Goblins stink. The smell of sweat, blood and gods know what else made Evie's eyes water. They had only had just stepped off the bridge into the courtyard and she wanted to set the place on fire. Scanning the area she counted at least two dozen out here. At least one bugbear, one ogre and to her surprise a bard in frilly blue garb. A whining chirping sound made her turn to her left and she saw a couple of goblins swatting at a baby owlbear. The poor little thing was cowering from them. She took one step toward them only to have her arm gripped. Astarion's hold was like a vice. He shook his head and she sighed. They had to play along and get inside. It was the only way to find the druid, hopefully get some answers on these worms in their heads.

"Is that something jingling in your pocket?" The voice behind them made the two jump a little. Evie peeked around Astarion and saw a goblin standing in front of some crates. "I've got a lot of nice shinnies from the raid if you are looking to trade."

"Any potions or enchanted arrows?" The goblin grinned and motioned her to come take a closer look. She hated buying anything from them, but she wouldn't turn down any advantage she could get for her and her companions. She sold some of the goblin swords and bows they had collected along the way. She was tired of them weighing down her pack. She could see Astarion in her peripheral vision he was looking at a few of the daggers. Though she knew full well he had at least half a dozen or more hidden on his person. She finished with the merchant who told her to get going he had other customers. He didn't, but she had cleaned him out of arrows and potions. Gale and the others had moved further in and were watching the bard. "That man was at The Grove."

"Guess the druids got tired of his endless prattle and he thought the goblins would enjoy his drivel." Evie let out a little bit of a chuckle. "Looks like he's that one's pet. Poor bastard."

"I guess we should try to save him later if we can."

"Kill one bard, save another." Evie stilled and he wanted to take back the words as they left his mouth. "Darling, I..."

"I deserved that." Her face looked sad. He wrapped an arm around her and moved her along.

"Well look at it this way you already got even with me for it." She looked up at him questioning. "You made Gale leader for the day." She laughed and rolled her eyes.

"Well it was him or Lae'zel." She felt him shutter a little. "I thought that would be your reaction." They rejoined the group and headed into the temple. Gale's silver tongue got them passed the first set of guards in the temple. Now came the tricky part, find the lost druid and hopefully some answers about their tadpoles. Gale stopped them all at the bottom of the stairs out of ear shot of the dozens of goblins milling around the temple.

"I suggest we split up. A group this large traipsing around here together might make them suspicious. Lae'zel and I will go to the left, Shadowheart, Wyll and Karlach the center and Evie and Astarion to the right. See what we can find out and meet back here in say an hour." Evie took some pouches of gold out of her pack and handed them to all her companions.

"If you need to grease the wheels or they have traders in here too." They all took the pouches gratefully. They parted ways and she was relieved that she was paired with Astarion. She didn't think she could continue to hide her dread over what happened to that poor girl in their camp. Their path led up some stairs. Screams met her ears and she looked in a small alcove. A young man was strapped to a rack and a couple of goblins were torturing him. Evie went to rush to his aid, but a strong grip held her upper arm. Astarion hissed in her ear.

"If you attack them this whole place will come down on us. We can't help him." She deflated and nodded. He was right, there was more at stake here than one life, she would have to wait. His hand eased it's grip, but he didn't let go. He knew her too well, she would see something else and try to stop it. That is why seeing her in front of the corpse of the dragonborn bard was so shocking. Evie was kind and good, it was very out of character for what he had seen in the last couple of weeks. As they slowly made their way along the hallway his nose twitched. Blood, it was thick in the air coming from the next room. He peeked in and the smell hit him harder. If his stomach could rumble it would. His thirst burned and he needed to take a moment to calm it. Evie peered around him and saw a man dressed in painful looking robes. Something drew her into the room and she gently pulled away from Astarion's side. "Evie?" The man in the room turned and gave her a smile as he waved her forward. Astarion groaned, but stayed close behind her. The last thing he needed was to get blamed for something happening to her on his watch.

"I have seen few save goblins here. Are you here to help with the prisoner as well?" Evie recognized the scourge, he was a priest of Loviatar, goddess of pain.

"We just got here, but probably. I guess he's not talking?"

"I was asked to help teach these goblins the art of torture, but alas they prefer brutality over finesse. My teachings are lost on them." She felt his eyes bore into hers. It was like looking in a mirror almost. The haunted echo in his eyes felt all too familiar. "Forgive me, but something horrific has happened to you hasn't it?"

