General disclaimer: I own nothing, even Maiyn generally decides her own path.
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Reverie
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Maiyn moped around the chilly corridors of Candlekeep, sulking miserably. She'd failed to persuade Winthrop to let Imoen away from her duties that afternoon, and so the young elf assumed she was destined to celebrate her 11th birthday on her own. There were no signs of the monks she loved, and Gorion's office was locked and quiet. It was as if the whole keep was avoiding her. She felt woeful.
Voices coming from a crack in one of the doors caught her attention. It was the classroom that Parda used for her teachings on geography; Maiyn was reminded of the jokes that used to come from Imoen's frequent lateness to the class, and the implications that if she paid attention when she was there, she'd know how better to get around, and instead wouldn't get so lost. She peeked in quickly and saw three robed men -- well, really, two men and one who appeared much younger. It came as no surprise; the walls of the library were full of people in robes, and three strangers didn't exactly seem out of place. Something about them did make her feel quite uneasy, however, but she couldn't work out what.
For want of anything better to do, she huddled into the shadows of the alcove next to the doorway, and used her elven hearing to eavesdrop. She expected nothing but boring talk of books and tomes, or political matters regarding lands far away, but her interest quickly perked up when she realised there was an argument taking place.
"Every suggestion I have made regarding our... situation, has been correct; each prediction of our enemies moves has been foreseen by myself. I have reported faithfully and quickly on matters, and been nothing but loyal to our cause." The voice was strong but sounded youthful. Maiyn knew it was the younger one and quickly recalled his appearance; blonde hair, neatly drawn back into a tail and kept under control by a circlet of silver which adorned his forehead. His robes were of the deepest green, and had swirled around him as he was pacing the room.
"And we are aware of this, and assure you that your reward will come in time." An older voice, slightly gravelly. Maiyn imagined it to be the one in the plum coloured robes. He was a confident looking man, not as old as the figure in the black robes, but markedly older than the adolescent.
"You say that time and time again, Nieman," replied the first voice, almost bitterly. A pause followed.
"That is Master Nieman. Xzar, you are still a child." Nieman's tone was frosty now. "The role you seek will not be open to any of your age, no matter their skill. This is not open to debate, and it is not something you can demand."
"You know I could do it! I have been in these pathetic lands under your 'guidance' for months now, and everything we have achieved has been down to me, not you."
"Xzar! Be very careful how you proceed from here!"
"Or what? You will kill me before this Lord of the Zhentarim? I apologise, Master Nieman, for standing against you as you seek to covet the title which has been vacated due to your own treachery and underhand dealings. But whether you like it or not, I am the one who will become Master of the Zhentarim of the Sword Coast. Apprentices often outlive their masters -- in both life, and usefulness."
Maiyn shrank back against the alcove wall as the voice approached, and she heard the door swing open as the younger human strode out, stomping down the corridor in his temper. The other men remained in silence for some time before they resumed their conversation.
"He is powerful indeed," noted the third man. His black robe had covered most of him; the hood drawn up even in the confines of the classroom, his back had been turned to the door as he looked out the window. Maiyn could not imagine what he looked like.
"His ambition is dangerous, my Lord," added Nieman cautiously. "He has grown steadily in his capability and he knows what he seeks."
"Were his words true?
"About the fate of Remien? You know they were, my Lord -- the orders came from your own hand."
The black-clad man chuckled. "I was ensuring you had obeyed me, Nieman. Since you have proven faithful in this task, I will ensure you become the holder of poor Remien's title. I hope you enjoy the food in Baldur's Gate."
"My thanks, my Lord," replied Nieman, almost purring in his delight. "I trust Xzar shall be taken back to Zhentil to further his... training?"
"I see no need for that," dismissed the Lord. Maiyn was sure she could feel Nieman's horror. "He has learnt much from you, and will continue to do so."
"He is... a threat to our organisation," muttered Nieman. "My Lord," he added, hastily.
"He is one of the most skilled agents we have had. His skills in magic are beginning to hone, his intelligence and cunning make him the perfect operative. He is loyal, if overly ambitious. But... you are correct. He shall be watched."
"And if he steps from line, my Lord?"
"We have a geas prepared for him. It will ensure he is controlled by tying him to a guard companion. Together they will have the capability to be efficient for lesser tasks, but he become much less of a threat... although perhaps more... obvious. I leave now -- business here is concluded, and you will report to the city tomorrow."
