General disclaimer: I own nothing, even Maiyn generally decides her own path.
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Outlaws
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It had been two days since they escaped from the Candlekeep Catacombs. Maiyn had found the journey through Cloakwood almost unbearable, frequently fleeing from the spiders they stumbled across. On one occasion she'd blindly panicked, running away from the fight in terror only to become surrounded by two other arachnids. It was Minsc's quick work with his sword that had saved her, and Jaheira had served her with some very sharp words.
Khalid had been the one to suggest going slightly further north than Baldur's Gate itself, camping near to the village of Ulgoth's Beard. It was far enough from normal civilisation to be safe to visit for supplies, the Harpers hoped, and still close enough to Baldur's Gate to hear any developments if they wished to. Maiyn had agreed to go, if only so they would have somewhere to wait while they tried to hold off the excitement that had been generated by their escape. Going to the city immediately would have done nothing but sign their own death warrants, and so they'd been marching non-stop to reach the woods next to this secluded coastal outpost.
Now they were exhausted, and Kivan was setting up a small campfire so they could prepare a small meal. The others set out their bedrolls tiredly, sitting together to eat in a subdued silence. Coran watched Maiyn closely, noting the fatigue that showed clearly on her face. He knew they needed to talk, but it was not the right time and he could wait.
Jaheira and Khalid also watched the young ranger. They were worried about the current situation regarding the group, but knew that their companions needed rest before other matters were addressed. Everyone was painfully aware of the difference in atmosphere; what had once been a light-hearted party, even in the direst situations, had developed a dark overture with everyone suddenly becoming much warier of each other - much more suspicious.
"Dynaheir," said Maiyn quietly to the witch. "Can I ask you something?" The human had been mainly quiet since the discovery was made about Maiyn's heritage, and the elf was becoming curious as to why.
"Of course," replied the Rashemani, her curious gaze lingering on the elf. Maiyn's gaze was fixed to the fire.
"When you joined us, you left for a while to travel somewhere with the Harpers," stated Maiyn. "Was that... to do with me?"
Dynaheir stayed quiet for a while. "It was to do with thee, yes," she admitted eventually. "Thy companions were suspicious of the motives of my dejemma, and they decided to take me to meet some of their associates."
Maiyn nodded, but stayed silent.
"They did it out of caution," Dynaheir continued gently. "They wished to protect thee from anyone who wouldst seek to profit from a friendship with thee, and also to protect anyone who got close to thee willingly, who may not have suspected thy heritage."
"Why were you seeking out a Bhaalspawn?" Maiyn's eyes rose to look straight at the witch. Dynaheir returned her glance without blinking.
"To discover if the prophecies were true."
"But why?"
Dynaheir shrugged. "It is a way to prove myself to the Othlor, and it is something to study and learn from."
"You make me sound like a subject, rather than a person," muttered Maiyn.
"I did not mean to. I trust thee knows me well enough now to know that I see thee as a true and honourable person, and I serve alongside thee out of friendship, not duty to my homelands."
Maiyn nodded, and smiled weakly to the human. She glanced quickly at Xan, but the enchanter carefully avoided eye contact. "I'm going to bed," she said simply, retreating to her bedroll wordlessly. Her companions followed soon after.
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Jaheira and Khalid left the next morning to visit Ulgoth's beard, with a list of supplies the companions needed. Before they went, they agreed that scouts could be sent to the city but expressed their concern over Imoen and Maiyn especially being recognised. Coran immediately volunteered his services, knowing the city well and capable of holding himself in a fight. Maiyn asked Alora if she would accompany him - the wily halfling would have a better chance of escaping should things go wrong. Alora nodded, but looked fearful. Maiyn had pulled her gently to the side shortly after.
"There is no reason to fear us... well, me," Maiyn said softly. "I am still the person I was before, but I know that you haven't been with us long and everything that has happened may be a bit... overwhelming. If you are unhappy in our company, let Coran know when you reach the city. He will ensure you get to the safety of the thieves guild, or wherever you need to be, and you will get enough coin to make sure you're okay for some time."
"Wait!" cried Alora as the ranger turned to leave. She'd seen the concern and sadness in the elf's eyes; misplaced sadness.
"I want ta stay with ya all," Alora said hesitantly. "If I seem scared, it's because... well, it's just been a lot ta take in, ya know? I'm not scared of you; I'm just scared of all this stuff I don't understand. I mean, I know who Bhaal is... was... but I don't understand all these prophecies people go on about and stuff like that."
