General disclaimer: I own nothing, even Maiyn generally decides her own path.
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Judgements
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Kivan followed Anomen as he strode purposefully along, heading towards the large building that rose before them. Minsc was striding by his fellow ranger's side, bemused by the whole expedition, but quite content with everything. Boo sat on the berserkers shoulder with an amazing display of balance, and genuinely seemed to be looking at everything the Rashemeni pointed out.
Anomen bowed to the knights standing outside the Order's headquarters, and they welcomed with serious expressions, allowing access to him and his companions. Kivan felt out of place when they entered the magnificent hall; the marble floor shone underfoot, and statues of Helm and Torm stood proud, casting their gaze across the expanse.
The squire didn't hesitate upon entry, but marched up to another armoured figure, and nodded his head respectfully. "Sir Ryan Trawl. I have arrived and am prepared to be Judged."
Sir Ryan smiled to the cleric, and nodded amiably over to Kivan and Minsc. "Excellent, Squire Anomen," he said sincerely. "The Prelate waits within. May Helm be with you on this day."
"And Torm also with you," replied Anomen immediately, hesitantly looking to the centre of the hall, to an area set within a few elaborately carved pillars, closer to the sculptures. Kivan and Minsc watched him go, but Sir Ryan signalled for them to follow. They wandered closer, then the rangers stood beneath one of the arches, a respectful distance from the ceremony, but close enough to bear witness and hear the proceedings. Anomen smiled gratefully to them, and an assortment of knights appeared, two standing at either side of the squire, and one moving to stand before him.
"Anomen Delryn, son of Cor and Moirala, do you stand before me, Prelate Wessalen, pledged to the service of justice?" intoned the figure standing at the head. "Do you stand before me pledged to the service of righteousness?"
"Prelate of the Order, I so stand," said Anomen clearly, standing tall. He looked confident enough, but Kivan had noticed a hint of worry in his eyes as he'd turned to enter this place. "I pledge my life to the service of justice and righteousness."
"Anomen Delryn, do you stand before me seeking a knighthood of the Order?"
"I do so stand."
Prelate Wessalen nodded, and stepped back, turning so he was also facing one of the statues a bit more. "Do you stand before me prepared to accept the Judgement of Helm?" he asked sternly. "Is there aught that you would say before we begin?"
Kivan noticed Anomen seeming to shift slightly, but his voice remained confident and loud. "Thank you, Prelate. I would say that all of my life I have dreamed of this day, and becoming a knight is the culmination of those dreams. Judge me as you have been judged."
The Prelate nodded. "May the spirit of Helm enter this chamber! May my Judgement be unclouded. Are your actions, and those you have travelled with, laid bare? Shall I judge you as I have been judged?"
Anomen smiled slightly. "My past, and my actions I lay bare before you. I ask that you judge me as you have been judged."
"So shall it be." Anomen knelt before the statue, and there were a few moments of revered silence; even Minsc watched the proceedings intently. None of the knights moved, and Anomen remained still, his eyes fixed to the figure of Helm as he allowed himself to be read.
Eventually the Prelate looked back up, smiling to the squire. "The Judgement is clear. Anomen Delryn, you have proven yourself worthy. I dub thee Sir Anomen, Knight of the Order; arise and give your oath."
Even Kivan could not withhold a smile -- the delight on Anomen's face was obvious, although it was being carefully controlled to mirror the serious occasion. Minsc was beaming with happiness, holding out Boo so the hamster could better see what was going on.
"Under witness of all gathered," Anomen solemnly proclaimed, "I swear to uphold the honour of the Order for as long as I shall live. I pledge my dying breath to the service of good. In Helm's name, I thank thee, Prelate. I swear that I shall never falter 'neath the banner of Helm."
"Go then, Sir Anomen," declared the Prelate, "and serve the cause. You shall serve beneath the Paladin Ryan Trawl, a righteous man. May Helm bless thee."
"And also thee." Anomen bowed deeply, and returned to Kivan and Minsc, his face showing his rapture. "I must speak with Sir Ryan."
"Congratulations," said Kivan sincerely. "You must be proud, indeed."
"Minsc and Boo are overwhelmed to have seen such a display!" boomed the berserker happily. "Our friends have missed a glorious event!"
