Chapter 11- Future
Warning graphic violence and strong language, blood.
My dear readers, I would like to thank all those who stayed with me until the end of this short story. Thank you for your words of support and your time! Until next time my lovelies : )
Esme wasn't sure where or why Irenicus appeared before her. All around them were empty fields and meadows, and no one could be seen except the two of them for miles around. Esme was sure she had killed Irenicus years ago. And yet wizard had somehow come back to life, thanks only to his tricks probably, and now he was standing in front of her with the same indifferent expression on his face. Esme got to position, ready to fight. She had killed him once. If she had to do it again, she would, but this time she would do it more carefully, making sure that he will not return to the world of the living anymore. This time she will make sure that he never threatens anyone again. Unexpectedly, she noticed that her hands were empty. Her swords disappeared somewhere as if they had dissolved into thin air. She had been holding them a moment ago and now there was no trace of them. Was that another of Jon's tricks?
-You must stop- Irenicus told her and walked slowly, calmly towards her.
Esme felt less confident. She wasn't as good in hand-to-hand combat as she was in swordfighting. Things were starting to look a little less fortunate but she wasn't going to give up without a fight. With her hands she began to look for a dagger with which she could strike the wizard, but unfortunately disappointed she found that she did not have any weapons with her. Instead, her eyes showed a sizeable pregnancy belly. She put her hands around it, now scared even more. She was not only supposed to fight for her life now, but also for the life of her unborn child. Suddenly Irenicus appeared right in front of her. He was standing only a few centimeters from her and she, as if magically paralyzed, could not move. His face was so close that she could see her reflection in his pupils.
-You have to stop- he said again.
Esme opened her mouth to reply, but Jon raised a hand. Instead of delivering a blow, his slender fingers moved closer to Esme's face and gripped her nose.
"What the hell is going on ?!" she thought, surprised, suddenly unable to breathe.
-Please stop- said Jon, still holding her nose tight.
Esme began to choke. She couldn't gasp. She opened her mouth with greatest difficulty but when she took the longed breath, she opened her eyes and snored loudly.
Esme instinctively pushed attacker's fingers from her sleep away from her face, which suddenly took on quite body and real form. She opened her eyes confused, only after a moment realizing that she was in bed. To her left, she heard Anomen's muffled groan. Narrowing her still sleepy eyes, she turned her head slightly to look at him. Anomen was lying on his stomach, pressing the pillow tightly against his head.
-What's going on? What time is it?- She asked in a sleepy voice.
Anomen peeked out from under the pillow. Disheveled and tired, he looked at her half-conscious.
-Forgive me, my dear, if I woke you up. But you were snoring so loud I couldn't take it anymore.
Esme looked at her husband as if he had suddenly turned blue. She rose on her elbows and opened her mouth wide.
-I-DON'T-SNORE ‼ ! She denied pretending to be angry.
Anomen laughed lightly.
-No, until today - he said.
Esme turned slightly towards him and dropped back down onto the pillow.
-If so, it's only because of this gentleman here- She pointed with her index fingers of both hands at her large belly.
Anomen laughed and placed a hand on her belly.
-How can you be sure it's not a girl? – He asked.
Esme stroked her husband hand. A sudden and intense kick moved their hands.
-Someone's awake here - noted Anomen.
-Judging by the strength of those kicks, I'm pretty sure it's a boy,- Esme said to her husband- Uugghhh, I hope it's over soon. I can barely walk or rather move around like a duck.
Anomen laughed and kissed her on the lips before he got up from the bed. He walked around it and held out his arms to help Esme up.
-Not long now - he said- Midwife says labor can begin at any moment now.
Esme stood in front of him and nodded her head.
-I know. Sorry to whine, but I just feel like an elephant. My feet look like I am one too. I don't do anything else but eat and go to the toilet every 5 minutes – she sighed loudly and after a while she winced slightly – Ouch!
-Everything's all right?- Anomen asked.
Esme waved her hand.
-Yes, yes, just someone here demands breakfast – she said, patting her belly – I know, I know. I'm hungry too.
Breakfast passed in a nice atmosphere. Alma, their cook, has always looked after young Delryn couple, serving delicious meals and snacks. Now she pampered Esme by fulfilling all her culinary desires or cravings and preparing all kinds of delicacies, which made her, as she said, a great joy.
