General disclaimer: I own nothing, even Maiyn generally decides her own path.

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A Trip to the Circus

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Ajantis and Coran rode into the city, dismounting side by side amongst the crowds of travellers both arriving in and departing from Athkatla. Coran looked around with interest; despite his frequent travels to the south from the Baldur's Gate area, he had never detoured to pay the place a visit. Ajantis pointed him to a small inn nestled against the outer wall.

"The Crooked Crane," said the paladin. He spoke loudly so he could be heard over the chatter around them. "Not much in the way of accommodation for travellers, but they'll stable your horse for you for as long as you need. Much easier than trying to navigate the city with it, trust me."

Coran grinned and thanked the human. Ajantis took his leave, explaining that he had to go and report to the Order. He asked if the elf wished to accompany him there, but Coran politely declined - the paladin had already suggested they meet at the headquarters in a few days time, when he'd had a chance to see what information he could find regarding Coran's old companions. They men shook hands pleasantly, and Coran watched as Ajantis carefully led his steed through the milling hordes of people.

"So this is Athkatla," he said to himself, walking to the tavern the human suggested. He paid for Patch's stabling for a few days, rubbing the horse's nose affectionately as he left. He wandered along the streets, letting his instinct take him around the sights, walking for hours as he explored. He passed through the docks, watching the sailors unload their ships. He wandered past the Council of Six building, his thief's eye sparkling as he looked at the large houses of the nobles. He made his way through the intricate archways of the inner walls that made the city into sections, passing through the Promenade, marvelling at the sight.

Eventually he found himself in a poorer part of town, noticing a grubby sign hanging on a wall proclaiming the presence of a tavern.

"Perfect," he murmured to himself, pushing the door open and entering the establishment. The inn was almost spilling over with people; the tables were crowded, the bar was mobbed. Coran smiled in delight at the scene, deftly moving through the crowd to the counter and purchasing a drink and a room for himself. The portly barkeep was an amiable man, and Coran quickly found out some basic information about the town; the general layout, the usefulness of the Council of Six building, where he was advised to go to enquire about missing people.

The fighter thanked the man and turned to find somewhere to sit. No single table was free, but a chair was empty at one which already seated a dwarf. Coran made his way over, signalling to the empty place. The dwarf looked up at him and grunted indifferently, so Coran sat himself down and regarded him. Several golden rings adorned his ears, matching the cords that wound their way around the sections of his grey beard, keeping it neatly in place. A large horned helmet adorned his head, his hair flowing freely from it. His narrow eyes seemed to be keeping tabs on several of the inn's customers, a scowl being his preferred method of expression.

"What be ye wantin?" he asked gruffly, noticing Coran's stare.

"Nothing my small friend," said Coran genially. "I'm just taking in my surroundings!"

"New in town be ye?"

"That I am, my friend," replied Coran, taking a drink. The dwarf seemed to think this over.

"Drink hail!" he exclaimed suddenly, raising his own tankard and draining it of its contents. "I be Korgan Bloodaxe, lad."

"Well met," said Coran with a smile. "I am Coran Sullussaer."

"Aye, a pointy-eared dolt." The dwarf watched Coran keenly, waiting for his reaction. He seemed pleasantly surprised when Coran just laughed and agreed. "What are ye in town fer?"

"I'm actually looking for someone," said Coran, suddenly serious. "Until then though I need to find a way to make coin... my usual methods are no longer practical, so I believe I will have to hunt down some mercenary work."

"Hm, ye look like a desperate man," noted Korgan. "Be ye needin' a strong arm to fight wi' ye? The only condition is a split o' the profits."

Coran noted the large, shiny axe hanging by Korgan's side, and nodded. "I'd welcome you to join me," he said. "In fact, I'd even raise my glass to it, but yours appears to be dangerously empty."

Korgan chuckled. "That it is, and yer appreciation fer me company can extend tae ye fillin' it back up." Coran grinned but happily went to fetch more drinks for them both. They'd just toasted their alliance when the doors of the inn burst open, and a young woman ran in, pausing at the doorway, shouting to the customers in general.

"Is anyone willing to hear my plea?" The young lady appeared distraught, pushing her way into the inn as she shouted at the people around her.

"Anyone? You all know me - I've helped some of you! Is this the thanks I get?" The girl's tone was becoming more pleading and desperate as people turned away from her uncomfortably.

"Oh this be a fine one," said Korgan to Coran as the elf watched her. "A sprout with nay sense in her head."

