Silandra came downstairs early to find that Ajantis was the only one awake. Had Khalid and Jaheira still been with the group, no doubt they would have been up by now as well, though she tried not to think about that. She still wasn't sure whether she missed them or was relieved they were gone.
"Good morning," she said, taking the seat beside the paladin.
"Oh, good morning, Silandra," he replied, looking flustered as he hurriedly folded the piece of parchment before him.
"What's that?" she asked, smiling slightly.
"Nothing," Ajantis said quickly. "Just a letter from my parents."
"You're lucky it arrived," Silandra said. "I thought the roads may be too dangerous."
"Couriers have fast horses," said Ajantis. "It's still risky but they have an advantage over most travelers."
"So what did they have to say?" Silandra asked.
Ajantis had been calming down, but now he reddened again. "Oh it's just their response to my last letter. I told them about… about what we've been doing."
Silandra smiled, though she decided not to press further. It probably wasn't any of her business anyway, but she was realizing it was kind of fun to agitate the paladin, just a little.
"What are our plans for the day?" Ajantis asked. "Will we leave to search for these bandits?"
"I think so, but there are a few things we should take care of while we are in town. We have that letter we found when we first left Beregost. We should deliver it. We have to take the ore and poison sample to the smith, and Branwen could probably use some decent gear. I'd also really like to visit an old friend. He should have returned from Candlekeep by now and he may be able to provide insight on a few things."
"That's a lot of tasks. Will we split up?"
Silandra nodded. "It shouldn't be dangerous so I don't see why not. That way we can leave town by early afternoon."
"I would like to accompany you, if that is alright," Ajantis said. "I want to make sure you will be safe."
"I'd like that," Silandra said, smiling. "Imoen may want to come too."
Ajantis looked a little disappointed. "Of course," he said. He paused to take a deep breath before continuing. "Silandra, I've been wanting to…"
She did not found out what he was wanting though, for Minsc came down the stairs loudly, followed by Xan and Dynaheir.
"Good morning friends!" Minsc cried, settling down beside Ajantis. He had apparently recovered from last night, when he'd been upset at being rendered useless by Tranzig's spell. "Whose butts do we kick today?"
"Perhaps no one's," Silandra said. "We have a few things to do in town before we leave so I don't know how far we will make it today."
Minsc looked crestfallen, but only for a moment. Breakfast was being served, and he was always famished first thing in the morning, so he was easily distracted by the food.
Silandra glanced at Xan and Dynaheir, neither of who had ever been particularly expressive since she had known them. She knew it may not be a good idea to try interrogating Dynaheir in front of Minsc, but she would find an opportunity, and soon. Perhaps tonight when they were studying spells. She noticed Ajantis still looked a little put out.
"We can talk later," she assured him quietly.
He nodded and began to eat half-heartedly. She found herself worrying about him. What had he been about to tell her?
She glanced towards the stairs, wondering if she would have to wake the others. Sometimes Imoen had to be practically dragged out of bed. Thankfully, she did not have to wake anyone today. Moments later, the remainder of their group descended and soon everyone was sitting at the table where they discussed their plans for the day.
As it turned out, Imoen was not especially interested in visiting old Firebead Elvenhair. He was a mage, yes, but she lumped him in with the stuffy monks that were her tutors. While Silandra agreed that most of the monks could be described as 'stuffy', she did not think that applied to Firebead, but she knew Imoen had never associated with him as much as she had.
It was decided that Garrick and Imoen would visit Mirianne to deliver the letter they had found on the poor dead halfling so many days ago. Silandra felt a little guilty about waiting so long to deliver the news, but Jaheira had been in charge at the time and had decided that doubling back for such a thing was not the best course of action.
Ajantis and Silandra would visit Firebead, whose address they learned from the innkeeper, while the others would go to the smith to update their gear and gain Taerom's insight on the tainted ore and poison.
"Tell me more about this man we are meeting," Ajantis said as he and Silandra walked down the street.
