Chapter 31: Laughter and a Blue Moon

The ride to the Harpers' Hall was pleasant. The evening was warm, and the sky was clear with the moon shining brightly to light their way along the road. They travelled in silence until the town was out of sight behind them.

"About what happened at lunch," Tamirell began.

"I know," she sighed. "He was being a jerk, but I overreacted."

"No, I'm not making excuses for him. He deserved it and he knows it."

Violet was surprised, "should I expect an apology?"

Tamirell snorted, "that might be expecting too much."

"It would be out of character, wouldn't it?" she giggled.

"I'd expect him in a dress first," he chuckled.

She laughed outright at that, then nodded, "I'll just ignore him."

"That would probably be for the best," he agreed.

The hall came into view after a few minutes. Brightly lit, the two-story building was nestled in a copse of trees set back from the road. Large and solidly built, nonetheless it blended in with its surroundings in a remarkable manner.

"A master craftsman built it long ago and imbued it with magic to make it part of the landscape," Tamirell told her when she asked about it.

As they drew nearer, she could hear voices and laughter through the open windows.

"Sounds like there's quite the party going on."

"We got reinforcements from Cormyr," he answered. "And it's Drizzt and his companions' last night, so you'll get to tell him goodbye."

Inside the hall was a boisterous as it sounded from outside. Violet counted at least thirty people as she hesitated in the doorway. The large, open area that served as both a tavern and a meeting hall, while not crowded by any means, was still daunting. Most of the people were human and male. Violet could see only two or three women that didn't appear to be part of the staff, Milya being one of them. There were two other dwarves besides Vorn, and three elves that she didn't know.

She allowed Tamirell to lead her to a table where the others were gathered. She was surprised to note that Osvif was among them. He stood and offered her his chair after bowing and kissing the back of her hand.

"Thank you," she smiled.

"You are certainly welcome, fair maiden," he said gallantly.

She turned to greet Vorn and Milya while ignoring the unusually quiet Tamival.

As the night wore on, Violet grew confident enough to make her rounds through the room with Milya at first and then on her own. For the most part, the Harpers and their allies were genial and interesting, despite being a little full of themselves. But then, their occupation was putting themselves in harm's way, so she could forgive a little boasting.

Drizzt stood off to the side of the fireplace talking to a man and female. Approaching them, she smiled up at the dark elf.

"I hear this is your last night here," she greeted him.

"Yes, we leave in the morning."

"And these are the companions you spoke of?" she nodded to the pair.

Drizzt introduced her to his companions; an unsettling pair that, in a roomful of dangerous people, stood out. Entreri was short – compared to the other humans – and compact, his bare arms corded with muscles without being bulky. With his angular features, high cheekbones, and luxurious raven-black hair, Violet thought he was gorgeous, maybe even more than the two elf brothers; until she met his cold, gray eyes. They sent shivers through her, and she had to fight the urge to back away and hide behind Drizzt. Though he greeted her politely, she couldn't help but feel as if her worth had been assessed and found lacking.

Their third, Dahlia, was Entreri's opposite. Tall and a typically beautiful elf, she was fire, where he was ice. Her shaved head with its single long braid and tattoos didn't detract from her allure. However, she dismissed Violet almost as quickly as Entreri, turning to speak with him in a different language.

"Did you get the answers you were looking for?" Drizzt asked, ignoring their rudeness.

"Yes and no," she answered truthfully. At his quizzical expression, she explained, "it seems there may be no answer for some questions.

He nodded, "sometimes the pursuit of answers can lead to disappointment. A wise person once told me that sometimes you just have to enjoy life as it is."

"And have you taken that advice?"

"On occasion," he smiled.

She returned his smile, "where are you off to?"

"Home. I have been away far too long."

"The underdark?" she asked, suppressing a shiver.

He shook his head, "that hasn't been home for a long time, if ever. No, Icewind Dale is my home now."

She hadn't come across that name in her studies. "Is it far?"

"As far north and west as you can go on this continent."