"Perhaps she has work to offer," said Coran thoughtfully, leaping up before Korgan could stop him. He ignored the dwarf's muttering as he approached the young woman, but before he could say anything she launched into another speech.

"You! Are you available for hire? As a mercenary I mean? You look capable and hearty, like you've had formal training. I need help, they've come to the keep and I can't stop them on my own, I need people to go with me-"

Coran calmed her down, and gently led her to their table, dragging another chair along with him for her to sit on. He hastily made his way to the bar, purchasing a goblet of wine which he put down before her, encouraging her to take a drink to settle her nerves. She looked ready to protest, but something in his manner seemed to stop her, and she obediently sipped a bit of the drink, relaxing slightly.

"Now," said Coran kindly. "Tell us first what your name is."

"I... I am Nalia," she said, almost hesitantly. Coran smiled to her, introducing himself and Korgan. The dwarf just grunted.

"Now Nalia - tell us what is wrong."

Nalia sighed heavily before she spoke. "I need a strong hand to help me," she explained. "My land is under siege and none of this rabble will aid me! After all I've done for their kind too!" Nalia noticed Coran's curious expression, and took a deep breath as she tried to calm back down, hastily gulping down some more wine. "Please can you assist me?" she asked quietly.

"Who is attacking your land? And why?" enquired Coran.

"There is no time!" exclaimed the woman in frustration. I only hope that the attackers have not made it inside..."

Coran patted her arm gently, causing her to quieten down significantly. "How long has your land been under siege?"

"A few days now," she said miserably. "It took me a while to get out without Aunty seeing me. I had to pick three locks just to get out of the keep."

Coran grinned mischievously at her, and she smiled slightly in return. "We will help you," he said suddenly. "But we will need to rest here tonight first, and set off tomorrow. How far are your lands from here?"

"A few hours walk," Nalia replied, seeming to be slightly distressed by the thought of waiting. Coran nodded, and asked if she required a room for the evening.

"I... I suppose I will," she said in a small voice, her eyes drifting down to the ground.

"Don't worry," said Coran gently, raising her chin to look up to him. "We will sleep tonight to be prepared for the journey tomorrow, and we will get to your lands and provide what assistance we can."

Nalia smiled weakly. "Thank you... both. I... I appreciate this."

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Korgan was in a bad mood as they walked through the twisting roads leading towards the Promenade the next morning. He'd laughed when Coran had discovered there were no more rooms available for rent, and Nalia had looked slightly worried when he insisted they'd have to double up. Coran had handed the girl his key and told Korgan that he'd be sharing the dwarf's room with him, much to Korgan's outrage. It had taken several ales before he'd even consider the idea, insisting that he should share with the girl; a lewd glint in his eyes as he looked at her. Coran had frowned at this, and Nalia had retired abruptly, her distaste for the dwarf apparent.

They arrived at the Promenade, and noticed large crowds standing outside the circus tent. Coran pushed his way past them, making his way into the Adventurer's Mart where he browsed the offerings; purchasing a few bits he'd need, checking with the others to see if they needed anything. He slung his new sword across his shoulders as they left the shop and a little boy ran up to him, sobbing.

"Please sir, you hafta help!" he cried. Korgan muttered something incomprehensible, but Coran knelt down and looked straight into the boy's eyes.

"What is wrong?" he asked.

"It's my momma! She went into the circus this morning to get tickets for us, and she never came back out! Now no one is allowed to go in, and we don't know what's happened!"

Coran frowned slightly, and looked over to the crowd. Sure enough, Amnish guards were standing at the tent entrance, refusing access to anyone. "Let us see what we can find out for you, boy," he said with a smile.

"Thank you!" called the boy with a sniffle. The three companions made their way to the tent, listening to the chatter as they went. It didn't take them long to work out the problem; people had entered the circus and not come back out; only one person had managed to escape, and his delirious talking had described a vast palace, a domain now ruled by one of the circus gnomes.

Coran looked over to Nalia quickly. She was looking at the tent with concern, but he knew she'd be worried about her home. "Are you all right if we investigate this quickly?" he said. "I imagine that it's just the work of illusions."

She hesitated, and he could see pain in her eyes as she made her choice. "I… I guess so," she said quietly. "The boy... he needs his mother."

Coran nodded, taking her hand in his and giving it a squeeze. "We will be as quick as we can manage," he said, "and when we are done, we will head to your lands with no further hold-ups." She smiled weakly at him, and he strode over to the guard at the entrance of the tent.

"We'd like to investigate what has been happening," he said strongly.

