Disclaimer: I own nothing. Everything belongs to whomever really owns it. Though I am too lazy to point out who those people are, they know who they are.
Chapter 5
A Hunting We Will Go
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The dark blanket of stars had descended over the sky and the party was well prepared for the night. Humidity in the air gradually converted into the brisk crispness of breath and the crescendo of crickets played carelessly. The tents were pitched, the campfire eating the last of the logs and the meals surprisingly well prepared by Korgan.
"Well, o' course I make a fine meal," the dwarf sneered when Jaheira commented her pleasant surprise at his culinary skills, "'Tis a right fact that dwarvenkin be the best cooks. Asides, I'll not have ye poison me with yon primitive cookery. Probably be throwin' in moss an' slugs an' such when we not be looking."
This of course sparked a lively argument between the two about whose was the more superior cuisine style, Minsc curiously watching on. Pan was nowhere to be seen, though Jaheira was not too worried, knowing that the alchemist never tended to wander off far at night.
A small, clear pond was a short distance from the camp, separated by a thicket trees and it was there that Yoshimo was currently bathing in. The bounty hunter was pleasantly surprised that Jaheira had bought a few bars of soap. During his time in these lands, the Kara-Turan was dismayed by the less than ritual bathing habits of the people. He found it hard to believe those same people look at him funny at his insistence that he bathe everyday if possible when they themselves emitted a slightly sour if not strongly overpowering perfumed odour. If there was one thing he was definitely sure his home country of Kozakura had over the rest of Faerûn, it was good hygiene.
The druid apparently agreed wholeheartedly since she was unbending in her insistence about making sure the party remained clean and healthy. She had no intention of letting any of them fall ill simply because they were too lazy to wash themselves at least once every so often. She was quite adamant that since none of them were barbarians there was no need for them to smell like it. When they first met Jaheira, Pan and Imoen thought it silly to bathe everyday but after noticing how much fresher they felt, and the fact that they could distinguish how unclean odours smell like, they became adherent to daily washing.
Yoshimo was calmly enjoying the cool sensation of the waters enveloping his body, the warm night air saturating the atmosphere making it much more soothing. He had already finished scrubbing off the day's accumulation of dust and sweat and he allowed himself to lean back against a large rock, miniscule waves continuously tapping his chest, the moon overhead illuminating the land in a soft glow.
He stared at the moon, through it, beyond it, its reflection shining in his contemplative look.
His ears twitched.
SPLOOSH!
Having heard her approach, the bounty hunter did not startle at the sudden appearance of Pan. However, his eyes did widen in surprise (and delight) that the slender half-elf had splashed into the pond with him. Naked.
The alchemist grinned impishly at the thief a short distance across, "Hello, Yoshi."
If the girl had any reservations about being nude in front of the bounty hunter, she certainly did not show it. The only thing preserving her decency was that her petite frame kept most of her body hidden below water.
"Wheeeeee!" Pan quickly dipped her head underwater, whipping her head out in a spray, her hair flying wetly back and revealing an illuminating smiling face. Yoshimo could not help but notice the reflecting lights caught onto the airborne droplets, a sparkling arc that haloed the alchemist.
Yoshimo queried in a calm voice, "Hello, Pan-chan… what are you doing?" his eyes smirking.
"Hmmmm? What do you mean?" Pan aired, gently swirling the liquid surface in front of her.
"What are doing here, now and naked in the pond with me." the thief indicating with a sweep of his hand.
"I am bathing, silly. I am getting sparkly clean and dust free so that people do not accidentally sweep me under the rug," she replied matter of fact, emphasizing her statement by soaping her shoulders. Yoshimo's eyes followed a trail of suds that ever so teasingly slowly trickled down her body into the water.
Whether to his relief or disappointment, he could not really decide which, the water level only reached just above her chest, her more delicate parts out of his sight. He lazily noted that like every adventurer in the world a few small scars scattered along her arms and body. Her luck had held out considering how she seemed spared of the more prominent wounds.
"Yes, I can see that," a wolfish grin on his lips, "But, I was led to believe that in your culture it is inappropriate for a man and woman to bathe together."
"Heehee, it is inappropriate for them to be seen bathing together," the alchemist replied looking dramatically around, "I do not see anybody looking at us, do you? Besides, I hear it is customary in your culture for men and women to get clean naked with each other and I want to try out some of your ways anyways. I bet you bathed with a lot of women. Oooooh, it must be true because you have a sneaky grin on."
The bounty hunter thought he detected a hint of coyness behind her words, deciding to play along, "I am glad you are interested in a bit of… cultural exchange, Pan-chan."
"Oh, yes, I like to exchange things. So much to experience. So much to learn. So much to make and break. So much to get and give and get and give. So much to do…"
The alchemist's response piqued his interest, "What kind of things would you like to do?"
Pan looked thoughtfully at the bounty hunter, the tip of her tongue sticking slightly out. Realization dawned on her and she answered Yoshimo wispily, "Everything."
"Everything?"
"Mmmm-hmmmm… everything."
For the next few moments, Yoshimo relaxed further on the rock glancing out of the corner of his eyes at Pan. The half-elf was slowly soaping her arms, fascination glittering brightly as she examined the suds that wetly clung to her skin. She laughed, childishly and carefree when the sudsy foam slowly caressed its way down her arm.
Everything.
Pan looked towards Yoshimo, her brown orbs dazed with glee, "Eeeeeee, bubbles!"
She began to dance.
A dance with no moves but only of movement.
Yoshimo watched entranced. He dared not say a word, as if his very being there was taboo… what he was witnessing not even the gods themselves dared interrupt.
The alchemist twirled and jumped and wove and spun around in the water, small shouts of ecstasy gushing forth from excited lungs. Her strange dance had no pattern, not even a simple rhythm of coordination, but it was movement defined and freedom personified. She had grace only in her carelessness, jerking here and there, changing her mind in mid-step, stumbling in her random actions, sometimes tripping completely submerged only for her to rise up again in a fountain of laughter continuing her own ballet.
Dancing savagely.
What remained of the soapy bubbles twinkled and sparkled making a faerie out of her. The inexperience of her steps was childlike… yet so reminiscent of a time long ago as if she were a reflection of the timeless aloofness of her elfin heritage. It was wild abandon and unmeasured, the alchemist the catalyst within a carefree experiment that was far more chaotic than orderly. The very movement of her arms flowed and curved unchained, sheathing through air and water in unchoreographed pleasure. She glided around the pond, a glorious beam unfettered on her face…
… and Yoshimo could only watch. It was really like watching a child play in the water but to him it was as if the very fabric and flow of the universe was told in the story of her movements. When she jumped, he was consumed with more awe than lust as the fullness of her nakedness was revealed in a birth of spray and shower of wetness. When she twirled, the very waves that touched him carried her scent, an unforgettable cross between the morning dew rising from the sun's heat and the aroma of fragrant tea freshly brewed… it was birth and decay. When she laughed she did so simply because she could… and he could only smile.
Everything.
She danced her life away for her only audience. She danced that moment and he watched her there forever.
A leaf drifts lazily to the earth.
The campfire crackles and consumes.
A cricket is snatched up by a young owl.
Grass grows ever so slowly without agenda.
A mage begins his apprenticeship by studying the school's history.
A playwright is inspired by a woman's swishing skirt after years of writer's block.
Snow gently blankets a tiny hamlet.
A pair of soldiers swears to guard each other on the eve of battle.
The night envelopes half a world bringing both fear and relief.
A priestess passes on her duties to her younger and very worried successor.