"You are very insightful. Yes, I have had some things happen that would break others." She could feel pain deep in her, pain she had no name for or memory of, but it was there.

"I could help you. Loviatar teaches that through pain we can purge our grief, relieve our suffering and leave it behind. With my skilled hands I can deal out pain in a loving and measured grace." Evie tilted her head in contemplation. A flash of that poor girl that was butchered in their camp crossed her mind. It wouldn't bring her back, nor make up for what was done. A small tickle of breath came to her left ear.

"I have to see this, don't you dare say no." She turned her head and met Astarion's eyes. He looked almost giddy about what the priest had proposed.

"I accept. Give me a moment to prepare please." The priest nodded.

"When you are ready face the alcove in the wall." Evie shrugged off the pack she was carrying. She placed it to the side. Her cloak was next followed by her chain mail shirt. All she had on the top half of her was a breast band. Her pants were just a thin leather doeskin so even if he hit her below the belt she'd feel it. She didn't look at Astarion. She feared her cheeks would turn bright red. She made her way to the alcove and stood waiting. "Are you ready dear one?" She nodded and closed her eyes. The first strike hit her square in the back. She let out a yelp and grit her teeth. It hurt, but somewhere deep down she felt like she had been greeted by an old friend. "Don't hold back let your pain be voiced dear one." Astarion watched the crimson bloom on her porcelain skin. He felt his throat burn with thirst.

"A fine strike." The priest let his scourge fly again and hit her in the small of her back this time. Evie felt her eyes tear up and she cried out in pain louder than the last time. She felt like her skin was being ripped apart. The air in her lungs left her and she tried to ready herself for another hit.

"Your cries are sweet to Loviatar's ears, but I fear we are not done. You still hold such suffering in you. Let go and it will ease away." The next strike slammed into her right shoulder. She felt it shift some and blinding light burst behind her eyes. She screamed this time.

"Please, no more I can't...I'm not strong enough...!" Astarion felt a pang of pity. How many times had he begged like that only to have more pain inflicted on him. He shook his head and kept up his bravado.

"Bravo! Encore!"

"Yes you can dear one! You will bear this pain and offer it up." Evie straighten herself and squared her shoulders. The priest let a smile grace his face and he let the scourge go one last time. It hit the first spot again. Pain bloomed through Evie, but this time she felt a soothing warmth take over as the pain ebbed. "Loviatar is very pleased dear one."

"It was enlightening. Thank you." The pain was dull now, more just an ache than a sharp throbbing pain. The priest took out a pouch of herbs and tossed it over Evie. With a wave oh his hands and a few chanted words a wave of magic coursed through her. She felt a presence almost hug her and kiss her forehead.

"You have her blessing now. Remember pain can cleanse and bring peace. Loviatar will always come to you. And on a personal note, I thoroughly enjoyed that. Your voice was so very sweet." Astarion grit his teeth. That sounded all too familiar. Evie bid the priest goodbye and turned back to gather her things. Her eyes met her companion's.

"That looks like it will bruise darling. You should heal that." She moved around him and put her undershirt back on before shrugging on her chain shirt. She winced and he caught her hand. "Please." Eve sighed and used her healing spell to ease the aches.

"You seemed to enjoy the show."

"I...next time we can take a rest and find a secluded spot I will tell you why. I don't wish pain on you Evie, the act was an old one I was expected to perform. Let's leave it at that for now." Evie gave a nod and they moved on further into the goblin infested temple. They found a wood plank walkway they furthermore to the right. Evie heard goblins griping about being hungry. "Did they just ask if the dwarf was done cooking?" Evie turned a little green remembering the spit outside and the large chunks of meat on it.

"Gods I hate goblins." The soft chuckle from her companion at least made her feel a little better. They walked passed the goblins and went through the door behind them. It was amazing none of them tried to stop them or ask what they were doing while they wandered around. Astarion had an air of belonging, he could walk into a room and command it or vanish in the crowd and steal them deaf, dumb and blind. She envied him that confidence. She felt clumsy, slow and wholly out of her element. As the door shut behind them the smell hit them both. The dank smell of mildew, feces and urine made their eyes burn. Astarion smelt blood mixed with the rest, but it was old and festering. "How can they stand this smell?" He shrugged and pulled his hood to cover his mouth and nose. Seeing how much it was effecting her Astarion reached into his pack and handed her a large handkerchief. She gave him a grateful smile and tied it over her mouth and nose. They moved further into the chamber. A roar made them both stop. Their eyes met and an unspoken conversation passed between them. He quietly left her side and blended into the shadows as she boldly walked toward the sound.

