Chapter 23: Tangled Tongue

High up on a sturdy branch, Charmane perched, her keen eyes meticulously examining the deadly arrow she had retrieved from her fallen foe. The lifeless man slouched against the gnarled trunk, a testament to her swift and lethal backstab. It was no ordinary arrowhead—three wicked points gleamed in the dappled sunlight. She had encountered the triple arrowhead before, a treacherous weapon that not only inflicted searing pain but carried an icy chill that slowed the most agile of movements.

Carefully, she turned the arrowhead in her gloved hand, feeling its malevolent aura. The Shield spell offered some measure of protection, enhancing her chances of eluding incoming projectiles but it wasn't infallible, especially not against magic.

There was no visible figure crouched behind a fallen tree trunk, awaiting an opportune moment for parlay. No, this group of brigands concealed themselves with a strategy that hinted at a more sinister intention: raining arrows upon unsuspecting travellers and mercilessly looting the lifeless bodies left in their wake.

The fallen man before her had served as a scout, meaning that the main group was somewhere nearby. A disquieting tingle crept up the back of her neck as bird calls echoed through the air, breaking the silence with unnerving precision. With a swift kick, she sent the fallen scout tumbling from the tree, and in one fluid motion, she leaped onto the next branch.

The bird calls grew louder, the forest now alive with the rustling of bandits in pursuit. Charmane moved deftly from branch to branch, purposefully making noise to draw their attention. Finally, she landed in a large clearing and swiftly darted into the encompassing trees.

The bandits followed suit, their hurried footsteps resounding through the clearing. One unfortunate bandit unwittingly stepped upon something that cracked beneath his boot. In a horrifying instant, the ground beneath him erupted in a cataclysmic display of crimson fury as the skull he had disturbed unleashed its devastating payload. The man lay dead, and his companions had been knocked off their feet, some nursing gaping wounds. As the remaining bandits struggled to rise, their efforts were thwarted by a treacherous layer of slick grease that sent them tumbling back to the ground. Arrows, daggers, stones and magical missiles, hailed upon them from the sheltering canopy of trees. Within moments, the bandits lay still, their lifeless bodies strewn across the clearing.

Edwin looked smug. "This group would be nothing without my brilliance." he muttered audibly to himself.

"Thank you, Charmane," Jaheira said loudly. "For that brilliant strategy. I shudder to think how we would have fared without it."

Charmane grinned, "Well done everyone, and you too, Edwin." she said wryly.

The group gathered by a serene lake, replenishing their waterskins, when an arrow whizzed past Neera, putting the group on the alert. Soon a man emerged from the foliage, clad in a weathered bottle green tunic, his bow in hand. The arrow had found its mark, leaving a fallen deer not far from the wild mage.

"Hey there, city folks!" the hunter greeted in a friendly tone. "What in the name of Lathander brings you so far from home?"

"We're adventurers," Imoen replied with a wide grin.

Upon hearing this, the man launched into a tale of his adventuring uncle, captivating the young rogue's full attention. Imoen had always possessed an insatiable appetite for a good story.

"Oof, gruesome," Imoen commented, appreciating the morbid narrative of his dismembered uncle. "But nicely told!"

"Since ya been such a good sport. Tell you what, if ya wants to get rich," the man began, drawing Charmane out of her thoughts. "The best place to go would probably be the ruins at Firewine Bridge. And if you want some action, why don't you pay a visit to those troublesome bandits to the north east? They been robbin' travellers all day."

"Robbing, not killing?" Charmane inquired, her interest piqued.

"Is what I saw," the hunter affirmed, before taking his leave, carrying his game with him. As he departed, the wild mage approached Charmane.

"Firewine, huh." Neera muttered contemplatively. "So, Charmane, after giving it some thought, I want to ask you a favour." Neera said.

"I'm listening." Charmane said, while filling her water skins.

"Even though I first ran away because I was scared, I've begun to think I should find a way to reduce the unfortunate side effects of my otherwise awesome spells." Neera explained.

"What makes your magic er… 'awesome'?" Charmane inquired, having witnessed Neera only identify items thus far.

