I probably should clean my disastrously messy house, but I'm a procrastinator, so here's another chapter for you.

Chapter 6: Nightmares

Sand was equal parts relieved and disappointed when Alea had been sent away to Old Owl Well. She would be gone for at least a few days, possibly longer, which meant he could work in peace. She had made a habit of visiting every day asking about the Velsixunyrr Kio, hoping to see if he had discovered its origin yet. It was incredibly distracting. Whenever she came by he had a difficult time concentrating on anything else. It only made things worse that whenever he mentioned that her frequent visits were a disruption, and thus slowed his progress, she only replied with a witty comment that made him like her even more. Not to mention her smile was contagious. She was intoxicating and it irritated Sand to no end.

Regrettably, he hadn't made much progress on discovering who had sent the Velsixunyrr Kio. His knowledge of the arcane was vast, but there weren't many books on spying portals, or interdimensional travel. He was still at a complete loss as to how she had wound up here. The githyanki may have lived on another plane of existence, but Alea was from an entirely different dimension, completely separate from theirs. Bridging the two had to come from a being of incredible power, and it would be immensely difficult to send her back home.

A selfish part of him – and that was a decent sized part – was glad that it would be difficult to get her home. Perhaps they never would, and she would be stuck here matching wits with him for the rest of their extensive elvish lifespans. Another part of him – slightly larger than the last – chastised the other for encouraging foolish fantasies.

While Sand searched for any information he could find on other dimensions, Alea was on the road, trudging through mud toward Old Owl Well. It was raining. It sucked.

One part of the game that Alea sorely missed was the fast-travel. She only had to get to a certain spot, and in the blink of a loading screen she was taken wherever on the map she wanted to go. The reality of getting from place to place was not so convenient. She had grown accustomed to the long hikes through wilderness in her time here, and sometimes it was even pleasant, but on days like this – where the rain pelted down on her mercilessly, wind chilling her soaked flesh down to the bone – she wished this world had cars.

She remembered another time she had been freezing and soaking wet. Thoughts of Sand placing the warm blanket over her shoulders and handing her a plate of hot, homemade food made her yearn to go inside a cabin and sit by a fire for hours. She wondered if he had a spell or potion that could protect her from the rain. She made a mental note to ask him as soon as she got back.

After several hours the rain subsided, giving a bit of relief to her and her companions. They were still soaked to the bone, but at least they would be given a chance to dry off as they walked.

Nearing the crest of a small hill, Alea heard what sounded like singing coming from their path ahead. She grinned ear-to-ear, knowing exactly who it was. When they got close enough to discern the words, they saw a strange little man dancing in a clearing, singing an odd song, "Whitethistle, whitethistle all in a row. In Neverwinter Woods, they all grooow!"

And just like that, Alea had a new addition to her band of misfits.

While the long-winded gnome prattled on about his adventures, Alea sat by the fire and got to work on drying her belongings. She wasn't shy, stripping down to her underclothes to allow them to dry properly, knowing that no one here would mind. She doubted Grobnar would even notice, and Khelgar had been traveling with her long enough that she was perfectly comfortable with him. Her physical insecurities were virtually nonexistent in her elvish body, so where she before would have been unlikely to disrobe, she didn't hesitate.

Alea listened with interest as she got to hear his entire spiel for the first time. When she was only playing the game, Grobnar's chatter went on so long that they skipped hours of it. She figured it made sense, but she was excited to hear her favorite bard's tales of adventure. She may not have been able to get a word in edgewise, but she still listened with genuine fascination as the creature that was Grobnar Gnomehands recounted his stories. By the end of it, Alea was half convinced that Grobnar was nothing less than a mad genius.

"Oh dear," he eventually said, seeming to remember there were other people here, "it would appear that I have been rambling on for quite some time. Perhaps we ought to get some sleep."

Alea agreed, noting her drooping eyelids, "Yeah. I don't know if I can stay up much longer. Thanks for the stories, Grobnar," she smiled fondly at the odd little man and laid out her bedroll, curling up and falling asleep almost immediately.

She was falling… down, further and further into a dark pit that had no bottom she could see. Above her, she saw the silhouette of a large figure, standing at the edge of the precipice she was hurtling down. Even through the rush of wind blowing past her ears as she descended, she could hear the creature laughing.

The sound was deep and monstrous, like the embodiment of evil itself were playing with her. She was just a toy to it. A form of entertainment. And yet, something else lay beneath the frightening laughter. A malicious intent that went far beyond her. She was the trigger; a simple switch that would turn off all light. Whatever lay at the bottom of this pit, she would cause a reaction that would give the laughing creature exactly what it wanted.

She searched desperately for something to hold onto. Something she could grab that would stop her plunge into ultimate darkness. Soon after this thought came to her, bits of… something… began materializing in the air. Some got in her eyes, making them water. As more and more of the matter began to show, she realized that they were grains of sand. They seemed to be reaching out for her, grasping at her robes, slowing her plunge.