"Keep your hand steady Three." A goblin woman was standing with two children in front of a large cage with heavy gated doors. The children were excitedly throwing sharp stones at a very large bear. Remembering what Rath had told her about Halsin she hoped that it was him in his bear form. She stood behind the goblins and crossed her arms over her chest.

"What in the hells are you doing?" The older goblin turned and grinned.

"We are juicing it up, bossed are thinking of serving it to the worgs. It killed a few of our tribe, no harm in drawing some blood in revenge." Evie lifted her eyes and met the deep brown of the bear. There was an intelligence to them, a pleading for help. She nodded to the bear hoping he understood she was here to help.

"Let's see how you like a taste of your own medicine." Before anyone could move the bear charged the gates and knocked them right off the hinges. Evie jumped back and watched the goblin woman get crushed under the heavy iron. The two children screamed and began running. Before they got far Evie grabbed them both and knocked their heads together. They both went limp in her grip and she placed them on the ground. A crossbow bolt screamed passed her and she saw three other goblins advancing toward her. One fell to the bolt that went passed her. She smirked knowing she had a guardian angel hidden in the shadows. Pulling her hammer from her back she charged the closest one. The bear ran for the other. A sharp whistle called forth a spider to defend the goblin she was charging. Evie skidded to a stop and growled. "Fucking spiders!" She wasn't in the mood to let her fear stop her. The spider hissed and snapped it's pincers at her. It jumped at her only to be hit by her hammer midair and a split second later two bolts hit the thing in both of its largest eyes. The goblin who called the spider cursed as his pet crumpled to the ground. Evie spun and brought her hammer in an arch to crack into the goblin's chin. A sickening crack echoed a bit and the goblin's jaw hung askew. The sound of meat being ripped filled the air as the bear found his prey and began tearing it apart. Screams turned to gruggling, then nothing. The one in front of her tried to speak but his jaw was hanging on by a thread. She grit her teeth and brought her hammer down on the crown of his head caving it in. He dropped to the ground twitching before the breath left his body. A hand landed on her shoulder and she tensed.

"Easy darling, it's just me." Two large bangs sounded at the other side of the chamber. Two very large and angry worgs snarled and snapped as they and the bear moved closer. "Shall I put them out of their misery?"

"Yes, the last thing we need is those running loose." He stepped in front of her and aimed both his hand crossbows at each of the worgs. With the skill of a master he hit his marks burying a bolt in each of their brains dropping them quickly and painlessly. A brilliant flash of green energy lit the chamber and where once stood a large bear, now stood a very large wood elf. Rath was right you could not mistake the First Druid for anyone else.

"Pardon the visrea, while one should cherish all of nature's gift, goblin guts is very low on that end." Evie was mesmerized by the size of the man and how kind his eyes were. A small echo of a memory came up and left just as quickly. The kindness was familiar, like a parent talking to their child. "You aided a bear not knowing if it would savage you. Either you are a friend of nature or crazy." Astarion snorted and shook his head.

"Crazy, definitely crazy." Evie rolled her eyes at the vampire. Her attention focused back on the druid.

"Nettie and Rath sent us to find you. The Grove is in danger and we also need your help. I hear you are a skilled healer."

"I heard them talking about trying to find The Grove. They are looking for something." He looked both of them over. Halsin didn't see any obvious wounds, but this place was dimly lit. "I hope no goblin weapon has found you."

"No, we have a tadpole problem." Halsin looked at her confused for a moment then horror crossed his features. His hand rose and magic pulsed from his palm. He held it in front of Evie's head. His eyes slid closed and his face scrunched as the magic showed him what was there. He jerked his hand back as the magic faded.

"Oak Father's mercy on you child. You've been infected."

"We are hoping you could help us get rid of them."

"It is beyond my skill I'm afraid." The two deflated at that news. "You are not like most, you know you have been infected. How long have you been infected?"