"Even though there's a risk of things getting out of hand—like that time I zapped poor Enith and all her hair fell out—there's just as much chance of my wild magic making a spell far stronger than normal. Casting wild magic is like... playing a flute by ear. I just kinda... picked it up as I went along, doing what felt natural. In magical terms, I can play a pretty mean tune. But when I miss a note, the flute shoots fire at everyone. Also, the flute sometimes turns me into a hamster." Neera confessed.

Charmane furrowed her brows in concern, "Well, while you are with us I'd rather you stick to the script. I won't risk death or dismemberment in my team. Especially when-" Charmane began.

"Your magic is unnecessary." Edwin finished, with an arrogant glare at the wild mage.

"Urgh. I get it already!" Neera exclaimed in exasperation. "This is precisely why we wild mages keep to ourselves. But listen, I've heard of one nearby. They say he's very old and wise."

"And you think he can help you?" Charmane deduced.

"Hey, you're smarter than you look." Neera remarked, causing Charmane to roll her eyes. "That's exactly right." Neera continued, her voice filled with a mix of excitement. "Someone who's lived so long with wild magic must be able to teach me a thing or two. His name is Adoy, and he was last spotted to the east of Firewine Bridge. Can we go?"

"Sure, why not?" Charmane responded, with a smile, causing Edwin to narrow his eyes, Imoen's warning ringing in his head. "Once we're finished dealing with the bandits, we can head in that direction."

Neera couldn't resist her sarcastic tone. "Gee, Charmane, I would have thought you'd be more concerned about avoiding sudden electrocution and permanent baldness. You do like to live dangerously."

Charmane frowned, suppressing the urge to lecture Neera on her self-importance. It wouldn't be fair. Objectively, Edwin was far more pompous, far more cutting. But this girl had neither his utility nor his venomous charm. Charmane blinked, caught off guard by her own thoughts. She shook herself internally and responded calmly, "Neera, if you're that worried about your spells going awry, stick to using the sling."

As the group readied themselves to continue the trek, Edwin walked closer to Charmane. His voice held a tone of admiration, "I must say, Charmane," Edwin said. "The way you skilfully put the mageling in her rightful place was nothing short of poetic."

Charmane's continued sorting through the junk in her backpack. "Save your flattery, Edwin. What is it that you want?" she responded curtly.

Edwin shuffled awkwardly on his feet, his gaze fixed on the ground as he stammered, "Well, you see... I, uh... I wanted to... discuss... or rather... clarify... our recent exchange of words, if you will."

Charmane looked up at him, feigning ignorance, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Exchange of words? Oh, do enlighten me, Edwin. It seems my memory fails me."

Edwin's brows furrowed, frustration creeping into his voice. "You know perfectly well..." he started angrily then caught himself. "The argument we had, the... disagreement, if you prefer. It was unnecessary, really, and I... er... I thought it prudent to address it. (Yes address, Edwin. Nothing else.)"

Charmane's eyes widened with mock surprise. "Oh, that? I thought we were simply engaging in our usual banter. I didn't realise it was a matter requiring formal discussion."

Edwin's face flushed with embarrassment as he stumbled over his words. "Well, you see... it was more than just banter, Charmane. There were... misunderstandings, misinterpretations, and... and I wanted to... to clarify my position. Not that I was wrong, of course. Absolutely not. But perhaps... the manner that my thoughts were conveyed could have been... different."

Charmane arched an eyebrow, her voice laced with sarcasm. "How enlightening. Pray, do tell, Edwin, how could you have conveyed your thoughts differently? I'm all ears."

Edwin fidgeted with the hem of his robe, his voice barely above a whisper. "Well, you see, the words... could have been chosen... tactfully. Yes, that's it. Tact. A valuable trait, no doubt."

Charmane tilted her head, pretending to ponder his words. "Tact, hmm… fascinating concept. And what would these tactful words have conveyed, Edwin?"

Edwin's cheeks burned crimson as he stumbled over his reply. "They... they would have conveyed... um... a... a sense of... understanding, perhaps. Acknowledgment of your... your perspective, even if... if I don't necessarily agree with it."