"As you will, my Lord," replied Nieman, barely able to conceal the delight from his tone. The two men left the room, disappearing down the corridor leading away from Maiyn's alcove, to her relief. She hadn't understood a single thing that had been said, but she was sure she'd heard of the Zhentarim before. Her first instinct was to find Imoen and share the news, even if it didn't make much sense, and so she bolted down the corridors, deciding to check in at the hall to see if the thief had managed to slip away from her chores to get something to eat.
It was as she opened the doors that the several magical incantations lit the candles scattered around the tables, and in the sconces on the walls, several kitchen hands dragging back the heavy curtains that lay across the windows.
"Happy Birthday!" yelled the crowded room, and Maiyn gasped as she saw Parda and Karan waving to her, Winthrop and Hull standing with several of the guardsmen and keep inhabitants grouped around one of the long tables. Dreppin called out her name, grinning impishly at her as he waved a wrapped gift, and Gorion and Imoen swiftly approached, her father sweeping her up into an embrace as he beamed at her look of surprise.
"Where were you!" asked Imoen impatiently. "We've been waiting here ages! Mr G. was just about to try and scry you!"
Maiyn reddened, and mumbled something about having been for an aimless walk which was readily accepted. Imoen's method of referring to her father was not so easily taken, and she was rebuked by the sage as the three made their way to the small celebration, Maiyn's friends gathering round to wish her their happy returns. The rest of her day seemed to fade into insignificance as she revelled in the attention given to her that evening.
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Maiyn sat up with a start, her throat dry and a scowl on her face. Jaheira threw her a bemused glance as she brushed her hair, preparing to re-braid it before they left.
"You rested well?"
Maiyn blinked twice, and looked at her slowly. "I had some... strange memories. But I do feel rested, yes."
The druid nodded, and told Maiyn that if she hurried there would be the opportunity of a bath in one of the back rooms. The elf took the hint, and wandered off, confused by the choice of memory she'd relived.
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"When we reverie, it is definitely things we've experienced?"
Xan stared at Maiyn, but nodded slowly. They were following Jaheira and Kivan as they led the way in the direction they believed the temple ruins to be in. It was raining and spirits were low, chat was at a minimum. "You reveried last night?"
"Yes," she replied thoughtfully.
"It was... pleasant memories?" Xan's voice sounded odd, but she was too distracted by the memories to wonder why.
"They weren't unpleasant. A lot of it was in Candlekeep. The last part was of something I cannot recall."
"Elves seldom forget things," noted Xan. "But we live so long that sometimes they fade in the passing of time. That is why we reverie. We keep our memories as alive as we can."
Maiyn nodded distractedly. Xan watched her as they marched, but she made no more effort to talk. He cleared his throat, suddenly feeling it difficult to breathe as he remembered the tenderness with which she'd embraced him only the day before. She looked over to him curiously, causing his skin to colour. She noticed it immediately.
"Are you all right?" She sounded concerned.
"I am fine," he mumbled. He knew he should excuse himself, and walk away from her, perhaps loiter behind and allow her to take pace with one of the others. He slowed down, but noted with dismay that she did likewise, ignoring the others as they passed them, keeping up with the leaders.
"I wish I knew what made us recall the memories we live when we reverie."
Xan sighed. "Some say they are called, by longing."
He saw her frown slightly. "I'm sure this one wasn't longed for."
He fought the urge to ask what it was. He already suspected it would be something to do with Coran, and he had no wish to hear the intimate details of her previous relationship. Instead he morosely trudged after the others, trying his best to be quiet enough to persuade her to seek company elsewhere. She didn't.
"I was too scared to reverie before," she continued after a while. "I... I think I was worried about what I'd relive."
Xan carefully remained silent.
"I was quiet glad I did though," she went on, a small smile adorning her lips. She didn't appear to notice Xan's wince. "It was pleasant really, just... strange at the end; something I can't even remember experiencing."
Xan made an odd gargling noise, almost as if he was being strangled, and she raised an eyebrow at him then widened her eyes in a mixture of amusement and horror.
"Xan! No! Not those sorts of memories! It was my time at Candlekeep as a child!"