The mother dies not having a chance to hold her baby after giving birth.
A child is lost amidst a crowded marketplace, his tears unheeded.
A ruby red and sunset orange flower blooms once and then wilts.
Winds blow sand across a silent ancient desert a caravan is struggling through.
A baby doe is born beneath the cover of trees and the watchful gaze of sprites.
Childhood friends explore passion, uncertain if it will create something more or destroy what is there.
The tops of an ancient fir tree rustle and sway with the breeze as it had for millennia before.
An entire school of fish is shattered by one fisherman's net.
Fresh warmth wafts out of a local bakery.
The deep toll of the town bell booms across the district.
A father chases away the monsters from under his daughter's bed.
A lone ranger cools herself in a hidden crystal clear lake beneath the sun's intense heat.
The tired hound dog lops his way through a wet morning mist.
A broken twig sails down a small creek with no control over its destination.
The family fortune is lost in one toss of a pair of dice.
A shadowy figure effortlessly bounds across sleepy rooftops.
A baby boy is adopted by a childless couple, the priest smiling benevolently to the side.
A frozen lake buries secrets for another cold season.
An old merchant walks down a familiar road bearing gifts for his grandchildren.
The desperate bandit of six mouths to feed lies in wait for him.
A jackdaw returns to its nest with a stolen shiny bauble.
A family gathers for a dinner of their daily toil.
Devotion is tested.
Desire is tempted.
Morality is questioned.
Reality is checked.
A memory kept in mind.
A memory forgotten.
A trust betrayed.
A betrayal answered.
A first time.
A last time.
A curse.
A blessing.
A death.
A life.
A heart broken.
A promise made.
It ended all too soon... far too late.
A moment and forever later, she stopped spinning, her eyes closed as her head tilts towards the sky. The alchemist breathed heavily, a huge grin exposing the thrill within her.
Just like that, the dance was done and gone and lost, its arrangement unrepeatable, memorized only by the insignificant waves that quickly disappeared upon the grassy shore.
As quickly as the dance ended, Yoshimo put on a mask of indifference covering up the exposed wonder he had unwittingly revealed. The bounty hunter's chest pounded so deafeningly he thought it echoed through the forest, the smallest of smiles hiding more than he was willing to reveal. Without looking at him, Pan noisily sank back into the water, continuing to wash herself while humming aloud. If it were not for some clusters of soap bubbles drifting about he would have thought he had imagined her wildly dancing away.
They did not speak for a while. Yoshimo continued resting against the rock, a wet cloth soothingly resting atop his forehead, every so often unashamedly looking at the alchemist leisurely bathe.
Far too relaxed for his tastes.
"… Do you often… exercise… like that whenever you bathe?"
Pan did not show to be perturbed at the sudden inquiry, humming and lathering continuously, "Hummmm ummm um-dee-um hmmmmmm, Minsc always says that he kicks butt as naturally as a bird swims through the air or a fish flies in the water, umm umm dee-da-ummm… I hate heights… hummy-dee-ummmmm…"
Yoshimo had no idea whether or not the alchemist answered his question. But he was content enough to think about it.
Deciding that he had pruned himself enough by soaking, the bounty hunter made his way out of the water. Though he thought nothing of it as his entire backside was revealed in all its wet glory, he still quickly went around the large rock to where his clothes were laid out, deciding not to test his luck by exposing himself completely to the still bathing Pan. There was still only so much one can reveal, even in his own culture and he had no wish to face the consequences should Jaheira get wind of him giving Pan a free show.
Dressing swiftly, he fastened on his leather armour as he started walking away from the pond, bidding Pan that he was leaving.
"… ummmm hmmm dee da hmm da da hmmmm… almost doooooonne… hmmmm hmmm… wait for me a little longer, Yoshi?" Pan called to him while concentrating on staying upright on one foot while trying to wash one pale, slender leg above water.
Yoshimo found his eyes drawn to her soaping limb, admiring how long it was compared proportionally to her elfin body. A silent debate raged inside before he finally sat down cross-legged on the grassy bank… facing away from the pond, "… of course, Pan-chan."
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Jaheira was seated near the campfire, Minsc and Korgan just as silent as she was. They were lost in thoughts and plots though the druid was starting to feel slightly worried that Pan had not shown up yet. She would have preferred it if either herself or Minsc accompanied the young alchemist but as she tended to often do, the daft girl stole off immediately after camp was set up.
If there was one thing that annoyed the druid to no end it was she could never tell with that girl. She knew enough to expect something to happen but she could never predict what could happen. Jaheira frowned, fully expecting one of these days to wake up with head full of grey hair.
She was starting to get up, intending to look for the alchemist when a noise signalled someone approaching. The druid looked up, relief briefly flaring at seeing Pan flailing her arms about in greeting but the worry she was feeling earlier instantly grew into aggravation when she saw who was walking beside the alchemist. He had told her where he was heading off to and it did little to appease the druid knowing that the younger half-elf also came from that direction.
"Heeeeeyyyy!"
Minsc waved heartily at the approaching pair, even Mencar managing a surly greeting.
Jaheira watched as the two made their way towards the camp, suspicion tingling at the back of her head. Pan was chatting amicably about her favourite soaps, the bounty hunter nodding along as they sat themselves down on a log opposite the druid. The druid narrowed her eyes noting the excited glow emitting from the alchemist while Yoshimo seemed too… smug about something. She may not know much about the bounty hunter but she knew enough to be alert when a thief has cause to be smug about something. If that were not enough, both of them had hair that guiltily looks damp.
I have told her time and time again… Does she not know how to listen?
Deciding that there was no point in delaying the inevitable, Jaheira smiled in greeting, "Hello, Pan," though her smile looked far grimmer when directed towards the bounty hunter, "Yoshimo."
Yoshimo felt his warning instincts kicking in under the scrutinizing look Jaheira was giving him. Experience taught him to handle pressure especially with the law bearing down on him and the druid was no exception so he kept his features neutral. However he still found it particularly nerve-wracking considering that Jaheira had a rather potent glare that would probably make people confess to crimes they did not commit.
Despite her annoyance, the druid saw that Yoshimo was troubled about something though he hid it well enough, "Where did you two come from?" she queried in casual voice.
Aha. So she suspects… best to clear things up… "We-"
"We just took a bath," Pan interrupted enthusiastically, Yoshimo making a small choking noise.
Minsc's head shot up. Korgan suddenly found things very interesting.
Jaheira did not appear to share Pan's gusto, her tone dead serious, "Together?"
"Yes, bu-"
"I was there," Pan continued, "and Yoshi was there."
"Okay, yes, bu-"
"Technically, he was in there first but he was waiting for me to jump in with him."
"Now wait, that's not what hap-"
"The music was playing and the flying squirrels tipped us on some moves."
Silence. Not even the chirp of a cricket.
"Wha-?"
"Yessiree, together. Yoshi and I, we took a bath together as part of a cultural exchange," Pan spoke far too happily.
"Cultural exchange?" the innuendo as evident as the smirk on Korgan's face, "Hah! Ye donnae say?"
Nervously, Yoshimo tried to placate the glares spewing forth from Jaheira and Minsc, "Wait, wait, wait, it's not how it sou-"
"Yes, we did Yoshi! Did you forget already? We were bathing together in the pond just now. You and I in the water… remember? We were both naked. I know we were both nude as the day we were born because I know I saw your buttocks and you saw my… awwwww, you are looking kind of pale, are not feeling well, Yoshi?"
"Har har!"
