"Well dip me in broth and call me stewed! If it isn't little Maiyn!"

The ranger looked up to see Theodon, one of the Candlekeep Elders bearing down on their table. With him was Jessup, another elder, who smiled warmly at them all. Maiyn returned the smile, but groaned slightly, causing Imoen to almost choke on her bread as she started giggling.

"Why, I haven't seen you for nearly... umm..." Theodon frowned, then shrugged and sat down beside the ranger. "Well, quite some time anyway!"

"Hello Theodon," she said politely. "How have you been?"

The elder didn't seem to even notice her question as he smiled around at her companions, then looked back to the elf. "You know, I still remember you running about the keep in your little swaddling clothes! Pestering the elders and spooking the cows. Isn't that right Jessup?"

"Surely was," agreed the older of the two men, leaning against the wall.

"Yes..." continued Theodon airily. "Of course, you never did stay in those rags of yours for long."

"Yes, yes, I remember," interrupted Maiyn quickly. "But tell me, how have you been?"

"You'd be as naked as a jaybird the moment someone turned their back on you," Theodon went on, seemingly oblivious to her horror. Much sniggering was heard from various parts of the table. "I remember the day that fellow... Blackstaff, yes, he came floating in and there you were, tearing around the outer keep with Gorion hot on your tail. Took the cloak right off his back you did, and made yourself just the cutest little-"

"Yes, yes, YES!" Maiyn tried again to get the man's attention. "I remember! How have you been?"

"Oh, wait wait!" exclaimed Theodon, clapping his hands together. "I remember now; it was Khelben Blackstaff trying his hardest to look important while you ran through the stables with his cape tied around your waist. Such a lark."

"A lark in naught but a cloak around her waist..." said Coran dreamily, causing Maiyn to turn on him with a glare.

"Coran..." sighed Xan. "CORAN!"

"Oh," started Coran. "Did I drift off?"

"I thought I'd catch my death from laughing, I did," said Jessop, grinning to Maiyn's amused companions.

"You and me both," nodded Theodon, who obviously wasn't finished, much to Maiyn's dismay. "Gorion was shaking like a leaf, he was so mad."

"Well," said Maiyn, pushing her plate away abruptly. "As fun as this has been, I should really get going."

"Nobody was sure what to do," continued the elder, ignoring Maiyn completely. "Then Khelben mutters some words and catches you by the scruff of the neck with some sort of spectral hand. It hauls you out and drops you right in front of him, and him grabbing his filthy cape back! Everyone was scared, wouldn't you say Jessop?"

"Sure enough," came the reply. "Scared witless."

Xan leaned over the table towards Maiyn. "You know," he whispered, "being a Greycloak, I do have a spare cloak... if you wish to borrow it one day..."

The companions erupted into laughter at Maiyn's outraged face, while Xan burst into a broad grin - the first time Maiyn could ever remember him properly smiling.

"Xan! I heard that!" protested Coran, when he'd calmed down.

"What happened after that though?" Alora asked Theodon.

"Well, old Khelben then burst into the biggest laugh you've ever heard," he recalled. "Everyone else started laughing too, except Maiyn. She just stood there, naked as the day she was born and wondering what all the fuss was about. I tell you, those were the days."

"Maiyn, you really need to show this carefree side of yourself more often," stated Coran, looking at her seriously. "It would surely help reduce... tension..." More giggles followed, and Maiyn sighed and stood up.

"Yes, I think I'll be going now."

"Oh certainly little one," beamed Theodon, the twinkle in his eye suggesting he'd done what he aimed to do. "Stop by any time though - I've got some paintings of you as a youngster that I'm sure your friends would love to see. Remember that one of her on the bearskin rug Jessop?"

"Ah, surely do," he smiled. "In the buff as usual."

"Cute as a bug you were," continued Theodon, standing up. "Off you go then."

"Now the boys will be bantering for days," noted Imoen, looking at the slightly dreamy expressions on Coran and Xan's faces.