Soon, she found she was no longer falling. She hadn't reached the bottom, yet somehow, she stood on an endless beach, stretched out between two vast seas. The ocean to her right was so bright, she could hardly look at it. It emanated with a searing heat that felt as if it could melt the very flesh off her bones if she got too close. On the left she saw an ocean of all-consuming darkness. It seemed to reject even the idea of light, and it sucked in all warmth until there was none left to be had.

When she tried to move toward one or the other, she felt her very self changing to reflect the direction she had moved in. The only place where she felt as if she was her truest self, was when she stood on the sand in the center. It kept the two seas balanced between one another. Curious, she began walking along the beach, wondering what else there may be.

She walked for what felt like an instant, as well as an eternity. Which it was, she didn't know. But it no longer mattered. Instead, her mind was occupied with the sight before her. The sandy path had ended, merging the two seas together. In the place where they met was a swirling maelstrom. The two opposing seas violently crashed into one another in an endless war, neither one gaining more ground than the other.

Her eyes strained, looking into the pandemonium. There, standing directly in the center, was a lone figure. She couldn't quite see their face through the anarchy. She reached out, wishing that she could speak with the strange person. Just as she had that thought, the sand in front of her stretched forward a few feet. The chaotic war that had once taken place there subsided, but it continued on where the sand still ended.

She stepped forward, and soon found that as she walked, the sand moved with her, separating the two warring forces. Taking another tentative step forward, she smiled when the sand once again, extended to accommodate her. Looking toward the figure, she broke into a run, racing across the ever-growing beach. Behind her, the war subdued, the colliding forces no longer needing to battle against the other. She sprinted forward until she reached her destination.

Standing in front of her, back turned, was a familiar-looking figure. She couldn't place who it was. She knew somehow that if she only saw their face, everything would make sense. All the answers she sought were right there. All she had to do was look at them.

The figure began to turn, until-

Alea awoke with a start.

Orcs swarmed Alea and her friends. She hacked and slashed at them with her godlike katana, casting spells every few seconds. It didn't take long before her enemies lay dead at her feet.

Khelgar grinned, "Well that was entertaining. Looks like we caught them by surprise for a change."

Right as he said that, another large wave of foes emerged from the crest of a hill, charging toward them with vicious cries.

"Just like orcs," the dwarf commented, "they don't know when to quit."

That's when she saw him. For the first time in her life, Alea was genuinely star-struck as she watched Casavir, paladin of Tyr, charge forward, followed closely by several soldiers. He struck at their attackers ferociously, and she could see how he was given the name Katalmach.

Khelgar was incensed, "Wh-? Hey! Those are our orcs!"

Grinning like a mania, Alea charged forward, plunging her katana into an orc's heart. She spun deftly, dodging and striking with all the grace that her enhanced – and advantaged due to her earlier cheating – elven body could muster. She was nothing like the human she had been only a few months prior. So little time had gone by, and she already felt like a completely different person.

The last of the orcs was slain by none other than Casavir himself, who swung his hammer, crushing the skull of his enemy. The orc fell to the ground in a heap. Casavir stood up, a look of grim resignation permanently painted on his face. Alea nearly swooned when she heard his voice for the first time, "The Sword Mountains are a dangerous place. More now than ever, with the orc tribes gathered behind Logram's banner."

Alea knew the script of this conversation by hear, and didn't want to mess it up, so she played along with what she knew she was supposed to say, "I am grateful for your assistance."

"I am Casavir, and my men and I have been hunting this group of orcs for days."

Why yes, yes you are, she thought, doing her best to keep a serious expression on her face. It was a struggle not to break into a fit of fangirling giggles. "You're the one that's been harassing the orcs?"

Casavir nodded, "We've been hunting the orcs here for many months. Recently, we have stepped up attacks, however. When Neverwinter finally moved to retake Old Owl Well, we redoubled or efforts - with the orcs being attacked from two fronts, it prevents them from massing to retake the Well." He tilted his head slightly, "I'm curious. Why have you ventured into the mountains? Surely you understood the risk in coming here."

Alea finally got control of herself, and continued following the script, "We're searching for the orc chieftain, Logram Eyegouger."

"Then we share the same goal. His lair is difficult to find, and the approach is no doubt well-defended. Killing Logram would certainly throw the orcs into disarray. However," he raised his eyebrow inquisitively, "I'm guessing that you have another purpose for being here as well."

"Why would you say that?"

" Well, anyone looking to slay the orc tribe chieftain would normally bring along a larger force. No matter. As our goals are the same, your reasons are none of my concern."

She couldn't stop a small smile from her face as she asked, "Will you be joining me?"

"If you intend to enter the stronghold of Logram, it is to the north. I can lead the way."

She allowed a full-on grin to grace her features, no longer able to hold back. "Your help is appreciated."

"And you shall have it. Logram's death will be a serious blow to the orcs."

Katriona chimed in, "We've lost some men, but I'll assemble who I can and join you on the assault."

"No, Katriona," he protested, "we have already lost too many, and a massed attack on Logram will only cost us more - I will be going on alone."