The enchanter could barely contain the relief that flooded across his face, and the sigh that escaped his lips could have washed away the party easily if it had been a more physical wave. "I... I am glad," he ventured.
Maiyn had flushed, and was avoiding his glance as she diligently looked at the trees at the other side of the road. Verya was capering about, the only creature present to be unaffected the downpour to any degree due to her careful navigation beneath the cover of the forest. Xan prepared to say something, but voices from ahead called him forward and he sighed, obeying the request for a wizard eye spell to help decide which path from the fork they should take. Maiyn lingered behind, seemingly caught in her own world, but the mage noticed Anomen was only too eager to appear by her side, making small talk with her as he darkly stalked off to prepare his conjuration.
"Tell me, Anomen," she said softly. "How did you become a squire?"
The priest flinched slightly at her innocent question, but he spoke over his obvious pain. "I would speak of memories best put aside, Maiyn, lest they fester at my heart," he admitted with a sigh. "I find, however, that I cannot."
"I did not mean to cause distress," said Maiyn, concerned.
Anomen smiled to her. "I know, my lady. And I will tell you, though the tale is not as exciting as you may hope. I remember when I first achieved the rank of squire. It had been a difficult task... my father had refused to be my patron, so I was no better off than a commoner would be. Most knights would not take me in since I had no coin to pay for my equipment, so I had to prove myself. A knight by the name of Sir Blethyn took pity on me, and had me squired."
"So, the Order makes it easier for those born into nobility?" mused Maiyn thoughtfully. "Are commoners seen as such a weak force that there can be no goodness and righteousness in their hearts?"
"It is not like that, my lady," said Anomen quickly. "You have to understand that the equipment needed to serve in the order is expensive, and all too often the poorer citizens cannot manage to pay for such items."
"I see," noted Maiyn. Anomen regarded her curiously, but continued his tale.
"I was proud during the ceremony, and happy... but it was not to last. My father stumbled into the Order's headquarters, filthy drunk and full of rage. He began shouting at the knights... at Sir Ryan Trawl, no less... that I had been stolen from him. That I was a worthless and weak son who should not be in the Order. Sir Ryan told him that I had proven myself, but the old bastard would hear none of it. They were finally forced to drag him from the building, kicking and screaming. Leave it to Lord Cor to stain the one moment of true pleasure I was able to steal during my time in the Order, the thing I had achieved despite his opposition. Bah!" The priest glowered at his surroundings, a scowl lining his face.
"I am sorry it happened like that." Maiyn wasn't sure what else to say, but the change in his disposition was immediate. His anger seemed to melt away into sorrow, and his eyes were drawn to the ground.
"As am I. Since my mother's death my father has been the force against which I have always struggled to prove myself... an invisible plague which I cannot vanquish. Ah, but listen to me. What a pathetic knight I must seem, blubbering to you like a boy over such a thing as my father's disapproval. You must think me a fool, my lady."
"Not at all," remarked Maiyn solemnly. "You have overcome many obstacles and you should be proud of your accomplishments."
"You are kind to say so, my lady," he smiled. "Thank you. But what of you -- would you consider joining a force as honourable as the Order?"
Maiyn gave him an amused look, but his question was serious. "I do not think the Order would welcome one such as I," she noted carefully. Anomen nodded his agreement, looking abashed at his clumsy question. "Even if I were untainted, I do not think the Order would be for me."
The priest looked slightly aghast by her words. "Why ever not, my lady? Can you deny the good they serve?"
"Oh no, not at all," she replied casually. "Though their definition of good, I suspect, may not always be in complete agreement with mine." She noted his outraged look. "Think back to our meeting with Madulf, yesterday," she continued. "As a knight, would I not have been expected to bring their existences to an end?"
"I..." Anomen's voice drifted off.
"I'm happiest away from the throngs of people you find in cities," Maiyn sighed. "I'm happiest away from organisations. I do my own thing; I live by my own rules. I believe I must be a true and kind person, or Minsc, Jaheira and Kivan would certainly not still be by my side."
"I cannot deny your compassion, my lady," admitted Anomen. "But you are a holy woman as well as a servant of the great outdoors."
"I am," she nodded. "But to worship Fenmarel is to worship the forests, the rural areas, to protect those who dwell in them. He is the god of outcasts of my kin, and my dedication to him causes my longing for isolation."
"I know little of your gods, my lady," said Anomen with slight abashment. Maiyn just smiled.