Yoshimo was definitely not feeling well with the smouldering gaze of Jaheira, the amused leer from Korgan and the very threatening presence of Minsc standing up and stalking towards him. In fact he was starting to downright panic when the huge Rashemi ranger yanked him up by the back of his collar, a deciduously forbidding smile on his face, "Come with me little thief, it is about time Minsc and Boo laid down the ground rules…"
Korgan's booming laughter mingled with Pan's confused protests at Jaheira's reprimanding about her decency.
"We just took a bath together, Jaheira, what is wrong with a bit of cultural exchange?"
"Child, have you no shame?!"
Their bickering echoed out into the night as the bounty hunter was helplessly dragged away by the protective Minsc, "… perhaps the little man doesn't know it but taking baths with little Pan is a very big no-no…"
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Further deeper within the woods, there was a clearing in which rested in its center, a cabin. Far from extravagant it was nonetheless larger than most other lodges, wide set and with a large triangular roof. The land around the home seemed mostly undisturbed, only a small patch of meagre-looking tubers growing on the side. A small stream ran past it with an equally bulky water wheel monotonously thunking along.
What is it, my child? What is it you wish to show me?
Look, it's flowers, mother. One for you and one for father.
Once upon a time it was an ideal summer home, impossible to feel constricted in, peaceful surroundings without fear, air as crisp as a mountain's. A child's excited scampering about the place, the proud mother watching fondly on, a content father preparing a savoury meal.
Oh, it is beautiful. Beautiful just like my little boy!
Heeheehee, mother that tickles, heeheeee!
It is unfortunate that some things in the past can only exist in the past… and yet sometimes it is better that is so.
M-mother? Father?
The love of a family had not existed within its walls for such a long enough time that it became hard to believe that the place once evoked such a feeling. It hardly looked abandoned, though the pieces of refuse littering the site denoted a less than heartfelt attempt at keeping the place presentable. There were no lights flickering about, no noises and no movement indicating any form of life.
The cabin is a dead thing, haunted of its past.
The same could be said of the man lying atop the roof, staring unblinking at the night sky.
Mother, wh-what did you do? Mother? MOTHEEEERRRR!
Waiting.
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Their senses were on high alert as they peered cautiously from behind a rocky outcropping. Weapons were drawn… just in case. The heat of the sun beat down on them without mercy but they ignored it, the sweat rolling off their perspiring faces. They were hidden sentinels, the realization that the need for stealth and silence was necessary if they were to succeed.
Silent.
Listening.
Watchi-
"Meltiiiiinnnnng! I am melllllltiiiinnnnnng!"
Korgan cried out in surprise while Jaheira grit her teeth trying not to grind them, her frustration directed to the alchemist who sprawled herself onto the forest floor.
"Oooooh, it is so hot! Killer Korgan, can you turn off the heater?"
"Blast ye, mongrel! What in blazes are ye talkin' about? Ye crazy, foolish, fwop! We're trying not tae get noticed an' here ye are screaming bloody murder about the bloody weather!"
"Silence Korgan!" Jaheira scolded, "You're not helping matters by cursing away our location. And you Pan, do not lie out in the sun if it's too hot!"
The alchemist lifted her face up from the ground with a bemused look, "Ohhhhhhhh… okay."
Pan kicked herself up and tumbled head over feet, feet over head towards them, a giggling ball of purple and grass stalks. She rolled until she lightly knocked her feet against the rocks, lying face up, "If I was a ball would bears dance on top of me?"
She yelped when Jaheira none too gently yanked her up on her feet, "I will let the dwarf kick you around like a ball if you continue to make so much noise!"
Korgan looked up at the druid, eyes huge and glistening hopefully, "Really? Can I?"
Jaheira chose to ignore the two, a slight rustling noise coming up ahead from the path, "Shh! Someone approaches," she hissed.
Quickly, Korgan fell back to the side with his battle axe firmly gripped in his two hands, while Jaheira slunk the opposite way, dragging along Pan while covering her mouth. They waited a few moments behind a thick tree trunk that had over time pulverized its way into a few large stones. Still covering Pan's mouth, Jaheira cautiously peered around the side. She definitely heard someone approaching.
The druid waited a moment more when a wet sensation on her hand caused her face to slowly scrunch into displeasure, "… Pan?" she whispered.
"Mm?"
"… Stop licking my palm."
"Mm-hm."
The druid shuddered slightly not at all liking the suspicious snorting sounds coming from Pan's nose. Jaheira relaxed her stance when it became clear who was approaching, relief uplifting her mind when the top of Minsc's tattooed baldness was spotted. Yoshimo's appearance was also confirmed when she heard Korgan call out, "Hail, thief, what have ye tae report?"
Swiftly releasing the alchemist, Jaheira irately wiped her hand on her pants, not at all amused by Pan's comment that she tasted "chalky."
Jaheira glared harshly at the alchemist causing the younger half-elf to cringe, "If it were a hungry orc and not Minsc and Yoshimo reporting back from scouting, I would gladly toss you forward and have him tell me how you taste."
"Like… like strawberries and mercury?"
Jaheira shook her head, indicating with a wave of her hand for the alchemist to follow her towards the ranger and bounty hunter, Korgan already leaning languidly on his battleaxe. The amused look on Yoshimo's face told Jaheira that their attempts at staying unnoticed were less than satisfactory.
"Though I find the camaraderie of this group to be a mostly pleasant exchange, perhaps it'd be best to keep quiet for future incursions?" the bounty hunter suggested as he accepted a gourd of water from Jaheira.
Minsc nodded his head in agreement, "Boo could hear you half a league back. This is not wise, it will attract the attention of evil before we can give it a surprise butt-kicking."
Korgan growled, "Donnae blame me, ye addled oaf, 'twas yon daft half-breed making all the noise."
"Noise is bad. It can unsettle the equilibrium of zinc when brewing a potion of explosions so you might end up with blue glue or missing fingers."
"Ach, shut up."
"Yes, Pan, no more talking, I need you to focus. And you Korgan, don't you smirk, I wish to hear no more cussing," Jaheira reprimanded and seeing that the two were not going to say anything more, asked Minsc and Yoshimo, "What have you two found?"
Taking a swift swig from the gourd, Yoshimo made his report, "We scouted ahead as planned. The path is barely discernable, hardly used at all but Minsc found something interesting a few leagues up."
"Actually Boo was the first to spot them," the ranger continued, "Though they were so cleverly hidden they are not as clever as a miniature giant space hamster."
Pan looked admiringly at the hamster perched atop Minsc's head. The fuzzy familiar was cleaning its privates, "Boo is so clever! I wish I could do that… what did you find?"
"Tracks and they definitely belong to more than just our quarry," Yoshimo answered, his tone unsurprised with the discovery.
"How many?"
"Four. Probably rangers, judging by the way they concealed their own tracks. They've been patrolling this area recently."
"Ach, it dosnae matter whether it be four or four 'undred, 'twill only be more blood fer this damnable forest tae soak up."
"Is it possible for us to avoid them on our way to the cabin?" Jaheira suggested, not desiring a confrontation.
Yoshimo shook his head once, "Unlikely. We don't know their patrol patterns and since we're so close to the cabin, there is little area for them to cover. Even if we could slip past them they would eventually come across our trail."
The news caused Jaheira to become very concerned. What was only supposed to be the hunt for one man now looks to be spiralling down towards a violent battle. She was not foolish enough to believe that it would be easy taking on rangers who are far more familiar with these woods than they were. She had hoped it would be a bloodless affair but it seems that would not be the case.