"He is an old friend of Gorion's," Silandra said. "He's a powerful mage—at least, I always considered him to be. A lot of Candlekeep's visitors did not have much time for me, but he was an exception. It would be nice to see him again, and he may know something about Gorion that I don't, such as why we were attacked."
"Have you known him your whole life?" Ajantis asked.
"More or less, I suppose," said Silandra. "He visited Candlekeep often. Usually, a rare tome is required upon entry each time, but he had some kind of special arrangement with Ulraunt."
"So would you… do you think of him at all as a parental figure?"
Silandra frowned and glanced at Ajantis, wondering where that question had come from. He looked nervous, though she wasn't sure why he should be.
"No," she replied. "Gorion was the last semblance of family I had. I never knew my parents. Perhaps they have family somewhere. But I will probably never know."
"I'm sorry," Ajantis said quickly. "I didn't mean to upset you. I just…"
"It's fine," Silandra replied. Truthfully, she was more confused than upset. "Look, we're here."
They had arrived outside a modest-sized house with a small, well-kept yard. It did not really look like the dwelling of a powerful wizard, but this was the address the innkeeper had given, and there was a plaque over the door with the word 'Elvenhair' engraved upon it.
Silandra knocked and waited nervously. She wasn't really sure how Firebead would react to her visit.
The door opened after a few moments and the old mage himself stood there. His robes today were a deep blue, less extravagant than those he normally wore to Candlekeep. He only peered at Silandra in confusion for a moment before a smile spread across his face.
"Why, if it isn't young Silandra!" he exclaimed. "I am so glad to see you are safe. Please, come in."
"Thank you, Mr. Elvenhair," Silandra replied as she and Ajantis entered a cozy sitting room. "This is my friend and traveling companion, Ajantis."
"A pleasure, I'm sure," the mage said. "Here, take a seat."
Silandra and Ajantis sat on the indicated sofa and Firebead settled in an armchair across from them. He waved his hand and a tea tray came floating out of the next room to settle on the table before them.
"I must offer my condolences on Gorion's passing," he said, pouring three cups of tea. "I was worried about your safety and wanted to search for you, but your trail had gone cold by the time I knew. Ulraunt chose to keep that news to himself for a while."
"He probably hoped I'd be dead by the time anyone could go looking for me," Silandra said, glaring into her teacup.
"Surely you don't mean that!" Ajantis said, sounding incredulous.
Anyone else would probably have tried to assure her that this wasn't true, but not Firebead. "Ulraunt has always acted strangely whenever you were brought up. Regardless of what he hoped, you seem to be doing well for yourself. Ajantis, is that the insignia of the Radiant Heart I see?"
"Yes," Ajantis replied. "I am a squire knight and I journeyed here to investigate the troubles in the area."
"I see. I am glad Silandra has found such a capable companion. I have heard some disturbing rumors of late."
"I have a whole group of friends with me now," said Silandra. "Imoen is among them. It hasn't been easy but we've managed. I suppose you know of the bounty then?"
"I heard of it soon after returning home," Firebead said. "It is good that you are traveling in a group. Winthrop will be pleased to know Imoen is safe too. She left him a note telling him she was going after you and he's heard nothing since."
"I'm sure she didn't mean to make him worry. I'll tell her to write." Silandra paused, considering how to phrase her questions. "The bounty is kind of why I'm here. I mean, I would have enjoyed visiting you anyway. It's nice seeing a familiar face. But I was hoping you may have answers."
"I suppose you think I can tell you who killed Gorion and who wants you dead, and perhaps even why?"
"Well… yes."
"Those are not questions I can answer, I'm afraid." Firebead paused to sip his tea before continuing. "Gorion never spoke about how he came to adopt you, but I did know him before he brought you to Candlekeep. Perhaps something in his past may shed some light upon the present."