"Fenmarel is venerated by outcasts from elven society, and by those who have been isolated from the main body of their race," she explained briefly. "By growing up in a human settlement, I developed an affinity with him that grew as I did, and it has never left me."
"You have close companions now, however?"
"I do," she nodded, looking fondly over to the others. "I do not need to be a complete loner to dedicate myself to him. Being detached from my kin in general is sufficient."
Anomen nodded, but Maiyn was unsure if he understood or not. "I… I think I agree with you," he eventually managed. "There are differing sorts of good in this world, and not all of them would work well in an organisation like the Order."
Maiyn nodded her agreement, and smiled at him. "Just as not all of us are born to Harp."
Anomen watched as she wandered back to the other elves and the druid, conferring briefly with them about the travels of Xan's magical eye. He found it hard to understand how she could have such close bonds with her companions, yet so happily proclaim her need for seclusion -- but he realised there was a lot about the young ranger he didn't comprehend. He sighed as he walked over and stood beside Yoshimo, and the rogue nodded politely to him.
"She is an interesting girl."
"The lady is our leader," replied Anomen tersely, fidgeting slightly. It only served to cause Yoshimo to grin more.
"That only serves to increase her enticement, surely?" The rogue's smirk caused Anomen's temper to rise, and he fought to keep control, speaking through gritted teeth.
"She deserves our respect, not our gossiping behind her back."
"Gossiping?" asked Yoshimo, surprised. "I am not gossiping, my friend. I am merely observing." With a wink, the bounty hunter wandered off to converse with Minsc, leaving Anomen to stand alone, slightly away from the group. He could hear Maiyn's lilting voice as she conversed in elvish with her kin, the druid joining in with their native tongue as they debated something. He saw Xan's dark eyes resting on the young elven girl, and he ground his teeth in frustration, idly playing with the handle of his mace. It came as a huge relief to him when finally Jaheira called out that they had found the way, and the group set off once more towards their destination.
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It was becoming dark when as they fought their way through the twisted trees that surrounded the temple remains. Even the forest seemed to have warped in the presence of some maligned evil. They encountered a woman who only called herself Anath, but revealed she was a werewolf. Maiyn prevented Anomen from attacking her immediately, listening to her tale as she revealed how her pack had been taken from her, and subverted by a Shade Lord who had taken up residence in the abandoned building they sought.
Maiyn allowed her to leave; promising to meet her there to aid her fight against the lord, and the woman changed into her lycanthrope shape and swiftly ran ahead. Maiyn sent the priest a telling glance that reminded him sharply of their previous conversation, and he went back to channelling Helm's powers to turn the shades and shadows that littered their way, assaulting them as they approached the overgrown ruins.
Many of the creatures were there to face them, Anath falling quickly to their numbers before Anomen could get close enough to repel them with his holy power. Jaheira caught sight of an old monument, adorned by a single mirror -- she managed to manipulate it to catch the fading sun, creating a small capsule of light around the stairs leading down underground. The group fled to it, huddling into its sanctuary as the power of the shadows melted into nothing as they fought against the brightness. Only when the shades had finished their assault did the group venture downstairs -- Anomen and Maiyn brought up the gift of sanctuary from their respective gods, and both held their symbols tightly as they turned away the creatures, leaving Minsc and Jaheira to swiftly bring about an end to their existences while they were distracted.
Slowly the group made their way into a large room, fighting off the skeletal warriors that came at them, fending off the dire wolves with much more ease. Verya had followed them down into the depths, and was slinking about the shadows with her ears flat, hating every single moment of it. Maiyn wished she'd had the foresight to tell her to stay behind before the wood had turned so corrupted.
Statues lay, smashed on the ground, and Yoshimo rummaged amongst some of the debris, pulling something out carefully. Jaheira frowned slightly at the sight of the bones; they were too small to be from an adult, but they were almost certainly human.
"A child," whispered Maiyn. The druid nodded. The bones appeared old, and Kivan carefully picked them up, wrapping them in one of his spare tunics to prevent them from being damaged further. Maiyn followed Verya through an archway and into a smaller room, her cat darting back past her almost immediately.
