A/N: Well, not quite at the 'happy' reunion, yet, despite my efforts -- but this seemed as good a place as any to stop the chapter, so I'll take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Happy New Year, and I'll see you in 2007:D
General disclaimer: I own nothing, even Maiyn generally decides her own path.

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Other Influences

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The guards at the entrance to the Shadow Thieves safehouse stepped aside to allow them entry, with only one suspicious look at Ajantis and Xzar. Maiyn entered, stopping in the hall as she looked around for someone to approach. A soft voice from her side caught her attention.

"My dear girl... you are back, safe and sound I see. How pleasant it is to see you, again."

She frowned slightly, trying to remember the man's name as he smiled at her in a most unnerving fashion. "Thank you... Renal," she eventually managed, relieved at the co-operation displayed by her memory. "We are here to see Aran..."

"Yes, yes," he murmured thoughtfully, his attention now on her companions. "He will see you soon, I am sure. I notice, however, that young Yoshimo is no longer in your company..."

She winced slightly. "Yoshimo..."

"Evil Yoshimo was a traitor to little Maiyn and her friends," growled Minsc. "He fell as he should have, when he tried to take little Maiyn's life with his own blade."

Renal's eyes widened -- whether it was genuine, or with feigned surprise, Maiyn couldn't tell. "Really?" he asked quietly. "How very strange. But I see you have made other... additions."

The elf shifted slightly. "One or two," she said hesitantly. "But we really need to see Aran-"

"Yes, my dear, I am sure you do -- he is sending someone to meet you, do not fret." Renal's smile was far from reassuring. "I recognise one of them... another knight, is he not? Really... with two of them, you're almost contaminating our home." He chuckled softly as Anomen threw him a glare. Ajantis was at the other side of the group, seemingly blissfully aware of Renal's attention. "No matter, however -- I trust in your decision to bring him here, and I am sure Aran will, too..." His eyes drifted over to Xzar, and Maiyn was sure she saw a gleam in his eye. "Your other new companion appears interesting too," he said.

"Xzar is a mage," she replied quickly, unwilling for the necromancer to become involved in any discussions. As it was, he'd marched over to one of the fences, demanding to see what she had in the way of spell components, beckoning Xan and Imoen to follow him. Both had, rather reluctantly at first, though now Imoen was looking a bit more perked up, excitedly rummaging through a pouch. Xan still managed to look resigned, however.

"Yes... yes," murmured Renal thoughtfully. "And there are no… others?"

Maiyn peered at him. "No."

"Interesting," he replied vaguely. "How very interesting... Ah, excuse me. I will leave you in peace to wait for Guido. He shouldn't be overly long and your friends are happy enough to browse our wares, I see." With a slight nod of his head, Renal slipped away towards the stairs, seeming to meld into the shadows easily as he did so. Maiyn was quite glad to see him go.

"Come," said Jaheira quietly. "Let us look at the weapons they have for sale -- though they are likely to be from a distasteful source, we may find something that will prove to be invaluable in the upcoming battles."

Maiyn nodded, letting the druid lead the way around the various dealers, her mind not really on what they were doing. The others were following them as they went, all seemingly unwilling to be left on their own in the fairly busy thief guildhall, and when Jaheira paused for several minutes at one of the mongers, Maiyn leant slightly against a nearby table, her thought process managing to perform some amazing feats of logic as she allowed it to aimlessly wander.

"Something on your mind?"

She was startled from her daydream by Kivan as he smiled gently down at her. She shook her head slightly, then sighed, and nodded. "Well, yes. I guess so -- quite a bit, really."

"I can imagine," he replied quietly. "Anything you need to talk about?"

She gave a small laugh. "Where would I start? And, more importantly, when would I finish?" She grinned to him weakly. "Everything bothering me will be resolved, and soon," she said softly. "I can feel the end becoming nearer -- Imoen will get her soul back, I'll get mine... it'll be done and dusted."

"And then?" he asked.