Anomen kissed Esme, " Don't cause too much trouble," he said affectionately to the baby in the stomach, who was kicking furiously after breakfast as usual, and left the house to attend his duties at the Order headquarters. Esme took her cup of tea to the kitchen and Alma protestem loudly.
-Lady Delryn, sit down please! You should have called me or someone from the servants! You should be careful!
Esme patted old woman on the shoulder. Alma was a wonderful woman who looked after her and Anomen wonderfully. At times, Esme felt as if a woman were treating them both like her children, for she worried about them and prayed every time they went on some trip. Esme was secretly grateful to have someone to talk to like woman to woman, since Imoen and Jaheira left Athkatla. Other women she saw were noble, and most of them were extremely conceited and vain. Esme was polite to them and met them when the situation called for it solely for the sake of Anomen. So having Alma so closed was wonderful and Esme loved to talk to her.
-Oh Alma. I'm not doing anything else, taking a cup back is no big deal- Esme said - I'll be fine, I can't sit idly otherwise or I'll go crazy.
All the things for the child had been prepared a long time ago, and Esme was already sick of reading books.
-Ah Lady Delryn, I know, I know, but when do you allow yourself some sweet laziness, if not now? Soon there will be plenty of work and responsibilities. It is always like that with children. I know what I'm talking about because I have four of them and three grandchildren.
Alma offered a chair for Esme, and knowing there was no point in arguing with her, girl sat down.
-Well, unless you're such a terrible person as Lady Jeeves- said Alma and waved her hand quickly- I know, I know, I shouldn't say that, Lady Esme, but that woman's reaction when you announced the end of sword fighting lessons was out of place !
Esme remembered exactly what Lady Jeeves had said on that day: "Oh, pregnancy? My dear! Congratulations! Ah, just a pity that my sweet Randall won't be able to take lessons from you, anymore ! He has made such tremendous progress, he certainly has a special talent for it! Are you sure you need to take a break? It's just a spectacular hands waving and spinning in place after all !". Esme, at the mere thought of Randall's Jeeves "exceptional talent," thanked the gods for taking a break from lessons and from the presence of a young noble. Despite all lessons and advices she gave for a year and a half, three times a week, Randall continued to use a wooden sword that kept falling from his hands and on one occasion managed to hit his face with it, resulting in blood running from nose and his mother's terrible hysteria.
Esme made a laugh at the thought, but a grimace of pain appeared on her face instead of a smile.
-Oohh- she groaned and Alma was immediately next to her.
-Ah, Lady Esme, are you alright? - She asked concerned.
-Yes, I just felt a little weird. As if I had a slight cramp.
-At this stage of pregnancy, there are many contractions to prepare your body for the birth of your baby. But we'd better be careful as this could be the beginning of a real labor. Should I send for someone? - cook asked, looking expectantly.
Esme shook her head, rubbing her stomach.
-There is no such need as of now. Let's wait a little. We don't want to panic unnecessarily like the last time- Esme said calmly, recalling the false alarm three weeks ago.
Alma nodded, silently admitting she was right, but as time passed, it turned out that this time Delryns's first child had decided to be born that very day. Hours passed, contractions grew stronger and more frequent. The whole labor was slow and took long hours. Baby was stubbornly in no hurry to apear on the world. Anomen tried to support Esme as much as he could, who cursed in pain.
-What was I thinking !? Just look at how tall you are! - Esme screamed to Anomen on another painful contraction. Baby was in fact large, her hips narrow and the labor long and exhausting. Finally, as sun rose on the horizon after a long night, a strong cry from small lungs echoed through the mansion in the Government District. Ellan Aemon Delryn, first son of Esme and Anomen Delryn, was born and his cries mingled with his parents' tears of joy.
First two weeks passed peacefully, allowing young parents to get used to new routine full of new challenges. Little man, despite his size, turned out to be very demanding. All activities related to caring for him, despite an enormous pleasure and joy for his parents, were reflected in the lack of sleep and fatigue, which they both bravely fought.
It was the middle of the night when Esme woke up, lifting her head quickly and looking around the room. Surprised, she noticed that space next to her in bed was empty, as was the nearby crib. Still sore after the delivery, Esme got up slowly from the bed and lit the candle. Wrapping her bathrobe tighter, she left the room in search of her husband and son. It was dark and utterly silent upstairs, but downstairs, Esme saw a soft glow of light, so she headed in that direction. From one of the rooms adjacent to the library where Esme and Anomen kept tightly closed chests of weapons and armor, Esme heard Anomen's soft voice. So as not to make noise, she went inside and leaned against a wall. Anomen, with his back to her, had not noticed her yet and was still speaking softly and tenderly to baby in his arms. One of chests in which the weapon was located was open and Anomen stood over it and explained its contents to his son.