Sighing at the inevitable conflict coming the druid unstrapped her shield from her back and drew out her scimitar, "Ready yourselves then. We'll stick to the sides of the path and use any trees or rocks as cover. Yoshimo, try to stay hidden and follow from a short distance, Pan stick between me and Korgan. Minsc, you take the lead."
"May I offer an alternative suggestion that may make the path ahead less fraught with conflict?"
Jaheira looked at Yoshimo, "Such as?"
The bounty hunter bowed slightly, his face calm, "Such as allowing me to do what I do best, Jaheira-san."
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"What've you got, Lirry?"
"A poor attempt," the grey haired elf replied from his crouching position, keen eyes scanning the forest floor in front of him.
The ranger who posed the question grunted in annoyance. He was a tall man, sturdily built with bushy black hair tied up into a loose pony tail, his heavily bronzed tan skin marked him as someone who spends almost all his time outdoors. The man's voice was filled with irritation at the vague reply, "If I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times, be more specific! A poor attempt at what?"
Lirry ignored the glare directed at him, "A poor attempt at trying to throw us off their tracks, Derrick. Someone tried creating a false trail."
Alarm swept through the rangers, Derrick's jaw tightening at the discovery, "So, it seems that the dogs have finally sniffed out our employer. And if they're trying to trick us with a false track then that means they also know about us."
"Oh, yep."
The other two rangers, a hard looking young woman with long brown hair and a grossly overweight red-haired youth with so many freckles they covered his face, warily glanced around as if they were being watched that moment. The youth gulped nervously, his sword wavering in his hand, "Th-they could be right on top of us!"
Derrick shot the youngster a hard look, "Stow it, Wabel, no one's got the jump on us. If they wanted to ambush us they wouldn't have gone through the trouble of making a trail they would've kept things as they were and when we ain't looking, they'd stab us in the back. So get a grip on yourself, kid, I'm not goin' to get you killed on your first assignment."
Wabel paled but his shaking lessened, "Whew, okay, no problem, I've got a grip on myself."
Seeing that the young ranger was not going to wet himself he turned to the other two who both bore expressions similar to Athkatla guards: boredom. The only other ranger beside himself who was well experienced is Lirry and the situation in front of them was hardly anything new. The young woman looked impassive simply because she was 'as frigid as a frozen cougar," Lirry had once put nicely.
Still, both the younger rangers proved capable enough. Even if it comes down to tracking down the intruders, they are well prepared for the task, the knowledge of the area and their stalking abilities giving them the advantage plus the additional benefit of having their leather armour, exposed skin and even their swords camouflaged.
Derrick was not going to let a bunch of amateurs embarrass him in front of his employer, they were as good as dead.
"Lirry, can you pick up where they really headed off to?"
"Found that before I found the fake one."
"Excellent," the ranger's grin was stone cold turning towards the woman, "Remora, you've got point," an answering spit, "Glad you agree. Everybody, keep your eyes peeled, we're goin' hunting."
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"What do you need?"
"The netting from our supplies, good thick rope, I also need Minsc to pull down some of those yews over there, I've brought some of my own gears to work with… and… "
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"Wabel, please don't touch it unless you want to learn how to shoot a bow with one hand."
The youth recoiled so swiftly back he fell back on his large bottom. Shaking his head Derrick knelt beside the other rangers, examining the object in front of them. Though it was the warmer season, the forest floor was still sparsely covered by the dry yellow and brown husks of leaves and it was beneath this cemetery of foliage that attracted the ranger's attentions.
Lirry flicked some leaves away with the point of his sword, revealing the length of rope stretched from the base of tree to disappear around a standing stone across the path.
The ranger grinned wolfishly, saying almost pityingly, "Amateurs."
Suddenly a crashing noise came from up ahead. Tumbling from his hiding spot atop a tree branch, a man sporting a dark brown hood and leather armour looked at the rangers, dismay on his face.
"Curses!" the thief cried before he dashed away down the path.
Despite having foiled the man's attempt at trapping, Derrick still had traces of doubt tugging his instincts. Before he could warn caution however, the brashness of youth reared its overconfident head.
"He's on the run! C'mon we can still get him!" and with an excited whoop, Wabel jumped over the rope, an amazing feat considering his weight, intending to prove himself a worthy addition to the band. Eager to engage in some action, Remora also immediately hopped over the rope.
"Wait you two, don't-"
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"And what?" Jaheira clearly impatient.
A small smile, "And a helping hand from the talented women of this group. More specifically, some magical assistance…"
"Ooh, ooh, me, pick me! I have magic that can assist you!"
"I was counting on that Pan…"
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"Whooo-"
Wabel and Remora's excitement quickly turned to confusion when for some strange reason instead of landing on the ground they kept on falling through it.
"-Awcrapaaaaaaaaa-!"
"It's an illusion!" Lirry cried backing up but the sounds of snapping rope indicating it was already too late.
An exploding blur of leaves, a sudden enclosing vision of rope and a violent rising rush took care of the veteran rangers, Derrick and Lirry.
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"And from you my druid friend, perhaps you can call in Nature's favour to help speed things up?"
"What kind of favour?"
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The image of the forest floor that Wabel and Remora 'sank' in to, wavered like a rippled reflection in a pool of clear water before it completely disappeared revealing a sizable pit.
Suspended high in the air within a mesh of thick ropes alongside Lirry like fish in a net, Derrick tried to peer inside the hole and from what he could make out it looked deep enough to cause serious injury, the walls sheered and smooth. Emerging from the centre of the pit was a taut rope that extended and disappeared into the tall branches above them. The rope they were examining earlier was still in place stretched across the path, not having moved at all. The ranger was very unhappy, almost disbelieving the situation they were in.
Lirry apparently had the same thoughts, "A decoy. I can't believe we fell for a damnable decoy. Oldest trick in the scrolls, they wanted us to follow them!"
Despite their situation, Derrick was still thinking levelly, "Now we just gotta get out. Can you cut the ropes with your sword?"
"Can't"
"What do you mean, 'can't?'"
"I dropped mine, can't you?"
Derrick growled dangerously, "If I had my sword then I wouldn't be asking you now, would I?"
"Testy. Not a good example for the rookies now, is it?"
Remembering the young rangers, Derrick cried, "Wabel! Remora! Are you all right?!" his voice thick with concern over his two young charges.
"For his sake, Wabel had better be too injured to get a beating on his fat arse," Lirry muttered.
Derrick squashed the slight agreement forming with Lirry's comments, instead allowing a small sigh of relief when he heard an audible groan echoing from the pit.
"Uugh, Wabel, get your sweaty belly offa me legs!" Remora's clearly disgusted voice rang out.
"I can't Remora, my legs are all tangled up here!"
"Oi, you two," Lirry's voice called out, "are you lot all right?"
"Lirry? Is Uncle Derrick with you? Lirry get us out of here! Me 'n' Wubbles-"
"Stop calling me Wubbles, it's Wabel!"
"Me 'n' Wubbles are stuck in a net hanging in the middle o' dis here hole! You've gotta get me out or else Wubbles is gonna eat me!"
"So that's how they got us…" Derrick muttered grudgingly admiring the simplicity of the trap, "Whoever falls into the pit catches anybody who didn't. That rope there coming out of the hole connects the net they're in to this one we're in. We're like meat on a damn weighing scale."
"It's rather humbling," Lirry agreed, "but how-"
The offended outcry of Wabel broke their deliberation, "No I'm not! I'm not that big that I'm going to eat you. An' stop calling me-"
"Quiet you two," Derrick cut in, "By the gods, even when we're in danger you two have to go at it. You're brother an' sister for crying out loud, can't you get along?"