"And then..." she shrugged slightly. "I don't know. Then, I guess, we will all part ways, off to wherever our futures lie."

"Perhaps," he said. "Where do you think your future lies?"

She looked up to him. "I don't know. But... I'm no longer scared to find out."

He smiled again, taking her hand and giving it a soft squeeze before he moved away. Another figure appeared at her side, a small boy with messy black hair and a golden ring through his ear. He squinted at her.

"You Maiyn?" She nodded, signalling for the others to halt their browsing. "I'll be takin' ye te Aran's, then," he said gruffly, waiting patiently until they were all ready, then wandering towards the stairway to the appropriate floor with Maiyn in tow. The others followed her. Soon enough, they found themselves wandering down the familiar lengthy corridor.

Somewhere behind her, Xan sighed. She turned to glance at him quickly, noting his downcast expression and the fact he was bringing up their rear. She frowned to herself, nudging Jaheira into the position behind Guido, and dropping back until she was closer to him. He didn't look at her.

"I thought you would have been happier," she said quietly. He sighed even more heavily. "Won't this help the mission your people sent you on?"

"Only if I survive it," he remarked.

She raised an eyebrow. "You're scared?"

He snorted as he looked up at her. "Maiyn, I am no coward... but yes, I am terrified of what faces us. Not just Bodhi, however... after that, we have Irenicus himself, and whatever forces he'll have amassed in his defence."

She nodded slightly. "We'll be fine."

"You are hopeless. Your continued optimism shall be our doom."

She shrugged slightly. "So... it's just the upcoming battles that are bothering you?" She noticed him swallowing as he nodded. She bit her lip slightly before she continued. "I see. Well… it'll be fine. I'm sure of it."

She moved away, weaving past the others until she was beside Jaheira once more. She heard the enchanter let out another almighty sigh, but ignored both it and Jaheira's questioning gaze. Wordlessly she bounded up the stairs that led up to Aran's chamber, thanking Guido for his assistance as he darted off. She gently knocked on the door to signal their arrival and it swung open almost immediately, allowing them all to step inside and take seats and stances wherever there was space. The Shadow Master moved forward from his desk to meet Maiyn, extending his hand to shake her own warmly, with a large smile on his face. Sime was behind him, also grinning to the group.

"And so... you returned, after all," Aran remarked in a voice that implied he'd always expected it, looking at Maiyn and Sime as a proud brother would. "And far sooner than I expected. After you left on Havarian's ship, I must admit that I half-wondered if you would reach the island, never mind return."

"I half-wondered that, myself, considering the fact that your captain betrayed me," replied Maiyn calmly.

"It was not at the request of the Shadow Thieves that he acted," Aran pointed out.

"Yet he is the one that you hired," interrupted Anomen. "You did not warn us of his untrustworthiness before we left. In fact, you made us perform all manner of tasks for the privilege of sailing with him."

"But he was not the only one to betray you, was he?" asked Aran pleasantly. "And there is no need to look at me like that. Havarian is not, and never will be, one of my men -- he endangered Sime, too, in all of this, remember."

Maiyn sagged slightly and nodded, shaking her head at Anomen as he opened his mouth to speak further. "My apologies... it has just been a testing time."

The Shadow Master nodded sympathetically. "I did tell you that few ships dare to visit Brynnlaw, and you saw the type of person that haunts the place. Havarian was the best available, I am afraid. And I see that you have your companion back amongst you -- that was your goal, wasn't it?" Aran flashed a charming smile to Imoen. "I trust you are no worse for the wear, my dear?"

Imoen shrugged slightly. "Other than the fact that Bodhi has my soul, sure... I'm just fine. How about you?"

The rogue winced slightly. "Ah... I see. Would that I had a spare, but that's not the commerce I traffic in. My sincere regrets at your condition; I would not wish such on anyone."

"Thanks," said Imoen, managing a weak smile.