Silandra just nodded, feeling nervous all of a sudden. Gorion never spoke much of his life before settling in Candlekeep with her, but she knew he had been an adventurer.
"Gorion, as I'm sure you know, used to travel with a few other adventurers—quite like you do right now, I suppose. He became a member of a group called the Harpers. Have you heard of them?"
"I traveled for a while with two of his Harper friends."
"Khalid and Jaheira?"
Silandra nodded. "They have gone to Athkatla to speak with one of their contacts."
"They were very close to Gorion. No doubt they seek answers. They and their fellow Harpers are those most likely to uncover why you and Gorion were attacked."
"Is it possible Gorion made enemies during his adventures, and that they are the ones after Silandra?" Ajantis asked.
"Of course," said Firebead. "That is the most likely answer, and once we discover who that enemy is, I expect things will be simpler."
"Whoever it is, they seem to have a lot of influence," Silandra said quietly. "We recently found that whoever is behind the iron crisis seems to be the same person who wants me dead."
"That is most troubling. It seems there is something bigger at play. I will think on this and find a way to contact you if I come up with anything. In the meantime, I urge you to try your best not to worry. I suggest you instead focus on your studies so that you will be better equipped to face this enemy when the time comes."
"I have been learning from the mages among my companions," Silandra said. "As you know, new spells do not always come easily to me, but I have made some progress."
"I suppose you have had some practical experience of late too," said Firebead. "Ultimately, that is the best kind."
Silandra and Ajantis then relayed their adventurers thus far, including their investigation of the Nashkel mine, which Firebead listened to with interest. He had decided to stay home until the roads became safe once more, since even though he was a capable wizard, he did not believe in taking unnecessary risks. He liked hearing that someone was finally doing something about the bandits in the area.
Firebead asked Ajantis a few questions about his time in the Order, which he was happy to answer. His devotion to Helm was inevitably brought up, and then Firebead asked Silandra if she had chosen a god yet. He was one of the few in Candlekeep who knew her well enough to know she was conflicted, though she had hoped he would not bring it up.
"Do not forget the fey pantheon," Firebead said. "I thought you had studied them."
"Of course," Silandra said. She had made a point of studying her heritage and even spoke Sylvan. But she had never considered following any of those particular gods. "I don't think they would be interested in a half-breed like me."
"You may be surprised," Firebead said. "Do you still meditate regularly?"
"I try," said Silandra. "Sometimes I'm just too tired, though I've been getting more used to traveling."
"I suggest you devote some of your meditation time to your spirituality. Keep your mind open and see who answers."
Silandra frowned. Could it really be as simple as that? She trusted Firebead though; she knew he was wise, perhaps more so than Gorion.
It was getting close to lunch time, when they were due to meet the others back at the Burning Wizard, so they bid Firebead goodbye and left. Silandra was deep in thought, her mind open to new possibilities. Full-blooded nymphs were more beautiful than her, had more charming power, could even strike a man blind or completely senseless if they chose. Although she would never admit it to anyone but herself, she was jealous of them, and she felt so much less than they that she had thought their gods would scoff at any attempts from her to revere them. But perhaps Firebead was right. She could try, and hopefully she would not be laughed at in return.
They took their time walking back to the inn. It felt good to walk the streets at a leisurely pace after all the traveling they had been doing.
"He seems like a nice man," Ajantis said. "I think his advice was good. I wish I had thought of it, but I admit I don't know much about the other pantheons."
"If anyone should have thought of it, it's me," said Silandra. "I'll at least try."
She saw Imoen and Garrick coming up the street a distance away, hand-in-hand, and waved.
"How's old Firebead?" Imoen asked when they met outside the inn.
"The same as ever," Silandra said. "I'm surprised you didn't want to come."
"I guess it would've been nice to see him," said Imoen. "I really wanted to just spend some time with Garrick though." She grinned up at the bard, who blushed in return.