Maiyn just grinned. "That makes two of us then," she said.
Coran called Alora over, asking if she was ready to head off. It would take a few hours for them to get to the city, so they'd waited before leaving, hoping to arrive at Baldur's Gate as dusk fell, using the shadows of the night in their benefit. Maiyn reminded him for the fifth time to be careful, and he grinned weakly, hugging her tightly.
"We'll talk when I get back," he whispered gently, feeling her sigh, then nod. A quick kiss on her cheek, then he turned and disappeared into the trees, Alora running to keep up with the elf's swift stride.
Maiyn sat, looking in the direction he'd left for several minutes, before she stood up and faced back to her companions.
"Now we have to wait," she sighed.
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Jaheira and Khalid carefully passed through the village's unmanned gate. The fighter led the way; he'd visited the settlement once before, on a rare journey without Jaheira. It was no mission that time though - he'd travelled from Baldur's Gate seeking a gift for his wife's birthday from one of the talented sculptors living by the sea. He'd travelled for hours to get to the town, make the purchase, and return to their inn at the city within one day, presenting the pestle and mortar - beautifully carved with woodland figures and creatures covering the bowl, and adorning the handle of the stick - to the bemused druid that evening. She still had it; even after all these years, having looked after it lovingly despite its frequent use.
They headed straight for the shop, Jaheira unfolding the parchment where Imoen had neatly scribed their list - complete with a request for a new pink tunic. The inhabitants of Ulgoth's Beard moved past them without a second glance despite their hoods being pulled down. Both Harpers knew they would be more suspicious of strangers shrouding their faces in bright daylight.
At the store they found most of what they needed, and exchanged pleasantries with the keeper. Upon hearing they had travelled from the south, he excitedly asked if they'd heard anything about the recent events; informing them of the tales other adventurers had shared with him about a bunch of mercenaries who had fled from Candlekeep before facing trial in the city. Accused of mass murder, he said excitedly, of innocent merchants in the library fortress.
Jaheira and Khalid managed to exchange a quick, worried glance, but the man showed no sign of suspecting them of any such misdeeds. The druid casually remarked that they'd heard some word of it, but had skirted past the city and were aiming to reach Neverwinter before the colder months began. This changed the subject, and the storeman merrily discussed the Sword Coast climate, and his plan to retire to Waterdeep so he could visit Neverwinter one day. The Harpers conversed politely with him, wishing him a good day as they left.
"I am concerned for the safety of Coran and Alora," whispered Jaheira as they left the town. "If our plight has been heard here, then the city shall be rife with Enforcers on guard, and others seeking to profit."
Khalid nodded his agreement. "Coran is a wily sort th-though," he mused quietly. "If anyone c-can perform this task, I think it is him."
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With the hoods of their cloaks drawn up to hide their faces, Coran and Alora managed to pay the toll to gain entry into Baldur's Gate while the guard was busy with a rush of merchants trying to hurry him up. Coran walked swiftly into the Elfsong Tavern, Alora obediently following him, where they would rest for an hour and wait for night to fully fall.
Both the elf and the halfling knew the city extensively from their roguish experiences, and they'd agreed to scout around some of the inns and taverns, trying to pick up what information they could. Coran bought a room for the following day - the two would sleep while it was daylight, and use their second night to follow up on anything important they found. Then they'd leave to return to the others, hopefully with enough news to put their minds at rest, and allow a firm plan to be worked on.
Coran looked at the halfling as she sat opposite him, her gaze fixed to her drink. He could tell she was listening intently to the chat around her, and he smiled approvingly. Young she may be, but she was quick to learn and eager to help. He had been slightly worried about taking her with him - he would rather have come alone, risking no one else, but the others had insisted that two go. Imoen was out of the question, and Alora became the most obvious choice, if only because of her little time in the party to be recognised by.
Voices drifted into his consciousness as he sat, lazily eavesdropping on the loud human voices around them. Most of it was uninteresting, but suddenly he heard a female's voice, subdued and quiet - it was only his elven hearing that allowed him to pick up what she was saying, and he had to concentrate hard on silencing the other noises around it.
"...is what they are saying. I don't know if it is true or not, but it wouldn't surprise me." Her voice seemed youthful; Coran scoured the room as casually as he could, trying to pinpoint her location. Eventually he did. A pretty young human girl, with long blonde hair in a neat braid was sitting at the bar. She was talking in hushed tones to an older man and he was looking seriously at her.