Anomen just smiled, and returned to Sir Ryan, who had been witnessing the ceremony a little away. He looked proudly at the former squire, and he greeted the new knight warmly. "Sir Anomen, I congratulate you. As your new superior I welcome you, and honour your knighthood."
"I thank you, Paladin Ryan Trawl. I am pleased to serve you with strength of arms and a faith in Helm."
Sir Ryan placed his hand on Anomen's shoulder. "Normally you would accompany me as my man at arms, but I hear you are following the path of righteousness well enough on your own. You travel with interesting companions, do you not?"
Anomen hesitated, then nodded slowly. "My fellow adventurers endeavour to follow the good and righteous path, I believe," he said slowly. "There is certainly variety within the band, however."
Sir Ryan looked keenly at Anomen. "Then, stay in their company, Sir Anomen, but report to us often, and when you can. The Order will be most... curious to hear your news."
"Certainly, Sir Ryan," said Anomen.
"Go well then, Sir Anomen and Helm bless thee."
"I thank you," said the cleric, bowing one last time. "May Torm also bless thee."
Anomen led the way back outside, and strolled slowly down the path that wound its way along between two canals. His happiness was still apparent, but there was also thoughtfulness in his face, and he paused when they had left the headquarters behind, and looked to his companions.
"It is truly a grand day, my friends," he declared.
"Knighthood seems to agree with you," observed Kivan. Anomen smiled slightly.
"It does," the priest agreed. "I am well content. When one's dreams have come true, one cannot help but rejoice. So, as I said, it is truly a grand day. I have achieved my dream, and I owe much of that to the assistance of the group. I…I am most grateful to for it."
"I am sure Maiyn was only happy to help," said Kivan quietly. Anomen nodded distractedly.
"And help she did," he said gently. "Meeting your group has affected me in the most fortunate way. To think I had such grave doubts… I almost considered leaving Maiyn's companionship to seek what I believed to be a more righteous leader. Had I done so, I would not have received her help when... when Moira died. It all seems like another time for me, now."
"We both know what Maiyn is," stated Kivan softly. "But that is not who she is. Her heart is pure, her path is good. Those who have been with her for a long time stand by her, and continue to do so, to support her, and protect her from what lies within. She does not wish to be corrupted. We do not wish to see her being so."
"I believe the Order know I travel with her," admitted Anomen.
Kivan chuckled slightly. "I would believe they do, Sir Anomen, considering how carefully they worded their request for you to remain with her. Does it not show to you, though, that your human gods can see the goodness in her, that they have not held your time with her against you?"
"Oh, do not doubt that I believe there to be no evil in the lady Maiyn -- certainly not right now, in any case. I am quite sure that were it not for her counsel, her guidance when I was unsure if I should obey my father... I do not believe I would have had the personal strength to stand against him. I would have allowed my anger at losing Moira to fuel my drive for vengeance. Even now, I will there to be a time where I can bring her murderer to justice; but slowly the pain fades, and I remember Maiyn's words to me. To honour Moira's memory by achieving my knighthood, by accomplishing my dream."
"And now you have," noted Kivan.
"And now I have," agreed Anomen. "And I feel there has been no better tribute to my sister."
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They walked hand in hand along the streets, occasionally browsing the stalls to see what merchandise was on offer. In the end, Maiyn managed to pick up some magical bullets and arrows for the party, and the two elves found a quiet spot to sit down at away from the main road, and on a rare patch of greenery in the city.
Maiyn pulled out the items Aran had gifted her; a ring and an amulet. Xan studied them intently, before informing her of the magical properties of each.
"The ring," he said quietly, "has an extremely strong protective enchantment in it. The amulet is interesting indeed. It emanates a slight resistance to magic, and has a ward inscribed on it, here, that offers a protection from negative energy." Maiyn looked at him blankly, and he smiled wryly. "When the vampires bit you, back in Windspear," he explained. "The feeling you had then? This amulet shields from such an attack."
Maiyn couldn't help but chuckle. "That is especially useful, considering what we now know of the other guild," she noted, ironically.