"Well now... If you wish, I could have the good captain tracked and punished for his... misdeeds. I did pay him extra to keep you safe, gold that apparently was wasted." Aran raised an inquisitive eyebrow at Maiyn. The ranger seemed to hesitate.

"His ship is sunk, and he may even be dead," she said eventually. "That is enough for us."

Aran nodded. "Then he is left to his own fate, which is good enough. Havarian has a habit of turning up like a bad copper, so I doubt this is the last I've seen of him if he survived. But, let us get down to business."

"I have reported everything we have done in our absence to Aran," came Sime's soft voice. "And I believe he has something to say to you, sir knight." She smiled at Anomen, causing the vaguely annoyed looking priest to flush slightly. Aran smiled widely.

"Ah, this is your saviour, is it not?" He strode forward, grasping the priest's hand tightly and shaking it with vigour. "I believe I could not even begin to offer enough thanks for what you did for young Sime," he said, maintaining eye contact with the knight. "But my gratitude is there, and my thanks, although not enough, are sincere."

Anomen nodded slightly as the Master moved away again. "I was glad to be able to help her," he said quietly. "She was a... a very good companion to have with us." Sime beamed over to him.

"That she is," agreed Aran. "You will be pleased, then, to know that she will be aiding you upon your return to the crypts? And I can see from the one of the additions to your ranks that you will have other assistance, too."

Ajantis nodded his head amiably at Aran as Maiyn nodded. "The Order will fight alongside us both in this matter," she explained. "Sir Ajantis, here, will be one of the knights leading their part of the operation."

"It is a delight to meet you," remarked Aran politely.

"Likewise," said the paladin genially. Maiyn couldn't hide her grin at the obvious display of overenthusiastic kinship.

"Now... let us get down to plans," announced Aran, ignoring Xzar's new presence, and sitting back at his desk, his hands folded before him. "First, I believe we should introduce you to those who will be accompanying you when you leave..."

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Patch snorted irritably as Coran dismounted, handing her reins to the boy at the Crooked Crane. He patted her affectionately on the nose, earning himself a small nuzzle before she was led away with Nalia's own steed, and the two thieves wasted no time in heading towards the busy evening streets.

"Master Coran!" Another boy came darting from the inn -- Coran recognised the usual stablehand and offered him a warm smile.

"What can I do for you?" he asked.

"Nothin', sir -- I have this for ye. Was left here for you a few hours ago!"

Coran accepted the note, handing the boy a few gold coins for his efforts before he dashed away. "The Ilvastarr seal," he murmured softly, carefully breaking it open and unfurling the parchment. He scanned it quickly. "It is from Ajantis," he affirmed. "He has met some of Maiyn's comrades and is now setting off to meet her, himself. He urges me to attend to Order's Guildhouse when I can, in the hope that we will catch her there when they are done."

"When they are done with what?" asked Nalia.

Coran shrugged helplessly. "I don't know -- he hasn't said." The elf's brow furrowed with worry as he re-read the note, hoping to find out more from the few hastily scribbled lines. Nalia gently pulled on his sleeve.

"We should go there now, then -- even if they are still away doing something, we know that he will make sure she returns there when they are done. We have no option but to wait."

He sighed and nodded, absent-mindedly pushing the letter into his tunic pocket. "Let us go," he said, taking her hand as he moved into the busy thoroughfare that led up to the city gates, heading along it as it wound its way through the city towards the Promenade. At Nalia's indication he turned onto another route, heading towards the silhouetted buildings of the temples in the distance, both of them moving swiftly and silently. The path became quieter as they left the well worn roads behind, and soon enough they appeared to be the only people around. Nalia pulled her cloak closer around her shoulders, and cast nervous glances around.

Coran glanced over to her, squeezing her hand. "There's nothing to worry about," he said quietly. "We'll get there soon enough, and be out of this area."

Nalia nodded -- he knew she was remembering what had happened to Aerie, and so he quickened his pace slightly, in an effort to get her away from the memories she was experiencing. A voice called out across the darkness as they turned a corner, telling them to halt. As they did, a tall figure emerged from the shadows, quietly flanked by two guardsmen and a cowled figure at the rear.