"Oh," she could picture the map in her head, "that is a long way."

"And not an easy one, either," he added with a distant look as if he were already on the road.

Violet stood in uneasy silence waiting for his attention to return to the here and now. After a moment, he blinked and refocused on her with an apologetic smile. There was a tightness around his eyes that hadn't been there before.

"I just wanted to thank you for your help," she said quickly. "I hope you have a safe journey."

"Thank you, Violet. I hope you find the answers you seek. Just don't let them consume you to the point that you forget to live and enjoy life," he told her solemnly.

"I'll keep that in mind," she promised before leaving him and his two companions to resume their conversation.

Afterwards, Violet found herself sitting on the edge of a group gathered around the empty hearth, swapping stories. She listened half-heartedly, while thinking about her plans for the next day. First, she needed to follow Storm's advice and write down all the spells she knew in her grimoire. She also wanted to write about her and Reed's journey in the underdark and the enchanted city of Neitia. She also needed to work out the spells on the jewelry she took from there as well as go through all the gems she had picked up along the way. Then there was that large diamond Reed had taken and Nori had insisted she keep. Was there something special about it? She couldn't imagine her familiar would want her to keep it just because it was pretty.

Deep into her musings, she didn't notice the man that took the chair next to hers until he leaned close and remarked in a low voice, "if you keep frowning like that, you might offend Micoli."

Violet visibly started, pulling away from him, "excuse me?"

Osvif smiled at her and nodded to the large, red head that was gesticulating wildly while describing his battle with some monster she had never heard of.

"Micoli might think you don't believe his story if you keep frowning like that."

"Oh, no," she said, relaxing once more into her chair. "I was just thinking about what I need to do tomorrow, and the list is quite long."

He shrugged, "you can only do one thing at a time, so just pick one and start there."

"That's rather simplistic."

"It works for me."

"Really?" she asked skeptically.

"Absolutely," he assured her. "Right now, there are a least a dozen things that require my attention. I have chosen to converse with you, so I have accomplished at least one thing."

"And everything else?"

"Either they can wait, or they will resolve themselves without my intervention," he said smugly. "There are a couple that might cause the end of the world as we know it, but…," he waved a hand dismissively.

Violet giggled, "you're quite full of yourself, aren't you?"

He just smiled. "So, tell me," he said, changing the subject, "what are your plans now? Are you going to take Lady Storm's offer to become her apprentice or are you more inclined to join in the battle with all these intrepid adventurers?"

"I don't know. Storm won't be able to take me on as her apprentice until Myth Drannor is taken care of and I don't have enough control over my magic to take part in the fight yet."

Osvif looked thoughtful as he stroked one of his moustaches, "it sounds like you need to practice using your skills in a less deadly environment."

She cocked her head at him, "and I suppose you know of just the one?"

He laughed heartily at her, "oh no, lovely Maid! I would never risk the ire of those two yon," he pointed to Tamirell and his brother who were deep in conversation with Vorn and Milya. "I value my life too much."

"Then why did you even mention it?" she wasn't as amused.

"Just making an observation, that's all," he said easily. "In the meantime, though, you might want to talk to Johanne the master of this hall. He might be convinced to rent you a room."

"Why would I want a room here?"

He gestured to the crowd around them. "What better place to pick up tips and training? What place could be safer for you to practice your skills? They have practice weapons and a training area out back. They even have a warded room where you could practice your magic without worrying about terrorizing poor serving girls."

At her skeptical look, he looked hurt, "if you don't believe me, ask your two friends."

Violet stared at the brothers pensively, considering Osvif's suggestion. As if sensing her gaze, Tamival looked her way and their eyes met and held. Violet could feel herself growing warm as she remembered how he smelled up close.

Osvif cleared his throat, drawing her attention back to him. She flushed at his amused expression.

"Well, I see another lovely in need of my counsel," he smacked his lips. "If you will excuse me?"