"Quite," remarked Xan dryly, still examining the runes on the talisman. "Here... this symbol -- do you see it? It absorbs silence spells."
Maiyn smiled, and took the necklace gently from his hands. Ignoring his protests, she placed the necklace around his neck, where it emitted a brief glow before settling to its normal colours.
"I think it would be better on you," he argued, but his voice flailed when she held up a hand.
"You are our primary spellcaster," she said logically. "It makes sense to be on you." She placed the ring back into her pack, despite Xan's look. "Someone else may benefit from it more than me -- we have a group to consider."
The enchanter sighed. "Perhaps, but I consider your safety above the others."
Maiyn smiled softly, and looked away bashfully. "Thank you."
"There is nothing to thank me for, it is the truth. But... I need to say something to you, about... about our current situation."
Maiyn raised an eyebrow, and waited for him to speak. The mage sat for a while, seemingly lost in his thoughts as he watched some merchants struggle to roll a barrel onto a wagon.
"We know that you are doomed," he said quietly. "Your heritage has decided that better than anyone else could, and to hope for a happy future is pointless."
"It could happen," Maiyn objected.
"No, Maiyn, it is unlikely. Despite that, despite the hopelessness of it all, I have allowed myself to fall into the situation where I would willingly lay down my life for you. I follow you, above my own tasks and orders, despite what... what you are. I wish to console you when you are upset, and I long to be by your side when you face danger, if only so I may do what I can to offer you what little protection I can."
"Xan-"
"No, let me finish. Your life is limited, something that... that shouldn't happen as one of Tel'Quessir. We should have years to look forward to, but it won't be like that. We should treasure every moment you live to see. But despite that, I still need to tell you that what we do... it cannot be rushed. I need to know..."
Maiyn raised a finger to his mouth, and hushed him. "Don't think as such," she implored.
"I cannot help it," he shrugged. "I want you to know; I am yours, despite my reservations, despite my doubts. I... I am not sure that our companions should become aware of this, however."
The ranger nodded slowly. "You are probably right," she said with a sigh. "We... we have a lot to do, to get Imoen. We can see what has happened after that, and talk again, if you would like?"
"I would," he smiled. Then in a rare display of daring, the enchanter pulled her close, drawing her into his arms so that she leaned against him, her head resting on his shoulder. She felt him sigh with contentment, and she closed her eyes, allowing a small smile to drift across her face. Her mind wandered, and she found herself back in Baldur's Gate, sitting in the parks as Namara babbled from nearby, a figure sitting close to her, stroking her hair...
She sat up with a start, forcing the memory from her head. Xan looked at her in surprise, but she just smiled weakly to him. "I thought I saw Yoshimo," she lied, standing up and dusting herself off. "Come; let us look around a bit more."
Xan nodded, but sighed as she wandered off, watching her with a sinking feeling.
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They ended up back at the Copper Coronet, finding a quiet table in the corner, where they sat with some drinks. Xan had been quiet since Maiyn pulled away from him, and she seemed to be caught in a daydream, her eyes fixed somewhere in the distance, an airy expression on her face. Eventually the enchanter sighed, and moved to stand up.
"Where are you going?" asked the ranger.
"I was going to return to my room, to think," he said wearily.
"Why?" She seemed surprised.
"You obviously have a lot on your mind."
"No. Don't go." She reached out and took his hand, squeezing it gently. "I... I do have a lot on my mind."
"I am no fool, Maiyn," sighed Xan. "I know you think of him. How do you expect me to believe you truly want us to develop anything more than a friendship, when you cannot even trust yourself to mention his name to me?"
Her eyes fell, and she looked upset. He felt bad for causing her to feel this sorrow, but his own emotions were eating away at him; he wanted to believe that she really wanted to be with him, but his very fibre warned him of being a replacement. It was hopeless.
"I thought if I spoke of him, it would serve only to upset you." Her eyes met his, and he saw nothing but sincerity and honesty.
"Do you want to talk about him?"
"Sometimes. I know that a lot of the time it will still upset me."
Xan nodded. "Are you... do you really think you can move on from that?"