Once they'd settled at a table inside, Imoen withdrew something from her pocket and handed it to Silandra. It was a ring with a golden band and a purple stone. Pretty, but not particularly remarkable on the outside. However, Silandra could feel the magic within.
"What is it?" she asked.
"A Ring of Protection," Imoen replied. "Mirianne gave it to us in exchange for the news of her husband. She was so thrilled to hear he had arrived safely. She was super worried. Made me feel kinda bad we didn't head back to give it to her right away. But anyway, that's the reward and we think you should have it. Since you can't wear armor and you're the one with assassins after you."
Silandra examined the ring critically, though she wasn't really sure what she was looking for. She did not know how to cast a spell to identify the properties of the ring.
"Mirianne told you what it is?" she asked.
"Yes, but Garrick had a look too," said Imoen. "Don't worry, it's safe."
Silandra was pretty sure Garrick was trustworthy enough. He's been with the group for a while now, longer than many of the others. In fact, he was so…simple, perhaps wasn't the right word, but Silandra could not see him scheming against her. She put the ring on with a small amount of trepidation, but nothing obvious seemed to happen. She checked she was able to remove it, and when she could she was satisfied that it was safe enough.
"Thank you," Silandra said. "I'm sure some of the others might be interested in it though. Don't you think—"
"You need it more than they do," said Imoen. "Just don't mention it."
She was right of course, and anyway, none of those absent had even been there when they had come across the letter.
The rest of their group arrived just as lunch was being served. Branwen was wearing a set of shiny new armor, and Minsc had replaced his sword. Silandra wasn't sure what had been wrong with the old one, but the new one looked bigger.
"How did it go?" she asked.
"Taerom was so grateful to us for clearing out the mine and investigating the cause of this crisis that he gave us a hefty discount," said Xan. "He has seen samples of the tainted ore before, of course, but he was most interested in the poison itself. He lacks the resources to analyze it himself but told us there is a mage nearby who can do it."
"Nearby meaning a few hours' walk to the west," Dynaheir added. She did not look pleased.
"I believe it is important enough to follow up, even if it delays our venture to the bandit encampment," Xan said, giving Dynaheir a look. "Besides, this mage sells a variety of magical items which we may find useful."
Silandra remembered Jaheira telling her she should buy a set of mage robes, and now she may actually be able to afford it. If Jaheira were here she would probably deem this detour acceptable, which was what helped Silandra decide.
"I suppose we should go then," Silandra said, glancing around at her companions. "Any objections?"
"I think we should make haste to the bandits, but I suppose a short detour will not be harmful," Dynaheir said, when no one else responded.
"It will be better to be prepared," Ajantis said. "We do not know what kind of defenses these bandits will have, and they may be expecting us for all we know."
"If we leave now, we should get there before dark," Silandra said. "Then we can camp nearby and head towards the bandit camp tomorrow."
They moved quickly towards the outskirts of town. Silandra wondered how much mage robes would cost, and if she could afford them, what else she may be able to buy. New spells, of course, though those would probably be of more use in the hands of Xan or Dynaheir.
The area to the west of Beregost had many trees and large shrubs, making it difficult to see any potential enemies. At least those enemies in turn would not easily be able to see them. There was only a faint path, made by many feet traversing the area over time. Many of the bushes bore berries; Beregost's residents probably came this way to pick them.
"Did you find out anything useful from your friend?" Xan asked, coming to walk beside Silandra. Dynaheir was not far behind.
"He did not know exactly why anyone would be after me or Gorion, but he thinks it's probably an enemy from Gorion's past. He was an adventurer once."
"That makes sense," said Xan, nodding. He glanced at Dynaheir, who remained silent.
Silandra wondered if it was just her, or if these two were acting strange. She was already leaning towards not trusting them completely after their handling of Tranzig, so perhaps she was just on edge. She did need to speak with them though. The others were all ahead. Imoen was always in front creeping quietly through the forest to scout for danger, and Garrick was always at her side. Dorn and Branwen were next, as Ajantis was still determined not to let the blackguard out of his sight. Minsc was bringing up the rear, humming to himself. Silandra had noticed he seemed to like being in the forest.