Violet watched with amusement as he made a beeline to a voluptuous female adventurer clad in skin-tight black leather leggings and a blouse with a plunging neckline.

She sat there for a while longer, considering Osvif's suggestions. While none of the tasks on her list for tomorrow would result in the end of the world, she couldn't see herself just choosing one and neglecting the rest. No, she needed to have a plan.

Stifling a yawn, she realized she was tired. Looking around the hall, she didn't see Tamirell. His brother was standing with a group that she didn't recognize, but she wasn't about to ask him where Tamirell was. Seeing Milya nearby, she got up and went over to the half-elf.

"Have you seen Tamirell?" she asked.

"Not recently," Milya answered. "Why?"

"I'm tired, so I'm going to head back to the Inn. I just wanted to let him know so he wouldn't worry."

"Do you want me to walk back with you?"

"Oh, no!" Violet shook her head. "It's not that far back. Maybe a fifteen-minute walk? And the moon is bright enough to see by."

"Are you sure?"

"Absolutely. If I can't make it from here to the inn, there's something wrong with me," she laughed.

Milya looked unconvinced.

"I don't need babysitting," she insisted. "Just let him know when you see him, please?"

Milya finally nodded, "alright. But be careful."

"I will," she promised as she walked away.

Violet's bravado lasted until the hall was out of site and the only light was from the moon. Despite her assurances to Milya, she was unnerved to be out in the night by herself. Even back at home, nighttime in the forest was a time to be wary, with wolves, mountain lions, and bears roaming about, looking for prey. Now she was in a place with more numerous dangers and here she was, alone and unarmed. She almost turned around and hurried back to the hall at that thought but swallowed down her fear and kept going. After all, it was only a short walk. She did, however, pick up her pace.

The road twisted and turned as it wound its way through the rolling hills of the dale, making it impossible to see more than a few yards ahead at any time. A heavy mist hugged the ground in the low-lying places, obscuring the road as it swirled around her like water. Occasional clouds shrouded the moon, robbing the night of even that faint light and forcing her to slow down.

It was during one of these moonless intervals that Violet could have sworn she heard her name whispered on the wind. Stopping at a rise in the road, she looked out over the countryside surrounding her. Apart from the scattered stands of trees and dense thickets, nothing but grassy, green fields spread out from the road. Convinced it was just a trick of the wind and her insecurity, she dismissed it and continued on her way.

She had just reached the next dip in the road when she heard it again. More clearly this time.

"Violet…," a woman's voice called out faintly.

Spinning in place, she could not tell which direction it had come from.

"Who's there?"

Nobody answered.

Picking up her pace, she hurried along the road. She should be able to see the lights from the town soon.

"Violet…." The voice was closer this time.

"Who's there?" Violet yelled. "Show yourself!"

The only answer she received was faint laughter.

She started running, glad that her clothes were practical as well as beautiful.

"Play with us…," childish voices called out followed by more laughter.

"Violet…." The voice was more insistent as the laughter closed in.

Around her, the mist thickened, turning into dense fog. The night grew damp and thick with the musty smell of mildew and rotting vegetation. Stumbling over a hidden obstacle, Violet staggered and fell to her knees. Pushing herself back to her feet, she realized she was no longer on the road. She was standing in grass up to her knees. Turning in a circle, she tried to see the road through the fog. Surely, she hadn't wandered that far in her rush?

"Violet," the woman's voice said with satisfaction, "there you are."

Violet spun towards the voice as the fog parted revealing a stooped figure with long, matted hair and bright green eyes.

"Allaysie!" she gasped.

The hag smiled; her sharp, jagged teeth yellow even in the light of the moon.

"You remember me," she cooed and shuffled closer. "I'm touched."

"Of course, I remember you," Violet snapped, carefully taking a step backwards. "You bit me!"

The hag giggled, "and you were so tasty. So fresh."

Violet shivered. "What do you want?" she asked.

"You know what I want," Allaysie, if that was truly her name, said softly as she eased forward.

