Chapter 56: Observations
Zhjaeve sat silently in front of her tent watching the others as they sat around the fire discussing the various things to be done at Crossroad Keep. They had been on the road for only two days and yet she had already learned much about the Kalach-Cha from the way she interacted with her companions and the conversations she overheard. The simple fact that all of these diverse people were actually able to travel together without too many problems spoke volumes about her leadership ability. The elf seemed to know exactly the right words and tone to use with each of them to get them to settle down without creating bad feelings. Up to this point, she had managed to keep everyone in line. However, just a few short hours ago, a nasty argument had arisen between Sand and Qara and within minutes the others were getting involved and tempers had started to flare. She had watched as with a hiss of annoyance Nimbrethil suddenly stormed off into the woods beside the road causing everyone to stop and stare at her retreating back. The argument had then resumed but it was about how they had upset the elf, with no one except her noticing that Bishop had taken off as well. So they had waited and when it became apparent that Nimbrethil would not be returning anytime soon, they had looked about for a good spot and set up camp.
Night had now fallen with still no sign of the elf and the others were beginning to settle down for the night. Zhjaeve thought it interesting how her absence and the way she had left had done more to settle the group than any words previously spoken. She knew they were all aware of the importance Nimbrethil held for everyone and she also knew that they were worried they had driven her off. She also wondered if the elf was aware of the effect her absence would have and that is why she had left. Maybe she was just reading too much into it, as she often did, and the Kalach-Cha really just did not have the patience to deal with such outbursts. It was something to consider carefully. The young elf could not be pushed too hard, of that she was certain. But, not pushing enough could end up doing just as much harm. Whatever her reason, Nimbrethil's action had clearly indicated that arguing was not the way to handle her.Other methods would have to be found. One by one the others crawled into their tents, leaving only the paladin and the druid sitting in front of the fire. Getting up she went over to them asking if she may join them.
Elanee looked up at the cleric and nodded politely indicating the ground next to her, "You are a member of the group now and you do not need to ask for permission to join us here."
"Know that I am aware that my presence makes the others uncomfortable," Zhjaeve replied. "Also, the Kalach-Cha does not trust me or my intentions." She was surprised to hear Casavir and Elanee both chuckle at her words and looked at them in confusion.
Seeing the puzzled expression, Casavir explained the situation. "She did not trust anyone in this group when she first met them, with perhaps the exception of Elanee."
"I don't know how aware you are of the complicated history of the races here on Toril," Elanee smiled quietly. "Because I am a wood elf there is a natural trust and understanding between myself and Nim. Also, because I am a druid and she is a ranger, we have much in common with each other besides our race."
"It is not true however of her and other races, especially with humans and dwarves," Casavir spoke up. "We have earned her trust and friendship over time and you will have to do the same. Of course, even though you are not a githyanki, you still look like them and she bears a grudge against them that is hard for her to see past."
"What is this history you speak of?" Zhjaeve asked the druid.
"Elves and dwarves especially have many prejudices and grudges dating back for hundreds of years," Elanee answered. "As for elves and humans, it is really only moon elves who generally tolerate the presence of humans around them. Wood elves, wild elves, and sun elves all have problems dealing with and understanding humans if they haven't lived amongst them. And of course there is much disdain between sun elves and other races of elves, especially wood and wild elves. Then you have the drow, a race of dark elves that are pretty much hated and despised by all races, except for possibly orcs, because of their cruelty and unrelenting hatred of surface dwellers."
"Know that I am aware that the Kalach-Cha comes from West Harbor," Zhjaeve stated. "Is not that village a human one?"
"It is and perhaps if she had not been raised by Daeghun, another wood elf, then maybe she would have been more tolerant and understanding," Casavir answered. Seeing the questions in her eyes, he filled the cleric in on what he knew. "You know about the King of Shadows and therefore you must know that West Harbor was destroyed during that final battle." Seeing her nod he continued. "What you don't know is that both Daeghun's wife Shayla and Nim's mother Esmerelle died in that battle while trying to protect her. Their loss hit Daeghun hard and he closed himself off emotionally from everyone, but he had sworn an oath to care for and raise Nim if anything ever happened to her mother. Nimbrethil has told us time and again about the long memories of elves, and I am sure that everyday she was a reminder to Daeghun of what he had lost. I believe the only way for him to take care of the child was to distance himself emotionally from her. He taught her, sheltered her, clothed her and fed her, but nothing more. We also know that as she grew he left her to take care of herself more and more often."
"It is hard for any elf to understand human behavior, but it requires that you understand the emotions that drive them," Elanee explained. "Being unable to express emotion to Nimbrethil would make it impossible for Daeghun to understand and explain human behavior to her. Therefore, despite having lived amongst them all of her life, she is only now, through her interaction with us, learning to understand other races."
Zhjaeve sat silently for a time pondering what they said and understanding that dealing with the elf was going to be more of a challenge than she had first thought. It also made her companions and their behavior more of a problem as well. "Know that the greatest weapon the King of Shadows has is the ability to sow fear and dissent amongst his enemies. Also, without the bonds of friendship between the Kalach-Cha and her companions we are doomed to failure."
"I believe you are referring to all the bickering in the group," Casavir responded.