"About a week, maybe a little more. From what we have been told this is not normal. All seven of us are healthy so far. The only weirdness is our parasites connect us. We can read each other's thoughts, sometimes see memories."

"There is magic surrounding your tadpoles, it makes it impossible to remove them for now. If you can find the source you might get more answers, even a cure. I overheard them talking about Moonrise Towers. People go in and only True Souls come out."

"That's what they keep calling us, all the cultists, the other True Souls we've seen have been fanatical at best." Bored of the conversation Astarion began to loot what he could in the chamber. He did not know how mach time had passed when he felt Evie's presence behind him.

"Done chatting with the bear?"

"For now, he knows about Moonrise and will help us, but..."

"We have to help him first." She nodded solemnly. His normal mask of indifference fell and annoyance shown through. "I would like just once to not have to play hero for others! We have our own problems!" Evie winced at his outburst. The righteous anger of her oath burned in her veins. She squared her shoulders and lifted her chin.

"Stay here then. I'm going to go do what was asked. I'm not breaking my oath just because you are selfish." Before he could retort she stormed away. Leaving a fuming vampire and a rather amused druid in her wake.

OoO

The hour had passed and the group had gathered at the promised location. All save their leader. Astarion had looked for her, but she was no where to be found. The others grilled him and he had them follow him to Halsin. Gale and Wyll kept looking at him as they spoke to Halsin and Astarion now wished he had not snapped at Evie. He didn't think she would go off and get herself lost just because he was frustrated about having to help ever lost soul they came across. No one ever helped him. Two hundred years of abuse, starvation, and being forced to use his body to serve his master's whims. Evie was the first person to ever help him just to help him. Even if it was because he was manipulating her for protection. He felt heat at his back and he turned to see Karlach stepping up to him.

"How long has she been gone?"

"Maybe a quarter of an hour...I didn't mean for her to go off on her own. I just voiced my frustration on having to help yet another person. We have these damn tadpoles in our heads, are being hunted by a cult as well as other things and we can't keep helping everyone. We will never learn to control these things or be rid of them if we don't keep moving." Karlach sighed and leaned against the stone pillar he was standing by.

"Evie thinks helping people might help jog her memory. She's really quite lost you know. We all have pasts and hers is blank. I can't even imagine not remembering anything about life before all this shit." Astarion now felt even more guilty for yelling at her.

"Keep the others here. I'm going to try to sneak around and find her. No need for all of us to stomp through the goblins and get caught in a fight." Karlach nodded and covered his exit. He walked through the door and noticed a ladder hidden in the shadows to his right. He had hoped that high ground would help him find her. As he crested the top of the ladder he saw her facing off against a drow woman. A goblin ran across the small wooden bridge that led into this open air room. Astarion pulled his hand crossbows and lined his shots. The goblin dropped with two bolts right through it's eyes. His attention went back to Evie and the drow. They circled around each other both making attacked the other dodged.

"Stupid human, The Absolute has no mercy for traitors." Evie bared her teeth and let out a mirthless laugh.

"I thought drow were smart. You are being controlled, once they get what they want from you they will turn you into a mindflayer. You will have no say in your life, whatever that woman promised is a lie."

"I will hear no more lies!" The drow Minthara charged with her mace and Evie caught her arm before the swing finished it's arc. With strength that should not be in a body so small she twisted the arm and Minthara cried out. With her other hand Evie took the flat of her hammer and knocked it against the back of Minthara's head. The drow fell to the ground hard and did not move. Evie panted and fell to her knees. Her body shook out of exhaustion and anger. Astarion made his way slowly and quietly toward her. The bridge creaked a little and Evie jumped to her feet and spun on her heels toward the sound. Her hammer ready to strike, but seeing her friend the grip eased and she fell to her knee again. Relief etched on her face as he made it to her side.

"Trying to save the world all by yourself darling?" She huffed a laugh and sank down to sit on the floor.

"I thought if I could just take out the leaders the goblins would run. I underestimated their devotion to this stupid Absolute." The smell of her blood caught his attention. He looked her over and saw two arrows sticking into her. One under her left arm and the other was in her thigh.

"Fuck. I need to go get Shadowheart." Evie shook her head and tried to call up her own healing magic and it fizzled out in her palm. "Darling the one under your arm is deep and is going to hurt like hell to pull. The one in your thigh thankfully missed anything vital and went straight through. Easy to break off and pull it out."

