General disclaimer: I own nothing, even Maiyn generally decides her own path.
-----------------------
Reunions
-----------------------
Maiyn had managed to offload the gems and spare items they'd ransacked from the dungeon while making their hasty escape. A tidy profit was made, part of which was immediately re-invested into securing two rooms for the evening. The companions trudged up to the sparse chambers, the women taking one, the men the other, and dropped off what little possessions they had. As they regrouped in the common room around one of the sticky tables, Jaheira quickly counted the spare money and assessed what equipment they could likely afford.
Maiyn protested about spending any more than was necessary, but Jaheira sharply reminded her that they would need good equipment to take on proper mercenary work to earn enough to pay for the help. Maiyn stubbornly insisted that they could make do with what they had, causing Jaheira to sigh with exasperation.
"Child," she said, trying desperately to be patient, remembering how Khalid spoke to the two young girls whenever they were being difficult.
"I am not a child," pointed out Maiyn tersely. She could see the three men watching the exchange; Anomen looked uncomfortable, Yoshimo curious. Minsc wore an expression of confusion at the ill tempers.
"You are acting as one would," said Jaheira, "and shall be treated as one until your behaviour reflects a more mature personality." Maiyn gawped at her. "As I was saying," the druid continued, "if we wish to raise funds to rescue Imoen, then-"
"Why are you so determined to argue with me?" asked Maiyn suddenly, causing Jaheira to stop and regard her.
"I am not looking to argue with you, I am just trying to point-"
"You blame me, don't you?" An uncomfortable silence fell around the table. Anomen looked slightly bewildered.
"I don't know-"
"You do know what I mean," said Maiyn quietly. "You know exactly what I refer to. You blame me and my leaving for Khalid's death."
"This is not the time to discuss this," replied Jaheira, her gaze falling briefly on the two strangers in their midst.
"That's not an answer," pushed Maiyn, "and only our companions are nearby. We have nothing to hide from them regarding this."
Jaheira shifted slightly, trying to blink away the stinging in her eyes as she fought back the emotion she'd kept inside since seeing her husband's dead body.
"You blame me, even though you followed me when I asked you not to," repeated Maiyn.
"You were foolish to leave like that!" hissed Jaheira, her eyes flashing as she looked straight at the ranger. "You were a fool to think you would be safe on your own considering the condition you were in, and had you not left as such, we may never have been captured."
Maiyn swallowed hard. "If you had not followed me; if you had done as I asked-"
"Enough! What is done is done."
"No, it is not enough!" Maiyn's voice was getting louder. "I have the guilt of the others hanging over my head, don't you see? If you had not followed me, I wouldn't have more to add to it! By following me, you imposed their deaths onto me, and you went against my wishes!"
"Because we cared! What might have happened to you if we had not been there to help you when the chance came to escape?"
"Glorious Dynaheir died also," said Minsc suddenly, his voice low. Both the women stopped their glaring, turning their gaze to the large Rasheman warrior. His face was sad as he looked blankly at the table. "Boo says she died valiantly, is that right Boo? She followed little Maiyn with Minsc and Boo and Jaheira and Khalid and Imoen because we all cared and missed the little ranger. Dynaheir didn't want little Maiyn to be alone."
"I..." Maiyn's voice faltered and Jaheira seemed to calm herself down, her tone becoming softer.
"The blame lies with neither you, nor us," said Jaheira calmly. "They... fell to a madman. They shall be avenged with our deeds, and we shall find this man who imprisoned us and ensure he pays for their deaths."
Maiyn nodded, allowing the druid to take her hand, squeezing back to express her return of support. "You are right about supplies," she relented, bowing her head graciously. "You are more experienced than I with equipment, and I will trust your judgement on the matter."
"We will make the money as soon as we can," said Jaheira in an assuring manner. "But first we need to make sure we can look after ourselves." Maiyn nodded, and smiled politely as Anomen made some small talk to break the final shreds of friction that lingered over their table. When Minsc leapt from his seat, the rest of the companions jumped too, looking at the berserker with puzzlement.
"Look Boo!" roared Minsc, drawing strange looks from the nearby patrons. "It is our old friends, Kivan and Xan!"