That was obviously not the answer she wanted. "Casavir… sir… we kept you from this once. I think it's best if…"

"Please," he interrupted, "it is important you do as I ask. Take the survivors and fall back to the Greycloaks camp. Do what you can to help them and keep the pressure on the orcs. If we cannot defeat Logram, then he will come after them in full force, and the Greycloaks must be warned."

Katriona looked incredulous, "So after all this time avoiding the Neverwinter forces, now you want me to stride right into their camp? Look… Casavir… let me go with you. There is no need to keep doing this alone - let us help you."

Even though Alea knew he'd say no, she continued following the script, "We could use the extra men, Casavir."

He shook his head, "A smaller group will move quicker and attract less attention. The trail to Logram's lair is narrow - more swords will not aid us there."

"I've seen that trail. If you go up there, you will be nothing more than easy targets. Gods know what guards or defenses they have… you'll be killed."

"You have your orders, Katriona. We'll meet you back at the Greycloaks camp after we have dealt with Logram."

Katriona deflated, knowing he wouldn't budge, "Very well. Good luck sir."

Casavir turned to Alea, "Are you ready to take on Logram and his clan? I can guide you to the path to his lair. It will require that I take a place at your side, however - if your group can spare the room."

Katriona left with the others of Casavir's men. Alea beamed, finally letting herself speak freely, "Welcome aboard, Casavir, paladin of Tyr. I'm Alea." She grew suddenly shy, but couldn't stop herself from asking, "Can… Can I hug you?"

Everyone stared at her, mixed expressions of bemusement, horror, and straight-up confusion written on their faces.

Casavir was the most shocked of all, "umm… Pardon, my lady?"

She squealed internally. He'd said it! He'd called her 'my lady' just like in the game! She nearly melted. Forgetting all etiquette and decorum, she rushed forward and nearly tackled the stunned man, squeezing him even through his armor, due to her enhanced strength, "I have so much to tell you!"

Casavir stood there, unsure of how to deal with the situation. A strange elf woman was nearly crushing him, holding on to him as if she'd known him her whole life. He knew people liked him easily due to his high paladin charisma, a gift from Tyr to put people at ease in his presence. However, it had never driven anyone quite this far.

When the moon-elf who called herself Alea finally let go, she beamed up at him as if her behavior were perfectly normal, "Let's go orc-hunting, shall we?"

"Aye, that's what I'm talkin' about!" Khelgar bellowed gleefully, ignoring the awkward tension in the air that everyone but himself and Alea felt.

Casavir cleared his throat, "Indeed. Follow my lead. We should reach the trail in a few hours if we make haste." He began walking forward and Alea followed, her companions obediently trailing along.

Neeshka whispered to Alea, "What in the nine hells was that about?"

"What," Alea asked, innocently.

Neeshka stared at her blankly until she gave in, "Okay, okay! I know more about him than I let on. He's an amazing person and I'm excited to have finally met him in person. I'm completely fangirling about it, is that what you want to hear?"

Neeshka frowned, then grumbled, "I don't like him… His aura makes my skin itch!"

"Sorry, hun, but we need him. I have a feeling he's going to be around for a long time." Alea did genuinely feel bad that Neeshka would be so uncomfortable. "I could ask Sand if he has anything that could help you resist his aura?"

An impish grin graced the tiefling's face, "Oh? You'd do that for me? How sweet. Are you sure you just don't want an excuse to talk to that wizard you've been spending so much time with?"

Alea gave her a confused look, "Huh? What do you mean by that?"

Neeshka shrugged, the mischief never leaving her eyes, "Oh, just that you two spend a lot of alone time together in that shop of his. And you always insist that none of us come with you when you visit. You didn't honestly think I wouldn't guess what was going on," she added with a lecherous wink.

Comprehension dawned on Alea's face as she realized what Neeshka was implying, "No! no, no no, that is not even a little bit what is happening!" She felt her cheeks grow hot as a blush rose unbidden to her face at the very idea, "how can you think that?"

Neeshka's grin somehow grew wider, "Don't give me that. I've seen the way you always come back flushed, blushing like crazy and glowing as if you'd just had your first time. That elf makes you grin like no other, it's completely obvious you're into him."

Alea couldn't deny she thought Sand was attractive. In fact, he was absolutely gorgeous, and lots of fun to talk to. She loved being with him, and she felt comfortable around him, but that was far different from crushing on him… right?

"I am not, you're just looking for something that isn't there. He and I are just friends. We're working on a… project… of sorts. I need help and he's the only one who can do anything."

Neeshka rolled her eyes, not believing a word of it, "Right, just friends. While we're at it, let's list other things that aren't true," she began counting off random things on her fingers, "The sky is green, Leldon is the best thief in Neverwinter, Khelgar and I are besties, Oceans are dry…" She continued on, but Alea ignored her, fuming. She loved her friend, but the tiefling could be infuriating at times.

She would never admit to Neeshka that her immediate thought was that she wanted to go storm across the street from the Sunken Flagon and vent about her frustrating friends to the very person she was being teased about. Sand was a surprisingly good listener. Attentive, and smart, and…

She shook that thought out of her head. Neeshka was just messing with her. Now was not the time. She cleared her mind and focused on the task at hand: Killing Logram.