"Lady Nalia De Arnise?" the central figure asked.

She nodded nervously to him, shrieking slightly as he nodded to his armed accomplices and they moved forward, each taking one of her arms as they roughly pulled her from Coran's grasp.

"You are to be taken into protective custody, on the command of Lord Isaea Roenall, by order of the Amnish Army," the man said strongly. "It is believed that you have recently been a danger to yourself and your lands."

"What?" asked the outraged Nalia, fighting desperately against the much stronger men.

"What is happening here?" asked Coran. "What is going on?"

"We act upon the command of Lord Isaea, sir," the man said simply. "He believes that the Lady De Arnise has not been thinking straight since her father died, and believes this course of action, as her betrothed, is for her own good."

"He is not my betrothed!" Nalia spat angrily. "I would never marry that slimy, obnoxious-"

"Nalia!" Coran called warningly, turning back to the man. "By what right does he have to do this?"

The figure stared at him intently, almost as if he wasn't sure he'd heard correctly. "By the right as an officer in the army and a liaison to the nobility, sir."

"This is madness!" Nalia protested. "Coran -- stop him!"

"He will not, my lady," the man stated. "I act upon Lord Roenall's request with full sanction of the military."

"Then who do I approach to correct this matter?" demanded Coran.

"Ah... that would be Lord Roenall, sir."

Coran gave the soldier a disbelieving look. "You are jesting me?"

"No, sir," he replied, waving to the others. "Now, if you shall excuse us -- we must take the Lady De Arnise into custody immediately."

The robed man began a chant, and Coran desperately lunged at her, trying to grab her before the spell took effect. Their fingertips brushed as a flash of light lit up the scene, and then she was gone -- Coran was left standing alone on the road in the dark Amnish night, cursing loudly.

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Maiyn led the way as they approached the gates of the city graveyard. She could see the knights of the Order already there, waiting for her to arrive -- they looked slightly relieved at her approach, even if she did have several shadowy figures following her; the thieves skulking around in the shadows, avoiding the gaze of the moon as it shone down, helpfully providing some light.

"I'm not sure this is wise," muttered Jaheira as they walked. "It feels foolish to strike when she will be at her strongest."

Maiyn nodded slightly. "I must say, I feel our timing could be better," she said, shivering slightly as she looked up at the sky. "It must be almost midnight by now."

"We have to get this done," Kivan pointed out calmly. "To give her longer is another day for her to build up her defences."

"True," relented Jaheira with a sigh. "Let us just get this done."

Maiyn nodded, watching as Ajantis and Anomen moved forward to greet their comrades. One of the knights, a man called Sir William Reirrac, quietly informed them that more knights were waiting at the smaller gate to the graveyard. "They shall see us as we pass," he added, "and join us then -- hopefully it shall prevent us from being taken by surprise from the rear."

The paladins quickly arranged themselves, falling into formation easily. Maiyn left the rogues to work on their own -- she knew Sime had given them detailed instructions on how to proceed, and it left the ranger with only her companions to take charge of; minus Anomen, who had defaulted, once more, to the command of the Order with her blessing.

"Let's go then," she sighed. She'd already dispensed her limited supply of plans and advice, and there was nothing left except to make their way to the lair, hoping that the exit they'd previously used, that led straight into the heart of the den, would be open.

Quietly she crept through the gates, her hand gripping the hilt of her sword tightly. The clear sky overhead seemed to darken with clouds, making her rely on her infravision. Instantly she became slightly edgy, which was only increased as small wisps of mist began to curl around the nearest tombstones.

A slight movement to her left caught her eye -- immediately she tensed. Bodhi... She didn't know why she was so certain that it was the vampire, but her essence was baying for her to follow it -- to catch her quarry unaware and make her pay in blood.

Go after her.