"Know that I understand that and it does not concern me," Zhjaeve said quietly. "I speak of the dark currents than run beneath the surface of a few of our companions. The one called Bishop is very close to the Kalach-Cha and they share similar backgrounds and histories. Know that I have read how little he cares for the ideas of duty and loyalty. There is a darkness within him that could be turned against all of us, including the one he loves." Seeing their starts of surprise she nodded. "Know that he loves the Kalach-Cha and that she loves him as well. Know also that neither are willing to admit this either to themselves or each other. This is something that can be used against them and us by our enemy."
"How can you be so sure of this?" Casavir asked sharply.
"Know that my people have always had the ability to see below the surface thoughts of others and that it has been honed over centuries of training," the cleric answered.
"You said a few of our companions," Elanee broke in.
"I know that the young girl Qara is fickle and foolish," Zhjaeve continued. "Someone like her can be easily decieved and manipulated. I also know that the tiefling Neeshka has many doubts about herself and her position amongst us. Those doubts can be turned against her and used to our enemy's advantage. Know that we will have to keep a close watch on them for our enemy is subtle, devious, and patient."
"Why do you tell us these things?" Casavir asked, curious as to her reasons.
"Know that I am not sure of how much time we have," the cleric answered. "This makes me unwilling to wait for the Kalach-Cha to trust me enough to believe what I tell her. Because of this I will have to rely on your help if necessary."
"Well I'm sure you're aware by now of the problems we've had recently," Elanee told her and saw Casavir shift uncomfortably. "I am not blaming you Casavir, but I am aware that while she is mostly angry with her uncle, she still seems to be unsure of you and Shandra. I don't think it will take as long as you might think for her to warm up to you again, for I think she does value your friendship and will not want to be without it, especially in the weeks to come."
"Know that the best way for you to regain her trust is to treat Bishop with civility and respect, no matter how hard he makes it," Zhjaeve said pointedly. "Understand that lashing out verbally is his way of dealing with situations that confuse, threaten or scare him. Know that of all of you, you and Elanee are the ones the Kalach-Cha is most likely to listen to, despite recent events, such is her esteem of you."
"It is not just us, she also is very close to Shandra as well," Casavir pointed out.
"Know that Shandra is too close to Duncan and cares too much for the elf's feelings to speak harsh truths if necessary," the cleric stated simply.
"And you believe that we can do what is necessary, is that it?" Elanee looked intently at Zhjaeve.
Zhjaeve smiled slightly, "Know that I am aware that you both are more than capable of this yes."
"You seem to be quite certain of everything," Casavir said quietly. "I wish I could be as certain as you."
"When one is left alone, one finds plenty of time to watch and observe what goes on around them," the cleric told them. "Know that I have been with you long enough to be absolutely positive of what I tell you. I am only motivated by my desire to see the threat the King of Shadows poses to us eliminated once and for all. Know also that the Kalach-Cha is the only one who can succeed and that we are merely here to assist her. She will need all the support we can give her in the days to come. Know that the path she must walk will be most difficult for her to travel with many opportunities for her to stray from her purpose. If she fails, then all hope for your people and mine will be lost." She fell silent and watched as they mulled over her words.
Elanee looked at Casavir and saw that he held the same doubts as she did about how much influence they truly had with Nim right now. The fact that they would soon have the added stress of the keep and all that goes with it also added to the problem. Elanee understood that Nim had not fully resigned herself to what she had to do and she feared that what Bishop had said about the responsibility killing her spirit was true. She had spent several decades watching the elf and knew what made her happy and what did not. She would have to give some serious thought to how they could ease her burden or what Zhjaeve told them could happen would.
"Perhaps Casavir we should think about what we can do to shoulder some of the responsibilities of the keep for Nim," she said aloud.
"What do you have in mind?" he looked at her with interest.
"Well, I may not know much about the situation, but I do know that no one person can run an entire keep by themselves," Elanee pointed out.
"That is true," Casavir nodded. "Lord Nasher may rule Neverwinter but he has many people under him to handle the various tasks and responsiblities that go with it. I certainly would not object to serving in such a capacity for her if she trusts me enough to do so."
"Know that I have no knowledge about such matters, but that I am prepared to do whatever is necessary to help the girl," Zhjaeve spoke up.
"Then that is what we will do," Casavir said firmly. "We will just have to convince her that she can trust us to handle things for her. As she doesn't really want all this responsiblity, I should think it would not be too difficult to do so."
Elanee suddenly yawned and realized that it was very late and the fire was dying out. "Well, I don't believe she will return tonight so I think I will turn in. I will see you in the morning," she told them as she got to her feet and went to her tent.
Zhjaeve watched the paladin silently for a few moments before getting to her feet. "Know that I am aware of your feelings for her and how hard you fight to keep them from interfering with what you believe is your duty. Those feelings are a better protection against the King of Shadows than any armor in the world. Hold onto them and let nothing make you doubt them or her in the weeks to come." Having said what needed saying, she went to her tent, leaving him by the fire alone.
Casavir stared at the dying embers of the fire, feeling tired but not sure if he could sleep yet. It was a little unnerving how perceptive their new companion was, but it was also a relief to know that someone else in their group was aware of the danger the ranger presented. What had surprised him was that he had never given a thought to their other companions and the threat that they might pose. It had take an almost complete stranger to open his eyes. He had no intention of allowing anyone or anything to keep him from protecting Nim, especially now that he more fully understood the danger she faced. Getting to his feet he went to his tent and lay down. However, sleep eluded him for a long time.