"Why do you think the people behind this iron crisis are trying to kill me?" Silandra asked, deciding an indirect approach would be best. She didn't want to anger her friends, after all, since she didn't really think they were plotting against her. She just wanted to know what they knew that she did not.
"Well, they certainly seem to think you pose a threat," Xan said.
"But I didn't pose a threat when I left Candlekeep with Gorion! Yet they killed him, because he would not let them take me."
Xan was quiet for a moment. He exchanged another look with Dynaheir.
"What doth thy know of thy parents, Silandra?" Dynaheir asked.
"Gorion knew my mother, but he never said more than that," Silandra said. "I sensed it was a… difficult subject for him. I always thought he would tell me more when he deemed it necessary, but now he's gone and I can't ask."
"Is there someone else who may know?" Dynaheir pressed.
Silandra thought for a moment. "Ulraunt, probably. The Keeper of Tomes back in Candlekeep. But he doesn't like me. He probably wouldn't tell me anything even if I were in a position to ask. But I don't really see how this is relevant."
"Perhaps the one after you has some grievance against your parents," Ajantis said.
"What kind of horrible person would want me dead just because they don't like my parents?" Silandra asked, making a face.
"There are people like that in this world," said Xan. He paused a moment, though at least he didn't look to Dynaheir before making his next statement. "Rest assured that we are on your side, Silandra. We have just been thinking about this, approaching from every angle we can. If we come up with something substantial, you will know."
Silandra was still suspicious, but she let it go for now. She tried to enjoy the sounds and smells of the forest. She didn't think she could live out here forever, like full-blooded nymphs probably did, but she didn't think she could remain confined to a town again either. She certainly could not live in any place as small as Candlekeep.
A large stone structure soon came into view. It was no ordinary building, rather a fortress of sorts with complicated runes scrawled on the walls. It was obviously heavily warded, though Silandra thought it may take her years to understand the spells.
It was not especially welcoming, not even when they found the entrance. The plaque over the door said the place belonged to 'Thalantyr, Master Mage of Beregost'.
"Maybe we should knock," Garrick said, looking up at the heavy wooden door in trepidation.
"Doesn't look trapped," Imoen said. "But I agree."
Before another word could be said, she rapped three times on the door. Almost instantly, it was flung open, though there was no one standing on the other side.
"Enter, if you must," came a powerful voice from within, likely amplified by magic.
Imoen glanced back at the others and shrugged before proceeding.
They ventured down a long hallway and came face-to-face with a huge figure who even towered over Minsc. He was not human, yet he was made of flesh, stitched together to form a whole. Silandra realized with disgust that she was looking upon a flesh golem. The kind of magic that went into making them was unquestionably dark and she was wondering if coming here had been a mistake. Yet the blacksmith would not have sent them into danger, would he? Obviously he knew this mage and trusted him enough to analyze the iron poison, so perhaps they should give him a chance. If, that is, they weren't flattened by his creation first.
"Leave it," the voice came again.
The golem retreated into the shadows even as Dorn and Minsc drew their swords, ready to attack.
"Let's just continue," Silandra said quickly. "Most of us don't have weapons that could hurt it anyway."
Now she was mentally adding magical weapons to her list of things to buy. She was sure Dorn's sword was magical, and so was the hammer Branwen summoned, but the others would not be able to do much against a creature such as a flesh golem. She shuddered as she caught another glimpse of the creature before it skulked away further up the hall.
They came to a large room, the walls lined with shelves containing all manner of interesting magical items. There were many books, but also jewelry, spell scrolls and odd items such as a mummified claw.
Sitting at a desk in the center of the room was the man who must be Thalantyr. He wore extravagant green and gold robes that Silandra were sure must be magical, and he himself radiated power. He was well past middle aged, but he still looked strong. He did not appear pleased to see them.