"What is the price on offer?" he asked her.
She shrugged slightly. "I am not sure of the exact figure, but it would be high. They number eleven, and while they may be easy to find as such a large group, they may be tricky to eliminate."
The man was frowning slightly. "Your sources believe they will return to the city?"
She nodded.
"Then they'd be fools," he remarked. "The Flaming Fist will be on lookout for them, and we cannot operate when they have such a close interest."
"There are wanted posters going up tomorrow," the girl said quietly. "Angelo thinks that they will lie low, somewhere away from the city, and return when things are quieter."
"Hmm."
"He seems to believe they'll return," she added. "He seems quite... certain of it."
"What gives him a reason to be so assured?" asked the man gruffly.
"I don't know," she admitted. "But he's never usually wrong."
"Well," said the man, standing abruptly. "You've earned your coin, and your information has been satisfactory." He dropped a few gold pieces onto the table, which the girl hastily picked up. "If you can find out the exact sum on offer, my companions may be interested. You know where to find me."
Coran watched the man skulk away, leaving the inn. A quick look to Alora showed that she'd been watching him too, and a small nod from the halfling told him she'd heard enough to have been as interested as he was.
"Stay here," he said quietly. "I will see what I can find out."
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"Heya." Imoen seemed quieter than normal as Maiyn sat down next to her. The elf sighed inwardly; she expected to be thought of differently by everyone now, even if she still hadn't come to terms with the revelations herself; but of everyone in her group, the person she didn't want to grow apart from was Imoen. She didn't know what she'd do without the human in her life, and it scared her to think that the young thief may drift away from her.
"I wanted to... well, I just thought we could..."
Imoen grinned weakly at her. "Talk?" ventured the human. Maiyn smiled feebly.
"About the letter, and stuff," began Maiyn, desperately trying to find words to convey what she meant without having to resort to a simple plead for their friendship to be unaffected; something that was unlikely, anyway.
"The letter was a surprise," admitted Imoen, turning to look at her friend. "But... really. You always got more attention than me. You were always the one who Gorion kept an eye on, always the one people were interested in when he had friends visiting. I mean, I was meant ta be the petty thief, but Ulraunt seemed ta put up with me more than you, and ya never did anythin' to annoy him!"
Maiyn smiled slightly, but her eyes remained worried. "You sound as if you resent me," she said, worried. "I had no idea..."
Imoen shook her head. "I don't resent ya silly!" she exclaimed, putting her arm around the dismayed ranger. "When we were younger, it was convenient - it meant I got away with a lot, because people were so busy watchin' ya all the time. I thought it was because ya were an elf or somethin' stupid like that. Sometimes I was jealous, but ya never played on it or made anythin' of it, and you always involved me in anythin' ya were doin'... so eventually I just learned to deal with it all."
"You were... are my best friend," said Maiyn quietly. "I know things have been difficult since Gorion... well. And since then we've met other people and developed other friendships, but above and beyond everyone else, your opinion of me matters the most."
"Heh, now you're bein' silly," grinned Imoen. "Coran-"
"Coran is important to me, but not nearly as important as you," said Maiyn sharply, with complete seriousness. Imoen regarded the ranger curiously, and Maiyn stared back, then frowned slightly.
"You've thought, since I met other elves..."
Imoen blushed slightly. "I just thought when ya met your kin that you'd feel more... affinity with them..."
Maiyn looked hurt. "I don't deny that I enjoy their company," she said somewhat hotly, "but you were spending all your time with Garrick. You didn't seem to mind me making other friendships then."
Imoen drew back as if Maiyn had slapped her and the two girls sat in an uncomfortable silence for several minutes.
"I'm sorry," said Maiyn eventually.
"No, yer right," admitted Imoen quietly. "I was preoccupied with his company, and completely washed away by the fact that he found me interestin'... attractive." She shrugged slightly. "I wasn't a very good friend to ya, but when he left ya were there for me despite that."
"And now the tables are turned, and I'm the awful friend," noted Maiyn. "So wrapped up in my own issues and whatever it is I have with Coran..."
"Heh, listen ta us both. We're both still here for each other though."
"And we always will be," agreed Maiyn. "When this is done... I hadn't thought much about it, but I always just assumed we'd travel around together. For a while anyway."