-----------------------
Xan and Kivan listened to the tale Maiyn and Jaheira shared between them regarding their capture; the ranger and druid had quickly agreed that the tale could be shared in the company of both Yoshimo and Anomen, although Maiyn's heritage would be guarded until they had been in the party for a while longer. Both elves passed on their heartfelt condolences to the druid and berserker at their loss, and hugged Maiyn as comfort over her own loss of Imoen. Maiyn looked relieved to see them both, holding the hands of each constantly since they sat down at the table, leaning slightly against Xan in her weariness.
In turn, Xan quickly recounted his journey to Evereska, the arrival of Kivan and the travels south until they reached Athkatla. He mentioned the scene they'd witnessed in the Council of Six building, causing Maiyn to perk up with interest and enquire about the place known as Spellhold.
"No one would share any information about it with us," sighed Xan.
"I have heard of it," interjected Anomen. "Many call it an asylum because only the twisted of mind should end up there, but anyone breaking the laws of the Cowled Wizards risks the fate of being sentenced to it. Its location is guarded well however."
Maiyn sighed, but thanked the cleric for his help. "We shall continue with our task of making enough money to purchase the offered help," she said, "and hope that we can find out more as we go. Will you both be able to help?" She looked at Kivan and Xan in turn, and both elves could see the tiredness and sorrow in her eyes.
Kivan squeezed the hand he held, nodding encouragingly to her. "Cuamin linduva yassen megrille, mellonamin." My bow shall sing with your sword, my friend. Maiyn could offer only the weakest of smiles, and she turned to look at Xan, quickly adopting the tongue of her kin to address him.
"I understand if you cannot," she said softly. "I remember what you said when you found out what I was, and I know you are here on your own mission. If you wish aid with it, you only have to ask - I will not expect anything in return, as it is the least I could do to repay you for standing with me against Sarevok."
Xan's dark eyes rose from the table to meet hers, and she forced herself to smile. He offered a half-hearted sheepish smile back as he spoke. "It is true that I am here as part of my duties," he said in the same tongue. "But I am also here because it seemed the likeliest place to find out what had happened to you. Despite what you are, I felt something from you that I have not felt often before in my life; friendship. I... I would be happy to aid you however I can to find Imoen, and I would welcome any assistance you can give me in my own matter."
Maiyn's smile expanded widely, and she threw her arms around the enchanter's neck, mumbling her thanks into his shoulder as he awkwardly patted her on the back, flustered at the sudden display of emotion. Maiyn drew back quickly, and excused herself from the table.
"I will go and get a room for you both," she said quietly. "Kivan can come with me to take the key."
The male ranger nodded, and followed Maiyn to the bar, knowing why she had drawn him away from the others. As the bartender went to fetch the key, Maiyn turned to her friend. He could see the sadness on her face.
"Did you..."
Kivan nodded. "I made sure he was comfortable at the human's home before I left."
"He was still asleep then?" Maiyn's eyes shone with tears as Kivan nodded. She swallowed hard, trying to compose herself, and thanked him for fulfilling his promise to her. "The letter?" she asked, almost as an afterthought.
"It was in his belongings," replied Kivan. "He will find it when he wakes."
Maiyn nodded, and let Kivan pull her into a tight hug as the tears rolled down her cheeks. This is the last time I cry over him, she told herself fiercely. Imoen needs me to be strong now.
At the table, Minsc and Jaheira were chatting animatedly to Xan, all three carefully avoiding the exchange taking place at the bar. They knew what it was about, and even the Rashemen berserker knew to let Maiyn have her peaceful conversation to settle her mind. Yoshimo and Anomen, however, were occasionally glancing over, curious as to the display. When Maiyn returned with Kivan in tow, she appeared normal, smiling politely when needed, but retiring early to try and sleep off the weariness that filled her.
Her heart was lighter than it had been for some time as she climbed the stairs to the room she was to share with Jaheira. Her friends had returned; they'd made the effort to find her, and would help her to get Imoen back.
-----------------------
Coran tentatively mounted the dappled horse that was impatiently pawing at the ground. Brielbara regarded him with amusement, noting his worried expression as he gingerly held onto the reins.