"Ah, are you here too?" asked Theodon, turning to face the thief. "Well, you always were the loud one of the pair, you were..." The elder stopped as Imoen scampered out of the room, heading outside at full speed. He chuckled softly to himself, and bit the group good day. "Ah, the carefree youth. How I envy you."

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The companions spent the day quietly amongst themselves. Maiyn eventually managed to drag Coran away from his wistful musings with Xan, rolling her eyes at Kivan as she dragged the fighter outside. They went into the inner gardens, and walked around slowly as Maiyn recounted some of her childhood tales involving the friends he'd now met.

They slowly wandered around, past the Candlekeep Chanters who smiled to Maiyn and gave her a little wave, between the fountains that lined the path. They lazed in the sun, watching monks periodically pass by, some of them waving to Maiyn, or coming over for a quick chat. The ranger felt peaceful, and enjoyed the couple of hours they spent relaxing.

A sudden display of activity disturbed them though, and they got up and wandered over, near to the Library's entrance. Several monks were standing outside, including Tethtoril, looking towards the main gate. Several men were approaching, being led by a smiling Ulraunt and they were quickly ushered into the building, the monks following them. Tethtoril noticed Maiyn before he returned inside, and he smiled fondly. She returned the smile until he disappeared, then turned to Coran.

"They must be..."

He nodded. "We should tell the others," he said.

Maiyn agreed, and moved to set off back to the inn. Coran pulled her back gently, and kissed her firmly much to her surprise.

"I had all afternoon to do it, and I didn't want to lose the chance in these surroundings," he explained with a grin. Maiyn returned his grin, then caught sight of a figure standing at the other side of the gardens. She peered behind Coran for a better look and the fighter turned to also observe.

Maiyn noticed with dismay that it was Dreppin, and he abruptly turned and headed back towards the barns. She sighed.

Coran raised an eyebrow. "An old flame?" he asked.

Maiyn shook her head. "An old friend," she said firmly. "Go and find the others, and tell them the leaders have arrived. Try to get everyone together in the inn. I need to talk to Dreppin." She kissed Coran quickly on the cheek, and swiftly moved off to find the herder.

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Maiyn moved quickly around Dreppin's usual areas, but could see no sign of him. She frowned slightly, and began searching the ground for any signs of his recent passing, eventually finding a fresh set of footprints. After a few false leads, she discovered the herder sitting behind the Priest's Quarters, staring into space.

"Hello Dreppin," she said, causing him to jump up in surprise.

"Ah, Maiyn," he replied, hesitantly. "I... I didn't think I'd ever see you again."

"Well, here I am," she smiled. "It is good to see you."

Dreppin bowed his head graciously, but remained distant. "What is it like out there? You seem to have been... busy."

Maiyn raised an eyebrow slightly, but ignored the comment. "It is large and exciting," she grinned. "Imoen and I have seen so many new places!" She wandered over beside him as she continued excitedly. "We've been to Beregost, and Nashkel! And we even stayed in Baldur's Gate recently!"

Dreppin smiled weakly. "You're an adventurer now," he said quietly. "Folk like me aren't any excitement in comparison."

Maiyn reached out to touch the herder's arm, but he pulled away quickly. "I have to get back to my chores," he mumbled, briskly walking back to the pens. Maiyn followed him stubbornly.

"What's wrong?" she asked. "I thought you'd at least be pleased to see me again, especially since I'm alive!"

Dreppin stopped and turned around. "You barely even said goodbye to me when you left. So why should I drop everything to welcome you back, now you've decided to return for whatever reason?"

Maiyn sighed. "I meant to say goodbye," she tried to explain, "but you disappeared by the time I'd done Reevor's chores, and when I saw you as we left, I was about to ask Gorion to wait for a moment, but once again, you disappeared. As far as I knew, you didn't really care that I was leaving enough to say goodbye!"

Dreppin's eyes flashed with anger. "I did care! I didn't want you leaving here, I had... I..." He faltered. "Oh, just go back to your elven man, and pretend we never saw each other."

"Dreppin!" The herder ignored Maiyn's shouts, and stormed off towards the gatehouse. She sighed and began slowly walking towards the inn.