A contemplative pause… "…No, Uncle Derrick," the two responded.
Derrick was about to retort something when Lirry pointed out, "I hate to break up this moment of family counselling but perhaps it'd be best to put our attention forth to our approaching intruders?"
The rangers looked towards the group emerging from the path in front of them. There were five, including the hooded man who led them into the trap. From the way the presented themselves and the fact that he found himself at a clear disadvantage hanging inside a net, they were clearly not amateurs. A grumpy looking dwarf and a huge bald man looked battle hardened and the hooded man and a striking half-elf woman moved confidently towards them.
"Hmmm. You truly excel at your craft Yoshimo," the woman remarked with an accent Derrick thought familiar of Tethyr.
The hooded man, 'Yoshimo,' puffed his chest proudly, "Of course it did. This is a fine example of why Yoshimo is feared by all. It's truly an outstanding display of ingenuity and cunning, neh? Though admittedly, I was gambling that it would be the largest one among them that would fall into the pit and thus become the weight needed to lift the others," indicating towards Derrick and Lirry.
Wabel, if we ever get out of this, you're goin' on a one hell of a diet, Derrick mentally noted.
He really wanted to wipe that smirk off the hooded man's face when suddenly the fifth member of the group, a young half-elf with goofy grin ran forward and launched a magical projectile right at him.
Widening his eyes in surprise Derrick quickly ducked as the missile glanced off the top of his head, "Ouch!"
The older woman quickly grabbed the mage's hand preventing her from launching another attack, "Pan, stop! There's no need to attack them!"
The girl halted, looking confused, "We are not going to kill them?"
"No, child, we are not."
"Aww," moaned the dwarf who was crestfallen at the older half-elf's answer, "We're nay goin' tae kill 'em?"
She shot the dwarf a pointed glance, "Now we're not."
The dwarf scuffed the ground, sulking, "Blast ye tree-thumper, I'm never goin' tae get tae spill anybody's guts."
Ignoring the bloodthirsty dwarf, the woman turned her gaze towards the two rangers suspended above them, her eyes locking into Derrick's, "Yoshimo, check on the other two."
"Don't let them onto anything," Derrick quietly whispered to Lirry while staring back at the woman, not minding what he was looking at, "Why is it always the good-looking ones I end up having problems with?" he added regretfully.
"I won't complain. Just means more for me."
Before a scathing remark could be uttered they heard Wabel cry out defiantly from the pit, "You! You're one of those wizard-folk looking for Mr. Corthala, aren't you!"
Yoshimo grinned, "It seems we're on the right trail after all, Jaheira."
Derrick groaned at the fat young ranger's lack of discrete, Lirry remarking amusedly, "Hey, he's your nephew."
"Mielikki help me, he's goin' to get a right earful when we get out of this."
Jaheira nodded, casually ducking underneath the net, "Come, let us go now that the way is clear."
The group started making their way past the helpless rangers when Remora called out more resentful than frightened, "'Ey! You can't just leave us here!"
Anger rushed through Derrick, frustrated that he failed to protect his friend, "Don't you bastards touch him! We'll not allow Valygar to be hounded in this manner!"
"Yeah! And I dropped my sword so you guys owe me a new one!"
"Wabel, shut up."
The group turned to look at the dangling rangers. Jaheira and Yoshimo exchanged a glance, the woman speaking up, "You're in no position to be posing any threats, ranger. Rest assured that unless your 'friend' gives us cause to, he will be unharmed."
"Ach, ye've got tae be kiddin' me, we're not goin' tae kill him either?"
With that the group continued down the path. Derrick deflated, the only sound being the continuous squabbling emitting from the pit. It looked to be a long day.
"Amateurs, huh?"
"Hell's Teeth! Get your elbow outta my ear, Lirry."
BGBGBGBGBGBGBGBGBG
As they made their way down the path, Minsc was congratulating Yoshimo on his plan, glad that they did not have to fight fellow rangers. Korgan berated the bounty hunter for taking away the fun.
"Those woods people are really into their work."
Jaheira barely glanced at Pan' remark, her mind thinking the same thing, "It makes one think what kind of 'murderer,' this Valygar is, to have such dedicated bodyguards."
"… I meant that they paint themselves to look like the place they work in."
"Of course you did, child."
They spotted the cabin a short while later. "Nice place though it could do with a good scrubbing," Minsc commented.
A figure emerged from the shadowed front door, apparently waiting for them. The man calmly stepped down from the front porch and he seemed to easily wield two katanas, one plain one hanging by his side, the other he was holding up an intricately decorated katana pointed at them like he was sizing them up. He wore leather armour that looked equally impressive, dark midnight blue with styled grooves, seemingly coming from the same set as his weapon. His dark skin and his long, tightly woven hair with a small gold ringlet at the end of some braids made him look exotic though judging by the fine clothes he wore under his armour he was a native Amnian.
Both Jaheira and Yoshimo threw slightly annoyed looks at Pan when she squealed, "Yummy!"
When Valygar spoke, his voice was deeply levelled almost grave, "Ho there! More Cowled servants, no doubt. Do not be so foolish as your masters, I am no easy prey. By the gods, I swear you'll not live to take me to that damnable sphere!"
Pan stepped forward, a disarming smile on her face, "We are no servants of anyone or anything… I think. Wait, wait, wait give me a second. Hmmm, weeeeellllllll, there is that one wizard who hired us to get you but I am pretty sure that still does not mean we are his servants. I do not like being a servant. Jaheira, we are not considered that wizard's servants right, because if we are, I do not want to be a servant. You know, now that I think about it, I guess we are in servitude. In fact, I am going on strike right now. No-more-ser-vants, no-more-ser-vants, no-more-ser-vants!"
If Valygar showed any disconcertion at the half-elf currently stomping in place in front of him waving imaginary picket signs, he hid it well. Jaheira groaned loudly more embarrassed than irritated, pulling the still striking alchemist back. Yoshimo decided to put forth a more clear answer, "You are correct. We have been hired to bring you to the wizards dead or alive. Will you come honourably with us or are we to engage in battle?"
Valygar practically snarled, "Honour? Honour!? You speak of honour but do you even know of why they want me so badly, of why you are really here? You are fools!"
Yoshimo did not need another person questioning his honour, he was busy doing that himself, "Then speak your side quickly and don't say we did not give you the benefit of a doubt."
The hunted man spoke more calmly though anger was threaded through each sentence, "I have done nothing but defend myself from greedy wizards who only wish to plunder the magical wealth of my dread ancestor. Anything they have told you is mere contrivance. If you think you are doing anything else than their selfish bidding, then you should think again. A planar sphere appeared in the slums of Athkatla weeks ago. My ancestor, the necromancer Lavok, built that sphere as some sort of planar travelling device. Lavok disappeared with the sphere over five centuries ago. It has not been seen again until now."
"Oooooh, a planar sphere… I have always wanted one."
Jaheira gave the rest of the group a surprised glance. The others too, were slightly taken aback by the man's words, his reported crime mentioning nothing about a sphere. Korgan muttered, "I knew it. Holdin' out on the bigger prize, that swabby robed titmouse."
Minsc cried out, recognizing what the man is, "A fellow brother of the woods! Is this the man the wizards have sent us to kill? Tell me it is not so!"
"The wizards said nothing of this. You did kill two of their number, didn't you?"
"Aye, I did," the stalker's tone almost boastful, "'Twas no murder, however... they attacked me first. I refused to co-operate with their 'request', and fled as soon as I was able to withdraw. I have no desire to meet my ancestor, and even less desire to help the Cowled Wizards, who seem certain that my body is the only key to the sphere... alive or no."