Charmane couldn't help but suppress a smirk, relishing in Edwin's discomfort. "Understanding and acknowledgment. How generous of you, Edwin. I'm touched by your newfound willingness to entertain alternative viewpoints."

Edwin shifted uncomfortably, his face turning redder by the second. He cleared his throat and began again, "Well, you see, Charmane, it's just that... the, uh... way the words were expressed… may have... uh... been less than ideal."

Charmane played dumb, her eyes wide with exaggerated innocence. "Oh, do tell me more. I'm positively hanging on every word."

Edwin's voice wavered as he struggled to find the right words. "I mean... it might have come across as... uh... dismissive, or... or overly critical. But do understand, it was never the intention to undermine your... um... faculties."

Charmane raised an eyebrow, her tone dripping with feigned surprise. "Dismissive and overly critical? Well, I never! Edwin, you truly have a way with compliments."

Edwin's hands trembled as he desperately searched for the right response. "No, no, you misunderstand! The intention was not to insult you... well, not entirely. It's just that... One has their own perspective, you see, and sometimes it clashes with others... in a most unfortunate manner."

Charmane's lips curled into a sly smile. "Clashing perspectives, you say? How fascinating. Pray tell, Edwin, how would you suggest we navigate these treacherous waters?"

Edwin's voice faltered, his words stumbling over one another. "Well, um... perhaps we could... engage in more civil discourse? You know, a more... harmonious exchange of ideas? Not that I need a barb… er… your ideas, mind you, but it's... it's for the sake of... er... team unity. (Yes that will do)."

Charmane pretended to ponder his suggestion, a mischievous glimmer in her eyes. "How noble of you, Edwin. I never knew you cared so deeply about our little menagerie as you aptly like to call us."

Edwin's face contorted in a mixture of frustration and embarrassment. "Care? Who said anything about caring? It's just... a matter of efficiency. We can achieve more if we... uh... work together, in a manner of speaking."

Charmane's playful facade began to crack as she struggled to contain her amusement. "Work together? My, Edwin, I'm positively moved by your selfless desire to collaborate. Who knew the mighty mage had such a soft spot?"

Edwin's eyes darted around nervously, his voice barely a whisper. "Soft spot? I... I assure you, Charmane, there is no soft spot. It's all about... um... optimizing our... um... endeavours."

Charmane couldn't hold back any longer and burst into laughter, her shoulders shaking with mirth. "Oh, Edwin, you truly are a spectacle. I can't possibly take this conversation seriously anymore. Let's just agree to disagree, shall we?"

Edwin sighed in relief, a mix of annoyance and gratitude crossing his features. "Agree to disagree? Very well, Charmane. Just remember, I am always right, even when you think I'm not."

Charmane grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Of course, Edwin. Your infinite wisdom knows no bounds. Now, shall we move on and find some more treasures for you to hoard?"

Edwin nodded, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips. "Indeed, let's focus on what truly matters: acquiring wealth and power. The rest is... mere distractions."

Charmane picked up her backpack and moved to join the front line. "Oh, and Edwin...", she said, looking back at the mage, her voice carried a hint of sincerity, "Thank you." her smile was genuine and warm.

Edwin's initial surprise transformed into a mix of discomfort and irritation as he quickly averted his gaze with a dismissive "hmph".

Charmane stood on a tree branch, her keen eyes scanning the dense forest ahead. Her party was waiting beneath her on the forest floor. As she surveyed the area, her attention was suddenly drawn to a figure in the distance. A woman, clearly in distress, was heading in their direction in a rush. Curiosity piqued, she fixed her gaze on the approaching figure.

As the woman drew nearer, Charmane's keen eyes took in the details of her appearance. The woman had an otherworldly beauty, her white hair cascading down her back in stark contrast to her obsidian black skin. Her piercing red eyes seemed to burn with intensity, reflecting a mixture of fear and determination. Charmane had never seen someone quite like her before, at least in person.

"Who goes there?" Charmane said as she slid off the tree.

As she levelled with the drow, Charmane noticed the woman's bloody, dirt-streaked and tattered outfit. Traces of dirt clung to her skin. Despite the panic etched on her face, the woman moved with an eerie grace, her lithe form gliding over the rough terrain as if she were part of the shadows themselves. Her drow heritage was enough to remind Charmane not to underestimate the woman.