"No citizens may enter the tent," replied the guard, peering at him. "The Cowled Wizards shall send some officials when they can spare them."

"And how long might that be?" asked Coran. "There are children here whose parents are missing in there. We are more than capable of looking after ourselves."

The guard seemed to notice their weapons, and he shrugged at the elf. "You can go in then," he relented. "But don't say I didn't warn you."

Coran thanked him, and pushed open the flap of the tent. It was pitch black beyond, and even his infravision could make out nothing. "Ready?" he asked the others. "In we go then."

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"I say we kills it tae be on the safe side," muttered Korgan as the group stood facing the creature across the fountain. Coran had to admit that it certainly looked like an ogre, but its voice was young and sweet - and definitely female. It had said its name was Aerie and it was really an avariel without her wings, caught in an illusion, bound to stop her from escaping. It said that the peasants at the back of the tent had the key to unlock its chains, but the key was in the form of a sword.

Coran sighed. "We will get the sword," he said finally, going with his instinct. Korgan glared stonily at him, and Nalia looked at him as if he was mad, but he made his way along the walkway past the extravagant water features, heading in the direction the ogre had pointed.

The tent had been warped into something much larger than it appeared outside. The group had entered into a vast cavern, crossing a elaborate marble and gold bridge that led up to a huge domed building; grey rocked with flecks of silver in the stone, the roof blue and purple as it reached up into a large gilded peak.

It had led into here, a room divided into quarters by four large pools, large statues standing tall in the middle of each. The figures were all different; one was a proud looking gnome dressed in an elaborate robe, the next was a human figure cowering submissively. A large lion was crouched in the next, and the final one was a large werewolf-like creature, snarling viciously. The fountain in the middle of the room seemed to be made entirely of gold; the cool blue, jets cascading down its side and making the surface water ripple. Coran didn't think much of it, despite its grandness and style.

The elf stopped as he saw the arachnid trying to crouch behind the feline statue. Korgan immediately drew forward his axe, yelling wildly as he leapt towards the spider.

"No! Don't hurt me!"

It was only Coran's swiftness that managed to prevent Korgan from swinging his axe into the side of the beast. Coran pushed him back, and looked at the spider, noticing it drawing back slightly.

"Ma'am?" he asked.

"I'm not really a spider!" came the voice of a crying woman. "It's some illusion... I don't know what happened, but I feel awful and I just want to go back to being me, and to find my son!"

"Don't worry," said Coran soothingly. "We'll do what we can - just stay here."

The spider nodded - a sight Coran was sure he'd never forget, and the group turned to see the two peasants approaching them. They readied their weapons - Nalia began murmuring, and Coran regarded her with surprise. She shrugged as mirrors popped up around her. "You never asked," was all she said, and Coran grinned, throwing himself into battle as the peasants ran at Korgan. They changed shape before the group's eyes, breaking into hideous bipeds, slavering and clawing. It didn't take long for the party to overwhelm them, and Coran returned the sword to the ogre, watching as she rippled and morphed into a slight elven creature with long blonde hair, and big, scared, blue eyes.

"Th-thank you!" she cried, rubbing her arms where the chains had abraded her skin. "W-we have to find Quayle - he's the man in charge!"

"We will do what we can to find him," Coran assured her, leading his companions on as they strode past her.

"W-wait!" she shouted, causing the elf to look back. "Can I c-come with you? I know what to expect in here."

Coran looked dubious; the girl was obviously terrified, her words were stammered and she jumped at the slightest noise. But something in her eyes was pleading to him, and he hesitantly nodded. "Be careful though," he warned. "We don't want you getting hurt."

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Coran felt slightly nauseous as he climbed the stairs and passed through the elaborate doorway, as if he was passing through some sort of magical rift. It took a while for his eyes to adjust to the bright lights, but he noticed a tall man standing ahead of him; a majestic figure, who bore more than a passing resemblance to a gnome in all but stature. Several of the illusion werewolves they'd encountered stood at guard around the edge of the room, the more real shadow fiends drifting around in the centre. A large purple ooze was the only other creature present, and Coran tried to work out what was what.

"Ah, my beast," said the tall figure, speaking directly to Aerie. "You've brought them here nicely..."

"What?" asked the girl in surprise. "I'm not-"

"You're not what?" replied the man with a slight cackle. "You're not my beast? Oh but you are, you all are. Don't you see?"

"Wh-what have you done to my Uncle Quayle, Kalah?" demanded Aerie fiercely. Coran was slightly surprised by the courageous outburst.