"Awww, why do you not wish to see your ancestor? Did he not give good birthday presents? Wait, it is because he smells funny and pinches your cheeks reeeeeaaaaal hard, is that it?"
Valygar paused momentarily, giving the alchemist a funny look before continuing, "They tried to force my co-operation when I refused to aid them, and I had hidden myself away as a result. I thought I had been successful, as well, until you lot came."
Korgan spat contemptuously, "Bah, who are ye that we ought tae believe? How do we know that ye're not lyin' tae us?"
"I cannot prove the truth of my words, dwarf," glaring hard at the berserker who only sneered back, "but compare my motivations to those of the wizards. And there is more. I am the last of the Corthala line. That may mean little to you, but it means plenty to Lavok. When Lavok left Athkatla in the sphere, he was already many centuries old. Lavok extended his life by stealing the bodies of blood relations. If he yet lives, you can imagine my concern. This is also why my blood may allow entrance to the sphere."
"Aye, be as it may, what bloody concern is it o' ours? I'd still prefer tae get paid sometime this tenday an' there be a good chance o' that happenin' by bringing in yer head."
"Stow your axe away, Korgan," Jaheira warned before turning to the other half-elf girl, "Pan, you've heard his story. It seems the wizards have lied to us concerning his crimes, going so far as to order his death simply for personal gain and have given no thought to drag our names through the dirt. He is a ranger, a protector of the woods and he would not have slain others had there not been a just reason."
Pan looked at Valygar, "I do not want to be a servant. Do you?"
A ghost of a grin fluttered past the stalker's lips, "No, I don't. If it is servitude we wish to avoid then I suggest that we return to the city and enter the sphere. That way, I will know if Lavok lives. If he does, we can exterminate his ghoulish existence once and for all," quickly adding when it looked as if Korgan were about to protest, "You are more than welcome to whatever lies within the sphere, such as magical treasure and anything else of Lavok's. None of it interests me in the slightest."
Korgan still looked as if he had something to say but then paused, a shrewd look in his eyes. He gave a cold smile, "Ach, that donnae sound too bad."
Pan remarked airily, "You know, we came here to kiiiiiilllllll yoooouuuu. Eeeeeeee, you sure are crazy to make friends with your intended killers," not noticing the ironic glances she was receiving.
The stalker slowly shook his head, "I did not propose to be friends, only allies. I am not foolish enough to believe that any long lasting good will result from this… and truthfully I may not entirely trust the lot of you. But your disdain for the Cowled Wizard's authority is obvious and for now, that is enough for me. The wizards will not rest until they get inside that sphere… and one cannot hope to stand up to the robed ones for long, at least not without steady hands at one's back. Tell me, what is your answer?"
Pan looked at the others to see what they thought. Nobody seemed to object. The alchemist turned to stare back at Valygar who had lowered his weapon though his features remained stern, his dark eyes piercing.
"Pan?"
Pan spoke wispily, her gaze drifting past Valygar's head seeing something or nothing, "He is a tired fellow. I think he needs company."
BGBGBGBGBGBGBGBGBG
"Umm, Uncle Derrick?"
The man gave a tired sigh, "What is it, Wabel?" the uncomfortable position of hanging in a net for the past few hours starting to really irritate him.
"… I have to pee."
"Whaaat? Wubbles if ya don't hold it I'm gonna cut the ropes 'n' drop ya!"
"You'll fall too! And stop calling me Wubbles."
"If ya piss yourself, it'd be worth it."
"Shut up you two, no one is dropping anyone and no one is definitely goin' to pee themselves. Hold it in, are you hardy rangers or not?"
"…."
"…."
"…. Derrick, I have to go also."
"Lirry, if you so much as leak a drop I'm goin' to chew the ropes an' drop everyone."
"Uncle Derrick?"
"What?! What is it this time? You have to polish your sword?"
"… No. I think I hear somebody coming."
Immediately the veteran ranger's attention focused on the incoming group. Derrick felt his pulse quicken when he spied amongst them Valygar, unbound and seemingly unharmed.
"Hell's Teeth, they've got him," Lirry cursed.
"It doesn't look like he's a prisoner," Derrick muttered before calling out, "Valygar! Valygar are you all right?"
The party stopped, Valygar looking up at his fellow rangers with only a single upraised eyebrow indicating his amusement, "I'm fine Derrick, as you can see. I believe that the concern should be more reserved towards you."
"Don't worry about us, we're fine. Just hanging around, making sure nobody gets by us."
"… Good work, my friend, and thank you… where are your niece and nephew, were they not with you?"
"We're down here, Mr. Corthala!" the intruding band peering down into the pit, "Could you possibly get us out of here? I really have to go… like right now."
"GET US OUT, GET US OUT, GET US OUT!" Remora screamed desperately.
Valygar looked at Yoshimo, an inscrutable look on his face, "If you would be so kind as to release my employees."
Flashing a roguish grin the bounty hunter silently climbed a stout trunk with numerous branches disappearing into the tree's thick foliage. A few moments later Derrick and Lirry were slowly lowered at the same time that Remora and Wabel were lifted out of the pit, stopping just when the two nets were just above ground level.
Lirry remarked dryly, "Now what? There's still a big hole underneath those two."
"Now," Jaheira began, stepping close to the edge of the pit, "we restore the world to its natural state."
Kneeling down on both knees and placing her palms down onto the floor, the druid began a heartfelt chant, the magic barely visible as it glowed about her and spread across the forest floor in a soft green hue. The power of her words invoked the spirits of the earth and they answered her wishes. Like a dilating eye, the pit closed dirt and stone, collapsing and closing in, the barely discernable rumble of moving earth echoing and becoming fainter.
Soon all evidence of a gaping pit vanished, in its place the restored grounds as it were before. The only indication of anything out of the ordinary was the wide, circular leaf-free area.
Derrick showed his awe in his words, "Amazing. So that's how you made that pit there in such a short amount of time. I wondered how you've done that without leaving behind huge piles of diiiIIRRR-!"
The man's sentence was rudely cut off when both nets of rangers crashed to the ground.
"-rt. Ouch."
Yoshimo's head poked out from the leaves above them, "So sorry. Perhaps I should have given warning when I was going to do that, neh?"
The rangers promptly picked themselves up, Wabel scrambling madly up and dashing off into the woods.
A moment of silence and soon after everyone heard the satisfying, "Aaahhhhh…" coming from the large youth.
Everybody shuddered.
Derrick went up to Valygar, his face clouded, "I'm sorry, old friend. I've failed in my duty."
Valygar paused, carefully considering his words. "No, you didn't," he answered, a slow shake of his head, "I hired you to keep my enemies from finding me and you have performed as I have asked."
Derrick frowned, "But we let these people through, regardless of their intentions."
The stalker looked at the party before returning his steady gaze back to the ranger, "They are not enemies… they are allies."
The frown lessened though he still felt doubt, "Do you head back?"
"Yes. This is a long time coming and I will see it finished."
"Let us come with you and we shall not fail again!"
"No, old friend," Valygar refused, placing a firm hand on the man's shoulder, "You've done more than I've requested, keeping watch all this time and sheltering me. Your task is done whereas mine is just beginning."
Derrick opened his mouth to protest but seeing the glint in Valygar's eye he knew it would be useless to argue. Sighing, he nodded once, "So be it. Heed the call, my friend."