The thought wasn't her own, but it was commanding and strict. She didn't pause to consider what had happened, or the danger she'd put herself in; instead she sprang forward, swiftly making her way to the overgrown mass of graves, ignoring the calls of dismay from behind her. Her blood seemed to pump through her veins with renewed vigour, her heart thumped with adrenaline. This is what it means to be alive, her taint told her. But she didn't care -- she dismissed the caution she'd been advised to use when dealing with her taint, and she allowed it in, opening up to its embrace. Suddenly, she felt invincible.

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"Maiyn!" The girl ignored her futile cries, and Jaheira moved to follow, only being stopped by another cry to her side.

"They come!" Ajantis pointed ahead, where sure enough, several figures stood, smiling cruelly at the advancing forces. The knights moved slowly forward to the unmoving creatures, in a controlled manner. Another call from Kivan alerted her to the presence of more undead arriving from the right. Jaheira sighed, noticing Imoen and Minsc as they set off in pursuit of Maiyn.

With determination, the druid gripped her club tightly, signalling for Xan to cast at will as she moved towards the assorted skeletons and ghouls with Sime and her followers.

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"Maiyn! Maaaaaiyn! Come back!"

She heard Imoen's calls, and knew both her sister and the large Rashemeni warrior were getting close to her. But still she didn't move -- she stood motionless, looking ahead of her as her eyes glowed with their greatest golden hue yet. Bodhi smiled at her cruelly.

"You are becoming an impressive pest, one that I am finding difficult to ignore! Honestly, Maiyn... I simply do not know what to do with you. I grow tired of seeing you in my shadow."

"I was not the one that fled our last encounter, Bodhi," the ranger replied quietly. "Sorry if I... scared you."

Bodhi laughed derisively. "Hardly. It was simply more important that I report of your condition to Irenicus. He has decided that it is of no importance, interesting though it is. Regardless, I have not the time to stand here discussing what you will or will not do -- I have more important duties to take care of."

"Oh, I think not," replied Maiyn coldly, moving forward. Bodhi raised an eyebrow, then sprang from her position with the greatest of ease, nimbly landing atop a nearby tombstone.

"A simple warning, one that you would do well to heed," she hissed to the elf. "Follow Irenicus no more, Maiyn, or your end will be dire indeed. I will speak no more to you -- fight! And if you survive, be thankful and go home."

The air swirled, Bodhi's undead servants surrounding the ranger as their mistress laughed, scampering away towards her crypt as Maiyn cried out in frustration.

Use me.

She resisted -- the vampires began to close in, but still she resisted, trying to fight the taint back; she had already allowed it too much freedom.

Use me.

A claw raked her arm and she relented; her sword dropped from her hand and her skin rippled and convulsed as she grew, changing shape... horns sprouted from her head, her arms and legs became longer, her fingers turned into claws of her own. It seemed to take a lifetime, but eventually it was done -- the creatures had shrunk away slightly, exchanging curious glances with each other. The roar of blood echoed in her ears, and the voice returned.

Kill them.

She lunged forward, easily breaking the closest creature's neck with one push of her hand. The others leapt at her, all at once, but she shook them off easily, turning on them with a snarl, feeling the most primeval of feelings.

This, my child, is what you were destined for.

She tore and bit and clawed at her enemies until they'd all fallen. Then she raised her glance, espying others standing close by.

Kill them.

She moved forward, allowing them to come into focus in her strange vision. A young girl and a tall man... Imoen and Minsc...

Kill them.

No. She pushed with all she could, forcing the presence from her mind as much as was possible. A weakness overcame her and she felt herself falling, putting her arms out to help her landing -- they'd returned to normal, the change had passed.

Two strong arms caught her at the last moment, preventing her from hitting the ground. Blearily, she looked up to see Minsc frowning down at her, Imoen by his side wearing a look of concern.

"You really need to not do that," the thief said shakily. "You really, really, need to stay the way you are."

Maiyn nodded weakly and closed her eyes. Everything went black.