"Little Aerie! Is that you?" The voice came from the slime. "I have no eyes, no eyes!"

"Yes, it's a regular three ring circus," mused Kalah evilly. "Now go ahead... tear each other apart!"

Coran immediately leapt into action, holding up the shadows to protect Nalia and Aerie. The two girls were mumbling spells frantically as Korgan charged at Kalah, ignoring the clawing werewolves that tried to stop him. Several globes of purple shot through the air, hitting Kalah with force and knocking him to the ground where a solid strike from Korgan was enough to render him into a daze. As his grasp on life faded, their surroundings changed and mutated, slowly changing back to the simple circus tent. The monsters disappeared, replaced with the surviving workers and the woman who had been made to resemble a spider. Coran walked over to the gnome slowly, watching him splutter his last few breaths as Aerie helped her Uncle Quayle to his feet.

"No!" coughed Kalah angrily. "This wasn't what was supposed to happen! This isn't what was promised to me! I have planned this for too long... only to have it shattered by some in-bred adventurer! I... I just wanted to be respected..."

"What has passed here, gnome?" asked Coran sternly. "You replaced the circus with your personal playground?"

"You fool," spat the gnome. "You truly know nothing! I am Kalah, an illusionist! I was made a clown-mage for the pleasure of the tall folk, but I bided my time... I was promised a world I could rule! In Amn, a mage is a criminal, a gnome is a spectacle. In this tent... in my world, Kalah was the master, where none would dare to laugh."

"What of the circus workers?" asked Coran. "What have you done with all those who disappeared inside this tent?"

"Indifference killed those fools," gasped Kalah. "I treat them in death as they were to me in life..." The gnome let out one last rasping breath then fell silent.

"What a pitiful sight," said Aerie quietly. "Everyone did laugh at him, but they... they didn't deserve to die. I just can't hate him, despite all he's done."

"That is because you have a good and kind soul, my girl," said Quayle. Coran nodded to the gnome, and was thanked heartily for the rescue. "You've brought out a side to my Aerie I didn't know existed. It seems I've taught her all I can; there's a big world out there for you, child. I think it's time you went to see some of it, if these good folks would permit you to travel with them."

Coran had signalled for Nalia to identify some of the items on the gnome's corpse, and he nodded to Quayle. There was more to Aerie than appeared, it seemed; the frightened girl driven by loyalty and love was a fierce creature. Aerie gasped at the elf, and turned back to Quayle.

"Oh Uncle Quayle, I will miss you!"

"Then you shall have to visit from time to time," smiled the gnome. "Tell me all you've learned! Go... go now, with my blessing."

Aerie threw her arms around the gnome's neck, embracing him tightly as she cried. Eventually she pulled herself away, missing the look of disgust on Korgan's face. Coran had wandered over to the dazed woman, and helped her to her feet.

"Legs and hands!" she exclaimed. "I have hands again! I am free of this horrible place! Oh, thank you so much! I have... Giran! My son!"

"I believe he is outside waiting for you," Coran assured her.

"Oh, thank you again!" she exclaimed, grasping his hand tightly and pecking him on the cheek before she ran from the tent, seeking her child. The elf rounded up his companions, and welcomed Aerie to the group. He let the avariel know that they were to head to Nalia's home to help defend it from some attacking forces, and she nodded seriously, her face set in determination.

"Before we go though," he said quickly. "Are there any other surprises in store? Can you, Korgan, sing a song in battle as good as any bard? Or you, Aerie, cure our ailments whenever we are hurt? I'd prefer to know a little about what our combined skills are before we leave the city!"

"I'm no prissy bard!" growled Korgan. "Ye've seen what I kin dae - jus' be careful ye dinnae enrage me."

"I told you I can pick a lock or two," said Nalia quietly. "I've also had some magic tutelage."

"Actually, I c-can heal you," said Aerie nervously. "I w-worship Baervan..."

"The gnome god?" Coran looked at Aerie curiously.

"Y-yes," she replied, looking down at her feet. "Uncle Quayle told me about him when I... when I lost my wings."

Coran nodded. "You know magic also?" She nodded in reply, and he smiled encouragingly to her. "Then a valuable addition you'll be!" he said, flashing a wide smile. She smiled shyly back and seemed to blush. Coran looked at the ring Nalia had identified for him; he'd put it on just before he spoke to the boy's mother, and judging by both her and Aerie's responses to him, it was living up to his name. It was apparently a Ring of Human Influence. Coran grinned.