Valygar squeezed his shoulder, "Heed the call, friend," and walked past him not looking back, the others in the band following, "the cabin is yours until I return."
Turning around Derrick watched as they walked further down the path, imagining he saw a strange sense of something akin to fate strengthen their steps. A small cough grabbed his attention. Glancing down he finally noticed that someone was looking intently at him. It was the young half-elf who threw the magic missile at his head, Pan.
Annoyed, he asked gruffly, "Yes, what is it? Your friends are up ahead."
The girl did not say anything, her slightly unfocused eyes eagerly espying something on his head, her mouth twitching to hold something back. Derrick was starting to feel truly unnerved by her unwavering gawking, "What are you looking at?"
She started to prance frantically on spot before it looked like she could not contain herself any more, exploding forward. Pan squealed elatedly as she shot her hand forth faster than he could react, snatching something from the side of his head, the rush of air startling him.
"Eeeeeeeee!"
"What the-!?" Derrick cried stepping back, eyes wide in shock.
The half-elf hopped happily about, holding preciously in her two hands a green-yellowish leaf.
"Eeeeeeeeeeeee! I have got your ear!" waving it madly in front of his face before she spun around and madly chased after her party, giggling all the way with her prize.
Derrick and the other rangers stared after the receding girl, jaws slack open.
"Myrkul's balls on a stick, who in the abyss did Valygar get himself mixed up with?"
"I don't know but judging from that girl I'd say he was safer with Cowled Wizards," Lirry replied derisively.
Wabel returned at that moment, a satisfied glow about his flushed freckled face, "Where'd everybody go?"
From her position leaning against a tree, Remora commented snidely, "It took ya that long?"
"Told you I had to go," he responded defiantly, turning towards the veteran rangers, "So are we going after them or not?"
Growling, Derrick grabbed the young ranger's ear, pulling him down the path towards Valygar's cabin, "The only thing you're goin' after is some damn common sense!"
"Owowowowowowow, what'd I do, Uncle Derrick, what'd I do?"
BGBGBGBGBGBGBGBGBG
The band travelled in silence, an odd weight settling around them. Whether it was the task of unknown danger venturing into a planar sphere ahead of them or the thought of incurring the Cowled Wizard's ire that mulled over, the group was sombre.
Valygar walked ahead with Jaheira and Pan, the alchemist examining Derrick's 'ear' fixedly and finding it amazing how similar it was to a leaf from a beech tree.
Those fellows really are into their work.
Jaheira was in deep thought. She realized that they essentially threw away any chance of collecting the reward, money that was desperately needed to pay for the Shadow Thieves exuberant fee. With Valygar counted amongst them now, they also lost all opportunity to glean any information about where Imoen was taken and by default have made an enemy out of Tolgerias.
This was a quandary she often found herself questioning about, something she had no trouble with before when all that was clear to her was her duty. Was forfeiting any steps closer to Imoen worth the exchange for Valygar? Though Korgan and perhaps Yoshimo may not have been adverse to accomplishing what they were originally intending to do, she knew that Minsc would object to handing over Valygar like meat on a platter, especially after learning the true extent to the stalker's involvement. Truth be told, she did not wish to cater to the wizard's whim any longer either. As for Pan… it gladdened her heart that the alchemist chose to assist Valygar. The druid did not want the younger half-elf exposed to betraying those undeserving of such treatment.
"Thank you."
"Hmm?" Jaheira distracted from further deliberation, the stalker's taciturn comment catching her unawares, "For what?"
Valygar continued staring ahead, "Thank you for not harming my friends. They're good people and I didn't wish for them to be caught up in my problems though I had little choice but to call in the few I can trust. Had something happened to them… I have little doubt we would not be travelling together as peacefully."
The druid shrugged noncommittally, "Thank Pan, it was her decision. We're not as brutal as most other mercenary bands and wish to avoid bloodshed whenever possible," pausing a moment before adding, "most of us at least," reminding herself about a certain violent berserker.
Valygar nodded. Jaheira thought the issue concluded but he spoke once more, "You adventure with an interesting group," turning around to see that Pan had fallen back with the others and was insisting that she had Derrick's ear, Minsc the only one with a believable look on his face, "Tell me, is Pan truly the… leader of this band?"
"Does it surprise you so?"
"… Not really. I believe you have to be of a different mindset in order to journey against insurmountable odds of danger, questing either for trinkets of treasure or some pious ideal. A fool or a madman."
"While I know Pan is not necessarily a fool… she can be daft at times… most times truthfully."
"… What does she do?"
Jaheira warily answered, the stalker's tone hinting at some conclusive decision, "She's a mage. An alchemist really."
A dark look crossed Valygar's face, "So… she dabbles with magic."
"Of course, though she mostly puts her knowledge into potions and chemicals. Why, does it trouble you that someone such as her works in such an unstable discipline?" she questioned though from the frown on his face she already knew the answer.
Valygar nodded his head, "Yes, but not because of her unique… characteristics. Despite what you already know, my problems with magic didn't start with the Cowled ones. It began much further back. Suffice to say, I believe no good can come from mages and their magics."
Jaheira responded, "I agree that there are those who use magic for perverse means but there are an equally good number of people, some I knew well enough personally, who are righteous in their use. I have travelled a good long time with Pan and, yes, there have been… predicaments because of her magic but she means well. Not all is as evil as you say."
The stalker insisted, "Regardless of your friend, I've enough experience and tragedy to claim all magic as a nothing but a force of chaos and destruction. It is a corruptible influence and it affects…" Valygar paused, shaking away memories, "everyone, no matter who they are or how pure their souls be. That we are led by one who practices the art does not sit well with me but I shall endure it nonetheless."
"Pan will not fall so far into corruption," though it sounded like Jaheira was trying to convince herself of that more than Valygar.
"Yes. I hope we are at least that fortunate," and with that, it did not seem he was going to say anything further.
Not knowing why, a small bloom of anger coursed through Jaheira and she could not help mentioning, "I hope you feel more than fortunate and truly appreciate what we're doing for you. You have no idea how much we've sacrificed to attain our greater goal in order to see your own quest through."
Valygar looked at Jaheira not the least bit offended, "Do not think me ungrateful, druid. I realize the risks you're all taking just by allowing me to walk freely amongst you and it's a debt I am willing to spend a lifetime repaying."
Her anger was soon soothed by the stalker's words, a strange feeling of truthfulness echoing from his statement. To her imagination it was as if a powerful oath had been uttered and strangely enough its fulfillment promised.
"Then we truly continue on as allies."
BGBGBGBGBGBGBGBGBG
Despite the extra adventuring companion, the group made good time. They made camp less than half a day's travel from Athkatla in a small clearing beside the edge of the woods. This time Jaheira cooked supper, adamantly trying to prove to Korgan with good, edible food that she was the supreme chef. The dwarf refused to touch it which the resulted in another colossal debate over the true superior cuisine.
Hoping to find a middle ground Yoshimo suggested, "Perhaps you should all consider that it is Kara-Turan food that is the better fare, neh?"
He was properly lacerated with scathing remarks from both the druid and berserker. The thief decided to keep his comments to himself from then on.
When the group decided to bed down, Pan designated the watch rounds, "Killer Korgan, you go first."
The berserker scoffed, digging himself further underneath his blanket, "I'll nay do such a thing, ye daft warbler. This dwarf be tired an' he'll nay stay up longer than he'll have tae."
A small whimper caused him to look up and see the alchemist staring at him with big brown misty eyes and trembling lips. Sniffle.
"Ach, all right!" he gave in, dropping his head heavily onto his pillow, "I'll take the last 'un, okay whelp? I donnae need tae be hearing ye wailin' all night."