She didn't reply for a few minutes. Her fingers ran across the table top, tracing a pattern repeatedly as she was lost in thought. When she looked up, her gaze was more focussed, her face looked determined. "Yes. I have to, and I need to. I have a lot to focus on, to concentrate on, even after we get Imoen back. You're right... I'll never have a normal life, and my life may not be as long as one of my kin. So I should make the most of what I have, and live for now. That sounds mercenary, doesn't it?"
Xan smiled wryly. "But that is what you are, in part," he pointed out. "We have all become mercenaries to some degree in your company. I am still here, serving alongside you, while my superiors believe I am investigating a Greycloak matter. It is my duty to, I am a Defender of Elvendom; and yet, I am neglecting everything my blade bids me to do, in order to offer my pathetic protection to you, and aid you in your own quest."
"We may yet end up serving your own mission," replied Maiyn quietly. He arched his eyebrow at her, encouraging her to continue. "We know Bodhi is a vampire -- we know she leads the guild that stands against the Shadow Thieves. We are now, effectively, in their employ. Do you not think that, ultimately, before we get to see Imoen, Aran will ask us to 'solve' his problem?"
Xan sighed. "I had considered it, and tried to ignore it. It would be futile. We would be doomed."
"It is what you came here to do," Maiyn stated.
"No, I was sent here to investigate," he retorted. "Not to die to them. Although, perhaps that is what my superiors wanted..."
The ranger snorted. "We have Minsc, anyway. He is very passionate about his battles with vampires."
"I noticed." Xan vaguely remembered the berserker dashing off in his familiar rage back in the Windspear hills. "This is why we are avoiding using the term around him?"
"It is." Maiyn grinned. "So, we may yet manage to finish both of our tasks. And then you will return to Evereska..."
Xan raised an eyebrow. "It will be my duty to return back, and report my findings, yes."
Maiyn nodded, and looked back to her hands. Her fingers were now paying with one of the rings on Xan's own hand, and she was twisting it around in a distracted manner. "Will you... will you stay there?"
"My duties would no doubt take me away on another mission. But if the opportunity presented itself to stay there... I would. Provided Evereska was not being ravaged by the evil that is attempting to surround it."
"Evereska is safe, is it not?"
He snorted. "Nowhere is safe. Everywhere is doomed, and Evereska is no different. It will fall, and Tel'Quessir will dwindle, a long slow death."
"No," said Maiyn softly. "There is always hope. Our kin will prevail, and work alongside the half-elves-"
"The half-elves?" Xan sighed. "They are of diluted blood; they can offer nothing to the future of our line."
Maiyn frowned slightly. "Jaheira is a half-elf... and Namara."
Xan took a sharp intake of breath. "You... you miss the child?" His words were careful.
"It is not mine to miss," she replied simply. "But... she was a lovely child. I always thought I'd see her again, one day."
Xan sighed. "Wouldn't that assume you were ever to have a normal life? It's hopeless to think like that."
"It's not hopeless!" Maiyn said, frustrated. "Do you not see yourself, one day, settled somewhere? Maybe with a wife, and children? A small home, with flowers, in the woods somewhere, near to a river? Just a lot of peace and quiet?" Her dreamy expression returned, and Xan looked at her gloomily.
"No."
"No?"
"It is hopeless," he repeated. "You are fooling yourself if you think any of that is possible. We will die long before the chance arises, and only if we are extremely fortunate, will we make it to Arvanaith."
"Well, I won't." Maiyn's voice was quiet, and Xan groaned internally. He'd spoke without thinking. Again. She looked up to him. "But you are probably right. And that is why we should live for now. Do you agree?"
He shrugged helplessly, and she moved around the table to sit next to him, leaning on him. His arm went around her instinctively, and they sat quietly for a few moments, the low murmur of voices the only noise in the background. Eventually she raised her head from his shoulder, and looked at him with a smile. Wordlessly, she moved her head forward and kissed him, a move he was all too happy to respond to.
He couldn't be sure of her motives at all, or her reasoning for deciding to move on now -- but he could either take his opportunity at what he had desired quietly for so long, or put distance between himself and the ranger to prevent heartache. The latter idea made the most sense to him, and he knew he should act on it. He knew he should leave the group, and possibly just return to Evereska, alone.
But he knew he wouldn't.