"Of course!" exclaimed the human, beaming happily. "Who else is gonna look after ya? Coran can try, but he'll have nothing on Imoen the Magnificent!"
Maiyn sniggered. "Of course not," she said softly as she put her arm around the thief and they rested their heads together.
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Coran smiled charmingly as he sat down, and the girl regarded him suspiciously. He remained unperturbed, and asked if she would like a drink. She seemed to think for a moment, then nodded graciously and asked for a mead. Coran quickly ordered two drinks, and raised his glass to her.
"What do you want?" she asked sharply.
The elf laughed lightly. "Is it a crime to wish to share the company of a beautiful woman?" he asked with ease. The girl's eyes narrowed as she frowned at him suspiciously but his gaze was unwavering and slowly she seemed to become less tense.
"What brings you to an establishment as colourful as this?" he asked pleasantly but casually. She shrugged in return.
"What brings you here?" she asked sharply.
Coran kept his magnificent smile focussed on her. "I have been travelling for some time," he said, congratulating himself for his truthfulness. "This was the first inn I stumbled upon when I arrived at this magnificent city!"
The woman snorted. "An adventurer then? A thief I'd say," she continued, studying him intently. "The way you're dressed, the quiet way you approached me. I can recognise someone looking to take advantage of me a mile off, so you'd be better off just turning around and leaving now. You really don't want to target me for petty theft."
Coran gasped in mock hurt at her, and a briefly amused glint shone in her eyes. "I am dismayed you'd think that of me," he said, almost pouting. "My only crime has been to spy a pretty girl and buy her a drink in the hope she would allow me to share her company for a time. Being new in the city, what better way to learn about it than to ask someone so... charming." Coran switched his fantastically enigmatic smile back on, and noted with satisfaction the girl shifting as she fought the smile creeping across her face.
"I guess I could put up with your chatting for a little bit," she muttered. "But you'd better refill my glass."
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The companions had been relieved when the Harpers returned with their supplies. Jaheira mentioned the storekeeper's musings and assured a worried Maiyn that they were still safe to camp where they were.
"It is well away from the main routes north, and there is no reason to expect anyone to stumble across us here unless they have been tracking us - and if they have tracked us, then they'd find us no matter where we went."
Maiyn nodded, knowing they couldn't move on without leaving some hint for Coran and Alora as to where they'd gone. The two thieves were not due back for another two nights, and Maiyn was restless while separated from the fighter. She prowled the edge of the camp relentlessly, eventually causing Kivan to follow her.
"They will be fine." It was a statement, assured and calm, as usual from the reliable ranger.
Maiyn nodded. "I just..."
"Miss him? Of course you do. But you have other things to worry about."
Maiyn turned to look at him. "How do you feel about... well, about what I am?" she asked. Kivan held her gaze, his face expressionless.
"You are still Maiyn," he shrugged. "You are the young elf I consider a friend, who I will stand alongside when I claim my vengeance on Tazok, and help you avenge Gorion. How do you feel about it?"
Maiyn seemed to wither at his words. She'd been too busy worrying about the reaction from the others that she'd put it to the back of her own mind. "I don't know," she admitted. "I still feel like me."
"That's because you are still you," replied Kivan gently. "You've found out something about yourself that will naturally cause you and those closest to you shock and confusion; but it won't automatically change who and what you are inside. That change could only be made consciously by yourself, to adopt what you perceive you should be, and it would be the wrong path to take."
"He was the God of Murder though," said Maiyn quietly. "I'm tainted with his blood; I'm part of what he was. Doesn't that mean I'm destined to be embroiled in killing and bloodshed?"
"But you already are," he said simply, "and you will be for some time. But not because of the reasons you stated. You will be surrounded by death because you are not the only Bhaalspawn who lives. The others are destined, by the human Alaundo, to fight each other to be the last. That involves you, whether you wish it to or not. And it will be a long, hard road."
Maiyn sighed. "I thought when Sarevok paid for his murder of my father... step-father, that... well, it would be over. I would be able to start my life, stay with my friends and go on to do whatever happened."
Kivan put his arm comfortingly around her. "You would be surprised by the willingness of your friends to stay with you, I think."
Maiyn grinned ruefully. "There is no point thinking so far ahead," she sighed. "We might not yet even survive meeting Sarevok."
"That is true," admitted Kivan grimly. "But I intend to make sure we give it our best shot. Come back to the others - now is not the time for you to be alone."