"Well, what do you lot want?" he asked, not even rising from his seat. "You don't look like you could afford my wares, and I have no time for idle chatter."
Silandra was taken aback by his manner and was working out how best to address him when Xan spoke instead.
"We have been looking into the iron crisis and have brought the poison which we believe has been contaminating the iron," Xan said, his tone matching Thalantyr's. "Taerom Fuiruim said you would be best equipped to analyze it."
Thalantyr sighed and held out his hand. "Give it here then."
Dynaheir withdrew the vial from her bag and passed it over, narrowing her eyes at him. Silandra found her scary when she looked like that, but Thalantyr did not indicate he even noticed her displeasure.
"Very little scent to speak of, most likely undetectable until the contaminated ore is brought into sunlight," he mused, swirling the vial's contents and giving it a sniff. "The recipe itself is likely to be complex, but it may not be so difficult to follow for anyone with a passing knowledge of alchemy. I will need some time to examine this properly. I suspect you want to know the exact contents, and if the effects on the iron are reversible. I'll send Taerom my results when I have them. Now off with you."
"Actually, we are interested in what you have for sale," Silandra said, trying to ignore the withering look Thalantyr gave her as she spoke. No one had ever looked at her like that before, except perhaps Ulraunt.
"Oh really?" the mage responded. "I'll humor you then. What exactly were you hoping to buy?"
"Mage robes," Silandra replied, trying not to wilt under his glare.
"Those start at one thousand gold pieces," Thalantyr said.
Well, that was definitely more than they could afford. Even if they had the money, Silandra just would not feel right spending so much on herself. She could sense it would be a bad idea to try charming this man, but she had to try doing something.
"Isn't there anything we can do to reduce the price?" she asked.
"I told you that you would not be able to afford what I sell. However, today you may be in luck. It just so happens that I was robbed recently. I made the mistake of accepting an apprentice and he made off with a few powerful magic items. Of particular note are an important tome and a pair of cursed bracers."
"When did this happen?" Silandra asked.
"Only yesterday, and I doubt he got far. He set off to the west and sirenes infest the beach. Bring back my belongings and I will give you a set of mage robes and a permanent discount on my wares."
"We'll do it," Silandra said. "What should we do with your apprentice? Is he dangerous?"
"He's a foolish boy and far too incompetent to pose a threat to you lot, though I'd rather not see him dead," said Thalantyr. "Considering what he has taken, he may well be by the time you find him. But if he is not, I will give him a chance to explain himself.
Silandra had not expected that, and she wondered if Thalantyr was not really as heartless as he appeared.
Moments later, the group was leaving Thalantyr's abode, and the sky was darkening.
"We'll have to camp for the night," Silandra said. "But then we will head towards the beach. Minsc, do you think you can track the apprentice?"
"I will look for his tracks," Minsc said. "If Boo and I can find them, we can find him."
"Do you have a plan for the sirenes if our hunt takes us that far?" Ajantis asked.
"I'm not too worried about them," Silandra said. "I can probably speak with them. Let's find a place to rest and then we can discuss it."
They settled a short distance from Thalantyr's house, just out of view. Minsc thought he had found the apprentice's tracks, which made Silandra feel more confident in their efforts to find him. Just because he headed west did not mean he had continued to do so, and now they would know if he veered off course. In some ways she hoped he had, or that he had fallen before reaching the sirenes. She was sure they did not pose any threat to herself, but the men in her party could easily fall victim to their charms, if not their poisoned arrows.
"So, how exactly do you plan on handling the sirenes, should we encounter them?" Xan asked.
"Surely they die like any other creature," Dorn said. He did not seem worried at all.
"I have encountered them on the shores of my homeland," Brawnen said. "'Tis true, they can be killed easily if you find a means to resist their charms."