"Help me! If you don't help me, they'll kill me," the woman cried out, her voice filled with desperation.

Charmane's eyes narrowed as she assessed the situation. The woman's plea for help tugged at her conscience, but Charmane knew better than to rush into things blindly. She needed to gather more information before making any decisions.

Charmane held up a hand, signaling her companions to stay back for the moment. She stepped forward cautiously, her gaze never leaving the woman. "Calm down, we'll help you," she said, her tone steady. "Just tell us who you are and what's going on."

The woman took a deep breath, attempting to compose herself. "My name is Viconia. I... I'm not from around here," she stammered. "Thank you so much for helping."

Before Charmane could respond, the sound of heavy footsteps approached from behind the drow. A member of the Flaming Fist emerged from the trees, his armour gleaming in the dappled sunlight.

"Step aside, travellers. I am a member of the Flaming Fist," the officer declared, his voice dripping with authority. "The woman you are harbouring is wanted for murder of the foulest sort. She is a dark elf; it should be obvious that she is evil."

Viconia looked desperate, "They-"

Charmane cut her off, "And how do you know she's guilty?" she interjected.

The officer sneered, his gaze fixed disdainfully on Viconia. "She killed a farmer, his wife and his child! She's a drow, for Talos' sake! You think she's innocent? Don't be a fool."

She quickly turned to Viconia, her expression serious. "Is there any truth to these accusations? Did you harm those people?"

Viconia met Charmane's gaze, her red eyes filled with defiance. "Yes, I killed them," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

"With reason?" Charmane prodded, earning her a nod from Viconia.

Charmane absorbed the new information and turned her attention back to the officer, her voice firm. "What do you intend to do once you have her?"

"Kill her, of course." The man said without hesitation.

Charmane sneered. "We won't let you kill her without a fair trial. If she's truly guilty, she should answer for her crimes, but we won't let you play judge, jury, and executioner here and now."

The officer's face contorted with anger, his hand reaching for his weapon. "You dare question the authority of the Flaming Fist? I will not stand for such insolence! For harbouring a murderer I sentence all of you to death!"

Before the officer could make a move, Viconia whispered an incantation. The man's eyes drooped, and he collapsed to the ground, unconscious.

With a resolute expression, Charmane drew her blade and approached the fallen officer. There was no moral dilemma for her in this moment. She had no desire to be a fugitive. It was a matter of self-preservation and protecting those she cared about. In one swift motion, she ended the man's life.

"They clearly don't hire based on intelligence," Charmane remarked wryly, casting a disdainful glance at the lifeless body at her feet. She wiped her blade clean and resheathed it before turning her attention back to Viconia.

"I thank you for risking yourselves on my behalf. Despite…" Viconia's voice trailed off, and Charmane could see the unease in her eyes. "I know what you are thinking: You see my dark skin and won't trust me for it. I am a dark elf, but I'm an outcast. I need your help. I no longer receive my powers from the spider gods you surface-dwellers fear so. The goddess Shar grants me wisdom, and she is a surface divinity. If you'd let me join your group, I would be most grateful. I have nowhere else to go."

"Tell me, Viconia," Charmane began, her tone serious yet probing. "Did the farmer and his family truly deserve death? I need to know if their actions warranted such an extreme response."

Viconia's red eyes held a steely determination as she locked gazes with Charmane, "Their actions warranted death, even by the standards of surface-dwellers. I did nothing wrong."

Charmane observed Viconia closely, she had the look of a trapped animal, cornered and with nowhere to run. There was a raw honesty in her concise response, and the subtle tremor in her voice belied her proud exterior. It was clear that she stood firm in her belief, unyielding in the face of judgment and unapologetic for her actions.

Charmane's lips slowly curled upwards as she spoke to Viconia, "Well, well, what's a drow or two when you're already flirting with Red Wizards?" She shrugged nonchalantly. "Welcome to the party, Viconia. You protect what's mine without question, and I'll protect you... without question."

Viconia's voice carried a sincere determination as she responded, her commitment evident in her words. "I won't disappoint you, I promise."