"The wonderful and talented Coran has never ridden before?"
"Not a horse, no," remarked the elf with a mischievous grin. He was slowly returning to his normal self, much to Brielbara's relief. "I am sure it cannot be that hard," he continued, as Patch pranced sideways eagerly. "I am sure you can offer me any tips I shall need."
Brielbara laughed softly, and passed on her final instructions to Iana and Alice. She had hugged and kissed her daughter goodbye, and watched Coran do likewise; noting the adoration shining in his eyes as he'd played with her in the days since his recovery. It saddened her to know he was leaving, but she knew that it was for the best. He was never fated to be with her forever, no matter how badly she had once wished it; and by allowing their friendship to survive, they were cultivating a warm relationship that could only benefit their daughter.
Brielbara nudged her own mount, Snowy, into a gentle trot down the road, her lips curling with amusement as she heard Coran's lilting calls of encouragement to his own horse. Despite his lack of horsemanship, the elf managed to stay on his steed, learning quickly as they left the tall gates of the city, cantering over the empty bridge as the sun hung high in the afternoon sky.
Before long Coran was happy enough to allow Patch to gallop across the plains just south of the city, the hair of the two riders streaming out behind them as they travelled, smiles adorning their faces as they chatted loudly to each other, sharing memories and exchanging tales.
They reached the Friendly Arms at dusk, stabling their horses and venturing into the inn to enquire about rooms. The tavern was bustling with travellers and merchants, locals and adventurers and there was only a single room left. Coran took it, shrugging slightly at the bemused human as they climbed the stairs to drop off their belongings.
"I would not have thought you would have wished to share a room with a woman," said Brielbara teasingly.
Coran mock-scowled at her. "We are adults, and we can share as friends," he retorted, causing her to grin at his frown. "Anyway, before we sleep, we should eat," he noted, offering her his arm. "Shall you give me the pleasure of your company for this meal?" he asked, his eyes twinkling to her.
"Of course," she said, taking his arm gently, and following him downstairs. She watched him go to the bar as she sat at a vacant table, feeling a mixture of regret and happiness for him. Perhaps I am not as over him as I convinced myself, she thought ruefully. A quick shake of her head managed to eliminate the melancholy thoughts, and allowed her to spend an enjoyable evening in his company, laughing at his jokes, and feeling hopeful that he would find what he was looking for.
-----------------------
The next morning, Coran came out of his reverie with his mind full of Maiyn. Slowly he rolled over in the bed, feeling the warm body of the person lying next to him, and subconsciously his arm wrapped around her as he whispered the endearments he never tired of using. It took him several minutes to realise that it was Brielbara beside him, and the human sat up looking flushed at his behaviour as he apologised repeatedly.
"Don't apologise," she said for the third time, loud enough so he would pay heed. She saw his abashed look, and gently stroked his cheek before she stood up in her gown to look for her clothes. "You will find her," she said quietly. "I would never have imagined a single woman would ever have had this effect on you; but she has."
Coran nodded. "She has," he agreed. "I don't know how, or why, but the memory of her is sweet to me, her absence from my waking moments is a hollowness I seek to fill. I don't know how she managed to touch me the way she did, but from the moment she entered my life it was like I was bewitched, and even the separation from her isn't strong enough to break the enchantment."
Brielbara smiled softly to the elf. "There was a paladin downstairs last night," she said. "He wore the colours of an Amnish order; I forget their name. We could see if he is travelling south, and if so, you could arrange to accompany him to prevent you riding alone."
Coran smiled warmly to the human, and she blushed slightly at his gaze. "Brielbara, you are an amazing woman," he said sincerely. "Had I been a different man, I would have been exceptionally lucky to have found you."
Briel hushed him, suddenly shy from the compliment; it had been a long time since the elf had complimented her so truly, and she hastily dressed, dragging him down to the inn's common room, seeking out the knight. His name was Ajantis, and he was indeed travelling back to Amn, to the headquarters of his order in Athkatla.
"I would be pleased to have company," he said, smiling warmly at Coran. The elf bowed graciously, and excused himself to see Brielbara off, ensuring she would be safe riding back to the city alone.