"We're not killing them!" Silandra said, feeling a sudden surge of anger at the thought. "They are not evil, but they will protect their territory. Hopefully we will find Thalantyr's apprentice before reaching the beach, but if we do encounter the sirenes I will speak with them. As we draw close, Imoen and I will be at the front of the group, followed by Branwen and Dynaheir. The rest of you will stay back, especially if we do encounter sirenes."
"That hardly seems safe!" Ajantis said. "What about you?"
"I'll be fine. Sirenes are not interested in women, and I doubt they will harm someone of fey blood without cause. We are going to aim to not give them cause." Silandra summoned her best Jaheira glare, aiming at Dorn especially. She was pretty sure he was a little too eager for bloodshed.
"And what if they attack?" Xan asked.
"Then we will defend ourselves and attack back," Silandra said. "We will use whatever defenses we have against charms. We will be prepared. I just hope it won't come to that."
"What about this apprentice guy? You think he'll be dangerous?" Imoen asked.
"I don't know," said Silandra. "I mean, Thalantyr doesn't think so but I get the feeling it takes a lot to impress him. We should be prepared to fight just in case. Minsc will track him and let us know if he thinks we are close. Right Minsc?"
Minsc nodded eagerly, and Boo squeaked.
Everyone began settling into their usual campsite activities. Silandra knew she really should get some quality study time in with Xan and Dynaheir, but Ajantis pulled her aside after their meal.
"There's something I need to ask you, before we head into danger once more," Ajantis said, when they were just out of earshot of the others.
He was obviously nervous, which in turn made Silandra nervous. "What is it?" she asked, trying to remain calm.
"I'm sure you are told all the time how beautiful you are. But I have seen that you are more than that. You are kind and courageous, despite your hardships, and I would like to be closer to you. I was hoping you would allow me to court you, Silandra," Ajantis said.
Silandra took a moment to wonder how long he had rehearsed that. She probably should not have been surprised, but she was anyway. When she didn't respond right away, Ajantis began to look more nervous than before.
"Of course, I realize we are living in a dangerous time, and any day, one of us could fall… although I hope it will not be so. I thought maybe I should wait until this is resolved to ask but I don't know when that will be, and—"
"Yes." She did kind of like seeing him so flustered, but she thought it would be cruel to leave him waiting too long for her answer. Besides, she found her decision came easily.
"Really? I mean, I'm glad." Ajantis smiled in what looked like relief. "I have something for you. I hope you like it."
He pulled something from his belt pouch and held it out so she could see. It was a necklace, a gold chain with a deep green gemstone as the pendant.
"It's beautiful," Silandra said, and she meant it. It was far from extravagant, but she thought simplicity was often nicer. "But when did you even have time to obtain it?"
"I bought it at the carnival while you were distracted by some magical items. This is not magical unfortunately. I just thought it would look nice on you. The green is the same color as your eyes."
"Maybe you could put it on for me?"
Ajantis flushed slightly. "Of course."
She turned and felt the chain settle around her neck and his fingers fumbling for a moment before withdrawing. She had never owned much jewelry, certainly nothing as nice as this, though when she was young she and Imoen would often weave daisy chains and fasten them around each other's neck. This felt very different from that, and when she turned to face Ajantis she found she was blushing too.
"Thank you," she said, and before she lost her nerve, she darted forward to kiss his cheek.
That predictably turned the paladin even redder than before, but Silandra did not get to find out what would have come next. Raised voices were coming from the campsite, Minsc's the most easily discernible. It sounded like Dorn had insulted Boo.
With some reluctance, they headed quickly back to the camp. Silandra reassured Minsc of Boo's fierceness and told Dorn to leave him and his hamster alone. She found it hard to be too angry though. She made some excuse to retreat to her tent for a moment and pulled out her mirror to admire how the necklace looked. Ajantis was right, the gemstone did match her eyes. She smiled at her reflection and reluctantly put the mirror aside. She knew she needed to get at least a little study done tonight, so she ventured outside to join the others.