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"So," giggled the girl known as Pearl. "Tell me more about the dragon!"
Coran noticed Alora's inquisitive look, and discretely nodded to the halfling when his companion's gaze fell back to her drink. He had slightly changed the tale of the wyverns for his captive audience, realising that the bigger the foe, the greater the chance of sweeping the impressionable young woman away with his charm. He'd also neglected to mention any of the female companions he travelled with, and casually mentioned the men as temporary helpers.
"What more can I say, sweetling?" he murmured with a smile. "The beast fell after our irresistible charge, and we were hailed as heroes! Ah..." He took on a dreamy expression, causing Pearl to imagine him reminiscing about the foes he'd vanquished. In reality, all he had to do was remember the visions of Maiyn playing with Namara in the parks of the city. "If only I could have times like that again," he remarked wistfully.
"What do you mean?" asked Pearl.
"Oh, I mean more glorious achievements," he said casually, brining himself back to the present. "I yearn for a chance to further prove my abilities... for the appropriate coin, of course." He winked to the girl, and she grinned back at him.
"Well, you know," she purred. "I might know of something..."
Coran raised an eyebrow and took on a curious expression. "Oh? Do tell!"
Pearl giggled inanely at him, and played coyly with her hair. The drinks Coran had plied her with were working. "There are apparently a band of outlaws heading to Baldur's Gate," she said slowly, concentrating to get the words our correctly. "They're wanted for..." She looked around cautiously, and began whispering. "Mass murder! Word is that they killed all the leaders of the Iron Throne within seconds, and took out most of the Watchers at Candlekeep in their vicious escape!"
"Really?" asked Coran wide-eyed.
Pearl nodded seriously. "The heir to the branch of the Iron Throne here has extended a bounty for the capture or killing of them," she continued. "I haven't found out what the price is yet, but I will see my contact tomorrow who should have more details for me."
Coran nodded to her. "Where are these outlaws just now?" he asked.
Pearl shrugged. "No one seems to know," she grinned. "But everyone expects them to come back, because they are working for the Zhentarim! And they will want to murder Sarevok, the heir, too!"
"Shocking!" exclaimed Coran encouragingly.
"Isn't it?" she smiled, then yawned. "I'm so tired. Perhaps we could retire to my room to discuss further details..."
Coran smiled to her. "It would be a pleasure, but I am afraid I am exhausted by my current travelling. Perhaps though, we shall meet again soon."
Pearl looked a little downcast at his rebuttal, but the fighter took her hand as he stood and kissed it gently. The human soon lost all her inhibitions as she grabbed him close for a proper kiss, giving a little giggle and waving coyly as she left. Coran smiled enigmatically to her, then turned to head back to Alora. The little halfling's look of surprise and outrage almost stopped him in his tracks.
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Maiyn offered to take the first guard alongside Yeslick, and the others retired to their bedrolls, falling asleep quickly. The elf and dwarf sat at opposite fires of the low burning fire in silence for a long time before Maiyn ventured to speak.
"You are finding the discovery about my heritage hard to take."
"Ah, well, no, it's no that lass..." stuttered the cleric, giving up with a sigh. "Well, aye, it is I guess. Don't be gettin' me wrong, I'm findin' no fault wi' you though. It's just an awful lot fer an old dwarf ta take in, ye know."
Maiyn nodded gently. "It's a lot for a young elf to take in too."
Yeslick quietly moved around to sit next to her, and patted her gently on the arm. "I can imagine," he said. "I can imagine."
"What does your God say about Bhaalspawn?"
"Oh lass, ye might as well ask me why the sky is blue!" exclaimed the dwarf. Maiyn thought he sounded tired. "Clangeddin only asks that we follow tha right path. Yer a good person Maiyn, don't ferget that wi' all this tumultuousness goin' around."
"So he doesn't disapprove of you fighting alongside me?"
"Well," said Yeslick thoughtfully. "So far he's witnessed ye strike down one o' Cyric's own, avenge the grave o' my clan, behave right and proper in the hallowed halls o' yer home and do nothin' but what ye've seen to be right an' kind. I think he's jus' fine wi' my allegiances."
Maiyn smiled. "So you'll stay with me then?"
"When the time comes fer you to face that Sarevok, ol' Yeslick'll be standin' by yer side. Ye can count on that," nodded the dwarf.