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Maiyn knew immediately that Anomen had passed his test; the cleric's beaming smile, and the amused look on Kivan's face was more than enough for her to figure it out. Minsc asking Boo what a knight did just confirmed her suspicion. She stood from the table, and moved forward to congratulate him warmly.
"Thank you, my lady," he replied, his smile wide. "For your felicitations, and also for your counsel when I was faced with the reality of losing my sister. Had I not had a friend such as yourself to confide in about the matter, I may have taken a path that would have been wrong for me, and today may have been very different, indeed."
"I did nothing more than any friend would do," replied Maiyn with a grin. "You knew in your heart what you had to do; you only needed someone to remind you, to take away the influence of your father as he tried to manipulate you in your grief."
"Perhaps," Anomen said grimly. "But I do believe you deserve my thanks, and my gratitude."
"Then I shall accept both, and offer the same in return," she said lightly. "You have been a loyal and faithful member of our group. While I am happy that you have achieved your goal, I am saddened to realise that you will now have duties in the Order that will take you elsewhere. We... we will miss you."
"My lady," began Anomen gently. "Once before, before we fought the dragon, Firkraag -- you told me you would miss my presence in your band, and seemed to be quite upset by the prospect."
"Of course, Sir Anomen." The cleric puffed up proudly as she used his title on him. "You have been welcome to travel with us, and I personally would consider you a friend. A dear friend. It is hard to say goodbye to people when you have grown close, would you not say?"
"I would agree, my lady," he replied solemnly. Maiyn failed to notice the twinkle in his eye, or Kivan's slight grin as he moved past them to sit down beside Minsc and Xan. "But I have to admit, I feel no sorrow today, despite what the future has planned for me."
Maiyn looked slightly dismayed by his words, but she nodded. "That is... understandable. It is a happy day for you, after all! Do you have time to stay to have one drink with us, to celebrate? Or is your presence required back at the Order immediately?"
"Ah, I am afraid I cannot stay for one drink, my lady," said Anomen apologetically, almost unable to keep himself from laughing at Maiyn's downcast expression. "I would, though, like to remind you of something I once said to you, if you would permit me."
"Of course."
"The time you assumed I was leaving, when you expressed how you'd miss me. I asked you to allow me to decide for myself when I would leave your company, as long as you were happy for me to stay. Is the same still true now?"
The ranger frowned with confusion. "Well, yes."
"And would you still allow me to stay?"
"You know I would!"
"Then, may I ask, with the greatest respect, my lady, that you do me the honour of once again, allowing me to make my decision on when I shall leave?" Maiyn stared blankly at him, and he let go of his laugh, causing her stare to turn into a glare. "My lady, you have quite a poisonous gaze, if I may say so," he teased.
"What exactly are you saying?" asked the elf in frustration.
"He's saying he can stay in our company," sighed Xan, rolling his eyes at her. She stuck her tongue out at him quickly, before turning back to Anomen.
"Really? Is that true?" The cleric nodded, and Maiyn squealed delightedly, throwing her arms around the Anomen's neck, much to his surprise. "I'm so glad!"
"I... thank you, my lady," he managed when she had moved back from him. "It... it is nice to feel such a part of things. I am-"
The priest's words were cut off sharply as a figure burst into the inn, looking around quickly until her eyes fell onto the group. Maiyn watched Jaheira as she strode over to the group, her expression pensive.
"I said I would return, and I have," said the druid quickly. "There were things I had to take care of, and now there is something I must ask of you."
"Of course," said Maiyn, concerned. "It is good to have you back with us, by the way."
Jaheira smiled slightly. "I am glad to be back in your company. But now, come. We must go…we must go to the Harper hold. I have been asked to bring you, and we must go soon. They will allow us to pass the wards of the door, but I must be with you, and I must be conscious."
Maiyn blinked. "Why wouldn't you be conscious?"
"It... it is not important," frowned Jaheira. "It was their words, not mine, and I believe they just looked to cover all angles. Will you come?"
Maiyn looked over quickly to the others. "I will follow if you deem it necessary. Yoshimo is still absent, but we may meet him on the way. Regardless -- let us go. It is obviously important to you."
"It is," agreed the druid. "And I thank you for this. It should not take long."