"Please don't leave me." Her voice was weak and pained.

"You can't climb and I can't carry you darling. I promise I will be right back." She gripped his hand and then let it go. "Stay awake and think of all the ways you can make me grovel for yelling at you."

"I would never do that to you..." He gave her a rare genuine smile. Quickly he scrambled back to the ladder and made his way back to the worg pens. As soon as he crept through the door a hand grabbed him. He was met with a rather annoyed wizard.

"Where did you sneak off to?" Astarion ripped his arm easily out of Gale's grasp. He ignored the question and pushed passed Gale quickly. "Astarion? Are you going to answer me?"

"I'm in a hurry at the moment." He quickly whispered to Shadowheart what was going on and she quickly grabbed her pack and followed him. The others tried to ask what was going on, but the two disappeared into the shadows before anyone got an answer. Gale stormed after them, but thankfully silently. They didn't need the whole place alerted to them. The rest of the group followed after the wizard. The sight that greeted them was grim. Evie was on the ground with a pool of blood around her. Shadowheart focused on the lesser wound first getting the arrow out quickly. Her healing magic closed it quickly. The arrow in her side was more tricky. Shadowheart pulled a leather wrapped piece of wood out of her pack and handed it to Astarion.

"She needs to bite down on that. I have to pull this arrow out and then try to get the wound to close. Have a potion ready." The rogue the wood piece to Evie's lips.

"Open up darling." She weakly complied. Her normally pale skin was a sickly gray and covered in sweat. Her hand sought out his as he sat her up for Shadowheart. He whispered in her ear while the cleric got to work. "I'm right here, just breathe." Shadowheart gave him a nod and quickly pulled the arrow out of Evie's side. Evie's back bowed and her scream was muffled. Blood began pouring out of the wound quickly. Shadowheart put her hands over the flow, letting her strongest healing spell sink into the paladin's skin. At the same time Astarion pulled the leather wrapped wood out of Evie's mouth as he thumbed the cork off a greater healing potion. Gently he poured it into her mouth. Her breathing was labored, and her grip on his arm became slack. Eyes fluttered closed and her lips looked white. Fear hit his unbeating heart. Other than her taking in a shaky breath here and there she looked dead. "Evie?" He looked up at Shadowheart with worry in his eyes. She poured more healing into their friend. What seemed like hours was barely minutes till Evie's breathing evened out and color returned to her lips.

"I'm tapped out of my magic for now. I need to rest to regain the ability to use my healing. Why would she try to take them on herself?"

"The druid asked us to kill the leaders and he in turn would help us find the source of the parasites." Astarion left out that they argued and she stormed off. He knew he would be blamed for her getting injured. Gale crossed his arms and glared at the vampire.

"Why weren't you with her Astarion? I told everyone to stick with their partners and you left her." Astarion handed Evie over to Shadowheart and jumped to his feet. He stood toe to toe with the wizard and drew his dagger. He had enough of the smug human. "I told you before if you threatened any of us I would watch you burn."

"Then do it and quit boring me." Before Gale could raise his hand the two were pushed apart roughly. Evie now on her feet, though rather shaky stood between them. Her face set with a stony visage.

"Enough!" Her body wavered a little, but she kept to her feet. "We have enough to worry about without being at each other's throats! I went on my own, Astarion is not to blame. I thought I could handle it and foolishly got in over my head. If you want to blame anyone, blame me!" Her normally bright eyes almost glowed with her anger.

"Evie I...forgive me Astarion, I should not have..." Sheathing his dagger the rogue nodded and held out his hand. Gale took it and they shook.

"We are in this together for better or worse. I follow our lovely paladin's lead." Evie gave the high elf a weak, but grateful smile. "But from now on my darling no running off on your own anymore. Alright?"

"I promise." As she tried to take a step she stumbled. Evie prepared herself to fall, but a strong arm wrapped around her.

"Always falling for me darling." She heard the others groan and she let out a nervous giggle. Astarion helped her right herself. "I think you need to sit the last two leaders out my dear." Before she could protest he turned to the others. "I will take her to rest with the druid, then we will take out the other two." He gently led her back to Halsin and gently flicked her nose. "Now be a good girl and stay here. We will be back before you know it." He was gone before she could protest. Now all Evie could do was sit and wait for her friends to return.