-Yes, Ellan, and this one here …- Anomen said, pointing to one of Esme's swords -… This one here belongs to your mom. She can fight with it very well and with it she defeated many very bad people. When you grow up we will teach you to fight as well. Yeah, daddy and mommy have traveled a lot and one day they will tell you all the adventures about trolls and Fire Giants.
Esme smiled at his words.
-He will have to grow a little more- she said and Anomen hearing her voice turned around.
-Hey Ellan, look who's here. It's Mommy! - he said to baby, who stretched slightly, holding up tiny fists. Esme looked affectionate at the beautiful picture in front of her. She had never felt happier in her life. She kissed baby's head gently and then Anomen.
-What are you doing here in the middle of the night?- She asked, taking Ellan in her arms. Anomen kissed top of her head.
-I woke up to drink some water. Little guy started crying a little so I took him downstairs to let you rest a bit. Our son seems to like to hear stories about his parents' adventures, he calmed down very quickly.
Esme laughed.
-Without Bloody and graphic details, I hope? – She joked, but then looked at her husband a little more seriously – I don't think I want to do this anymore.
-Do what?- Anomen asked.
-Take part in expeditions and kill monsters. It's dangerous and now we have someone to care for.
Anomen looked at her and smiled as well.
-You will not miss this thrill? Will you not be sad about for all the riches we miss? Glory, heroism, our names on people's lips? Will you give it all up? Will you not miss it at all?- He asked stroking Esme's cheek.
Esme shook her head.
-No. This little man here – she said looking at her son – This is the most interesting of our adventures and the greatest of riches. You and Ellan, that's all I need. You are my everything and I want only both of you next to me. Let us lead a quiet and boring life. What do you say? We've had enough fights and adventures.
Anomen kissed Esme and nodded.
-I don't mind, my love. It's the kind of life I've dreamed of too and I wouldn't trade it for anything. Now let's go to sleep- he said.
Esme and Anomen made their way slowly upstairs to their room, halfway little Ellan began to squirm in her arms and cry.
-I think I can forget about sleep, someone's hungry- Esme said, quickening her pace. This is how their lives were going to look like now: instead of fighting, they would feed their baby, instead of interesting adventures and travels to distant places, they would have sleepless nights. As a Child of Bhaal, Esme had never dreamed that this was how her life would turn out, and she didn't mind at all. She has never been happier.
~~*~~
Heavy rain beat rhythmically against roof tiles and windows. Earlier sunny weather had turned to a downpour, and puddles of mud now lined most of paths and streets of the Slums. Terrible weather made Anomen even more depressed. Another of his evenings, he spent drinking low-quality beer in a pub of dubious reputation called the Copper Coronet. Drunken and amused guests who arrived every minute laughed and seemed to be having a good time, unlike Anomen. It looked as though Helmite would once again finish his beer and head back to the Order's quarters, finding no team to travel with. Cleric looked towards the bar. Nearby stood a dwarf in a helmet adorned with a pair of stately horns. Laughter and curses from dwarf, Anomen heard from the distance despite the commotion in the inn, and he sighed. Working with the vulgar dwarf, he didn't like this idea at all, but he decided that if no one else had turned up so far, he would have no choice. Most of the adventurers Anomen had met in the Copper Coronet so far have been more like a gang of robbers or a group of kids eager to experience fame and taste the adventure. Anomen refused to join any of these groups, and he feared that the dwarf who was now telling some dirty joke would be his final choice whether Helmite wanted it or not. After all, he couldn't waste his time waiting for an opportunity that never seemed to come. Anomen sighed heavily again and finished his beer. It was time for him to get ready to go, and tomorrow he would come back here and talk to the dwarf. Slowly and reluctantly, he made his way to the door, trudging between tables and people as the front door swung open and four more people entered. Anomen immediately noticed the great and powerful man, whose body stood out from the crowd at once. Had Helm taken pity on him, and a hero worthy of his attention had finally come to this stinking hole? Anomen immediately moved forward more willingly. He had to check who that man was and what his purpose was. Three smaller characters who accompanied him were certainly members of his team, but Anomen was sure that if he showed his skills well, man would find him useful and there would be a place for Anomen. Helmite managed to cover almost whole distance when a commotion began around the man and his companions. Anomen wasn't entirely sure what had happened, but one of the clients seemed to be in a row and was clearly looking for a tease. One of the smaller figures put a hand on the big man's chest, preventing him from confronting the drunkard. Tall man removed a hood of his dirty and rain-soaked cloak and looked down at his smaller companion. Anomen thought that man looked even more impressive than he had expected. Bald, with a tattoo on his head, he must have been some great warrior. Anomen saw how man nod to his companion and four continued on forward. Drunk man who was looking for a tease with them laughed and pointed his finger at his equally drunk companions as the group was walking away. However, when no one reacted to his insults and remarks, drunk drew his dagger and attacked. Anomen watched with fear as he aimed at the tiniest of figures who had walked last.