"You will not defy our Lord!" hissed a shade, rushing to attack her. She held out her symbol, channelling Fenmarel's wrath down her arm and watching as the shadow recoiled. Minsc's blow brought it down quickly, and a key fell to the ground as its form disappeared. Maiyn picked it up, eyeing the two doors that were nestled into the northern wall. She looked quickly to Jaheira, then unlocked the first, revealing an empty cell. She moved to the second, and placed the key in the lock.
Someone is within.
Maiyn nodded her acknowledgement to Verya's warning, and opened the door cautiously. At the back was a huddled figure, lying on the ground, bound and gagged. Maiyn was followed into the cell by Kivan, and together the rangers untied the halfling girl and helped her to sit up.
"Ho, noble friends! I beg your assistance in this evil place," said the prisoner as she regarded her rescuers.
"Well met," smiled Maiyn politely. "Who do I address?"
"My name is Mazzy Fentan, your grace," replied the halfling, bowing her head politely. "I am a valiant servant of justice and righteousness, and as you can see, I could do with your help."
"And you shall receive it," affirmed Maiyn, holding out her hand and helping Mazzy to her feet. She followed the rangers to the rest of the group where introductions were quickly made, and Anomen nodded approvingly at her stance.
"How did you come to be here?" asked Jaheira when all had spoken.
"I am an adventurer," replied Mazzy simply. "I led my party here to discover the source of the evil that had befallen the area, which became abundantly clear when it slaughtered my companions at the Shadow Altar. You have fought my jailors, the shadows; those unfortunate souls are the remnants of live victims who have been perverted by the power of the dark fiend, the Shade Lord."
Maiyn frowned at Jaheira in concern. "Why is it here, and what does it want?" she wondered aloud.
"To dominate and conquer," guessed Mazzy. "This Shade Lord seems to feed on the corruption of souls. If it is not stopped, I am sure it will build its army of shadows."
"Then we must stop it," said Jaheira firmly.
"What can you tell us of your attempt, my lady?" asked Anomen, his eyes betraying his curiosity at the small warrior.
"My companions and I were hired by Minister Lloyd of Imnesvale, to look into the rash of killings in the area. With the ranger, Merella, we discovered that there was an unholy darkening of this land. She told us how to reach here after we said we would investigate the source; not long after we left, she caught up with us and accompanied my band until we reached the boundary of this forest."
"So she is here too?" asked Maiyn.
"She is," replied Mazzy hesitantly. "She went off to scout ahead, and did not return. We made our way here, to this temple of Amaunator. Legends tell how the Shade Lord was struck down here by Amaunator ages ago, and we found it infested with shadow-magic. The shadow wolves roaming here are from the wolf packs that used to roam these hills mere weeks ago."
"This 'lord' has moved quickly then," noted Kivan dryly.
"There is a perverted altar to Amaunator that is reached through the bowels of this place. We found tomes describing the need for sun gems to allow passage, and how one had to pass a test to prove themselves worthy. The final door needs three parts of a symbol to open it, but we did not find any before we were captured and taken past a Shadow Dragon to the Shade Lord himself. He... he took the life force of my friends, and turned them to members of his army." The halfling paused, trying to compose herself. Maiyn was sure she saw a tear in her eye. "My beloved Patrick became a hideous shadow! I would gladly have sold my life with my friends, but I was to be kept to become his 'consort'. He was inhabiting Merella at the time, possessing her body, feeding from its life."
Maiyn noticed how pale Xan looked at the mention of another dragon, and she shuddered at the thought of becoming the Shade Lord's consort. "The way to him lies past this wyrm?"
Mazzy nodded. "It guards the altar; it is the secret of this place. The Shade Lord and the altar, both, must be destroyed to stop the evil from growing here."
Maiyn nodded, and looked grimly to her companions. "We search for the keys we need to go further down."
Mazzy's eyes widened slightly. "You are to face the dragon? Shall you not return to the village to rouse more help first?"
"There is no time," replied the ranger, shaking her head. "We will go on and investigate what lies ahead with caution. You are uninjured?" The warrior nodded, and Maiyn smiled happily. "Then you are welcome to join with us. Your armour and weapons seem to have been left here."
Mazzy snatched up her equipment, and donned it quickly, lovingly sheathing her sword and grasping her bow. With a determined nod she looked at the group. "You have my sword arm while I seek my revenge on the evil that dwells ahead. With Arvoreen's blessing, our partnership shall be a fruitful one."