"I know what it is now," Violet took another step back, nearly stumbling again as her foot slipped on a bit of mud. "It's hiding me."

Allaysie hissed. "You know nothing, girl."

"Then tell me," Violet retorted.

Allaysie cackled. "Stupid girl. Stupid girl," she said in a sing-song voice. "Give me the pendant."

"No!" Violet shook her head, clasping the orb.

The hag lunged at her, and she turned to run, only to find her feet splashing in the warm water at the edge of a pond.

"There's nowhere for you to go," Allaysie giggled. "No wretched elves to help you."

Violet waded deeper into the water, away from the hag.

"Give it to me and I won't hurt you… much."

"You won't hurt her at all, foul creature!"

With a shriek, Allaysie turned to confront Osvif as he rode out of the fog with his sword held high.

"You!" Allaysie hissed at him, cowering in front of him. "You're not supposed to be here! She promised…."

Osvif swung his sword, cutting her off as she dashed sideways to escape the blow. He spun his horse around to swing again, putting himself between Violet and the hag. When his sword swung a second time, Allaysie screamed sharply, and his horse reared kicking out with its deadly hooves. When the horse landed heavily back on the ground, there was no sign of the hag.

As Violet shivered knee-deep in the brackish water, she noticed that the eerily quiet night suddenly came back to life with the voices of frogs, birds, and insects.

Osvif nudged his mount forward into the shallow water and held his hand out to her, "come girl, this is no place for you to be."

She took it and let him haul her up behind him. As soon as she wrapped her arms around his waist, he kicked his horse into movement, carrying them away from the pond. She clung to him in silence as her terror eased.

It seemed to take an inordinately long time before they reached the road once more. How had she gone for far out into the fields without realizing it? As if sensing her question, Osvif patted her leg.

"Don't beat yourself up," he told her. "Fae magic can do things to a person."

"How…?" she stuttered, "how did you know?"

"I have a sense for these things, lass."

Remembering how the hag had reacted to his appearance, she asked, "she seemed to know you. How's that?"

"I'm the Beast Master, lass. Everyone in the Dalelands knows of me."

That didn't exactly answer her question, but another thing was bothering her.

"Aren't you staying at the Harpers' Hall?"

"Yes."

She frowned, "then what are you doing out here?"

"Never you mind," he snorted. "I'll be keeping my secrets to myself, I will."

Unsatisfied, but unwilling to pursue it at the moment, Violet let the matter drop.

Within just a few minutes, the lights from Shadowdale came into view, displacing the cool, blue light of the moon with the warm, yellow light of candles and lamps shining through the windows of homes. The door of the inn was open to the cool night air, allowing light and voices to spill out.

"Here you are, lass," Osvif announced, stopping his horse. "Safe and sound."

Osvif helped her down without dismounting. Once her feet were firmly planted on the ground once more, she frowned, looking back the way they had come.

"Is she gone for good?" she asked.

"I wouldn't count on it," he answered. "Hags can be fiendishly single-minded. This will be the second time you escaped her clutches. She'll lose face because of it and that won't sit well with her at all. Now it'll be personal."

"What should I do?"

"Well, for one, stay out of the dales at night," he chuckled. "Other than that," he shrugged. "We'll have to see, won't we?"

"Um," she hesitated before asking, "can we not tell the others about this?"

Osvif stared down at her, frowning, "you don't want them to know?"

Violet ducked her head, looked at her feet, "they already think I'm incompetent. This would just confirm it."

Osvif laughed. Flushing with embarrassment, she looked up at him ready to argue her case, but he just shook his head.

"Lass, believe me," he chuckled, "you're more capable than you or anyone else thinks. Don't worry your pretty, little head over it. Your secret's safe with me."

Without waiting for her reply, he spun his mount and urged it down the road back towards the Harpers' Hall. Watching him until he disappeared into the night, Violet sighed heavily and turned to enter the inn.

It wasn't until later that night that she realized that she hadn't told him about the previous attack by the hag. She shrugged it off. Maybe one of the brothers had told him.