-Watch out! Behind you!- He shouted, knowing that he would not have time to run to them.
Smallest of the people in the big man's group reacted quickly. Anomen, with a slight surprise, but also with admiration, saw a long sword, effortlessly knocking the dagger out of the drunkard's hand and then the blade under his neck. Drunk guy stiffened all over and raised his hands up, mumbling something indistinctly, apparently an apology. It all took only a few seconds, and Anomen in an even better mood now moved forward, it seemed that the whole team was skilled in the fight and knew how to defend themselves.
-I'm sorry, please forgive me, but I'd like to talk if possible. My name is Anomen Delryn, cleric of Helm, member of The Most Noble Order of the Radiant Heart. I am currently looking for a team to join – said Anomen, directing his words to tall man, trying to look as dignified as possible.
Tall man, however, looked at him indifferently for a few seconds, then a smile appeared on his face and he nodded.
-Nice to meet you, but you should talk to little Esme. It is not Minsc who is in charge here.
Anomen did not know what to say, puzzle he turned towards three other people.
-Thank you for helping with that moron- said the shorter person, and she threw her coat off her head and held out her hand - I'm Esme. Nice to meet you.
Helmite stunned, saw that a tiny and exceptionally pretty girl was hiding under a cloak. Her hair and face were dirty, but her features were delicate and her lovely green eyes looked at him warmly.
-This is Minsc, Yoshimo and this is Jaheira- Esme finished, and Anomen, looking at elf with a severe expression and smiling man most likely from Kara Tur, turned back to the girl.
-I …- he began, not knowing how to react and how to choose the words. But did it matter that the girl was at the head of the group? This was not the time to be picky – I … Yes, you don't have to thank me, my lady. I couldn't stand idly by at such a vile and cowardly attack. That's not right! I had to react and prevent it immediately.
Esme nodded, smiling, very nicely as Anomen noted.
-Did you say anything about joining us? I must admit that it would be very convenient for us- Esme began but elf next to her cleared her throat - Oh, yes, yes. Sorry Jay. Forgive us, please, but can we finish our conversation tomorrow? We are incredibly dirty, stinky, hungry and tired.
-Boo, he's hungry too,- Minsc said and Esme nodded.
-There will definitely be something for him!- Esme said and looked at Anomen again. - Is tomorrow morning a good time for you, Anomen?
Anomen nodded.
-Yes. Tomorrow morning suits me. I will come shortly after dawn. I wish you a good night and rest after your hard journey.
-Great, good night, Anomen- Esme said.
-I shall see you tomorrow, my lady- said the cleric, and, nodding nonchalantly, turned and started to leave.
Outside the rain was still falling heavily and Anomen drew his own cloak tighter around him. Despite the unexpected turn of events, he wasn't sure how to react. There was a team that he could join, but that was probably not what he meant. All four of them looked experienced, but there were also a strange crowd of them. Leader, Esme was still very pretty and young, elf looked distrustful, bounty hunter from Kara Tur was probably some kind of criminal and all this Minsc seemed to be not quite normal. On top of all this, there was some Boo, whom he had not yet been able to recognize or even see, and Anomen wondered if that giant had just made him up. Cleric turned one last time to look at the adventurers he had met now standing at the bar. He sighed and walked down the street into the dark wet evening. He decided to give the team a chance for the sake of the girl. She seemed sensible and well-mannered, so maybe he could achieve something if he accompanied them and they will all not die somehow in the first ambush they will come across.
"If something goes wrong, I'll just get some experienced at least. I can always leave them. After all, I will not accompany them for the rest of my life." thought Anomen, not knowing how wrong he was. He walked briskly, unaware that his fate and that unexpectedly met small team was to merge forever.
The End.