"Eeeeeeee, you are so nice, Killer Korgan!"
"Ach, shut up."
"I'll take first watch, I'm not that tired anyways," Valygar volunteered.
"Oooooh, thank you, Valygar," Pan looked happily at the stalker, "Are you not glad you are with us now, eh? Can I play with your hair sometimes?"
The girl's smile faltered when Valygar only returned an icy look. "Heheheh… umm, good night," and in the next instance the only sound coming from her were soft snores.
Soon everybody else was asleep leaving only Valygar and a dying fire staring into the night sky. For a while, the stalker remained silhouetted against the strengthening darkness as the last embers died out in a silent cry of puffing smoke… leaving behind a man and echoing memories.
Waiting.
BGBGBGBGBGBGBGBGBG
…
…Murder…
…
…Murder…
…Murder…
…
…MURDER…
Higher and higher. Always climbing higher.
…MURDER…
…
…MURDER…!
….MURDER…!
Higher and higher…the air tasting ever so sweeter…so redder.
…MURDERRRRRRR!
BGBGBGBGBGBGBGBGBG
Smile.
Dream.
Scream.
Smile…
… Wake up…
BGBGBGBGBGBGBGBGBG
A far away echo…
… Clearer…
"…-et up!"
"…Bluh?"
"Pan, get up! Get up, we're betrayed!"
Groggily, Pan blinked her eyes open finding Jaheira standing over her, crimson cheeks flushing with fury.
"H-huh? What are you talking about, betrayed? Like a seagull pooped into your soup?"
"No, child, that damnable dwarf betrayed us! Yoshimo and Minsc are trying to track them down, hopefully he didn't get too far, he took the pack horse with him. May the roots feed on his accursed hide, I knew we couldn't trust that filth!"
Startled, Pan shot up looking around the camp trying to figure out what Jaheira was talking about. "What do you mean 'them'?"
"It seems that Korgan intends to fulfill the original contract," the druid's voice grim with malice.
Distant comprehension dawned on Pan. Not only was Korgan missing… but so was Valygar.
BGBGBGBGBGBGBGBGBG
"Remind me again, young ones, what… hhhhhssssss… the lesson is for today?" the tone frail and reedy like the rustle of paper.
"The ideals of knowledge, elder teacher," the answer feminine and elegant.
"Hhhhssss… yes, yes, of course. You seem most… anxious. Is there something amiss?"
"N-no, sir… it's just I am very eager to learn from your wisdom."
"Typical," a mocking voice called out.
"Excuse me? What's that supposed to mean?"
"It means, typical that the good little princess is eager to learn because she's always ready to show how perfect she is."
"No! N-no I don't!"
"Awwww, look, you're even showing how perfect your blush is!"
"Hush, sister. We'll not learn anything if you continue your… teasing of her perfection," the voice calm and stern.
"Hmph, always defending your princess, aren't you?"
"She is our princess."
"Of course, brother dear… your princess."
"Wait! Wh-what do you mean, I'm h-his princess?"
"Please, do you really think no one knows what's going on with you two?"
Hushed giggles.
Coy smirks.
Rolling eyes.
Heated face.
Cool blue.
A dry laugh, "…Hekhekhek… of course. Well then, if you lot have finished with your jealousies… hhhhsss… and romances, let us begin."
The flip of pages.
"Knowledge…hhhssss…its roots originate where most things are believed to begin…hhhsss. In the morning. When the day begins, the sun floods its warmth and light across the land. Hhhhhssss… it creeps along grasslands, plains, hills… hhhhhsss… mountains, forests, rivers, lakes and oceans. It is seen on continents and islands and cities and hhhhhssss…is felt by on the skin of living creatures."
The scratch of quills.
Flip.
"For most surface folk, the day is a time of life… hhhhhhsssss. You and I can attest that the life is one of work, of toil, of duty, of labour, of obligation, of production, of consumption, of learning… hhhhsss… of teaching, of gathering, of hunting, of drinking, of eating… hhhhhssss… of play, of song, of dance, of earning, of losing… hhhhhsss… of fighting, of conflict, of resolve, of creating… hhhsssss… of destroying, of loving, of hating. Of health and blood. Of black and white and grey."
Scratch.
Flip.
"Day seeks to lay all unto its path. But it cannot penetrate what it cannot see. The day does… hhhhhssss… not exist in the darkest corners, the shadowed passages, or the gloomy caverns. These places have never felt the kiss of... hhhhhssss… the sun, the natural affection of the element alien to them. It is a grace unknown to them but they see the blessings bestowed upon the daywalkers and how different they are from one another… hhhhssss. So it's in those forsaken by the sight of sky where fear runs deep. Remember the basics of living behaviour: we fear what we do not understand. What we do not… hhhhssss… understand, we make… excuses for."
Flip.
Scratch.
Flip.
"Hhhhssss… it is not known when this line of thinking began all that is for certain is that such thoughts do exist. For those… hhhhsss… that walk a righteous path, do so under the light of day… of those who mean harm and are unjust, they travel beneath… hhhhssssss… shadows."
Flip.
Scratch.
"The association of the 'good' and 'lawful' with… hhhhsssss… the light extends to the opposite spectrum of the 'evil' and 'chaotic' with the dark… hhhhhsssss. Attitudes run deeper than the bowels of the earth that… the denizens of a dusky path are unlike those who have no trouble with… hhhhsssss… the light of day. They may kill, enslave, steal… hurt one another but that only proves… hhhsssss… that they seek one another. Those who walk… hhhhsss… beneath the light hunt those who walk the shadows… and it is the same the other way around."
Scratch.
Flip.
"The creeping thief, the harsh slaver, the merciless killer… hhhhssss… the ruthless tyrant, the mad scientist, the abusive parent, the thankless child, the greedy lord, the savage barbarian."
Flip.
"The desperate human, the covetous dwarf, the small-minded halfling, the foolish gnome… hhhhhssssss… even our own kind, the bigoted elves and our cruel cousin drow…"
Scratch.
"All believed… hhhssss… to be so different…"
Scratch.
"The black to white…hhhhhhsss… hhhhhhsssss… white to black…"
Flip.
"Blessed light to forsaken shadow… night to day… hhhhssssss."
Flip.
Scratch.
"… And all mistake to overlook the dawn, the dusk and the grey… hhhhhssssss… one you had best overcome if you wish to understand… hhhhhssss… all."
Pause.
Scratch.
"It is always ignored… hhhhhssssss… that for the shadowwalkers to survive… they must do so like all who desire life… life of work, of toil, of duty, of labour, of obligation, of production, of consumption, of learning, of teaching… hhhhhssss… of drinking, of eating, of play, of song, of dance, of earning, of losing, of fighting, of conflict, of resolve, of creating, of destroying, of loving… hhhhhsssss… of hating. Of health and blood. Of black and white and grey."
Flip.
Flip.
"Hhhhhhssss… so we hunt one another… hhhhssss. Living off one another to define and make clearer the roles… hhhhhssss… that are already so jagged. For what can we call white… if there is no black?"
Scratch.
Pause.
"… Yes… hhhhhhssssss… what is it Jonoleth?"
"Please forgive my ignorance, elder teacher, I mean no disrespect but what has any of that have to do with the ideals of knowledge?"
"… Hekhekhekhekhek. What indeed… hekhekehekhek… hhhhhssssss..."
BGBGBGBGBGBGBGBGBG
In a world far from past, a woman wakes up.
Alone but not alone, between the walls of awareness.