"There are plenty of merchants and travellers using the roads," she pointed out. "I will be fine."
Coran nodded, lingering as she walked over to Snowy and mounted. She bid him goodbye, but paused at the entrance of the stables. "There... there is something I should tell you," she said, almost hesitantly. "When the elf dropped off your belongings, he mentioned some correspondence that was wrapped up securely within your clothing. Since you awoke, you have paid little attention to your possessions, so I ensured it was packed when you left. I... I think you should read it before you leave; he said it was from Maiyn, and that she wanted you to have it." The human offered a small wave, and turned her horse, riding swiftly away from the inn, disappearing across the drawbridge.
Coran stood quietly for some moments, thoughts clashing in his head over whether he should read the letter or not. He feared finding a rejection, but his head told him it would not be. With a heavy heart he returned to his room and rummaged through the pack, finding the envelope Briel had mentioned. His hands shook as he opened it, and it took him several moments to find the courage to open the enclosed letter.
-----------------------
The halfling couldn't believe they were stuck in the back-of-beyond inn again. He was especially unhappy to still be sharing the company of the mad necromancer; a pairing he had thought would be ended as soon as they'd finished their mission regarding the iron crisis.
Alas, Xzar's attempts to become the Master of the Zhentarim of the Sword Coast a few months back had led to more high ranking Zhentarim being sent to investigate the suspicious death of the previous holder of the title. They had taken it upon themselves to fill in the role, almost immediately issuing another pointless task to the duo, binding Montaron to the mage's side for another indeterminable amount of time. His hopes of returning to Zhentarim were dashed, his already short temper frayed down even further as the pair lingered in the city trying to figure out just what exactly they were meant to be doing.
The actual undertaking was vague and obtuse; almost as if they were being handed something to keep them busy and out of trouble. They had simpy been told to 'keep an eye on any rising powers', and Montaron had little patience for cryptic messages. Having eventually decided that the Grand Dukes were not the powers being referred to, Montaron had decided to travel south towards Amn where he'd heard rumours of a new organisation taking root in the city of Athkatla, becoming powerful enough to threaten the grip on the city currently held by the Shadow Thieves.
They'd spent several nights now at the Friendly Arms Inn, Xzar point-blank refusing to leave without having more companions to talk to. Montaron had tried coaxing, threatening, punching and kicking, all to no avail, and so now he was resigned to sitting it out. Either they'd stumble across someone naive enough to travel with them, or Xzar's mood would pass, and they'd be able to continue on their journey.
Montaron glared over to the necromancer darkly. He wondered, as he usually did once every few weeks, if it would be worth just murdering the insufferable human, and dumping his body in a ditch. Before he could reach a decision, Xzar had leapt to his feet, and was pointing across the common room.
"Look Monty!" he shouted. "A friend!"
The halfling sighed, but turned to see what the mage was pointing at. He almost fell off his seat as he recognised the elf standing at the bar, but it took him a few minutes to place him. Eventually his mind wandered back to the ranger, Maiyn, that they'd met, and his presence in her party. Montaron grinned wickedly, and sauntered over to the fighter, prodding him in the back to get his attention.
Coran turned to him, and cocked his head, a slight frown on his face. "Your face is familiar," he murmured thoughtfully, before sighing as Xzar appeared at his side. "Ah, I remember now. The mad necromancer and his halfling companion."
"Aye, tis us," admitted Montaron gruffly, trying to appear friendly to secure companionship on the road for the mage. "Ye be headin' south?"
"I am, yes," said Coran hesitantly.
"Ah, ye'd nae mind our company then, would ye?" asked Montaron bluntly. "Where're th' others?"
"I, ah, am travelling alone just now," explained Coran. "Well, I am sharing the journey with a paladin called Ajantis, on my way to meet the rest of my companions."
"Oh," said Montaron simply. He quickly wondered if he could bear to be stuck on the road with a prancing, prissy nancy-boy, but decided that it was the lesser of the two evils; he needed to get away from this inn. "Well, we're ready t' go whenev'r."
"Ah, that's fantastic," said Coran, sounding unconvinced. "We will be on horseback though, so unless you can secure mounts..."
Montaron swore loudly.